It’s a rainy day and I’m working from home, because I don’t want to get soaked going to the office. So we took an admin day, mailed payments, did the interviews, responded to queries, etc. Got some writing in there, but I am typing on the normal keyboard and my fingers are not liking it. Really not liking it.
Also I am playing Love Nikki, which is a dress up game based on the ridiculous premise of clothes design contests. Behold my latest outfit. If you get this one, be careful. You can play without spending a dime, but some of the clothes are very tempting.
As you probably read already, our oldest is in a crappy apartment where everything is breaking and shower water smells like sewer. The apartment looked great, but only a few weeks later, things started happening. When we walked into it not too long ago, she was missing a wall. Pipes leaked in the walls, apparently. This is happening throughout the apartment complex, so the repairs are very slow. She is also hoping to go back to school to Texas State. We found ourselves in the position of having to buy another house.
Que another round of credit checks and endless paper reading and signing. So we’ve found a house and noticed some odd things. It was weirdly painted. The paint was simply slapped on the walls without the primer and you could see the darker paint still underneath. We also saw a couple of leaks on the ceiling, around AC vents, but leaks like this aren’t unusual. We’ve had a similar leak in our old house when AC got clogged and the drip pan overflowed. But we fixed and still disclosed ours on the seller disclosure.
For those of you who haven’t sold a house in US: the sellers disclosure is a document from hell, on which you are supposed to list any problems you experienced and renovations you have done while living in the house. When I was finished with ours, there was crap in the margins and between the lines. I filled that thing out. This seller’s disclosure was very light. Nothing is wrong. Clearly, something is wrong, you have a leak in the ceiling.
So we had one inspection, and I have to tell you, this guy was the most closemouthed inspector we’ve ever worked with. It almost felt like he was working for the sellers. We paid for the second inspection, with company which had performed an inspection on our current house. They weren’t available at the time for the first round of inspections. So he came out and the house turned out to be a can of worms. Stuff is leaking in ceiling and to determine where exactly from and how extensive the damage is, we would need the plumber, AC, and roofer assessment. There were more things, but what really got to us was that the sellers omitted all of these issues. Had they listed these problem upfront, we would likely still be in the process of buying that house. So we walked away.
Now we found a different house. Inspection is this Thursday.
This is a stressful process. Real estate between Austin and San Antonio is a good investment. We just don’t want to end up with a house that would require extensive work, because our timeline is pretty short.
And now apropos of nothing, is there a good place to buy anime soundtracks in US. I absolutely love the score to the Ancient Magus Bride, but it’s not available on iTunes or Amazon, and I refuse to pirate it.
On the reading front, I just finished Jeaniene Frost’s Ian book and she didn’t pull any punches in the finale. I felt like I needed to give characters a hug. One of her strongest books yet.
Patricia Schlorke says
All I can say is oh my goodness! Hopefully the next house you’re inspecting will not be the can of worms you faced with the other house.
I hope the rain stops down there so you don’t get flooded. DFW isn’t getting too much rain from the system that’s hovering the Texas Gulf coast. 🙁
Elizabeth says
If you are okay with physical copies you could try http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/
Daniel B says
Yeah a lot of times you have to buy physical copies of these and video game soundtracks and they can be crazy expensive. My Valkyrie Profile soundtrack was like $100, so I only very rarely buy these sorts of things.
Kate says
I can’t suggest a specific site, but I will suggest that you consider buying from a Japanese company directly.
I don’t generally trust countries outside my own (Australia), however I have had a few purchases from Japan based companies and I would personally rate Japan as a trustworthy country to buy in/from. Possibly even more trustworthy than the USA. Japan is a good place to transact, general inter-country purchasing problems aside.
harukogirl says
But you often have to speak Japanese to order from most of them – and most Japanese companies won’t ship outside Japan. I order from Amazon.co.jp a lot for that reason, but even they don’t always ship to the US
Bona Ok says
Amazon had some tracks for streaming. And Yesasia.com had 3 cds to buy
https://www.yesasia.com/us/search/ancient-magus-bride-soundtrack/0-0-0-q.ancient+magus+bride+soundtrack_bpt.48-en/list.html
Good luck with your house & music hunting!
Andri/Kaylenn says
It was rainy here this morning and it’ll return tonight. Given that we just returned from a road trip, we had to get out for groceries and the like. There is a big, nasty-looking storm off to the southwest I’m watching right now. Thinking about dinner, but hubby and I had some of our homemade salsa for a snack and there is no hunger, so no real desire to go cook anything. =) Tonight, we’ll chill in front of the tv watching Deadliest Catch, hubby’s favorite and only tv show. It sounds like a good evening, to me. =)
Andri/Kaylenn says
Now I am wondering why I put that last comma in… ::sigh::
Mel says
Love Nikki is amazingly addictive! Good luck resisting.
