I just can't tell you

I'm so sick of real estate, and all the dreamers with $20 bucks in their pocket.
Then I meet mom and pop who have lived in their home for 49 years.  I have always gravitated toward older people. If you want to have a fascinating conversation seek out the elderly.  I met Roman and his wife of 50 years in wicker park. I noticed he was pulling weeds while sitting in a folding chair. "Trust me, the man was getting the job done." All the while sitting down. I also noticed he had painted his cement front porch stairs with bold red and black diamond shapes. He followed the motif around the edges of his whole house.  Wicker park reminds me of Venice Beach, California, homeless and hipsters, and hipsters that dress like they are homeless walking around in $1000 sneakers.  Every where you look there is new construction. "All the houses behind me are gonna be tore down," he tells me with a sigh.  He proudly shows me his garden and explains what inspired him to paint. His wife laughs remembering how she fought against the grand idea. That is probably why he went on to trim the house with the mad colors. Nothing like a woman's protest and disdain to spur a man on to stir up some snakes.  A lot has changed in this neighborhood in 49 years. Roman talks about selling his home along with his neighbors and retiring to Puerto Rico, but he must get the ok from his sons, he has 5 grown sons and they all must agree. I get the feeling they will never agree and that's just the way Roman likes it. Too many memories shape this old house. Days like this  and people like Roman remind me why I love real estate.. Character.