Living Tigard - Your guide to everything Tigard

Being homeless is not fun, but over the past 3 days my family and I have lived the life of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It all started when we bought a home back in October, the plan was to be moved in after a remodel and one thing after another has gone wrong with that plan. But, when we finally got the news that we were good to go and we could move in, we decided to not to purchase an investment property we were going to buy on lease option.  (The price we agreed to 2 years ago as you can imagine is about 20% higher than the home is worth now)

So, fast forward to a few days ago, the day we let the option end and we move out to move in to our new place. We had the POD loaded, the moving van ready to go and we headed over to the new house. We walk in and power on outside, but no lights inside? Something was wrong, we went to the circuit board and everything was on. We called the contractor and he came out immediately and checked everything and he had no idea why there was no power. So, next we decide, OK, kids, go to the bathroom and we will head to a hotel for the night. What no water either? Oh, wait there is water, but it is on the floor!

So, we call a friend who had a vacant investment property and in less than 24 hours we went from home owners to renters, just like that. Kids were very disappointed, thought they were finally getting their own rooms. So, we take the van over, leave the POD behind and unload the U-Haul in to the garage. No heat, no water, no electricity, but at least with the sleeping bags and mattresses, it was a place to sleep and be dry. (Or so we thought)

The next step in the morning was to call the electric company, the water company and the gas company, let’s make this place livable. First things first, the electricity comes on and things are good to go, we have lights. Then the gas company says “Sorry, can’t have the gas on until Monday” So, there goes the stove and the heat for the next 4 days. Let’s go get some space heaters and we can live on those for a few days.

After we get back from the store with our space heaters, the waterman arrived and said “Ok, turning on the water”  My kids were so relieved, thought that they were going to have to drive to the store every time they had to go. (That would have gotten old real quick) So, he turns on the water and I hear yelling from inside the kitchen. I yell at the water guy “SHUT THE WATER OFF” It seems my investor friend didn’t winterize the home and he had two broken pipes. So, now once again, twice in 24 hours, I’m standing in a garage of a home with no heat or water. (This was not going to be a good day)

So, we loaded up the kids, the pets and everything in the garage for the 3^rd time in two days and were about to head back to a hotel, but instead moved into my parents basement until Monday, when we move into our new rental home for 30 days until our new home is “MOVE IN READY” yet again.

The feeling of being helpless and homeless is not a good one and I hope my kids never have to experience it again.

 

Todd Clark - Broker / Sales Coach
All Brokers Real Estate
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

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©2010 Todd Clark - Being homeless is no fun, trust me I know!