Baz's Place on the Web

Home Update!

2008-01-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Boy, I really need to update this place more often. Anyways, here is what I've been up to.

I finished the floor in my bedroom/closet

(Notice the quarter round along the baseboard)

So, check the 'Finish upstairs floor' off the list.

I also installed some extra shelving in the closet to help with storage (and yes, I still haven't unpacked all my boxes)

Finally, I added more stuff to the living room to alleviate the blank walls. I now have a picture wall:

And also, some artwork (big artwork):

Yeah, so other than that, I got nothing

Sorry for delay

2007-10-21T19:39:00.001-04:00

Yeah, so I really haven't written anything since I bought this place (which is awesome). I've done some stuff to my place, with lots more to do. So here is a quick re-cap.

Prior to move-in, I (and with lots of help from my family) painted th

e kitchen, loft, bathroom and bedroom. I learned that painting ceilings and soffits really suck. I had the carpet replaced in both bedrooms. Oh, and I replaced the toilet ups

tairs. Thats pretty much all that I did then, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it took a week to do.

So, between then and now, I also installed pergo flooring in the bedroom and closet. Still haven't finished it yet, need to put down quarter molding and the thresholds (which were purchased today).

Which brings us to today. I was feeling like I needed to do something today, so I went to Lowes and bought stuff. I got a new faucet for the half-bath (I really hated the $10 piece of crap that was there). And I wanted something different, so I found this:

I thought it looked quite different than a normal faucet. So, getting home around 4pm I started the installation. What a pain in the ass that was. I've come to the conclusion that in order to do plumbing work, you need to be either 2 feet tall, or so flexible you can fold into 3 pieces along your spine. After a trip to Kmart to get another pair of angle pliers, its installed (oh, and a lot of cursing too). It looks aweome. Now, I just need to figure out how to change out the drain (looks to complicated to do right now).

So thats all thats happened so far. But more will come (including, but not limited to, new kitchen sink & faucet, finishing pergo flooring upstairs, new light above vanity in half-bath...)

Coming in August to a theatre near you....

2007-06-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

Settlement was moved to August 17th!

And I have 7 days to get a mortgage....fun fun.

Home inspection in Wednesday.

Lots of stuff to do...

I'm a homeowner

2007-06-22T14:22:00.000-04:00

Well folks, my search is at an end. I'm now a home owner. Had to pay an extra g, but its now mine.

Settlement will be 24 September. So y'all get to help me move on Saturday 29 September.

Negotating Sucks

2007-06-22T13:54:00.001-04:00

Well, I heard back from the sellers. They want 2k more than what I offered plus they want the settlement push backed to 24 September.

My counter was the same price I offered before but with the later settlement date (since I have to spend an extra 1k on rent).

I'll keep you informed as always...

Let the waiting begin

2007-06-21T10:19:00.000-04:00

The bid is out. Unfortunately, the owners are in the Bahama's until tonight. So I won't know anything until Friday.

On a side note, as of now the settlement date would be Friday, 17 August. I have to be out of my apartment by Friday, 31 August. So that means, if this works, expect a painting party invitation for the 18 or 19th of August and a moving party invitation for the 25th or 26th of August! In reality, only the two bedrooms and some doors must be painted (I will NOT have a lilac bedroom!).

That and cleaning (any takers to help???).

To the highest bidder...

2007-06-20T15:27:00.001-04:00

Well, the bid is going out at 4pm today folks. Keep your fingers crossed.

I do have one gripe though. The freakin interest rates went up from 6.25% in early April to a whopping 6.875% as of this morning. That sucks monkey balls.

Double Take

2007-06-19T21:31:00.000-04:00

Well, went back to the place I posted picture of earlier.

And I really like it. Its fits exactly what I'm looking for. Kitchen is nice and big, lots of room, open layout, no work really needs to be done to it.

Big decision time folks, big decision (okay, really the only decision is what to offer....)

I'm getting everything in order and am calling the mortgage people tomorrow to double check on the figures (I believe everyone just raised their rates).

I'll keep you posted...

Two houses, one maybe

2007-06-13T19:33:00.000-04:00

Well, I just got back from seeing two more houses.

The first one I say (the one I posted the picture on) was "eh". You walked into a sitting room/dining room. Then came the kitchen. It was on the small side, not much counter space. There was something akin to a breakfast bar that you could sit at in the living room. The problem with the living room was that there was a big fireplace taking up almost the entire wall, making that room very hard to use with a TV larger than 13". Upstairs was two bedrooms/1 bath. Downstairs had another family room, though there was a dehumidifier running which is a little worrying. The one nice thing about the place was the screened-in porch off the living room. I just didn't see it though.

