3D: House Hunting

“What do you think?” Ranveer asked.

The house looked like a picture ripped from Newcrest Living magazine with its perfectly manicured lawn and beautifully polished stone lining the walk and driveways. It towered over them like a bully. Were they grown enough to buy such a house? Ever since announcing her intent to buy a home with Ranveer, Maya thought of nothing else. Excitement for their new dwelling ate at her night and consumed her daydreams now that she officially lived with him. Her resolve was strong when she called the realtor. But, standing on the sidewalk of her potential new home far away from everything she’d ever known, the enormity of the decision hit her like the llama flu.

“It’s … It’s really nice.”

Too nice. The squeaky clean windows stared back at her like eight pairs of eyes calling attention to her previous fears. Could she do this?

Kenya, the realtor, stepped out of the house and waved.

“Oh, she’s here,” Ranveer said. “Guess we better get inside.”

Many celebrities from global superstars to just barely a star lived in Del Sol Valley. The best of the best lived in the hills.

“You think any celebrities live in this neighborhood?” she asked.

He snorted. “Probably wannabe celebrities.”

She giggled. “If I find out Octavia Moon even drives past this street, we’re taking this house just so you know.”

“Heh, thanks for the warning.”

The petite woman with super blond hair had a radiant smile to match. “Hey there! You must be Maya and Ranveer. I’m Kenya Hoskins. It’s great to meet y’all finally.”

“It’s good to meet you too! Penny sings your praises.”

Kenya’s smile radiated from her face even brighter. “Penny is such a dear, but you know that already!”

The radiant smile slipped into something hesitant making Maya nervous.

“I’ll do whatever I can to make you two happy, but I have upsetting news.”

Ranveer glanced at her with concern in his eyes.

The house already intimidated her. Maya didn’t need anymore doubts creeping into this process. “Is everything ok?”

“Oh, yes. I have three great homes to show, but I’ll only be present for this one. I did everything I could to rearrange my appointments today, but there was just one thing I couldn’t move. I’m getting married, and-“

Maya gasped. “Oh, how wonderful! Congratulations!”

“Thank you! My fiance loves doing it big, so we’ve got a bit of a drive to preview a venue this afternoon. I’m very sorry about this and hope I haven’t ruined your expectations. Not to worry though. My associate, Kristine, is great and will show you the other two houses.”

“Does Octavia Moon ever come around here?”

“Really, Maya?” Ranveer snapped. “Octavia probably doesn’t know this neighborhood even exists.”

“UMM, I’ll have you know Tay Tay grew up around here thank you!”

Kenya giggled. “You two are too cute. Ready to see this house?”

“I’m SO ready!”

Maya was all smiles and a bundle of nerves as she followed Kenya up the stairs. People rarely bought the first house they saw. The beauty awaiting inside existed to set the tone. Not every house would be so grand…she hoped. 

“Ok, so before you say anything, I know this home is slightly above your price range. The three properties you’ll see today are priced across the board so you can compare and see what you can do with your money.”

“I’m so excited!”

Kenya opened the door and showed them in. “Please, walk around and explore. I want you to get a sense for the house.”

An elegant fireplace greeted them at the door. The rust-colored paint was a perfect blend of both their favorite colors and invited them into the home. The dated furniture turned her off, but they’d buy new pieces anyway. Hopefully, they’d have a budget for furniture after paying for the house. The higher price point made that prospect doubtful. But, warm vibes emitted from every corner. It wasn’t as large as it looked on the outside, but the layout worked so well. She imagined friends and families sprawled across the house on holidays and at parties they’d throw. It still made her nervous but a good nervous. 

“You’re a young couple thinking about the future. All the homes you’ll see today are great for families, but I wanted at least one larger made-for-families type of property to show. There’s more than enough space, and you shouldn’t need to move again unless you just want to upgrade!”

“If you entertain important people, the ranch style and traditional furnishings will surely make you look good. But, for us regular folks, the open concept gives it a warm, intimate feel.”

Kenya was good. She stated perfectly Maya’s initial feelings with no prompting.

“It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. One en suite and a hall bathroom.”

Kenya turned to Ranveer. “You’ve been quiet, sir. What are you thinking so far?”

“I’m thinking you’re worth your commission fee.”

“HA! That’s what I love to hear. Let’s go see the backyard.”

“Now, I always tell my clients the truth. I’m not an agent who just wants you to buy something, ok? I like this house, but the backyard is disappointing for a family home. Unless you like having pool parties, there’s not enough space to do much else. But, when your kids are small, they can play and stay safe on this beautiful, large deck.”

Was it bad Maya had not considered safety? Children were the farthest things from her mind despite the obvious decor. Before they came, however, she looked forward to the epic pool parties.

“Ok! There’s one more thing I haven’t told you about. This will make you either love or hate this house.”

“Those are pretty bold choices,” Maya said.

“Well, you know…life is risky. I’m not afraid of a gamble.”

“I like your attitude,” Ranveer said.

“All right…so, Maya, your parents are aging. You may want them closer in their old age. If it comes to that, move them into the in-law suite!”

She gasped. “I thought that was a garage! Ranveer, did you hear that?”

He smiled and took her hand.

“It’s completely private with its own entrance, kitchenette, living room, and everything they need. There’s no need to come into the main house, so if you use it as a guest house or vacation rental, you have that added peace of mind. My favorite scenario is for a live-in nanny!”

