Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sweet Surprises

In between changing diapers, wiping dirty faces, and making sandwiches three different ways for three different kids, it suddenly hits you...this is your life.  Really, it isn't as glamorous as you thought it might be.  The immaculate house with stunning cathedral ceilings, dramatic foyer, and the perfectly manicured lawn outlined by an equally flawless picket fence that you’d envisioned raising a family in, doesn't really match the one you actually own.  And the two doe-eyed, well-mannered children who’d scamper eagerly to your side when you called are a far cry from the three grubby-kneed, outspoken offspring that only occasionally glance up after you’ve screamed their names – first, middle and last - five times each.

Sometimes, most times, the vision we have for our future doesn’t materialize.  The best part about not having the ability to plan the rest of our lives is that we still are able to fully appreciate a good surprise.  For instance, I planned to take my two youngest children with me on a long road trip and had carefully scheduled the drive to coincide with nap time so that I could enjoy a quiet, relaxing ride.  Surprise!  Both children whined and fussed for nearly the entire ride until we got within earshot of our destination - at which time they both promptly fell fast asleep. 

Perhaps the best surprises of all were when my plans for children went so completely awry.  While I hadn’t actually picked out the names of my son and daughter before I even met my husband-to-be, I could precisely describe their golden locks, button noses, and striking blue eyes.  When the ultrasound for our first child revealed a bouncing boy, I was ecstatic!  How fantastic that our next child – a daughter, no doubt – would have an older brother to watch out for her.  When my second ultrasound exposed male genitalia, followed by a third with the same results, I was, um….surprised.

While I hadn’t even entertained the idea of having three young men in my life, I now can’t imagine my life any other way.  I may not get the chance to mull over which prom dress they look most stunning in, or help them paint their toenails on a lazy Sunday afternoon, but I am undoubtedly learning all there is to know about toads and frogs, how to get out grass stains, and which football plays are the most fun to execute.   The best part of all is that I am learning to step way outside my comfort zone on a daily basis, and I love every second of it.
My house is not spotless at any given moment, smelling of fresh baked pies and spring clean linens, nor is it a pricey colonial in the suburbs located in between Helpful Neighbor and Available Babysitter.  It happens to be the opposite of the images I conjured up as an 8 year old…contentedly messy, tucked off the beaten path next to nowhere, and absolutely perfect for family life.

The best laid plans thankfully rarely play out the way we intend for them to.  The reason for this is that life is not a road to be mapped and then plodded along.  It is a journey, full of unexpected curves and knolls that we must continually adjust and recalculate for.  Life keeps us on our toes, it keeps us from getting complacent…it keeps us surprised.


Monday, May 23, 2011

Real Estate Seasons

It is that time of year when many of you may be wondering whether it is a good time to sell your house or not. Spring has sprung, so to speak, and your imagination has come out of hibernation to sprout images of you exploring a larger, rambling house or maybe downsizing to a more manageable one-level home. Before you can realize your relocation dreams, though, you have to first sell the home that you're in.

The economists on television keep harping about the market and how it is so depressed and hard on sellers. The message is dreadful: Don't sell unless you want to lose your shirt in the process! In reality, the outlook really isn't all that gloomy...even if you aren't a pathological optimist.

True, the values of homes are not at the same level they were a few years ago; but chances are that the home you are looking to buy isn't going to carry as hefty a price tag as it would have during the real estate boom either. Buyers aren't as plentiful as they were a few years back, and they are a bit more selective in their home search. The good news is that this will bode well for your in your quest for your new home, as it eliminates some competition...and it can also be very valuable when the right buyer comes along for your home.

A discriminating buyer interested in scooping up your home will most likely have looked at several other homes already, will be pre-approved for financing, and will be committed to actually buying a home. There are far fewer tire-kickers browsing through the various houses now than in a less challenging market, so the showings that you do have will be more likely to produce a real offer.

In addition to timing of the market, the spring season is also advantageous for selling your home and buying a new one. The arrival of better weather will increase the traffic through your home, while still giving you plenty of time to search for your new home before snow flies. The green grass, budding flowers, and plentiful sunshine will highlight your homes best features, and will also allow you to see the entire landscape of a home you want to buy. So call a great real estate agent (like me!), and take the first steps toward swapping your house for the one you really want!