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So I viewed 4 other houses for sale and the current frontrunner is a safe and boring small 2 bed semi in a totally different area. It's in move in condition, décor is a bit dated but it's been well cared for by an older person. I would not need to do anything straight away. It has a safe enclosed garden for Luna and maybe some chickens again 🐔 I've been for a second viewing and my solicitor has put in a note of interest. This means they can't accept an offer without notifying me, giving me a chance to make an offer myself.
Of the other 3 houses I viewed, one was frankly disgusting and in very poor repair (again photos didn't show it.) One had a septic tank and a separate garden away from the house, neither mentioned on the estate agent particulars. And one was in immaculate condition but had no parking and was way too close to other houses. Plus it was just out of my realistic budget.
I'm only just starting to do this seriously and I'm already losing faith in estate agents. I'm still waiting for the valuer to come to my house and to get a home report done. Hopefully that will be done by next week 🤞
The 'safe but boring' front-runner sounds good, but if it is to be your last house purchase perhaps only really suitable if you have a way to add a downstairs toilet to future-proof it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes no matter how carefully you study the particulars a drive by is the only way to really 'see' a property before asking to view. Even the photos of our flat are a bit misleading, one shows the kitchen looking long and thin and on another it looks square. The modern 360 degree cameras that they use distort the images and they can edit so much out can't they. :-(
Next door has an extension out the back so there's a precedent if I want to add an extension which would have a downstairs loo. Then it would be more future proofed. The 360 degree camera doesn't really capture what the sizes are like :-) xxx
DeleteI would say with any serious potential property, that you go at different times of the day and night, get out of the car, and walk up and down the street and round the area - when it's quiet, you'll get a feel for the area, you'll also learn the noisy properties and where they are in relation to the one you're considering to buy.
ReplyDeleteYou can see and hear so much more on a walk round
Anne Shropshire
Yep I've driven round this area a few times and it's been quiet in the morning, afternoon and evening so far. The road is wide so the houses across from it aren't too near. It's a dead end so no through traffic. There are plenty of bungalows too (although they're out my budget) so I'm guessing an older population lives in this street :-) xxx
DeleteThe house looks very suitable size and you may be able to squeeze a little loo in the downstairs cupboard? Boring it may be but the enclosed garden sounds like a bonus. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI would def do something to add a downstairs loo for the future. The garden is totally safe for Luna :-) xxx
DeleteWas the weird layout one not even worth a view and a cheeky offer? At least a water pumping station would likely mean no development next to you. I can't remember if your current house is detached? If it is going back to having neighbours on the other side of a wall is a big step. Modern houses - 60's onwards - don't seem to have very good sound insulation.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it is. I haven't cancelled the viewing yet. My initial thoughts were to just live in it and gradually do the repairs over a period of time. But I'd have to hit the ground running and throw a ton of money at it (which I don't really have) just to make it habitable. There was evidence of subsidence as the garage was definitely on the wonk to the house!! :-) xxx
DeleteI've moved several times over the years and have always thought estate agents photography very suspicious! I hope you soon find the right home for you xx
ReplyDeleteThis is the longest I've ever lived in one house so haven't moved in almost 11 years. I'd forgotten the tricks estate agents use to make houses look better online than in person! :-) xxx
DeleteBoring but with potential is how I might describe that layout. I agree that a downstairs bathroom would be wonderful, but that could be added a bit later. A safe garden for Luna is a big plus.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Safe garden is a priority and I don't need to do anything to the house at first. Win win! :-) xxx
DeleteYou really do have to look face to face, don't you. It's not that the agents actually lie as such, it is by omission and photos do not tell the whole story!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there's one that looks likely. xx
Hi are the stairs wide enough to put in a stair lift. I know it sounds drastic and you are still young and fit but we had to put in one for my mum and now we are getting on hubby is 83 we think we may require one. It is just one other thing to consider it could stop another move in years to come.
ReplyDeleteGood point! I think the stairs are quite narrow but I'd need to check :-) xxx
DeleteThe ‘safe’ two bed semi looks good, as you say well kept, ready to move into and even better gives you time to make your plans and slay em!! Fingers crossed for a great outcome for you🙂. Promise to take us though your renovations please 🙏. Jan in Castle Gresley x
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great opportunity to downsize and completely simplify my life in many ways. I've already done measurements of the furniture I would take and a made a mental list of 'stuff' to sell/donate. I would absolutely take you with me on the journey!!
DeleteThat's exactly the same layout as my previous house where I lived for 19 years. It was great while we had quiet neighbours, but a nightmare with several noisy ones as every room bar the bathroom was attached and it was impossible to escape the noise. It's definitely something to consider, especially if you're used to being in a detached property.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost exactly the same layout as the very first house I bought when I got married. Although it was a mid terrace. Realistically, I can't afford a detached house in Stirling if I want to buy a second property for my son to rent (I need the rental income) I'd just have to risk the neighbour situation although I fear with Luna going through a loud barking phase it would be ME who is the noisy neighbour!!! :-) xxx
DeleteThe whole process of searching for and buying a house is very traumatic! I didn't enjoy it although it was nice to see different houses! Good luck with it. I hope that the semi works out if you go for it!
ReplyDeleteIt's doubly traumatic as I'm buying 2 properties at the same time!!! :-) xxx
DeleteI was just having a conversation with a friend who thinks I should be doing real estate - I told her the only way I could do it is if I marketed myself as the rogue "tell the truth" realtor ;)
ReplyDeleteYou should totally do it!!! I've also noticed that estate agents here are rubbish at making and keeping appointments on time! Kinda the whole point of their services!! :-) xxx
DeleteI'm reading your moving story with interest as I know your buying & selling procedures are different 'up north'. My children are currently looking to buy their first homes and estate agents are a nightmare to deal with. Ring them up to book a viewing & they don't get back to you. If you manage to get a viewing they often turn up late then rush you round because you're keeping the next lot of viewers waiting! In England it seems they expect you to view a house for 5 minutes then put an offer in over the asking price! Hope your move is stress free. Joules.
ReplyDeleteMy sister lives 'down South' and is also downsizing. She's going through similar experiences to your children. I'm just finding that they exaggerate everything and are rarely punctual :-) xxx
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