Showing posts with label house-hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house-hunting. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
When House B becomes Plan A!
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my last post! It's such an exciting time for us - I keep looking at the photos of the house, and I love it so much! I think that it's just beautiful, I'm so glad you all seem to agree!
As most of you guessed, in the end House B won the battle!
House B has now become our plan A, and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you for all your helpful advice on the dilemma! I had some wonderful tips from you, and it really helped to clear my mind and gave me a guide on what I should focus on. I hadn't really shared the house-hunting process with many of my friends, so it helped tremendously to have advice from all of you lovely ladies, and also to have a bit of wisdom from some who had done it all before. I am ever so grateful! xx
As suggested, I decided to draw up a list of pros and cons of each house -
When I said that House A was the perfect right-now house for us, I was really lying a little. I'm sorry about that. If it makes you feel any better, I was lying to myself too! I could just imagine being in that stunning open plan living room with a little balcony perfect for indulging in wine and cheese platters... but what was missing from that scene was the every day annoyances and inconveniences we would have to put up with. In the end, I came to the realisation that House B was a much better fit for us, not only in the future, but right now too.
I am now the proud owner (or I will be in exactly 28 days!) of a beautiful three-bedroom two-bathroom double storey townhouse. As you might have seen from the picture in my previous post, it's a gorgeous little thing and I cannot wait to get moved in! Unfortunately it is currently tenanted on a fixed lease until the end of December. Once the lease is transferred we are going to discuss with the tentants the possibility of breaking it early, but in the worst case scenario we should be in our new home around Christmas time (ahh, the wait is going to kill me!).
So now begins the fun of planning and buying new things to decorate the house! If the renters decide they want to stay until the end of their lease, we will have quite a while to plan and save up to buy everything that we need! I'm so excited.
Can you give me any tips, or inspiration for setting up and decorating a new home? xx
As most of you guessed, in the end House B won the battle!
House B has now become our plan A, and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you for all your helpful advice on the dilemma! I had some wonderful tips from you, and it really helped to clear my mind and gave me a guide on what I should focus on. I hadn't really shared the house-hunting process with many of my friends, so it helped tremendously to have advice from all of you lovely ladies, and also to have a bit of wisdom from some who had done it all before. I am ever so grateful! xx
As suggested, I decided to draw up a list of pros and cons of each house -
As you can see, House B won in a landslide!
I am now the proud owner (or I will be in exactly 28 days!) of a beautiful three-bedroom two-bathroom double storey townhouse. As you might have seen from the picture in my previous post, it's a gorgeous little thing and I cannot wait to get moved in! Unfortunately it is currently tenanted on a fixed lease until the end of December. Once the lease is transferred we are going to discuss with the tentants the possibility of breaking it early, but in the worst case scenario we should be in our new home around Christmas time (ahh, the wait is going to kill me!).
And look at the size of my new kitchen! <3
So now begins the fun of planning and buying new things to decorate the house! If the renters decide they want to stay until the end of their lease, we will have quite a while to plan and save up to buy everything that we need! I'm so excited.
Can you give me any tips, or inspiration for setting up and decorating a new home? xx
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
What to do, what to do?
First up... here's a picture!
Now it's text time. I apologise in advance for the big rant here, but I've been keeping the whole house-buying process under wraps from most people until I actually become a home-owner so I need to tell someone! And you, my dear readers, are the lucky winners.
You might remember that in this post, I told you that we'd fallen in love with a property. Then in this post I shared the news that we had decided to put in an offer. Then there was this post where I had to admit that our offer had been rejected but we were considering a second property.
Well, now I present to you this post where I divulge to all that we have indeed put in an offer on the second property. HOWEVER, this is where it gets complicated.
Upon leaving the second property after our inspection I notice a missed call on my mobile. We call back, and it's the real estate agent from the first house (we will call this House A) enquiring whether we are still in the market for a house, and if so are we still interested in the place? We confirm on both accounts, however stress that there is no way we are going to pay the price that they're asking. He says he will talk to the vendors and come back to us. In the mean time, after seeing the other property (we will call this House B) for the second time we decide that although it's not the love like we'd had for House A, it is definitely a much more practical house and will suit our needs much better in the long-term, not to mention it is a significant amount cheaper. So yes, we went straight to the real estate agent and put in an offer.
Upon further investigation, we decide that given the interest during inspections (we had to line up to get in!) and the fact that we've been told there are already two other offers on the table, we decide that we should probably increase our initial offer to be competitive.
