 Partly because Eddie turned his bedroom into a makeshift football field, Tom thinks they may need more space, namely a house. In their search, they come across Irma Handily, a real estate agent eager for a sale. Based on Norman s advice to Tom, Mrs. Handily finds Tom what he thinks is the perfect house: a huge, older country house. Tom and Eddie are both initially excited about the house, but doubts slowly creep into their minds. For Eddie, he will have to leave his friends and his school. In addition, Mrs. Livingston may not be able to go with them because the house is located so far from her own home. And for Tom, the cost of renovations is going to be much higher than what he first anticipated. Although they are still excited about the house, they decide, much to Mrs. Handily s dismay, it is just not right for them at this time and decide to stay put.