PebHmong Discussion Forum
Life & Living => Home Improvement & Gardening => Topic started by: zena on April 30, 2012, 10:43:39 AM
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Homeowners, after your experience(s) buying your first home (or second +), what would you do differently the next time you buy a home (or maybe even your retirement home)? Or are you the kind that knew exactly what you got and are happy to be in your home forever?
For me, I am eying a retirement home (for the far future), and one that is all brick (or at least 50%) all the way around and ranch style. A walk-out ranch would be perfect but not necessary. Living in my current home, a 3 floor, over 3000 sq ft (including basement), is way too much to clean. I remember living in a 2-bedroom 800 sq ft condo and having to clean the one bathroom was a pain. Now I have 3 bathrooms to clean (one master, one regular, and one powder) and I just can't keep up. I know, these things are trivial, but it takes so much time going up and down the stairs. Luckily, we don't have our basement finished but when we do, there will be another bathroom there. I'd like to keep it at 3.
I do like our current small yard but I'd definitely like a larger space so that I can plant more trees and flowering plants.
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All it matter to me is big kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom, decent size backyard, 3 car garage and no bigger than 3000 sf. 2100 sf. is already too much work to clean when I got little ones and once they are older probably even more terrible at getting them to even lift a finger around the house. Definitely will be more aware of making deals or neg. with owner, closing cost, buyer assistance, etc.
If possible rather just custom build a home which is something were looking to do in the next 3-5 year but got to see how the change are around here 1st with many new development of school, shopping complex, etc. in my current location before deciding where to make the next home location. Acre/land are still cheap here but it just securing the loan to custom build is hard.
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For us, location and neighborhood. We forgot to review our neighborhood, cause we were too in love with the house. However, neighbors are only temporary. But definitely, I want quiet and considerate neighbors. Sometime I kinda miss living out in the country where all you hear is "NOTHING"... sometimes it's too quiet. But for sure... no more ghettos.
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For us, location and neighborhood. We forgot to review our neighborhood, cause we were too in love with the house. However, neighbors are only temporary. But definitely, I want quiet and considerate neighbors. Sometime I kinda miss living out in the country where all you hear is "NOTHING"... sometimes it's too quiet. But for sure... no more ghettos.
I would do the same. I love our location where we are. Peace and quiet with lots of space. The thing is that across from our house on the other side of the street are apartments. :-\ So that's the downfall for us.
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We also plan to find/build a house where we can retire in the next 5 or so yrs. Right now, we're happy w/our house decision: the house isn't too big and it's minutes away from 4 major highways that we often use. If things go smoothly, we plan on having a new addition in 2 yrs to join our lives.
Hopefully, our next and last house will be a 2,000 - 3,000 5 bedroom, 3 car garage, with ample back and frontyard. It'll be mostly brick again, except w/stainless steel and marble.
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A big kitchen would be nice but also living in the right neighborhood matters, and building is probably the best way to go, except, when the house settles. That's something I don't know if I'd like to do again.
We've been in our built home for just over 2 years and the cracks that keep getting wider are really scaring me, especially those in the basement. They say it's okay to have those cracks along the creases as long as they don't go over so many inches. It's the weirdest feeling to wait and wonder how far the cracks will open and if by the time they get to the point of having redone, if our warranty would be over. It'll be expensive w/o the warranty.
Are any of you into the separate formal dining rooms? I'm not sure what year that became popular.
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I agree w/the right neighborhood. How long does it take for a house to settle?
I'm not sure about the separate formal dining rooms, yet. I guess I like it for big families. My parents have separate formal dining rooms, and it's good for them.
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I agree w/the right neighborhood. How long does it take for a house to settle?
I'm not sure about the separate formal dining rooms, yet. I guess I like it for big families. My parents have separate formal dining rooms, and it's good for them.
My formal dining room only gets used as a place to eat when we have big parties/get-togethers. Otherwise, it is used as a working area, homework area, and Christmas present wrapping HQ.
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I agree w/the right neighborhood. How long does it take for a house to settle?
I'm not sure about the separate formal dining rooms, yet. I guess I like it for big families. My parents have separate formal dining rooms, and it's good for them.
I'm not sure but I think it usually happens within the warranty time. But land can shift anytime so I guess it really depends on how well the builders built the house.
