When It Hits Home..... 

Boy meets house.

Boy buys house.

Boy gets a good deal.

Yet, as with anything truly ironic, boy lacks the capacity to fix things.  Boy's mechanical fortitude is akin to spitting into the wind, shooting pool with a rope.

Boy clogs sink.

Boy tries Drano.

Boy sees no results.

I dialed the digits of one of my best friends from High-School, who is a plumber.  He gave me the down low on how to solve the problem, without a Professional Solution.

Boy plunges until he is involved in a deep sweat.

Boy pours boiling water down the drain.

Boy still sees clogged sink.

It's time for the Gel, the Drano Gel.  My father recommended it, and it was echoed by various other sources that were asked.  I did the deed, enforced the Gel, and gave it more than the time allotted to do the trick.  The Gel didn't do the trick, time for Plan C....Bring Out The Snake!

Boy utilizes Snake.

Boy feels Snake not slithering enough.

Boy loses faith in humanity and his own ability to solve a Plumbing Issue.

There is one last shot, I get Crystals from a Plumbing Retail Outlet for Emergency purposes.  This would be an emergency, I haven't had a functioning sink for a week since the manure hit the fan with it.  Bob Villa would be vastly under-impressed with my ability to repair anything that went wrong with a home.  To Bob Villa I say, "Villa La Sardi."  Or in laymen's terms, we'll see what happens.

Boy follows directions

Boy uses crystals.

Boy finds that sink is still clogged, operation stagnant!

The point of all this is simple.  Buying a home is a grand way to be on your way to a better financial life.  However, it is vital you have what us in the Real Estate Industry call (Reserves) just in case.  In case something goes wrong and you can't fix it, in case something is missing and you can't replace it, if you have no money in the bank...that's an issue after closing I hope WE prepared you for.  Home-ownership is a priviledge and stauch reality, it's an investment in the roof over your head.  Utilize it wisely and make sure the parties around you are looking out for your best interests both now and down the road.  As far me goes...I'm going to call one of these guys.....

 

53 Comments on The Joys of Homeownership

NOV
08
2007
652,019 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Sardi - I am so un-handy that it is ridiculous.  My wife is the fixit person at our house.  I would have called a plumber immediately.  Kudos to you for making an effort.
10:58pm • #1
1 Featured Post Hit Router
I am so sad that I can relate and nod along to this story.  Good luck!!
11:04pm • #2
343,204 Points Outside Blog
Boy calls plumber. Plumber comes and boy gets a big bill. Cute post.
11:04pm • #3
6 Featured Posts
Jason, Great advice. Many home owners don't think past closing day. Reserves are definitely a must!
11:07pm • #4
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Crouch - I'm one stubborn guy you know...and when the Plumber comes, I'll watch and hopefully learn so this stuff will never go on again.

Dawn -  Dawn, I need to Work....man!

Bob & Carolin - Big Bills = Money In The Bank.....and that was my whole point.

11:11pm • #5
595,385 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Great!  I was hoping you'd get to the plumber punchline....what's worse than not having reserves is trying to do it on your own and hurting something....I just shelled out 6k for my leak and new bath/plumbing.
11:12pm • #7
108,954 Points 8 Featured Posts

Boy doesn't listen to Engineer Girl. Engineer Girl trumps lowly plumberboy any day. Boy pays price.

 (three weeks and counting...)

11:26pm • #8
2 Featured Posts

Jason,

Great story!!!   Every home purchase should come with a plumber, electrician, and a gardener.  I can keep dreaming of that fantasy.  Did you get the sink fixed? 

11:32pm • #9
14 Featured Posts
I'm just laughing here, hope you get your plumbing fixed.  This is like G rated, right?  ; -)
11:57pm • #10
NOV
09
2007
Don't ever waste your $$ on Drano again, it can cause more damage than good and very seldom works.  Good point, to always have money in reserve, you never know when something could break down. If you haven't got it unclogged yet, try getting under the sink and and take the trap apart. Real easy, just unscrew it and see if it is full of something and rinse it out and put it back together. If that's not it you have problems much further down the line. Time to call Mr. Plumber. LOL
12:04am • #11
4 Featured Posts
Plumbing and Electric are 2 things I stay away from with a 10 foot pole.  I have never had any luck in these two fix it categories.  Great Post.
12:29am • #12
236,750 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Jason, Great post. We often forget what hard work it can be to upkeep a home. I always like to try things myself and last night I had my bathroom sink plumbing all tore apart. But today it is back together :)
12:29am • #13
162,364 Points Outside Blog
I love this! Why can't things just fix themselves? You could just look in on the sink from time to time to see how it was going and let it sort itself out.
12:56am • #14
231,333 Points 64 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You STILL have that clog?!  OMG.  I don't even want to know what you did with your sink.

I hire out for stuff I can't do.  I'm not messing with gas, so Mr. Harrah will be installing fabulous new gas logs for me this afternoon.  I still have my new light fixtures sitting in the boxes though ... Gotta make myself do that. 

