I'm Looking At A House

BuckFeverZ · December 20, 2008

I have been searching the web for houses in my area for probably the past 6 months or so but I haven't found any real 'deals' that jump out at me. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, ideally $120,000 or less. Usually when I find something its either way to run down for my liking or its too small. This house has been on the market for probably four months now, and it could definitley use some TLC, but its nothing I can't handle. It'd be big enough for me at just over 1200 sq. ft but the part that I don't like is that it doesn't have a garage. There is room to add a garage there at a later time if I did end up buying this house but I'm not sure when that would be.

Here's a link to the listing:

http://www.century21.com/property/index.jsp?id=34936644

My friend's mom is a licensed realtor and I have been talking with her periodically. I am planning on taking a look at this house the week after Christmas since I actually gotta work next week.

I guess I'm just seeing if you guys had any thoughts or opinions to help a first time home buyer out.

2000DV4.8 · December 20, 2008

Is this just going to be a starter house, or are you planning on living there for a while? You could always build a carport if you're not planning on being there long-term.

GARB55 · December 20, 2008

Take a look at it, if you like make a offer less than asking price, say 82,900 and see what happens! Then you could add at a later date the Garage and that will add to the value of the home. It all depends on what you want but looks like a nice home from the photos and it's better than renting, not sure if you are. Just my .02

BuckFeverZ · December 20, 2008

Chances are it will just be a starter home. Maybe live there for 5 years or so and do some remodeling to it and hopefully make some money on the deal.

I have thought about the car port idea. However, if I were to add a garage I feel that would add greater resale value to the home. I could probably add a decent 2 car garage for around $10,000. I would do all the framing, roofing, siding and shit myself and have my buddy and his dad do the flat work.

Dana_15 · December 20, 2008

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with really limits your options with the house. Are you moving there by yourself...girlfriend/wife? The price is low and the mortgage rates are REALLY low right now (I just refinanced myself)....try to get something with two bedrooms.

D&SYukonDenali · December 20, 2008

I would not touch a home in WI without a garage. In todays housing market environment, I'd keep looking (IMO).

BuckFeverZ · December 20, 2008

Take a look at it, if you like make a offer less than asking price, say 82,900 and see what happens! Then you could add at a later date the Garage and that will add to the value of the home. It all depends on what you want but looks like a nice home from the photos and it's better than renting, not sure if you are. Just my .02

If everything checks out ok, I was gonna offer $78,000 and see what happens.

And no, I'm not renting right now. I still live at home. Renting IMO, is a waste of money so I've been trying to save money to buy.

BuckFeverZ · December 20, 2008

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with really limits your options with the house. Are you moving there by yourself...girlfriend/wife? The price is low and the mortgage rates are REALLY low right now (I just refinanced myself)....try to get something with two bedrooms.

As of now, it would just be me. But I have a buddy who would want to move in when he gets done with college next year. I find it hard to believe with 1200 sq. ft. there can't be another place that I could turn into a bedroom. That's definitley something I will be paying attention to when I go look at it.

Dana_15 · December 20, 2008

As of now, it would just be me. But I have a buddy who would want to move in when he gets done with college next year. I find it hard to believe with 1200 sq. ft. there can't be another place that I could turn into a bedroom. That's definitley something I will be paying attention to when I go look at it.

Yeah that is kind of odd, maybe its a typo. My apprentice has a house and its only 900 sq ft and it has two bedrooms.

The price seems pretty good on that house, if it was for sale up here it would be double that.

Good luck and keep updating!

svensk · December 20, 2008

There's way better out there for the money... You live in Wi, so it's an absolute must to have some sort of garage. If you plan to turn around and sell that house in the future then you should take the advice, and really low-ball them to see how desperate they are of selling. Yes, you can build one at a later time with the money saved in buying it, but you better make sure you do. A house in the midwest is nearly impossible to sell without a garage, in fact most people are looking for an attached garage which limits you further.

Zembonez · December 20, 2008

I don't know about your market but 84 grand would hardly buy just a garage here. That sounds cheap.

BuckFeverZ · December 21, 2008

There's way better out there for the money... You live in Wi, so it's an absolute must to have some sort of garage. If you plan to turn around and sell that house in the future then you should take the advice, and really low-ball them to see how desperate they are of selling. Yes, you can build one at a later time with the money saved in buying it, but you better make sure you do. A house in the midwest is nearly impossible to sell without a garage, in fact most people are looking for an attached garage which limits you further.

Believe me, I'd love to just buy a house right of the bat with a nice sized 2 or 3 car garage. Not everyone can afford to have everything they want right away. There was a house that sold for $90,000 here about 6 months ago and just last week it sold for $178,000. They added a DETATCHED 3 car garage and new siding and windows.

MarkD · December 21, 2008

Good luck on doing a garage for $10k also. I AM NOT SAYING IT CANT BE DONE! Right now (in SC al least) materials are crazy.

dietz4ibanez · December 21, 2008

That house looks like a money pit... I tried to get myself into a house that needed some work but when I looked at it I realized that this place needed gutted...

And like you I was finding houses that were cheaper than my price range but with no garage...

I couldnt do that... IMO When buying your first house you got to get what you need 1st of all and what you want if you can find it..

Plus take in consideration I had to get something descent for the Wifey but I was able to get everything I wanted and needed.. Over 1600 squ. ft. 1 Master, 2 bed, huge Kitchen Eating area family room and a big garage sitting on 2 acres...

My parents bought a house a couple of months before with 3 car garage and the cant even get their Full size Chevy Conversion in the garage...

haha I can get both of mine in the garage with all my Landscape Equipment, Minus the trailers of course!

pennzoil29 · December 21, 2008

Good luck on doing a garage for $10k also. I AM NOT SAYING IT CANT BE DONE! Right now (in SC al least) materials are crazy.

Here in NE Ohio, it'd cost you 5+k to pour the garage floor. With you doing all the work yourself, I'd say you might be able to do it for 10k. Good luck.