Thank You St. Joseph

Posted in House and Home by teamtradermom

I haven’t posted about Operation Dream Home in a while because, well, there wasn’t much to say. We’ve had a few showings here or there, all with good reviews. Everyone who has looked at our house has liked it, yet none were willing to go so far as to make an offer. Frustrating.

A month or 2 ago, out of desperation, I went to a local religious store and bought a St. Joseph statue, who is supposed to help you sell your home. The directions say that there are no real guidelines for where to put him (i.e. front yard, back yard, by the FOR SALE sign, buried upside down, etc) so long as you believe and pray faithfully.

I guess we weren’t praying enough because it didn’t do jack.

Then, 2 weeks ago I moved him. I went with superstition, and recommendations of a few friends, and buried him upside down right beneath the FOR SALE sign.

That night we got 2 showings, followed by 2 more the next day. One of those showings yielded someone who was interested in making an offer, she just needed to get pre-approval first. Well, that ended up not panning out.

But the steady stream of showings continued. Things were looking up!

Last Thursday we had one such showing. I was still sick from that pesky sinus infection so instead of playing volleyball, as I normally would be doing on a Thursday night, I vacated the house and took Isabella out to dinner. When we returned, they were still there so I circled the block, than casually parked 4 houses away – far enough to not be noticed by them but close enough for me to see when they left. I’m totally stealth like that. A few minutes later they walked out, smiles on theirs faces and left. I waited a few more minutes and then pulled in the driveway, wondering if I had seen the future owners of our house.

Turns out, I had.

They made us an offer yesterday. As offers go in this market, it was a decent one. However, it was almost 5k less than our asking price AND they wanted us to pay closing costs. The kicker was that they asked us to be out of the house on 8/29. Yes, you read that right – a mere 4 weeks away!

GACK!

We met with our realtor, who is totally awesome by the way, and decided to counter. We agreed to pay the closing costs but only if they would pay the asking price and move the date of possession out to 9/30, thereby giving us an extra month to find a new house and move.

Our agent left us at about 9 p.m. with promises to call their realtor and tell him our offer. 30 minutes later he called back to tell us they had accepted.

And just like that, our house was sold, and for all the terms we wanted.

I kid you not, as soon as we hung up the phone, CJ grabbed my hands and we started jumping up and down in the middle of the hallway. Samson ran up to join in so we grabbed his paws and all 3 of us did our happy dance!

(Source)

What an amazing feeling to not only have sold our house but under conditions that we were comfortable with and no hassle what-so-ever. They could have come back and tried to haggle down the price, but they didn’t. They must really have fallen in love with our house, which makes this all the more sweet. We found out they are an engaged couple, getting married in a few weeks. Ours will be their first home as husband and wife and I am honored by that. After all, this was CJ and my first home together and it’s only fitting it should be handed off to someone in the same boat.

And I don’t have to make the bed ever again!

If you liked this, you might also like:

Staging

Showing It All

Officially Official and Other Stuff

10Jul2011

And I Didn’t Even Staple my Finger!

Posted in House and Home by teamtradermom

I channeled my inner Nate Berkus and worked on some home projects on Saturday! While CJ lent me a hand here and there, I’m happy to report that I did most of it by myself and it all turned out awesome!

The first project was the easiest. I simply changed out the hardware on our kitchen cabinets. The old handles were brass and well worn.

The new ones are brushed nickel and while the change is small and subtle, I think it really makes a big difference.

It updates it and adds that more modern look. I also put these new handles in my bathroom (we had already updated CJ’s when we redid his bathroom a couple years ago).

The next project was the most labor intensive of the two. I decided to reupholster our dining room chairs. The dining room set we have is over 100 years old and has been handed down over 3 generations. My great-grandparents bought it and then gave is to my grandparents. My grandma gave it to CJ and me when we bought our house 5 years ago.

We really love it but let’s face facts. After 100 years, things are bound to get beat up and worn. At some point I would like to have the whole set refinished and shore up but for now, we settled for changing out the maroonish fabric on the seats to something more modern, that matched better with our house.

Here are the before shots:

This whole project actually turned in to an archeological experiment. See, when we took the seats off the chair, we discovered that it had been reupholstered 4 times already! We had to remove at least one layer before putting the new one on so as to not have it be too thick. We decided that for one of the seats, we would pull all the layers off, just to see what the other fabrics looked like! It was really fun to see each new reveal!

Ok, so, the maroon fabric above is the first layer. Here’s what the second layer looked like:

(Psst, say “hi” to Samson laying in the background!)

Here’s a close-up:

While flowery is generally not my thing, I do think this is a very elegant pattern that matched the set nicely. I try to picture how it all looked and I bet it was very pretty.

The interesting thing about this one is how it looked on the back:

Pretty wild, eh?

Now here’s the 3rd layer!

(And now Samson’s asleep. Guess he wasn’t as excited by this project as we were!)

This one is even more elegant. You can also see how the fabric gets more worn and faded with each layer.

And now for the 4th, and last, layer!

(And Samson’s up again!)

