Open House Atrocities

We're looking for a new house.  Did you know that? I may have mentioned it once or twice. Or, in every single post I've written for this website.  It's a bit of a theme in my life right now, but if this house would just sell, I could end it all by finally buying something.

The market in Ottawa being what it is, and this being July where most Ottawans are somewhere along the Rideau drinking beer and avoiding raccoons, things are not exactly moving.  Where does that leave me? Stalking the MLS website, crashing open houses and making my agent crazy with emails that go something like this:

"Hi Leo,

$349,9000 for THAT house? Are you kidding me?

And what's with the pink carpet?  And the green wallpaper border in the master bathroom. Seriously. My EYES. My eyes will never recover!

Can you please find me something that's less of an eyesore. Something with hardwood and not green patio carpet in the living room.

Regards,
Chantal"

Do you see how I'm filling up my spare time this summer?

I'm not lying though. Some of the properties I've seen (and witnessed in person) are just ridiculously decorated. I thought listing agents were advised to, you know, advise clients to seek out neutral decor. I've seen bright green and pink carpet, eighties style wall murals in all colours of the rainbow and an actual mannequin in someone's living room. A mannequin!

Sure, country chique was all the rage in the early nineties, but it has evolved hasn't it? We've moved on from cows and ducks as central themes to subtle florals and decorative china. So why was one kitchen not only littered with cow creamers but the counter tops and cabinets were painted to match?

You probably can't help me out, but I know I'm not the only one who has gone through this. I know You've walked into a house, your husband on your arm, full of hope and promise only to walk in a see a six foot tall giraffe statue in a corner. You've listened. That's enough.

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Original Post to Canada Moms Blog.  Chantal Hubert also writes at Bread Crumbs In The Butter, but more often lately on her Twitter page, as she can no longer must more than 140 characters. Real Estate will do that to you.