Wednesday, April 18, 2007

I should sell soap
This whole thing with the popcorn ceiling was spooky. I was doing my emails this morning and because I have Gmail from Google there are ads in the margins and usually a banner across the top of the page which somehow relates to something in the text of the emails. I glanced at this headline that read "Ugly Popcorn Ceilings"
So it made me click on the link and that began the discovery of asbestos in the popcorn, and simultaneously made me fess up to my true feelings.
In the interest of full disclosure, I had reservations about this house even as we signed the papers. But if you could have seen how happy Dave was, you would have signed them too.
Almost immediately I began to have a gnawing feeling, and decided to throw money at the knot in my stomach. I decided to spend on my studio, and install all new floors, and add an eat-at work counter for the kitchen, to make it more like the kitchens I already have. It seems that the merely adequate kitchen was really eating at me. Then there was the built-ins that were not quite right, and the downstairs family room which was atrociously 'decorated'.
I figured I'd have to wait to do all this, when I would have the time, but schedule-wise, who am I kidding? We have to move into a finished place, since it will be difficult to find a chunk of time to renovate, or supervise, or do stuff myself. Dave is not going to be put to work. No way. He is supposed to be enjoying his good days. It is my job to keep that program in place.
Even if the seller would fix the ceiling, we just don't want to go forward with the sale anymore. She had already reduced the selling price and to ask for her to fix the ceilings for another $7000, would probably not work. And it matters little. Our feet are cold.

14 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:19 PM

    Just curious, did the seller disclose this fact to you?? Boy, in Michigan that would be grounds for a HUGE lawsuit. Not to mention, since asbestos is involved, they would HAVE to pay for it.

    Glad you found out before you moved in.

    teri

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  2. Popcorn with any content (unless the organic stuff you eat, lol) is just ew.

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  3. Anonymous7:47 PM

    No lawsuit unless the sellers knew of the asbestos. Then it's classified as a hidden defect and they're liable. Hell they could have asbestos floor tiles, lead paint, asbestos roof shingles, tainted well water, and be downwind from an airport or chemical plant.

    Unless they're aware - it's up to you to add contingencies to the offer and then have those tests performed.

    If you find a dream home and it needs $10k in abatement - do it and live your life in your dream home. Try to get the sellers to pay but it's not all that uncommon to deal with lead paint or asbestos or bad well water.

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  4. But what does all this have to do with "selling soap?"

    I'm so sorry for you all. I am hopeful a more wonderful plan will soon make itself known.

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  5. I think it is smart that you are going with your "gut" feeling. It never lies. There is something out there more perfect for you. Besides, I want to look at more houses... I'm so selfish!!!LOL

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  6. Anonymous10:19 PM

    Melody, go with your gut and hold out for the perfect house with all that you want. You will be living in this new house for a LONG time, so make sure you are not merely settling.

    It is a buyers market, so something is bound to show up. I've enjoyed watching your angst over the whole process though...LOL!

    Have you considered buying land and building your dream home? Admittedly, it is a lot more trouble and stress, but I just build my house and I'm glad I did.

    Hang in there!

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  7. Everything happens for a reason. We were completely devastated last summer when our buyers bailed out at the last minute and we had to give up the house we were building. But you know what? We ended up with a much better house.

    This wasn't the right house for you.

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  8. Anonymous1:21 AM

    Popcorn ceilings with asbestos present NO harm to anyone, the asbestos is stable as long as it is not disturbed.. if the asbestos dust does its little *free fall* it becomes a serious problem.
    That said...
    Asbestos was banned from use in ceilings in the early 70's (in CA), BUT any asbestos still out there could be used. Few if any builders would toss full unopened bags in a dumpster! And not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, it all depended on how the spray gun was running that day. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, sometimes none.
    Any ceiling with popcorn should be tested before it is scrapped. There are labs that will process small pieces to help the homeowner make the decision, rather than hire a full gear abatement company for $$$$
    P.S. My dad worked in asbestos mines, died of a cancerous brain tumor at 57 years. As a r.e. agent I made sure I was informed about the product.

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  9. I think you made the right decision, asbestos or not. Popcorn ceilings are gross and that faux Tudor was just NOT you! The right place is out there.

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  10. Anonymous5:52 AM

    How did you get out of the contract?

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  11. Anonymous6:23 AM

    I did wonder about that small 'utility' kitchen too, but didn't want to mention it and plant doubts in your mind.....which I now see were already there...LOL...
    I am so happy that the hunting is still on, more pictures for me to view. You must both be tired by now. Heck, I'd just build.
    Heather

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  12. Anonymous7:58 AM

    The GUT is ALWAYS right....NEVER sign if you have that feeling. Dave could not be happy if you are unhappy. You have time. Are you sure this is the right location or are you still uncertain. Maybe you should go to the Carolina's and check out that area in person. You have options and you have time. And, you are right about renovating the place...it takes time and money and more time and more money. Is this what you want to be spending your time doing? You decide. We are all holding your hand out here...hang in there.

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  13. Tennessee also has some very polluted lakes due to chemical runoff from plants and factories. My friend's parents live near Chattanouga (sp) on a lake and they won a 20M lawsuit regarding the lake. Of course it was overturned and her dad just died of cancer. I was upset about you buying on a lake there.

    Georgia is fine and I love it there--for a visit, but wouldn't want to live there. North Carolina is more "arty" and beautiful.

    Beware of deals on houses.

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  14. Oh Melody, you'll find the right house. Don't be in a hurry or you'll be sorry. My hubby is a mortgage broker here and has heard lots of horror stories, and we also heard some bad press about Tennessee and from folks who have left there due to the lack of investment from the state government. Not such good amenities compared to IL. Keep looking and you can build a new house exactly how you want on a piece of land you pick cheaper than paying someone else a profit on a 30 yr. old not-quite-right house that you'll just end up renovating and then selling because it just won't work. I have a NICE house for sale here in Florida if you guys like the sun and the beach. Huge studio/art room/guest house perfect for you and a 3BR/4 BA with pool and spa, brand new built in 2006. Email me if you want to know about it! In the meantime, happy house hunting and thanks for the listing on the MS house, it was not far from where my hubby used to live. MS is a cheap place to live but kind of stuck in the 1950's. You will eventually find the right place. Have you looked around Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington or Charlottesville? Those are all great areas. Except for the traffic in Charlotte...okay. There are some nice suburbs of Charlotte though!

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com