It’s a Saturday shorty today as I have a wedding I have to bartend in a little bit. In the meantime enjoy this little story about house hunting.

“This is in the Piedmont school district right?” Loraine asked.

“Just inside, yes,” the real estate agent explained. “Beach, I believe, is the closest K-12.”

“That’s where our girls go already. That’s perfect,” she beamed.

“Do you know whether this is a load bearing wall?” Doug asked, knocking on the wall separating the kitchen and living room.

“I had that same question,” the blonde woman said. “That would really open this floorplan up, wouldn’t it? No, it’s not loadbearing.” 

“Oh, that’s great,” Doug nodded. 

The real estate agent stopped a moment, an unusual movement for the woman who had been non-stop smiles and information during the tour so far. “There is one thing about this property…” 

“What’s that, Debbie?” Loraine asked.

Debbie gave an exaggerated shrug with her whole body. “California law states that if anyone has died on the property it has to me disclosed.”

“Oh!” Loraine involuntarily stepped closer to Doug. “Did…” she started then finished in a whisper, “anyone die here?”

Debbie grimaced and nodded. “A few years ago there was a short in an unpermitted buried power line to the hot tub and a woman walking through the yard stepped in a puddle and was electrocuted.”

“That’s terrible!” Loraine gasped.

“Absolutely!” Debbie agreed. The yard was excavated and all the wiring was replaced – with full, detailed permitting,” she added with emphasis. “It was a freak accident.”

“Sounds like it,” Doug agreed.

“I hate to even bring it up, but… disclosure, you know.”

“Oh…totally,” Loraine nodded quickly.

“And I hope that doesn’t put you off of this place,” Debbie held her hands up.

“Oh no!” Loraine said, “We really love it!” She looked up to Doug who nodded. “We need to talk, but I expect we’ll put an offer in this afternoon.”

“That’s great!” Debbie led them back to the front door. “Here’s my card,” she handed both business cards. “We’ll be in touch?”

“Count on it!” Loraine smiled broadly. “Thank you so much!” 

“My pleasure,” Debbie shook their hands. “Have a great afternoon and call me if you have any questions.” The couple stepped down the front steps as Debbie closed the door. 

Standing on the sidewalk, Loraine brought up her iPhone to take a picture of the house, “This place is perfect!” she said as she tried to fit the house in the frame.

“Sure is,” Doug agreed, “I love that garage, too!”

A black Mercedes SUV pulled up to the curb next to them, and a woman in a sharp pantsuit stepped out. “Loraine? Doug? I’m so sorry I’m late!” They stared blankly at her. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.” 

“Who are you?”

“Julie. The listing agent? I was going to show you the house.”

“But… we just saw the house…”

“Who…?”

“She said her name was Debbie…” Loraine took out the business card, “Debbie Prindell.”

The color faded out of Julie’s face and she placed a hand on the SUV to steady herself. “Debbie Prindell was electrocuted showing this house three years ago.”