I wonder if any VH-1 watchers besides me just asked "Why is Christine Baranski wearing a suit and tie?" when David Coverdale came onscreen...

Hey Scrappy? You did a short sale, right? What did your timeline end up being? There's another on the same street as the one I like, plus one I haven't seen in Hampden that just reduced the price like whoa. I'd love to get this all done before I leave the country/lease expires, but if I really like something, I'll deal with the headaches and go negotiate the fuck out of the mgmt office.

Going back to "getting your snoop on", it also gives you neat ideas. One of the too-small-but really cute places had put in a medicine cabinet where not only the doors were mirrored, the interior was too. It really worked on a functional level. Or good paint colors.

I do think today was kinda stressful. My gut is reacting, but hey, it'll get more routine until I pull the trigger and then I'll freak the fuck out. Right?

I want to go back with my camera to the good house (I forgot it this morning. Major stupid.) I *need* to see more, but I'm kinda in love with the style and layout with the knowledge that I'll probably over time have to put in another $10K at least to make it ideal as is to me (new deck, central air.) French doors! 3 porches! 3bdr! Damned no ductwork.

Whoa sirens and police helicopters.

(I'm kinda obsessing.)

Yeah, pictures are good. I wish I could find the pictures I took during the house inspection on this place, with the previous owners' traditional Chinese furniture in the living room.

Wanna cry looking for another apartment. Avoiding realtors that will charge me a month & a half finders fee and dodging scams, now wondering what this "no fee except for $150" is. Scam? Honest, but I have to pay just to look at the place? Or only pay if I decide to rent and the money is for the shuffling of papers? Wanna get drunk but have to drive all over northern jersey tomorrow. Grrr.

Are apartments getting cheaper out there in Northern NJ, Juliebird? I know that they're moderating in price or even dropping a bit around here, due to people renting out condos since they can't sell them. My complex is offering free satellite dishes to new tenants.

IObamaN, I like this story about Michelle going to Arlington for a tribute to female war veterans.

"no fee except for $150" is. Scam?

Yes. At least a broker only takes your money if they find you something. The places that charge you just to look at their listings are skeezy as HELL.

They do seem to be somewhat cheaper than a year ago, although it's hard to tell whilst wading through all the scams. Lots of foreclosed houses for $400 a month and such. Lots of places offering first months rent for free on apartments. Don't know if that's the economy talking or scam artists. There's also some two and three bedrooms that are relatively cheaper than a lot of the crap 1 BR, but I simply can't afford it.

I'm trying to keep my drive to work within a half hour and away from the major highways, but I found a little cabin up by Greenwood Lake that's tiny and affordable, most of the utilities included. I'm trying to figure out if the freedom of having no neighbors directly attached to my floors or walls is worth the hours drive one way and not a lot of space. (and the extra gas for driving double)

Still don't get why the landlords don't have to pay the commission in NJ.

Damn. Got all excited.

Affordable? Check.
Reasonable driving time to work? check.
Pets? Purr!
Utilities... crap, nothing included which puts me past what I'm paying now.
Additional Pet deposit of $300 plus 25 extra per pet per month? I'ze gonna hafta drown the bitches.

F***ing cats, why do I have to love you so?