Layout must change!

Okay, I liked the pink girlie motif for about an hour and now I'm ready to go nuts every time I look at this page... So expect a new look to my site soon!

Oh, I'm so annoyed just looking at this... Must find something better.

Overwhelmed

That's exactly how I feel right now about the house hunting process. There are a million factors to take into account all at once. Can I afford this, do I have time or money to fix that, can I live with that bathroom, where will I park my car, would that be a good investment, is this a safe neighborhood? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

After my last turn out this weekend I think I've seen about 20 houses maybe more and I'm not closer to a decision I'm just more confused. I left my agent on Sunday and practically started crying when I hit my car. The stress it getting to me. I'm taking the weekend off and going down to see my Mom and Dad and Meagan. Maybe I will get some clarity on my week off from looking, or maybe the perfect place will go on the market or have a price drop.


Here's the latest thoughts:

SE 113th St, it is by Floyd Light and near where I used to rent my little studio. It has cute curb appeal and only a few flaws. It needs some minor updates and forced air put in. Bonus is there is a garage and a nice curb appeal. Its not my ideal neighborhood that's for sure. But its not bad.

Berrydale might have too many fixes needed, but I still like the neighborhood and the idea of doing some updates the way I want them. There is a house a few blocks over that just dropped its price (Hawthorne-pics on my dropshots site). But downer is no garage, up side is that its a little more updated and has a bonus room (former garage).

I had a friend just tell me I need a clear strategy and to stick to it until I find it. This coming from someone who took two years to find a place... I'm a bit of a faster mover. Though he's right I'm not finding anything, because I don't totally have a plan of what to look for. So maybe that's something I need to rethink. So far all I've decided is: 2 bedrooms in my price range and livable kitchen and bath (minor updates are ok). Not so specific. Still up in the air are do I want a fixer, can I handle a fixer? Do I want a condo? Do I want a yard? Um... Yes to all and no.

See here's an apartment conversion condo I saw this weekend in a random stop by for an open house that was done very nicely and its not exactly in the price range I was trying to stick to. And here's a fixer in a totally awesome neighborhood that has TONS of potential. But I haven't seen this in person so I don't know how much work it needs and I could only do a limited $ amt of improvements before I'd tap out my resources.

Can you tell I'm just confusing myself more?

House Hunters

So Teresa inspired this post with her comment earlier in the week. I love the show House Hunters on HGTV. They show buyers looking at homes and show three choices and in a strange way its like a game show and you pick which one you think they should choose. So I'm letting you all come on the same little journey with me as look for a house. For fun I added a new poll element to the right. Tell me your opinions! This week's poll is about what house to choose. I'm still looking but here's the top three I've seen. The town home from the previous post is out, it was way too small to be livable, just shows you that pic's online can be deceiving!

1) Updated Tabor Condo is still in the running. Though possibly lower on the list.
Pro's:

• Updated kitchen with no work required
• Tabor area, need I say more
• Little (and I mean little or not there) patio/yard, this can go either way I guess

Con's:

• Awkward bathroom and washer and dryer layout in some models
• Not many have sold which might work in my favor, or means I might kick myself when the drop the prices after I buy one!
• Some hokey apartments are right next door
• No garage and limited storage space

2) Berrydale Cute Cottage was a front runner today. I love the area, the size is about the same as the condo and close in price.

Pro's:

• In Montavilla area right by Berrydale park on a quieter side street. Close to the church and Matt and Emily
• Newer looking roof and gutters
• Garage and LOTS of storage.
• An actual house and yard!
• Been on the market for a long time meaning I might be able to get a deal.
• Nice little laundry area off the kitchen
• Fairly good shape to start with.

Con's:

• Bathroom is small and only has a shower.
• Kitchen is a HYSTERICAL throw back to 1970, though oddly its kitsch is a little charming. It would need demo'd and replaced eventually. No dishwasher and OLD stove.
• Windows are not insulated and need replaced.

3) New construction in a transitional neighborhood. This is a newer freestanding house.
Pro's:

• Brand spanking new, though certainly not high end construction it seems done well.
• Good layout and little yard area
• Could move right in.
• Bathrooms and Bedrooms are good sized

Con's:

• Only two blocks from 82nd which is a tad scary
• No garage or driveway (what were they thinking?)
• Neighbors might be sketchy

I'm definitely still looking, but thought I'd give you all some of my first thoughts. I have a feeling I will change my mind a million times during this process. So far I love my agent Cheryl and I'm not so sure about the mortgage broker (we'll see if he turns out).