Many hopes for a resolution to your housing issues – sometimes it never seems to end until you get there.
harukogirl says
Ugh, second this. I’ve been playing since last July… 😀
Bonnie says
House buying/selling is dreadful! I really feel for you. I also just went and pre-ordered the Ian book. Thanks for the mention. He’s always been one of my faves in that series.
Mary says
My commiserations on the house problems. Hope the next one you look at proves to be problem free. Have fun for the rest of your rainy day.?
Ruth Ray says
I’ve been on both sides of the sellers report. The one I bought the person filling it out was by the lawyer for the seller and everything was checked “I don’t know” even the fact it wasn’t on a sewer in a area that was all septic. Filled one out for a different place that had been renovated but was too far away for me to monitor so entered data told me by the contractor (relative). But wouldn’t expect outright lies.
Kate says
I don’t know why people try to hide this stuff.
Well … I kinda do, but it seems such a stupid thing to do.
I mean, if they don’t disclose I would think (personal non-professional opinion only) it could mean they can end up liable in some way for the cost of repairs if it can be proven they deliberately failed to disclose. Wouldn’t it be considered fraud, if not fraud-adjacent?
Plus, wouldn’t you sleep better knowing that you’ve been upfront and honest in all your dealings?
So why not just disclose?
Makes absolutely no sense to me.
Rena says
They may not know. I had a contract to buy a house a 5 years ago now and thank goodness for my awesome home inspector. It turns out that the house had a fire and the damage was hidden behind new drywall. The clue was the poorly spliced rafters in the ceiling. He put into his report that the entire roof could cave in within 5-10 years. The house was only 8 years old at the time. The owner had no clue, she bought it “at a discount” from the builder as it wasn’t finished even though it was 3 years old. I assume that it wasn’t finished because he was concealing the fire damage. I backed out and she was stuck with it.
sarafina says
Are there licensed Realtors involved in these transactions? I have often heard how they have high standards to maintain and it sounds like that is not happening here.
jewelwing says
There are licenses and then there are Realtors. Most real estate agents are licensed, but they are not big-R Realtors.
Chibi_Soph says
https://www.yesasia.com/us/search-music/ancient-magus-bride/0-0-0-bt.48_ss.101_q.Ancient+magus+bride_bpt.48-en/list.html
Generally good for non digital stuffs.
harukogirl says
I second this! It’s who I recommended below. I bought several OSTs and Korean drama from them – they are fair-priced, fast, and legit.
Momcat says
I’m up in NH. Yesterday we were hoping for a soaking rain and we got a tornado. Really. No damage done here, but a tornado in the middle of the White Mountains?
R Coots says
Urge. So sorry about the house stuff! That is a horrible hassle. And yay for Love Nikki, but yes. So much a potential money sink. Pretty clothes though! Good luck on the next inspection!
Susan says
Oh, yeah, the inspection game. We, too, have been on both sides in the past 4 years. We were aboveboard in our disclosures, because it’s the right thing and we planned to move pretty far across the country, long distance litigation is awful. But buying here in the PNW, we almost bought a house that was a disaster, but for a good inspector. We tried to get him for the next inspection but our realtor swore he was “unavailable“ – sure, lady. Fortunately the problems at the house we bought were manageable, cost wise.
Rena says
See if there is a list of home inspectors licensed online from the state govt. Get his direct contact # and have him email you a copy of the report next time.
Some realtors refuse to use the good home inspectors because they don’t want anything to interrupt a sale.
EarlineM says
We were on track to closing one time when my insurance company called and said we needed to buy flood insurance. Why, I asked? Because you are in a flood zone. What?! Why isn’t that on the seller’s disclosure. Somehow the last page of the seller’s disclosure didn’t make it to us. Hmmm….nope. Not buying that or the house. Sorry. We ended up in a much better spot. Later the kids were like Mom, that’s the wierdest house you guys ever tried to buy! They were so glad it didn’t work!
Ilona says
Yes, one of the houses we looked at had a creek nearby. I asked the sales agent if we needed flood insurance and he said, “Here is the thing. FEMA hasn’t update their maps, blah blah blah…” It’s a yes or no question and the answer in that case is yes.
