House hunting

I've started viewing houses for rental today. Sad to say, with our requirement for a property within walking distance to the train station narrows down our choices. Also sad to say, we can't get much for our money near our area. It will definitely be a case of downsizing. Even though the house we now live in has only 2 bedrooms, one of it is huge. Furthermore, there are 2 receptions. So I think I'd been spoilt. In my opinion, it's better to do the first viewing without the kids. They like to fiddle with everything and hide inside built-in wardrobes. I have to ask them not to do this and that while viewing at the same time which is quite disruptive.

The first property I viewed this morning is a mid-terraced, 2 bedded house. The lounge is tiny and the strange thing is the bathroom is right at the back after the kitchen. Going up the stairs is pretty scary for the steps are very narrow. There is no bathroom upstairs, just an en-suite for the master room. Location wise, it's not a nice place. However, it comes fully furnished.

Second and third properties were supposed to be viewed after lunch, with just Lavigne. I rang the estate agent up this morning wanting to change the meeting place to the property itself rather than the office. Guess what? The lady forgot to book us for the viewings. Her colleague then told me she doubt the landlords will want to wait for us till August but later rang me to say I could view the houses afterall at an inconvenient time of 5pm when I have to cook, which means I have to bring both girls along as well.

I have never seen a more disinterested estate agent as the lady who brought us to the houses. She didn't speak at all. I had to do all the talking. I asked a question, she gave a short answer and that was it. I guess she must have earned enough commission. The houses are rather new and modern, both very close to the train station but it's a stop before ours which means the travelling time for Adrian will be longer. Also, the rentals are a bit steep.

So now, we are seriously considering moving to Welwyn Garden City afterall. There, we can get a 3 bedroom house for much less than what we have to pay for a 2-bedder in my area. The difference is quite considerable - at least £200. Train journey into London is also shorter. Louisa had been reluctant to leave her school but I've managed to convince her today, after buying her a new pair of school shoes. Oh I didn't bribe her. She'd been complaining her shoes are too tight for sometime. I merely picked the right time to talk to her.

Adrian and I will be visiting some schools in that town this coming Friday while the girls are at school and we'll squeeze some time in to view a few houses too. There's one which is very close to the train station. Hope it doesn't get snapped up before we view it.