I don't usually get too personal on this completely open to anyone out there journal I've been keeping, but an interesting event took place today... our house was appraised. Turns out that this very ordinary step in the process of refinancing is quite personal. We put off this event for a week in order to finish up a closet that's been in the works for just over two years, that along with our other little in the works project, our entire house. As the week wore on our anxiety escalated. Heart, soul, sweat, tears, bruises, back aches, Saturdays, and way too many buckets of Kilz primer we've invested in our house; how can we possibly begin to convince this stranger of its worth?
The interesting thing happened when Laurence walked back into the kitchen after seeing the stranger off. We smiled at each other, both understanding the immense relief the other felt. The appraiser gave no sign of a great score. He was actually very dull, and as he was leaving just mentioned something about "punching all the numbers in" and 3-5 days. No, our relief and contentment resulted from having to question the worth of our home ourselves.
Nights with friends around a fire pit on an unfinished and awkwardly painted patio can't be put into some kind of algorithm. Observing vegetables thrive with neighbors in what was once an overgrown lot as countless diy stories are told can't be punched in either. Nor can the long sweaty Saturdays, the trips to the Freez-o and Lowe's, the thrill of figuring out how to rewire a light switch or discovering a bed filled with day lilies that hadn't bloomed in years.
No, the value of our home is not measured by its appearance. Our home is just a backdrop, brightly colored with many imperfections, to the countless meals and conversations that take place here. The cracking plaster and unfinished doorways provide such a welcoming and relaxed environment. I hope that quality isn't lost under the layers of spackle and paint.
Our final appraisal: We are extremely grateful to live in a home worth so much.
1 comment:
i love this post!
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