I could not have imagined the family interest in the news that our "old cottage" next to the Janke's was for sale. It has been 10 years since the cottage was sold (1998).
Perhaps it is the fond memories? Here is a chance to regain the cottage and again use it for summer recreation.
Because Grasshopper No.1 and Grasshopper No.4 are "in the area", they were the first to become aware of the cottage going up for sale. No.4 called the present owners to determine selling price. He said he asked the price 3 times to make sure he heard right. Here is the deal! Our family bought the cottage in 1983 for $89,000. We sold it 15 years later for $220,000. We never bought the cottage to make money. It was a place to go. It was part of your Mom and My dreams. Memories include boats, swimming, sun bathing, swings in the boat house and "brat fries". The value of the cottage did increase nicely over 15 years but if you account for inflation, the gain in real dollars is not all that much.
It has now been 10 years since we sold. The asking price is now $630,000. Whoa! No wonder Grasshopper No.4 had to ask the price 3 times. Triple the price in 10 years is a damn good investment. There is no assurance that the cottage will sell for that price but certainly the demand for quality lake property keeps increasing.
So the dream of owning a lake cottage becomes a little more elusive. If the new price is realistic, only the rich can afford it. It is not a year around home. It is a seasonal cottage.
The one factor that should make everyone feel better is that Floyd still lives next door. Imagine buying the cottage now for the outrageous price and finding out who your neighbor is!
The lesson Grasshoppers is that dreams come and go. We had 20-25 years of cottages and condos. The memories are priceless and they can not be taken away. Someone will have to spend $630,000 to pursue new dreams. That is somewhat disconcerting. Here is an idea! Each of you 5 Grasshoppers could put $120.000 into a "pool" and you could collectively buy it. Think about it! You too could own the dream (okay, 1/5 of it).
Love,
Dad