After seven months, three real estate agents and six failed deals we are now the proud new owners of this 95 year old colonial featuring a rocking chair front porch, three bedrooms, one and half baths and a fenced in yard.
If you had asked me seven months ago what we were looking for in our first house it would have sounded like the typical "Property Virgin" check list. A spacious, newer house that's move in ready with a grand master suite, granite countertops, stainless steal appliances, amazing yard, finished basement, located in a great neighborhood and a decent commute to work all for $350,000.
So, how did we end up with a smaller older house in need of some cosmetic updates? Compromise! After seeing the less than desirable options that were available in our price range, we had to refine our list of must-haves. We agreed that as long as the house was structurally sound, located in a great neighborhood with a backyard big enough for entertaining we were willing to sacrifice some square footage, the master suite and the finished basement. And, if we stayed in the lower end of our price range, we were willing to do so some renovating and updating. And that's exactly what we got!
This 1300 square foot house is located downtown and is just blocks from shops, restaurants and the marina. Minutes from the beach and an easy commute to work with just a ten minute walk to the train station. It has a nice sized backyard with a freshly painted deck that will be perfect for BBQ parties! The previous owners did some sporadic updates but, the powder room needs a major update, the hardwood floors need to be refinished or replaced and there are some cosmetic changes we want to make to the kitchen. But, all in all we are very happy with our purchase and can't wait to start turning this old house into our new home!
To follow our renovating and design progress, visit my new blog Stephanie @ Home
http://stephanieathome.blogspot.com/
If you had asked me seven months ago what we were looking for in our first house it would have sounded like the typical "Property Virgin" check list. A spacious, newer house that's move in ready with a grand master suite, granite countertops, stainless steal appliances, amazing yard, finished basement, located in a great neighborhood and a decent commute to work all for $350,000.
So, how did we end up with a smaller older house in need of some cosmetic updates? Compromise! After seeing the less than desirable options that were available in our price range, we had to refine our list of must-haves. We agreed that as long as the house was structurally sound, located in a great neighborhood with a backyard big enough for entertaining we were willing to sacrifice some square footage, the master suite and the finished basement. And, if we stayed in the lower end of our price range, we were willing to do so some renovating and updating. And that's exactly what we got!
This 1300 square foot house is located downtown and is just blocks from shops, restaurants and the marina. Minutes from the beach and an easy commute to work with just a ten minute walk to the train station. It has a nice sized backyard with a freshly painted deck that will be perfect for BBQ parties! The previous owners did some sporadic updates but, the powder room needs a major update, the hardwood floors need to be refinished or replaced and there are some cosmetic changes we want to make to the kitchen. But, all in all we are very happy with our purchase and can't wait to start turning this old house into our new home!
To follow our renovating and design progress, visit my new blog Stephanie @ Home
http://stephanieathome.blogspot.com/