Making an offer on a property: 19.4>54 or 63UC?

[Yasmin]

Hi everyone,

Some of you may know that I have been looking for a property with a seaview for quite some time. I saw something tiny but which made my heart sing back in the Spring- but it had several offers way over the asking price, and was sold before I even had a chance to make an offer. And now suddenly, it's back on the market! ( I'm guessing the sale never completed, perhaps the buyer's mortgage fell through. I will be making enquiries...). So, I have a second chance at it

Previously, the IC advised me to avoid getting into a competitive bidding war (14.4>26). It could be saying: "there are people with deeper pockets competing for it, dont envy them, dont try to compete, you have plenty to be thankful for (ie an advance consolation)". Or perhaps "don't try to outbid them, but differentiate yourself on other criteria, you have other advantages" (my mortgage is pre approved, and the transaction could go fast). But at this stage, I take it as "look at the bidding history (26), make your best offer and point out that your mortgage is ready to go(14.4) and leave it to the Fates". It's good common sense anyway This thread is about deciding how much to offer, based on what I know of the past offers.

What if I offer X?
19.4> 54
I take this as: it's an honest offer, no error. But likely to come second (54). It's the 54 I don't like here...

What if I offer X+ a couple of 1000?
63UC
Already complete, perfect equilibrium, success in the beginning, chaos in the end...

I don't know how to read this...Trojan has often experienced it as a confirmation about a purchase, and that is encouraging. Others have mentioned that constant attention may be needed, ie perhaps pay attention to details of the transaction or being outbid at the last minute, or the sale somehow falling through on a technicality?

Which of these two responses seem better to you IC wise owls? Although it would stretch my budget to the limit, I am tempted to go with 63UC regardless.

 

[Trojina]

Both answers are encouraging. I'd go out on a limb and say you will get this house. If I'm wrong...well then I'll be wrong. I wouldn't worry about the 54 because that one line, 19.4 takes precedence. Also the fan yao is 54.4...a delayed marriage. I can't tell you how many times I have seen 54.4 mean you don't get something first time, it comes later. Well this is what is happening. Mind you as I always say the fan yao is not the answer but it is a sort of mirror image of it. Now the time for you being second is past, 19.4 is not 54.4. There is completion nearing NOW.

In terms of what to offer I suggest you might tentatively go with 19.4 as there is no point offering more if they will settle for less ? Also they will want to get things moving now. If you can complete quickly it's going to be a great bonus. I don't know much about putting offers in on houses, it all depends so much on the state of the market where you live, so I hesitate to advise in that regard. Well I have advised I think 19.4 will take you to 63uc and 63uc, well you are already there. What I'm saying is you have to use your own judgement above my suggestions here (but I'm already writing the 'best wishes in your new home' card out)

I think you are going to get it whatever you do, whichever offer you make. I wouldn't want you to lose out though by offering less so this aspect has to be down to you.

 

[Yasmin]

Thanks for that Trojina!

There is very little difference between my two numbers, but sometimes that's all it takes... I will sound out the estate agents for guidance...

FYI, This is an extremely competitive market, I have seen several properties in the area sell with multiple offers over the asking price over the last year... That's why the 14.4 aspect of not getting into a bidding war resonates... Although it could also mean not to assume there will be a bidding war, which I suppose is your point

I will keep you posted!

 

[Tim K]

I think 19.4 says to go maybe even lower, don't jump with your both feet (54).
Meaning don't start with your best offer.

63 also calls your attention to balance, too much water and it will spill over and extinguish the fire.

14.4 I would take literally as 'keep your resources under restraint', offer what feels comfortable but not more, and don't act like your neighbors (competitors), don't think about them.

 

[Yasmin]

Aha, well given that both Trojina and Ashteroid are cautioning me against overbidding, I tested another number, at the lower end of the value estimate. And drew 49.4>63. Which suggests I would get it even by bidding at the lower end of the scale.