Simone says
Good luck with the house hunt. You thought you were done but then fate dragged you back in! In NYC it seems like 90% of the real estate agents are either ignorant or immoral. I’ve seen some really bad ones over the last 20 years for both rentals and sales. We had to get our apartment appraised for a new mortgage a few years back and the appraiser measured it to be 100 sq ft less than it is (that’s a lot of $$ value in NYC) – and less than the previous 4 inspectors measured it to be. Had to get it reappraised , which turned out to be correct. You have to do your homework and double check everyone. Our next house purchase will be our retirement home and one rule is – no running water nearby – a lake would be lovely though with mountains and room for critter companions (daydreaming here of Lake Como in Italy http://www.bestcomo.com/en/property/portion-house-san-siro-cod-531).
Robyn Huffman says
I hope the house turns out well. You are getting to be a real expert on buying and selling.
We thought about our Son buying a house in the Research Triangle but he’s still not 100% happy with his job. I suspect he’ll be moving on to another company at some point soon.
KathyInAiken says
Home buying is stressful no matter what. I can’t imagine doing two in one year. Your are stronger folks than I.
I want Hugh’s book. I want Ian’s book. I want …. For the first time in my life, I am tired of rereading. I did just enjoy for the 8th or 20th time The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester. Sigh. I will find something. I am a grown woman and can get through this.
Jenn says
Hahaha I feel the same! Tired of re-reading, I want Hugh, I want Ian…lol … Going back to Psy-Changling or Guild Hunter series to fill time! Have re-read Hidden Legacy a bunch of times…. White Hot, Wildfire, Wildfire again… Then White Hot right into Wildfire as if one book.. Madness
Rena says
I am in the middle of rereading the Mercy Thompson series, I just finished the Alpha & Omega series. I may have to try Ian, I haven’t read that series.
Tink says
The Ian book is the first series where he’s the protagonist. He’s been a secondary character in the Graves series.
Richard says
Ocean Light by Nalini Singh is out now.
Tania says
I really enjoyed it! I listened to it on Audio.. wonderful narrator.
I am desperately hoping there will be another one next year.
ladyreadsalot says
Me three. I can’t decide what to read so for the past two days I have read nothing. Nothing!!! It is a new record for me and I am starting to get twitchy (I can often read a whole book in two days). The weather hasn’t been helping with my mood either – hot and ridiculously humid then hot and stormy then hot and windy. I take hot it is the “ands” that get to me! Sigh less than a week to Hugh!
Lisa B. says
Have you tried Shayne Silvers? His Nate Temple series? It’s in kindle unlimited. I love ❤️ love ? his books. I just happened upon them one day when I too ran out of stuff/had reread. It’s got wizards,shifters,vamps,fae,Greek heroes, you name it it’s woven in there. Give him a try , I can say with confidence that 99% will love. There’s always that 1% you can’t please no matter what you do?.
I hate buying houses as well. All the paperwork. Prove this, document that, earnest money now, escrow later. ??
Pete says
You could try P. C. Hodgel, she has a series that is pretty good although she is kind of slow. ( Chronicles of the Kencyrath) She just sent book 9 to the publisher, first book was in the 1970s.
Merlyn says
The soundtrack is available in google play music. Just type the Japanese name: 魔法使いの嫁
Nancyc says
How do you even type that on an English keyboard?
d LM a says
Copy & Paste
There is a god & miracles still occur
Hallelujah
& should I ever gird my lions, I might
try the translation thingy
susan k nagata says
Copy/paste? 🙂 That would be my guess.
Brooke says
Anime News Network has an extensive and searchable encyclopedia of anime and manga works with Japanese and English titles, song information, etc. It makes the locate, copy, and paste of Japanese text and artist information so much easier. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com
harukogirl says
I searched but while the album image came up for the artist’s name, neither of the Magnus Bride OSTs were actually on google play. Just other osts
Joylyn says
I hear you on house buying! We are in that process and it is not fun. I would much rather just watch HGTV 🙂 Such a huge investment and so much that can go wrong! I hope everything goes well with this one for you guys.
Tink says
So do you report the sellers to someone? You could always leave a bad review for the inspector, but is there no consequence for the seller not disclosing things?
Nicci says
We’re just starting the mortgage application for our first home and just pulling the supporting documents together is making me feel ill. I’m a big twisty ball of anxiety… I don’t think I could do it again not long after just doing it (like you guys) so hats off to you and good luck with the new prospective buy!
