My husband is watching one of those “find-me-a-new-home” programs on television. I am down the hall in another room, but I can hear the conversation between the 30-something, prospective homebuyers and their real estate agent. Such shows are popular, but somebody’s got to point out what they really are.
“We have budgeted $1.5 million for our new house,” the wife says. “I hope you can find something for us in that price range.”
“We want something spacious,” says the husband.
“One of my requirements in a new house,” says the wife “is a perfect kitchen. This means granite countertops; Travertine floor tiles; a quartz backsplash; commercial-quality, stainless steel appliances; and kitchen windows giving me a view of both the water and the mountains.”
“We also want a large back yard,” interjects her husband, “fully landscaped, having a pool and a roofed patio, an outdoor kitchen, a large fountain, a guesthouse, a privacy fence, and room for a top-of-the-line playground set for the kids we may one day have.”
“Remember also,” says the wife, “we have specific requirements when it comes to location. The ideal house will be outside the city but in close proximity to shops, restaurants, gyms, and theaters.”
“Plus,” says the husband, “we want a minimum of four bedrooms and four full baths, a spacious entertainment area, a wet bar, a mudroom, a large laundry room, plenty of storage space, hardwood floors, custom-built cabinets and bookshelves, a man cave, a three-car garage, a home theater, and an en suite master bedroom with a fireplace, a hot tub, and access to a sun deck.”
“Absolutely,” says the wife.
Then to the realtor the husband says, “Do you think you can find the ideal home for us?”
“Certainly,” says the realtor. “You may have to raise your price ceiling a bit, though. Will that be a problem?”
“I shouldn’t think so,” says the husband, “if you can find the perfect place. Remember, we plan to spend three months of every year in this house.”
URRRGGHHH!
I don’t object to these people having lots of money. They have earned it and have the right to spend it as they wish. What sickens me is their attitude.
Somebody’s got to say it. Many of these shows are grandiose displays of self-centered people searching for spectacular houses in order to indulge themselves, impress everyone in their circle of friends, and make the rest of us envious of their splendid financial success.
Before I’ll watch one of these house-hunting shows, I’ll watch the show where the man stranded on an island eats rabbit brains. It’s less repulsive.
The Happy Geranium 
Debbie, I don’t disagree with you one bit. But as Americans, we also have to remember that it is all a matter of perspective. We have had friends visit us here from both Russia and Nigeria. It was their first time in America. In both cases, they were shell shocked. They looked around at our “American-average” homes and couldn’t believe their eyes. They had come from places where 3 families might live in a 2 bedroom apartment in Grodno or a family of eight might live in a 1 room, dirt floor shack with no running water in Lagos. Our Russian visitor shook his head at the barn fans I had in my horses’ stalls and said even fans were an extravagance that most Russian families couldn’t afford for themselves. I am sure our visiting friends were each thinking that Americans are ALL indulgent and spoiled. And perhaps they were right.
I agree with you Debbie–so much extravagance here in America for the most part and we take so many things for granted. As Solomon said, there’s nothing new under the sun and it’s all vanity. We need to have our eyes focused on our Savior and not on “things”. No one will see a U-Haul outside of the funeral home!
Amen
Thank you for reading and commenting, Barbara. Be sure to read the blog I just posted.
I love you,
Debbie
Amen