Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Tut, tut, looks like more rain!

This morning I did the inspection for the lady who doubted my competence because of my gender.  I was feeling a bit apprehensive, double checking my equipment, and making sure to arrive at the beginning of our appointment window.  Mrs. _______ proved to be every bit as much of a “character” in person as on the phone (I had entertained a small fantasy that she would surprise me by being welcoming and pleasant.  Ha!)  When I had finished inspecting the inside, I broached the subject of payment, since the job was supposed to be COD.  She gave me a look of astonished annoyance, and snapped, “You want me to pay you for coming out and looking at my house?  I can tell the bank about my house!”  I acknowledged that, yes, my expectation had been that she would pay me, but, if she would prefer to talk to the lender about it, perhaps they could arrange for payment at closing.  (I’ve learned that this particular mortgage broker downplays the payment bit with their borrowers, tells us to collect, but then is sometimes willing to guarantee the payment if the borrower gets nasty.)  Mrs. ______ made the call, and happily reported that she didn’t have to pay.  She is kidding herself, but my problem was solved.  Then all that remained was to measure the house, with all its various added on porches and sheds, while the neighbor’s pack of savage dogs snarled and threw themselves at the flimsy chain link fence a few feet away, and the homeowner’s large dog lunged and growled at the end of his rusty chain.  (I’m sure their owners would say they are all dear, good pups, but, frankly, I’d rather not test that theory.)

The rest of the day was relatively quiet, considering our kids have been cooped up for days due to a mucked up yard and nearly unceasing rain.  Today it was so stormy that T., who has an over-active imagination, was convinced a hurricane was coming, and Bo, who is deeply pessimistic, thought it was the end of the world.  We finally settled them down with television and Rescue Remedy (thank God for tranquilizers!).

2 comments:

Dy said...

Oh. My. Word. You are my hero. I simply haven't the graciousness or fortitude to remain that professional. You're so much cooler than I am! :-)

I hope the rain stays just rain and that there are no hurricanes, or ends of the world. (Don't let Bo watch The Neverending Story!)

Dy

Emily said...

while the neighbor’s pack of savage dogs snarled and threw themselves at the flimsy chain link fence a few feet away, and the homeowner’s large dog lunged and growled at the end of his rusty chain.

OK, now I am scared of your job! LOL! No way I could have kept my cool.

Hope your rain ends soon! We woke up to sunshine for the first time in a week.

~Em