After looking at the diagnostics (asbestos, lead, termites, electrical installations...), Copain felt like something was just a little "off". While we knew what we'd be getting into regarding the apartment, we had no idea what we were getting into regarding the attic - which was right above the apartment. If the roof was in bad shape, it would all flood into OUR apartment.
It also seemed strange to him that the apartment had been on the market for awhile and no one had purchased it yet. He just had a bad feeling.
In any case, all of his explanations made sense, but I think there is one very simple reason behind his hesitation...
The apartment is not in Paris.
Copain wants a Parisian address. He wants letters sent to Paris, and the city at his feet when he walks out the door. He wants the bustle, the culture, the simultaneous charm and grit of Paris.
I get it - I want all those things too, and I almost feel like buying in the banlieue is somehow a failure, since I've always dreamt of Paris. But I also want space, and cleanliness, and a place where maybe one day I would feel comfortable raising a family. Vincennes ticks all the boxes - and you can BIKE to Paris in 15 minutes or take a metro and get there in 5.
I tell myself that it will all work out no matter where we buy an apartment, and that I have friends who live in both places and are just fine. But I was already getting attached to that funky place with the mini-tub and green checkered-kitchen...
We visited another apartment yesterday - same general area as the first visit, 1900's building, 4th floor walk up, 57 meters squared, but it was "en enfilade" meaning that you walk through each room of the house to get to the next room and then finally, the bathroom. It required A LOT of imagination and 50K to see how that problem could be fixed. Next!
The search continues!
Maybe the ladybug was a sign....it will all come together. Just put it out there and remain open to what the Universe....and your search bring you. Xoxo
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