Because I just realized that I'm settling for less than what I deserve. Yep, you heard it. I have decided to look up some other homes that I can get either on contract or owner financing until we can pull our crapola credit scores up above 650. I just had no idea that THESE were options in my price range (remember, I'm at like 22% debt to income. I have room to play)
House 1:
(http://www.indy-housebuyers.com/websites/images_custom/property/LI_5622_74133.jpg)
House 2 (blocks from Morse Reservoir):
(http://www.indy-housebuyers.com/websites/images_custom/property/LI_5622_235187.jpg)
Plus there was one I looked at last night that ids a 4 BR English Tudor. Can't find it on the net, but its nice. All for a little more than what I'm already paying PLUS a large % of the monthly payment goes into Escrow. I got ripped on this deal I've been living with for 5 years, but I didn't know any better then. Blessings in disguise, I guess, that my credit still sux!
Oh yeah, here's a third one that I was checking out this morning. So far, this is my favorite, but the selling price vs. the tax assessed value seems to be a bit skewed...by about $45k
(http://www.rentalhouses.com/listings/IN/1/71891/Raleigh_front.jpg)
Hmm, then again, so does the Hamilton County tax assessor's information all together:
Assessed Value: Land 27800
Assessed Value: Improvements 85200
Total Assessed Value: 113000
Building 1, Card ID R01
Physical Characteristics
Story Height 1.0
Attic none
Basement none
Crawl none
Year Built 1989
Floor Construction
1.0 (first) Slab
Floor Finish
1.0 (first) Carpet, Carpet
Exterior Cover
1.0 (first) Wood siding
Interior Finish
1.0 (first) Drywall
Accomodations
Finished Rooms 7
Bedrooms 3
Heating and Air Conditioning
Primary Heat YES
Air Conditioning YES
Plumbing
Full Baths 2
Partial Baths 0
Fireplace
Fireplace Stacks NO
Basement Rec Room
Rec Room Type
Rec Room Square Footage 0
Area/Square Footage (based on exterior eave to eave area)
Building Level Base Area Approx. Finished Area
1.0 (first) 1502 1502
Garage
Garage Type Framed
Garage Square Footage 440
Does it look like wood siding to YOU GUYS??????????
Quote from: ~Daisy~ on November 30, 2006, 11:34:02 AM
Oh yeah, here's a third one that I was checking out this morning. So far, this is my favorite, but the selling price vs. the tax assessed value seems to be a bit skewed...by about $45k
(http://www.rentalhouses.com/listings/IN/1/71891/Raleigh_front.jpg)
Can't see it???????????
Oops...Oh well. Plan changed again. Now I don't know what we're doing. Wants to put off moving to Fishers for about 1 year, when my middle son starts school. Then its definite because the schools here are a lot better than Anderson schools.
Have you considered Pendleton, the houses are much better priced than fishers and the school system is pretty good....there are alot of houses for sale in the south madison area right now, and it is really a buyers market.
Daisy...is that assessed value for tax purposes? If so, in my experience they are always skewed by as much as 20 or 30 percent. My own house is that way...the real estate appraiser (which is in line with comparable houses in the area) was twenty percent higher than what the county assesses me at. (Lucky for me, I figure, cause I pay less in taxes)
For what its worth, I love the first one, judging by outside only. Looks very substantial and "homey"--kind of place kids like to "go home" to when theyre grown.
I like the first one, too...not sure what we're doing. Things seem to change daily.
Henry, yes we have greatly considered Pendleton. I think its a very likely thing for us. I would love an older home that is near the main drag. There are so many homes with such character around there.
We had taken a look at (window shopping for now) Hamilton county in preparation of our intended move next year. Since schools were not important we could look anywhere and everywhere. Hamilton county has pretty much priced it's self out of contention. Not interested in a subdivision or being in town drove the prices up. Madison and Hancock county look like far better choices to us. The area southwest of Anderson on through Pendleton and even clear to New Palestine has some nice homes for better prices.
If we didn't mind a subdivision and neighbors, there are quite a few in Pendleton that are really nice. Older homes as well as newer.
