Ommmm... good house-shopping thoughts [Archive]

landk

07-08-2005, 01:30 PM

I wish you luck also! I just wanted to add along the lines of what misskitty100 said - check out realtor.com. That is how we found our new home. While the site is pretty good at keeping postings up-to-date, it depends upon where you live. Where we are, houses sell in one or two days right now so by the time you see it on that site, the house is already under contract. But, I did see the house that we are living in now on there. When I contacted my realtor and asked him to take me to that house, the house had NOT been put on the market yet (the owner was out of town but her realtor put it on the site). So, we met with the owners realtor and she made a special appointment and let us see it first thing in the morning and we put a contract down on it for the price asked immediately BEFORE anyone else had an opportunity to see it. It worked out great for us and for her. Very smooth closing on our old house and the new one.

I still look at the sight because lots of them show pictures inside and out of the homes and it's a great way to get decorating ideas and get a real idea of what you are really looking for.

badunnin

07-08-2005, 02:01 PM

Thanks all! Saw 6 houses today, and liked 3 of them. One was really cool but was a very odd layout. You had to pass through the master bedroom to get to the backyard from the house. Very odd indeed. One was 2 bedrooms, but with a GREAT backyard. One was a very cool, quaint bungalow with a great enclosed front porch and a "Florida room" off the back with a super deep yard. I have a new stack ready to look at next week! It's completely a buyer's market here - there are a ton of homes for sale. I saw some absolute holes today as well - I couldn't believe what they were asking! Yes, your neighbour got that price, but your house hasn't been updated since 1947!

(Yes, Natasha, this is the same email you got!)

As far as websites, I have looked at them. And unfortunately, Jen, the octagon house, as much as I love it, will have to wait. I've decided that I'm not going to stay in the area for more than a few years, and that one would be my FINAL house. So, it's been shelved for a bit. I still hope to bring it out again later. ;)

gertdog

07-08-2005, 02:08 PM

I wondered about the octagon house too- it sounded so cool!

Isn't it amazing, the variety of stuff on the market in a particular price range? I remember looking at two houses on the same block, same floor plan even, and priced within $5K of each other. Yet one had orange shag carpet throughout, 40-year old appliances, zero landscaping, and the hideous chocolate brown bathroom I've described on the BB before (brown tile walls, sink, tub, and toilet). The other had fresh paint, new carpet and hardwood, updated kitchen, an expanded master bath etc... and it was the LOWER-priced of the two.

Good luck with your house hunt!

Chefzhat

07-08-2005, 02:12 PM

Good luck kiddo! I love house hunting!

badunnin

07-08-2005, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by rosie_one
excellent! Best of luck to you!

What are you looking for, if you don't mind my asking? That way I can fine tune my good vibes. ;)

Missed this one. :) Ideally - 3 bedrooms, just over 1000 sqft, garage, basement if possible, nice yard, nice kitchen (doesn't have to be big).

badunnin

07-08-2005, 04:40 PM

Oh, and this one (http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1048960099) is missing a few things that I'm looking for, but WOW is it cool from the outside!!!!

tbb113

07-08-2005, 04:48 PM

Good luck on the search. I know I shouldn't open these threads...they just depress me when I see what you can buy in other parts of the country.

doggerham

07-08-2005, 04:53 PM

The link to property 1 doesn't work for me!

Anyhow, our house has that interesting feature, too -- the backyard is only entered to from the master bedroom.

But this is a feature of our kind of upside down house anyhow. If you can envision 2 large box cars on top of each other (kind of a double-high) --- the lower floor (which is actually above the ground level where the garage is) is the master suite, bath and laundry area. The second floor is the main living area with living dining/kitchen and guest bedroom/bath running from the front to the back of the house.

So, the backyard has an outdoor ground level entrance down the "alley" beside the house, and then it has French doors from the master bedroom landing -- so its very private for us. On the other hand, if we want to have a party back there, everyone comes and goes through the bedroom. This is especially a PITA when we want to use the big bbq in the back yard, and not the little gas grill on the 2d floor balcony. Remember, the kitchen is on the 2d floor!

What I need to do is to install a set of exterior stairs from the guest room to the patio below -- maybe the pre-fab circular wrought iron one. Someday.

