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| Friday, 01 July 2011 00:20 | |||||
For those familiar with television from the 70s and 80s, you’ll remember the comedy The Jeffersons. At this point, you are probably singing the unforgettable and catchy theme song:
Well, we’re movin on up to the east side There’s more to the lyrics. For those born after the late 80s who don’t know what I am referring to, google it or watch an episode on Youtube. Classic television at its best. Why the reference to a show on the boob tube from the days of yore? Well, the Burgos clan has decided to close up shop and move. Not to the east side, nor a deluxe apartment in the sky, but to a great community outside city limits. Lizabeth and I have been thinking for the past number of years that we need to make room for our five children – but where to move? We looked all over the city and noticed that housing prices are getting out of hand. Some homes were selling for 30, 40 and even $70,000 above listing price. These homes were move-in ready, with only a bucket of paint to customize it and make it ours, but with homes selling in a matter of days, we felt we had to make a decision, and fast, otherwise we’d lose out. If you are like me, I don’t like to rush any purchases, especially if I am spending thousands of dollars. If you are selling a house this year, congrats, it shouldn’t be a problem, but if you are buying, be prepared for a bidding war. We looked at homes that needed a bit of work, but do I really want to get dirty after I buy a house? No thank you. The best bet was to find something as new as possible. My only criteria? I needed a large double-attached garage, a huge basement and a lot of green space. We shopped around in a few bedroom communities and finally found something perfect within minutes of the city. The best part, no bidding wars! We actually paid less than list price. As for our house in the city, it sold in two days and we used the free online classifieds service Kijiji. Not even kidding. However not everything is all roses. My back is already preparing for a few weeks of pain, moving fridge, stove, washer, dryer, another fridge and a deep freeze. I alone, keep my Chiropractor in business. The last time we moved was five years ago. I’m hoping it will be a very long time before we move again. We finally got a piece of the pie. Alice Cooper said it best, “School’s out for the summer.” So many kids playing in the streets, parks are loud with the sounds of, “Tag! You’re it,” and sprinklers will be getting their workout for the next couple months. Traffic on city streets is considerably non-existent and ice cream shops prepare for line-ups from noon till night. Since I was a wee lad growing up in the Maples, this was always the best time of the year. Even now in my 30s, I am giddy with anticipation of what the summer will bring. This year, we’ll pull the trailer to many campsites in Canada and the States. I can see it now. We’ll find the most pristine untouched swimming hole and while preparing for the famous “Dad Cannonball,” one of my boys will tug on my arm and say, “Dad, my iPod is dead”. Dale manages the communications department for a Winnipeg school division. Have a comment on this article? Send us your feedback
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