We went to check the place out and drop off some cleaning supplies. We were talking about the little piles of dog poo in our yard as we were about to leave. Then a neighbor came home and this herd of cats materialized. Hmm, not dog poo. Our dogs are going to have some fun with that.
Showing posts with label househunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label househunting. Show all posts
Friday, August 27, 2010
Househunting is done!
We got our keys today! We have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks but hope to move mid-September and get our current house listed and sold. I'm super busy at work, so M has been picking up more of the to-do list than I expected. It is AWESOME. I mean he is AWESOME.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Week with and without
This week was humid and muggy. I wonder if that has something to do with how crappy I felt all week. I had a lot of pain, the one in my back (butt) that causes me to barely be able to walk at times, but it comes and goes for hours. It's frustrating, draining, makes it very hard to be productive. It finally relented a bit as the week progressed and it occurred to me on Friday that I was actually having pain all the way down the back of my left leg, starting at that back/butt area, probably the sacrum or sciatica. I've been doing the recommended yoga and stretches all week but no relief. I'm tired....
M was in Germany all week and is coming back today. I'm excited to see him but I don't think I'm going to get much done today before he comes home. I actually found several spurts of energy this week and was able to get some packing and cleaning done. We have had good news on the home front. The appraisal came in low, and the bank is letting us lower the purchase price to match. Surprisingly, they are replacing the broken sliding door. We expect the underwriting to take a couple of weeks and then we can start working on the house and getting moved. Hmm, still need a moving company.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
House update
I got an email stating that the lender has received the short sale package, ordered the BPO, and was assigned to a negotiator as of 11/20. The email also stated that it takes 60 days to complete a short sale, so while they stated follow up will happen 12/09, I would guess that, at best, we're looking at 1/20 before we start on the 30 day mortgage close on our end. Sounds like things are moving forward!
So, that means Christmas party in current house (probably 12/26 for those who want to know, but we may not unpack our Christmas stuff since I'm already trying to pack up other stuff, and did I mention the theme of the Christmas party will be "don't bring alcohol so we can drink what's here instead of moving it"). Then first phase move (including cats and dogs and all related stuff as well as anything not needed for staging) maybe end of February (perhaps a little Mardi Gras party for our helpers?). Then second stage move when our current house sells, with a housewarming party shortly thereafter. I've got to start updating my wishlist. :) Then multiple yard warming parties as it gets done it phases--it is over an acre, so it's unlikely to be done all at once but it would be great to have a pool in before the summer.
I'm trying to NOT be SUPER excited but my Realtor said the email was a good sign.
So, that means Christmas party in current house (probably 12/26 for those who want to know, but we may not unpack our Christmas stuff since I'm already trying to pack up other stuff, and did I mention the theme of the Christmas party will be "don't bring alcohol so we can drink what's here instead of moving it"). Then first phase move (including cats and dogs and all related stuff as well as anything not needed for staging) maybe end of February (perhaps a little Mardi Gras party for our helpers?). Then second stage move when our current house sells, with a housewarming party shortly thereafter. I've got to start updating my wishlist. :) Then multiple yard warming parties as it gets done it phases--it is over an acre, so it's unlikely to be done all at once but it would be great to have a pool in before the summer.
I'm trying to NOT be SUPER excited but my Realtor said the email was a good sign.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Househunting
So last week, we put an offer on a Litchfield Park short sale property. Today we got the acceptance with some modifications. Several items do not convey: the refrigerator (which wasn't in the kitchen anyway), the water softener (we have an almost brand new one), the projector and screen (duh), the drapes (thank God), and the ceiling fan in the loft (the only one in the house, except for the one in the garage).
Of some concern (more for Mike than me) is that it is not on sewer; it is septic. It's really only a concern because neither of us has experience with it. However, I have heard it is better for the environment. I will have to train our friends after I figure it out, but there might be no garbage disposal, but I HATE garbage disposals anyway--I think they are SO disgusting, so I'm not too sad. But I guess you have to have a truck out every 3-5 years to take care of the tank. The seller has to have it serviced before we close, so he has to take his shit with him. :)
Assuming the bank approves the sale, we are moving west, ya'll! My fortune cookie told me that I would win! Oh, so much to do, to plan, to figure out. You know that almost all HOAs have rules against solar panels. I think we may have to break that one. Eventually, I think they will be overruled, like the rule a lot of them have about antennas. The FAA says they can't tell you that you can't have access to broadcast TV. Anyway, we've got some planning to do.
