Monday, November 26th, 2007
An old house
We decided in February this year to sell our first home, move across the state line, and start our business. That seemed simple enough, but selling a house in a down market while you’re still living in it, with two children under 4 who also live there, is definitely not a walk in the park.
When people go look at houses, they want to see it like houses would appear on magazines. With all the pretty pillows arranged, the towels all folded in the bathroom, beds made, no laundry baskets laying around, no toys anywhere except in a hidden basket or nicely showcased on the coffee table, dishes must be washed and put away, driveways shoveled, floors dusted and or vacuumed, mirrors windexed, (and on the list goes). And they want to see it 15 minutes after they make the call to you / your real estate agent.
How is that possible with TWO kids who normally act like tornadoes tearing through things?! It’s not. That’s how. During the day we practically lived at the library or the mall or the park weather permitted and the kids nap in the car, so that the house doesn’t get messed up just in case someone decides to come see it. But it gets old after a while, and the kids get cranky and tired of not having any of their favorite things out.
For the whole 6 weeks that the house was on the market, we were on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Did they like the house? Why did these people come for a second showing but didn’t make an offer, any offer? No one called for showings again? What are they saying about our house? What can we do to get them to come back? It was worth it at the end though. We were fortunate and we got out of there just in time. And things all fell into the right places with time.
I don’t particularly miss the house. But I do miss having hardwood floorings, a super sized nice deck, and the private yard. It has an 1 acre yard, right smack in the middle of suburbia. It was a beautiful house. We have so many memories there as a family, good and bad. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s less than a week after we moved our boxes in there. Both of our kids were born and we endured so many sleepless nights walking up and down the hall. Our family visits and gatherings. We humans are the only species who carry and treasure our memories in the way we do.
Look at the house. Wouldn’t you have fallen in love too?
However, I do like living in a newer house too. The maintenance cost is lower, the insulation and electrical work is much better, and the bathrooms/bedrooms are more updated to suit today’s lifestyle. I LOVE the new code requirement for electrical outlets - there’s one everywhere I need it - I haven’t needed to use any extension cords!
Do you prefer old style homes, with charm and character, and likely lots privacy and land? Or do you prefer newer homes with all the modern updates?
on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at 2:30 am:
I LOVE the new code requirement for electrical outlets - there’s one everywhere I need it - I haven’t needed to use any extension cords!
I think this is the story of my life living here…we have like two outlets in any given room, regardless of the size. And no, they’re not grounded. *sigh* Renting sucks! I envy your multiple outlets
on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at 6:17 am:
You have *so* clearly described the near-impossible task of trying to sell a live-in home. Glad you were able to manage. As for old vs. new, I’m pretty much “over” the charms of an older home. Low maintenance = very good.
–bc
on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at 9:12 am:
That’s really the question, isn’t it. The new houses are beautiful, but so packed together that I could NEVER live in one. So, it’s old home and upgrading for me. Sigh.
on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at 10:03 pm:
I love the old houses, although the point about electrical outlets is well taken. My house was built in the ’50s and has a huge yard, which is awfully nice. We’ll probably never move, partly out of laziness and partly because it’s cheap and plenty large enough for us and a handful of cats.
on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at 11:24 pm:
Wooo, definitely older homes! Our house is about 70 years old and while it has its natural idiosyncracies, I love it! Yes, the doors and closets don’t close the way they should, when I am cooking all the olive oil runs to the right side of the pan, etc, but it’s wonderful!
We are looking forward to redoing our foundation and updating the electrical work and lighting before the year end!
Enjoying your blog!