Sounds like your parents probably put the formal dining room to good use.
My formal dining room only gets used as a place to eat when we have big parties/get-togethers. Otherwise, it is used as a working area, homework area, and Christmas present wrapping HQ.
Okay, sounds like you guys put it to good use too.
We have a dining room with a table that seats 6 next to our kitchen, and an island that fits 3 chairs but we don't have a separate formal dining room. It seems to work because everyone hangs out in the great room anyway where the living, dining, and kitchen are all in one open area. We currently have an extra living room that is empty and that is on the other side of the hallway. We hope to put in couches and a bookshelf, etc., but I still think it won't be as occupied. I think we'd eliminate this room in our retirement home.
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If I knew then what I know now, I would have waited. my current house is more then 100K upside down. The only reason why I stay here is because you can not rent in my area for what my mortgage is. we been here almost 10 years. Probably never leave unless we hit the lotto or move in with my inlaws.
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A big kitchen would be nice but also living in the right neighborhood matters, and building is probably the best way to go, except, when the house settles. That's something I don't know if I'd like to do again.
We've been in our built home for just over 2 years and the cracks that keep getting wider are really scaring me, especially those in the basement. They say it's okay to have those cracks along the creases as long as they don't go over so many inches. It's the weirdest feeling to wait and wonder how far the cracks will open and if by the time they get to the point of having redone, if our warranty would be over. It'll be expensive w/o the warranty.
Are any of you into the separate formal dining rooms? I'm not sure what year that became popular.
Our house was built 5 years ago. But I totally understand what you mean about the cracking. When we first moved in and I was home by myself, I would hear crackling from upstairs.. it's not anything creepy... just loud cracks hear and there as if the house is setting. I've read on a few stuff about it and it happens alot in newer houses. Older houses are too, but they're more well built. Even some people went to the extreme of ripping their entire wall and redoing it to avoid the cracking sounds. ::) I don't know.. I don't mind the cracking sounds now. It's the sound of water rushing from the upstairs. Honestly, I can confirm that my house was not well built, but it has potentials.
I would still buy newer home. But if we build our own house, I make sure to check the workmanship of the builder, making sure everything looks "perfect". :) ... and of course in a better neighborhood.
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I'm not sure but I think it usually happens within the warranty time. But land can shift anytime so I guess it really depends on how well the builders built the house.
Sounds like your parents probably put the formal dining room to good use.
Okay, sounds like you guys put it to good use too.
We have a dining room with a table that seats 6 next to our kitchen, and an island that fits 3 chairs but we don't have a separate formal dining room. It seems to work because everyone hangs out in the great room anyway where the living, dining, and kitchen are all in one open area. We currently have an extra living room that is empty and that is on the other side of the hallway. We hope to put in couches and a bookshelf, etc., but I still think it won't be as occupied. I think we'd eliminate this room in our retirement home.
I don't have a formal dining room either just a kitchen with an island, dining area for table and family room all in one open space. We barely eat at the dining table so I haven't purchase or add 2 more chairs and just keep 4 of them that I got 1st. I just set dinner on the island and husband and I just stand up and eat and have conversation about our day. My kids get their foods and either sit on the floor watching tv. My living room and dining table area are the 2 space in the house that currently unused. Family room where the tv is and master bedroom are the 2 hangout place.
I guess our kids are still young so those area that is unused is just not taking space or being use until they are older and more traffic in and out of the house.
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If I knew then what I know now, I would have waited. my current house is more then 100K upside down. The only reason why I stay here is because you can not rent in my area for what my mortgage is. we been here almost 10 years. Probably never leave unless we hit the lotto or move in with my inlaws.
If you don't plan on leaving then I wouldn't worry about the upside down. Our condo we rent out is also upside down $65K. I believe you mentioned in another post that you lived in a nice neighborhood. I think that's worth staying for...even if you win the lotto.
Our house was built 5 years ago. But I totally understand what you mean about the cracking. When we first moved in and I was home by myself, I would hear crackling from upstairs.. it's not anything creepy... just loud cracks hear and there as if the house is setting. I've read on a few stuff about it and it happens alot in newer houses. Older houses are too, but they're more well built. Even some people went to the extreme of ripping their entire wall and redoing it to avoid the cracking sounds. ::) I don't know.. I don't mind the cracking sounds now. It's the sound of water rushing from the upstairs. Honestly, I can confirm that my house was not well built, but it has potentials.