Of some concern (more for Mike than me) is that it is not on sewer; it is septic. It's really only a concern because neither of us has experience with it. However, I have heard it is better for the environment. I will have to train our friends after I figure it out, but there might be no garbage disposal, but I HATE garbage disposals anyway--I think they are SO disgusting, so I'm not too sad. But I guess you have to have a truck out every 3-5 years to take care of the tank. The seller has to have it serviced before we close, so he has to take his shit with him. :)
Assuming the bank approves the sale, we are moving west, ya'll! My fortune cookie told me that I would win! Oh, so much to do, to plan, to figure out. You know that almost all HOAs have rules against solar panels. I think we may have to break that one. Eventually, I think they will be overruled, like the rule a lot of them have about antennas. The FAA says they can't tell you that you can't have access to broadcast TV. Anyway, we've got some planning to do.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
House Hunting 9/20
Today's trek was to Litchfield Park. It's about 20 minutes from Mike's work. We took Glendale from the 101, and found out that the Candy Store is replaced by Xplicit. Looks brand new, like it was built for the stadium after-parties. Anyway, looked at several houses and may put a bid on one.
First, the bad news. It's about 45 minutes for me to get to work (over an hour in traffic), so I will have to work out a better schedule and definitely work from home once a week. It's about 4 miles from Luke Air Force Base, which is one of the top flight schools in the country, so while we are not in the flight path, we are likely to get some of the noise.
Why we love it. The lot is about an acre and a half. The house is not too far back on the lot (like we have seen in some cases.) It is listed as 5 bedrooms but there is a sixth small bedroom--the kennel room likely.
The downstairs has the common areas, plus a little room for the extra fridge and freezer, the kennel room, and a master bedroom that would probably be a gym. It's all tile except the piano room, which we would get tiled. Kitchen is very nice, some interesting features, gas stove, no fridge, a desk off the dining room. We looked at another house with essentially the same floor plan that was not set up as nicely. This house does not have a fireplace, but that's not a deal breaker for us.
The stairs are bamboo wood which continues through the hall and master bedroom upstairs. There are three more good size bedrooms, which would probably be the his and hers offices and guest room. There is also a loft (needs carpet to be replaced with wood, same as the offices) for the pool table.
The front is beautifully landscaped, with a 3 car garage, RV gate, nice entry and artificial grass. We could do without all the palm trees , and there is a path on the left that goes directly into the wall, but we would put another RV gate there when we do the back yard.
It is very reasonably priced so we will have money in the budget to re-paint the interior as well as put in alternate flooring in the areas with carpet and replace all the window coverings.
After we are settled in (assuming we get it--crossing everything!), we will have a huge backyard to be landscaped; nothing is done except the block fence. I think we will have a lot of it done professionally so it can be done more quickly. We may want to put in a balcony, extend the patio, put in doors upstairs, and of course a doggy door somewhere. Later, we may put in a detached RV garage/workshop/kennel. Still working on getting my chicken coop but Mike thinks I'm nuts. (He married me anyway....)
I'm excited and trying not to get my hopes up in case we don't get it.
First, the bad news. It's about 45 minutes for me to get to work (over an hour in traffic), so I will have to work out a better schedule and definitely work from home once a week. It's about 4 miles from Luke Air Force Base, which is one of the top flight schools in the country, so while we are not in the flight path, we are likely to get some of the noise.
Why we love it. The lot is about an acre and a half. The house is not too far back on the lot (like we have seen in some cases.) It is listed as 5 bedrooms but there is a sixth small bedroom--the kennel room likely.
The downstairs has the common areas, plus a little room for the extra fridge and freezer, the kennel room, and a master bedroom that would probably be a gym. It's all tile except the piano room, which we would get tiled. Kitchen is very nice, some interesting features, gas stove, no fridge, a desk off the dining room. We looked at another house with essentially the same floor plan that was not set up as nicely. This house does not have a fireplace, but that's not a deal breaker for us.
The stairs are bamboo wood which continues through the hall and master bedroom upstairs. There are three more good size bedrooms, which would probably be the his and hers offices and guest room. There is also a loft (needs carpet to be replaced with wood, same as the offices) for the pool table.
The front is beautifully landscaped, with a 3 car garage, RV gate, nice entry and artificial grass. We could do without all the palm trees , and there is a path on the left that goes directly into the wall, but we would put another RV gate there when we do the back yard.
It is very reasonably priced so we will have money in the budget to re-paint the interior as well as put in alternate flooring in the areas with carpet and replace all the window coverings.
After we are settled in (assuming we get it--crossing everything!), we will have a huge backyard to be landscaped; nothing is done except the block fence. I think we will have a lot of it done professionally so it can be done more quickly. We may want to put in a balcony, extend the patio, put in doors upstairs, and of course a doggy door somewhere. Later, we may put in a detached RV garage/workshop/kennel. Still working on getting my chicken coop but Mike thinks I'm nuts. (He married me anyway....)