This morning though, before we are able to action this, we get a phone call from the real estate agent of House A. He tells us that the vendors are willing to take our last offer+ an additional $2,500 to which we say no way. We inform him that we've put an offer in on House B, but will be in touch should that fall through. Not long after that, we receive a text message stating that the vendors of House A are willing to take our last offer on the condition that we withdraw our offer on House B today and sign the contracts. Again, this is a no way. We text back stating that if they agree to drop our last offer by $5,000 we will consider it, but no promises.
At this stage. I have no idea what the hell to do! I still adore House A. It is a perfect right-now house for us, and it would suit our current lifestyle perfectly! But House B will be a much better choice in the future, and it has a double garage rather than the one car+street parking that House A offers. House A does not have a bath tub (although it has 3 ensuite bathrooms, but no room for a bath!) which will make things difficult in the future should we decide to have kids. But House A is much more stunning upon entering, and will surely impress my guests as well as provide a perfect place to entertain in the open space lounge room which opens up onto the balcony. House B however has more room outside for the crazy dogs.
Why does this house-buying business have to be so damn complicated?!?!?!?!
This is how I spent my Sunday night. It was bliss!
Now it's text time. I apologise in advance for the big rant here, but I've been keeping the whole house-buying process under wraps from most people until I actually become a home-owner so I need to tell someone! And you, my dear readers, are the lucky winners.
You might remember that in this post, I told you that we'd fallen in love with a property. Then in this post I shared the news that we had decided to put in an offer. Then there was this post where I had to admit that our offer had been rejected but we were considering a second property.
Well, now I present to you this post where I divulge to all that we have indeed put in an offer on the second property. HOWEVER, this is where it gets complicated.
Upon leaving the second property after our inspection I notice a missed call on my mobile. We call back, and it's the real estate agent from the first house (we will call this House A) enquiring whether we are still in the market for a house, and if so are we still interested in the place? We confirm on both accounts, however stress that there is no way we are going to pay the price that they're asking. He says he will talk to the vendors and come back to us. In the mean time, after seeing the other property (we will call this House B) for the second time we decide that although it's not the love like we'd had for House A, it is definitely a much more practical house and will suit our needs much better in the long-term, not to mention it is a significant amount cheaper. So yes, we went straight to the real estate agent and put in an offer.
Upon further investigation, we decide that given the interest during inspections (we had to line up to get in!) and the fact that we've been told there are already two other offers on the table, we decide that we should probably increase our initial offer to be competitive.
This morning though, before we are able to action this, we get a phone call from the real estate agent of House A. He tells us that the vendors are willing to take our last offer+ an additional $2,500 to which we say no way. We inform him that we've put an offer in on House B, but will be in touch should that fall through. Not long after that, we receive a text message stating that the vendors of House A are willing to take our last offer on the condition that we withdraw our offer on House B today and sign the contracts. Again, this is a no way. We text back stating that if they agree to drop our last offer by $5,000 we will consider it, but no promises.
At this stage. I have no idea what the hell to do! I still adore House A. It is a perfect right-now house for us, and it would suit our current lifestyle perfectly! But House B will be a much better choice in the future, and it has a double garage rather than the one car+street parking that House A offers. House A does not have a bath tub (although it has 3 ensuite bathrooms, but no room for a bath!) which will make things difficult in the future should we decide to have kids. But House A is much more stunning upon entering, and will surely impress my guests as well as provide a perfect place to entertain in the open space lounge room which opens up onto the balcony. House B however has more room outside for the crazy dogs.
Why does this house-buying business have to be so damn complicated?!?!?!?!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Back to Blogging!
You may (or you may not!) have noticed my slight absence from the blogging scene. In addition to being hectic busy lately, I have also experienced what can only be described as blogger's block. Each time I thought about wanting to write a post, my brain would draw a complete blank!
Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post! My mind over the past couple of weeks has been consumed mostly with house business, which I did not want to talk about since there was nothing really to tell, but also did not want to speak negatively of in case I jinxed myself!
Either way, whatever my superstitions were, it appears they did not pay off. Unfortunately the vendors have been rather stubborn in what they are asking for the property, and given the current market conditions and property prices in general, I am unwilling to budge and give those extra dollars they are holding out for. The real estate agent is hopeful given a bit more time that we can all come to an agreement, but I think I am all negotiated out when it comes to this!
No matter. We've seen another lovely place over the weekend, and whilst it doesn't have the wow or pizazz that the other property pulled me in with, it does come with more space and much more of a homely feel to it. We're going to try to arrange a second inspection this week, and then the deliberations will begin on whether to put in an offer.
Anyway, in my brief absence...
Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post! My mind over the past couple of weeks has been consumed mostly with house business, which I did not want to talk about since there was nothing really to tell, but also did not want to speak negatively of in case I jinxed myself!