This one is really faded. It’s hard to tell from the pic but it’s a green color with peachy/beige flowers. I think this was the original which means this fabric is over 100 years old. Wow! I think the 2nd layer is my favorite, which is odd given that it’s flowers. There’s just something about it that fits the set!

Here are all of them together:

Apparently my family likes green and maroon since they alternated green, maroon, green, maroon with each change. But now the Trader’s have to mix it up yo!

And the big reveal of the new look! We wanted something brighter and more neutral. A color that would play off our new tablecloth but still work in the new house should we decide to change color schemes. So we went with a silky gold fabric that has a watermark type design (which is hard to see in the pics).

Here’s how it looks with the table:

And here’s how the whole look comes together:

I’m super happy with how it all turned out. I really think it brightens up the room and, like the new cabinet pulls, modernizes it. Now here’s hoping it’s enough to sell the house!

If you liked this, you might also like:

Crazy Busy

Pack ‘em up Move ‘em Out!

Look out Martha!

20Jun2011

Staging

Posted in House and Home by teamtradermom

By now you probably know how competitive I am. I hate to lose. But more than that, I hate the thought that I might not be as good as someone else.

I know, it’s silly. No one person can be perfect at everything. We all have our strengths. Blah blah whatever.

Ever since putting our house on the market, I’ve been doubting my interior decorating skills. I thought that our house looked pretty good and was well decorated. Then our realtors came in and changed everything. Most of that was less about me and more about what would sell. Ok I get that and was able to not feel bad about changing things up.

But then the open houses started. Before each one, I would meticulously go around the house and make sure everything was in its place. I was just sure the realtors would love it. Yet every time when we come back after it was all done, they’d moved many items around. Don’t get me wrong – everything they move makes total sense. I look at it and think, “Well duh. That looks so much better.” Then get mad at myself for not thinking about it first.

Now it’s become a competition. With every open house, I implement what was changed the last time and adjust a few other things. And each time come back to find more adjustments. It’s getting less and less though. Yesterday, there were only a few things moved, so I’m getting better! My goal is to one day have an open house where they change nothing!

I’m actually learning a lot, like the fine art of grouping objects in just the right way. By the time this is all done, I will be a pro!

Welp, gotta run. The tornado sirens are going off and a storm is a comin’! Time to get everything buttoned up, grab the ~~alcohol~~ family , and head downstairs!

If you liked this, you might also like:

Showing it All

Posted in House and Home by teamtradermom

I was out of town Thursday night and Friday, attending a professional development day for an organization I belong to. When I returned home on Friday I was looking forward to spending some time with my family and then relaxing on the couch, catching up on shows.

The universe had other ideas.

I got a call around 7 p.m. from the realtor that someone was going to come by on Saturday at 2:15 to look at our house. Just like that my relaxing night was turned in to one of frantically trying to clean and get little projects done that would make a difference on how our house shows.

Saturday morning was the same way. Clean, clean, maintenance item, clean, paint, clean, straighten, and clean. Oh, with Isabella play time and eating thrown in the mix. And I think I showered somewhere in there. CJ was mowing the lawn and doing some other jobs as well. We finished up and left the house by 2. I breathed a sigh of relief as we pulled out of the driveway.

But at the same time, the nerves and doubts kicked in.

What if they don’t like it? What if they think it’s a dump? Did I straighten those books? Did we remember to open the blinds? What if they open the kennel and let Samson out and he bites someone and they sue us? Ok so that last one is pretty far fetched, and Samson’s not even aggressive, but still the thought came up.

It’s very personal to open your house up to strangers and trust that they will treat it with respect. You know that they are opening your cupboards and closets; poking around in your drawers. They may see my toiletries and clothes; glance at our leftovers and laundry. What will they think of us?

Will they track mud in? Will they scratch up the walls? Will they take something?

All of these thoughts were going through our heads as we awaited word from the realtor. When we got home Saturday night, there were subtle signs that someone had been there. A closet door was left open. Some lights were off that we had left on. It was weird.

Found out that the gal liked the house a lot, and many of the features, but ultimately wants a home with a living and family room, which we don’t have. So, it was good to hear some nice things and know that our house presents well. Tomorrow there is a realtor tour from 10-noon and then another showing at 5pm. Sunday is the open house. We have to constantly keep it clean and tidy, which is no small feat with a toddler! But it will all be worth it.

Hopefully soon. Now I must go – have to dust the living room and make sure all is in its place. The show must go on!

If you liked this, you might also like:

Crazy Busy

Op Dream Home Updates

Pack ‘Em Up Move ‘em Out

11May2011

The Neighborhood

Posted in House and Home by teamtradermom

Now that our house is on the market,

I’ve been thinking a lot about our neighborhood, and specifically our neighbors. We really do have good ones and have been lucky. Every neighborhood has that one house that is a black eye on an otherwise pretty face, and ours is no exception. With that in mind, and having recently read this post by Zadge about her crazy neighbor, I thought I would share with you some Tales from our Hood.

