Want to Buy a Used House!; Truffles from Harrods

Curses and maledictions!

As one may or may not know, I still own a house in the big city that I'm trying to get rid of as is. (The house, not the city.) There is no way I can spend any money on fixing it up. What savings there were went for mother's care in the nursing homes. So there's nothing left.

Alas, the neighborhood had deteriorated such that the appraised value of the house on the tax rolls is far less than the orignal purchase price. Also the appraised value is slightly less than the outstanding amount owed on the mortgage. A double whammy if there ever was one!

I talked with one realtor before I moved who told me my best option was to offer it to a house broker. She indicated that lending institutions had suffered such high default rates that they did not want to make loans on houses not in good condition.

With all that has happened including moving, getting mother out of the nursing home, setting up housekeeping, etc., I've had little opportunity to consider the selling dilemma. However, last weekend, I talk with some old friends who suggested a realtor who might be helpful. Actually, I was hoping the realtor would do the leg work.

I met with the realtor this afternoon, but he indicated that his services would cost at least 10% of the selling price. Oh, me! Oh, my! And he also suggested trying a house broker. So this more or less puts me back at square one.

However, since his office is near the house, he did offer to run over and unlock the house. And he said he would call me back with a list of brokers. And indeed later in the afternoon, he called with a list of about ten names.

At least I can say, "Tomorrow is another day." Maybe the house will be struck by fallout from a decaying satellite, and I'll be able to collect the insurance.

A couple of weeks ago, a splendid catalog - "2005 Harrods Christmas Hampers" appeared in the post. What great fun it has been ogling the delights. For a mere £5,000, you can get "The Chairman's Choice," which includes everything from a whole smoked turkey to Harrods Black Velvet Box filled with truffles. There are selections for almost any budget. For £24.95, there's "The Mini Treat" which offers "Nectareous nibbles adored by St. Nicholas."

PAX!