The second place looks like this:It very large and open inside. The first thing that pissed me off though was the carpeting. It looked like a freakin afghan or quilt on the floor. (I believe you would call it berber). You walk into a sitting/greating area
It then turns into the dining room overlooking the living room.

The kitchen is nice and big, plenty of room for expansion.

The living room is big, though has a fireplace in the outer corner. Sliders open to allow access to a full width deck, though not very deep and of need of a re-coating.

Downstairs is a family type room with another set of sliders going out to a small back yard. Upstairs is first a small loft type area perfect for an office-type setup. Finally there are two bedrooms and a full bath.

Other than the carpeting, I like the place. Unfortunately, the people are asking a ridiculous amount for it. We shall see....

Back to the drawing board

2007-06-11T14:33:00.000-04:00

Well, after thinking and contemplating all weekend, I have reached a decision (ta da). My decision is since I can't reach a decision (does your head hurt yet?) that this place isn't for me. I just could never say YES! with enough enthusiasm that warranted spending some 215k dollars.

So, as this post was entitled, its back to the drawing board. I am seeing two more places Wednesday night, both in the Pike Creek area.

Although I don't have a concrete idea of why I chose not to buy this place, here are a few minor (albeit stupid) issues:
- The kitchen was on the small side (although I loved the appliances)
- The one bathroom and having it upstairs.
- The traditional layout of the place.
-The fact that it was a twin (ie: duplex) not an actual townhouse (told you they were stupid).

Hopefully I will find a place....

By the way, here is a picture of one of the places I'm seeing Wednesday night:

Uncommital

2007-06-10T20:40:00.000-04:00

That needs to be the theme of my life.

My Indecision

2007-06-08T18:55:00.000-04:00

So, I saw a house (well actually four of them) on Wednesday night. All four were the same layout, just different levels of upkeep, remodeling and yardage. They were in Lancaster Village (@ Rts 34 & 100, outside Wilmington near Rt 141). The one I liked the most I'm interested in. But, interested enough? Or am I trying to talk myself out of it for some reason? I hate making decisions (hence the 'where do you want to go to dinner/hang out' question I always pose at least 8 times a day).

So, a little bit about the place.

-It was built in the 40's (therefore 60 some years old for those of you lacking in math skills).
-It was hard wood floors throughout (though the bedrooms currently have carpets on them).
-It is a twin with two stories, 3 bedrooms and only 1 full bath.
-It has a basement, which can only be used for storage.
-The first floor has a living room, dining room and the kitchen.
-There is a one car garage in the back, but it may be tricky getting my car in there due to how the neighbor parks.
-It has gas (hot air) heating and central air.
-The kitchen was remodeled in '06 and has really nice GE appliance (though they are taking the fridge).
-The yard isn't all that big, but big enough for me (hell a 1' x 1' area is too big for me!)
-The living room isn't huge, probably a bit bigger than the living room 'area' I have right now (couch/recliner/tv area, excluding where I have my computers).
-The taxes are low (< 1k)
-The price is within my budget (though still ridiculously high for what you are getting, but thats everywhere).
-Its very convenient to DuPont (Chestnut run I could walk to, the Experimental Station is less than 10 minutes away with traffic).
-The commute to the office would be the same distance as I have now, and I would be going the opposite of the traffic during the commute down 52.
-Not sure of the closet grocery, probably wouldn't shop at the Pathmark on 48, seems really shady to me. I believe there is an Acme at 100 and 2 (maybe?, if not, not too far away).
-Casapulla's is right down 100 (great subs incase you haven't had them)
-Zach and Erin would only be 10 minutes away. As would Trolley Sq.
-My commute to Newark/Glasgow area would increase and force me to use 95 (which they just started a 2 year construction project on, have fun everyone).
-The kitchen is twice the size I have now, so its not huge in any imagination, but more than I got now.
-The neighborhood seems nice, all the lawns and houses are well maintained. No pos vehicles littering the street. But the bad neighborhoods aren't that far away, but that is how all of wilmington is.
-My future BIG tv would definitely fit in the living room.
-Two of the bedrooms have small closets, the third as a bigger closets with sliding doors.
-Will need to add a deck or patio-type thing in the back yard to (1) have a place for the grill and table/chairs and (2) to get rid of some of the grass.
-The current owners are eager to sell it, so getting the place shouldn't be a problem.
-The HVAC system is about 10 years old, so it should last another 5 (well, the condensing unit should).
-The roof seemed to be in good shape (the roof you can see that is). There is a flat roof over the back, so who knows what that looks like.
-I believe its a bit over 1300 sq ft.
-It is not in Wilmington proper, so no Wilmington city tax.
-It seems a bit 'dark' inside, but most of the paint is darker shades then the white I'm use too. The living room is a dark red, the kitchen is a bright dark green (does that even make sense). I forget what the dining room was colored.

