What a great little saying, coined by the wry Lily Tomlin. Duly noted, Lily.
I have only one reason to post today. The weather was glorious! Mother nature's magical elixir of tweeting birds, thawing grass and intoxicatingly fresh air was truly heaven sent. Don and I went for a long afternoon walk in my numero uno neighbourhood of choice to buy a house. Roncesvalles Village. We stopped in at Daddy-O's Milk Bar and got a tasty espresso milk shake titled "Little Green Men from Mars" to go. Up and down the blocks we went. Even the names of the streets put a smile on my face. Constance Ave. Garden Ave. And our favourite--Marmaduke Ave.
Gee, have I bothered to announce that Don and I are selling our condo? Well, we are and we're trying to do it privately, so we can bank as much moola as possible to put towards a house.
Today when we got home, I decided to do something a little left of centre in the world of househunting. I drafted a letter that I plan to put in the mailboxes of about 50 homes in the Roncy area. The plan is to buy some nice stationery and role it up like a diploma with some pretty ribbon and cross our fingers that the yocals can give us the inside scoop. Here's how the little note reads:
March 18, 2006
Hello,
Our names are Don and Sarah Banks and we’re interested in buying a home in the Roncesvalles Village/Parkdale/High Park area.
We currently live in a condo at Bloor and High Park but have our hearts set on finding a home in your area. The market, as we’re sure you know already, is very competitive and that is why we’re trying to “think outside the box” on how to find a home we can see ourselves living in.
If you or anyone you know is thinking of selling their home in the near future, we’d greatly appreciate you passing along our contact info.
Ideally, we are seeking the following:
· 3 bedrooms
· 2 bathrooms
· older character
· plenty of sun
· parking space
We’re prepared to take on a home that needs a reasonable amount of work but we’re keen to find a house with “good bones.”
Depending on the condition of the house, we are looking at paying between $325 and $375K.
We’re fairly flexible on the possession date but would like to move in by late summer, early fall. We greatly appreciate whatever insight or tips you can give us.
Many thanks.
Don and Sarah Banks
Ph: 416-766-0512
don.sarah.banks@gmail.com
