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THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

By Fred Cope

Real Estate Agent with Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN TN License# 00232013

October 27, 2013 12:15 PM

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

I have traveled in the military, as a minister, and as a sales rep; and "There is No Place Like Home." My wife and I have moved a few times in our lifetimes: I have moved twenty times in 66 years, and she has moved fifteen times in 65 years. We have lived in our current home since 1987 (23 years), so one can see that military and ministry necessitated most of our moves. We strongly believe that "There is No Place Like Home."

There is another old saying that bears on my love of home: "Home is Where The Heart is." I honestly can say that I do not have a favorite room or feature in our home for it is not brick and morter that houses my heart--it is family. My wife, my three children, their spouses, and nine grandchildren frame my "home." I have wonderful neighbors, dear friends, and extended family. Now there is a part of me that is so content that I have been known to say to family and friends that "When I die, dig a hole in the back yard, roll me down the steps, bury me, and simply make a tombstone that says "Granddad." I will be at peace.

But as years pass, I have a growing desire to return to the farm--closer to God's creatures, and the peace found in the fields and trees of open land. My wife and I have begun a process to move "home" to the simplicity and comfort of days gone by. We will need a little time to prepare our abode. Like Jesus, I would not be ashamed to live in a barn for a brief time, until we get our Use and Occupancy permit on our home. It will take some time (and a few home inspections); but I am confident all will be well. As many of you have experienced, with a little paint, it will be a wondeful home. "There is No Place Like Home." What do you think?

Well, yes, it does need a touch of paint, and a few upgrages...

Now, don't your place look a bit better than when last you wished you could just move?

TRUTH TIME: We have our plans, and will be building a new home in the not too distant future. Note: I took this picture to help homebuyers appreciate homes on the market. It brings a bit of humor to frustrating moments. May we all take a little time around Thanksgiving to thank God for blessing our homes & Families.

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Liz Wallace

Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY

Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

I'm really glad you will not be moving to that barn and don't let anyone roll you into a ditch, you might not be dead yet. Thanks so much for posting to the contest.

Oct 28, 2013 06:46 AM

Fred Cope

Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN

Looking For Homes With A Smile

Liz, thank you for the opportunity. I have had some fun with that picture. First, I told my wife I had found the perfect fixer-upper, and took her to see it (with great anticipation)--if looks could kill, I would be dead. Then, my daughter was looking at a house about a mile away, and I gave her direction to go check this out (my son-in-law loves buying low and refurbishing). Then I called a retired appraiser friend and asked him to swing by and take a look to see if it would go FHA--"I was concerned about possible functional obsolesence..." He got a kick out of it--said he began listing repairs and ran out of ink in his printer. I never did get that list, so I missed out on a bargain.

Several years ago, the same appraiser called me about a FSBO property I had actually ordered appraisal on--buyer had said it would need some work, but had real potential. [I was a mortgage loan officer]. Bob called me from the property, and said he was "in the front porch, and would not charge for appraisal if I authorized him to cancel immediately." I questioned him--trying to understand what problem he had doing an appraisal: to which he replied. "the front porch flooring is so rotten that I have fallen through, and am in up to my chest." I remembered it was April first, so I said "April fools." He did not laugh, but only said, "No joke, only a fool would risk more injury to complete this appraisal." I was the butt of several office pranks as a result.

The old house is no longer, but a lovely new home has taken its place. I have intended to go by and take a picture of new house. My thought was to contrast them as buyer's view versus seller's. Or as before and after shots.

God bless...

Oct 28, 2013 02:10 PM

Gene Riemenschneider

Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA

Turning Houses into Homes

Nice post Fred. My wife and I tried to buy 1.6 acres this year to build on. Things fell through, but I feel God has us where he wants us right now. I do want my kids to grow up with room to get dirty and be boys.

Oct 29, 2013 05:02 AM

Jane Chaulklin-Schott

TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL

TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Hi Fred ~ enjoyed your interesting and humorous post. Thank you for sharing your life, your home, and future plans. Your worn and tired old barn, an unfortunate appraiser being swallowed up by a porch, your pranks and antics - brought smiles and chuckles. A Blessed Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Oct 29, 2013 05:23 PM

Hello Gene. Haven't had opportunity to share with you in a while. Life has so many pleasant surprises or amusements: I just logged into ActiveRain® to look you up--you were on my mind. E-mail coming your way.

Your post was right along the very thoughs I was having. Opposite ends of the country, but so much in common: God blesses us in such strange and wonderful ways. I think you would agree that He has a plan for you in His own time and way. Your boys know that Daddy loves God and them--I wish every child could have that confidence and comfort. I wanted to let you know I have you in my prayers.

My prayer for you:

"LORD, thank you for loving fathers, and help your son, Gene Reimenschneider lift YOU up in his sons. LORD, help him to never be so discouraged, tired or burdened that he loses his bering. LORD, lay your hand to his shoulder and give him strength, wisdom and courage to bring those boys up as men of God. I know he will give YOU the glory, and I know that is his deep desire."

YOUR GRATEFUL SERVANT, Fred

Oct 30, 2013 06:46 AM

Jane, thank you for your kind comments. I did want to put some things in perspective: this life is so fleeting, and it is so easy to get caught up in our hopes and wishes, our monetary pursuits, only to wake up and find that "I missed my most precious gifts, and my greatest treasures because I was too busy with fleeting things."

That old house was once a modest but lovely home--I remember passing by many times in my youth; and now it is no more. That could easily be said of me; but I have this opportunity to be someone really special: Granddad! I enjoy serving others, and I do enjoy my friends and family--there is no monetary equivalent, is there? My grandsons see the pole barn that I am building as a basketball court, and the farm as somewhere they can explore, run and romp. I'm not quite sure how the granddaughters see it... It is for them as well.

Thanksgiving is not far off. It has long been my favorite holiday, and it is also my wife's birthday time. That Friday will be her birthday. So much to celebrate, for my eldest grandson (first grandchild) was born on the 23rd, and my parent's anniversary is the 30th. God is so good to me: I gladly celebrate Thanksgiving. May your's be so filled with bountiful blessings.

Oct 30, 2013 07:07 AM

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

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