I just don't know!!!!!!

Well, if I don't take this, then I have to wait for a place to go up for sale in Fairway Falls, which all seem to be at the maximum of what I can afford. Who knows how long that will be, I'm already extending my lease till 31 August and I really don't want to continue doing that. Do I really want to continue living out here? Yeah, the commute to the office will be the same at each location, but what about everything else? And why are townhouse SOOO freakin expensive? This place was bough in '04 for 145k!!!! The guys going to make over 70k on this in 4 years, thats asinine! Somehow me thinks that won't repeat in another 4 years. That would make the place like 280k, which it just can't happen. Noone will be able to afford anything then, because you know the salaries won't go up that much. Can you imagine if your salary went up 48% in 4 years like this house did? That would be sweet.

And the Phillies are losing to the Royals, great.

And why am I thinking that this place is small? Its almost twice the size I have right now. Well, twice of nothing is still nothing I suppose. Well in reality, I'm gaining one extra room, a basement storage area, and the kitchen is twice the size.

It all goes back to the fact that my dream place is so far out of my reach I feel like I'm settling with crap.

Argh.

Oh well

2007-06-08T18:52:00.000-04:00

(Pretend I wrote this in May)

Well, forget that place. Ain't happening. Let's move on...

Still Waiting...

2007-05-18T17:32:00.000-04:00

Yeah, still waiting to here back from them. This is getting ridiculous.

This isn't looking good folks....

Well, I might have done it

2007-05-17T17:52:00.000-04:00

Negotiating, day two.

Last night, the seller counter-offered. But didn't budge much. So, this morning I re-counter-offered. And haven't heard since. Grrrr.

This isn't looking good people. Guess I should probably start looking again.

Oh well...

I did it

2007-05-15T23:25:00.000-04:00

Well, I did it. Put a bid in today for the house. I'll find out tomorrow (hopefully) their response. I'll keep you updated.

On a side note, XM big whigs SUCK ASS! I can't believe they suspended Opie and Anthony. Angry...

Maybe, really maybe???

2007-05-14T21:03:00.000-04:00

I'd check back tomorrow if I were you, me thinks I might have good news!

Went back and saw the place. And I REALLY Like it. Even past the parent test.

Decision, decisions....

So, lets make a list:

Pros:
-Lots of space
-Awesome layout
-Big-ass deck
-Room to work in the kitchen
-Newer appliances (other than the stove)
-Carpets are in decent shape (just need to be cleaned)
-No outrageous walls that have to be repainted
-The house has a foreclosure against it! (and its empty -- quick settlement?)

Cons:
-There is a yard with grass
-No garage
-Roof will have to be replaced soonish (5-7 years maybe?)
-Windows could be replaced
-Kitchen could be larger

Um...thats about it.....not a long cons list....ummmmmmmmm

No luck again...

2007-05-10T22:17:00.000-04:00

Two places seen, two places off the list....nuff said

Really thinking I need a garage.....now if only a place existed in my price range....

Maybe...

2007-05-09T20:06:00.000-04:00

So, haven't seen anything since my last post until tonight (so I'm caught up!)

Tonight, I went to another townhouse in Fairway Falls.

On the outside, its eh, and looks small. No (frown) garage. And a little bit of grass (about 8 mins worth of).

Inside however, is HUGE. You walk into a sitting/dining room. To the left is the kitchen. Its a bit on the small size (about twice the size of my current kitchen, which to most people would be a pantry). The stove needs to be replaced, and eventually the cabinets, but there is pergo floors and overall not bad (newer fridge and dishwasher).

The master bed is to the right when you walk in (a little werid, but eh). The bathroom for it is a bit wierd though, the sinks are open to the bedroom (think hotel) with a walk-in closet to teh left and the toilet/shower to the right.

Go down half a flight of steps and you are in a big living room with a fire place and sliding doors to an enormous deck. Also on the floor is a full bath and the second bedroom.

Another half flight and there is a basement type area w/ the washer & dryer. That area can even be finished into another room.

Last half flight leads to a family room w/ sliders to the patio and back yard.