There is something in 49.4 about changing government brings good fortune. I wonder if maybe the estate agents have changed, or the bidding situation has changed since last spring... Or perhaps it's just me changing my tactics, my own mental government if you will How interesting that the transformed hex is 63 again!

I will still seek guidance from the estate agents, but will aim for the lower end rather than the higher. This is all going to happen over the week end and early next week. Watch this space!

 

[butterfly spider]

Hex 63 and house buying
You can always offer more but it is difficult to retract later
Hex 63 bodes well imo

 

[Yasmin]

I went to see the property again, and was very unhappy with the estate agents. They arrived late, rushed me through the visit, had none of the financial facts at hand, and pressured me to make an offer on the spot because they already had 2 offers (which I understood were at asking price). Frankly, it almost looked as if they didn't want to be bothered by another offer. I came close to walking away. But I had an appointment to see the mortgage advisor who is lovely and extremely well informed.

He reassured me that it was a sound investment, gave me his view of the value bracket, as well as the other costs I needed to factor in, and helped me put together an offer that made sense to me and my finances. I offered just a little over the asking price, but much much less than I had originally anticipated. I drew 2.5>8 for that number, which suggests a balanced offer. I feel comfortable, and now am happy to accept the outcome, whatever it is. I can relate to the 8.5 fan yao which I experience as "if it's meant for me, it will be. Otherwise, I will be given an out"

I expect to hear back early next week...and right now, I'm feeling rather exhausted and happy to think about something else for awhile!

 

[Trojina]

I offered just a little over the asking price, but much much less than I had originally anticipated. I drew 2.5>8 for that number, which suggests a balanced offer. I feel comfortable, and now am happy to accept the outcome, whatever it is

Lovely answer showing a very balanced offering. I agree there comes a point when one has done all one can and it's time to relax and allow what will be to be.

 

[Yasmin]

Out look for buying property on a Buy to Let mortgage? 3.4.5>51

I wonder of there is something dodgy going on with the estate agents...

I love the property, butI have been feeling obstructed at every turn by the estate agents. They were not forthcoming with the financial details, rushed me through the visit, hung up on me without giving me the address of the mortgage advisor, and put pressure on me to submit an offer the same day. Then there was nobody picking up the phone at the branch, and I only managed to get my offer in 5' before the deadline by submitting it through another branch. That was Saturday.if it weren't for the mortgage advisor, who got the info from another branch, I would have had to walk away- he really rescued me at the 11th hour!

Yesterday, I received a call from the estate agent, who asked me why I had made an offer above asking price. We're talking about a modest amount, 1%, nothing extravagant. That was odd, surely she should have been delighted? I said she had told me herself they already had offers, and I wanted to make a slightly better one. She also was adamant that I couldn't get it on a Buy to Let mortgage, whereas I ran through the numbers with the mortgage advisor and it's clearly not a problem. Bizarre. Very discouraging behaviour overall.It made me wonder if they were deliberately trying to help a friend of theirs buy it, and were bothered that I had managed to get an offer in on time, and at a better price... Small towns and their cliques, resenting the big city buyers, eh?

Anyway, no news since then. Meanwhile I have been freaking myself out needlessly over making such a major financial commitment. It's not the property per se, it's the entire context with the estate agent that is making me uncomfortable.

So I asked: outlook for buying this place on a BTL mortgage (As planned)?
3.4.5>51.
3: definitely difficult beginnings, this is the second time that they mess me around in 6 months!
3.4 - with help, I can achieve my goal: I think that is the help I received from the mortgage advisor. He really is great.
3.5 that's where I stand now. Trust issues may be going both ways....I must not overreact or try to force matters (for ex, a friend suggested I offer a down payment upfront- with 3.5, I think it's a bad idea), let the situation mature naturally.
51 shock, surprise, fear at first, laughter in the end. My personal experiences with 51 have not been that happy, so I am wary whenever I see it come up!

