It's time to renew our realtor contract. And she suggests that we lower the price. A few weeks ago I wanted to lower the price, Ironman did not. So we asked the realtor and she said we were getting regular showings and we should wait to do that. I guess waiting time is over.
I am ready to sell. We are having to spend more money to replace the window that was of concern in the home inspection. We also paid a plumber to upgrade those few tiny things in the guest house. We paid an engineer to give us a report on the slab. We paid a contractor to upgrade a few more things. We are tired of paying people to work on a house we don't live in.
Then our neighbor put up a huge fence right on the property line. Yes, it's his property and he could do it if he chose but it is so U.G.L.Y. Nobody in the neighborhood has an ugly fence like that. It's already an unattractive house, and now it's even less appealing.
Yesterday at work I heard about a job opening for next school year. I think I'll throw my hat in the ring. Why not? It would be full time, though. On the other hand, I could get a tuition cut for Dancer Girl.
I'm having a tooth pulled and an implant next week. This tooth has given me fits for 30 years. No joke. The dentist told me I could have another root canal but he was uncertain if it would fix the problem. I may be back in his chair once again in 5 - 6 years. Ready for yet another root canal. My other option is to pull it and replace it with an implant. I thought about it for a couple of days and decided I want it pulled. I've heard there's "nothing to it" Well, we'll see. Should I take photos for the blog?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tired of feeling frustrated
Not to repeat myself over and over like an old woman but....... my house is still on the market. STILL.ON.THE.MARKET.
We've heard all kinds of comments.
"too big"
"too small"
"yard is too much to care for"
"Wish you had a pool"
"love the guest house"
"What's the deal with the guest house?"
"What's the deal with your neighbor's fence?" (man, if I only knew)
"What's the deal with your asking price" LOL Now, that one kills me.
Three deals up and three deals out. Crazy. Crazy, crazy, crazy.
People are quick to tell me their own tale of woe selling houses. I've heard it all.
Today I took some photos of a few GOOD things around here. Sure they are just little things. But it's the little things that help me make it through the day. Just the little stuff only I enjoy. So, just for fun, here are a few:
This is my left over ribbon jar. You know when you have just a couple of inches left, or you clip off the ends of a ribbon. I just drop those little scrap ribbons in the jar.
My label maker. Connects to my mac with a USB thingie. So you can type anything and it'll print out on a label. Currently, after my file makeover/organization afternoon, the label maker is empty. Anybody know where I can get a coupon for labels?
My free stuff. Free samples. Free with purchase. Free with matching coupon. If it's free I'll get it. And honestly there's more than in the photo. We use those little shampoos, etc for traveling. And let me say that the N.Y.C. brand nail polish that is only $1.24 regular price at Target is the BEST nail polish I have ever used. No kidding. And I've used the expensive stuff. I should take a photo of Dancer Girl's nail polish collection. I'll save it for next time.
School lunch menu. We get a calendar of choices. Circle your choice for the day. I've asked and yes, you can change your mind as you go through the line. (I guess they factor that extra food into their serving line) It sure is nice to be able to have some control........ nice to be able to choose. And there's a salad bar every day. So if neither of the 2 choices appeals to you, you can always hit the salad bar. Just a little thing but I've worked at schools where lunch wasn't fit to eat. "Mystery Meat" took on a whole new meaning.
While I was in Dallas I OBVIOUSLY hit The Container Store and guess what they have? Reusable shopping bags with the iconic graphic. I was SO EXCITED. And even better: 99 cents. It's the little things. Man do I love that store.
We've heard all kinds of comments.
"too big"
"too small"
"yard is too much to care for"
"Wish you had a pool"
"love the guest house"
"What's the deal with the guest house?"
"What's the deal with your neighbor's fence?" (man, if I only knew)
"What's the deal with your asking price" LOL Now, that one kills me.
Three deals up and three deals out. Crazy. Crazy, crazy, crazy.
People are quick to tell me their own tale of woe selling houses. I've heard it all.
Today I took some photos of a few GOOD things around here. Sure they are just little things. But it's the little things that help me make it through the day. Just the little stuff only I enjoy. So, just for fun, here are a few:
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It's been that long?
Wow. I haven't added to this blog since Thursday? It's been a crazy couple of days. We spent the weekend out of town for The Engineer's birthday. Shopped and ate way too much and spent money. Fun Fun weekend. Happy Birthday Engineer!
Our house is still on the market. We have had a plumber come through and do a few minor adjustments. And I'm talking MINOR. None of them were dealbreakers. Ironman got quotes for replacing the big 2nd story window. We paid half of the cost to have the window ordered. Should be installed next week. So that is about all we are willing to do. Ironman called last night and was in a bit of a tirade. Our next door neighbor has erected this big old fence and moved it closer to our driveway! I'm sure he did it because he COULD. Since the house is vacant. Well, it's not totally vacant. But we do not live there full time.
