All husbands seem to hate doing chores around the house, especially when the wives make a list of 'honey do' items needing repairs/maintenance.  I have learned over the 25 years I have been with Clay that he will not do anything on the list if I bug him so I just refrain from mentioning this list.

The other day in our sales meeting, we had a contractor come to our office to introduce himself.  I was impressed because he gave us a list of the types of repairs he does....and they were all on my unwritten list to Clay.  He said he charges $35 an hour for his work.

When I got home, I told Clay I had found someone who would do these repairs for $35 an hour and asked did he want me to hire him?  He answered, no.   He laughed and said he'd do it for $20 an hour....ha.ha.  Then he said make a list and he'd see if he could fix these small repairs.

He is on vacation almost all month so he was getting bored.  One morning he knocked out the first three items on the "honey do" list.  Wow I was impressed.

So next time your partner doesn't want to do repairs, tell him you know someone who can repair them for $35 an  hour and you might be surprised.....I was.

 

21 Comments on How to Get that "Honey DO" List Done

Kay, my husband and I have been married for 30 years in January. He's a mechanical engineer by trade, so obviously when things need done, they eventually get done - and boy are they done correctly! But, me being the Type A personality that I am, even after leaving notes, and reminders, finally figured out a way to get around to his "eventually getting it done." We've agreed that I give him x amount of time to do it, then I hire someone. It actually took items off his plate that he really didn't want to mess with anyway.  We have a saying - "it's just easier that way!" Good luck and happy holidays!

12/08/2007 06:49 PM by Debbie Arriero (Arriero Realty, Inc.)


Kay--Some people just aren't handy (nor do they want to be), so as one of my pre-listing perks, I offer to pay a handyman up to $100 to take care pesky little repairs. The seller will usually keep him around to do several more and the home inspection reports comes in much cleaner.  Your idea with a different twist...

12/08/2007 07:04 PM by Norma Toering Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Property (REMAX Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Peninsula)


I try to do it before my wife gets on by case.  If I forget she doesn't.

12/08/2007 07:09 PM by John Walters (Specialized Real Estate)


He probably did not see it coming.  I am the same way I put it off as long as possible.  Great job!

12/08/2007 07:18 PM by Gary Bland E-Pro (Century 21 All Islands)


Courtney, I don't know if this technique will last for the remainder of the list.  He's been on the couch all day today....and golfing.  

12/08/2007 07:38 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Debbie, You and your husband worked out what was best for both of you. I will keep that in mind if he doesn't finish the list...

12/08/2007 07:39 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Hi Norma, That sounds like a great idea.  I list and sell mostly fairly new homes that don't need a lot of work so $100 would probably take care of most of what's on every seller's list.  I had an inspection today by the buyer's choice of inspectors and the inspector said it was the first home he had inspected that NOTHING to be repaired.  The seller had maintained his home....made it easy for the realtors.

12/08/2007 07:40 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Ahem - excuse me? - "All husbands seem to hate doing chores around the house"you wrote. NOT TRUE. I recognize I am in a partnership with my wife and contribute in all kinds of ways to the house. Secondly, perhaps the "honey do" list should be a "WE need to do" list.

12/08/2007 07:41 PM by Simon Conway (Picket Fence Realty)


John, Good to hear the husband's side of the story.  Do you rent yourself out to all the rest of us wives??   Good for you.

12/08/2007 07:41 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Gary, Another male voice.   No he has been very happy that I haven't been 'nagging' out these repairs this year.

12/08/2007 07:42 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Jeffrey, Hahaha.  What is your wife's email address??????  Funny.

12/08/2007 07:44 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Kay, I learned a long time ago that patience is the key to those repairs.  Simon is right though sometimes it is just getting them done together.  However if there is anything mechanical involved then I'm not involved.

12/08/2007 08:39 PM by Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR (Results Realty)


Marchel, Guess I've learned patience of the years as well.  I will offer to help but all I do is give him moral support.

12/08/2007 09:22 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Hi Kay,

I'm happy if my honey gets 75% done, he can fix anything but takes his time doing so! LOL! :)

12/08/2007 09:29 PM by Suzanne Sands-Somerset, MA Real Estate (Century 21 Associates Realty)


Hi Suzanne, You are mighty lucky to have a honey that does 75% of the work.  I'll have to tell my hubby.

12/09/2007 10:35 AM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Trey....hahaha....Well he's worth a lot more to ME...he's priceless........and free....haha

12/09/2007 01:03 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Ah, the eternal "honey do" list.  I've whittled mine down to only 2 or 3 to-do's.  Oops. I think I hear the boss putting pen to paper as we... type.

12/09/2007 03:57 PM by Fairbanks Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS - 907.699.6024 - )


Kathy and Jesse, Oh yes...that list.  I've been saving the things to do for a year so I just have one list and nothing is that hard. 

12/09/2007 04:02 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


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Real Estate Agent: Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)
Kay Perry
College Station, TX
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