This is my house. Isn't it cute? I know it has its issues (ie, that ugly foam around the front door, the slightly saggy roof), but it's mine, and it's a serious charm factory compared to the shack it used to be. Now, would you think anything of crusing through my 'hood on a warm Summer's day, with houses that are as well-kept and neat-looking as that white number on your right there? I'd be willing to bet real money that's the original, +50-year-old clapboard. If every house in my neighborhood was like that it'd be three-star, hands down. Now, that's a neighbor. I know, I know, it's a rental property, and renters must inevitably be "those people"... just so you know, I, the web master of this site, was a renter for several years. I never left garbage there when I moved out, I never smashed anything. Just an FYI, not only did I keep the places reasonably clean, not only did I religiously take out the garbage, sweep at least weekly, and add a new lock after the pathetic garage access door was broken into at one place... I did all of these decent if ordinary upkeeping tasks without any kind of deposit. So kindly stop disrespecting renters, those who do so (and you know who you are). Now take a look below, and tell me homeowners are so much better stewards of the neighborhood trust... Yeah, I understand my house looks better in comparison, but it's not my goal to appear better than a homeless junkie. Seriously, this place would be an insult to the average crack head's sensibilities. If the house on your left is an investment, I'd like to buy right now... since I don't see how it could go down any further. It is my goal to build something more positive than competition in my neighborhood. The way I see it, when one of us disrespects our property and community, we are all disrespected, by association. Copyright © 2007 Chris Hodge. All rights reserved.