And Mercury is going retrograde at the week end, the shadow phase has already started... Remember all those 63s I was getting? Maybe it's the "good start, bad ending" part of 63 that is coming up? That said, the lines I got speak to difficulty which can be resolved with help and patience, not a total blockage... So I would say overall: get on with my life and let it run its course. Maybe touch base with the mortgage advisor again in a few days if I don't hear back.

What is your feeling on all this?

 

[Yasmin]

I did not get it...

Aha! I just got a call from the estate agents telling me that the owner had decided to go with a prior offer. I asked if raising my offer would change things, and they said "They decided to go with the first offer that came in". How bizarre is that? That an owner would deliberately forego more money to favour someone who had make a bid before me? My feeling is that the estate agent vouched for the lower priced buyer and badmouthed me somehow...maybe suggested she could not vouch for my reliability.

In my mind, this confirmed that there was indeed something dodgy about the entire situation. Still, I made a Hail Mary pass:

Is there anything I can do to turn this around? 8.6> 20. Seems like it's too late, something was wrong from the start.

What if I raise my offer by 1000? 24.2> 19. Your return is welcome. I usually interpret 24 as returning to myself, but seems worth a try. I called to raise my offer, they said they would forward my counter offer to the owner. I hope I am not going against the previous advice in 3.5... I am only making a minor increase, surely this is not a grand gesture or forcing matters? Maybe it's still too much determination...

Outcome of having offered more? 56.1>30 a foreigner who meddles out wears his welcome. Well, on Saturday, I did complain to the other branch that they had hung up on me, and that I felt my interest was not being taken seriously...I probably should have kept my mouth shut...looks like I was right about small town clique and that it's gone.

We will see shortly. I did say that I would accept the outcome, whatever it was...

 

[Tim K]

Hmm what a story is unfolding here!

54 has showed itself, you are in inferior position and I don't think it was because of the amount offered.
Something shady is going on here.

24.2 - Return to yourself, let this house go, and 56.1 reinforces that.
56.1 → 30 (Shining), Daniels: Don't waste your energy on worthless goals.


Usually when something is not going my way through first two three attempts I let it go.
I see it as a sign that it's not for me - like the door is closed stop banging your head on it

 

[Trojina]

Oh dear, sorry to hear this, what a shame. It all sounds rather odd given your money is as good as anyone else's. I guess if the buyers drop out you'd be first in line ? Is it worth going direct to the vendor to let them know how interested you are if you feel the estate agent is being obstructive ? I guess the most recent casts suggest you sit back a while (24.2). Besides one can only go so far.

Is there anything I can do to turn this around? 8.6> 20. Seems like it's too late, something was wrong from the start.

Strange cast for the question and I don't feel it refers to you. 8.6 shows something failing to hold it together. Maybe the current offer won't hold together ? Seems for now let go but keep your eye on developments. You asked if you could do anything to turn things around. Your answer of 8.6 might say you don't need to do anything the current situation may fall apart all by itself.

 

[Yasmin]

Trojina, this entire situation is bizarre...and unnerving. I smell a rat. And I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few more reversals - after all, we are entering Mercury retrograde... In a way, I hope they don't accept my offer now, because I don't believe it's really over until mid October, when Mercury goes direct again. That said, I can't let myself get paralysed. The best I can do is get on with my life, and my search

 

[Yasmin]

The plot thickens...
The owner decided to sell to a family friend, despite a lower offer (so I was correct in assuming that as a stranger, I was disadvantaged. This came up as 56.1). However, they will only know in a week's Time if the sale can go through. If it does not, I will have rights of first refusal.

I am starting to feel like an emotional wreck, what a roller coaster ride... If that place didn't feel like "home", I would have walked away along time ago...I have to really like it to be still hanging in there!