I would still buy newer home. But if we build our own house, I make sure to check the workmanship of the builder, making sure everything looks "perfect". :) ... and of course in a better neighborhood.
Yeah, those crackling sounds scares the sh!@ out of me too. But, as long as I know that's what they are and not the house falling apart, I'm fine. Now, ripping the house up to fix the settling? I can't imagine anyone having the money or time to do that. It will make the noise when it settles again.
I don't have a formal dining room either just a kitchen with an island, dining area for table and family room all in one open space. We barely eat at the dining table so I haven't purchase or add 2 more chairs and just keep 4 of them that I got 1st. I just set dinner on the island and husband and I just stand up and eat and have conversation about our day. My kids get their foods and either sit on the floor watching tv. My living room and dining table area are the 2 space in the house that currently unused. Family room where the tv is and master bedroom are the 2 hangout place.
I guess our kids are still young so those area that is unused is just not taking space or being use until they are older and more traffic in and out of the house.
Funny, you and your husband stand to eat at the island while your kids sit....LOL! I do that too. We try to eat at the dining table when the family's all home. My daughter's friend (who is Caucasian) calls our dinner table meals, elegant - her family doesn't sit down together as a family for meals. I always thought it was a Caucasian thing to do that but who knows...the times are changing.
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My house is 61 years old and it still makes noises. And I know that back when my house was made the used real wood and nails for construction. That is one reason I love older homes. For us we we probably won't leave unless we have too. The only thing I really want is 1 more bathroom. We paid 244k for a 3 bed 1 bath 1280 sq. Ft house. But we still really like it here. It's actually my wife's house. She bought it when we were dating. I did get to give input when she picked it out.
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I love our house. Its an old house and very well built. Still need to re-do our yard. Just the right size for my hubby and I. We probably will live in this house forever. Great neighborhood except for our dirty hmong neighbors.
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My house is 61 years old and it still makes noises. And I know that back when my house was made the used real wood and nails for construction. That is one reason I love older homes. For us we we probably won't leave unless we have too. The only thing I really want is 1 more bathroom. We paid 244k for a 3 bed 1 bath 1280 sq. Ft house. But we still really like it here. It's actually my wife's house. She bought it when we were dating. I did get to give input when she picked it out.
Are you saying that houses now don't use real nails? LOL! Sorry, that just sounded funny. Plastic nails...hehe. I know what you mean though. They don't make houses like they used to with real bricks. I think the wood is still pretty real. That's a nice size house. Sometimes, I wish our house was just a little smaller. You can always put in another bathroom.
I love our house. Its an old house and very well built. Still need to re-do our yard. Just the right size for my hubby and I. We probably will live in this house forever. Great neighborhood except for our dirty hmong neighbors.
I'm glad you found the house you'd like to grow old in. :)
We moved to our house mainly because we wanted a good school for our kids so hopefully once they are grown, we won't need such a big house. It's not that big but it's big to me. But who knows, we might end up having so much memories here that it'd be hard to leave.
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Are you saying that houses now don't use real nails? LOL! Sorry, that just sounded funny. Plastic nails...hehe. I know what you mean though. They don't make houses like they used to with real bricks. I think the wood is still pretty real. That's a nice size house. Sometimes, I wish our house was just a little smaller. You can always put in another bathroom.
I'm glad you found the house you'd like to grow old in. :)
We moved to our house mainly because we wanted a good school for our kids so hopefully once they are grown, we won't need such a big house. It's not that big but it's big to me. But who knows, we might end up having so much memories here that it'd be hard to leave.
No they do use real nails..... But thing's like particle board and fake Styrofoam phasads for window treatments did not happen on homes older then 20 years. I used to work in the construction business..I think it's funny when homebuilder company's try to tell you that they hae real craftsman building there home's. But in actually it's the same contracted Framer's, drywall, and stucco company's doing the work. No matter who the builder is...
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No they do use real nails..... But thing's like particle board and fake Styrofoam phasads for window treatments did not happen on homes older then 20 years. I used to work in the construction business..I think it's funny when homebuilder company's try to tell you that they hae real craftsman building there home's. But in actually it's the same contracted Framer's, drywall, and stucco company's doing the work. No matter who the builder is...
