Friday, July 13, 2018

What's New?

I cannot believe that July is nearly half gone!

I managed to take two vacation days this week so I could accompany Kelly as she closed on the purchase of her own house. Kelly had been working with Jessica Martin (Blue Umbrella Books, Exit Realty, and beekeeper) since January 2017 searching for the house of her dreams. Her Dad and I often went to open houses and to viewings with her during those eighteen months. We saw some nice houses, and some not so nice houses, and many more houses that were close to ideal. Finally, she found a house, viewed it with Jessica, then arranged a second viewing so her father and I could see it. She put in an offer, it was countered by the sellers. She next offered the maximum amount that she was willing to pay, citing the fact that there had been very few upgrades and what had been done was not recently done, so she would have to do all the work, which she was willing to do. Although the sellers had a full price offer, they decided to accept Kelly's bid as she had a sizable down payment saved and could easily obtain a mortgage, whereas her competitor would be financing the entire amount and might not even qualify for a mortgage. Kelly was the sure thing.

I'm happy to say that Kelly and Jessica worked together via text messages, emails, and phone calls to make the purchase of the house a reality. Kelly only consulted us in regards to the three banks she had contacted for loan applications. We offered our advice and she chose the best deal for her budget and needs. I'm proud of her for flexing her grown-up muscle and self confidence and handling her own business. It wasn't easy standing back, but as a parent, you have to let your kids grow up and be adults. You have t let them test their wings. She did fine! She soared!

On Tuesday, I went along to the closing with her for moral support. She met Jessica at the house for a final walkthrough to confirm that a repair had been made. It had been. The house was spotless. The owner's children (my age) who were selling the house for her had left Kelly some lamps, a table and two chairs, garden implements, cleaning products, clothespins, light bulbs...lots of small but useful things. We next went to City Hall here in Westfield to meet the lawyer. The only available space he could find with a table and chairs was in City Council Chambers, so that's where 27-year old Kelly signed all the paperwork for the purchase of her house. Then, the lawyer met the sellers attorney, and also registered the deed in Kelly's name while he was in city hall. Jessica turned over the keys and garage door opener to Kelly- and she was officially a homeowner!

We've been measuring, doing some of our own cleaning, and bringing a few things over to give the house a little feel of home. Money is being held by the lawyer for the removal of asbestos insulation from the attic in September or October when it's cooler. She's contemplating paint colors and trying to decide what she wants and needs for furniture. The house already has a 'homey' feeling...and soon will be her full time residence. Today, she even received her first three pieces of mail at her house!

It makes me wonder what stories will be written at her table or desk? Will being closer to downtown inspire her in different ways than living on the side of a mountain on the northeast side of the city has? Or will she set aside writing for awhile as she pursues new interests? I kind of hope she keeps her hand in writing, but I'll understand if she has other things she wants to do. I'll always be happy for her for living her life the way she wants to live it. That was how my Mom raised me. That's how I wanted to raise her- to be her own self, to discover independence and embrace it.

Congratulations on the purchase of your own house, Kelly Buffum! I hope your home will be the source of a thousand and one new stories!

Welcome to New Memeber Iris

I just want to take a moment to welcome our new Wordsmith member, Iris Alderson. Iris was at Blue Umbrella Books and obtained contact information from Russell. Kelly and I were happy to approve her membership application at the end of June. Iris is a local lady who is delighted to find a writer's group close to home. You can check out her biography on the Members page.

I stopped into Blue Umbrella to buy some of Kellie Stuck's Edward Gorey books that had been donated by her father Larry from her estate. Iris was in the shop so we had an opportunity to meet face to face. Looking forward to September when meetings resume and this wonderful woman joins us.

Welcome, Iris!!