I'm excited and trying not to get my hopes up in case we don't get it.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
House hunting 9/13
We checked out a basement home nearby. Unfortunately, it is not move-in ready and still at the high end of our range, so we can't afford it without selling our house first. It was a short sale and had about half the flooring still to be done; never lived in and not completed. The flooring that was complete was beautiful, same with the tile work and wood flooring.
We looked at some houses in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale next. Unfortunately, the older houses just don't have the open, entertaining layout that we're looking for. We saw a nice patio that was similar to a pebble tec surface. Their dead garden had an interesting layout in the corner through an archway.
One house was right off Thunderbird but was a horse property. The horse licked everyone's hands. They had chickens and roosters. I totally want a chicken coop! The house had two detached garages. One was "connected" by a covered patio walkway, wide and shady.
The Happy Valley house we were excited about seeing was on almost 2 acres. The lot was great, like living on a park. Unfortunately, the house was the oddest layout we've seen so far. It faced away from the yard, with the patio facing away from the yard, and the only door in the back of the house to the yard going through a bathroom. The street noise was not good either, especially considering it was only a Sunday! They had a built in water/rock feature inside the house that was completely inappropriate for indoors. This house had little "rooms" with no purpose as well as saloon doors in the master bathroom separating the extra commode and urinal from the remaining toilet and bathroom area. The built in shelves were a nice feature.
I think as we look, we try to figure out if we can make a place work for us even though it isn't perfect, and so far, nothing fits! We'll keep looking.... Do NOT like: carpet in bathrooms, sink outside the bathroom (in the bedroom), his/hers commodes, urinals in houses, pool fencing that runs right up to the house, electric stoves in islands (or at all).
We looked at some houses in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale next. Unfortunately, the older houses just don't have the open, entertaining layout that we're looking for. We saw a nice patio that was similar to a pebble tec surface. Their dead garden had an interesting layout in the corner through an archway.
One house was right off Thunderbird but was a horse property. The horse licked everyone's hands. They had chickens and roosters. I totally want a chicken coop! The house had two detached garages. One was "connected" by a covered patio walkway, wide and shady.The Happy Valley house we were excited about seeing was on almost 2 acres. The lot was great, like living on a park. Unfortunately, the house was the oddest layout we've seen so far. It faced away from the yard, with the patio facing away from the yard, and the only door in the back of the house to the yard going through a bathroom. The street noise was not good either, especially considering it was only a Sunday! They had a built in water/rock feature inside the house that was completely inappropriate for indoors. This house had little "rooms" with no purpose as well as saloon doors in the master bathroom separating the extra commode and urinal from the remaining toilet and bathroom area. The built in shelves were a nice feature.
I think as we look, we try to figure out if we can make a place work for us even though it isn't perfect, and so far, nothing fits! We'll keep looking.... Do NOT like: carpet in bathrooms, sink outside the bathroom (in the bedroom), his/hers commodes, urinals in houses, pool fencing that runs right up to the house, electric stoves in islands (or at all).
Sunday, September 6, 2009
House Hunting 9/6
Back from Goodyear where we went to look at houses on acre lots.
First house was on a busy street and they ruined the beautiful kitchen and tile work throughout the house by having a huge bump in the tile in the kitchen. The yard was a blank canvas but had a completed block fence. Huge ant problem in the front and shared a driveway with neighbor, kind of.
The second house had a courtyard in the middle of the house, and the house didn't have access all the way around so it wasn't open enough. The pantry light was connected to the door so it automatically switched on and off by opening and closing the door. Some of the window sills were pretty low. They had a mole problem of some type and an uncovered, empty spa to go with the green pool. I liked the pathway around the pool to the back of the yard but it was unfinished. The casita had an odd flow and would not have any purpose for us.
Third house had no room for the pool table or piano, but had a mudroom (kennel room), one of the largest kitchen/dining room areas we've seen, a great stove (kind of an odd layout for the stove and sink access though). The garage had epoxy and those "bumpers" on the floor for knowing where to stop. Huge RV garage/workshop that included a bathroom, but no AC and very little storage. The house had large bedrooms, including an actual walk in (no step up or down) shower in one of the guest rooms and a built in desk in the hallway (why?). I like his yellow flowers; Mike thinks they are Mexican honeysuckle.
Next house had a wetbar in the kitchen, nice tile work and cabinetry and granite, needed appliances and some work. Yard was not fenced yet. Irrigation canal starts at corner of house outside master bedroom window. Lots of palm trees in front, on corner lot.
