Oh, Happy Days!
It’s been five years since Larry died, and I began a new life of living alone, with my two dogs, in a house filled with acquisitions, large and small, and lots of family memories. I am not a hoarder, but it’s amazing just how much we accumulated over our more than 40 years together.
A year later Mom died. I had to consolidate the material possessions of our two homes, into one. It took a year for me to move into “Mom’s” house, trying to make it my own. I added two new air-conditioners, 2 new roofs, front shingles, a new water softener/conditioner, and an interior and exterior paint job, among other enhancements. Still, I referred to this house as “my mom’s.” Once settled in, I was proud, happy and content living here, and was going to “forever.” That was until 2 weeks ago.
Everyone knows, and expects, that Las Vegas will be hot in the summer. With temperatures hitting highs of 117 °, I thought it would be a great idea to get a hot tub/spa, and fix up my patio area with some new landscaping. I’d be able to sit outside and be cool and relaxed. I’d really enjoy using it throughout the year, day and/or night. What a perfect time to add it…or so I thought.
I began looking at various spas, and actually had selected one. A representative came to inspect my patio and did some measurements. An electrician was sent to determine if my current power was adequate to support the tub. Of course, as my home was built in 1976, I was using its full electrical capacity. Additionally, I didn’t have a 220 line. So…in addition to the spa purchase and having to add a new foundation, I was also looking at having to run an additional electrical line from the curb, through the garage, and into the back patio area. Oh yes, I’d also have to add a new electrical box. It was becoming a more expensive deal than I had anticipated, and wondered whether or not it was worth it. A call to my son didn’t result in the comfort I was seeking. Instead of saying, “Bite the bullet, and just go for it,” which I think I really wanted him to say, he sent me in a completely different direction, and sent my comfortable world into a tailspin. He even added that all my new enhancements might not significantly raise the value of the house.
Just for “giggles,” instead of going to the bank to inquire about a home equity line of credit, to pay for my spa, etc., and gain tax deductions, Jeff suggested that I also see how much of a mortgage I’d qualify for. His reasoning: I’d be able to get what I want, and move closer to him and his family…something he’s wanted and pushed for, for the last five years, and I’d gain an even larger tax deduction. Yes, I understand that I’m getting older and live alone. Yes, I’m “far” from him (just 40 minutes) in case of an emergency. But, at this point, that is really something I was not entertaining. Surprise, surprise! As I am still working, I qualified for a mortgage that could satisfy us both. And so, the journey began.
Just for “giggles,” I was put in touch with a real estate agent, and quickly explained my lack of enthusiasm for buying, but interest in seeing what was available. Days of looking at a million houses, and only finding a couple I could be happy in, ended in my saying that they were still too far from Jeff. I really didn’t want to move, just for the sake of moving into a new house. If I were to move, it had to be close to Jeff, or I was staying put. And, then it happened.
A five-year-old house came on the market, just three-tenths of a mile away from Jeff’s…down two blocks and around the corner…actually, within walking distance. However, the street name, Thames View, seems a misnomer. The Thames, a river in England, has wonderful views. While the views here are good, (the mountains straight ahead, (walking distance!) and by turning your head, the Las Vegas Strip, (walking distance!), the closest thing to a river is the wash, which thankfully is dry, and can’t be build on, (walking distance!). With the west-facing patio, amazing sunsets are probable! (walking distance!) His desires, his arguments, were supported by so many selling points.
Needless to say, Jeff and Rhonda loved the house, the view, and the fact that it was within walking distance. I still wasn’t as sure. It had no spa…the reason this whole search started. Although the house, only one -story, another plus, has more square footage than my two-story, the kids’ bedrooms would be smaller. Yes, they only stay on weekends, so it really doesn’t matter. Yes, the great room, kitchen, and my bedroom have wonderful views. Yes, even I can walk to Jeff’s. But then, I didn’t like the carpet in the master bedroom…or in the kids’ rooms, for that matter. “Minor. Changeable.” I was told. The ten foot high ceilings would really make it impossible for me to change light bulbs…but then, I had Jeff doing that anyway. It would be more difficult for him, not me. Still, it had lots of potential. Their argument: “We want you here, near us!”
After viewings of several more houses, and three trips to the Thames View house, Jeff and Rhonda’s enthusiastic arguments, and appeals, were hitting me hard. Even the grands chimed in. They wanted me closer, and would say and do anything to get me to move there. We’d all be giving up an hour-and-a-half travel time to visit each other. My heart began to melt, and my senses told me that it would be a smart move. It will be a royal pain to pack and move again. But, once there, closer to my family, (walking distance!), I will be happy and secure knowing that help, if needed, is literally just around the corner.
Finally, after much discussion and soul searching, I decided to purchase the almost perfect Thames View house. Jeff was so excited when I told him. At lunch with my cousins, he was so enthusiastic when telling them about my planned move. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that they are sincere, and really want me close by. I have ten days to back out of the deal, without penalty, but doubt that I will do that. I have an inspection scheduled for tomorrow and an appraisal from the bank. Those could be deal breakers, but I doubt that I have anything to worry about. The comps for the house indicate that I’ll be paying $10,000 under the latest value. Even that’s not bad.
As each day passes, I’m getting more excited and nervous. Jeff is thrilled, and can’t wait. He’s offered his and everyone’s help. School starts in a week-and-a half. The sale should be completed around Labor Day. Then, the fun begins. Lots of unknowns, but one thing is for sure…I will be getting a hot tub/spa, and living two blocks down and around the corner from Jeff and his family, in my new 2,415 sq. ft, 3-4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house. Oh, happy days!
Update: The inspector came and checked out the house. It’s in exceptional condition. Couldn’t find one thing wrong with it. He was surprised, but happy for me. While he was there, Jeff, Jourdan and I measured the rooms. I have finally planned out Carter’s and Jourdan’s. Today, I finished the rest. Looking good on paper. I hope it looks as good in real life.
Update: 3/28/16
I owned the Thames View house in September, but it took me until two days before Christmas to make the actual move. I had the interior painted and the carpeting replaced. The movers came to Mom’s house and packed for two days. A day later, they loaded everything into two huge trucks. Upon arrival at Thames View, most of the furniture was placed in the appropriate rooms, but the boxes were another issue. If I instantly recognized the contents, they went where they belonged. However, most of the boxes, over a hundred of them, ended up in the garage. Christmas vacation was spent trying to get semi-organized. Everyone was helping, but the nightmare would not go away. It is almost four months later, and I still have not completed the job. After working vigorously for days, Rhonda, Jeff and I were able to get one car into the still packed garage. I gave away, donated and discarded so many things, but still there is much to be done. The nightmare continues, but has to be placed on hold. Surgery trumped unpacking!