Sleepy says
Oh are you moving again? Perhaps I missed something, but good luck anyway! 🙂
Natasha Johnson says
They are buying for their daughter because her apartment building is a disaster and from what they said unlivable (sewage smelling water, exposed pipes).
J.Lee Conaway says
You could check on eBay, see if you can find them there. Although, I did a search (did a copy/paste from your post) and all I can find is “Ancient Magus’ Bride”… no magic bride of any sort. Good luck finding what you want.
Dorothy says
You can listen to The Ancient Magus Bride soundtrack on soundcloud.
spiffi says
Amazon has third party sellers that have this particular soundtrack -( I am also assuming Ancient Magus Bride)
https://www.amazon.com/Mahoutsukai-Yome-Ost-MATSUMOTO-JUNICHI/dp/B076TW9X9M
Nancyc says
If I had to move so soon after a purchase, I know I’d be looking into a rental, not a purchase. If I’m not sure I’m going to be in a house for at least 5 to 7 years, it wouldn’t be worth it to me.
jewelwing says
This house is for their daughter whose apartment rental proved to be uninhabitable. It’s a good area to invest in so they will likely break even or make money on it eventually.
Paul says
5 hours left!
http://vampirebookclub.net/alpha-showdown-2018-round-14-adam-hauptman-vs-kate-daniels/
Rena says
Shoot, I missed it by a couple of hours.
Tink says
That’s ok. Kate won with 64% of the vote. She goes up against Mercy Thompson for the finals. I just checked and they haven’t announced that round yet.
I gotta tell ya, I’m very conflicted about that match-up.
jewelwing says
Kate is definitely more alpha than Mercy, but I wouldn’t even vote on that one. I like them both too much.
Kate says
Well, Mercy describes herself as someone who is not powerful herself, but is powerful through her connections. She’s the power behind the throne(s), so to speak. So the fact that she’s in the finals of an ‘alpha showdown’ vote is a bit suspect, to be honest.
But yeah, I’d be very conflicted voting either way too. I’m staying away from that one.
Paul says
Oh, by the way I’ve had an error message in the middle of the header picture on your blog for months and months on a bunch of different platforms, not sure where to report that.
The webpage at https://fncd.net/embed?id=rLnUUfA might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web
https://ibb.co/jYaf5J
Paul says
totally didnt scroll down and see the image for your comment option before.
Cindy says
Good luck on the house!!! They sell the soundtrack on eBay ? I love the anime also!! Could they turn your stories into anime? That would be so awesome!!!
Kim H says
I don’t know how you manage to deal with all this stuff and write too. I’d be a basket case. As for home buying, we live in the Seattle area; yes the market is as nuts here as they say; and while buying a home is always a buyer-beware situation, I think we are luckier here than most places as there seem to be a lot more rules around what is required in the way of disclosures about issues and of permitting and documentation related to home improvements. My brother just bought a house in southern Illinois and it’s a nightmare of septic issues, critter infestation, and wiring that looks like it was done by monkeys. There just seem to be no uniform requirements when it comes to documentation. UGH!
Good luck with the house for Kid One, I hope you find her a cute little cottage, close to school, with good neighbors who will look out after her.
Ann M. says
Just to share the pain, I will tell you a new disclosure story. We are looking at homes in North Carolina and they have an extra row of boxes on their disclosure forms, it is called “don’t know”. I am sure that you know where I am going. I have always been brutally honest on my forms, I thought it was a legal document. The people that are selling a house that we wanted to purchase have owned it since it was built. They checked every “Don’t Know” box, it was ridiculous. Problems that were easily observed were denied, problems that the neighbors knew about were denied. So, back to the house hunt. I hope that you have good luck with your search.
jewelwing says
Who do they think they are fooling? Seriously, people are idiots.
d LM a says
Rainy Days & Mondays … … love the song
But they really kind of jazz me up
puddles, soft focus, tea, hot chocolate … admin day or
reorganize closet, clean window sills, get lost watching cats watch the rain.
rainy day introspection; just as you tweak your brain for full disclosure & feel satisfaction that you done did the right thing, the right way, someone always comes along …
Mental soundtrack (mine) Here we go go go on an
Adventure. The thinga ma jigga is up & away …
IT’S a wonderful day in the neighborhood da dada da day in the neighborhood …
It’s disappointing, you start suspecting every thing, body & situation. Don’t let em send or take you there. Thank you for sharing this tiny grief.
