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The CLSC René-Cassin offers a free Income Tax Clinic between March 17 and April 10, 2008 to those who:
• Live in Côte-St.-Luc, Hampstead or Snowdon West
• Have yearly income under $20 000
• Need a simple income tax return
Info: 514-488-3673 ext 1496
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What's Inside
March, 2008
On the move again
Bonnie Sandler, SW
Other than my parents’ house, I have lived in my present home for the longest stretch — 10 years. In between, there were eight residences, including two in BC. I’ve owned my car for four years, a record breaker. I usually change my car every three years. I’ve been accused of having commitment issues. I respond by saying that I thrive on change.
I bought my present home partly because it was near my daughter’s former high school. It is not large but it has too many rooms for 1.5 people (my daughter lives with me part time) and one cat. I decided to downsize.
I got off to a rocky start trying to sell my home privately. Feeling ambivalent, I would take the “for sale” sign down when there was serious interest. The sign went up and down so many times that it left tape marks on the window. It was time for a commitment — at least to an agent.
Two years later, three agents later, and after months of being filmed for a “Buy Me” episode, my house sold. My feelings were mixed. This was the first house I’d owned and it held many memories. But the idea of downsizing, both physically and financially, was exciting —until I began shopping around for a condo. Maybe my timing was wrong.
The condos in my price range were unappealing. It was time to climb the financial ladder.
I started off searching alone. I realized I needed help and enlisted the aid of a real estate agent, Ann Malka, who was supportive and encouraging. I trusted Ann’s taste and valued her opinion. I ended up buying a condo that I had never visited, thinking it was too costly, from an ad on MLS. After a visit with Ann, I quickly decided on this one.
I encountered a few bumps, when my first offer went in at the same time as another offer, and I lost out. I was devastated. Time was running out. New owners would soon be moving into my house. I started to read the rental ads and discovered how expensive renting is. I began to regret having sold my home. Then I got an excited call from my agent. The first buyers had changed their mind and I could make a second offer. My offer was accepted.
Ann was able to help me envision what my new home would look like after renovations. I’m not sure if my daughter shares this vision since her room does not yet have walls. They were torn down to make a larger living room space for the previous owner.
My contractor has three weeks to prepare the condo for the move. He warns me that the work will not be completed by the time I move in. I tell him to ignore the kitchen; after all, I don’t really cook and will bring my takeout menus with me. My fear is that I don’t understand the contractor’s concept of time. But I am moving into a dream condo, with the plan to live there for many years to come. I may even have to keep my car for a few more years, breaking yet another commitment record.
I am dreaming of April when I will hopefully be settled in my new home and can be rid of the stress. I plan to sit on the balcony, glass of wine in hand, and stare out at the beautiful view. I know that I will not be totally relaxed, just as I know that the contractor will still be working in my kitchen.