Do they really tell people that? Luckily, for us, our builder didn't make funny promises. They were pretty honest. The thing with homes these days is that as a buyer you kind of have to accept that new homes will not be built as sturdy as those ages ago. As long as the homes follow the city's guidelines then that's all that really matters. Of course, there are still things that irritate me that I wonder if the builder rushed and did a half-!@#$ job.
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Homeowners, after your experience(s) buying your first home (or second +), what would you do differently the next time you buy a home (or maybe even your retirement home)? Or are you the kind that knew exactly what you got and are happy to be in your home forever?
I only have investment properties that I don't even live in. If I can do again, I'd stay away from wood, go with stucco and bricks (last longer and less to maintain), and avoid short sales because I don't have the patience and don't want my realtor to look bad.
I think you have the right idea with bricks. It would be a good idea to have a smaller house plus storage sheds/warehouses. I always envisioned a Japanese type garden in which I can landscape my own designs, waterfalls, kois, and exotic birds. *sigh
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IMO brick buildings are ugly....unless it's contemporary
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I only have investment properties that I don't even live in. If I can do again, I'd stay away from wood, go with stucco and bricks (last longer and less to maintain), and avoid short sales because I don't have the patience and don't want my realtor to look bad.
I think you have the right idea with bricks. It would be a good idea to have a smaller house plus storage sheds/warehouses. I always envisioned a Japanese type garden in which I can landscape my own designs, waterfalls, kois, and exotic birds. *sigh
What's wrong with wood?
I've always preferred brick to wood and stucco. I love the look.
IMO brick buildings are ugly....unless it's contemporary
What do you mean by contemporary? Like modern?
I would love to live in one of these homes below. The photos were taken in 2008. These homes are between $1.5 and $2.5 million. I think the style is Tudor or something but they've been around for a long time.
(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g332/hlitsab/misc/bh06346_062008_600.jpg)
(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g332/hlitsab/misc/bh06342_062008_600.jpg)
(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g332/hlitsab/misc/bh06338_062008_600.jpg)
(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g332/hlitsab/misc/bh06337_062008.jpg)
(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g332/hlitsab/misc/bh06332_062008_600.jpg)
The neighborhood these homes are in is gorgeous with overgrown trees and history. When we drove through it 4 years ago, it felt dreamy.
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The 2 with the black shutters would be considered colonial. O0
Those are nice classic homes with tons of character. However, the property taxes would be outrageous. :o
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Those houses look like mini-castles. I was visiting relatives in France and their town had that same architecture, only smaller and much much older of course.
Wood deteriorates; stucco can last a lifetime. O0
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Oh... I really like those brick houses too... Mpls and St. Paul in certain parts has houses like that... makes the walk around the neighborhood very peaceful.
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Those houses look like mini-castles. I was visiting relatives in France and their town had that same architecture, only smaller and much much older of course.
Wood deteriorates; stucco can last a lifetime. O0
Errr.... Mold can build up behind stucco and stucco cracks. I know this first hand. Had to sue the builder of my house for 2 years before all his insurance companies settled with me. I have Hardie (fiber cement) board siding now.
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Errr.... Mold can build up behind stucco and stucco cracks. I know this first hand. Had to sue the builder of my house for 2 years before all his insurance companies settled with me. I have Hardie (fiber cement) board siding now.
Good input. I was careful. That's why I said "can" and not "will." O0
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The 2 with the black shutters would be considered colonial. O0
Those are nice classic homes with tons of character. However, the property taxes would be outrageous. :o
True, I think there's really only one Tudor in the photos. Yeah, the taxes.
Those houses look like mini-castles. I was visiting relatives in France and their town had that same architecture, only smaller and much much older of course.
Wood deteriorates; stucco can last a lifetime. O0
I'm sure the ones in France have been around longer but those ones have been around for a long time too...maybe 1800's for some. Just guessing here.
When I think of wood, I think of fire and when I think of stucco, I think hot, desert...Vegas . Brick just seems sturdy. My sister lives in a brick apartment building and when it rains, hails, or gets extremely windy, it's still so nice an quiet inside. In my current house (wood ciding...parti al brick), I could hear everything.