Either way, whatever my superstitions were, it appears they did not pay off. Unfortunately the vendors have been rather stubborn in what they are asking for the property, and given the current market conditions and property prices in general, I am unwilling to budge and give those extra dollars they are holding out for. The real estate agent is hopeful given a bit more time that we can all come to an agreement, but I think I am all negotiated out when it comes to this!
No matter. We've seen another lovely place over the weekend, and whilst it doesn't have the wow or pizazz that the other property pulled me in with, it does come with more space and much more of a homely feel to it. We're going to try to arrange a second inspection this week, and then the deliberations will begin on whether to put in an offer.
Anyway, in my brief absence...
I've cooked some tasty food.
I've ordered some unhealthy food.
I've procured some lovely new boots.
And I've spent hours poring over copious amounts of paperwork!
I hope you've all been keeping safe. Time to catch up with all of your blogs now!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Here's Hoping!
Just a quick post! It has been a very busy week, and part of the reason for that is that...
We put an offer in on a house today!
We've gone in with a very low unconditional offer, which I'm almost certain will be knocked back. We have a fair amount to play with so I'm just desperately hoping that the negotiations will work in our favour and that we can come to a suitable figure before we reach our limit! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I am very excited!
Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me?!
We put an offer in on a house today!
We've gone in with a very low unconditional offer, which I'm almost certain will be knocked back. We have a fair amount to play with so I'm just desperately hoping that the negotiations will work in our favour and that we can come to a suitable figure before we reach our limit! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I am very excited!
Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me?!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Another Weekend Gone By
Monday again... (whoops, so I started writing this on Monday but didn't quite get it finished!)
I feel like every week I seem to be repeating myself. Colleagues will ask me how my weekend was, and every week my answer is the same "good, but not long enough!" ugh!
Friday night we headed out with a few friends to see the Butterfly Effect live.
What a fantastic gig! Unfortunately, the Effected tour is their final as a group as the singer is leaving to pursue other things. Mega sadface!
I didn't have anything for them to sign, as they took the tickets from us at the door! Instead I rummaged around in my handbag and found the box from my Essendon radio. Although not the usual fan merchandise that they're used to, they willingly obliged and signed the little cardboard box for me. Glenn did flip the box over and realise, so we had a nice chat about his supercoach team!
Whilst I did that, Liam papped away and managed to capture a few blurry shots for me.
We were one of the last people to meet them (I think you actually needed a VIP ticket to do that, but we managed to talk our way through security!) and had the chance to have a chat with Clint about his last shows with the band, and scored a hug as we said goodbye.
These delightful little drinks were part of the reason I was feeling a little worse for wear on Saturday morning, and needed a hearty dose of this to remedy that!
As much as I would have liked to have spent the day lazing around the house feeling sorry for myself, this was not an option. Instead I was awake bright and early with a day full of house inspections to attend.
We have come across the most GORGEOUS little property, and have both promptly fallen in love. It's not perfect, and it is missing a few aspects which we had initially thought were important, but this place is absolutely stunning and we both agree that we can work around it. Unfortunately, however, the property is in the higher ranges of the budget we had set, so we're just trying to work out whether we can sustain this long-term, reviewing all of our options, and trying our very best not to rush in with our hearts instead of our heads.
Aaaaaanyway! Moving along now... we had dinner with my parents, aunt, uncle and cousins on Saturday night. Liam prepared a yummy pub-style parma meal for us!
He had decided to attempt to make my favourite sweet potato fries in addition to his normal chips, but unfortunately didn't account for the difference in cooking time so ended up massively overcooking the sweet potato... which resulted in crispy potato chips with crumbly bits of crunchy sweet potato through it! Not how he had envisaged, but still very tasty!
My Aunt and Uncle are moving house this week, and have offered us their couch and this gorgeous step cabinet that we have loved ever since seeing it! On Sunday we went over to pick it up and help them pack a few things.
Adeline had other ideas though! Instead of helping pack, she demanded I come into her room and help her build a Playdoh village for the two Playdoh families which we created. I do as I'm told!
I feel like every week I seem to be repeating myself. Colleagues will ask me how my weekend was, and every week my answer is the same "good, but not long enough!" ugh!
Friday night we headed out with a few friends to see the Butterfly Effect live.
What a fantastic gig! Unfortunately, the Effected tour is their final as a group as the singer is leaving to pursue other things. Mega sadface!
We were lucky enough to meet the group after the gig... top blokes!
I didn't have anything for them to sign, as they took the tickets from us at the door! Instead I rummaged around in my handbag and found the box from my Essendon radio. Although not the usual fan merchandise that they're used to, they willingly obliged and signed the little cardboard box for me. Glenn did flip the box over and realise, so we had a nice chat about his supercoach team!
