When did we realize we might have made a big mistake in buying the house we did? Was it when teenage hooligans began to shout obscenities at me and my dog in our yard? Or perhaps during our first evening in residence when three or four motorcycles roared to life in rapid succession at the tiny bar next door? Could it have been the three feet of black water in our basement after the first big storm? It was a big storm, but still, we never expected a lagoon in the house. Who can remember when it dawned on us? But pretty soon we knew for sure. Half-assed is about one couple’s low-caliber decisions when it came to buying real estate… and investing in stock… and rescuing dogs (we’ve made some major bad decisions about cats too, but that's a tale for another day). Plus, of course, our parenting style. Despite it all, we had fun. But beware, this is a cautionary tale for all you prospective home buyers or DIY renovators. The back of the book contains a list of helpful resources in case you insist on being in the market to buy or renovate (resources plus my sympathy). Good luck with your major life decisions! Maybe you can avoid a pitfall or two by reading this book. We certainly hope so because trust common sense isn't always so common. Just ask us.