Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tell Me Lies


I'm sorry to tell you that just like a prince who has been turned into a frog, Charming House has developed a few warts. My entire family has driven past this place at different hours of the day to get a feel for things. Noise was the primary concern and we were all worried about living with something we couldn't change. I recall when I moved out of the house I lived in prior to this place, I promised myself that I'd never live near a freeway again. In a time heals all wounds sort of way, it wasn't the noise I'd forgotten about, it was the constant layer of soot. Freeways are dirty places. Thankfully, I've recalled how hard it was to keep up with the dirt generated only 2 blocks away from the freeway. This new house is separated only by a small yard, brick wall and service drive. Because I have ringing in my ears, I know that constant noise is something that becomes a background hum, but the ever-present soot would annoy the hell out of me, especially when it got into my yarn. I have to think that's as bad as moths in terms of damage.

Charming House has a second -perhaps fatal- flaw, as it's about to be surrendered to the bank. The realtor/owner has thrown in the towel. Although she says she is current on payments, she is not current on taxes and admits to having failed to pay her winter taxes. This home is still on my short list, but I have to be realistic because their asking price covers only the bank note. Since their pricy taxes weren't included in the mortgage, how long would it be before we were booted out? Taxes are around $8,000 a year. If their assets are tapped out, who would make repairs if they were needed? Who would fix the leaky ceiling/roof on the sleeping porch, or a furnace on the fritz? I'm beginning to think of Charming House as a Danger Boy, a sweet talker. I learned a long time ago that it's bad for my mental health to listen to sweet little nothings, especially when whispered by boys who had only their own interests at heart.

For a mere $4,500 a month, you too can imbibe in the lap of luxury.

Being back at square one for house hunting has turned me into a Realtor.com voyeur. It's like peeking into people's windows from a distance. Just today, I found a house that was renting for $4,500 a month and I fell in love with the special bar area they had to offer in the basement. I would have thought that for the asking price, there would have been a more substantial offering of liquor, and a bartender to serve it up. I'd have to consume everything on that tray just to make an offer. I can't afford that much per month, but I wanted to see how the privileged folks lived. You know, like the ones with this fancy bar.


All is not lost as I've found an appealing French colonial, built in 1907, and remodeled just 2 years ago. It has a spacious Dukealicious friendly back yard, complete with a deck, and hey, check out that front porch. It does not come with a bar, but I think I can duplicate the fancy one I saw without a problem. We'll see that house tomorrow, and I'm going to add one more to the list that's been on the market for awhile now. It's a high rise loft in the heart of a busy suburban town. I know it's ultramodern, but I'm willing to keep an open mind. I'm almost over you Charming House.

16 comments:

willowtree said...

I don't like the sounds of that house at all!

I look at real estate listings everyday, and mostly don't notice the furnishings, but sometimes you can't help it. There used to be a blog that posted porn pictures with the naughty bits blacked out and then did a critique of the decor!

Jane said...

I like the look of this house, hope the inside is just as nice. Look forward to hearing about the viewing tomorrow

Brenda said...

I say always go with your gut instinct. You were wise to look into it as much as you did. I hope one comes along that works. The porch on this one looks great!

Betty F said...

I Love this house!! I Love the front porch! I can see you (well kind of) sitting out there in a comfy chair near a patio type table with your ice tea or Bourbon sitting next to you while you knit.!!!

Rudee said...

WT-and I bet you just checked out the decor, right?

Rudee said...

Miss, the inside pictures look lovely too.

Brenda, we have to be out of here in 5 weeks. It's not looking so good.

Betty-I can see it too. How about a Long Island Iced Tea?

owiatw said...

Everything looks good except that TV. For $4500 you should have a Screening room. A chef that specializes in middle eastern food.
What are you doing up at 7:30am?

Rudee said...

Dear One-Of course, how could I not notice the behemoth television and lack of personal chef? I was too focused on the bar. Ha. Up early to put Miss R on the bus.

debra said...

Mature trees and a front porch get me every time. Can't wait to see the inside pics.

flydragon said...

I never would have thought about the soot. Fortunatly you did. I would imagine you would also be inhaling a hefty dose of it too. But.....the picture of the new one is looking good!!!

Winifred said...

Rudee that house looks gorgeous, like an upmarket Waltons. I can just about see John Boy in the rocking chair on the porch.

FOrget about the house beside the road, not worth the hassle. Think about the health hazard too with all those fumes.

Successful viewing tomorrow.

Lisa L said...

Actually I much prefer this house Rudee. It is exactly what I would love to live in :)...can't wait for inside pics either..

Rudee said...

Lisa, I like it too. The interior photos don't have the charm of the other house enough. The bad news is it's occupied, but the worst thing is I can't see it until Friday. I'm really feeling pressured on this move.

Rositta said...

Doesn't look very luxurious for 4,500 bucks a month. The right house will come along, a lot can happen in 5 weeks. I would have thought there would be lots of choices in this market? Good luck...ciao

Rudee said...

It looks lame for 4,500 to me Rositta.

There are homes, but some are still insanely priced. This is because people have to cover their notes while the market has crashed around them. They can't do it. There are plenty of condos, but we'd want a little space and convenience. Duke doesn't do stairs.

sandy said...

I like the photo in the bottom one. And wow, 4500 a month ...in this economy...well wow. I thought that only happened out here in So Cal.

Enjoyed the photos....Didn't realize when I commented on the top post you HAD posted some photos.