All of those houses were in the same neighborhood. Then we headed out to the foothills for our last one. It was beautiful but had no usable yard. The three car garage had one of them that can be driven through, so instead of driving in and seeing a wall, you see another garage door. The entrance was a nice covered entry with circular drive. It had a fireplace that can be accessed in the living room or on the patio outdoors. The stone work was amazing and there was a wet bar in the living room. They even tiled the garage. The raised bathtub in the center of the master bathroom was a bit much and didn't even have a view because they put in block windows, but the his and her closets were nice. Every bathroom had different tile work, including a border around each mirror. Too bad it was far and no yard.
First house was on a busy street and they ruined the beautiful kitchen and tile work throughout the house by having a huge bump in the tile in the kitchen. The yard was a blank canvas but had a completed block fence. Huge ant problem in the front and shared a driveway with neighbor, kind of.
The second house had a courtyard in the middle of the house, and the house didn't have access all the way around so it wasn't open enough. The pantry light was connected to the door so it automatically switched on and off by opening and closing the door. Some of the window sills were pretty low. They had a mole problem of some type and an uncovered, empty spa to go with the green pool. I liked the pathway around the pool to the back of the yard but it was unfinished. The casita had an odd flow and would not have any purpose for us.
Third house had no room for the pool table or piano, but had a mudroom (kennel room), one of the largest kitchen/dining room areas we've seen, a great stove (kind of an odd layout for the stove and sink access though). The garage had epoxy and those "bumpers" on the floor for knowing where to stop. Huge RV garage/workshop that included a bathroom, but no AC and very little storage. The house had large bedrooms, including an actual walk in (no step up or down) shower in one of the guest rooms and a built in desk in the hallway (why?). I like his yellow flowers; Mike thinks they are Mexican honeysuckle.
Next house had a wetbar in the kitchen, nice tile work and cabinetry and granite, needed appliances and some work. Yard was not fenced yet. Irrigation canal starts at corner of house outside master bedroom window. Lots of palm trees in front, on corner lot.
All of those houses were in the same neighborhood. Then we headed out to the foothills for our last one. It was beautiful but had no usable yard. The three car garage had one of them that can be driven through, so instead of driving in and seeing a wall, you see another garage door. The entrance was a nice covered entry with circular drive. It had a fireplace that can be accessed in the living room or on the patio outdoors. The stone work was amazing and there was a wet bar in the living room. They even tiled the garage. The raised bathtub in the center of the master bathroom was a bit much and didn't even have a view because they put in block windows, but the his and her closets were nice. Every bathroom had different tile work, including a border around each mirror. Too bad it was far and no yard.
Friday, September 4, 2009
House Hunting 9/4
Off to Peoria for just a few.
First house had a baseball diamond in the backyard and a sheriff building for the kids. They had a big dog kennel with a swamp cooler.
The second house had a nice back splash behind the (electric) stove and two extra refrigerators in the laundry room.
The last house was across from cows and the access was an easement (someone owns the land and has to allow access.)
First house had a baseball diamond in the backyard and a sheriff building for the kids. They had a big dog kennel with a swamp cooler.
The second house had a nice back splash behind the (electric) stove and two extra refrigerators in the laundry room.
The last house was across from cows and the access was an easement (someone owns the land and has to allow access.)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
House Hunting 8/23
Looked at houses in the Northwest Valley--mostly north of 101, west of I17, except the first, just north of us. Lot was too small, house was okay, bathrooms not upgraded, kitchen was very nice. Interesting window by front door.
Next was a house on a hill with a fireplace in the front patio courtyard. House backed up to preserve but lot was too small and open.
Then we checked out a house down the road from G and R, friends of Mike's dad. It had a large basement and a large lot but needed a LOT of work. It had a brown bathtub.
We quickly checked out a nearby house that smelled OLD. The layout was all wrong. The back courtyard was breezy and cool, and the front had a diamond shaped walkway path with two mature palo verde trees at opposite sides.
The next house was an entertaining house, but the lot was too small. They had artificial grass in the front and back. The pool table room was interesting, with a small wet bar and a mural in a shallow niche. It had nice stonework throughout the house. It had a wall of cabinets plus a walk in pantry size room in the garage.
The next house was very nice, great wet bar near the entrance, room for a pool table and piano, nice kitchen with gas stove, and the most amazing pool we've seen. Unfortunately, small lot, close neighbors.