Oh... I really like those brick houses too... Mpls and St. Paul in certain parts has houses like that... makes the walk around the neighborhood very peaceful.
I think they are in certain parts of most states. If you get to walk around a neighbor like that, you are so lucky! I don't live anywhere near those house in the photo anymore, unfortunately. Otherwise, I'd drive there a few times a year.
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Those brick homes are nice but you barely see any around here. The 2 with those shutter are like colonial home and always remind me of this house we tour but just not brick but had original hardwood floor. It was spooky walking around and they have crawl space inside all the bedrooms that give me that chilling fever that I don't even want to look anymore or walk through certain area of the house.
(http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/CherryBlossom63/August009.jpg)
(http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd464/CherryBlossom63/August007.jpg)
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Those brick homes are nice but you barely see any around here. The 2 with those shutter are like colonial home and always remind me of this house we tour but just not brick but had original hardwood floor. It was spooky walking around and they have crawl space inside all the bedrooms that give me that chilling fever that I don't even want to look anymore or walk through certain area of the house.
I know what you mean by spooky and I'm not a fan of crawl spaces either. I remember a long time ago dating a boy and went to visit his house. It was all brick and had those shutters. It was a really nice house and I was nervous about the basement (he wanted to watch a movie in the basement) but it was actually nice with a regular ceiling and enough space for it to be a second living room. I didn't like the boy so I told him I had to go home. I was really awed by the house though.
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Those brick homes are nice but you barely see any around here. The 2 with those shutter are like colonial home and always remind me of this house we tour but just not brick but had original hardwood floor. It was spooky walking around and they have crawl space inside all the bedrooms that give me that chilling fever that I don't even want to look anymore or walk through certain area of the house.
what is so spooky about crawl spaces? i guess i don't really get it.
it's just extra storage space for those suitcases full of hmong clothes etc....
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what is so spooky about crawl spaces? i guess i don't really get it.
it's just extra storage space for those suitcases full of hmong clothes etc....
Maybe because this house was just empty and not well taken care of or maybe it was because my 1st time seeing a crawl space in the closet in every single bedroom to the point where I didn't even want to take a peek or know what it was. It look dark and just scary. It was just the most creepiest house I step foot in during our 1st and 2nd house hunting season. The listing price of the house was actually lower than my current home now but the location was nice and close to a elementary school that I like the best but.......... I always want to drive by to see if anyone has bought it even though it just down the same road I travel everyday to drop and pick up my son from preschool.
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I think for me just any space that looks incomplete, unused, or dark and dusty is scary. Attics are also a bit creepy for me.
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I'm done with big homes. Eyeing for a small home that is around $50k and hope to have it paid off in 10 years so I can live with no mortgage when I retire. Who cares about owning a big house now??
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I'm done with big homes. Eyeing for a small home that is around $50k and hope to have it paid off in 10 years so I can live with no mortgage when I retire. Who cares about owning a big house now??
Big homes are for show and great for hosting parties/gatherings. Otherwise, its a lot of work to keep clean and the utilities cost more.
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Big homes are for show and great for hosting parties/gatherings. Otherwise, its a lot of work to keep clean and the utilities cost more.
True.........a nd kids are no help either so either you got to do all the works yourself or let the house be dirty or give up........ When I have all my kids here it is constantly cleaning, picking up, etc. Too much work but when no kids here and just 1-2 then it sound quiet and never have to deal with all those works. My only priority is to clean the bathrooms and kitchen.
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I'm done with big homes. Eyeing for a small home that is around $50k and hope to have it paid off in 10 years so I can live with no mortgage when I retire. Who cares about owning a big house now??
I wish you luck, only houses for 50K here in Cali are in the worst neighborhoods. .. NO thanks...
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Attics and basements gives me the creeps! Everytime I have to go down to the basement, I always run up the stairs cause I think something is behind me. I'm crazy! :idiot2: :2funny: :idiot2: :D
LOL!
I'm done with big homes. Eyeing for a small home that is around $50k and hope to have it paid off in 10 years so I can live with no mortgage when I retire. Who cares about owning a big house now??
Big homes are for show and great for hosting parties/gatherings. Otherwise, its a lot of work to keep clean and the utilities cost more.
