Closings

This morning we are closing on a small investment home we purchased 5 1/2 years ago. For a year and a half we used the home as the headquarters of our small import pearl business, thus, we affectionately refer to it as “The Pearl House”. Indeed, the home has turned out to be a real pearl. After a serious cleanup and small remodel we are almost doubling our investment. In some ways we wish we could hold on to the home, but alas, we are all-in at Yonderways and need the equity to finish the projects here and to repay our savings. ~ How the Pearl House came to finally be sold is a bit of a twisted story, like ALL of our tales. But our Realtor hustled and saved the day.

We are also closing our pearl business over the next four weeks by dissolving all inventory and equipment. The business was a blessing for us and others for almost 7 years. The business was fun, but it also served as a much needed common interest and diversion for Keith and me while we lived apart four years – he lived/worked in Shanghai and I lived/worked here in the states to advocate and stabilize our son’s failing psychological health. The business model was structured to give back 25% of all sales to deserving nonprofits making a positive impact in communities. Our little business gave back over $100,000 to local charities via our “Pearls for Purpose” events. We had to be frugal and scrappy to be able to share our sales, and I never once took a proper salary even though I worked tirelessly 50-60 hours a week. But the pay-offs were many. I will miss the business, but Keith and I have moved on in every sense of the word.

Then there’s the final mortgage and closing of Yonderways…the appraisers are scheduled for May 16th. Fingers crossed The Oak will be at a stage that allows a proper appraisal on the newly restored structure. Sheetrock begins this week, ceilings, refinished floors, and tiling the next. In the meantime Keith and I have begun to paint the exterior with the intentions of having one coat completed by inspection. The cabinets will not be in, but the appliances will be in place and all utilities will be functioning. Of all the beautiful, exciting, transformations taking place I am looking most forward to a washer/dryer that doesn’t take quarters and a soaking tub!

This is a tease of the new house color. This is very close to a color we uncovered under old aluminum siding. This weekend we played with trim –  leaving house trim the same or painting with accent. I was leaning toward monotone – 1940’s mountain cabins were predominantly two colors; dark green or dark brown – no accents. Keith prefers accent trim, so accent trim it is. We will not be showing any more exterior photos until completion. We are excited to reveal the finished project – it’s quite a transformation. The propane delivery technician was up the other day and kept shaking his head and uttering, “I can’t believe this is the same house. I didn’t think the place was salvageable.”

A sound man is good at salvage, at seeing nothing is lost. ~ Loazi