I ran outside (still holding the job offer) and looked right, and then left. I was living at number 61 Teignmouth Road, and to my left, at number 69, was a For Sale sign. I ran back inside and excitedly called the estate agent to book a viewing.
My house was a student HMO. It was finished to a minimum standard. The walls were painted Magnolia, and the threadbare carpet was a grey/brown from years of parties.
Number 69, was a freshly refurbed house by a young couple. Everything was new and clean. This was a home, not a student house. I remember the only words that came out of my mouth were, “I’ll have it.”