Dear Lynn: On My Old House
Saturday, October 30th, 1999Dear [Lynn],
Hello there.
You must have had a hard week and needed the extra rest today.
No frost yet here. In fact, the temps will be unseasonably warm here today (high of 72 degrees). Definitely a day to spend in the park, which I will probably do at some point.
So, what is your official job title anyhow? Gardener? Grounds keeper?
Yes, I owned a home in Miami Township, Ohio for almost 5 years, and sold it so I could move to Philly. At the time of the sale in 1997, I wanted nothing to do with another house, as mine had turned into a real pain in the … well, you know. But most of that came from the hardship of selling it. In that particular neighborhood, all the houses had immaculate yards. So, in order to look slightly better than the rest for salability, the place needed close to $1000 in landscaping (old shrubs hauled away, new mulch laid, weeds removed, Etc.). Then, while showing the house, the sump pump broke down on one of the rainiest days of the season, flooding the finished basement, and ruining the brand new carpet ($1200). Plus, it took almost 4 months to sell, and because of the basement flood, I had to take a substantial loss on it. I was not happy with home ownership then. Now granted, 4 months isn’t really a long time. But I was worried that my company would decide not to let me transfer to a home based office if I waited too long. So, that 4 months turned into an eternity. Then there was the continuous finagling with prospective buyers who seemed to want everything for nothing. One couple in particular wanted me to replace the water heater, the roof, the furnace, and the driveway, and yet, sell to them for my original asking price. I almost laughed in their faces when they came to check it out, but held my tongue because they had a baby with them. I told them, “Look, I’m not selling a brand new house here. This place is 20 years old, and the asking price accounts for that. If you want a ‘new’ house, then go down the street and pay $40000 more for the same size place as this one.” Well, they didn’t like that, but ended up buying the house anyway. I decided then that I would not buy a house again until I was ‘with’ a lover who could share it with me. Too much work for one person.
However, now, after dealing with all this noise from the neighbors down below, a house is beginning to look attractive. Interesting how recent experience tends to color our desires for things, ‘eh?
Yes, go for the Eudora upgrade. It’s sweet.
Well, heading for the bathtub. More later today.