We do have a showing scheduled for tomorrow late afternoon. So at least the house is still getting walk throughs. I checked on realtor.com and our house is still the only 4 bedroom, 4 bath house for sale for miles. And we actually have 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. If you key in the larger stats a few other houses do pop up on the market BUT they are priced well above ours. So we are still waiting.
And so what do I do with time on my hands? I completed the January I heart Organizing challenge. Who cares that it's February! I'll get to February's challenge in March!
Here is the proof:
Bottom drawer. Oh goodness. What a MESS . I mean, you can't find a thing in there
Wow! Bottom drawer now. After the organization hit it. I even pulled out the label maker. And found new hanging files with tabs. Put all the financial aid stuff in the back.
And here's the top drawer. Do you see I have EXTRA SPACE? Do you think I should delete those labels? It's just the usual stuff. Maybe I should. And once again, new space in the back. I put all the papers that have anything to do with our house we're selling in that box in the back.
And now here's my little work area in my little rent house.
It's not too, too bad. Notice the new bulletin board I painted and added fabric and ribbon. I also painted the lamp and put fabric on the shade. That's a flower clip on the side. And new files in the back for those things you need every day. And my fave thing on the desk?
This caddy I got at Michaels. Oh my gosh how did I live without it? And it spins! A place for everything.
Update: My house has been on the market for TOO LONG.
Our house is still on the market. We have had a plumber come through and do a few minor adjustments. And I'm talking MINOR. None of them were dealbreakers. Ironman got quotes for replacing the big 2nd story window. We paid half of the cost to have the window ordered. Should be installed next week. So that is about all we are willing to do. Ironman called last night and was in a bit of a tirade. Our next door neighbor has erected this big old fence and moved it closer to our driveway! I'm sure he did it because he COULD. Since the house is vacant. Well, it's not totally vacant. But we do not live there full time.
We do have a showing scheduled for tomorrow late afternoon. So at least the house is still getting walk throughs. I checked on realtor.com and our house is still the only 4 bedroom, 4 bath house for sale for miles. And we actually have 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. If you key in the larger stats a few other houses do pop up on the market BUT they are priced well above ours. So we are still waiting.
And so what do I do with time on my hands? I completed the January I heart Organizing challenge. Who cares that it's February! I'll get to February's challenge in March!
Here is the proof:
Bottom drawer. Oh goodness. What a MESS . I mean, you can't find a thing in there
 |
| Top Drawer. Now, the files are in alphabetical order. So that's something. But it's so messy! |
And now here's my little work area in my little rent house.
Update: My house has been on the market for TOO LONG.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
My Niece Gets Married!
Saturday night in New Orleans is a good time to get married. Ironman, The Engineer. The I.T. Girl, the Dancer Girl and I all went to the wedding. We met the entire family
at their suite. It was a crowd. There were a lot of people with the same last name! I remember when I first met all these people. How overwhelming it was to be introduced to this huge family all at the same time!
Nieces and nephews are now all grown up with children of their own. Funny to watch them as adults. Funny to remember stuff. Just stuff. I laughed and laughed and laughed. We all had a great time.
We walked a few blocks together to the church at the end of Bourbon Street. And after the cermony we walked back. The newlyweds rode through the city and made a grand entrance into the ballroom. Lots of food, dancing and activity. And could Big Brother cut a rug! I was amazed!
Bride dances with her father. Wow. Who knew he could dance like that? And who knew I'd forget to take photos of the bride and groom's dance. Another niece is going to email me her photos. So I'll add it later.
Did I mention there was a lot of food?
Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, fettuccine with chicken and shrimp, crab cakes, roast pork, and of course wedding cake. And that's just what The Engineer ate!
Not my best photo. I took it with my phone. So that's my excuse. It was a happy night. We needed a break from the house selling stress.
And then back to school on Monday. The Middle School Tennis Jamboree. Wow there were a lot of 6th - 8th graders.
I need to remember my camera.
No news on the house. Tomorrow is The Engineer's birthday. A teenager no longer. We got him one silly gift and several really good gifts he's not expecting.
at their suite. It was a crowd. There were a lot of people with the same last name! I remember when I first met all these people. How overwhelming it was to be introduced to this huge family all at the same time!
Nieces and nephews are now all grown up with children of their own. Funny to watch them as adults. Funny to remember stuff. Just stuff. I laughed and laughed and laughed. We all had a great time.
We walked a few blocks together to the church at the end of Bourbon Street. And after the cermony we walked back. The newlyweds rode through the city and made a grand entrance into the ballroom. Lots of food, dancing and activity. And could Big Brother cut a rug! I was amazed!