Anyhow, weird configurations, at least in our case, is because we have a long narrow, city lot! Its a lot like living in a treehouse!

Here's a pic. The windows below are the master, the ones above, the guest:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p026b7b6494021c683ee8dbe6474d3906/f4118660.jpg

Chefzhat

07-08-2005, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by badunnin
Oh, and this one (http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1048960099) is missing a few things that I'm looking for, but WOW is it cool from the outside!!!!

Okay, LOVE this one! I wish there were interior pix available!

donnamp14

07-08-2005, 06:03 PM

Best of luck!! You'll know it's "the one" when you see it. It will "speak" to you!

I'm another one who is jealous. Houses here in Greater Boston are insanely priced! I looked at open houses in the paper today, and the cheapest was an urban (dump!) condo, one bedroom, one bath, no parking, for $199K! Most are $350K. Insane. We couldn't afford the house we have now! You're so lucky to be in a buyers market! I'll be sending good vibes your way! Promise to send us a photo of the one you settle on, OK?

-Donna

colleency

07-08-2005, 06:25 PM

Good luck with the house hunt! I'm jealous. :)

I missed hearing about the octagon house. It intrigues me, because DH and I used to be caretakers at a Victorian Architectural museum, and one of the homes was an octagon house, built around 1880 (I think). Are you looking at building your own home from floor plans (in your dream home world), or are you looking at those dome homes that were popular in the 1970s?

colleency

07-08-2005, 06:27 PM

Oh, my gosh! Florida room house is adorable!

Beth

07-08-2005, 06:30 PM

I like "this one", but my favorite based on drive up appeal would be the "cool porch and Florida room." I'm a front porch girl. My first home had one, and I loved having one again when we got this house. Have fun looking. Hope you find a gem.

oceanjasper

07-08-2005, 07:23 PM

I love the Florida room house! It is so cute. I wish I could get into the market, but the prices are so high right now. All the best in your search!!

badunnin

07-08-2005, 10:09 PM

Ok, I fixed the 'weird layout' link. :)

The Florida room one actually has a wood burning stove right next to the FL room, so I can imagine myself back there on a winter evening, with a book and a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Downside of that one - no garage, which means no place to store the kayak.

Colleen - the house I'd love to build is not online anymore - huh. Anyways, it's a cedar home and is octagonal in shape, open floor plan, very cool.

Peweh

07-08-2005, 10:21 PM

Doggerham, your house is very cute!

Badunnin, I vote for House #2 like Coleency did. And I am also jealous when I see there are actual Buyer's Markets out there; MA is out of CONTROL and I just bought my 1st house.

tperes

07-09-2005, 06:36 AM

I really like the look of "this one." What cool columns!
I also really like "Florida room." Also very cool.

We are coming to the end of our long, tortured house hunt, so I sincerely send you the best of vibes that your is quick, fun, and virtually painless. I love looking at houses (we looked at 36 over 3 weekends), but once we found the house for us, we were blind to everything else!
Good luck!

Tanya

Beth

07-09-2005, 09:07 AM

I like the odd layout one too from what you can see, but a weird layout can hamper or kill resale. Since you don't plan to be there long term, keep that in mind and talk to the realtor about it even if you think it would be fine for you.

About the Florida room house -- adding a garage or even a storage shed out back for the kayack would be a pretty simple thing if you have the space and local codes or restrictions would allow it. Because garages aren't plumbed or air-conditioned, the cost of construction is a lot less, and you might be able to use a prefab or something like a metal building with a siding finish that would blend in with your house and the area.

If the lack of a garage is an issue in that neighborhood, it might be something you can negotiate the price down on, improve, and then gain equity for resale. If you don't need to park a car, you could get a storage barn from someplace like Lowe's or Home Depot for the kayack and other stuff.

badunnin

07-09-2005, 09:27 AM

Beth - IMO, the price of the house without the garage is a bit high, considering it doesn't have that. The yard is definitely big enough for a garage, and I'd probably use that as a bidding point. That is the house that I keep thinking about, though, so I'll likely keep that one on my list. I think odd layout house is slipping off my list. :)

I'm compiling my next list now. :)

Jasmine-Rose

07-09-2005, 09:59 AM

Bethany, when I saw this thread the first thing I thought of was the octagonal house, too! I loved that house and I was hoping that you'd soon be living in it - glad to see that it's still a possibility for you in the future.

