Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Things I have learned House Hunting...

My husband and I, along with my tres adorable son, are house hunting.
In our quest for the perfect home, we have one that we are in love with, that just keeps presenting small issue after small issue...and that, my dear friends, is a problem!
So, we have scoured the city for gems...and we have, indeed, found alot of coal.
But amid the process, we have learned some great things I thought I would share!

1. Instead of redoing a whole bathroom because the color sucks, you can get that tub, tile, and even the floor reglazed. While renovation could be between $4,000 to $10,000...reglazing all the tiles and the tub could be under $2,000. It is a great way to fix that ugly pink and teal bathroom that is putting a damper on an otherwise wonderful home. Best thing is many companies offer lifetime warranties.

2. Don't just think of how the home will serve you today...think a few years down the road. A dilemma we have, is bedrooms in a bungalow, where the largest, master, bedroom is upstairs. Our son cannot be on a floor by himself, so we would have to cram all of our things into the smaller room on the same level.
The thing is, in a few years, when he is able to navigate the house safely alone, we can move into that master bedroom...and we will all have a little space and quiet at night.

3. Do not underestimate the importance of moving into a "liveable" home. A home that is, except for a few things you want to change due to preference, a ready to move in home. A house that needs, for example, new doors all around, needs new doors pronto, usually. So you will have to get that done, unless the seller will conceded to buying them, asap. Instead, unless the home is the home of your dreams, or you WANT a fixer-upper...the house may not be as "liveable" as you thought! And you might spend a few uncomfortable years in a home you thought you were going to love!

4. Have the seller do AS MUCH as you possibly can get! If it does need fixing up, see how much they are willing to foot the bill to get the home sold!

Happy House Hunting...and take it from me...pace yourself!

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