And I liked helping people recognize expensive problems before those problems destroyed their homes.
That was one reason Cedar Grove Estates appealed to me when Leah and I began looking for a house.
The neighborhood appeared well maintained.
Its roads were wide, the landscaping attractive, and the houses large enough for our growing family.
A beautiful two-story property with cream-colored siding, white-trimmed windows, a spacious patio, and a fenced backyard came onto the market just as we received approval for our mortgage.
We toured it on a Saturday morning.
Leah fell in love with the kitchen.
I liked the garage and the drainage layout.
Jasmine, who was four at the time, ran into the backyard and immediately announced that the large oak tree belonged to her.
I laughed.
"That's not how property ownership works, sweetheart."
She folded her little arms.
"Then buy it."
Leah burst out laughing.
I looked toward her.
She shrugged.
"Our daughter has spoken."
Three months later, we moved in.
For the first time in our marriage, we had a house with enough room for family gatherings, a proper backyard, and a small garden where Leah could grow tomatoes and herbs.
We thought we'd found a place where Jasmine could spend the rest of her childhood.
We didn't know the woman who controlled the homeowners' association would eventually become the greatest threat to that peace.
Vivian Harlow introduced herself during our first week.
She arrived on a Sunday afternoon wearing an expensive coral blazer and carrying a leather folder.
Her hair was perfectly styled.
Her smile was wide.
And her handshake was surprisingly firm.
"Welcome to Cedar Grove Estates!"
Leah thanked her.
Vivian looked around the front yard.
Then toward our moving boxes.
"Beautiful property. The previous owners took such good care of it."
I nodded.
"We're excited to be here."
She handed me a packet of HOA regulations.
"Just a few community standards. Nothing difficult."
I glanced at the thick folder.
It was nearly seventy pages.
Vivian smiled.
"We like to keep things consistent."
For a moment, her eyes moved toward my pickup truck parked in the driveway.
Then toward Leah.
"And what do you two do?"
I explained my inspection business.
Leah told her she worked as a school counselor.
Vivian nodded.
"How lovely."
Then her gaze moved toward Jasmine, who was standing in the doorway holding a stuffed rabbit.
Vivian leaned closer.
"Well, aren't you precious?"
Jasmine hid behind Leah.
Vivian laughed.
"Shy little thing."
She stepped backward.