Bride dances with her father. Wow. Who knew he could dance like that? And who knew I'd forget to take photos of the bride and groom's dance. Another niece is going to email me her photos. So I'll add it later.
Did I mention there was a lot of food?
Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, fettuccine with chicken and shrimp, crab cakes, roast pork, and of course wedding cake. And that's just what The Engineer ate!
Not my best photo. I took it with my phone. So that's my excuse. It was a happy night. We needed a break from the house selling stress.
And then back to school on Monday. The Middle School Tennis Jamboree. Wow there were a lot of 6th - 8th graders.
I need to remember my camera.
No news on the house. Tomorrow is The Engineer's birthday. A teenager no longer. We got him one silly gift and several really good gifts he's not expecting.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tick Tock TImes goes on
Another day in the rent house. How I'm coming to hate this place. No news about our house. No news at all.
I'm going to start looking for a job for next year. Since our house hasn't sold, I need to get a paycheck.
I'm going to start looking for a job for next year. Since our house hasn't sold, I need to get a paycheck.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Home Inspection Report
Our realtor emailed the report to us. Wow. Nothing..... and I mean NOTHING on the report is a deal breaker. Here are a few of the deficiencies he noted:
The hot water heater in the little house needs a drip pan under it.
The shingles on the roof of the little house were installed incorrectly along the perimeter. Basically they are not overhanging the edge far enough.
No hand rail on the stairs leading to the back bedroom
Rust on the hinge of one of the french doors in the master bedroom. RUST. I mean, it's not rusted so much as to not function. It's just a little rust. Sand it, Paint it. FIXED.
Gutters need cleaning
Hair line crack in a tile in the master bathroom
Fireplace needs cleaning
One strip of siding is missing on the porch ceiling of the little house.
Condensation noted on the inside of one of the kitchen windows. He suspects the seal is broken.
There were a few other minor things.
None of those deficiencies are deal breakers in our view. The buyers should have gotten the report and negotiated with us for the repairs/replacements. But instead the inspector scared them to death. I'm sure he was opinionated and rude. I'm sure he told them they were buying a money pit. I"m sure he recommended they not buy that hunk of bricks. And they believed him. So they terminated the contract.
Beyond frustrating.
Ironman called a plumber to come and check the hot water heater and any other plumbing deficiencies. He assured us these little repairs/replacements were easy and no big deal and he would do them and then present us with a signed report about the efficient plumbing. That is UP TO CODE.
Ironman also called a contractor/carpenter to meet him at the house next week to look at the roof.
Ironman said he would take care of the tiny rusty edge of the french door.
And we'll replace that window. Nothing to it.
Crazy that the buyers would be scared off so easily. ANY house they find will have "stuff". Good luck finding a house that nice in town. They will regret not buying it. There is NOTHING else for sale in that town. Nothing else.
And so we are back to square one. Back up to full price. The realtor did say she has 2 showing scheduled for next week. I don't even want to think about it.
The hot water heater in the little house needs a drip pan under it.
The shingles on the roof of the little house were installed incorrectly along the perimeter. Basically they are not overhanging the edge far enough.
No hand rail on the stairs leading to the back bedroom
Rust on the hinge of one of the french doors in the master bedroom. RUST. I mean, it's not rusted so much as to not function. It's just a little rust. Sand it, Paint it. FIXED.
Gutters need cleaning
Hair line crack in a tile in the master bathroom
Fireplace needs cleaning
One strip of siding is missing on the porch ceiling of the little house.
Condensation noted on the inside of one of the kitchen windows. He suspects the seal is broken.
There were a few other minor things.
None of those deficiencies are deal breakers in our view. The buyers should have gotten the report and negotiated with us for the repairs/replacements. But instead the inspector scared them to death. I'm sure he was opinionated and rude. I'm sure he told them they were buying a money pit. I"m sure he recommended they not buy that hunk of bricks. And they believed him. So they terminated the contract.
Beyond frustrating.
Ironman called a plumber to come and check the hot water heater and any other plumbing deficiencies. He assured us these little repairs/replacements were easy and no big deal and he would do them and then present us with a signed report about the efficient plumbing. That is UP TO CODE.
Ironman also called a contractor/carpenter to meet him at the house next week to look at the roof.
Ironman said he would take care of the tiny rusty edge of the french door.
And we'll replace that window. Nothing to it.
Crazy that the buyers would be scared off so easily. ANY house they find will have "stuff". Good luck finding a house that nice in town. They will regret not buying it. There is NOTHING else for sale in that town. Nothing else.
And so we are back to square one. Back up to full price. The realtor did say she has 2 showing scheduled for next week. I don't even want to think about it.
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