So I asked: what mental attitude to keep about this place? 26.2.4>30 which makes sense- 26.2 it's out of my hands, nothing more I can do for now, 26.4 restrain, shape latent power. Not sure what to make of this. 30 to me is caring for the relationships - the owner cares about their relationship with the buyer, I need to nurture the relationship with the estate agents etc... For example, they have suggested I get in touch with their solicitors, to be ready to go if need be, as an expression of serious intent. Sure, why not.

And: outlook for it coming back to me for purchase next week? 4.4.5>6. Huh. Clearly I'm out of depth with the situation (4) and need expert advice (mortgage, attorney, Yi experts!). 4.4 is about being out of touch with reality, letting go of fantasy and illusions, at the risk of getting hurt. Maybe it's just the process, or the property is not all I imagine it to be? Maybe I shouldn't be pursuing it? 4.5 is about letting myself be guided. 6: well there is clearly a conflictual situation going on in the background...

What's more, this will be going down while Mercury is retrograde... I'm just adopting a wait and see attitude, not holding my breath. In case it does come back, I will ask then if it's a good idea to go ahead with the purchase or not. Meanwhile, I am visiting other places...
So. There we are. You are updated!

 

[Trojina]

The plot thickens...
The owner decided to sell to a family friend, despite a lower offer (so I was correct in assuming that as a stranger, I was disadvantaged. This came up as 56.1). However, they will only know in a week's Time if the sale can go through. If it does not, I will have rights of first refusal.

I am starting to feel like an emotional wreck, what a roller coaster ride... If that place didn't feel like "home", I would have walked away along time ago...I have to really like it to be still hanging in there!

Wow ! Please don't forget to look back your 54.4 at the start of the thread Older casts are still being played out you see. In fact may I suggest you re read from the top because I think it's all still relevant.

So I asked: what mental attitude to keep about this place? 26.2.4>30 which makes sense- 26.2 it's out of my hands, nothing more I can do for now, 26.4 restrain, shape latent power. Not sure what to make of this. 30 to me is caring for the relationships - the owner cares about their relationship with the buyer, I need to nurture the relationship with the estate agents etc... For example, they have suggested I get in touch with their solicitors, to be ready to go if need be, as an expression of serious intent. Sure, why not.

Yang pattern 40, yin pattern is 37 here. Let it go in one way while keeping your plans in mind at the same time. Adds up to almost pure 26. In 26.2 nothing much you can do and in 26.4 all this holding back has made you into a fine strong pig/ being. Although it's nerve wracking this is actually a very good test of strength and one I still see you winning at. I don't want to have egg on my face but I'll risk it. I thought you'd get this at the start of the thread and I still do. But I can't presume on fate, on changes..on all that....but I think it's looking good !

And: outlook for it coming back to me for purchase next week? 4.4.5>6. Huh. Clearly I'm out of depth with the situation (4) and need expert advice (mortgage, attorney, Yi experts!). 4.4 is about being out of touch with reality, letting go of fantasy and illusions, at the risk of getting hurt. Maybe it's just the process, or the property is not all I imagine it to be? Maybe I shouldn't be pursuing it? 4.5 is about letting myself be guided. 6: well there is clearly a conflictual situation going on in the background...

Because I think Yi has already said it's looking good more questions are likely going to start being answered on your state of mind rather than the issue. Yang pattern 45 yin pattern 26. 26 again. I think the 4 here is simply you don't know/we don't know and sometimes it simply isn't known to the degree Yi can be definite so to speak. I'm holding out for a positive outcome and you getting it. But we don't know. 4.5 shows having a degree of open handed innocence about this is good. I perceive a kind of innocence here with you anyway. I think the 6 is the backdrop of conflict and indecision about this. I don't mean your indecision but the indecision around you. I feel your simple offer is the 4.5 that wins out.

What's more, this will be going down while Mercury is retrograde... I'm just adopting a wait and see attitude, not holding my breath. In case it does come back, I will ask then if it's a good idea to go ahead with the purchase or not. Meanwhile, I am visiting other places...
So. There we are. You are updated!