In the meantime, I wish you much luck in your search. I join the others in amazement at what you can buy for reasonable prices elsewhere in the country. Prices are outrageous here!

Of the homes you've posted so far, I like the one with the Florida room, but living in MI I would think you'd want a garage - I wouldn't even look at a house without a garage here (I love not having to clear my car of snow in the winter :) ).

Beth

07-09-2005, 10:19 AM

I wouldn't want a house without a garage either. Around here, another car slot on a garage is generally considered to be about $10,000, give or take. No garage at all might be a bit more, but your realtor can help you with that and how to attack an appraisal issue (the house has to appraise for your purchase price for the mortgage to go through unless you have a high down payment and great credit -- the mortgage co wants a cushion). Knock off $10-15K and then look at price per suare foot and features. Compare recent sales. Use that info and whatever you can find out about the seller's position, price paid, etc. to bargain with.

Also, the house has only 1 bathroom? That is not unusual for the size and age of the house, but is it normal for the neighborhood now? All the ones you posted are 1 bath, but that could be another factor.

On the plus side, it looks like that house has a lot of updating. That can save you time and money, but sellers may be trying to get more out of it than it's worth because a lot of people don't want to mess with the work.

badunnin

07-11-2005, 01:28 PM

Well, I thought about that porch one all weekend, and decided I love it. But went into Day 2 with an open mind, and found...

This (http://www.cbshooltz.com/servlets/basic.OraclePassalong?applyTo=clients/real_estate/forms/listing_show.zml&LID=h1pwfsnsqvv)

Ok, I saw 6 more houses. $12k less than the other one, no basement, one car garage and a shed, huge lot, unpaved road, nice sized master bedroom and family room, gas fireplace, HUGE kitchen with nice cupboards, small bathroom but very cool... and MUCH closer to work. Gee, think I like it? ;)

I have more pictures, which I will post later. The taxes concern me a bit. I'll go tomorrow with dad for a second showing on both of these. :cool:

SandyM

07-11-2005, 01:31 PM

I like this one, Bethany - but that arborvitae has to go! :D

Can't wait to see what you end up going with. I've already got the housewarming gift picked out!! :p

badunnin

07-11-2005, 01:56 PM

Ok, here goes.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/pcd6371963ce66375d5c8741e140f1ee5/f34e0614.jpg
Family room (curtains open) - the walls are a textured paint in a chocolate brown. That door links to the master bedroom. The master bedroom and family room were added on after the house was built.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/pa945b0c669963691f15774ba36c85a8a/f34e064b.jpg Family room view 2

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/pa072490a39043cd9e732f425d7be94f3/f34e063e.jpg Big kitchen - lots of white

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/p00e7cf7c2edc50f9e2061afc3d837307/f34e0625.jpg Dark picture of the dining room

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/pdf175630d8f0000a701432839a77218f/f34e0358.jpg
Master bedroom (here kitty!)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/p59c991ac1f8afc0db158f770f4eafb8d/f34e060d.jpg
Living room

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid177/pe1ee963d88cb15748b72e0e8be43026c/f34e0639.jpg
Bedroom 2

There is also a third bedroom.

badunnin

07-11-2005, 01:57 PM

Sandy - how about a Japanese maple instead of the arborvitae?

Beth

07-11-2005, 03:40 PM

The one today is a cute house too, but a couple of things concern me for a first-time homeowner.

Do you mean the street itself is unpaved, not just the drive way? Do you know what that is like with a lot of rain or snow? And who maintains it? What happens if they decide to pave it? Could you get hit with an assesment, and could you handle getting hit with an unexpected bill (could be thousands)? Unlike adding a garage, you wouldn't be in control of the timing or financing options.

Are the taxes higher on this one that the others you saw? I would want to know why a smaller house, priced less, would have a higher tax bill. Are you paying for other services? Is it the position of your seller (no homestead or other exemptions, could be the case if the house is currently rented), or just the area? Are your utilities and other services the same in both places?

