Adventures in house hunting
Well, Capt Mike and I just returned from our first house-hunting (and house-purchasing) experience. It was successful, in that we ended up with what will become a roof over our heads as of June 26th, but there were certainly moments when I was doubting we'd find anything.
Since we were arriving in Belleville on Wednesday night at 11 pm, and had to leave for the airport on Wednesday morning by 11 am, we basically had 4 business days in which to accomplish viewings of potential houses, making offers, negotiating offers, finding lawyers, securing the mortgage, and getting the inspection done. So, it was a pretty hectic 4 business days. Even the two non-banking days, Saturday and Sunday, were still pretty busy with leg work.
Just finding a house we were willing to make an offer on was the hardest part. We spent Thursday afternoon, all day Friday, and a good part of Saturday driving all over the Quinte area looking at split levels and bungalows. (Good luck finding yourself two full storeys for under $200 K in the Hastings - Prince Edward region.) The house we ended up with was actually one we'd seen on the first day, but had discounted because the whole endeavour was one big blur, and we had it confused with two or three other places in our minds. After an offer on a different house was met with total resistance by the sellers, our real estate agent (of whom not enough glowing, lovely things can be said...Lorraine, you are awesome) convinced us to take a second look at the 4-level split on the west end.
And so, without further ado, I introduce our new home as of June 26th, 2008:
She needs a little bit of work and some updating, which we will tackle in baby steps, given that I am going to have a negative income as of September. Our top priority is the installation of a doggie door so that Dexter and Zeppelin can come and go from the backyard as they please, and some fresh paint colours in a few of the mainfloor rooms. There is a bit of a wood panelling issue in the mudroom and down in the basement, which might have to be taken care of creatively if we don't want to break the bank. But other than that, she's a pretty solid little house: 4 decently sized bedrooms, two full bathrooms with double sinks, a living room, dining room, and eat-in kitchen, and a cold storage room in the basement in case I care to take up pickling or canning as a hobby down the road.
The best feature though, by far, is that it's ours. For the next 3 years, anyway.
Comments
YAAAAAY! Congrats Sarah and Mike! Welcome to the world of mortgage payments and serious DIY renovations! That is awesome. The house looks great! Do you get to keep the flag? I love the weeping cherry tree in the front. And the pups are gonna go hog wild when they discover you installing a doggie door. How will Dex cope with such freedom?
This is so exciting! Sounds like there might even be enough room for 3 guests (one of whom is only just over 3 feet; she could technically still sleep in a drawer if she had to ;-)) ? I won't make you answer that question yet. I'll wait until you've moved in :-)
Posted by: heather at May 9, 2008 12:02 AM
Great news! The house looks fine. We're proud of the two of you!
Panelling is great painted over. Mike,do you remember the rectory when the Burrows' lived in it? Have you seen it since? Painting over panelling is cheap and easy and Dad and I are experienced painters IF you can wait to paint until July. Nice looking yard, too. You're right about the neighbourhood. It looks as if it has some character and decent sized trees.Bonus having the fenced-in yard.
You're wise to wait to do your kitchen reno too. The THEY INSTITUTE says that people should live in a house for a year before doing any serious renovations. Then you know what works for you and what doesn't.I'll pass on my kitchen magazines for you to have a look at. Home Depot has a lot of DIY ideas and , as you may remember, Dad has experience putting in cupboards and counters!
Congratulations you two!
Love Mom and Dad F
Posted by: Dee and Bob Fenton at May 11, 2008 08:58 PM