Of course that proposed new road has thrown a wrench into things somewhat, but those areas are still at the top of our list.
Eventually we want to settle in Hamilton County. We've decided on that, its just a matter of when it makes sense. Right now, its not a good option because in addition to higher house and tax payments, we'll be adding the childcare expense. My mom and dad watch my boys free of charge, for now.
So, are these out of the running, D? I really like the 3rd house...but, I see you have a new thread so a little confused. :confused:
Aw hell, I'm confused, too.
So what did Aaron say to me this morning?
"Maybe we should consider just having a house built."
:wall:
I said "Its up to YOU. I just want a place to live. Oh, and no crappy builders. Brick and basement. Both are musts."
Is this still the scoop? It's a new week, ya know....
Update, please. :smile:
I'm looking at builders as we speak...
With the recent shut down of Guide in Anderson I am scared to death of the housing market in Anderson and not sure I want to commit myself to such an investment there.
Hamilton or Hancock county is where we're considering...
Get your butt over here!!! :biggrin:
I just looked at a couple of models. I decided I like Centex builders, because the homes look nice and look like they'll hold up and not look crappy in 3 years. I have fallen in love with one...It's salty but we could afford it. My mom would probably never speak to me again, but...
It's salty? What, pray tell, does that mean? And why would your mom not like that choice? :confused:
Expensive. The payments wouldn't be bad, IF we could get the interest rate she was using to calculate. But I doubt that...Anyway, even if I have to take one step down, price-wise, I'd still be happy.
My mom would be upset because she's always upset when I get something newer and nicer than hers, which isn't hard to do. She got mad when we bought our car brand new in '03 and actually yelled at me "Do you ALWAYS have to have everything brand new?"
Got it now. Thanks.
How sad...what's wrong with some of our parents? Sheesh...
I hear the same thing from my Mom, but she always uses the phrase "We didn't have all that new fangled (is that even a word??) stuff when I was your age! Why do you think you need it?" ;D
My mom says "fangled" too. Its usually used as an extension to an adverb. "Newly-fangled" sounds very familiar. What IS that?
Here are some of those in the running:
Aaron's pick, adding a 600 sf unfinished basement:
The Oakmont
(http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings_45225/Oakmont_333120/Oakmont_el_sm_0.jpg)
(http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings_45225/Oakmont_333120/oakmont_fp_sm.gif)
My pick, basically because of the location of the master bath, and all the room:
The Wellington
(http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings_45225/Wellington_333124/wellington_el_b.jpg)
(http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings_45225/Wellington_333124/wellington_fp_1.gif) (http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings_45225/Wellington_333124/wellington_fp_2.gif) (http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings_45225/Wellington_333124/wellington_fp_3.gif)
keep in mind I will insist on the upgrades such as garden tub, window over the garden tub, bay window in the breakfast nook, fireplace in the corner, cutting down the game room and putting in the optional 4th bedroom...I looked at that exact set up and loved it.
Just got some info...Aaron's credit score has gone up considerably over the past 45 days (over 50 points). All of our hard work is finally paying off--all at once. We now qualify for 100% financing on our current home...BUT we aren't going to buy it. We are building. Just waiting now to find out what we are doing about getting approved with his one year of 1099 taxes...or maybe my accountant can help me change it to a W2. I don't know. Either way, if not, just have to find a lender who'll accept his one year of 1099. We qualify on every other aspect now. I'm pumped.
Sweet! Build one of those houses, or something completely different?
The top one, Oakmont. Add bay window in the nook, an unfinished basement, garden tub and seperate shower in the master bath...
Nice! Ever built a house before?
Nope. Always figured if we did, my husband's architect friend would design it. That's the next step.
Just got a call...the gal we are dealing with at Centex called and said that she had another broker look at our file. Turns out there is a bank that will do a 100% loan even with Aaron being 1099'ed for the past year, but less than 2 years. She said they want Aaron to set it up with our accountant to be W2'ed from now until we close (when the home is built, about 5 months) and we're good to go! That's no problem...we were meeting with our accountant this week anyway!