Also, while the price is less, look at it as an appraiser or your next buyer might -- the big lot is a plus, but the unpaved road is a minus (and could make the house hard to sell down the road, depending on the area and your market). Those two factors may balance out -- don't now how they play in your area. Same for one having a basement and the other a garage (although you can add a garage and you can't add a basement).

Look at the price per square foot. The one today is listed at $133.97 a sq ft, while the Florida room one is $124.92 a sq ft. The basement and second story may also allow easier expansion for a growing family (may not matter to you, but might expand the market for resale). How do the upgrades and features compare? Looks like one has central heat and air and the other does not -- that's a biggie in this part of the country and $$$ to update.

Also, is the master bedroom really that large on the Florida room house? If so, that allows a sitting area/study and large closet space, something that is very much in demand now (or it could be room for an additional bathroom). Even if you don't want to do those things, if the potential is there, it might add a lot to resale potential. (I keep thinking about the fact that you don't plan to be there a long time.)

You may decide that a garage and a lower sticker price put this one ahead of the others, just think about all the factors.

I still like the Florida room house -- it seems brighter and it looks like if has higher ceilings. Those both appeal to me. I don't ever want to live with anything but 9 ft and taller ceilings again, but you probably aren't as tall as I am. ;) But I'm not buying. If you love it, that's important. Just look behind both proce tags so you don't get surprised.

badunnin

07-11-2005, 03:48 PM

Beth - they are in different cities, and the second one definitely has the reputation of a nice, more upscale city. Taxes are just higher in the second city. The schools are definitely better. As far as the paving, we are checking on that tomorrow morning. My agent (who is also family) will be calling the city. The road is hard-packed dirt - city services are good, and it's well-maintained by the city in the winter.

In the Florida room house, the bungalow doesn't leave much room for expansion, unless you took the whole second floor off and put in a regular second story.

I do like both of them, in different ways. The basement is definitely a factor. However, so is the drive to work. It's significantly closer to live in the one from today. Today's has been on the market longer, so I think I have some thinking time. I also need to go through my stack o' listings and see if there is anything else I'm interested in.

Wendy w

07-11-2005, 03:54 PM

Bethany, sending good thoughts for the right place, at the right price, at the right time and with a Florida room.

badunnin

07-11-2005, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by Wendy w
Bethany, sending good thoughts for the right place, at the right price, at the right time and with a Florida room.

LOL!!! (pssst - that's the way I'm leaning as well...)

Beth

07-11-2005, 04:53 PM

There are always trade-offs when considering different houses -- you just need to try to have your eyes open to as many as possible going in so you get the deal you thought you did. DH and I have bought several houses, but we still find some surprises (some, like the fact that the electrician when this house was built didn't put in an electrical box for one of the lights in our master bathroom, can't be found until you start doing things to make it your own. Not a biggie, but it sure takes a lot longer to install a new light fixture and make it right).

Better schools are a factor in resale too. A significant difference in commute time is understandably an issue for you. Does one sit in a neighborhood you think you'd be more comfortable living in? Do you think one has more people your age and with similar interests? Where would you want to be when you are "home?" Is the commute time long enough to let you disconnect from work, not feel drawn in after hours -- or do you need those things? So many things to think about. Try to keep it fun. ;) Good luck.

badunnin

07-11-2005, 05:01 PM

Beth - I REALLY appreciate your posts! You give me a lot to think about. It's a huge, time-consuming, exhausting, scary process. My concern now is - how many houses is enough? At what point do I say "I've seen enough houses to make a decision."? When do I call it off and just say that "I like this one enough to make it mine."?

Aside from the resale concerns, schools, taxes, etc, one thing that I keep in mind is - will I feel at home here? There have been several houses that I've looked at that were very nice, and a good deal, but would have required quite a bit of work to get them to feel even close to comfortable, and different things - layout, etc. - would probably have contributed to them never feeling like home. With the porch place, it feels very cottage-like to me. I can tell it would feel very much like home to me, like a haven. Yes, it is a longer drive from school, but it's against traffic. And it's closer to my parents. And it's closer to the expressways.

