Wednesday 23 March 2011

First step

Right, to action! But carefully.....


I've read all your varied comments attentively. Thank you!

Today I started with a long talk with the estate agent's chap, who seems sensible and quite unflappable, about the options open to me. We have looked at 'the competition' as he terms the others who are also selling their houses in this street and the neighbouring three, and I decided to drop my price to match theirs - not that they have been having much success either, but worth a try. Last time I suggested a price reduction, I had been dissuaded, but times are grim and buyers are cautious....

I also decided firmly against renting out this house and leaving it for sale at the same time; my nerves couldn't stand it, and I would become obsessive about every chip in the paintwork or stain on the carpet that wasn't caused by Margery's enthusiasm with the vacuum cleaner or one of the team's little offerings. Actually, I don't want to rent it out at all.

So I shall sit tight here and see how things go over the next couple of months, and if the new price makes it more interesting to potential buyers. If nothing happens sale-wise, and I still feel the same longing then that I do now, i.e. to move south regardless, I shall do my sums, and, with focus and determination, pursue a move to temporary rented accommodation. Then I will be in the area where I want to be, and if things don't work out, I'll still have my own house at my disposal. Meanwhile, the estate agent can market and show it in my absence, and what a relief that will be!

I think that pretty much covers most of your views and recommendations, doesn't it? It's only a small step, I know; I'm not a great risk-taker by any means, but I know that feeling trapped, stuck, or powerless leads me all too easily down very dismal paths to depression and despair. A measured approach to taking control of this situation, so far as I'm able, should maintain my equilibrium, and who knows - maybe it will all work out!

And wouldn't it be lovely to see these two outdoorsy types in greener surroundings?



And, Isabelle and anyone else who worries about moving the cats twice, I share your concern, but  not so much that I could invite paralysis on their account. The girls are adventurous, true, and will require care and attention when settling somewhere else, and the boys - well, they're almost housebound by choice anyway; our familiar furniture to hide behind should do the trick for those two little scaredy-cats!


Small steps indeed, but maybe that's enough for now. The path remains wide open for future striding.

17 comments:

mountainear said...

Gosh! I turn my back for a couple of days to find you in decisive mode. I think you've covered all angles and wish you the very best whatever fate decrees

Arthur Ransome said...

This sounds a very good plan to me. I wouldn't worry about moving the cats twice, if that's what you eventually do. As long as you keep them in for a few weeks each time, it should be all right. From my experience, it's simply a matter of being able to stand keeping them in until they bond with the new house enough to realise that this is now their home/sanctuary/where to run if outside is scary. But I suspect the words granny and sucking eggs apply here.

rachel said...

Yes, that's what I've always done when moving cats, and only let them out near feeding time, and hanging about with them for as long as I can - although it's still a rather nerve-wracking business when they do start to explore their new territory! Large ID tags will be provided as well as their updated microchips.

John said...

That photo of Hamish and Scooter could be titled "Ostriches".

flwrjane said...

Excellent plan! Forward movement is a wonderful thing for the psyche. I'm proud of you.

One step at a time.

xo jane

A Heron's View said...

Spring has always been seen as a good time to sell houses and to make decisions therefore I wish you the very best of good luck with your plans.

Lucille said...

That sounds good to me. I'm sure your house must be the nicest of all the ones in the street so the price drop should awaken some real interest. Not too close to a stamp duty break is it? Have you got a holiday booked? That might help with the trapped feeling - so understandable after a long winter too. Questions rhetorical - don't feel you need to reply!

rachel said...

No, miles away from stamp duty attractiveness... And no, I haven't booked a holiday, although I was sorely tempted to go to Greek island Syros with my sister this Easter. Next year, maybe, from a new house!

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Well done ! You now know what you want to do , the most important part of making any kind of change .
Maybe a small drop in price will be enough to encourage the last young couple to take the plunge , after all ?

Unknown said...

You seem to have thought this all through really clearly, I wish you every success and happiness, however the future unfolds. Sometimes an instinct for change is so strong it has momentum of its own.

judy in ky said...

I think you are on the right track. I can see how you would not like renting your place out. You take such good care of it, and it would be such a worry with other people living there.
Renting a place in the south has a good chance of giving you (and the animals) a cheerier outlook on life, while having your own place to come back to is comforting.
I have been trying to talk my husband into a similar arrangement, where we could rent a place in Philadelphia to be near our friends while trying to sell our present house, but he is stubbornly saying "no, we have to sell this one first". In this economic environment, it seems that anyone who needs to sell their house to relocate is too often stuck.
I wish you much luck; I hope the price reduction works the magic. Your place certainly is kept up beautifully; it should beat out the competition.

Lyn said...

Good plan, love that last photo!
love Lyn
xxx

the veg artist said...

The cats and dogs will be fine. You are the most important one - after all, you are the one who wields the spoon and washes their bowls!

lovethosecupcakes said...

Always good to have A Plan. I'm sure you've written about it but can you remind me why you're wanting to relocate to Somerset? (No reason other than I'm nosey).

Lesley said...

Brilliant, a plan. Bet you feel better already, I usually do.

LOVE the Flossie pic! Talk about embracing life. She looks like she's in a musical and about to launch into a cheesy big band number.....

Lesley x x

Marie said...

Nevermind the cats, they will be fine! :-)

Good luck...

rogern said...

great pics. millie has taken to sitting on john and hilary's (old) wall since she spied you in our house last weekend!

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