Chapter One: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - for home buyers. Low interest rates, lots of houses to choose from, yet fear paralyzed multitudes of would-be homeowners. Dire warnings from the media, old folks' tales about how much better things used to be, contributed to dark days.
There came a day when a brave and wise young couple decided to go for it and get a home of their own. Their little girl needed a yard to play in, and they wanted a place they could make a home and build memories for the next decade or three. Wise beyond their years, they knew they could only afford to buy a place that would qualify as a 'fixer'. And they wanted their new home to be in Arvada* - close to family.
Their decision made and with firm resolve we set about the task of finding the right place in the right neighborhood - one which needed the right amount of work, and which would not turn out to be the dreaded 'money pit'.
Chapter Two: The tale of each and every home tour need not to be told - grim and sometimes frightening as it was. Our story starts on a particular day when there were only two homes remaining to be seen. One was advertised as needing, 'minor cosmetics', and the other announced, 'not for the faint of heart - major work needed'.
Our youthful and innocent couple looked excited when I pulled up in front of the first house - their little girl played at her mom's feet as she said, "I love this neighborhood - I jog through here every morning." Unfortunately, as soon as the door creaked open, the smell that hit us in the face meant the daughter would be carried through the house and not allowed to wander at all. Not a word was spoken as four sets of eyes grew wider with every room we entered. Even so, I think the place was still a contender until we saw the garage.
At first, it seemed OK - but then the big door rumbled open and allowed enough light to see that the concrete had cracked diagonally across the full floor and the far corner dipped precariously into a three-foot void. Holding even more tightly to his little girl, the disappointed father said, "I don't think this is 'cosmetic work'."
After locking up, I met them standing next to their car. They were in the midst of a discussion about whether they should even bother looking at the next home - the one that warned, 'be prepared to bring your tools'. He still wanted to see it - how bad could it be, he reasoned. She, however, was done for the day. But he won out - she could stay in the car if she wanted and he'd be quick.
Chapter Three: As we pulled up - I could tell hope was rising again. This home was bigger than anything we'd seen so far for the price. Newer, too. And the neighboring yards and homes appeared well cared for. Off the main street, in a cul-de-sac - so many good things already. They steeled their resolve and in we went.
Hmmm ... front room needs carpet. Kitchen cabinets are OK. Appliances are all missing and one window is cracked. We move on, thinking there must be something awful for the agent to have written what he did - where will we find it?
Upstairs - dated and dirty carpet, ugly bathrooms, thermostat missing and wires left hanging out of the wall. Still, no horrible smells, no sign of disaster. Maybe the basement will reveal the problem.
Another hmmm ... we can't find any major issues. Aha! We haven't seen the garage yet - dunh, dunh, dunh!!
The garage door rolls up at the touch of a button ... and ... nothing! We wander through the house again, can't figure what all the warnings were about. We split up, comb through every room and check out the yard.
Our young couple made up their minds quickly - "We want this house!" We wrote the offer, it was accepted.
Of course, there were other issues revealed at inspection - a couple were pretty major. We were able to get some financial remuneration from the bank that owned the house and on we went to closing.
Chapter Four: Now, the house gets prettier by the day, and I can't wait to see how the family will decorate for their first Christmas in their new home. And even to this day, I wonder, "What was that agent thinking?" Maybe he doesn't get out and look at many homes. Then again, since he's an REO agent, he may not have ever seen this one at all.
That's my story! It's based on actual events, although some details were changed or it would have really dragged on.
When you're ready to write your own home-buying or selling story, I'd love to help you. Every one is a unique adventure, and you deserve a real estate agent who will lavish you with time, skill, and understanding.
I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the 'flavor' of our community, in case they're new or moving to the Denver area.
I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly suburbs northwest of Denver.
Read more about Olde Town Arvada.
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