Thank you for updating. I hope you get this if it's right for you.

 

[Yasmin]

Well, it's has been a month, and the agency has not come back. In UK, the process between making an offer and completing a sale can take 6-8weeks and sometimes much longer, and the sale can fall through at the last minute, so technically, it could still come back on the market. But I am not holding my breath in the absence of any new information, I assume that the sale is proceeding with the other buyer.

I am visiting other places, but have not seen anything which made me want to make an offer. Meanwhile, I have found out about new tax rules (which could be what the 4 was trying to tell me- there may be issues I was not aware of) and I'm glad to have a chance to think my plans over. If anything else happens, I will update this post.

 

[Yasmin]

New developments on Flat purchase: 49.2.4.6> 9

Trojina, if you read this, you are going to love it As you recall, I made an offer in September and the seller chose to accept a lower amount from a friend of the family (during Mercury retrograde). I had given up on this place. Well, the friend has been messing them around and they still have not exchanged. I got a call from the agent saying she doesn't want to get my hopes up, but would I still be interested in principle. I said yes, but dropped my price back to my original offer.

I had to ask: what about this flat? 49.2.4.6> 9

49 the situation has transformed
49.2 I planted the seeds in September, and now the revolution has come and i can proceed without error
49.4 all obstacles are gone, with proper preparation, good fortune,
49.6

Wing: The major objective is reached and only details remain to be adjusted. Although you may see limitations in the new condition, you must not create disharmony by reaching for perfection. Try to find satisfaction in what is possible now and bring stability into your life.

9 gentle restraint - I think this is the context, But perhaps the rain is about to fall at last, and we are out of 9 now...

What a lovely answer, isn't it? I will let you know if I eventually buy it. The thing is - Mercury goes retrograde again all through January, so this really needs to be settled before Xmas or else... Some people are more sensitive than others to the reversals of Mercury retrograde, I am one of them: it never fails!

 

[Trojina]

Oh I am holding out for that house ! It's not getting away from me, not with those readings I mean if you don't get it means my readings were wrong and that would be unthinkable !

49.2.4.6>9 is a fabulous reading. Mercury retrograde can't get in the way of that. If you don't get it I think you'll get something even better....but I think you'll get it.

 

[Yasmin]

Well, they have accepted my original offer, and now it's all about sorting out the details (as per 49.6): mortgage, surveyor, legal documents etc... I feel surprisingly calm. It has been such a long drawn-out roller coaster ride I can't seem to get overly excited until I actually hold the keys!

Back in early June, after I first decided to make an offer, I asked IC advice on what to do about buying this flat. I got: 8.3.6>53. And I got a similar casting in September, after my second try. At the time, it could have had two opposite interpretations:
1) 8.3 holding with the wrong flat, 8.6 too late, let it go, but 53 making progress towards something better.
Or
2) as it turns out in hindsight: 8.3 it has been sold to the wrong person 8.6 it will fall apart 53 slow progress towards buying it.
Sometimes a reading only clarifies over time... But if ever anyone needed proof: the IC rocks, and Trojina rocks

 

[Trojina]

Yay !

I'm so happy for you



Congratulations !


Oh and keep the updates coming....like I want to know when you move in and everything. I think we both learned something here about faith in the Oracle. Well Done for keeping on keeping on till you got it.​

 

[Yasmin]

53.1>37

I promised updates, so here we go... My goodness, it takes real determination and inner certainty to keep going! The surveyor report is in: this is an old and listed building (1846) with original floorboards, windows, cornicing.But they are in terrible shape and lot of remedial work is required to meet modern fire and safety standards. And the kitchen needs to be ripped out. I have not changed my mind (this is a clear sign of commitment in the face of difficulties), but I cannot sign until I know what expenses I'm walking into. I am going to visit with a builder who can give me an estimate before I proceed with the purchase.