Hmm, it sounds like I may be happy there. Now, how to explain this to Bunny (my agent)? Do I have to? That's another thing that's odd - for the first time, this is MY decision. But, there is always that approval that I'm looking for from mom and dad.

Ok, enough journalling. ;)

lonetree1353

07-11-2005, 05:06 PM

Bethany just wanted to wish you success in your house hunting. One thing I wondered about is does having only one bathroom matter to you? We have two full bathrooms in our 3 bedroom rancher and not sure, even when there is only two of us at home, if I would only want one. Just a thought.

badunnin

07-11-2005, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by lonetree1353
Bethany just wanted to wish you success in your house hunting. One thing I wondered about is does having only one bathroom matter to you? We have two full bathrooms in our 3 bedroom rancher and not sure, even when there is only two of us at home, if I would only want one. Just a thought.

Pretty much every house of this size in the area will only have one bathroom. 2 full baths are impossible to find, and 1 1/2 baths is like finding a garage/basement combo. ;) Most of these homes were built 1955 and earlier.

phantomcg

07-11-2005, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by badunnin
My concern now is - how many houses is enough? At what point do I say "I've seen enough houses to make a decision."? When do I call it off and just say that "I like this one enough to make it mine."?

Now, how to explain this to Bunny (my agent)? Do I have to? That's another thing that's odd - for the first time, this is MY decision. But, there is always that approval that I'm looking for from mom and dad.

Ok, enough journalling. ;)

Bethany,

I think that you'll just "know" when you've found the right house, the feeling of the house will be right, even if some of the amenities really aren't. It may not happen in just two weekends - there are a lot of houses in the areas that you are looking in!! Trust your judgement, and your heart.

As far as explaining your decision to your agent - no, you don't have to explain, but you did say that she is family, so it might be a good thing to at least talk to her about your decision, if you are comfortable with that. We bought our current home from my Aunt and it was a bit uncomfortable at times. She kept pushing us for homes that were either more than we wanted to spend or in areas that were too far from where we work. I'm not really very close to this aunt and that probably was a big factor in how we handled it, but I can honestly say that our next house will not be handled through her.

Best of luck to you - you'll find it, and, I truly believe that you'll know when you do.

Cheryl

mbrogier

07-11-2005, 06:47 PM

From having bought and sold a house in SW Michigan (Allen Park), I have seen and experienced a lot of what Bethany is going through. Most homes are going to be older. If they are new, the price goes up significantly. Finding more than one bathroom is almost unheard of. (unless it is in the garage or basement--freezing your butt to porcelain in the dead of winter is about as pleasant a thought as going outside...) Most garages are not going to be attached. The people in Michigan have a thing for basements. I have no idea why, but they do. Our house had a gorgeous humongous kitchen with Viking appliances and Corian, but the fact that we did NOT have a basement meant that it took 18 months to sell our house. (and the price was comparable to houses that hadn't seen a decorator in 40 years...)

One good thing about living in Rochester Hills--the areas are expanding, so you will probably get a lot more for that house when it is time to sell. I know the taxes in that area are high. That won't change, if anything, they'll just get higher and higher. We didn't buy in Northville because we couldn't afford the 12k a year in property taxes. In comparison, the same price range house in Allen Park had property taxes of 4k a year.

Good Luck, Bethany. You'll know when you find it. You just need to justify a place for your kayak, your reading, and your cooking. No one but you needs to understand that. ;)

badunnin

07-11-2005, 07:33 PM

Micah - thank you so much - that's exactly what I needed to see/hear. :) This is a huge investment, but in reality, all I want is a place to call home. :)

ETA - I just looked up the taxes in the Agent's online system - what they had listed earlier is wrong. It's on par with the other city.

Beth

07-11-2005, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by badunnin
It's a huge, time-consuming, exhausting, scary process. My concern now is - how many houses is enough? At what point do I say "I've seen enough houses to make a decision."?

AMEN! Yes, it is -- especially the first time you go through it. I could look at houses every day and not tire of it, but I wouldn't want to be looking for MY house every day. ;)

When do you say enough? Basically, when you have a place that says "HOME" to you (you call it a haven ;)), it fits your budget and at least most of your list of most important features, and has or you can add all the critical ones. When you start placing furniture in the rooms and picturing yourself coming home there, entertaining friend there and you smile a lot. When you then step back and go through the cold hard cash details, you are comfortable that you have a good feel for what is available and how things compare in price and features, and it all still works for you -- then it's time to switch gears and figure out how to get the best buy on it, what your bargaining points are, and at what point (price or other details) you want to walk away.

