the couples

Realtor is asked to appraise suburban home. The house, mostly hidden, sits at a precipice of a dense woods. There are 4 black vehicles ( matching VW's, matching vans) sitting on a broad apron at the garages.

A rather formal, very tall woman adorned by enormous earrings answers the ring."Our friends are here, come through to the kitchen, we're cooking. Before you tour the home, we have some questions. Do you tell people why someone is selling? Do you always put up a sign?"

Realtor suggests, "I should ask why you are selling before I answer that question." "

"Divorce.". " I see, well in that case , I say you've found another place to go and no we don't have to use a sign."

"Let's show her the house"  the tall woman's husband suggests. Realtor is shown the public rooms, ravine views and bedrooms ( beds unmade). With tour ended , notes taken , we are again joined by the kitchen visitors.

"Is the house the only matrimonial asset?" Realtor asks. "unless you count my considerable charm," is the amused response."What do you think you can get for us? A discussion about market conditions and possibilities continues while all 4 continue to prepare an elaborate meal.

"Are you free at 3:00pm," an inquiry by the other male chopping vegetables."What would you like me to do at 3:00?" " Appraise our house too, we live a few blocks away."

Realtor completes second appraisal for kitchen friends and at the end of the day has the signed listings, keys, and hourly specific showing schedules agreed.

Marketing begins, Realtor encounters the mailman on the porch.

Mailman is so happy to have someone to tell, " They think no one knows, driving the same cars, , but I never know which husband will answer the door at which house. I think they are trading."

trading what?

"each other"

 

original story by Sarah Simpson