It looks like we will be out of a job
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
United States
January 19, 2016 6:32am CST
I know, what am I talking about? We've been retired for 15 years. You're right, we don't have a job to be out of!
For the last eight months or so we have been helping friends from New York find the perfect house in 'my neck of the woods'. They wanted to be sure to get some honest feedback on homes.
Since they are more than 800 miles away they didn't want to drive down here to tour a house that was too small or not up to their standards. So my husband and I did a lot of the preliminary work so to speak and eliminated the homes that we knew were not the right fit.
They came down late Friday and toured three homes on Saturday. One is a flip and is not finished which works to their benefit. If they buy it they can have the kind of flooring they want, pick paint colors and many other things. It is a about 3,800 square feet so there is a lot of painting to be done!
They stopped over Sunday morning and we discussed the house and next thing we knew we all headed over to see it. They wanted one more look before they left for home. We knew by the way they talked that it was 'the one'.....
Yesterday morning we were the first to find out that yes they are moving forward to buy that home. Of course this is still early in the process and so far they lost one for not moving fast enough and then they discounted another one after it failed the home inspection miserably.
We are keeping our fingers crossed that this will put make us out of a job. I love house hunting so I enjoyed it and I know that by giving them our thoughts we saved them time and, therefore, money.
Photo: pixabay.com/en/painter-delete-work-fig-1116746/
34 people like this
32 responses
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
@jaboUK Flipping houses is very popular in the US. There are even shows on TV that are devoted to it.
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
The person bought a house that had a fire 4 years ago - the house sat empty and unsalable all that time. She he got it most likely at a cheap price. He didn't buy it to live in, but to fix it up and sell it for profit.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill Thanks for the explanation, I've never heard it called that before.
3 people like this
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
19 Jan 16
Wow that is a big house. When I hear that, all I think is of how much dusting, and vacuuming and cleaning will need to be done! I hope they hire a good maid for the job! I downsized for less to clean and I still ponder getting a maid in once a week for the deep cleaning. I looked in to the price and I was surprised to see how affordable maids are. Still, I have not had a maid since I was a child, and I much prefer to do it myself. It doesn't matter though, if it is the one it is the one. When I saw this house I just KNEW it, and that is that.
4 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
They won't have carpeting so that's one less thing. The kids help with the chores I would imagine. We downsized from 3,000 to 2,300 and I we are thinking of hiring someone to come in 3-4 times a year to do heavy duty stuff (windows, etc.)
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
@BethieAnnie You need a landscape guy and a house cleaning person - There are few jack of all trades in this day and age - they specialize!
1 person likes this
@BethieAnnie (818)
• Dayton, Ohio
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill That is an idea. I don't really need someone accept to help with the heavy lifting and deep cleaning. I could just do what you do. I will have to hire someone in the spring. I need a jack of all trades to help me with my yard. The woman who lived here before me kept immaculate gardens. There are so many types of flowers it is shocking. I am afraid I do not do the woman who lived here justice, because I don't know how to garden. I think I had better learn, because I don't want her years and years of hard work to go to waste. That means I need a jack of all trades who gets flowers... lol. Now, where to look is the question.
4 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (40061)
• Toccoa, Georgia
19 Jan 16
That is great that you were able to help them find the perfect home and that you had fun doing it.
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
It was fun and it kept me out of trouble!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@Marilynda1225 I've been watching that one since the little girl was a baby! She just had another baby and she hardly showed!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
You buy a house cheap, not to live in but to fix and sell, it's called flipping.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (91169)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill some of my favorite tv shows are house flips. Have you ever seen Flip or Flop?
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
19 Jan 16
I hope this one works out, I am glad they have been careful with inspections and such!
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
This house has been almost completely redone - the fire was upstairs but due to water damage most of the Sheetrock in the main level had to be replaced also. When the construction buys get done this house won't have a problem passing inspection.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@Jessicalynnt Definitely since most the 'innards' have been exposed.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
20 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill plus since it was redone I would feel better that hidden problems in the walls might all be found
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
We all, including realtor, will have crossed fingers until the day it closes.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169585)
• United States
19 Jan 16
You are a good friend and I am sure they appreciate all the hard work you have put into finding a suitable home, and also they appreciate the time, energy and money they have saved.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
LOL, well said ! ! They do bring us New York bagels every time they come down!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
They had a realtor, but they knew we would tell them things the realtor wouldn't
1 person likes this
@kevin1877uk (36987)
•
19 Jan 16
You'll have to find someone else who needs a house and go viewing others
1 person likes this
@kevin1877uk (36987)
•
20 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill Oh, do you, you seem to like it, well thats what I got from you.
