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Post by houstonsandy on Jan 3, 2021 19:27:30 GMT
So every once in awhile I look at homes for sale in the small town I grew up in. My mom and brother live there which is the only reason I would choose it.
You know...in case I end up having to move back home (which I fear may become a reality at some point this year because I'm struggling right now with reduced income..thank you pandemic!). Hopefully things will be better if I can make it through dd's graduation in May and she can support herself totally at last.
But every single time I see what is available there I quickly realize that it is not the place for me. Most of the homes are really, really depressing....dark, plain and boring... in need a lot of work to make them look not so "small hick town"y and up to date.
But the other day I came across this house and I can't stop thinking about it. I actually cyber stalked to find out who the owner is because...well...people in this small town don't usually have the same esthetics as I do when it comes to homes and decor. Turns out the owner is an antiques dealer and has a shop in the area and also has a very large dealer space in Round Top (if you are from around here you know what Round Top is...).
I'm sitting here thinking how to convince my mom to sell her house to move in with me. She can have the downstairs bedroom and bath. I'll be happy upstairs and make that attached sitting room into my craft room.
When my daughter visits she can have that little guest space downstairs that is separate from the main house. (except I don't see a sink in that attached bathroom...)
Sigh....I know it won't be a reality, but I really can't stop thinking about it! I also think it is overpriced by at least $90,000.
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MaryMary
Pearl Clutcher
Lazy
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Post by MaryMary on Jan 3, 2021 19:35:09 GMT
It is super cute!
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Post by gillyp on Jan 3, 2021 19:39:18 GMT
It’s really lovely.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 1:46:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2021 19:41:01 GMT
It's charming, but I look at those walls and wonder about whether they are insulated. It also looks like the lower bedrooms have concrete floors with a bit of staining. I'd be sure there aren't leak/water/moisture issues. Otherwise, it's a super cute house.
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Post by FrozenPea on Jan 3, 2021 19:44:46 GMT
I love it. The yard is beautiful. The kitchen needs to be redone but it is workable. The only thing I really would worry about is where the bedrooms are. If they are upstairs, would that be a problem for your mom.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jan 3, 2021 19:46:56 GMT
super cute house! About the only things I can comment on, is that the kitchen looks really small, and has the seperate smaller rooms, which most people don't like. If you break out that wall you lose that lovely bookcase though. The one room to rent red bedroom looks suspicious for lack of insulation or mold/damp issues. The yards also look like a mess, and may need quite a bit of work. Otherwise i love it!
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Post by phoenixcov on Jan 3, 2021 19:55:00 GMT
I like it so much I nearly packed a case and booked a viewing...then I realised I can`t travel.  |
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Post by houstonsandy on Jan 3, 2021 20:08:37 GMT
I love it. The yard is beautiful. The kitchen needs to be redone but it is workable. The only thing I really would worry about is where the bedrooms are. If they are upstairs, would that be a problem for your mom. The kitchen is the one area that gives me the most to think about. It does not have much counterspace or cabinets....I don't see a dishwasher...although one of the listings I looked at does mention one...I think if she does not leave that wood cabinet next to the fridge that I would add upper and lower cabinetry and counterspace there, and enclose the fridge and add something over it. I don't "see" a pantry, so I'm wondering if there is one. Maybe in the laundry room? and its just not shown? Has to be one somewhere?, right?
The lighting issue in the kitchen also concerns me. I wonder if more lighting could be added easily since it is not attic space over it. And I would change the flooring. I have a tile floor in part of my house now that looks like old bricks and I love it. I would do that in there I think.
There is one bedroom and bath downstairs...so that would be for my mom.
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Post by Skellinton on Jan 3, 2021 20:11:22 GMT
Does your mom have mobility issues or is she likely going to need a walker? I don’t think the hallways would be wide enough her to get through and the bathroom would be very difficult for her.
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Post by beachbum on Jan 3, 2021 20:38:53 GMT
I would want to know why the pending sale on 9/29/20 didn't go though, it was back on the market on 10/05. Did they find something during a home inspection? Is there a way to find out? That would bother me.
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Post by houstonsandy on Jan 3, 2021 20:46:36 GMT
She is 90...right now she is getting around very well considering. There are some days that she has difficulty but she refuses to use a walker even though we have provided one for her. She prefers a cane.
And honestly...getting her to move out of her current house will be an exercise in futility...she will not go willingly.
I have tried for years to convince her to move closer to me and into a retirement community. I did get her to tour one, but she is stubborn. I have room for her at my house, and have tried to get her to move in here, but she won't consider it. She says it is because all of her friends are there. (most of them are in the cemetery now...but...ok)
My brother keeps complaining to me about how he has to be the one to "take care of her". But he lives four blocks away! I am two hours away...so yes, unfortunately he is the chosen one to check on her every day unless he can convince her to move. Lord knows I have tried.
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Post by houstonsandy on Jan 3, 2021 20:51:30 GMT
I would want to know why the pending sale on 9/29/20 didn't go though, it was back on the market on 10/05. Did they find something during a home inspection? Is there a way to find out? That would bother me. I noticed that too. With a house from 1940, I'm sure there are issues! I also wondered if it was because the house if overpriced and financing was an issue. I looked at some tax record stuff and it had it valued closer to $190,000 which makes it way overpriced unless she is leaving a lot of "stuff" to go with it. I wouldn't pay the full asking price, that's for sure!