Paying attention to the weird is a silent alarm, listen, you did & missed getting caught. But diddling with all the papers yeech. Ain’t life grand ^><^ momma used to say
'beats the alternative'. Blessed B
Kitty says
We bought our house in November. Seller was a local business woman in small town. Inspection never revealed living room ceiling leaked and not on disclosure. However, upon investigating there were actual drip buckets in the attic crawl space. Ceiling had been filled in and painted over. Nothing on disclosure…nothing on disclosure about a lot of things… I feel for you…
Regina says
I had an experience similar to Ilona’s “can of worms” house inspection. The place I was considering had sooo many problems and several ‘hide the issue’ type repairs that I passed on it. I had my realestate agent email a copy of the inspection report to the sellers agent as “a gift to the seller” so that they could update their disclosures.
jewelwing says
*evil chuckle* They totally deserved that. Hope they recognize that they cannot now deny knowledge and have an absolute duty to disclose.
kommiesmom says
Glad ya’ll had a chance for a “sanity day”. We all need them every once and a while. When my kids were still at home, the best birthday gift I got from them (and my husband) was a “day off”. I always chose a day I was off from my job. I didn’t get anyone up, feed anyone, referee disputes, – heck, I didn’t even eat lunch with them. And they didn’t ask me to. My lovely husband took over all the mom stuff for a day and I could do whatever I wanted. They had a fun day with Dad and I had a restful day without them.
Sorry you are fighting the house hunting monster again so soon. At least you should know where most of the documentation is, since it has had limited time to hide itself.
Having found a good inspector is a tremendous plus. Just keep going back to him.
Lyuba says
Ian book?!? How did I miss the Ian book? Thanks for the tip! Off to buy!
Lyuba says
Not sure I can wait until October…. don’t see how I have any choice… grumble. The authorlords have friends in very excellent places.
Cheryl M says
Oh, disclosures are evil and will vary from state-to-state. In Alaska we had to disclose the monthly average we paid for electricity and heating fuel. Screw that the house had eight inch walls, just how much it was going to cost to heat it at -50*. Good luck, I hope all is good with this next one!!
Rena says
I known in Arkansas we just contact the utilities and give them the address. They will give you the bill amounts and/or averages. No ID needed, anyone can call about any address.
harukogirl says
On the OST – I buy a lot of my asia stuff (that I’m not ordering directly from amazon.co.jp, but I speak/read Japanese) from yesasia.com. They are reliable, fast, and fair priced. A note – CDs in Japan are WAY more expensive than in America. I’ve seen SINGLES start at $30. Full albums run from $20-$60, more if they are special edition in any way. That said, yesasia has Magnus Bride OST 1 and 2. One has 30 tracks listed. Ost 2 has no description but I dug around a few Japanese sites and found the track listings – 28 songs on OST 2.
OST 1: https://www.yesasia.com/us/the-ancient-magus-bride-original-soundtrack-1-japan-version/1062794760-0-0-0-en/info.html
OST 2: https://www.yesasia.com/us/the-ancient-magus-bride-original-soundtrack-2-japan-version/1064372027-0-0-0-en/info.html
The links are too long to post here, but if you go to Amazon.co.jp and search “TVアニメ「魔法使いの嫁」オリジナルサウンドトラック1″ (OST 1) and 「魔法使いの嫁」オリジナルサウンドトラック2 ” (OST 2) you can scroll to the bottem of the listings and preview the tracks on each sound track to make sure that’s what you want. (the cover on OST 2 is different from the yesasia posting – that’s pretty normal. It should be the same soundtrack, judging from the info listed).
Hope that helps! 😀 If you have any questions let me know! It’s nice when my Japanese comes in handy 😉
barbie doll says
Would you and Gordon be moving or is this for your daughter? I feel like I missed a post somewhere but that is me. Also what is Ian’s book? Again I missed it somewhere. Since I do not use facebook or other social media I am probably totally out of the loop. I hope that the house buying goes well although that is probably a forlorn hope.
Rena says
Same here, I feel out of the loop sometimes, but I refuse to get into social media.
reeder says
“Jeaniene Frost’s Ian book” mentioned at the bottom of the post.
Prospero says
Google play has a bunch of different anime soundtracks but not the one you are specifically looking for. Hope you can find a good place for kid1 There were so many water leaks in my old building the wall cavities and ceilings had black mould. Now they’re having to work on removal as they tear down the building
wont says
So glad you didn’t get stuck with that house. Our house had several “hidden issues”. Some were discovered before the sale, some not. I think we came out OK in the end.
Your daughter is very lucky to have parents who would do this for her. I hope the next house works out for you.