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
My husband wants to take a break from house hunting for a while.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@kevin1877uk I like it but we won't just do that for anyone!
@inertia4 (27978)
• United States
21 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill Ah, Staten Island. I know that well. I am in Brooklyn. Right over the bridge. I even thought about moving to Staten Island. But I don't know yet.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
22 Jan 16
@inertia4 He is a realtor in SI so if you need a house he's your guy LOL!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
This couple is from your neck of the wood - well, a different boro SI
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502812)
• Italy
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill 3,800 square feet is a big house, a lot of cleaning.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
@LadyDuck It sure is but that's the size they need.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
Thanks - we all hope this is the one! It is big enough - 5 bedrooms plus two bonus rooms, but a very small kitchen - a man must have designed it.
2 people like this
@sallypup (69229)
• Centralia, Washington
19 Jan 16
You're a good person to help your friends out. We're thinking about moving a state away. This summer we might spend a few days there cause it is challenging to look at houses from the computer. I look and wonder what the neighborhood is like etc.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
We did that when we lived in NJ and started house hunting down here. We spent 2 1/2 days and looked at 30 homes. I had a list of homes I wanted to see and the realtor decided I needed to look at a lot more! I always use BING maps on satellite view - you can get an idea of how close the other homes are, etc.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
@sallypup I wouldn't buy a house that had been flooded w/o a really good inspection - it could have mold.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (69229)
• Centralia, Washington
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill Thanks for the tip. One house said it had been flooded and yet it was listed at around 150 thou!!
1 person likes this
because you don't have the worry.@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
I don't have to spend the money, they do LOL!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@JudyEv Funny thing is neighbors on both sides of that house have have them for sale. that's a little red flag to me.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382542)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill Exactly. No worries about leaks (unless they're obvious) or are the neighbours nice, blah blah.
@jstory07 (148771)
• Roseburg, Oregon
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill I hate moving . I have been in my house for over twenty years.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
We have bought and sold four homes in the last 15 years, so we have done our fair share of house hunting and I enjoy it - I love moving too. So helping them filled my need to house hunt.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
21 Jan 16
@jstory07 The longest we've lived in a house is 5 years.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58679)
• Delhi, India
20 Jan 16
It is always good to help your friends to find a house, specially when you are more experienced and knowledgeable. It seems that it was like an adventure for you to run around and look for a house for them. They would be grateful for your support and help.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
They are very grateful and now if someone else needs help I know of a lot of great homes that are for sale.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
Houses are flying off the shelves here. The market is good
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (148771)
• Roseburg, Oregon
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill We are putting ours up for sale next year.
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@ivyparkgirl - It wasn't a few years ago but right now it's really good.
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
19 Jan 16
It is a very good thing you like what you're doing. Are you getting paid for it?
1 person likes this
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
19 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill That's great! So you just like doing this for your friends. Thats so sweet!
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
19 Jan 16
@cherriefic Yes, that's how much I knew they would love it down here if they found the right home in the right area.
1 person likes this
@softbabe44 (5815)
• Vancouver, Washington
19 Jan 16
You did a great thing in helping your friends.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
When this started and they asked for help I was a little surprised but glad to do it.
1 person likes this
@softbabe44 (5815)
• Vancouver, Washington
21 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill That's reaching out you stepped up.
@Marilynda1225 (91169)
• United States
20 Jan 16
Hope your friends are able to close the deal on this house and it will be nice having them living closer to you. When I bought my house it was new and it was fun picking out flooring, cabinets etc.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
20 Jan 16
They have to remember everything they pick has a $ attached to it. The owner of the slip already has the flooring so they can't the color hardwood, but it's a good color.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91169)
• United States
20 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill everything has a price tag doesn't it when picking out upgrades
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
21 Jan 16
I hope everything goes well for them. It was very nice of you to do all that work for them.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
21 Jan 16
The funny thing is I've known him only from an online writing site, we 'met' in 08 but this is the first time we met in person!
1 person likes this
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
23 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill Wow, than that was very nice of you to go to all that trouble for him