Whilst I did that, Liam papped away and managed to capture a few blurry shots for me.
We were one of the last people to meet them (I think you actually needed a VIP ticket to do that, but we managed to talk our way through security!) and had the chance to have a chat with Clint about his last shows with the band, and scored a hug as we said goodbye.
After the gig we headed to a bar near by...
...and consumed these shots as well as copious amounts of other various beverages.
These delightful little drinks were part of the reason I was feeling a little worse for wear on Saturday morning, and needed a hearty dose of this to remedy that!
As much as I would have liked to have spent the day lazing around the house feeling sorry for myself, this was not an option. Instead I was awake bright and early with a day full of house inspections to attend.
We have come across the most GORGEOUS little property, and have both promptly fallen in love. It's not perfect, and it is missing a few aspects which we had initially thought were important, but this place is absolutely stunning and we both agree that we can work around it. Unfortunately, however, the property is in the higher ranges of the budget we had set, so we're just trying to work out whether we can sustain this long-term, reviewing all of our options, and trying our very best not to rush in with our hearts instead of our heads.
Aaaaaanyway! Moving along now... we had dinner with my parents, aunt, uncle and cousins on Saturday night. Liam prepared a yummy pub-style parma meal for us!
He had decided to attempt to make my favourite sweet potato fries in addition to his normal chips, but unfortunately didn't account for the difference in cooking time so ended up massively overcooking the sweet potato... which resulted in crispy potato chips with crumbly bits of crunchy sweet potato through it! Not how he had envisaged, but still very tasty!
My Aunt and Uncle are moving house this week, and have offered us their couch and this gorgeous step cabinet that we have loved ever since seeing it! On Sunday we went over to pick it up and help them pack a few things.
Adeline had other ideas though! Instead of helping pack, she demanded I come into her room and help her build a Playdoh village for the two Playdoh families which we created. I do as I'm told!
We made green grass, a red sky, and a blue playground for them to play on.
You can't see them, but there are two families living in their little chimneyed houses. There's the Blue family living in the house on the left, and their neighbours the Greens in the smaller house next door. However the Greens have a (green) friend called Greece, who also lives with them!
Just between you and me, Baby Blue looks a little too green for my liking...
I think Mummy Blue and Daddy Green are having a little fun on the side!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Where oh Where has the Weekend Gone?
Liam and I spent a large portion of the weekend inspecting houses. I found two that I semi-fell in love with, and was formulating all sorts of grand renovation and decorating plans in my head. I am a still mummy and daddy's little girl however, so before making any big plans they had to be consulted! Anyway, let's just say they shattered my dreams a little. But all is good, as I know I need their perspective and wisdom. I am so excited about the whole thing I know I will just dive in heart first, and leave my head behind. I just have to keep reminding myself that this whole thing is a process, not an impulse buy! But we will get there, and I will know when we find the perfect place :)
We decided to reward ourselves after all that house-hunting with a date night out on High Street in Northcote. Review to come, of course! We also probably treated ourselves to a few too many drinks when we headed down to Carter's Bar after dinner, but what's life without a little indulgence?
We woke up the next morning with slight head troubles. Because I appear to be channeling the 50s-housewife, I dutifully cooked my man breakfast.
I have probably also contributed to heart problems later in life, but it was a tasty tasty start to the day!
Then it was all down to business. Liam spent the morning cleaning up the car which has been perched on the front lawn for the last few months collecting dust and bird poop. Charming! With his company car, and a car of my own it has not touched the roads in about 8 months so it was time to go! The potential buyer came to take it for a test drive, and as I could hear the roar of the engine from a couple of streets away (really, boys and cars! I'll never understand) I could see the look of remorse on Liam's face. I saw the same look again, as he inspected the car all clean and prettied up sitting in the driveway. The guy is coming by on Tuesday night to make payment and pick up the car though. I'll have to make sure I'm at home to be sure that the car changes hands, and to be a shoulder to cry on when Liam sheds a tear as his baby cruises off down the street! I'll remind him that it means extra spending money for our upcoming overseas trip!
Then it was time for dinner with my family and grandparents!
My brother brought along a girl... I had to try very hard not to revert back to my immature teasing ways, and embarrass him in front of the lovely lady. I did manage to slip in a few embarrassing anecdotes of his youth though! I figured it's my duty as a sister.
All in all, a great weekend! Good balance of serious business, with a reasonable amount of play thrown into the mix! But now it's Monday morning again :(
So here starts the countdown to next weekend!
Participating in the weekend Point + Shoot over at sunny+scout!
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