I was feeling a bit scared and overwhelmed, so I asked again: what about this purchase?

53.1>37
53 slow progress towards Union
53.1 inexperienced, nearing the shore, there is danger and possibly gossip, but with caution no error
37 home

Still looking good! The reading reflects exactly how I feel. Wishing you all a very happy new year, and more news in 2016!

 

[Trojina]

Quoting 53.1 from Hilary's book, translation and commentary :


‘

Wild geese gradually advance to the shore.
The small child, danger,
There are words,
No mistake.’



The shore/ boundary/ barrier. The geese are coming home; the little one hasn’'t been here before, doesn'’t have an assured place. Also, the geese are only just arriving at a secure place – and until they are secure, the young must be in danger. ‘Words’ about where we stand, who fits where… the conversation might be tense, but it needs to happen.

So it seems like your caution is well placed, necessary in order that you find a safe place financially with this. It's a tentative line, things still being worked out. Still a good auspice I think especially given previous casts but you are wise to be looking into the details of costs here and of what is affordable.

Thank you for continuing with the updates. If I ever accidentally miss any please PM me

 

[Yasmin]

Thanks Trojina.

Indeed, a conversation, actually a somewhat tense negotiation, may need to happen. I may need to swallow internal works, and I will soon know what that could cost. But there is also the matter of a balcony in a state of disrepair, which should be a shared building expense. But I am not getting clear responses yet (lawyers are on it). If the freeholders try to make me solely responsible for that expense, I would have to estimate the cost of refection and renegotiate the purchase price. Perhaps suggest a split between freeholder, seller and buyer (myself). Or just the seller and myself.

What about the balcony?

28.1.2.5>55

28 There is a weak beam - how literal an answer! And it is good to have a plan for fixing it (or avoiding the entire situation?). The image also suggests standing in my own truth about this, being prepared to either walk away or find a solution, without being swayed too much by external opinions. If I were reading this for someone else, I would have thought " what are you getting yourself into? run!". But it still feels right to keep going.

28.1 being overly cautious is a good idea, I'm doing the right thing.

28.2 an old building gets a new owner, and hopes to renovate at my expense? The auspice is good for all: "nothing that does not further".

28.5 I don't know who is the old woman and young man in this line. Maybe old owner/new owner find a one off, satisfactory solution? It doesn't actually read as a bad omen, more like a short lived coming together, amicable, no praise, no blame, neutral, a choice maybe... I am thinking of negociating down the purchase price to compensate for balcony expense...that is the ideal scenario. Maybe whatever I spend on the balcony will be no loss, no gain, break even in every way - not paying more than agreed, and not adding value to the flat either. Once the transaction completed, any association with the old owner will terminate, Or a more negative reading would be the fix to the balcony will be short lived. Or at worst, my own interest in this flat will wane... But I'm not feeling it for now, and having already spent money on surveyors etc...It would actually be a loss to me, so not inclined to that explanation for now. Any thoughts welcome on this tepid line...

55 can be overwhelming or as good as it gets... Maybe it's just up to me to decide "I'm the boss".

I really don't know how to read this. I am assuming for now that it's all fixable and negotiable, that it's a matter of agreeing on who pays for what and spreading the cost in an equitable way. All I can do is be very pragmatic, get legal info, get estimates, and decide to proceed or not on that basis. I am still not discouraged, just defending my interests.

 

[Trojina]

What about the balcony?

28.1.2.5>55

I really don't know how to read this. I am assuming for now that it's all fixable and negotiable, that it's a matter of agreeing on who pays for what and spreading the cost in an equitable way. All I can do is be very pragmatic, get legal info, get estimates, and decide to proceed or not on that basis. I am still not discouraged, just defending my interests.

