Went to see this house today...

[ScrimpAndSave]

So cute...but only 1000 square feet.


http://www.weichert.com/search/reale...pa&mls=46&pg=3

[irmanator]

seems expensive is that normal for that area?

[gamecock43]

Built in 1918?? Its been remodeled top to bottom. Looks brand new inside, and outside.

[MonkeyMama]

Looks cheap to me. A house like that is $700k+ where I come from.

[banana]

It looks nice. Prices did rise in the area significantly over the last 5 years or so but seem to be dropping off now a bit. Good luck in house hunting

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Don't forget that just because they are asking $149K does not mean that you would offer them that.

[DebbieL]

I WISH I could buy a house like that here. Average price is over 600K. Sigh.

[ScrimpAndSave]

id offer 125k. its tiny.

[DebbieL]

About how much are property taxes on such a place (just curious)?

[ScrimpAndSave]

Property taxes are $1890.

The house sold for $135000 back in March 2006...but all renovations were done right before then. The market has dropped since...I think it is too small.

I do love it though.


I couldn't get more for what I can afford right now...especially with it being so beautifully kept.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

OMG, that's awesome. I'd be all over that and it would cost around $650k where I live, maybe $700k. Condo down the street 3 bd/2ba sold for $500k recently, unrenovated 1880s victorian.

[ScrimpAndSave]

So you see my situation...I could afford this with PITI of about $1000 a month...do I buy now and sell in 5/7 years and buy my dream home?


Or do I sit in my dads house, accumulate money and wait another 2 yrs?

[MomofFour]

Unless they accept your $125K offer, if I were you, I would sit tight with your dad for now.
You have so many more years to have to maintain a home on your own!

[banana]

I think prices will drop some more. You should hang tight and stay with your dad for now.

[Caoineag]

Personally I would sit tight and wait. You are already complaining that the size is too small. If you aren't happy with that now, you won't be in the future. We are going for a house that size but we also prefer smaller houses. I really not sure who would clean a 2000 sq ft monster because it certainly wouldn't be me!

[PrincessPerky]

Personally I don't like the kitchen..but regardless

Why do you want a house? Whats wrong with Dads?

I say that having chosen to stay in my car rather than live with my dad...so I really do understand if you need out...just suggesting not everyone has to leave home.

[DebbieL]

I would buy that house in a heartbeat, but I’m living in such an outrageous housing bubble market that things like that (not that we have those kind of houses here – it’s cute) would be over $600K. I live in a condo that’s probably 1000sf and there’s 3 of us – DH, DD15 and myself. I’ve never felt cramped for space at all. We even have 2 bathrooms and tons of closet space. Maybe it depends on the layout? Does the layout make it feel cramped?

I also agree with the poster who said prices haven’t bottomed out yet. I wouldn’t worry about buying too quickly. The same type place will probably be going for less money by next year.

If you LOVE it, then go for it (if they accept $125K). You can easily afford the payments and your job is stable. As long as it wouldn’t bother you if prices continue to decline for the next couple years then it shouldn’t make any difference if you are just buying it as a home and not an investment anyways. If you do offer $125K and they don’t accept, you can always keep a watch on it. If it sits on the market for awhile they may be more open to a lower offer at that point.

Since you aren’t planning on having children I don’t imagine the size should be a problem. I guess I just don’t understand why people need these huge houses these days. Two people rattling around in 2500-3000sf seems unnecessary to me – this is of course just my opinion.

[gamecock43]

Personally I don't like the kitchen- I'm not a fan of the kitchen either and I think its the 2 colored paint job -makes it look too busy.
Regardless, I dont know anything about this town in PA...but you havnt said what you are looking for. Just that you want to afford something. So we have no clue if this is a good deal for you.
From my perspective, at the price range you are looking in, I would wait. Simply because it will only be six months of saving to put you in a new price range. A few thousand dollars will go really far at this point.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Living at my Dad's isn't bad. It is a 2,100 square foot house for just the two of us. My mother died about 4 year ago and he is 74 (very active). I'm 27, in my 4th year of teaching and engaged. My fiance graduates from law school in May 2009 (he is 5 hours away during the school year).

I just want out because I want out...I want to own and decorate and have a place to call my own. I want to get my life started...and still live near my father.

I just wish I could afford around $250,000. If I could do that - then I could be living in my forever home. I would love to have a 1,600 square foot cape cod. I feel like that would be plenty of room for us.

[gamecock43]

I just wish I could afford around $250,000. If I could do that - then I could be living in my forever home.
Oh scrimpandsave...I have been saving up for yrs to buy and every time I save enough to be in a new price range it's suddenly not worth my money and I keep saving because the houses in the NEXT price range are 'truly magical'. LOL.