February 26, 2009

Seeking a unicorn

That’s what I called it when my mom was looking for her house. She wanted to live outside of Vegas, she wanted horse property, and a sturdy well-constructed home priced just right. She had a handful of other requests, too, which made the search even more challenging. We looked at hundreds of homes and bare land in Sandy Valley, Overton, Meadview, and Pahrump before we found it – the unicorn, the thing that only seemed to exist in dreams. I couldn’t believe it – it took time, but she found just what she wanted.

Now, it’s Frank’s turn to seek a unicorn.

After the Jimmy broke down in the wash and I had to rescue Frank, Mike and Amy, Frank started thinking that we really needed a second four-wheel drive vehicle. One powerful enough to handle recoveries and tow the Jimmy for long trips (we really want to go to Moab, but the Jimmy doesn’t handle the highway well).

While I was away, Frank found a Suburban for sale on Craigslist. He took it for a test drive and he really liked it. We talked it over, and determined the only way we could afford it is if we sold his Monte Carlo. He had previously researched its value and knew it was worth around the amount as the Suburban. So, I suggested he go to Carmax and get the car appraised. I remembered that they'd buy a car, no questions asked; it seemed like the easiest and quickest way to get money in hand. They offered Frank a fair price; he thought it over, and he went back the following day and sold them the Monte. They cut the check right there and then, it was painless and we feel like they did us a huge favor by not having to deal with the hassles of private sale.

He deposited the check, but our bank placed a hold on the funds. We’ve been none to happy with our bank lately; this was just the topper, but that’s a story for another day. The delay of the funds got Frank thinking more about what he wanted. While, the Suburban is an excellent deal and has what we need, it lacks what he wants. He’s opted to keep looking. Yesterday, he was a bit frustrated because what he wants just doesn’t seem to be for sale. I told him to be patient. He has the help of nearby dealers, plus, my mom is on the look out in Pahrump and his friend has the Phoenix area covered. I’m sure he’ll find his unicorn, too.

2 comments:

Hurricane Mikey said...

Too bad Carmax doesn't buy condos, too.

Kellee said...

Heh, that'd be sweet if they did.