Maya had a successful career and earned a large salary. The prestigious title on her business cards gave her the right to own a house like this and have a live-in nanny if she wanted. But, she was just a girl from Oasis Springs whose sole goal in life was to fall in love and live happily ever after. She never had big dreams and seeing this house opened up a world of possibilities. “This is wild, Kenya! You’re giving me all kinds of ideas.”

“I’m glad. Ideas make the decision-making process easier. Ready for the next house?”

“Absolutely.”

The drive to Oasis Springs was long; they discussed this on the way and filed it as a potential con. Kenya’s car stopped in a familiar neighborhood in front of a two-story modern house with purple accents—another one of Ranveer’s favorite colors. Maya took it as a good sign.

“Isn’t that your aunt’s house across the street?”

“Yep!”

Another great sign!

“You’re from here, right Maya?”

“Born and raised!”

“I thought so. This house isn’t furnished. When looking at a house, the owner’s furniture often paints a picture for you, and without it, you may find it hard to see yourselves living here. So, keep an open mind. If you do that, I know you will love this house.”

“Yeah, sure,” Ranveer said. “We can do that.”

“I call this house ‘the blank slate.’ You can make it whatever you want! Ok, y’all. I hate to do this, but I have to run. Kristine should be inside already and will take care of you. Please, if you have questions, call me anytime. I’m gonna help you through this process.”

“Thank you so much, Kenya. Good luck with all the wedding stuff!”

“Yeah, it was good to meet you,” Ranveer said.

“Thank you both! Take care!”

“You ready, babe?”

“Let’s go.”

Kenya did not lie. There was not a stitch of furniture. Not even electricity. Only the kitchen appliances and cabinets remained. Maya stretched her brain to picture herself in the house, but it was difficult like Kenya said. But, standing in the empty room staring at blank walls reminded her of Penny’s renovation. What fun they’d have putting their mark on the empty house.

“Hi! I’m Kristine Jospeh.”

“I’m Maya. This is Ranveer. This house intrigues me.”

“It’s priced well below your budget for obvious reasons. There are three bedrooms and two full bathrooms upstairs. Down here, there’s also a full bathroom. This space behind the stairs can be whatever you want. A sitting area, reading nook, office space, a little bar…whatever!”

Maya appreciated Kristine feeding her ideas. They helped to form pictures of herself and Ranveer living happily together in that scantily furnished house. This project could be the moment of truth. Did her style extend beyond her wardrobe?

“So many possibilities,” she whispered.

“Oh! I’m not sure if you noticed, but the washer/dryer hookups are upstairs in the hall. You could spend a little extra to enclose the space and make it a proper laundry room, but I think it’ll make the hallway feel crowded.”

Maya nodded. “Noted.”

“If you guys don’t have questions, we can go to the final house.”

She glanced at Ranveer, and he nodded. “Let’s go!”

They ended up in her old neighborhood across the street from Penny. Yet another good sign! Kenya had far too much talent and didn’t make the decision easy.

“Babe…this house is next door to Viviana’s,” Ranveer shouted. “I think we should take it!”

Kristine chuckled. “This one is priced right in the sweet spot of your budget. It’s a three bedroom, two bathroom townhome fully furnished, move in ready and perfect for a small family.”

“The backyard is tiny and close to a loud, busy street…”

“But, I think the basement will change your mind about all that. It’s a full basement with a gym, family room, and play area for the kids!”

“Dude…this basement is sick! I think we’ll take it!”

Kristine grinned. “I love your enthusiasm, Ranveer! You should go home and discuss what you’ve seen today. Sleep on it for a few days. We don’t want to rush your decision.”

The drive home was silent. Maya and Ranveer had much to discuss.

“That basement was amazing, right?” he said.

“It was a huge selling point.”

His almond-shaped eyes drooped like a sad puppy. “I hear a big but coming.”

“Don’t you think it was a little…crowded?”

“I mean, yeah…it was a little cramped. But, that basement though!”

It was so like them to be on opposing sides. Agreeing on everything would be so boring. “It would be perfect for the Llamacorn’s championship party.”

“Now you’re talking! But, ummm, don’t write off my Plumnuggets!”

“Pfft! AS IF the Plumnuggets can even dream of making it to a championship!”

“Stranger things have happened. My Simstagram crush led to all this,” he said waggling his lush eyebrows.

His sweet words attempted to disarm her, but she could never let his love for that whack team slide. “Strange things are common. Miracles are not.”

He shook his head. “That first house was pretty great too. It had everything!”

“Oh, Ranveer! That house was a dream!”

“Right? I could totally see us living there with our kids.”

That weird feeling from earlier returned. They never discussed how many children they wanted, and she feared his answer. “Ranveer?”

“What’s wrong?”

“I love that house. It’s beyond perfect. But … I feel like it’s not really our style.”

“Well, yeah. The furniture was kinda grandma-ish, but we’ll get new furniture.”

“That’s true but not really what I meant. It’s such a family house.”

She paused hoping he caught on, but he nodded with a big smile.

“Do you want a bunch of kids? I mean, like, do you see us being that couple parading around town with a herd of children?”

He chuckled. “Definitely not a herd. Two max.”

She released the breath she held. No matter their differences, they always agreed on the important things. How did she get so lucky? “That’s a relief. Would you be ok with just one?”

He grinned. “A trial run, eh? Sounds like a good plan.”

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Hey guys! Which house do you like best, and which do you think they’ll choose?