Barbara J. Hamby

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Moving Pains

Weather-wise, today was perfect. Otherwise, it was a bit hectic. In late morning, after Al had left for a dental appointment, I got a phone call. When the phone rang, I had two messy projects going. One was spreading a gelatin product over the soap scum on a bathtub. The other was cleaning out the cabinets above the washer and dryer. The tops of both appliances were covered with stuff. The caller works for the realtor we listed with and was coming to take pictures. I asked how soon, and he said, “I’m in Sherwood now, about twenty minutes I think.”

So I ran through the house, shoving flotsam and jetsam out of sight and feeling glad I had done as much cleaning as possible. For the outdoor pictures, I wished our weeds were fewer. We should get to see the pictures on Saturday when they bring flyers out and put a lock box on.

Trying to coordinate selling this place and obtaining an apartment that meets our desires is going to be stressful, I’m afraid. But I just read the newsletter from the state Manufactured Home Owners’ organization and the news is not good. There are logical reasons why park owners want to sell. Money is the first. Big bucks.

In addition, older parks such as this one are beginning to need expensive repairs to utility systems. There are also tax considerations that I don’t understand, never having been anywhere near the subject tax brackets. Cities and counties where parks are located are not motivated to preserve them, since they can collect more taxes from newer, expensive apartments or condos. So the handwriting is on the wall.