Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Decisions, Decisions

After months of looking, we finally bought a house. I can't say that it was my first choice, but after looking at far too many properties, making four offers that didn't work out because of termites wood-destroying insects, expensive sewer issues, the fact that the seller didn't actually own the driveway that provided access to one of the houses, and one where we just couldn't agree on a price, we arrived at a decision.


It's a modest brick ranch in Elkton, MD, with three bedrooms, one bathroom, a one-car garage, and a great lot. The price was right, and after a little negotiation, we've arrived at the inspection stage. In fact, we're down here in MD this morning for the general and termite wood-destroying insect inspections. The house was built in 1952, so there may be some issues, and I'm pretty sure the electrical system might be among them. But we'll see ...


This has been an interesting (if frustrating) process, and I've learned quite a bit, mainly about how John and I see things differently, and also about how our sons are mature enough to offer good and useful advice. I looked at houses and pictured how we would live in them and utilize the space; John simply tried to decide if the house was a good value without picturing us in it at all. Ryan could look at pictures of various properties and immediately identify important pros and cons. Justin told John to quit overthinking and just make a choice. Ultimately that's what we did. John had too many choices and was almost paralyzed by actually making a decision, but with advice from the kids, we put an offer on this house. There were honestly two that I liked better, but mainly because the price was right and we will only be living here for two or three years, this is the one we went with. I hope inspections work out because I really don't want to start this process all over again.


The bedrooms are small and the kitchen is just okay, but overall, the house is good enough. I was reading The Upward Spiral while we searched for a house, and things became much clearer when I read this passage:

Go for good enough. Worrying is often triggered by wanting to make the perfect choice or by trying to maximize everything. When buying a used car, you want one that is cheap, reliable, safe, sexy, the right color, and fuel efficient. Unfortunately, no single option is likely to be the best in all those dimensions. If you try to have the best of everything, you’re likely to be paralyzed by indecision or dissatisfied with your choice. In fact, this kind of “maximizing” has been proven to increase depression. So don’t try to make the most amazing dinner; start out by just making a good dinner. Don’t try to be the perfect parent; just be a good one. Don’t try to be your happiest; just be happy.

So true, and so helpful. 

19 comments:

  1. Commenting to receive comments.

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  2. Excellent advice in that passage! And, I think that house has some potential! I hope your inspections go well and are worry free!

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  3. Indeed excellent advice! That's a great paragraph. And, with three bedrooms, one surely needs to be filled with yarn - lol. We can go to The Vulcan's Rest together!! I need to check out their new location...then maybe grab a bite at the Chesapeake Inn (right on the water in Chesapeake City). It is nice to have mature kids, isn't it??

    Congratulations on a decision! Fingers crossed all goes well for you and John today.

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  4. I enjoyed hearing how each one of you brought their strengths to the table and everyone had a say on which house to go with. Utah is full of similar houses, which we, or one or the other of our cousins, lived in over the years. Your home feels very familiar. I hope the rest of the process goes smoothly and you can start your life anew in MD soon.

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  5. Sending good wishes for the inspection. The house is really cute and I love the large living area. The kitchen looks light and bright.

    Hope all goes well..................love that quote. It is SO true.

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  6. Fingers crossed for Inspection Day!! And I will strive to "JUST BE HAPPY"!! :)

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  7. Excellent advice! That house looks nice and has a lot of potential. 11 years ago I made a big move and went through a similar struggle finding a house. I didn't find a perfect house, but one that was "good enough". I moved from a 1920s craftsman home to a 1960s ranch, it took a little time to get used to it, but after making some changes and improvements, it has become my home. Hoping everything goes well for you and wishing you happiness!

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  8. I love everything about that quote. I often say that Doug and I are "the 80 percenters"...maybe we've had it right all along! :-) Congratulations on the home. I love the open area in the first photo!

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  9. Sending positive inspection mojo to you!

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    1. Thanks so much for your good wishes! It turns out that there are some serious and expensive issues (including termites), but it will work out somehow, even if it has to be with a different house.

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  10. I love it! This is the same vintage as my home, too.

    You should be at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival in under 90 minutes. Plan on May 4-5, 2019!

    Great book tip, as well.

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  11. That quote is just ideal! Really quite perfect. And the house looks like a winner, too. So bright and open! The best thing about it . . . is that you and John will make it your own as soon as you move in. XOXO

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  12. My house is of this vintage. It does have occasional electrical issues and plumbing issues. But I have lived in new houses, and my experience is that they are not built as well. And I have bought a _lot_ of houses, and the quote is the best advice I have ever heard about the process of buying anything. You may think you have found the perfect house/car/etc, but after owning it for a while, you will find all kinds of things you don't really love about it. This looks like a house you can make a home out of to me. The light is terrific, the living area is spacious, and who spends a lot of time in the bedroom anyway? I hope things work out for you two, Bonny. I remember when my parents began to feel my opinion was worth listening to, and it changed our relationships in very positive ways. Everyone brings something to the table if you are willing to listen, and you are, so 4 heads are better than 2! Best of luck on the inspections!

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  13. So very true! I need to remember that daily, while I tell my inner voice to be quiet...most of time, things ARE good enough!

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    1. That is a great quote and I'm really working on reminding myself of it almost every day!

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  14. I think it looks like a sound ranch home. NO stairs. HIGHLY REASONABLE!

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    1. There are still steep steps to the basement where the washer and dryer are (along with the termites and damage they have caused) but hopefully the seller will pay for that!

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  15. I hope everything went smoothly yesterday! and thank you for sharing those sneak peeks - the house looks very livable ...maybe even better than good enough :-) (and I love that quotation!)

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  16. your good enough house looks awesome!!! I like when my kids opine, they tend to see something I've overlooked. Also they are not as emotionally invested as I am most of the time.

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