Chris W says
This looks like what you were looking for.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/here-single/1297260553
Chris W says
Also Amazon has CDs but they are pricey.
Music by JUNNA
Katie A says
I fifth YesAsia.com – I’ve bought a bunch from them, and they’re great, but just know the track listings will be in kanji.
Also, just thought I’d mention, both Yona of the Dawn and The Ancient Magus’ Bride manga series are being released in the US, and both series are past where their respective animes left off. And they’re both really, really good. 🙂
AndrewC says
Is this what you are looking for? A whole buncha stuff labelled Ancient Magus Bride.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/series/4210
Sorry if this was already shown.
jo says
I read your post thought oh what a complete nightmare and then my mind went blank when i saw you had read IANS BOOK and now i am just soooooo jealous
Elenariel says
We’d like – and need – to renovate our house – it was my grandparents’ – but burocracy is hell! Every technician we consult about laws, declares a different thing. Last time the same engineer contraddicted himself from one day to the other…
For japanese items I used this website: japancentre.com
It’s based in the UK and they ordered a specific LaLa magazine for me!
There is also Yes Asia: you can shop in english too
https://www.yesasia.com/us/en/japanese-music.html
Any news about ordering paper copies of Iron and Magic?
KC says
Unless the company releasing the game/tv series also has the legal rights to release the soundtrack as well, it’s rare finding places that sell the music here in the US. So then you have to go the import option.
CD Japan has them: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/series/4210
Typically these days the OST will be the score, opening/closing songs are usually sold separately. Not sure about the details for Magus Bride, so if there’s a certain song you really want, check and make sure it’s on the disc.
CDJapan is a great, legitimate site, as is YesAsia/PlayAsia. Now legal Crunchyroll (they started off as an illegal streaming site, but went legitimate many years ago, and are now even partially funded by some of the Japanese animation companies) has a store front and they’ll sell some merchandise and other items like soundtracks. Especially for shows they may stream. Also, Kinokuniya is a great resource too, they’re a Japanese bookstore with locations here in the US, including one in Austin. If they don’t currently have it, sometimes they can order it for you. AmazonJapan, sometimes they can ship to you, sometimes they cant (depends how the manufacturer set up their permissions). In the later case you can even find proxy services to find the item for you, purchase it, and ship it to you such as Tenso (https://www.tofugu.com/reviews/tenso-shipping/) or DankeDanke.
And select vendors at Anime Conventions.
Keep in mind, that for alot of their media, especially specialty media for anime soundtracks, typically they have a finite run, and sell that and do NOT reprint more. So it becomes much more difficult finding soundtracks the longer you wait. I hunted down some very out of print soundtracks for over $100 a pop many years ago.
But be prepared for sticker shock. New CDs in Japan run $40-100 in USD. That’s because the SRPs for their media is SOOO much higher than ours.
It used to be that in Japan, an anime series was released 2 episodes at a time on DVD, for the equivalent of $40-$60 USD. So if you wanted a 12 episode series it would set you back between $480 – $720 USD. And that’s for Japanese format, so no English subs or dubs.
mdy says
So sorry to hear about the housing woes. The non-disclosure of a long list of issues sounds almost . . . fraudulent. It’s almost as if you need to hire your own inspector to get an independent assessment, which is something most people probably can’t afford. Sigh. I hate it when I just have to leave things up to karma.
sarafina says
So is the new keyboard working out? I only signed up for Twitter to get the Curran bits, I’m not that interested in your life otherwise and I haven’t seen the Curran entry. Conlan was fun, but I plan to stay with just the blog. Too many people on Facebook ask questions answered on the website.
charisN says
Hey Sarafina!
Thanks for your post. I thought that I did too and never saw the Curran bits. I think that I must have messed the whole thing up. If its not on the blog then give it up – I can’t handle it obviously. 😎 I used to know this stuff sigh…….
Colleen says
My mother-in-law (a real estate agent) told me about her favorite disclosure: A home in western Texas had a back-yard that was directly in the migratory path of Mexican Tarantulas. Twice a year, a flood of the critters passed through the backyard, with many occasional strays into the house itself. If you happened to look at the house during the non-migratory season, it was a wonderful purchase. The disclosure was honest, and I believe the house did eventually sell to a family not bothered by hairy, eight-legged visitors twice a year.
KC Hulsman says
O. M. G.
Now that’s a nightmare house!
