We've been getting lots of interest in our house lately, three people in the last two weeks have come up to me and asked about the house. It kind of freaks me out mostly because the idea that we're leaving starts burning in my brain and suddenly I see the person in front of me IN my house and ME where will I be? Well, I guess I know I'll be somewhere but you know it's just odd to talk to a mom I've never met on the sidewalk about such things and see how much gossip travels because they know so much about me.
So what I do is I usually just tell them that we'll be using an agency and they can contact them when the time is right but then each time they PRESS and PRESS to come and see the house, just to get an idea, like yesterday. I finally had to invite the woman for coffee because she just wasn't going to give it up. She seemed nice and she has said hello to me a lot and always smiles so I didn't mind inviting her but my problem is talking about money because to be honest I don't think she can pay what we're asking. It's not that I'm sitting in judgement or anything but I know the market of the village as well as most real estate agents and I know her current house near the school--a sort of apartment, and mine is probably going to be on the rental market at a third more than hers. I feel like it's going to be a waste of time. It's also my third go in a few weeks at people asking me about the house so I know that the price is a conversation stopper. Our house seems small and unfinished from the outside because we haven't finished painting the gates yet and the front garden still need tilling and replanting,--slated for next month but looking pretty run down today. It definitely doesn't look tip top yet and we still have tools all about so it has an air of distress about it. And so lots of people are intrigued by the idea of taking on a stubbly old house and maybe getting some compensation for doing a little fixing up. And when I finally come to the uncomfortable part of saying the price they flutter and fan their face and say "well I'll have to think about it."
I suppose I'll see if she's interested or not next week over coffee. She already mentioned that her husband is a handy guy and that they'd like to avoid agency fees if at all possible so I'm prepared for the face fanning ahead of time.
And just for the record nobody can talk me out of using an agency this time. I wouldn't even rent to my own brother without an agent involved. Fool me once!
7 comments:
Yes, you are so right. Sending you calm thoughts these days as you prepare for your move.
I don't blame you either wanting to use an agemt after all you guys have been through.
Good luck finishing the house before you move.
Maria
(Was in Sanary now in the Yvelines, thanks for your help with info on the region)
Ugh. Maybe you should just tell her that you aren't willing to not go through an agency due to problems that you have had in the past. Maybe that will be enough to deter her! Good luck, I can't imagine that being easy and people can be SO persistant sometimes it is amazing!
Lucy - thank you!
Maria - too bad you're coming as I'm going. How do you like it? It's been a pretty rainy few weeks so I imagine the adjustment is hard after all your sunshine. Good luck settling in!
Ashley - Well...I just said yes because she so incredibly nice and I'm crap at saying no to people who I think are friendly and genuine. I just can't do it. I know the house is out of their budget though and it's wasting one of my precious mornings but I can't say no. Maybe this one will lead to another one by word of mouth you never know. I don't mind showing the house myself bc you know the agency is going to call and ask to show the house at all kinds of crazy hours so the more I show it the more chance I have at getting word out myself and getting it rented fast.
Some lessons are hard to learn. Still, I could see you thinking, this person is really polite and we know they're stable because they've been around and wouldn't possibly be like the previous renters... Don't be tempted. You're right. Stick with the agency.
Chris, This isn't about your house but about the medieval site called Guedelon Castle near St. Fargeau? I think of your little boy every time I see an article about this. By the way, I live in San Francisco, CA and have friends in Lyon who took their children there and loved it. I also read about it in the Los Angeles Times.
Thanks so much for thinking of us Jennie. That's really sweet. I have a brochure on it and we always say we'll go someday. It's definitely on the to visit list!
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