I think it's a strong reading. I'm seeing the 55 here as the call to 'take charge' and 'march out' just as Wu had to decide to march out and overthrow the Shang. You are the one called to do this. No one else has been able to have they ? They all fell at the signs of obstacles by the sound of it. But this appears to be yours to do. There's no two ways about it, this is no time for vacillation as 55 says the king must not be sad but like the sun at noon shine out his light in fullness. I see that as you taking charge of this balcony and this flat. (Is it a flat, I thought it was a house ?) In fact I see your above paragraph I quoted as very 55ish.

I also like the look of these lines in 28. I'm not so familiar with 28.1 as it's a line I seldom have had but I take it that one is taking enormous care with the responsibility of this. The whole cast of 28>55 shouts 'responsibility' and while the 28 is literal I also wonder if it refers to the responsibility you bear. After all this is no small project you are taking on. So how do you cope, balcony and all. Seems to me it is your mandate to 'conquer' this property (55) and rejuvenate it (28.2) ...what a great line to get about renovating a property. Re the 28.5 I don't see it as worrying, it is more about doing something for the sake of doing it rather than for long term gain. An older woman takes a younger man as a lover not because she wants kids but because she'd like to enjoy some good sex. There are many rather sexist or negative commentaries on this line I think that make out this line is a bit pointless...but not all we do is for the sake of further generations.

I wonder if you might not use the balcony much and it remains more decorative perhaps ? I don't know but overall this is an encouraging cast I feel.

Also great change patterns here. With a number of moving lines it's good to check out the change patterns. Here yang pattern is 60 which is precisely what you came to the question with, negotiations and measures. IMO the cast is 'done through' 60 and carried out by 50 (the yin pattern) your negotiations bring a transformation. Eventually all the ingredients come together to cook up something valuable.

 

[Yasmin]

Thank you, that is very helpful. I am in fact taking great care not just with protecting my finances, but also in assuming responsibility for renovating a (tiny) flat which has historical architectural interest (yes, it is a flat). It's not for everyone,but I actually enjoy those challenges - as long as the budget remains under control. I had not seen the "take charge" aspect of 55, it does make sense... The 28 meaning of stress also applies, it's a weighty undertaking...

And your instinct about the balcony is spot on! I was told that such balconies were originally intended to be mostly decorative, they add gracefulness to the facade, with delicate wrought iron railings etc...They perhaps held ornamental plants like potted palms, and the tall windows do bring light and a feeling of space into the room. But in the 1840's, they didn't exactly set up BBQs and sit there in crinolines, with a glass of wine Those balconies weren't meant to be used the way estate agents are trying to sell this to me, to entertain half a dozen friends on a summer day... I'm OK with that. So it makes sense that the cost will have little impact on usefulness...it just has to be done.

Well, as always, I will keep updating Thank you Trojina, and happy 2016!

 

[Trojina]

Happy 2016 :bows:

 

[Yasmin]

Balcony seems to be a non problem, they are planning to fix it in the upcoming external works and it's already paid for.

But I am pedalling through treacle with the mortgage lenders... I expected it to sail through without any problems, but they are busy ticking all sorts of obscure boxes, asking for a lot of information which doesn't even seem relevant. I am starting to worry about getting this mortgage. So I asked:

What if I provide this latest piece of information? (Ie: will it be sufficient?). 63UC.

Hah! That is the first cast I had for this entire thread. It reminds me that in 63UC, there can be a good beginning and a bad ending, and that persistent caution is required to the very end. I'm am not sure how to read this. I wish I could read it as " mission accomplished, as good as done". But will take it as: yes this piece of paper will sort the problem out, so you can move on to the next stage, with the bank surveyor and valuation. But never let up caution, persevere and try to foresee problems and be prepared. It makes practical sense anyway.

It could just be the curse of Mercury retrograde...in which case, things should turn around at the end of the month. One can always hope!

