Redundant Road Trip

Today seems busy. Very busy. Emily is going to work as usual at regular time. But not me. I am leaving early, 730, to go to Auburn and meet RE Broker Linda to look at half a dozen houses. So I’m up extra early so I can leave the house too damn early. Buying a house should be easier.

I weighed in this morning. 157.5 lbs. Down 4 from last week. See, diets do work.

I got all morning duties done and was out the door at 728. I amaze myself. I stopped at the bakery and got a scone. Blueberry. It’s a reward for losing weight. Yes, ironic reward. But I don’t care. I wanted carbs.

The drive was beautiful. Fast, clear roads, sunny and cool. Nice all around. I got to our first appointment at exactly 9am. Perfect timing. Linda had just arrived.

Well, our first four houses went about the same. Two were outright rejected because they were awful. At least in my humble opine. The other two were better until I reached the 5th house at which point I rejected all priors that day. That’s because the 5th one was far superior in every way except location. It was way out past North Auburn which was 15 mins from the freeway. Still, a nice place and now on our consideration list. And the bring Emily back here list.

Off to number 6. Well, it was a beautiful home. The owner was an artist and the place was decorated with her art. Built in ‘61, it had an Eichler house vibe. A great example of a period piece. The back yard was eclectic, suiting the artist owner well. Still, yard was unique. Added to both lists.

I should mention, Linda pushed me through these places kinda fast. She had a mid day appointment to keep. But I did not get the most thorough looks.

We made another appointment to bring Emily back at 5 this evening to see the two houses. We felt she could help with a decision. Duh.

So Linda left, back to Dixon. I went to my office and called Emily on the way to discuss the houses. She was excited and ready to come up.

I had about 3 hours in the office till I left, again, for Auburn. I managed the usual tasks. I was somewhat distracted since this is as close as I have come to a house purchase yet. This time around at least. And last go round was 2002 so it’s new again. I was trying to work while thinking about how it would be to live in either house. You know, daydreaming or fantasizing (clean stuff, don’t go there) imagining what it would be like. Anyhow, thoughts about new house takes up work thoughts space in my head. Like an old closet, I gotta pull something out and toss it to get more in.

After three hours of half work half daydream, I left for Auburn. I was trying to time my trip to coincide with Emily and Linda’s arrival in Auburn. They called when they departed. Then I timed my exit. Not too far off. I hit Loomis and tried Find Friends and they were passing through Newcastle about 4 minutes ahead of me. They were 4 mi from end and me at 8.

So we arrived. I picked up three minutes in that span. As I have said before, I made good time.

This house is a fabulous 1961 vintage home. The owners obviously took care of it and put love into it. A beautiful home, in and out. Has most of what we want but not all. No third car garage, though the two is extra long. No workshop for me but space to add one. The owner was an artist and I think the room is there for Emily’s glasswork either in the house or garage already.

The house inside is clearly a work of art. All architecture matches the original design though it has been updated. There is no project needing to be finished or done inside. The owners artwork is on display, not overdone. And it is also quite beautiful. Definitely Emily’s style.

One more thing, the house is easy walking distance to downtown. That will be important when Emily gets old. I plan on staying 29 years old forever. I think that goal is achievable.

Ok. Off to next house. It is opposite in style to the first. It is about 15 minutes from the freeway and the last five on a one way width road to get to the driveway. Very isolated, though neighbors not so far away. It’s up up on a bluff and the view is OMFG glorious. Wow. It has a waterfall and pond with fishies. Yay!! No third car garage and no room because the property is like our piece of land, steep hill. So access to all of it is tough without digging into the hillside and building more road and retaining wall. Could be done. Don’t wanna.

Inside the house is very nice. Clean, fully remodeled. Though as Emily pointed out it looks a little alike everywhere esp in the bathrooms. Though that doesn’t bother me it is weird. Has an incredible future Air BnB. The entire downstairs is built as a separate unit. Easily fit four, separate entry. The house is on the Wine Trail too.

The living level, upstairs has everything. I like it. Emily does see the isolation and distance. That makes her unhappy which I do understand.

So we leave. Drive back home straight away since the dogs have been in all day. We discuss the houses with Linda. Seems pretty house wants an offer not contingent on appraisal. Bitch. Like here, gimme five for this thing worth four and shut up. No. And it comps for less. I hate people. Some idiot will overpay and I hope they have to sell in a down market. The other house has had two offers both rejected on price offered. Since then the owner has dropped the price $50K. Unclear on the concept maybe? Yes.

After discussions with my bride, we decide to pick neither. Too many things missing on each and price just not doing it. So we make no offers and restart. A little wiser than before. Depressing, esp for Emily.

Got home, watered the dogs and fed all beasts dinner. We had leftovers, which I love. I had said we should stop for dinner but Emily wanted to get the dogs out.

That’s the day folks. Off to bed and hope magic happens tomorrow. House hunting has its ups and downs. Tough to win the game.