Progress on the house front

[zigdon]

Went today to look at another house.  It's a tiny little thing in Fremont, but I actually really liked it.  It's cute, it has a really neat yard (not that THAT'LL keep), close to BART, close to the bridge I can ride my bike to work.  Not going to get a chance to do anything about it until after the climbing trip, but I suspect it will still be there. 



That's the listing picture - the ONLY listing picture.  I should go back with my camera to take more, of the indoors and yard.  But I really don't see anything wrong with it, I think the foreclosure people were just being lazy.

Of course, need to get it inspected, especially the roof.  But I'm cautiously optimistic. 

And if it turns out ok, it would be really neat - my monthly payment should be about the same as my current rent, leaving the extra I've been saving for taxes, improvements, etc.

Comments

[arisrabkin.livejournal.com]

Did you factor in the tax benefits of owning vs renting?

[zigdon.livejournal.com]

I haven't actually. The fact that I'm still renting has been a thorn in my side for the last 6 years or so, I didn't even think beyond "I'll stop throwing away my rent money and start building equity".

So I guess I should look up those tax benefits, eh?

[arisrabkin.livejournal.com]

The tax benefit is that mortgage payments are tax deductible, and rent isn't. Also, I believe we treat home equity more favorably for capital gains purposes.

[zigdon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I looked if up. Guess I knew about The tax deduction. And yeah, it would be very useful. Still not the main reason to get it, but a nice fringe benefit.

I just want a place I can invite friends over and not feel like it is too far away or generally sucks.

[gemlikeflame.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I dunno, it looks like the kind of place that some old dude would live in with his four cats.

Oh. Wait. :P

[zigdon.livejournal.com]

Oh, shush you. I should make a sign saying "Beware of crazy cat lady". <_<

[falnfenix]

well, it's cute - i'm a HUGE fan of Spanish-style houses. it's also really, really small. i'm assuming it lacks a basement? how's the storage in the place? are ye willing to live in a place that teeny for the foreseeable future?

the garage is a HUGE plus, though. IF you get it, get the floor sealed immediately. this will protect against staining and extend the life of the garage.

definitely get that inspection, too.

[zigdon.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's actually that much smaller than my current apt... And amazingly enough, it *does* have a basement! Well, half of one - it's where the laundry and heater are.

I've no idea what 'sealed' means, but it *looked* right. I suspect the inspection would know better than me anyway :)

As far as living in a small space, I think I'll be ok with it. And if I really feel cramped, I could always extend the house into the giant yard - though that would be a shame, not to mention expensive.

[falnfenix]

well, did it look like bare concrete, or was it speckled/darker than normal concrete? basically, does it look like the basement floor in our house, or is it darker than that? that'll tell you if it's raw or sealed. if it's raw, i'd recommend getting a sealer kit from a store like Lowes/Home Depot and taking a day to seal it. sealing it will protect from stains and the like, and basically keep it as nice as possible for as long as possible.

provided you're happy with the space, i'd say get the inspection started (and get some more pictures!). look at others, too, of course...but at least keep that on the short list, if it makes ye happy. :)

[zigdon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think an inspection (and another visit with the camera) are my next steps. Sadly, it won't be until late next week. Maybe I can get in touch with an inspector before I leave though?

We'll see.

[danaewinters.livejournal.com]

That is a cute little place! Just spruce up the yard a bit, stick some new plants in the window box, and you're set. I'd have the inspector check for exterior cracks, though...those older homes can crack and let in moisture/mold pretty easily. If it were mine, I'd have the strongest urge to paint it some bright funky color, like lime green or Barney-purple or something. That's probably just me, though.