Pretending My Way to Adulthood

[affreca]

We've gotten the married part out and the job part (at least for lawnchairof the way, so we've started on the property owning part. First big step was securing a pre-approval letter from the bank (don't worry, we're cheapskate paranoids with math, so it is something that shouldn't get us in trouble). Next step was going to an open house for our favorite prospect (otherwise known as the purple house). Told the realtor what we were willing to pay, and told it was to little (by the owner. Realtor claims to agree with us that the owner is asking to much, but the realtor might be trying to get this one sold as it has been on the market for almost 6 months).

So we decided to get our own realtor. We get to meet with her tonight. We'll see. First house she suggested is outside what we're willing to pay. I don't want someone who keeps trying to upsell me. I know how much we can afford. And the house is one I used to know. In my childhood neighborhood, where a friend from elementary school lived. I want to tour it, even if I don't want to buy it.

Comments

[affreca.livejournal.com]

I have no desire to buy a new home. They're built with crap materials these days, and won't last. We looked at one year old house (it was on our way home), and the interior doors didn't close. After a year! Also, I'm picky about neighborhood. Around here, all the new houses are being built in new neighborhoods, and all look the same, and are further from the core of town. Finally, I don't trust new houses. The purple house may be in the river valley, but I figure if it survived the last big flood before the levees, it should be good even if the levees fail.

I doubt we're going to find one with an acre of land we can afford (lots of profs want to be gentlemen farmers, so it drives up that market). Part of what attracts us to the purple house is that it had 0.8 acre of land, which is crazy big in this town.

[frith]

Garden party! Tell them that if they throw in a robotic lawn mower they've got a deal. ^_^

Check to make sure the shingles are properly installed -- another LJer was inspecting houses for hurricane damage in Texas last summer and found several in which the plastic strip over the sticky part had not been removed before the shingles were installed. In fact, you should have the house inspected by a pro before buying. I had mine checked top to bottom by an architect and his approval was part of the purchase contract. $100 well spent.

[affreca.livejournal.com]

If I remember right, around here structural and roof inspection are required to insure the house, which is required for the mortgage. Even if it isn't, I'd do it. I know I don't know enough to spot damage (well, other than the holes in the sofit).

Are there roombas for you lawn? There should be.

[frith]

Robomow? Yes, you can has: http://www.friendlyrobotics.com/