So, Aaron's looking at their website the other night, right? He looks at me and says "You know, if we're going to do this, why not buy the Designer Series instead?" The designer series is the step-up homes, with larger lots and more features and more expensive. We got to comparing and I think we're going with this:
(http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings-Designer_45224/Forrester_333085/Forrester_el_sm_0.jpg)
Forrester
2,107 Sq.Ft.
4 Bedrooms
2 Full /1 Half Bath
2 Living Areas
2 Dining Areas
2 Car Garage
2 Story
Master Bedroom Upstairs
(http://www.centexhomes.com/builderimages/UnitedStates_193/Indiana_27/Indianapolis_21530/EmeraldSprings-Designer_45224/Forrester_333085/forrester_fp_sm.gif)
Could this be the one? (http://www.centexhomes.com/Indianapolis/333085_Plan.html)
Furthermore...picture the garage facing sideways, so that your driveway is right in front of the house. That's how they are all done over there, and it looks really good.
(http://images.newhomesource.com/images/homes/CentexHomesIndianapolis/3186021.jpg)
I like that one...very nice.. ;) :)
I do too, but it kind of scares me. Its nice...it's also $164k before any "upgrades," and I'm sure that anything worth having in the home is considered an "upgrade." I want the garden tub and Aaron wants in-can lighting. We want a fireplace and island in the kitchen. Those are the obvious upgrades. We're doing skylights in our bedroom, no matter what house we get, but I think it'd be wise to add them later, so not to finance them in the mortgage...? Who knows.
We chose the Oakmont (See drawings above). Signed the purchase agreement today...picked out some extras (Structure extras--got a screened in porch and my garden tub!!!) since the promo was if you spent at least $10k in upgrades, they would credit the purchase price of the home by $10k. We spent $10,600 in upgrades. Next we do the fun stuff--colors, carpets, hardwoods, fixtures, etc. We picked out gray siding and a black/gray brick. Hardwood downstairs, a brown and white berber upstairs. Brushed nickel faucet fixtures....that was just based on our walkthru though...we'll see more and I'll update you more next week on this part.
Picked our lot and have the address. I get to put the SOLD sign in the yard tomorrow. YAY!
I'm so unsure of my emotions right now. I'm excited and I'm sad. Is this normal?
It's called "buyer's remorse." Fairly common. Happened to me when I bought my first house and wondered if I'd bitten off more than I could chew.
Found out that lots of people had experienced it, but they never told anybody. :smile:
Yeah, its a little bit of that, but I'm also sad because I hate to leave the house we're in, septic drama and all. I get emotionally attached to the places I live, and I guess the reality that we aren't going to live happily ever after here has kind of made me sad.
Very nice, Daisy. How exciting! And you'll get to pick EVERYTHING out, huh?
yes. nervewracking and good at the same time
Totally off-topic, but I like your new avatar. You look so young and pretty in it.
;D thank you!
Today was a big day. Scary. Big. Expensive.
I added hardwood flooring and upgraded carpeting...skylights in the master bedroom. Surround sound pre-wiring. Brand new appliances in black. Our counter tops are black, white, and gray speckled. Cabinets are maple, bare wood. Maple flooring in the kitchen, breakfast nook, downstairs bath, entry, pantry, and laundry room. "Herbal Tea" berber carpeting in the Living Room, Family room, and entire upstairs, minus the 2 bathrooms up there, which are a light colored ceramic tile. Hell, I can't even remember what all we did upgrades on, but I spent an additional $30,000 today. Freaked me out.
:eek:
BUT...see the Random Comments thread.
Obviously I'm going to have to bump up my income a bit so that Aaron is not the only one with a paycheck. My days of coasting casually to the bank are ending. I'm going to be a student again, this fall.
Quote from: ~Daisy~ on February 19, 2007, 11:02:10 PM
BUT...see the Random Comments thread.
