Tear Down or Keeper?

I always wonder and predict how the inside of people’s houses look especially when I walk around the neighborhood and try and peak in their windows. This is a house on our street recently listed on HAR and OMG the photos were worse than I expected.

I think it’s great to stay fit and watch our weight but seeing the “healthometer” scale facing you might not be the ideal way to wake up every morning- and if you are trying to sell your house I think this bedroom photo of the healthometer scale, along with the prescription medication on the nightstand are the kinds of things we could move out of the frame- it sort of takes away from the ambiance and charm of the house.

Location is everything and this is a great one but really, it might sell better without the photos for lot value. I do love the portrait of the sweet couple at the headboard I wish them all the best in their next move. If I lived in this house I would certainly keep that portrait and I hope they do too, but when I look at all the photos and consider the location it’s hard to call this house “a keeper”. So many of us end up finding ourselves in this same predicament, even when we keep it updated. We simply outlive our houses.

A family friend told me last night that the people of the “old south” would tear down their house before they sold the land to keep their memories. I think this is what these owners should do- keep the portrait, ditch the scale, have a couple of margaritas and move on- yes?

Link to HAR listing

Dorman David

Charles Dorman David- October 27, 1937- September 30 2013

Dorman was a brilliant and talented self taught artist and collector who attracted, acquired and expected beautiful things; objects, friendships, food, and of course women. He was my friend for the past ten years but I was a new friend because held on to friendships for decades. His oldest friend goes back to kindergarten at Poe Elementary.

Dorman was a collector who was ahead of his time with great vision and aesthetic. He loved to buy/ trade and make deals- big deals with the big boys. He loved to make the news too and he did it well.

My favorite thing about Dorman was his humor; I think this was his best attribute. Once, Dorman literally made me laugh so hard I cried. I am happy to say I could make him laugh too, even in the end. When those handsome firemen were doting on him on our way to the hospital I said “Dorman look at all this male attention you are getting- I’m jealous!” He smiled and chuckled pretty well for us that that day.

As Dorman approached the end of his life, he liked to share lots of stories about his past. He constantly reminded me how much good he did- all good things and nothing bad. Dorman wasn't  much of a religious man but I think this was his way of buying his ticket to heaven and by far his biggest deal ever. Rest in Peace Dorman, You will be missed.