#bergen_county

The phone is answered by one of the stewards, and there is a brief hold before the Baron takes the call. He answers, "Gwen, how goes the viewing?"

"Overall well, Lord. We're on speaker at my end so Thistle can join in. Sally Mae is acting as Realtor on this end. We've looked the house over, it fits the visuals we were shown. It is solid enough to support my frame."

Aiden does not mention if he is on speaker or not. With a somewhat bored tone, "Does the property meet expectations? We have other options if it is not suitable for our needs."

"It ain't drek!"

"There are some flaws..."

"I believe it is, Lord. We may want a fence for privacy, and a few paint jobs in some rooms, but the foundation is solid.

"

"What flaws?" Nadeen inquires

"Alright, so th'joint was built in 1922, and there have been limited upgrades, but I noticed...." The nocker starts in on wiring, on fuseboxes, on the state of the basement, on the insulation in the attic, signs of wear and tear....

"It's all up to code and specs" Sally Mae says smoothly "And you'll not find much better in the area even for newer houses"

Thistle rolls her eyes.

"You find different problems in newer houses. Pasteboard and spit."

Gwen scratches her chin "Because we're willing to pay in cash, they are asking $770,000."

A SCOFF from Aiden. "Does she think that I am a fool? Cash prices for real estate command, in general, a 12% discount. And yet she asks above asking for a property over a century in age?"

He glances to Nadeen, pausing before he says any more.

Nadeen tuts "REALLY, Sally mae"

Sally Mae says "I'm sure Caesar Reality is open to counter offers but we do have other potential clients interested and it's not uncommon for a bidding war to start."

Gwen shoots Sally Mae a LOOK

Aiden answer smoothly, "We have viewed the property history. It has been posted on the internet pages for some time, and also dropped in price within the last month. This clearly indicates either a lack of interest, or an urgency to sell. I would counter with $600 even, paid cash, and closing fees covered by the seller." This is a bit of an insult in return, but so was the opening offer.

Sally Mae doesn't seem insulted, merely taking it as a jest, "Now, Baron you jest. , Our very generous drop in price in the last week is why we've received a rush of fresh interest from prospective buyers. And it IS close to key locations, other options won't be. Why another ten miles further out could rob you time, fuel, and more. However, as you are kithain, though not the usual commoner in neeed of aid, we can lower the price to $750,000. That should allow you excess enough to tweak the house to your vision. "

Gwen mmphs "You know, Baron. I could sleep in a tent if need be. " Not much liking how she almost agreed to too high a price

Nadeen mmmphs "We'll not have that. There hotels where we could set you up comfortably for months at a time"

"Your generous drop is to - asking price? Wow."

Again, Aiden counters. "With a property of this age, we can expect that the electrical, plumbing, roof, sewage - all are fraught to failure and need repair or replacement in the near future. Frankly, I am tempted to walk away entirely. We can easily finance temporary housing elsewhere." His tone a little clipped.

"Asking price was more than 750" Sally mae says "But I don't wish to offend.... despite the fact this house had been maintained lovingly. Shall we consider $725,000, my lord? You'll find long term hotels add up and offer you far less control than property ownership" Appealing to that aspect of the Ailil personae

Nadeen whispers something into the baron's ear, something the others can't make ouut

Gladiola mutters to Thistle "Well, I feel like an idiot."

"We looked too enthused? But, like, there are other houses on the list."

He counters once more. "$675, and we shall accept the closing costs, as well as an "as-is" clause that will free the sellers from any potential liability in the case of utility failure." A pause, and he adds, "This is our final offer, else the scions of the Lowell name shall simply have to seek elsewhere for potential investments, should they choose to remain in the Bergen area upon reaching the age of majority. It may be best after all, Connor may by then have had enough of Gwydion yoke and prefer the Northern Apples lifestyle." Said absently, a conversational piece.

Sallie May will realize that while this is a hard bargain and more to the Baron's advantage, it is not unfair, and the additional clause would be a bonus for her seller.

Sally Mae about to haggle far far up....then blinks at mention of Connor "Wait, pardon, did you say Connor will be using this house in the future?"

"It is our plan to deed the property to his name, though that is a matter for closing." A small smile over to Nadeen, the warmth reaching her but not his tone.

Nadeen adds in "One must sometimes look out for family, Miss DeBuke, even when they are far away."

And then Nadeen shoots Aiden a triumphant smirk

Gladiola fights a grin and just says straight faced to Thistle "Shame. Connor would probably love this place. But oh well"

"Doesn't the other place have a pool?"

Sally Mae looks stung at Nadeen's jab, sighs at the side commentary, then says "Baron, You've brought me below 700. Shall we say $685, you accept all closing costs as well as the aforementioned 'as is' clause? I mean no insult in challenging your final offer, and hope I have not lost your interest. In exchange for this, I will give you all intelligence I have on some of the surrounding families. We took the liberty to make sure no Autumn People were nearby so I do not boast idly that we might help prepare Dame Gladiola for some Sons of Adam interaction. Perhaps it would even make it easier for her, or another of yours, to prime a dreamer out of one who was not before?"

Putting the possible potential DREAMER aspect on there, with a guide for same, is something only done in Fae Reality. And it can be a spin on the table of chance... but if it comes up right, QUITE valuable

"It did have more land" Gwen says. Ignoring the fact she's not the best swimmer

"I have given my final offer. It is on the table, if you choose to take or leave it. Note that it is both less than 12% below asking, a boon for a cash sale on your behalf, as well as us taking on the as-is risk and closing costs."

He says, firmly. Then, with a glance over to Nadeen, he adds, with the faintest touch of reluctance,

"...with a favorable outcome in this sale, we may also be swayed to conduct future real estate deals within North Willows with yourself and Mr. Carolos exclusively."

"I feel that my son, having lived in the area for some time, may easily direct us to dreamers, though the offer is respected."

Sally Mae ponders this, then nods. Better to yield now and make more gains in the future. While Caesar has property up there already, anything that eases things for him would be worth a great deal, "As I am here to serve Mr. Carolos' interests more so than my own, we have an accord, Baron. I'll send the paperwork to you electronically for your final glance over ASAP. Further more, in the interest of maintaining good relations, I"ll give you that intell anyway. " A pause then an admission "And Baron? Well played."

"Miss DeBuke, we have a deal. Please let Mr. Carolos know that I will welcome doing business through his agency in the future - if he will employ you as his proxy on our behalf." A distinct compliment, if one couched in business terms. An Ailil saying he trusts her business acumen!

"Most flattering, thank you. "

"Very well. Please allow our representatives to coordinate as they will for any furnishings they wish retained or removed, they have our full judgement in this matter." He glances to Nadeen, giving her a chance to add on before ending the call.

Nadeen adds, "That list. I take it there are no... unsavory sorts in the area?"

"Symon doesn't live here, Naddeen" A smile "If I read you"

"You do indeed. Thank you, Sally mae" And Nadeen's part is done

Sally Mae agrees to the Reps coordinating... and the call is done

Gladiola looks over at Thistle "Guess you get those tools" A smile