Obviously I'm going to have to bump up my income a bit so that Aaron is not the only one with a paycheck. My days of coasting casually to the bank are ending. I'm going to be a student again, this fall.
you go girl.....that is awesome!!..... :clap:
you been watchin Oprah?
No, but should I be? :)
I'm excited and scared, all at the same time. I keep wondering when I'm going to wake up and this was all a bizarre dream.
Just stopped by to say Hello.
HI!
Congrats on all counts, Daisy! :smile:
Your house sounds like it's going to be mahvelous!
If you need any pointers re: the schooling thing, give me a holler...I *may* be able to help!
I don't really know where to begin to look into going back to school. Nursing or like someone else suggested ultra sound tech. I'd love either.
Now...how to go to school AND work, preferrably in a hospital... not sure. Overwhelming I think. It's all overwhelming. And my parents don't get why I'm moody and hate being constantly interrogated about stupid things.
Write it all down and systematically address each challenge. For some reason, on paper it's not as daunting..or it works that way for me.
You've been talking to Aaron, haven't you?
Weird...I was just talking to an "ultrasound tech" that was just finishing up her program...says she loves it. You know, Daisy, not that anyone wants to incur massive student loan debt -- but, if you go to school full-time, you'd be eligible for financial aid and maybe it wouldn't be necessary to work as much...*shrug*
Would I qualify for assistance? How do I find out? I know I had a Pell Grant once, but I was a single mom then.
Congrats to you and Aaron on building your new home!!! :clap:
btw...I'm moving to Kokomo soon in a 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath 'house' - soon to be a HOME! :smile: I'm anxiuos to put my flavor in it. :yes:
I hear ya! Kokomo!?! We have to get together before you go! I'm going to McCordsville. 4 br, 2 1/2 bath, also!
Quote from: ~Daisy~ on February 27, 2007, 11:37:30 AM
Would I qualify for assistance? How do I find out? I know I had a Pell Grant once, but I was a single mom then.
You should...now is the time to apply -- shouldnt' hurt:
FAFSA (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
If nothing else, you can take out student loans to cover tuition, books, & various living expenses...
Get divorced and apply as a single mother. j/k
Funny you say that....I had joked to Aaron about doing just that. He thought I was kidding...:)
Signed some papers today for the mortgage....Yay...I think the housepayment jumped about $100. Another $100...Oh well..
Ground breaking is supposed to commence on April 16th...maybe sooner, since permits have been coming back in 6 weeks, not 4, so keep your fingers crossed. An April 1st breaking of ground means a July 1st close date!
Quote from: Sunny on February 24, 2007, 10:18:30 PM
Weird...I was just talking to an "ultrasound tech" that was just finishing up her program...says she loves it. You know, Daisy, not that anyone wants to incur massive student loan debt -- but, if you go to school full-time, you'd be eligible for financial aid and maybe it wouldn't be necessary to work as much...*shrug*
If you talk to her again, can you find out from her more about the program? How long is it, should I try to get back into Indiana University or are there schools designed for this career that cuts out the fat of other courses (though I have completed all my undergrad general studies courses except all sciences)...any advice, that kind of thing...Googling for schools that offer this degree aren't proving too successful.
Sure thing, Daisy!!! :yes:
:)
Looks like I missed the FAFSA by a few days...I was waiting on the green light before I applied. I'll probably pay for classes out of my pocket the first semester. Who knows...
Oh...I guess I didn't realize there was a deadline?
Now that I think of it, when I attended Penn State, they required that the FASFA was submitted by March 15th for the following academic year. However, it all depends on the school/program! Looks like you should have up to July 2nd?
Here are the official deadlines according to the FASFA site:
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm#federal_aid
Ohh cool! Thanks!
Aaron is helping me look for grants today, too...Found a couple, but I find myself asking, Why couldnt I be Jewish? Why couldn't my parents have been in the military? Why can't Aaron's uncle be my dad (minus the relation ramifications...) because he has a lot of things that he's belonged to that would get me grants, if I were his daughter. LOL
Permits came back today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats, Daisy!
