17
Jul
On your marks . . . get set . . . go!
A global sporting event may be upon us, but for some this summer
matters of even greater personal significance are happening closer
to home. Andrew Meehan of Keats in Grayshott puts things into
perspective.
This August there will be a great deal of huffing and puffing
going on in East London. There will be running and jumping,
throwing, swimming, rowing, diving, sailing, fencing and cycling, -
plus much more.
But for some, who won't actually get much closer to a stadium
than their sofas, there will be another demanding prize to compete
for this summer – a new home. Competitors won’t be
representing their country but they may well be representing their
families.
Like top-flight sport, house buying takes a great deal of
preparation. It is not an easy undertaking. It takes the long
distance stamina of a Mo Farah and sometimes the sprint speed of a
Usain Bolt. It takes the versatility of a Jessica Ennis, the grit
of a Steve Redgrave, the tactics of a Ben Ainsley and the agility
of a 16-year-old Russian gymnast, named Olga. Buying a home is not
as pretty as Tom Daley in a 10-metre dive or perhaps as explosive
as Chris Hoy in the velodrome. But winning this discipline - and it
does take discipline - means dedication, planning and some
sacrifices.
Winning the perfect house is a great personal achievement. But
unlike so many sports there are no silver and bronze medals for
being a runner-up. There is not even a gold medal for winning. But,
besides satisfaction, comfort, safety, investment and shelter,
there is one other prize for the winner - he or she can choose to
plant a laurel in their new garden.
Whether you are competing for gold or for a new property this
August, we wish you well.