The place has newer carpet throughout and neutral walls. The did have some issue in the bottom family room that they ripped the carpet up, so the realestate agent is going to look into that.

Oh, and there is a foreclosure against the place, meaning quick turn around (so she says).

I like it, just wish it had a garage.....decisions, decisions.....

Still a week behind...

2007-05-02T22:48:00.000-04:00

Yeah, one of these days I'll get caught up....

So Last week I saw two more townhouses. Both were in the same development, off of Kirkwood Highway - just south of Rt 7. Not so crazy about the location - Kirkwood Hwy would get old quickly I think.

Well, one was a dump. Pretty much ruled it out as soon as I set foot in it.

The other was nice. It had a larger yard (about .2 Acres) that would have to be mowed. One car garage and a basement type area (w/ the laundry). The second floor had a nice big living room, with a dining room area and a big eat-in kitchen. Plus a half-bath. Upstairs was three bedrooms and 2 full baths. The two (no master) bedrooms were small (but who cares). Out back as a screened in porch and an open deck. All-in-all a nice place, but still not sure about the location.

On Thursday, I went back to the townhouse I liked the best in Fairway falls w/ my parents. I thought it was alot nicer than it actually was. Every wall, ceiling and trim piece needs paint. All the carpeting has to be replaced. The main eave beams (of the roof) need to be wrapped. All the windows would need to be either re-flashed or replaced. Plus it was not clean at all! You think that if your selling your place, you would at least dust!

So, even though I like the layout (and the garage and no yard), I'm gonna hold off on this one since they are asking way to much for how much work will have to be done.

Since then, nothing else has come up in any searches. So, gonna keep looking. I've signed on for an extra month in the apartment, so I'm here till 31 July at least. Guess I need to figure out if I really wouldn't mind living on Kirkwood Highway (or Wilmington, or Newark).....

We'll see....

Last Week...

2007-04-27T16:21:00.000-04:00

So, I'm already behind the eight ball.

This story actually starts a week ago, so I have some catching up to do.

Since everyone around me is growing up, I decided I need to do the same. It also helps I'm sick of my 1 bedroom apartment, where it rains inside and can't use my balcony (the landlord says they are refinishing them, but its been like 5 months since that notice).

So, I'm going to buy a place! I've got the money saved for the down payment and I can afford the mortgage every month.

If there was a personnel page for houses, mine would read something like:

Me : SWM, 25, likes being alone (except weekends)
and avid Phillies fan
Looking For: Townhouse in Pikecreek area in good shape.
Garage would be nice but not a deal breaker.
Should have 2 or more bedrooms. Nice kitchen is a must.

Well, unfortunately there isn't one out there. Instead, you get a Realtor. And you only get what on the market, which probably won't be your dream home.

So, back to the story. Last week I saw four townhouses with Deb (yeah, I'm borrowing her from Zach and Erin cause I'm lazy and didn't want to find my own Realtor). [Side note, realtor isn't in the firefox/blogger dictionary, but Realtor is...what the hell?]. All four were near the Three Little Baker's golf course.

Place #1:

A Tutor style townhouse w/ no garage (-1). Conventional layout (living room, powder room, eat-in kitchen (+1) on the first floor; three bedrooms, 1 full bath (-1/2) upstairs). It has pinkish carpet through-out (-1) and some ugly walls (-1/2) that will need to be re-painted. Asking way to much for the place. Plus it has a small patch of grass (-10).

Place #2:

Kinda ugly outside, but forgivable. 1 car garage (+3). Big rooms, 2 master bedrooms, each with a full bath (+1). Will need all new carpet (-3) and all fresh paint (-2). No grass (+2) and nice patio. Decent price, but still asking more than its worth.

Place #3:

Awful, awful, awful. Horrible layout, dirty, bad. Not worth anymore of my time.

Place #4:

Strange odor when entered (-3). Nice kitchen w/ new cabinets (+3) [however, the kitchen was lime green (-1.5)]. Nice pergo floors. Living room was odd shape (Wide but narrow; unusable). Ditto for basement family room. Corner of every window was soft - water damage. Had a dehumidfier running.

So, Places 3 and 4 were out. Kinda ruled #1 out based on price. Ended night feeling hopeful about place #2.

I'll post this week's happenings later.

My new Home...

2007-04-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

So, I thought I would start a blog about my search for new digs. I'll try and update with the latest going ons on the homefront as they happen. Give me some time, and I'll get a post or two up. (Hopefully I won't be lazy like I have been lately)