Colleen says
My husband took a course to become an inspector in Texas, and learned that inspectors do not actually have to dig deep into the guts of the building, although a good one will. The actual requirement for the inspection is to visually assess the property and mark items that are visibly apparent problems. There are a few items that have to be looked at a bit closer, such as electrical boxes, etc., but the inspector is not legally required to delve any deeper than surface inspection. My husband decided against a career as an inspector upon further research, when he discovered that this particular career in the state of Texas is one of the few that REQUIRES liability insurance, and if he is ever sued, most lawsuits will settle at the amount of the deductible, which would come out of his pocket. So not worth the hassle.
Clarice says
Totally unrelated, but reading your blog whether it’s chapter updates or your life experiences in general is so comforting after a long day of work. Thank you!
Fera says
True!! I’m refreshing pages not only to look for story updates too.
CLDaniels says
I started playing a game on my phone called Picross Luna. It’s a little like Sudoku, but instead of filling in numbers, you have to use logic and strategy to fill in blocks to create a picture. It’s pretty fun!
For the soundtrack, would this site work for you?
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/series/4210
I love that anime. It’s so beautiful! I also really like “Violet Evergarden” lately, as well as “Kakuriyo – Bed and Breakfast for Spirits”, “My Little Monster”, and “Kiss Him, Not Me!” (those last two are hilarious!).
Tink says
{snicker} I love that picture!
Marianne says
*1 ?
jewelwing says
Truly excellent.
amanda says
Violet Evergarden needs a warning label. I was hyperventilating I was crying so hard at it. Beautiful yes, but my god the emotion it evoked!
Tati says
I’m not from the US and I’m kinda confused here.
Why would you need to buy another house? Is it for your oldest daughter? Is renting not an option?
Stephanie says
You would probably laugh but my Mom is soooo OCD that the sellers disclosure had “see attached documentation”. The attached documentation was a three page chronological list of all work done on the house from the time they bought it. The attached house reference binder with all contractor invoices and receipts in order. Their realtor sent my mom flowers before they even listed the house for sale.
Kate says
Mate, by the time I finished your description I was starting to tear up, so I can only imagine how the realtors felt.
Tina Marie says
Walmart sells shower heads with their own filter. They say they only need to be changed every 6 months. We are a family of 4, and 6 months later, it’s still good. Our water didn’t smell like sewer, but was very hard and smelled of chemicals, almost like chlorine. The kids brush their teeth in there because we only say shower heads, not sink attachments.
Sorry you’re having so much trouble with finding a house. Good luck!
Tina Marie says
*saw
Karen the Griffmom says
Once you go ergo, you never go back. A normal keyboard makes my fingers feel claustrophobic!
Chris says
For anyone selling a house in the US, especially in Florida, we have such a thing as a transactional broker. For $150 he listed our house on every site any other Realtor would have done, and we took care of everything else. We sold our last 2 houses that way, because the real estate sales people we talked to were all so inept, shooting from the hip about rules and laws that we knew weren’t true. One told us that we would have to replace a perfectly good air conditioner, put a light cord in the laundry room into conduit, and replace perfectly good appliances. Another said that we had to, by law, fill in the dreaded repair report, complete with every price and date of repair. If we didn’t know the answers, she told us to just make something up. She kept saying that June is always a good date to use, because it’s in the middle. After we listed with a transactional Realtor, we were told by another realtor who showed our house that she didn’t think that the way we listed our house was legal. We suggested she do some research into the practices of her business.
She, then said that we had to accept her buyer’s offer right now because it was only good for today. (I’m sure the buyer would have been stunned at her salesman’s tactics without her approval). We told her no, we weren’t going to be pressured by her games. Later in the day, the realtor emailed us to say we could take the rest of the week. We emailed her back that it had been sold.
We got a full price buyer without having another agent involved, and without doing any of the expensive things that we were advised by the “professionals” to do, and without any repair report. We made a date to visit a local title company to complete the transaction within half an hour of showing them the house. All she wanted was an inspection. Everything went so much more smoothly without getting any no-nothing know-it-all real estate salesmen involved.
My heart goes out to the few truly professional people in this business that have to put up with all the nonsense from anyone with the money to plunk down for the silly course and license. Both my husband and I did that years ago and were appalled at how easy it was.
If you’re selling a house, and you are capable of pointing out that the room with the refrigerator is the kitchen and the room with the bathtub/shower is the bathroom, you are overqualified to show your own house and save thousands of dollars in the process. Just get a transactional Realtor to list your house on the MLS and all the other pertinent sites.
Ara says
:O I missed the Ian book! brb, reading! Thank you! Good luck with the house hunt!