3:28am • #15
121,461 Points 4 Featured Posts
Everyone who has ever owned a home can relate to this post.  Brings a smile to my face.  Sometimes you just get caught with no reserves - it's major bummer when it happens!
4:53am • #16
1 Featured Post

Boy sees blog

Boy read blog

Boy laughs

Well written on the 'other' side of home ownership.  Three months after buying our first house (it was a while ago) we found out that the previous owner closed off all vents and caulked all openings to our attic.  There was NO circulation and the roof was completely rotted.  Welcome to home ownership.

5:05am • #17
167,280 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jason, I know how you feel.  That is why I always keep a copy of the yellow pages handy..:-)
5:29am • #18
567,797 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Jason, try one more thing. Pour a cup or 2 of baking soda down the drain, then add vinegar ( any kind ). Then add boiling water. If it is something biodegradable it should start to bubble up. Sometimes I do it twice but so far it always has worked. It doesn't hurt the drain field either.

Oh yea, reserves are good !!

5:41am • #19
4 Featured Posts

Jason,

You need a Women to come over and Fix it for you... I would help but i'm too far away.

Tom Weiss

5:53am • #20
408,296 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason,

I remember in 2005 when we decided to sell our home and buy a bigger one with a pool. I had to close on the new one first and I was then holding 4 mortgages. I hoped that my calculated risk paid off and within 40 days the other home was sold and the 3 mortgages were paid off. I was in tears telling my wife that I hope I didn't screw this one up. On top of everything...the hurricane hit 2 days after we closed. Thankfully we had enough reserves and it all worked out.

6:22am • #21
197,227 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

You do need to look into the future a bit when you buy a home.  You always need to ask the questions: "What if......?  Can I afford to fix it when it does happen?"

Did you ever get your plumbing fixed?

6:27am • #22
369,686 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Girl buys house, girl dates boy, girl accidentally drops diamond earrings in the sink.

Girl calls boy to fix it.

Boy takes the trap off under the sink, retrieves the earrings and cleans out the full-of-her-hair, gunked up trap. *bonus*

The next day girl is taking off make up, removes earrings lays them beside the sink.  Grabs for washcloth with eyes closed.  Earrings go down drain, again.

Girl calls boy.

Jason, you just need a boyfriend.

6:38am • #23
182,231 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Does the boy own the Homeowners How-To manual?   Guess we all go through these difficulties as the years pass.  Of course money is not always the fix because good help is hard to find when needed. Recall I put the coat hanger right through the pipe elbow years ago.. Low budget homeowners quickly discover the cure all = Duct Tape.... LOL
6:38am • #24
408,296 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Also I redid the bathroom and I am an expert with clog's!
6:47am • #25
I'm with you Jason.  I don't know much about how to fix a lot of things, but I sure as heck will give it a try before giving in!  I figure if I'm going to have to pay somebody a lot of money to fix something, then by golly they are going to have to fix something that I messed up!!
6:55am • #26
278,642 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Boy: one of my best friends in LA was a Rooter guy and I even went on a few jobs with him...long story.  Suffice to say that I know a lot about snakes and it is an art.  He could snake two and three story apartments and made it look easy.  He also said NEVER use draino.  It's all in the touch:)
7:37am • #27
7 Featured Posts

Jason,

I'm sooooo glad that I'm handy. These types of issues don't usually cause me big trouble, but I can see your point. I have clients who have spent every penny they have to get into a house and then don't have the cash when even something as small as a clogged sink pops up.

I hope yours gets cleared soon enough.

7:41am • #28
133,932 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, just wait till you have kids. You've never seen clogs until you've seen what kids will put in a drain, or flush down the toilet...

7:41am • #29
108,954 Points 8 Featured Posts
Kids! Jason, that's a great idea!!! tick tick tick.....
9:08am • #30
3 Featured Posts
Jason, I am with Sandra.  Her and I will be enjoying cocktail as your are trying to figure out your plumbing issues.  When you are done thinking about it.  Lock the bathroom door and use the other sink.  Instead of a 3 bed 2 bath now you have a 3 bed 1 bath!  No sweat!  Bartender pour Jason, Sandra and I another! 
11:50am • #31
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sis - That was my ultimate fear, that I'd make things worse.  About your leak, 6K.....ouch!

Jennifer - And what exactly was didn't I listen too?  I thought I tried everything.  Get a flight out here and solve my dilemma:-)

Harold - Should be momentarily, let's hope:-)  I have a feeling the plumbing bill will cost an arm and the deed to the house.

Tracey - I don't get much more G-Rated than this.

Christopher - I think you are dead on with your synopsis of Drano!

Gary - Ditto to that.  I also stay away from Carpentry, Cars, Landscaping, etc.  But hey, I can cook and clean:-)

Jo - Good for you!!!

Todd & Danielle - At one point, I was hoping just for that:-)

Sarah - Tsk on my sink!

Kate - The Comedy of Homeownership = Household Drama + Time.

Martin - And what a joy it can be!

Matt - That's the most useful tool I own.

Missy - I will try that.....if it works, I will owe you Big-Time!

