I am writing this in New Zealand where I am on a study trip, but I've been able to see the presentation of the house online. More of that later.
So, where do I begin.
With the visit to the mortgage broker on Wednesday.
This broker was recommended to us by friends who were able to secure a loan through him. He understands my situation as a minister in the PCV and the quirks of our stipend / allowance and how that affects a home loan application. By the end of our time there, it seemed that it would be possible for us to borrow an amount of money which seems horrendously large, but may not be enough to buy anything in the areas we would be keen to start in. Still, it does mean we might be able to get something. So the search continues in earnest.
On Thursday we had an appointment with the real estate agents and the photographer. This meant that Wednesday night was not a peaceful night as we were determined to make the house as presentable as it could be while we were still living in it. Of course, when I say "we", the reality is that Anne did most of the work. We all chipped in a bit, but Anne did the bulk of the work. Special mention to Tom who did a great job cleaning his room and study area.
Thursday morning was busy with a final clean up before they arrived. I confess my tension levels were rising with each moment. Here I share a note of frustration. The people who came to visit us are not the ones responsible for our current state, but they are the only ones we get to talk to. I would love the chance to talk with the owner just to ask why he is selling the house. It might help me to understand what's happening. . . And it might not.
Anyway, as we met, they began talking about the 'open for inspection' times, and it became apparent that this was going to happen quickly. In fact, very quickly. The plan was to have it open on the following Thursday afternoon, and then Saturday & Sunday mornings. Then came the classic comment.
One of the agents must have picked up that I had some concerns about these times and he asked, "Is that inconvenent for you?" He asked it with care and, I believe, genuine concern to work with us. But all I could see in my mind was the shed full of packing boxes, our lives turned upside down, and the search for a house. "Inconvenient!?!?! This whole thing is inconvenient!"
Anne took over the conversation from there. Just one of the many reasons I love her.
So, while I'm in New Zealand on a study week which was organised and committed to well before we heard anything about selling the house, our home will be opened three times. (On reflection, that might be a good thing. God is good.)
I should add that they did agree to move the Sunday inspection to the afternoon. This means the family can get home from church and take the pets away before people come in.
That was Thursday.
On Friday I spoke with a bank, and we're waiting to hear back from him. Again, my trip to NZ is at an awkward time.
On Saturday, Daniel and I went to look at a few houses, one of which I saw the week before. Daniel pointed out that the wet rooms of the house would need a lot of work, which I kinda knew, but it would be very expensive. That would mean we use all our money, and maybe more, to end up with a house that is too small anyway.
Today, Tuesday August 19, I received a note that the sign had gone up in front of the house. It describes the home as "Ultimate Family Lifestyle"! Maybe they put those words on the wrong sign. Maybe they don't remember that the roof leaks just outside the back door. And maybe I should accept that real estate agents use language in different ways.
Here is the link: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bayswater+north-117712507
There are two phrases in this description that I want to quote. It is an absolute pleasure to present this immaculate home . . . and Inspection is sure to impress. The truth of these phrases stands as a testament to Anne and the work she has done in the garden, and her amazing efforts to make the place look better than when we arrived.
So, if you want to buy a house in Bayswater, here's one to consider.
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