A Deadly Homecoming

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Over breakfast the next morning, Spence and Jeff discussed, again, the idea of Spence’s buying the house and their moving into it. They concluded it might work for them, if they could match or beat the offer from the other buyer. So as soon as they finished eating they drove to the realtor’s office.

Mrs. Brown was there when they arrived. She seemed surprised, but not overly so, when Spence told her he wanted to buy the house. He knew the listed price so he asked her what the other interested party was willing to pay.

“He contacted me about an hour ago. He offered five thousand less than the selling price, and is willing to pay the seller’s closing costs.”

“Probably bringing it up to what it’s listed for in the first place.” Spence did some quick calculations in his head. “I’ll go two percent more than that, or anything else he offers to pay.”

“You really do want the house.”

“I do. It’s both a good home, well built, and worth more than it’s selling for. And it has personal value to me, if that makes sense.”

“It does.” She smiled and Spence could tell she was envisioning a bidding war if the other person upped the ante. She’d come out of this a happy camper if she played it right. He wasn’t in the mood for games, however. “I’ll go five percent above the asking price if you’re ready to start the paperwork today.”

He heard Jeff hiss in a breath, but kept his gaze on Mrs. Brown to gauge her reaction. She maintained a poker face as she replied, “I’m certain the owner will be quite happy with that. However, I should contact the other interested buyer to see if he’s willing to match or better your offer.”

“This is a one-time deal,” Spence told her firmly. “I want the house, but I am not willing to hang around while you try to play us off against each other. Understand?”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Absolutely. If you’ll come with me.”

“I forgot to tell you,” Spence said as they went into her office. “I’ll pay fifty percent in cash.” Easily done, since what he’d made on the sale of the house ten years ago he had invested well, earning him a healthy return, even in today’s market.

“Are you crazy?” Jeff murmured to Spence while Mrs. Brown searched through a file cabinet for what she needed.

Spence shook his head. “If it speeds things up, it’s worth it. When I sell my condo, I can probably pay off the rest.” He chortled. “If I can’t, I’ll charge you rent.”

“You would, too.” Jeff laughed, then Spence and Mrs. Brown settled down to make buying the house happen.