Remember that finding a home has a definite emotional component, but that buying a home is a business transaction. Always be willing to step back if you need to. I have former neighbors who were so emotionally involved that they made some serious mistakes in buying their next home -- even wound up bidding up their own offer.

Look at what similar homes have sold for in the area, give yourself a negotiating cushion (it's safe to figure that most buyers will offer something that will leave the half point between the asking price and their offer as something pretty close to what they want to pay -- unless there is competetive bidding or it would be so low it would insult the sellers).

Good luck. Have fun!

HealthyinMN

07-11-2005, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by phantomcg

I think that you'll just "know" when you've found the right house, the feeling of the house will be right, even if some of the amenities really aren't. It may not happen in just two weekends - there are a lot of houses in the areas that you are looking in!! Trust your judgement, and your heart.

This is how it was when we found the house in phoenix and even other houses back in MN. We did see ones we liked, but none of them felt like "home".

badunnin

07-12-2005, 06:09 PM

Went back for a second look-see at two of them this evening. I have a call in to Bunny about putting in an offer on the "porch" house. Daddy likes it too. ;)

Miss Giggles

07-12-2005, 06:12 PM

Good Luck! Cute Little Houses!

badunnin

07-12-2005, 06:47 PM

Ok - Bunny talked to the selling agent, told him that we looked at 2 tonight, that I took dad with me, and that dad wanted me to live in Rochester Hills (other house) because it was safer, closer to home, etc etc. Lies. Anyways, he went on about how Clawson is safe, there are shady areas in RH, blah blah. She told him that the other house was significantly cheaper as well, and he told her to not necessarily go by the listing price, that that can definitely be negotiated, that the sellers are very motivated. :D She told him he'd be hearing from us Thursday morning. ;) Tomorrow Bunny will be out of the office - her (and my father's) aunt will be having surgery to remove her esophagus and to move up her stomach. Bunny will be at the hospital all day.

If nothing else, I've called 'dibs'. ;)

Beth

07-12-2005, 06:57 PM

:) :cool: :)

Hope the surgery goes smoothly. Sounds like a lot to go through. Will be waiting to hear more on TH or Friday!!!

colleency

07-12-2005, 06:57 PM

Ooohhh! I hope you get it! That's the one I like!

Peweh

07-12-2005, 07:28 PM

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

mbrogier

07-12-2005, 07:58 PM

Hope the surgery goes well.

The selling agent is trying to pass you a whole load of bullcaca. Sure RH has some bad areas, but it is a much safer area than other areas near Detroit. It makes a difference. The police stations will tell you whether a property is in a safe neighborhood or in one with problems. Just stop by and ask.

Glad your dad likes your choice. I had to get my dad to like mine, too. :D

badunnin

07-12-2005, 08:15 PM

Micah - you're absolutely right. But then again, my agent wasn't being exactly straightforward. ;) As long as I can get it for less than asking price... :)

I knew I had made a good choice when mom asked dad (over the phone - she's out of town) what would need to be done before I move in and he replied "Paint if she wants it. Otherwise... nothing." :D

Beth

07-12-2005, 11:02 PM

From what has been said here, you should not even have to consider asking price. Asking price and above is what we are all seeing on HGTV shows taped in a hot California market or other places where a housing market is tight. Doesn't sound like your situation. This in nearly mid-July, and things should be moving if they are going to be sold before school starts (30-45 days average from contract to closing). Your sellers should be getting a little nervous if there are a lot of homes still on the market in that area and price range.

Also, here, if a house is listed by a good agent who promotes properties well and prices them solidly, it will sell within 1-3% of the listing price, but it's rare to get full asking price without a competing offer. That alone would make me think you might be offering about $148-149K and looking to buy near $154-155K. If the house is priced above the others in the area, your timing is right and the sellers are getting anxious, your agent is working the sale well and no one else appears in the next 48 hours -- you might do better. Good luck!