True.........and kids are no help either so either you got to do all the works yourself or let the house be dirty or give up........ When I have all my kids here it is constantly cleaning, picking up, etc. Too much work but when no kids here and just 1-2 then it sound quiet and never have to deal with all those works. My only priority is to clean the bathrooms and kitchen.
That's why we want to retire in a smaller ranch-style home. Kids will be all grown and and starting their own life. There's no reason to have a big messy house anymore. ;D
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Homeowners, after your experience(s) buying your first home (or second +), what would you do differently the next time you buy a home (or maybe even your retirement home)? Or are you the kind that knew exactly what you got and are happy to be in your home forever?
For me, I am eying a retirement home (for the far future), and one that is all brick (or at least 50%) all the way around and ranch style. A walk-out ranch would be perfect but not necessary. Living in my current home, a 3 floor, over 3000 sq ft (including basement), is way too much to clean. I remember living in a 2-bedroom 800 sq ft condo and having to clean the one bathroom was a pain. Now I have 3 bathrooms to clean (one master, one regular, and one powder) and I just can't keep up. I know, these things are trivial, but it takes so much time going up and down the stairs. Luckily, we don't have our basement finished but when we do, there will be another bathroom there. I'd like to keep it at 3.
I do like our current small yard but I'd definitely like a larger space so that I can plant more trees and flowering plants.
I can't imagine anyone wanting a 3000 sq ft house.
I am perfectly fine with a 800 sq ft house.
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I can't imagine anyone wanting a 3000 sq ft house.
I am perfectly fine with a 800 sq ft house.
An 800 sq ft home is good for one to two people. The family lived in a 875 sq ft end unit condo for 5 years. There were 3 of us and then a 4th joined in the last two years. It was crowded. I think when we bought the house, we over compensated for the lack of space in the condo, but there would have been no way for us to know until a year or so later when we finally felt settled. We still own the condo so maybe some day, when the kids are grown, we might move back. Okay. No. But, we'll buy something with less square footage. :)
I agree. 3K sq ft is quite big.
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I like porches so I'd love a wrap around porch!! The house we currently live in does not have a porch. :(
Something like this
(http://www.hsmodularhomesct.com/_images_content/modular-colonial.jpg)
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peas, that's a nice house. I think that style is called French Colonial?? I'm not a big wrap around porch gal but I do like me some porch. Our current home has a tiny porch but not enough to put any seating and/or table.
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An 800 sq ft home is good for one to two people. The family lived in a 875 sq ft end unit condo for 5 years. There were 3 of us and then a 4th joined in the last two years. It was crowded. I think when we bought the house, we over compensated for the lack of space in the condo, but there would have been no way for us to know until a year or so later when we finally felt settled. We still own the condo so maybe some day, when the kids are grown, we might move back. Okay. No. But, we'll buy something with less square footage. :)
I agree. 3K sq ft is quite big.
The very 1st home we put down an offer for was a 3300sf home that was 4 bedrooms, loft, office room, etc. but behind the backyard is farm land. It was a short sale listed for 210k. We offer full price because it was ready to move in and still a new area recently build but another town or next town. We heard back in one month and got it but they only gave us 2 weeks to closed on the home. We can't get everything done on time because of home inspection, etc. another thing our loan need renewal again because they only gave us 4 or 6 months time. It was okay so we back out and the next person who offer was in 2nd got the house but he pay cash for it.
I have picture of almost every home we put an offer in but get outbid majority of the time except for our house because I was the first to know it came on the market and got our agent to work quick on getting us to see the house since the seller agent is same company.
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currently living that situation as we speak. Probably gonna pick up my keys and close escrow before the end of the month. For us we love our area. we wanted to stay in the neighborhood. Glad we found something we could afford and grow into. We loved our old house but 1 bathroom and 900 sq ft was just fine when it was just the wife and I, but with two little boys we are now running out of space......So we been quietly looking for about a year now and
This is the main thing that sold us on buying this house
(http://photos3.zillow.com/p_f/ISx3dcwwh2ez5u1000000000.jpg)
(http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/ISdgh0x9qiut5u1000000000.jpg)
Living room not to shabby either..
