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 3rd 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!
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)746-9573
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard. All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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What a bummer! A good example of the need for a final walk-through before move in. It sounds like that slipped through the cracks.
And then, winterizing a home in Beaverton? How bad is the winter there?
Todd, And this too, shall pass! Those may not be comforting words at this time but I sincerely wish you the best in getting closer to moving into that new home your family has been anticipating!
Todd, living in a basement apartment is not a lot of fun either! I had to move into mine a couple of years ago during bathroom remodels upstairs. I was down there with two cats and a labradoodle. Actually, it might be easier with human children! Good luck, and I'm sure it will be worth it when you get into the new place!
Todd, this sounds terrible. I hope you get everything gets resolved soon so you can move into your new house.
Todd, what a big disappointment to not only the kids, but all the headaches to get this house move-in ready.
Yikes Todd, it sounds like a string of bad luck in 24 hours! Hope life gets better soon :)
Resilience, and a sense of humor--good tools to have at the ready. Some day this will be the story that's told around the holiday dinner table. Soon you'll have the immense gratitude and relief of being able to move into your home that comes complete with heat, water (which runs only when you turn on the faucet), and separate bedrooms for the kids. Here's to the day!
Todd, looks like you had a rough ordeal there. Hope all is well soon! :D
Todd, sorry you are having all this hassle. Hopefully next week will bring around an end to this.
Todd,
It sounds like you are having an Alexander kind of day - a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I hope things look up for you.
Cal
Wow...what a story...I am so sorry for you to be having to deal with this and your family, and your pets!!! Moving is stressful on everyone...here's to Monday being a great day for 2 and 4 legged family members!
What a nightmare, Todd. If I had some extra cash laying around I would send your entire family on a vacation to Hawaii!
It has been a very difficult the last couple days for my family, our pets and my wife and I. Though very stressful, we have manage to keep our sense of humor.
Todd - Not exactly like really being homeless, but it is an unfortunate thing that you and your family have had to endure. Hopefully things will get better soon.