My wife and I bought a house. We had been searching for some time. For those of you who are familiar with the SF bay area, you’ll understand me when I say this... it was a long and arduous journey.We had been searching since 2004 so we have looked at easily more than100 homes. When we began looking at houses it was at the high water mark of the housing madness. When we finally managed to find our house the search ended at bottom of the housing bubble… or at least that is where we believe where we are.
Incidentally, it is misnomer to say that there is no one buying out there, because somebody IS in fact buying houses. Since the “Great Bank Meltdown of 2008” prices have gotten much more reasonable, so homes that were previously unattainable have become reasonable. In addition there is a lot open inventory out there, depending on where you looking to live and what you want to pay?
During our Saga, I remember being outbid at least 8 times and two of those occurrences where in between 2008 and now. During the worst of the bidding wars, my wife would submit offers to homes, sight-unseen, just to make sure that we could get our foot in the door with the sellers.
Even through all of this turbulence with financing and layoffs there were still five and six bids on houses. We had bid on a home and we where outbid (again) and we where just about to give up and but really liked the area. So we did one more half hearted search and my wife found something interesting.
About 6 months ago she found this little place. I am not expert on architectural styles and classifications but my wife calls it a cottage. It was built in 1929, it was about the size we where looking for, and needed some work. After getting the opportunity to visit the house we quickly became very enamored with the place and the best part…. It was CHEAP. As with all things that are cheap there are things there are caveats. Aside from the shady listing agent, funky bank rules, and escrow drama, we did get the house.
This house has been though a lot since 1929 and it really needs some love. We are going to put some time and love into this place and this is our story.
gratulations! it looks nice
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you! We still have a long way to go.
ReplyDeletecan't wait to read the rest of this! keep writing and posting stories!
ReplyDeletethanks for posting. i would really like to read more about that fantastic fence because i'm considering buying my first home here in new bedford, ma, and not sure about fencing at all. i love the idea of nothing being able to get over it, but still allowing for aeration and viewing...although the zoo concept may take a bit of getting used to.
ReplyDeletekeep posting!