 

[Trojina]

Yes keep on keeping on

 

[Yasmin]

Mercury has finally moved forward and after weeks of painstaking admin, the bank has approved the mortgage. But in typical Mercury post-shadow period, they made a clerical error in the offer letter also, still waiting for some information from the seller. It shouldn't be a problem, but wisdom suggests that until the deal is signed, it's too early to celebrate! So, still 63ing, keeping on keeping on...

But I am starting to think (perhaps prematurely) about a problem with the kitchen, which i am sure can be fixed: the way it fits with living area needs to be reconfigured to create a sense of space. But this is the domain of interior architects, and after tinkering around with ideas and talking to several people including a builder, I don't feel confident I can figure this out on my own. So I am thinking of hiring someone for a simple consultation, it wouldn't break the bank but I may avoid expensive mistakes... With that on my mind, I asked: what about the kitchen redesign project? and got yet another 8:

8.1.6>42
One off cycle of bonding? Huh?
8.1 get the right advice, start off by planning it right, no error, good fortune
8.6 lay out was originally planned wrong, nothing can be done. Or if you get off on the wrong start, without professional advice, misfortune? Or pay attention to timing, get advice in a timely manner, not too early, not too late?
42 expansion - it's all about making the space look more spacious, so this Is very relevant.

Overall, I feel this supports my idea of paying for a consultation before starting any works. I wonder if the one off cycle of 1 and 6 suggests that a single consultation with the right "leader" will indeed be sufficient?

 

[Trojina]

8.1.6>42
One off cycle of bonding? Huh?
8.1 get the right advice, start off by planning it right, no error, good fortune
8.6 lay out was originally planned wrong, nothing can be done. Or if you get off on the wrong start, without professional advice, misfortune? Or pay attention to timing, get advice in a timely manner, not too early, not too late?
42 expansion - it's all about making the space look more spacious, so this Is very relevant.

Overall, I feel this supports my idea of paying for a consultation before starting any works. I wonder if the one off cycle of 1 and 6 suggests that a single consultation with the right "leader" will indeed be sufficient?

To me it looks like a loop, the more you pour in the more you get back. I don't see the possibility of loss with this reading, Union's Increase, how bad can that be ? 8, a gathering of rivers that all flow effortlessly to the sea and back to the land. I don't think any longer that lines 1 and 6 changing must be a one off thing, though it often plays out that way. But it all depends on which hexagram this 27/28 change patterns show in. 8.1.6>42 makes me feel things hold together with nothing lost and perhaps nothing hugely gained though change ? ( I've contradicted myself somewhat, my feel for this answer is very kinaesthetic and I struggle to find the words...so pardon the waffle.)

It makes me think of a sort of closed system of increase. The kitchen, however much it is changed will still actually be the same kitchen, the increase will happen within that same space.

I'm wondering if you need very much to capitalise on the kitchen's existing character and strengths, because the reading makes me think this kitchen does have a character and it's own idea of how it wants to be. Yes I know that's even worse waffle, but I think you have very much to work with the existing nature of the kitchen. I wouldn't see this cast as suggesting an absolute and total over haul but more of seeking to improve (42) what already holds together well (8). This kitchen may hold to it's own nature. if maybe you don't recognise that enough then you may go too far in reinventing it and lose your way (8.6)

Whoever you bring in as a consultant I think they must have a feeling for this place, the same kinds of feelings you have. 8 suggests to me there is a bond between you and the energy of this place which needs respecting (for want of a better word). I think you need to keep to your original visions of this. Yes employ designers and so on but don't hand over to them too much, stay in charge of what happens.
I think staying in charge whilst being intuitively connected to the space can bring the successful renovation you seek. 8.6 can lose that sense of cohesion because the empathic bond is not guiding as much as it should.

My sense is you need to go and talk to this kitchen and ask it what it wants. You and this kitchen can bring a great cycle of increase to one another, you're in synch. Don't get out of synch through a kind of lack of empathy or connection with the space.

I think that's the woolliest post I've written for some time. I hope it makes some kind of sense.