I need a magician or a miracle but either will do nicely. The realtor must just not get me or what it is I need, no matter how many times I explain it. My daughter and I drove by a listed house yesterday that she had sent by e-mail. The price was right but I knew in my heart of hearts that what I can afford, I don’t want to live in.
A criterion for a home is so individual that I’m surprised anyone finds a home already built that is suitable to them. If I could find an affordable piece of land here, I would certainly like to build. I’d build green with good flow. That’s when one of us wins the lottery.
As we got to see the inside with the realtor this morning, the house had three tiny bedrooms and a jack & jill bath that I think they built in the closet. One of the bedrooms was tucked between the other two so whoever was in that middle bedroom, had to go through one or the other to get out. It was 1008 square feet which was smaller than my apartment. Yes, I know, I am so very lucky. The kitchen was miniscule but that didn’t bother me. The only reason I ever have a kitchen is because they come with the house. There was a workshop in back but no garage to protect my car. I looked at all the possible ways to make it work for me. It was a long walk on a big hill to the bus line and with frequent company, I need several bedrooms. The yard had great potential.
It’s older than I am and looks like I feel. Actually looks better than most I’ve seen.
I have given thought to a manufactured home in a park. The space rent for 15 years would add up to over $100,000. A condo is typically two or three stories here with common walls. My sister sold hers, getting just enough to avoid a short sale. She couldn’t do the stairs anymore either.
Walls for bookcases and a sewing room are absolutely necessary. I make quite a mess when I create. My requirements are to be close enough to my daughter to have help when necessary and access to activities. Demanding aren’t I? If I’m going to be living and paying for this home over the next twenty years, I would like it to feel good. Most of what I have seen is backed up to industrial areas, train tracks, or highways. Even those are priced too high to put the money and work into them for this old lady.
My magician needs to conjure up another $100,000 or more. It’s what they call a champagne appetite on a home brew budget. I really am downsizing and expecting a lot less than I’ve had before. So if you know a magician or a miracle worker, send them my way. Can you use a little magic in your life?
“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.” ~ Laini Taylor, Daughter of Smoke & Bone
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "In Search of a Magician" (7)
Marlene – I know what you mean about finding a house you truly want and having to settle for one you can afford. We did this 10 years ago. Truly, I don’t know why we bought this house, except it’s in a very nice neighborhood with a park, and large trees. We’re greeted by the birds in the morning and most of the day it’s quiet. (Did I mention that we are flanked on the two sides by a cemeteries? And they are very good neighbors?) Manifest what you want in your mind and it will come to you. Good luck! Barbara
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I’d love to be between cemeteries.:) I keep explaining to the realtor exactly what I want but she thinks I’m nuts. My son said my house isn’t vacant yet. I have a clear image of what I want, just not where I want it. I do trust that it will all work out perfectly but I can sure rub a realtor the wrong way in the meantime. I’ll just be patient.
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Realtors are employees – they work for you. If yours isn’t “working for you” fire her and get one that will. Manifestation sometimes requires more than mental visualization.
I’m lucky. We bought into a quiet, rural neighborhood with no chance of further development. However, I did not like the house at all. It needed help. Fortunately three years ago it got all but obliterated during the Nashville flood so we got to rebuild it from the inside out. When I say “we” I mean hubby and I. We can’t afford contractors or hired help. I’ll let you know when we’re finished 😉
Spashionista (Alicia)
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Oh my goodness. Rebuilding is such an undertaking. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Don’t want to do it again especially since I’m alone with no tools and no money for them. I can do cosmetic, but not structure. Already let one realtor go, this one is on the short list. My house is going to come to me by way of miracle. I’ll bet on it. Thanks for the comment and I’ll keep you all posted on this grand adventure. .
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We are living the same dilemma Marlene. It slays me what people want for the pits of a house. We’ve seen probably 60 homes in 2.0 years (we started to look in the spring of 2011). I can say there might have been two to consider but the next door neighbours were really sloppy and junk collectors. Since we had a neighbour like that for 25 years (weeds as tall as me), I said never again. It’s hard to consider a pricey house that you want to make changes to as well. Building might be the only option for us, we have fingers crossed. Best of luck. Our realtor hasn’t really done anything to find us a home either. Just shows us what we want to see. ??? Mr B. says they’re all the same.
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Good to know I’m not alone here. I am in no rush since my apartment is quite cozy. The only difficulty is that it’s a second floor apartment and several of my friends can’t do stairs. I believe in miracles and I’m sure when the time is right, the perfect place will turn up. I just had to moan about it for a moment. It’s just crazy what realtors think is a great place for you. Hope you have a great trip.
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UGG, yes Realtors are a special group 😉 Thanks for the holiday wishes Marlene!
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