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Post by scrappychick on Jan 3, 2021 20:57:50 GMT
That’s a lot of shiplap. I’d be concerned with the “historical” part. Is it a designated historical home? That will limit updates. Heating/cooling? In my area, that home would be worth $150k at best.
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Post by picotjo on Jan 3, 2021 21:10:28 GMT
I love the house. But the reason I love it is partially the decorating and furniture placement. Since I am sadly deficient in that area I would never be able to make it look like it does now.
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Post by elaine on Jan 3, 2021 21:19:00 GMT
There appear to be no closets in some of the bedrooms, so I am guessing that there is no pantry either. It may be that people in that part of TX were taxed on things like closets in the 40s when it was built. I also don’t see a dishwasher in the kitchen.
My concern would be which bathroom is downstairs for your mother. She needs a walk-in shower - no tub to walk into - preferably big enough for a shower seat. The two bathrooms that I think might be the downstairs one are either the tiny shower - hard to fit a chair in there, or the one with just a tub.
It is bright and airy, but I agree that it seems overpriced. You would need to think about not having closets/pantry, which would be a dealbreaker for me.
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Post by Lexica on Jan 3, 2021 22:44:30 GMT
I wpuld have to see it in person, but what I see from the photos would make a viewing totally worth it to me. The price compared to the homes near it ($88,000 to $107,000) gave me concern at first, but there are several near that price and higher close by, but they have bigger lots and a pool. As far as pricing for the area as a whole, it sure beats my Southern California pricing!
The biggest selling point for me would be proximity to my mom. Are you close with your brother? Because with Mom at 90, you will eventually lose her and need to find the area compelling enough to remain there.
I adore the house and most of how it is styled. There appears to be a crack in the kitchen sink though. And if there is a pantry behind one of the doors off the kitchen, I could make do with the small kitchen space. I am reducing my need for things as I get older. Love that there is a gas stove. I could also overlook there being no sink in that extra unit. Your daughter could learn to brush her teeth while showering, right? Or just go into the house.
Overall, if it were me and my mom lived in town, I would do it if the house passed inspection and is insulated if that area gets weather extremes.
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Post by candleangie on Jan 3, 2021 22:48:55 GMT
I’m no help. It’s adorable, and easily HALF the price it would be where I live (Portland Oregon area)
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Jan 3, 2021 23:09:55 GMT
That price seems amazing to me, but clearly I am not in your area!
Storage also seems limited. That guest suite was clearly a garage which makes me think those walls are not insulated and I wonder about heat in there. It has been on the market for quite some time which makes me wonder what else we aren't seeing.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jan 3, 2021 23:32:49 GMT
Stinkin’ cute! Talk to your mom!!!! Show her the house.  |
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Jan 3, 2021 23:38:26 GMT
I love this house! I hope you will tour it and tell us if it's as cool as we think it is |
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Post by librarylady on Jan 4, 2021 0:20:31 GMT
Love it. Will they leave some of the delightful furnishings?
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jan 4, 2021 0:24:21 GMT
Would your Mom be able to make it up the stairs to dine and visit with you? Will the yard work be a lot to handle?
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Post by kokomo on Jan 4, 2021 1:41:37 GMT
I think it’s very cute and I don’t think it’s that small at all. very liveable
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 1:46:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2021 1:50:45 GMT
It's a beautiful home and I love the area but with a home that old there would ALWAYS be something to fix.
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Post by homeschoolmom on Jan 4, 2021 2:39:09 GMT
The taxes!!!
The fireplace likely doesn't work. Iirc, there isn't any mention of remodeling or updating, so it is probably poorly insulated. There's no dishwasher.
The big thing, though, is your ability to use the house. If your mom is 90, I'm betting you are at least 40-50. How much longer will you be able to go up and down those stairs?
But....it is adorable, and the ship lap!!!!
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ellaknits
Full Member
Posts: 186
Mar 17, 2020 22:21:56 GMT
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Post by ellaknits on Jan 4, 2021 2:57:33 GMT
So beautiful! The woodwork on that porch makes me swoon.
I feel like this is maybe ignorant, but the way that shiplap is slapped together in some places makes me worry about how the house is put together where you can't see - insulation, plumbing, electrical, etc. But maybe I don't understand this period or kind of construction? It looks really drafty.
Since neither the spouse nor I are handy at all, I wouldn't even look at a house like that, but I sure do love it. It's really lovely.
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Post by tentoes on Jan 4, 2021 3:49:58 GMT
Cute house, but I love the yard!
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Post by tenacious on Jan 4, 2021 4:24:41 GMT
It’s darling!!
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Post by elaine on Jan 4, 2021 4:32:02 GMT
One other thing to pay attention to is the electrical wiring and outlets (or lack thereof). Since the house was built in 1940, there aren’t going to be nearly the number of outlets that there are in newer homes, and many won’t likely be 3-prong grounded outlets.
Notice the kitchen. There are no outlets on the walls above the counter and the one weird outlet in the cupboard-front by the sink is not a grounded outlet.
If you have electronics, computers, blow dryers, CPAP machine, etc., you may have to spend a decent amount of money to have the house rewired. I’d have to have the kitchen rewired for certain, with a couple of grounded outlets put on the wall above the counter.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by tracylynn on Jan 4, 2021 7:04:35 GMT
Tax accessed value and market value aren't the same thing. The market value on my home is about $80k higher than tax accessed value.
It all depends on what comps in the area are going for and what people are willing to pay.
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