Tom - Are you insinuating that you are a woman, perhaps I read that wrong:-))  Come on man, book a flight!

Neal - Now that is truly tragic circumstances, glad things did work out.

Brigita - I am going to try to follow Missy's advice and if it doesn't work, I'm dialing a plumber.

Chris - I know, I'm still working on Weiss:-)

Dan - Duct tape does Rock!

Neal - Allentown needs a man like you......Do you need my address?

David & Kristin - My guess is that they will earn their money.

Diane - Apparently, I have no touch at all.

Trevino - You and me both amigo.

Kelly - Sardi having kids?  Now that's a concept.

Jennifer - tock, tock, tock....

Sandra - I'm more of a Gin guy myself.

11:53am • #32
108,954 Points 8 Featured Posts
Celebrating Sandra's new haircolor!!! 
1:04pm • #35
Jason, Have you had any unwelcome company over lately or have you disapointed anyone at your house lately? I'm thinking upper-decker in the sink and no I don't think Drano will help that. Instead of a sink think of it as a small pond :)
1:36pm • #36
182,231 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Pink  ...   Guess you are entering the punk rock stage of middle age!!!!  
4:50pm • #37
NOV
10
2007

Jason, You could rename this post SEE SARDI SNAKE. I was going to use another "S" word but you're a class act and even without it you'd appreciate the humor.

I once took a buyer to a rehab and I asked him if he was handy. He replied, "I can fix anything." Wow, I was impressed. I asked if he had a lot of tools. "Only one," he replied and retrieved his American Express card from his wallet. We both howled. I'm off to check out your other post about Active Rain and fun.

Blogger To Be Named Later
12:40am • #38
479,919 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason...   such a small world. I just noticed this post and it was done prior to the one that I did the other day. Both talking about reserves. Great minds thinking a like?  Anyhooo.... have fun with your snakes, crystals, and anything else that could be useful.  PS>.. did you ever think about taking the pipe apart below?  But that would usually require a French wrench.  Good luck and keep us posted of your sink.  ;o)

 

jeff belonger

 

7:18am • #39
359,350 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Jason, we fortunately live in a condo, where the maintenance guy is just an easy call away and charges very reasonable prices.  We have him do all sorts of things around the house.

Regarding reserves, I always tell my clients that they'll need a few thousand $$s lying around ready to be used shortly after moving in to the new house for things like minor repairs, painting, carpet, cleaning, etc.

12:01pm • #40
NOV
12
2007
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Andrew - Now that is funny!

Jeff - Way ahead of you bub, plastic tubing though.  French Wrench?:-) 

Brian - Condo's do have their perks.  Reserves are so key for a plethora of reasons.

Carney - That's the only tool I seem to know how to use properly.

8:46am • #42
Jason-Great post about plumbing.  I give you kudos for sticking it out so long!  I would have called the plumber after the plunging didn't work. 
5:30pm • #43
259,431 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jason- this is pretty funny.... hope you got it fixed now :)
11:13pm • #44
NOV
13
2007
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Christi -  Lol, I'm a pretty stubborn cat at times-)

Kathy - Almost there........

10:05am • #45
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, even though we are mortgage guys, the real lesson should be "don't do it yourself." I can't believe all these Realtor-types not realizing that when they rail against FSBOs, they are just as guilty of having the same mentality.

Everybody needs this experience. Experience is the best teacher. I think it wasn't a matter of reserves so much as it was just needing to try to do it yourself.

Now you know. When you're ready to sell, list it with a pro.

Bill Roberts

1:11pm • #46
479,919 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog


French Wrench

Jason.... this is a French wrench.....  happy plumbing... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1:27pm • #47
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bill - You raise a good point, hiring a pro.  Besides, doing it yourself can often cause even greater trouble.

Jeff - I don't have one of those either:-)

3:18pm • #48
115,358 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I would have sold the house and paid off the inspector.  But that's just me.

:^)

3:45pm • #49
NOV
15
2007
263,417 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

That was a viable option at one point in my frustration Mr. Rob.

 

Yet, *UPDATE*......I'm flowing again, It's fixed!

4:38pm • #50
115,358 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Jason - hope you didn't mind my leaving First Choice Equity Group today... without a quick conversation.... but Scott seemed to have wanted to talk to you ,,,,and I (me) have an understanding in my own brain to know when 'it'[s time to leave'.
9:30pm • #51
479,919 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jason... even been to Home Depot?  lol  They have them there.... 
9:36pm • #52
JUN
04

Hey Jason,

 

You can get DIY advice online here if you need help!

 

 

Dave
6:45am • #53

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Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker

Allentown, PA

More about me…

FHA-VA-USDA-Conventional-Pennsylvania Loans

Address: 1005 Brookside Road Suite 350, Allentown, Pa, 18106

Office Phone: (866) 262-8720 x 102

Cell Phone: (610) 653-0317

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What you can expect is relatively simple. I hope to make these little posts informative, entertaining, timely and have a flare that allows you the reader to be able to look at the financing side of the real estate biz. And maybe, just maybe, it gives you a little peek into my soul... Jason
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