Next, a house with a neighborhood playground across the street. I wanted to like this house but it had too many step up, step downs throughout the house. And it had gas running to it but an electric stove and fireplace. There was an office off of the living room--I liked this and Mike didn't. The loft had beautiful built in cabinets, but windows rather than a door to a wasted opportunity for a balcony patio. There's just a runoff for the patio below. The pool was very standard and right in the middle of the lot, so the slightly larger lot was wasted. Preserve behind.
Next was a house on a hill with a fireplace in the front patio courtyard. House backed up to preserve but lot was too small and open.
Then we checked out a house down the road from G and R, friends of Mike's dad. It had a large basement and a large lot but needed a LOT of work. It had a brown bathtub.
We quickly checked out a nearby house that smelled OLD. The layout was all wrong. The back courtyard was breezy and cool, and the front had a diamond shaped walkway path with two mature palo verde trees at opposite sides.
The next house was an entertaining house, but the lot was too small. They had artificial grass in the front and back. The pool table room was interesting, with a small wet bar and a mural in a shallow niche. It had nice stonework throughout the house. It had a wall of cabinets plus a walk in pantry size room in the garage.
The next house was very nice, great wet bar near the entrance, room for a pool table and piano, nice kitchen with gas stove, and the most amazing pool we've seen. Unfortunately, small lot, close neighbors.
Next, a house with a neighborhood playground across the street. I wanted to like this house but it had too many step up, step downs throughout the house. And it had gas running to it but an electric stove and fireplace. There was an office off of the living room--I liked this and Mike didn't. The loft had beautiful built in cabinets, but windows rather than a door to a wasted opportunity for a balcony patio. There's just a runoff for the patio below. The pool was very standard and right in the middle of the lot, so the slightly larger lot was wasted. Preserve behind.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
House Hunting 8/8
Off to Laveen to start our search for a larger lot. The issue with several of these properties is the lack of usable yard space due to washes. Most had nice cabinetry, granite, tile work with mosaics in the entry, nickel or rubbed bronze fixtures. One had a long deep back patio.
The house that brought us to Laveen had this amazing tile work, using tile that looks like wood with stone look tile. However, the house was built on a wash that they rerouted around the back yard, which included a "pool" also known as a hole in the ground. The kitchen was beautiful but the layout was odd; the fridge was technically in the dining room; they should have swapped the pantry and fridge or something.
One of the older properties we saw had a very large lot but too much work. It had a covered swimming pool, did not have a block fence and had a couple of dogs next door that I would guess are Dogue de Bordeaux, not a common breed but related to the bull mastiff.
We saw a baby bunny at the last house we visited.
The house that brought us to Laveen had this amazing tile work, using tile that looks like wood with stone look tile. However, the house was built on a wash that they rerouted around the back yard, which included a "pool" also known as a hole in the ground. The kitchen was beautiful but the layout was odd; the fridge was technically in the dining room; they should have swapped the pantry and fridge or something.
One of the older properties we saw had a very large lot but too much work. It had a covered swimming pool, did not have a block fence and had a couple of dogs next door that I would guess are Dogue de Bordeaux, not a common breed but related to the bull mastiff.We saw a baby bunny at the last house we visited.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Laveen or bust? Nope, Laveen was a bust!
We decided to look at some properties in Laveen based on several suggestions we got when we mentioned wanting land. The realtor that put us in our current house (11 years ago!) took us to look at eight houses.
Laveen is near South Mountain, so it would be about the same drive time for me and Mike to get to work in opposite directions. However, the houses we looked at were overpriced for the amount of work that we would have to do. And it was further from the freeway than I thought it would be. I'm still a city girl, and it's a bit out there.
We picked up some great ideas if we decide to ever build a custom house on our own (which I think would be too much work and too much money). The best was a house with tile floors with dark wood-looking tiles set as square outlines. It had a "mudroom" off the laundry room, with it's own door to the garage. It was just a square, empty room, but would be perfect for dog kennels and gear (with some upper cabinets). That house also had a fridge hookup in the laundry room and a water spiget on the water heaters.
We're going to look in North Phoenix before we decide to stay put.
Laveen is near South Mountain, so it would be about the same drive time for me and Mike to get to work in opposite directions. However, the houses we looked at were overpriced for the amount of work that we would have to do. And it was further from the freeway than I thought it would be. I'm still a city girl, and it's a bit out there.
We picked up some great ideas if we decide to ever build a custom house on our own (which I think would be too much work and too much money). The best was a house with tile floors with dark wood-looking tiles set as square outlines. It had a "mudroom" off the laundry room, with it's own door to the garage. It was just a square, empty room, but would be perfect for dog kennels and gear (with some upper cabinets). That house also had a fridge hookup in the laundry room and a water spiget on the water heaters.
We're going to look in North Phoenix before we decide to stay put.
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