‘Okay, but what happens if the report’s really bad? Can I get my money back?’
‘Usually, it’s a case of losing the deposit if you back out. Since I’m quite positive there won’t be any issues that come up, I can give you half of it back, excluding the fee for the survey. Would that be fair enough? I’ll put my money where my mouth is, so to speak.’
I think for a moment. It seems fair since he is taking it off the market so no one else can sneak in and gazump me. Worst-case scenario, I lose a surveyor’s fee plus a bit more, although the sensible part of my brain tells me surveys are never cheap. However, I really need to know the figures before I can commit.
‘Okay. Well, that sounds fair. If you can send me a breakdown of all the costs, then I can send the deposit to take it off the market.’
‘Well, umm, that’s great. But I would prefer it if you, or someone you trust, saw it first. Do you have a friend in Amsterdam who I could meet tomorrow morning? I’m happy to show them around.’
‘No, I don’t know anyone there.’
‘Okay. I mean, it’s a rare opportunity but, as much as I love a sale, I want you to be happy. I don’t like to sell something without a buyer viewing it.’
‘Oh, I’ll be happy. I take full responsibility. I promise not to blame you for anything.’
Although as I say it, I realise this isn’t going to be like some of my impulse purchases that I return to the shops the following day. If the figures all stack up, this is a huge commitment. There is no fourteen-day return on a houseboat, but I do have the survey clause. If it’s a dreadful mistake then I only lose half the deposit. And Gerrit is quite confident that the survey will come back fine.
‘Okay, I’ll send all the fees and the paperwork you need right away. Thank you very much.’
Gerrit sounds as astounded as I am that I have just tentatively agreed to such a huge purchase without even seeing it properly, but I’ve never been one to dilly-dally about anything. I might get things wrong, but I don’t want to miss out either. This sounds like an opportunity that is far too good to miss, provided the report is okay.
As I finish my now stone-cold coffee, I am both elated and nervous. I have never made this big a purchase on the spur of the moment before and I am aware that what I am about to do is ridiculously risky.
The last time I made such a big investment was for the cottage. When Paul and I bought this place, it took heaps of viewings and talks long into the night about whether it was the right place to start a family before we committed. This time, there isn’t anyone to discuss the pros and cons with. It is my decision alone. As I zoom in to the photos and watch the video one more time before going to bed, I can’t help but wonder if that is a big crack that I see down the side of the barge. I pop my reading glasses on once more for a closer inspection. I manage to convince myself that I am seeing things and dismiss any concerns. After checking out the agent’s details and making sure it is all legitimate, I press send on a deposit to a bank in Amsterdam so that it will be there for Gerrit in the morning. Now all I can do is hope for the best.
Chapter Four
I once read that self-control wanes in the evening. This is why, if you’re on a diet, you often break it by the end of the day as you are more impulsive. I have found this to be the same with spending. I can have the best intentions all day and then in the evening buy something utterly ridiculous.
As I wake up the next morning the first question I ask myself is did I really shell out a huge deposit on a houseboat without seeing it last night. When I remember that I did indeed pay that deposit, my nerves start to get the better of me. It is a huge commitment, but what was I supposed to do when I had the pressure of knowing that if the deposit wasn’t received by the morning, someone else was going to snap it up? I try to calm down by reminding myself that the fear of missing out on a spot in the heart of Amsterdam was way stronger than the idea that I could make a mistake. After all, life would be boring if we were afraid to take risks. This is one risk I have to take. Besides, if it is as great a mooring as I am told it is, then surely I can always sell it on if it doesn’t work out for me. I might even make a large profit.
By the time I get out of bed, an email has already arrived from Gerrit with some paperwork I need to look through. As I read it, I can clearly see that I need a lawyer. It’s in Dutch and my Google Translate can’t keep up with all the jargon. I decide that, even if the structural report is all okay, I will find a lawyer to check over the paperwork before parting with the rest of the money. I may have been a little impulsive with the deposit, but I am not that reckless.
I sit back and look at the computer screen in front of me. Buying this houseboat before it went on the open market makes me feel as though I belong to some exclusive club. I can already see how my emotions were swayed by the thought of getting a good deal before anyone else. This is exactly what I need to stop doing, although I persuade myself that this isn’t like my normal purchases. This is a new life I’m buying. It’s not a new kettle, or a handbag to be tossed aside, but a life. This is the new start Hannah wanted me to have. Excitedly, I decide to call to tell her that I have taken her advice. I want Hannah to be the first to know.
‘Mam, do you know what time it is here? It’s the middle of the night,’ she answers sleepily.
‘Oh, I’m sorry. I did think it might be late, but I was too excited to wait.’
‘What is it? Everything okay?’
‘Yes, yes! I took your advice. I’m getting a new start.’
‘You’re on Tinder?’
‘No, a completely new start! I’m going to sell up and move.’
‘Really? You haven’t mentioned anything about moving before. Please tell me you’ve not been looking at those retirement flats they just built, have you? You’re not that old yet.’
‘No, don’t be silly. Far from it. I’m off on an adventure to another part of the world.’
‘What? Are you moving to an island in Greece? Like, doing a Shirley Valentine?’
‘Good gosh, no. I’m off to Amsterdam. I’ve just put the deposit down on a houseboat there.’
‘Amsterdam? Seriously? Woah. Wait a minute. This is a joke, right?’
I can imagine Hannah sitting up sharply now I have her attention.
