Turning a Corner

Our house selling drama sent me to the pool of depression these past few days. When starting this journey it was reasonable to expect we could walk away owing nothing on the barn and own the Fairfax land free and clear. We planned to build a log home in the woods. We lined up a contractor, paid for a septic design, decided on the log home package and bought building plans. A power easement was arranged and estimates were done by the power company. We even contacted the telephone company for a phone number. Once the barn sold we thought we'd make a few calls and say, "Go!"

Since putting Deweybarn on the market sad details have emerged. The septic failed and needs replacing ($15,000-20,000). The back north corner that we knew needed reinforcement brought a repair estimate of $30,000-50,000. Apparently both front and back walls are leaning (after spending over $10,000 less than 10 years ago to replace the entire front foundation and improve drainage). Presented with these very discouraging developments, we then factor in a change in the housing market. We have tried rolling with it by adjusting our budget and looking at pre-fab homes. Both of us conceded living on that lovely, wooded parcel of land was worth adjusting our original plan.

A few suggestions brought up recently have pulled me out of the depression pool and into a defensive position. My Uncle Buster summarized it well, "You've got a '57 Chevy with a lot of work invested restoring it. It's waiting for the right person to finish it off." Meanwhile, the last two perspective buyers have been interested in building a separate home on the property. One considered the barn for location of a business, planning to build a residence on the western hillside. I find that acceptable, but he viewed the barn over two weeks ago and still no offer. Disrespect for the barn's cool factor puts me in a defensive position, I feel like Soup Nazi from Seinfeld, "No barn for you!"

Presently, I'm working on Dave to put both properties for sale and letting fate decide. Well, fate and my loyalty to the barn. Insulting offers or disrespectful plans equal: "No barn for you!"