It should come as no surprise that a huge chunk of shopping for a new home is done on the “internets”. I’ve been using “the Google” to utilize various searches to narrow down the area, neighborhood and homes we’d consider purchasing.

Frustration is too mild a word to describe what I’ve encountered. I’ve actually toyed with starting a blog to dialog a buyer’s perspective.

My list would begin with:

• Pictures - this is the internet my friend. 2043sqft/3br/2ba/2car/cozy does NOT cut it. I want to visually walk through your home. If you hire a realtor, INSIST there be an abundance of pictures.

• Said pictures - must capture the size, features, ambiance of the room. I know what a wall looks like, I’m familiar they usually have corners. Back up, check lighting, focus, shoot.

• Instruct the homeowner to make a few adjustments prior taking pictures. Declutter. Shut the toilet lid, put the lid on the deodorant - and put the deodorant can inside cabinet (with the 43 other items cluttered on bathroom counter). I realize I’m not shopping at Wal-Greens, but it is a bit distracting. Make the bed. Push clothing and toys well under bed. I’m thinking if you’d allow your home to be published all over the web in this condition - how can I trust you’ve had any pride of ownership through the years?

• Realtors - if you have the house listed, you are not doing your seller any favors by shorting the information. Yes, an occasional buyer might call you. However, if I have to jump through hoops just to see inside the front door, I will not. It is also an inconvenience to require a login and completion of a resume just to access your website. I might eventually fill it out - but I am not providing you accurate information and I do not want you calling me.

That’s all I have time for today. Anyone else have caveat emptor experiences?

Translation: Man Lingo

Now this is funny! Wiki Man Code

Manly Tools

A man should always pick the most complex, dangerous, and/or cool- looking tools he can when doing a job. Manly Tools: V8 Chainsaws, Acetylene blowtorches, dynamite, etc.

More here: Wordless Wednesday and here: Wordless Wednesday

Yes, it is raining.  Again.

If you drive by down our street, wave!  Hoot and Hollar too!

We’re dancing and singing. Loudly.

This morning we signed the contract to sell our house.  We had TWO to choose from.

After I stop twirling and the reality sets in, I must get boxes and pack!

The buyers have 10 days to complete their inspections.  Close date is set for 6.20.08.

God continues to bless us on our journey home.

We had a wonderful, busy weekend. The house was listed on Thursday and Realtors showed it once on Friday evening, four times Saturday and a repeat showing yesterday. Each appointment is scheduled for one hour.  The kids feel banished from their own home.  While they’re here, I am constantly putting things away, nagging them about the little leaf wing things they track in on their shoes and wiping up after them. The rest of the time they’re docked at the library, the children’s museum, the Mall, the bookstore. Anywhere to bide our time so we can return home to do it again.

Keith left at noon yesterday, driving to Little Rock so today he can meet with the staff of his new company. The last thing on his “honey do” list was mowing the lawn, but it rained all weekend, so I’m going to do it. I’ve mowed one time and was chastised by my big girls that it is NOT the same as vacuuming. We’ll see how that goes.

2 weeks of school left. Yea! The kids are getting anxious - top that off with our upcoming move, they are almost beyond concentrating. Oceania and Australia will end our geography tour of the world. Dad finished their math last week, their spelling program is done - so it is winding down.

Hope everyone had a wonderful day celebrating Mothers. I vote every day should be Mom’s Day! Part of my Saturday was spent at a spa, getting pampered and relaxed. Hope you and yours had a joyful day.

50 Age
Friday Day you were born
18,515 Days lived
608 Months lived
50 years, 8 months, 9 days Exact age as at 09/05/08
444367:42:26 Time alive (Press & Hold F9 button)
444,368 Hours lived
26662062 Minutes lived
1599723746 Seconds lived
148,123 Approx hours slept
6,172 Days sleeping
33% % of life asleep
16.9 Years asleep
1,919,668,496 Approx number of heart beats
Virgo Zodiac Sign
Rooster Chinese Star Sign

14 Years to Retirement (LOL, as if!)
5225 Days to Retirement
3,732 Approx number of workdays

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:

Men Are Just Happier People–

• Your last name stays put.
• The garage is all yours.
• Wedding plans take care of themselves.
• Chocolate is just another snack.
• You can be President.
• You can never be pregnant.
• You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
• You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
• Car mechanics tell you the truth.
• The world is your urinal.
• You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
• You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
• Same work, more pay.
• Wrinkles add character.
• Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
• People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them.
• New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
• One mood all the time. !
• Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
• You know stuff about tanks.
• A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
• You can open all your own jars.
• You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
• If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend
• Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
• Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
• You almost never have strap problems in public.
• You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
• Everything on your face stays its original color.
• The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades
• You only have to shave your face and neck.
• You can play with toys all your life.
• One wallet and one pair of shoes — one color for all seasons.
• You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
• You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.
• You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
• You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier - thanks Des for sharing this with me!

We met with a team of Realtors yesterday to get our house on the market. I’ve spent the last week getting closets organized, excess “stuff” packed up or sent to Goodwill and everything clean. My house looks pretty clean most of the time, but it’s different when buyers are inspecting a home they might buy. Now that everything is in it’s place, it is a matter of keeping it that way. Keith is leaving for Oklahoma on Sunday, so I’m looking forward to a cooking holiday. The average house in our area is on the market a little over 100 days - but I’m hoping, praying, trusting it won’t be that long.

We have 2 weeks of school left, so the kids are getting excited about finishing. They each have a checklist of things they are responsible for when our house shows. I get tickled watching them take their jobs so seriously. Shower curtain closed - CHECK, Closet door closed - CHECK.  Nicholas has a “guitar corner” in his bedroom and wants to ensure it is pointed out to prospective buyers. When we move it will just be a corner, but the new homeowner will surely need some decorating ideas. Lexi has submitted the housing order from the ‘hood, who want it in our contract that a young girl between the age of 10 and 14 moves into our house.

I’ve been house “shopping” on the internet - and have a few ideas to help sell homes:

• Have well-lit photos of your entire home available - not just a curb shot. The more, the better.
• In said photos, shut the lid to the toilet, make the bed, pick up the toys.
• Show me your laundry room - even if it is just a closet.
• Publish the room sizes.
• Share neighborhood features (club, pool, gated, etc)
• Decorating - if you’ve sponge painted your kitchen in eggplant purple and lemon yellow, understand that instantly blinds some prospective buyers.

I’m sure there are other thoughts that have crossed my mind the last few days. I’m anxious to start looking for real!

On Sunday, Bob spoke about being rich.

I am rich beyond words.

If you’ve ever wished you knew how to thank a soldier - here’s how you can do it, teach your kids to do it - and never miss another chance.

Thank you Stephanie, for sharing this with me.