(http://photos2.zillow.com/p_f/IShbsog6bnzf5u1000000000.jpg)
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The very 1st home we put down an offer for was a 3300sf home that was 4 bedrooms, loft, office room, etc. but behind the backyard is farm land. It was a short sale listed for 210k. We offer full price because it was ready to move in and still a new area recently build but another town or next town. We heard back in one month and got it but they only gave us 2 weeks to closed on the home. We can't get everything done on time because of home inspection, etc. another thing our loan need renewal again because they only gave us 4 or 6 months time. It was okay so we back out and the next person who offer was in 2nd got the house but he pay cash for it.
I have picture of almost every home we put an offer in but get outbid majority of the time except for our house because I was the first to know it came on the market and got our agent to work quick on getting us to see the house since the seller agent is same company.
How were you able to figure out when your house first got on the market?
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currently living that situation as we speak. Probably gonna pick up my keys and close escrow before the end of the month. For us we love our area. we wanted to stay in the neighborhood. Glad we found something we could afford and grow into. We loved our old house but 1 bathroom and 900 sq ft was just fine when it was just the wife and I, but with two little boys we are now running out of space......So we been quietly looking for about a year now and
That's a nice house. I like the open space and the big backyard. The wood floor is nice too. Great find! O0
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This thread was a nice re-hash... O0
I'm with you moonangel, not gonna go over 3,000 sq ft my next time around. 8) As much as I like my small apartment now and the neighborhood, I cannot stomach the price per sq ft and the property taxes in the city.
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How were you able to figure out when your house first got on the market?
The seller agent know us already because he bump into us many time when we was house hunting because he like a top seller agent in most area we roam. I happened to be on the computer often like I always when I was looking at listing constantly and when it pop up like 1-2 min. After browsing back and forth then I called my agent right away that the listing was good and that we need to go see it right away. I was the 1st to see it and we just made the offer right away because there is not much listing to look around anymore in this small town and pretty going to the same area each time like across the street, around the block, couple house down from previous viewing, etc. we kind of almost want to give up looking but then as 1st time homebuyer in the back of my mind I told myself we can't get everything on our must wants so....
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currently living that situation as we speak. Probably gonna pick up my keys and close escrow before the end of the month. For us we love our area. we wanted to stay in the neighborhood. Glad we found something we could afford and grow into. We loved our old house but 1 bathroom and 900 sq ft was just fine when it was just the wife and I, but with two little boys we are now running out of space......So we been quietly looking for about a year now and
This is the main thing that sold us on buying this house
(http://photos3.zillow.com/p_f/ISx3dcwwh2ez5u1000000000.jpg)
(http://photos1.zillow.com/p_f/ISdgh0x9qiut5u1000000000.jpg)
Living room not to shabby either..
(http://photos2.zillow.com/p_f/IShbsog6bnzf5u1000000000.jpg)
Wow that is one big yard and good deal. The kitchen just look kind of small with less counter space but there is room to remodel so not bad. Where are u putting the fridge? Very open too which is what I like.
Do keep us update on any change you make to the house down the road.
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A big kitchen would be nice but also living in the right neighborhood matters, and building is probably the best way to go, except, when the house settles. That's something I don't know if I'd like to do again.
We've been in our built home for just over 2 years and the cracks that keep getting wider are really scaring me, especially those in the basement. They say it's okay to have those cracks along the creases as long as they don't go over so many inches. It's the weirdest feeling to wait and wonder how far the cracks will open and if by the time they get to the point of having redone, if our warranty would be over. It'll be expensive w/o the warranty.
Are any of you into the separate formal dining rooms? I'm not sure what year that became popular.
Cracks in the basement floors are common unless they got really big. You can almost have your husband repair the basement floor with some manly strength and repour the floor if you have to. On the other hand, if the basement walls are cracking it may be a bigger problem then you think. Make sure your sump pump works properly to take away the excessive water as it may weaken the soil compaction and cause the load to shift on the footings. It would not be a good thing if that had happened.
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The only thing that scares me about newly-built neighborhoods is that back when it was all the rage, all sorts of people were getting loans to buy in those neighborhoods. As the subdivisions matured, not all homeowners were taking care of their property even with HOA. Some subdivisions became really crappy.
If you can afford to buy a house in a well-established, upscale neighborhood, that is the better way to go. You know that most likely those residents are planning retirement in their house. And older people generally take better care of their house.