First of all, for the longest time we didn’t know the names of many neighbors. We had nicknames for them all. We still use those nicknames even though we know their real names now (or at least I do…CJ doesn’t because he’s nicer than me). I’ll use those nicknames here, to spare the innocent.

The first neighbors we met when we moved in were The Potheads. This is a couple with 2 kids – a boy and a girl. As we were unloading the truck, Mr. Pothead came over and greeted us. He was very nice but he chain smokes. So does the Mrs. She would flick her cigs in our yard as she was pulling out of the driveway. The kids were the kind that have no boundaries and would constantly be over in our yard, all up in our bidness. We called them the Potheads because we heard a story that they used to grow the stuff in their garage. Rumor has it they offered to make some “special” candles for the local elementary school craft sale. The school said thanks but no thanks. I don’t think they grow or smoke pot anymore and their kids are grown up now (both in high school) and have turned out fine. Despite our initial misgivings, they are a nice family and though we’ve never asked, would help us out in a pinch. I’ll remember that next time I need some candles.

The next neighbors to come in to our lives were Superman and his family. No, we don’t really live next to Clark Kent (though that would totally be awesome and suck at the same time) (awesome because we’d have a super hero next to us to keep us safe) (sucky because his house would be targeted a lot). We call him Superman because he has a huge Superman decal on the back of his truck. They have 3 boys. Or 4. I’m still not sure. They all look-alike and I can never keep track of them. At one time they had a chocolate lab who would hop our fence to come play with Samson, who didn’t waste any time showing him who was boss!

Superman and his wife are now divorced. She and the boys still live in that house, which turns out is her moms. I’ve never talked to Superman. He waved to me once when he was out playing catch with the boys (which is the only thing I’ve ever seen him do…never mowing the lawn or going to work or shoveling…just playing catch once in a while. Maybe that’s why they’re divorced). I’ve talked to his wife several times. She’s very sweet. The boys are good too, though wild at times. They used to ride their bikes across our lawn which bugged the bejeezusout of me. I almost accidentally ~~on purpose~~ backed over them one time when they zoomed behind my car. They don’t do it anymore.

Then there are the neighbors across the street and next door to us who are the nicest people ever. The ones next door are down home folk who seem to have walked straight off the ranch. He has a rusty old truck and wears cowboy boots and hats. She wears a straw hat, is always tan and says things like “warsh”. They seem to have a constant stream of people staying with them too. For a while it was their son (who’s in the army), daughter-in-law and their kids. Then it was a niece. Then her dad. Then their son again. Right now it’s just the 2 of them and I think it’s driving them a little batty.

The other super nice couple has a son who is graduating from high school this year. We’re going to his party on Sunday. They have baby-sat Isabella for us several times, which is so sweet of them. They just love her. They have a dog who loves/hates Samson. He runs to the window and barks every time he sees The Big Dude outside. But when they try to bring him over to play, he cowers and just rolls over as if to say, “Dude, I know you’re bigger, stronger and more tenacious than me. Let’s cut to the chase. Here, sniff my butt while I die of humiliation.”

Behind us is Red and his wife. Never did find out their real names. They are super gardeners though. Half of their yard is a garden, with cucumbers in back, along our fence. Some of them end up growing through the fence and in to our yard. Samson likes to pick them off and have a nice snack every once in a while. Then he goes over and pees on the rhubarb. Guess he’s not a fan.

Finally, there is the neighborhood Font, as in font of information. You know, the one person on the street who knows everything that is going on. The person who hears all the stories and is the go-to-one-stop-shop for information. She’s the one who told me about Girl with Hands in Pants. Remember how I mentioned the house on the street that is an eye sore? Well that’s where GWHIP lived. They were living there when we moved in. They don’t live there anymore. That house is a rental and they were weird people. The kids ran wild and were a bad influence on the other neighborhoods rugrats. GWHIP was the oldest (probably about 14 then) and was big – tall and, um, stout. She had blonde hair that was always dirty. I kind of felt bad for them. Anyway, the Font has 2 boys. They are grown but still live at home. I guess GWHIP had a crush on one or both and would walk slowly in front of their house, hoping to see them through the windows. One night, they looked out to see her standing on their sidewalk, with her hand down the front of her pants, staring in the windows (hence the name). The Font ran outside and told the girl to go home. The family moved away eventually and their house was left vacant. The landlord even abandoned it. It was truly falling apart until a couple bought it just a few months ago (for a steal) and started working on it.

That’s about it for the neighbors we really know. There are some others that we’ve met over the years – Man with German Shepherd, The Walker, Daycare Lady, Motorcycle Dude, Fergus Dog Guy and so on. But the ones above are the neighbors who we’ve known the most. I’m sure we’ll meet all kinds of new and interesting people in the new house. I’ll miss the ones we have now. The way the world works, we’ll probably never see them again, which is sad. But who knows, maybe GWHIP will turn out to be Isabella’s high school teacher one day.

Lord help me if that day comes.

If you liked this, you might also like:

Op Dream Home Updates

Ghostly Grass

The Island