My Archnemesis
NOTE: I have an 8-month old, I feel I have the right to complain about this.
Oh baby protective gear, how I hate you with an unrelenting passion. You consistently foil and harm me on showings and inspections.
Baby gates- why are you always closed and locked at the top of stairs and so hard to figure out how to open? I always have to hoist myself over you, smack my shins, and risk toppling down the stairs.
Door knob locks- on every single door! Why can’t I open you? You spin around and around and I can never grip you tightly enough to turn the knob. And why did you lock me in the basement that one time? I shake my fist at you!
Electrical outlet shock shields- why are you on Every. Single. Outlet. For inspections! Gah. Stop breaking my fingernails.
Babies, you’re good little people. I just hate your protective gear.
Not All Garages Are Created Equal
When I’m working with a buyer, one of the things they are frequently looking for is a home with a garage. Typically they don’t care if the garage is attached to the house or detached. They just want to have a garage. Most buyers think they will park their car in the garage. Buyers are always curious why many of the garages we see are filled with stuff, but no cars. Lawn mowers, bikes, sports equipment, patio furniture in the off season, strollers. It’s all jammed in there, with no room for a car. I explain that the sellers probably initially wanted a garage for their car too, but eventually life and all of its accompanying junk took over. The buyer says that will never happen to them. Sure, sure…
Over time I’ve learned that not all garages are created equal. Many people drive SUVs and when houses were built in the earlier decades of the 20th century, they just weren’t equipped for the behemoths that some drive today. Hence the buyer’s car will never fit in the garage, rendering it not-a-garage-but-a-big-storage-room to them. Other tell tale signs there will be trouble is when you see the wall of the garage lined with foam padding. That’s so the driver of the car doesn’t smash their door when they’re squeezing out because there isn’t adequate space to maneuver. So we continue searching for houses with a more sizeable garage.
I also scratch my head at garages that are advertised as 2-car, but are really only 2-car if you have 2 Mini Coopers. This is not a 2-car garage. Please don’t advertise it as one. You’re not tricking anyone.
A lovely garage, if there is such a thing, is one where you can comfortably open your car doors and also have some space for a storage area. I find that these are few and far between in most of the towns that I work in, but they are out there. Now, if sellers could just keep from completely filling them with junk so that they show well when they’re trying to sell their homes…
706 Prospect Avenue, Hartford’s West End
This elegant West End Colonial retains much of its original 1897 character, yet has been updated for today’s lifestyle. Upon entering, you are greeted with an open and welcoming entry that includes one of the property’s 5 fireplaces. The formal living room and dining room both feature fireplaces and built-ins. A large eat-in kitchen with fireplace, cherry cabinetry, and granite opens to a peaceful and private wrap-around deck that connects with the covered porch off the living room. The home is accented with canvas ceilings, pocket doors, French doors, a marble sink, leaded windows, and extensive moldings. Upstairs, the master suite includes a spacious private bath with whirlpool and steam shower, and a large walk-in closet. Four additional bedrooms, two full baths, a large landing, and laundry area complete the second level. The third floor has a bonus room and ample storage space. The property includes a two car garage, new heating system, and newer roof – a must see.
706 Prospect Avenue is offered at $599,000. If you’d like to see this home, please have your agent arrange a showing or call me at 860-655-2125 to schedule a visit.