Ara says
*sob* it’s not out until october…
Kate says
Have you read Karen Chance’s Dorina Basarab (Midnight’s Daughter; Death’s Mistress; Fury’s Kiss) trilogy? The last one was published back in 2012 but she’s finally got a 4th book coming out at the end of July.
Lynn T. says
Ah, poor Ilona Andrews, the joys of real estate. Dad was a mechanical engineer who had studied to be an astronaut so he could fix anything and did so usually with left over parts that drove Mother crazy because if dishwasher originally came with said part then why would he not need after fixing dishwasher. Grin
That said he insisted on all of us paying for a professional engineer usually a professional civil engineer who built houses locally, not a political entity, to do pre purchase inspections. Well worth money spent as they were very through and save you a lot of money in long run on both just constructed structures and long time built ones. I am sure there are lemons but when the professional engineer says house is substandard and built on a 10 year flood plain, it is so. If he says will not withstand an ef1 tornado which is lowest category, it is so. So if your second house inspector is a professional structural engineer, look elsewhere because kid 1 would not be safe or happy in that house.
AngelMercury says
I horribly sucked into Love Nikki and some days I’m like ‘Why am I still playing this!?’ Oh ya, I’m a sucker for pretty clothes I wish I could wear… Those wings have really nice details. There’s a lot a frilly youthful stuff where as I really like the more mature simple looks so when that cloud set with the sword and shoulder tattoo came up I caved pretty quick. It’s fun to see what people come up with though.
Phantom says
I dread to think how much I’ve spent on Love Nikki. I’ve set myself some very strict boundaries now >_<
Tenshineko says
The cdjapan link posted above might be the easiest route. I’ve also ordered from Amazon.co.jp. If you have a Kinokuniya anywhere near you, you also might try them. Good luck with the house buying!
Bat says
My house was bought without a close enough look. It was my first house. My inspector sucked. The guy who bought and flipped this house sucked more… covered up rotting floor. What I really want to do is bulldoze the whole thing and start over…… good luck.
Love the dress btw. Especially the wings
Joanne R says
Downloaded and started playing Love Nikki and OMG…I’m so addicted! Thanks Ilona!!
Variel says
Really good community in Love Nikki, I too only got started recently. There are some wonderful guide sites out there to make the most of your daily stam. Look for the daily diamond guide if like me you’re not paying money for the premium currency.
kairos says
+1 to this story…yay…???
Bonnie Meyer says
I am so sorry to hear about all the trouble you’re having with buying another house. It was probably for the best that you walked away. You won’t regret waiting for the right house.
Lotusfrost says
Always looking for more friends in love Nikki here is my friend code 103387554
Nina says
Ebay – you can search for the O.S.Ts using either the original Japanese name or the english.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Mahoutsukai+no+Yome+soundtrack&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=Mahoutsukai+no+Yome+album&LH_TitleDesc=0
Also you can go to cdjapan.co.jp and search for Mahoutsukai no Yome and you will find the soundtracks there too.
I like cdjapan.co.jp personally.
Ron Jarrell says
Nikki is strangely addictive. I’m 106219064 if you need more friends.
Sue Reynolds says
Structural engineer’s report indicated need for tuckpointing and noted the early 3 kinds of wiring, none up to code, “but perfectly safe if you don’t start a rock band.”. Thirty three years later we are still happy in our pre-1900 home. Never did get the heavy metal band in the basement, though. Seriously a good structural report is very helpful in figuring out what is needed beyond the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities to make a house habitable.
Sarah K says
If you subscribe to YouTube Red, you can listen to lots of anime soundtracks without having to buy them. That is how I’ve done Hunter x Hunter and whatever else strikes my fancy.
Wendy says
I love Hunter X Hunter. Have you watched Fairy Tail?
Wendy says
<3 Dress up games!!! Glad i am not the only one!
Lissa says
House buying in Texas is crazy right now. Sorry it’s being difficult for you. Hope you find something soon.
Amelie says
Wait are you buying a house for your daughter or yourselves? Not sure why you’d want to go through this twice so close together but I hope the next house is better!
Tess says
Just finished hughs book. Guys! You turned him into the most amazing character. I was cheering so hard by the end. Love the crepes. And Elara is perfection. Thank you.
Vwiles says
I wonder if you’d like Master’s Sun, it’s love action but the plot is like a cross between anime and a book, but with better acting. She sees ghosts and they go around bothering her to help them. The interplay between the make and female protagonist is hilarious 🙂
Vwiles says
Sorry, live action, not love action
Vwiles says
Male not make, sorry again.