This weather has been absolutely crazy these past several days when considering it being the 19th of May and our temps hovering around the 50’s all day. While driving to the office, I noticed just about everyone’s sump pumps belching water at their curbsides.
There were two homes I had to show today, and wasn’t a bit surprised to find water in the basements of both of them. The second one I showed would’ve been a hopeless cause in trying to solve its water issues, but the first one could be an easy fix if the buyers would invest a few dollars towards having a sump pump installed, and then build up the grade around the foundation, and for sure, removing an un-necessary sidewalk that’s tipping towards the home that’s running parallel to the front of the home and then heading towards the back door.
I will never understand why builders of homes prior to the1960’s, would pour all those little sidewalks leading from front doors all the way round to rear entrances. Over the years, those walks almost always end up tipping towards houses which cause all the more puddling of rain which ends up as basement seepage. The only thing I can think of, is that those narrow walks must’ve been some sort of status symbol in those times, which now reminds me how casual dress is all the more acceptable in these times when attending church Services.
Once again, I’m telling all of you that 90% of all basement water problems are created from surface water, and the other 10% is when a thoughtless builder decides to build homes in a low-lying bog. Yes, I did speak about that last night.
The buyers did mention wanting to see one of the homes they looked at just one more time before they decide, which I’ve always considered a good idea. Because they’re first-time buyers, the angst is more pronounced, and likely so because buying the purchasing of a first home can be a bit more than scary. I’m sure you all can remember your first purchase, and how much you fretted over the price, along with the long-term commitment you had to make toward mortgage payments.
When I arrived back at my office, I grabbed a sold sign and headed back out to place it on one of my recent sales. Since that home is located on a high-visibility street, I considered it would be a good free promotional.
On my way back to the office, I stopped by Dollar General to pick up a few sympathy cards. While there, I happened to notice someone out of my past who just happened to be the owner of a real estate office that I worked at for over 10 years. I caught up with her and had a nice little chat about old times and these times. I was a bit shocked when she asked about several of my family members, and all the more so when she gave me her two cents worth regarding them after remaining silent all these long years.
When walking away, it made me a little sad to see how the weights of time were weighing heavily on her shoulders. But, I was glad to see she’s still independent enough to where she and her husband are still living in their home and able to drive, considering they’re both over 90 years old. I teasingly said to her, “Why in the world are the two of you still rattling around in that big house?” Of course she did have to give me her weak excuse being, “We have our own bathrooms and everything we need is on the main floor.” I just shook my head and said, “You’re not a spring chicken anymore, and trying to take care of that big house is going to become all the more burdensome for the two of you.” Yes, she’s still the same stubborn German woman she was years ago, so there I left it.
Since my public open house at Prairie Place on 1st was today, I arrived about a half hour early just so to get all the doors unlocked and lights turned on in the units remaining for sale. Just as a welcoming token, I did bake a big batch of homemade oatmeal/raisin cookies yesterday, which appeared to be happily received by all of the taking.
There’s no question in my mind, today’s open house was the greatest success I’ve had to date because there was a steady stream of people coming and going the entire time. There were at least two separate buyers in attendance who were showing strong interest, and I’m going to hope they’ll be calling back this week. Thank goodness the CEO of Good Shepherd was there to assist with the showings because there would’ve been people arriving, and nobody to greet them, and you can be sure I thanked him profusely while we were closing up for the day.
All in all, I’d say it was a productive day in real estate considering how cold and gray it was outdoors, so let’s hope this coming week will bring much needed sunshine and warm temps for our farmers so they can get their crops in before it’s too late.
Before reading tonight’s one-line, I must share with you something a very old and exceptionally wise teacher said to our class body in high school, which was, “Every age has its beauty, as long as you look for it.”
Tonight’s one-liner is: When grace is joined with wrinkles, it’s absolutely adorable.
