Saturday, July 16, 2011

I Want It

And here is the winner of yesterday's house hunt. A 1980's slump block ranch original...or should I say, one that has not been trashed, modified, or "upgraded" in some hideous manner.

The backyard was really big compared to the tiny yards that come with the new homes being built. The only way to get a large yard is to buy an expensive home, buy acreage outside the city limits, or buy an older home. It has very high block walls. Very good for dogs. I could do a lot with this blank slate.

The kitchen is original from when it was built but the cabinets and counter top are in great condition. It would be pretty easy to upgrade this kitchen if I wanted to. I would use this kitchen as-is if I bought this house, at least initially. If I got bored then...PROJECT!


Here is the view from above. It's a corner lot. I would love to add a patio and courtyard out front to make use of that big front yard that really has no purpose.

It also has an RV gate although I haven't measured it to see if my RV could really fit through it. It would be easier to sell my RV if it was in town instead of out here down this scary, half washed out road.

The asking price is $70k. I believe it is owned by the bank. I checked Zillow.com and the neighboring houses are all in the $102k range. Comparing it to the trashy houses I saw yesterday, it shined above the rest. The flooring is a recent addition. Tile in the living room, kitchen and hallway and newer brown carpet in the bedrooms. The floorplan is small, only 1,250 sq.ft. and the bathrooms are small but it is exactly the sturdy, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with large block wall yard that I was looking for.


13 comments:

Lizzie @ her homeworld said...

Looks good, plenty of dog space plus you pretty much know you could make £30k if you wanted to sell again. And easy on the cat pee & mould I hope.

The Executioner said...

So are you thinking of getting another mortgage?

A Frugal Mom's Financial Expressions said...

I don't know about your area - but we offered the bank less than the asking price. Our's was listed for $79.9K and we got it for $70K. The area we purchased is not a real estate hot spot - so, I am not suggesting it to you - but you might want to consider it. Can you go to zillow - and see recent comparables etc?

Daizy said...

Lizzie, no cat pee and mold in this one! What a relief.

Daizy said...

Executioner, I am considering another small mortgage. I seem to do better at paying off a mortgage than trying to deal with building something new on my property. I get overwhelmed with too many choices.

Daizy said...

Frugal Mom, yes, I plan to offer less. They just reduced by $8k but that just means they want to get it sold right? And I did check out the houses that have sold. It is hard to tell because some were really low, like $40k but if they were anything like the other houses that I looked at, I can see why they were that low. There are a lot of trashed houses out there.

philo said...

Congratulations, Daizy, on finding a house that is exactly what you were looking for. Now I'm awaiting your next step.

T said...

Very cool, I think you've found a great place and sounds perfect for the dogs. A little due diligence and you'll probably find you have a gold nugget. Good Luck!

Daizy said...

Yes, Philo, it was just what I wanted. The only thing that would have been better is if it had a garage...and it the bathrooms were bigger. They are tiny.

Daizy said...

T, so far so good. I looked up the crime map again and it doesn't look bad. Also looked up all the zillow info. I think I would want to chat with some neighbors next.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'm amazed by the prices out there - this house is about like mine: brick, 3/2, 1275 sq. ft., .3 acre, built in 1978. Would require $200K+ even in this economy, and even though I'm almost out of town. The only thing you could get for $70K here is a flimsy, filthy, tiny knock-down in Crime Central. Amazing.

The yard looks great -- plenty of run-and-romp room. I hope you get a good roommate and keep good renters in your other place :) I'll be eagerly watching your next mortgage countdown!

Anonymous said...

Whoops - forgot to sign - that's me up there, with the 1978 3/2 brick, amazed at your Arizona prices.

Britta in Texas

Daizy said...

Britta, yes, it is pretty cheap and I am surprised that I like it. I didn't expect to find one that I liked on the first time out. The only thing I am worried about it if I will feel safe there so I had better talk to the neighbors.