I feel as if I don’t know exactly how to really write anymore. I used to have a good flow of hyperbole and sharp humor. Now I’m all “eh.” It just sounds super boring and forced. Even if I feel something.
I know, it’s like exercising. You have to keep at it. And it’s just not on my mind, so I end up writing the same thing. Over and over and over.
Anyway, we’re officially moving. I spent my summer very meticulously making my house, not my house. I neutralized just about everything. We renovated the kitchen, installed new carpet. Every single person thought we were insane. “What the hell are you doing all of this work for, just to sell it?” Wednesday, they all said incredulously: “YOU SOLD YOUR HOUSE IN TWO DAYS?!?”
Actually, I don’t want to brag, but it was technically about 30 hours. We put it on the market officially, on Monday afternoon, and by about 10PM Tuesday, we had accepted an offer. They were still installing the new roof while the first showing was going on (we did not pay for the roof, it was covered, after much fighting with the insurance company. But we had storm damage by hurricane Sandy last year), and they STILL made an offer. Even with the yard covered in shingles. And the biggest compliment I got, was “dude, your house showed SO WELL.” Which makes me immensely proud, but (and seriously, I’m not trying to be a dick) of course it did. I spent the whole god damned summer going over what would seem to most, the stupidest details. My agent was THRILLED to do business with us again, seeing as how I basically just handed my wallet over to her, while she filled out some forms and looked pretty. But she’s absolutely amazing and awesome anyway, so I probably would do that without really even feeling bad about it. Still, I spoiled her.
Part of our success was my perfectionism. But part of this formula was also that there is so little inventory in our area. It was really important for us to stay in our area. We like where we live. But it has so much newer construction. People think that their house is something special, and it’s not. I knew that I would have to make my house show like it was something out of a magazine. The kitchen was the biggest part of that equation.
I apologize for the shitty picture that I totally stole from the listing site, but of course the agent has the appropriate wide-angle lens, and you know what? I’m on fucking mental vacation right now.
I don’t have a before picture readily available. It’s somewhere but see above re: fucking mental vacation. Suffice to say it was dated and ugly, and not anything remotely like this amazing, sparkly mess. The old kitchen didn’t even have room for an island.
As for our new house, it’s smaller. Which also baffled everyone. Why would you downsize at this point in your life? Listen, ten years ago, I would have wanted some sort of generic mcmansion, but now? No. And I realize how fortunate I am. We are fortunate, but also hard working. I feel like an asshole saying we have too much space, but I’m trying to live with less. Anyone that buys a house knows it’s a giant money pit. I’m trying to make it less of a money pit. We’re OK. We just want more…time. The house is also way more, us. It’s got some charm, a lot of outdoor space, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. We had our inspection yesterday, which gave me a lot more time to kind of go through and really look at the house. Some things are a sacrifice, but overall, it made me fall in love with the house so much more. Also? PROJECT!!!
And yes, people have asked if I will miss this house. Yes, I will miss this house, for all of the anxiety and turmoil it has caused me over the years. This was our first house that we bought. This is the only house that the Mini has known, and Little Girl has ever lived in. I learned to do so many things in this house. I learned that I don’t have to hire for every little thing. It made us capable of DIY and we’re pretty good at it.
The kids are pretty excited too. Little Girl has been there a few times, and already has her room picked out. Unfortunately, Mini has only seen pictures, thanks to his recent adventure called FULL DAY SCHOOL! But they’re both excited about a new house.
For the first time in quite a few years, I’m actually looking forward to fall. Here’s to new beginnings.
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