When buying or selling a home, expect the unexpected. Welcome to Wonderland.
“Julie, can you please send another check my way for the work that’s currently underway?” said Alex’s text message.
I can, but OUCH! The cost of repairs is really beginning to pile up.
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The personal stories of one Realtor’s battles and triumphs in the highly-competitive Bay Area Real Estate Market, seeking to illuminate and humanize the very real ups-and-downs of homeownership.
It turns out that owning a cabin in the mountains, especially when the snow has been significant for the last two years, can add up to major expenses. A burst water pipe, a cracked skylight, a failing roof, a crumbling pathway, and a flooded basement have created havoc at our little “dream cabin.” As luck (bad luck?) would have it, one discovery has led to another and another and another . . . With full recognition that these are “gold-plated” problems, they’re still problems nonetheless, and they require a rather LARGE financial outlay to fix the unfortunate damage. In short, like Alice, we have tumbled down the rabbit hole.And because I can’t control the fall, I do what I always do when things start to spiral – I turn to what I CAN control – (no, not my husband). I’m referring to my attitude.
On the plus side, I’ve found a great and dependable contractor who’s well-connected, lives in South Lake Tahoe and knows his way around the specific “what ifs?” of repairing a house for future storms. He’s creative, communicative, well-intentioned, and sends photos daily. Still, his experience comes at a price. (Fair enough.)
I’m also in a financial position to underwrite the vendors, having had a fantastic and active first half of the year. (Thank goodness.)
I’ve got a loving and supportive partner who is all in on the journey. Fallen Leaf Lake was Cliff’s dream so he’ll fight to keep it. With Cliff, I’m never alone, nor without a laugh when I’m feeling my most frustrated or blue. In addition, our boys are happy and healthy, as are the rest of our immediate families, so there are certainly more blessings than curses.
And when all else fails, I head to the garden and immerse myself in digging, clipping, and planting. (Gardens are great for whatever ails you.) It’s my corner of the world where for a few moments each day, troubles fade well into the distance. My garden provides a healthy perspective; it’s ever-changing, constantly evolving, filled with surprises . . . and abundant renewal.
Naturally, life is full of unexpected turns, trials, and tribulations.
And our job when faced with the unexpected is to breathe, gather facts, consider our options, pivot as needed, and move to solution. As long as everyone near and dear to me is safe, the rest is merely an inconvenience. (“This too shall pass.”)
Therefore, when buying or selling a home, expect the unexpected, plan as best you can, prepare where appropriate, inform yourself, remain teachable, and learn to roll with the punches (they’re inevitable). Be kind, be thoughtful, give others the benefit of the doubt, and move forward with good intentions. Remember, you’re not alone. As Realtors, we have a fiduciary responsibility to you, but well beyond that, every good Agent I know genuinely cares about their clients’ well-being and best interest.
In other words, we’re here to guide you through Wonderland.
How can we help you?
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
Not just Realtors, but consultants in all things house and home, we’re here to educate, explore, examine and refer . . . In short, you may count on us to take care of your home as if it were our own and anyone who knows us, knows we take pretty darn good care of our homes.
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