I've been renting so long, it should be interesting to be able to "save" money I put into my domicile...
It's somewhat of a fixer upper, but no major work needs to be done. Just the typical things like paint, new appliances, etc. Might have to install a french drain in the back yard, because it looks like it might have a drainage issue.
1700 square feet, 3br/2ba on a cul-de-sac. First order of business is getting rid of that ugly yellow paint.
We keep hearing up here that houses and property in the States can be bought for next to nothing due to the financial situation down there... which leads me to my next question.
Whadjapay?
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 01-26-2011).]
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05:48 PM
87antuzzi Member
Posts: 11151 From: Surrounded by corn. Registered: Feb 2009
We keep hearing up here that houses and property in the States can be bought for next to nothing due the financial situation down there... which leads me to my next question.
Whadjapay?
$75 a square foot!!!
My parents paid double that 2 years ago.
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05:49 PM
Patrick Member
Posts: 30564 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
You just had to make it complicated. I was trying to compare it to the standard sized city lot here which is 33x120 feet.
Sounds like a great deal though. Just a lot alone (no house) if you can find one in the city of Vancouver goes for a minimum of half a million dollars.
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06:02 PM
Jake_Dragon Member
Posts: 31129 From: Long Beach Registered: Jan 2001
I've been renting so long, it should be interesting to be able to "save" money I put into my domicile...
It's somewhat of a fixer upper, but no major work needs to be done. Just the typical things like paint, new appliances, etc. Might have to install a french drain in the back yard, because it looks like it might have a drainage issue.
1700 square feet, 3br/2ba on a cul-de-sac. First order of business is getting rid of that ugly yellow paint.
quote
$75/sq ft
Sounds good--and I'm sure you know already that you certainly can't build an equivilent for that, and that price is not even taking into consideration the cost of the land it's sitting on. It's January--most states/counties accept applications for homestead exemptions during 1st qtr only--look into it--it can save you on taxes. It varies tho, perhaps depending if you were in it as a resident on Jan 1.
The drainage shouldn't be too much a problem going by the slope of that backyard fence. It may look kinda odd, but I'd much rather have a little slope than a flat yard where the water really has no where to go. Just shunt it on over to your neighbor's yard. Gutters may be the quick answer if you don't have a falling leaf problem. I like the bay windows/nook with all that sunlight, and tho it's hard to judge from the photos, I think you will want a LOT more kitchen cabinets.
Come with pink flamingos in the front yard?
Where are the important pics? Garage interior.
Once you move in, the first time it comes a real frog drowning rain, get out there in it while the runnoff is taking place and see where the water "wants" to go. Lots of people make the mistake of waiting till after a rain and just dealing with puddles. NOT the way to do it! Go out there in the downpour and look at the whole picture.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 01-26-2011).]
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07:15 PM
ryan.hess Member
Posts: 20784 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Dec 2002
Originally posted by maryjane: Sounds good--and I'm sure you know already that you certainly can't build an equivilent for that, and that price is not even taking into consideration the cost of the land it's sitting on. It's January--most states/counties accept applications for homestead exemptions during 1st qtr only--look into it--it can save you on taxes. It varies tho, perhaps depending if you were in it as a resident on Jan 1.
The drainage shouldn't be too much a problem going by the slope of that backyard fence. It may look kinda odd, but I'd much rather have a little slope than a flat yard where the water really has no where to go. Just shunt it on over to your neighbor's yard. Gutters may be the quick answer if you don't have a falling leaf problem. I like the bay windows/nook with all that sunlight, and tho it's hard to judge from the photos, I think you will want a LOT more kitchen cabinets.
Come with pink flamingos in the front yard?
Where are the important pics? Garage interior.
Once you move in, the first time it comes a real frog drowning rain, get out there in it while the runnoff is taking place and see where the water "wants" to go. Lots of people make the mistake of waiting till after a rain and just dealing with puddles. NOT the way to do it! Go out there in the downpour and look at the whole picture.
Good advice... unfortunately the homestead exemption expiring damn near cost me this house. $50/mo in savings (or lack thereof) isn't anything to sneeze at.
Pics are forthcoming - I pulled these off the realty website. I took pics, but they were only of things that need fixing.
Anyways... congrats, man! Heck of a deal considering lot size, finishing, and location. I'm considering doing the same thing here, but for something to fit in my price range, it'll either have to be crap that needs fixing up or someplace that's gutted already. This next year may well be an adventure for the both of us.
Quick question: on this particular property, is the garage counted as liveable space, toward the total square footage measurement? I've always been fuzzy on that one.
[This message has been edited by skuzzbomer (edited 01-26-2011).]
Skuzz, on my house, even covered porch was considered in total sq ft, but in italics as part of "total under roof" sq footage. Living space was quoted as separate sq footage..
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09:03 PM
Cheever3000 Member
Posts: 12330 From: The Man from Tallahassee Registered: Aug 2001
Originally posted by skuzzbomer: Quick question: on this particular property, is the garage counted as liveable space, toward the total square footage measurement? I've always been fuzzy on that one.
It's 2200 sq ft if you count the garage... 1700 sq ft is the total area of the home that is serviced by the HVAC - the "livable space".
Whats the original paint code for that yellow? Have you considered a counter top swap? I hear you have to fabricate mounts for stone. Also what is the manufacturer of the flooring? Not china made is it? You should consider a true dual faucet set up- It increases water output by 15% or so I've heard, never actually tested it.
In all seriousness awesome house man
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10:44 PM
nosrac Member
Posts: 3500 From: Euless, TX, US Registered: Jan 2005
If you're going to go to all the trouble of painting out the yellow, make sure you do good prep and use quality paint. It makes no sense to use cheap paint on a quickie job -- you'll truly regret it (ask me how I know). I have had good luck with Sherwin Williams, but you may have other name brand suppliers in your local area who your local people can recommend. Go for the higher quality of any paint -- it goes on much easier and it will stand up to the elements a lot longer.
Wait till you have had a couple of rains to see what happens to your water. French drains are a great solution (put one in this past summer) , but in our area it is illegal to divert the water onto someone elses property, so you may need to investigate what you are allowed to do.
have fun being a homeowner in fl., i see there is enough room for 2 fiero's[garage kept]. nice size lot too.too much grass in fl. is not a good thing, too dam hot to cut in the summer. have fun being a handyman.
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09:20 PM
TXGOOD Member
Posts: 5312 From: Austin, Texas Registered: Feb 2006
I was trying to compare it to the standard sized city lot here which is 33x120 feet.