As a small voice of experience, let me suggest finding a private home inspector to do some inspections on your behalf. They can call out far more things then the local building inspector can (they are pretty much constrained to the code, where PHI's can call-out about anything). You may have to pay a few hundred out of your pocket, but they can certainly help prevent issues down the line. I would especially consider one for rough-framing/plumbing/etc and and closer to finish. I think it is money well-spent, and it let's the builder know you are watching closely.
I hadn't thought to do that. I assumed because they were a member of BAGI that I'd be okay. Hmm, I will look into that!
Those large home builders change subs like you change underwear. It is prudent to have someone who is looking out for Your interests and not just Theirs.
very true. very true.
Update please! :smile: How's it going?
Yes, how is this going Daisy?
(My wife and I are also building now).
Concrete went in late last week. YAY!!
our walls are up!! I have the blue paper stuff on it, and the tar paper is on the roof. I'm soo excited!
Holy progress!!! Sounds like they're cruising right along...we send "great weather vibes" your way indefinitely! :yes:
:biggrin:
Drywall going up this week. The electricity and plumbing is being finished today, the sound system to be installed tomorrow, and I meet with the construction manager Friday to be sure everything is where we want it. :biggrin:
Excellent Daisy! I went by the Centrex subdivision last week; sure is a congested area that is full of construction! :eek: (Even the roads!). Nice homes though.
They broke ground today on ours. . .
I shall live vicariously through the both of you...in the money pit. :o ;) ;D
Very happy for you both! :yes:
Ahh you went by Emerald Springs? I just take the construction as promise for lots of new developments and exciting stuff. They're widening the bridge over the part of Geist that is near us, so I hope some really cool businesses go in there. I'm hoping for some good restaurants with a vegetarian menu!
Quote from: ~Daisy~ on May 17, 2007, 11:17:25 AM
Ahh you went by Emerald Springs? I just take the construction as promise for lots of new developments and exciting stuff. They're widening the bridge over the part of Geist that is near us, so I hope some really cool businesses go in there. I'm hoping for some good restaurants with a vegetarian menu!
Yup. (Emerald Springs) :smile:
:)
Cool, so now you'll know where I live!
Quote from: ~Daisy~ on May 17, 2007, 11:19:45 AM
:)
Cool, so now you'll know where I live!
:yes: :sneaky:
Hahaha. I should make you do a check up on the house for me LOL
:biggrin:
That's a new gig for me; building inspector! :rolleyes:
Hahaha you know you love it,.
:yes: :biggrin: :yes:
I'm so excited!
I know you are. . . We are too. I cna't wait till yours get done. I'm gonna do a drive by! :wink: :biggrin:
Maybe me and Ms PH can stop by for a tour sometime??? :smile:
We'll be jonesing by then for sure! :biggrin:
Sure! Its pretty much open right now all the time but the drywall should be going up Monday/Tuesday-ish. I used to walkthru the neighbor's house, before it was done, because it was the same as ours, structurally. They close next Friday, so I can't do that much more.
Once the drywall is up ours will be closed to everyone but the workers. . . :icon_evil: (After our drywall walk through that is. . .)
We may have to just have a look-see sometime at yours. . . :smile:
That'd be cool :) I'll PM you the address/lot number.
8) Sounds great!
:) I sent you a PM with the info on it.
Photos!
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n251/lindiana612/Linda550.jpg)
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n251/lindiana612/Linda569.jpg)
As you're losing a part of yourself (literally), you're gaining a whole new life.
What an exciting chapter in your book, Daisy!!!
The house (and you) both look amazing...how quickly it's progressing. :smitten:
:D
And according to the website, the plumbing and electric is all done. That means Monday they WILL start drywall. YAY!
:headbang:
Drywall is up. We went through it the other day...I see where my tv, my internet, my surround sound, my appliances all are going. Its so cool. I have picked out where the bed will go, based on my leaning back as if to lie down and walking around looking for the best angle to look out the skylights. The neighborhood pool is open, and we met some new neighbors down there the other night. This is going to be a very different, good, summer.
Congratulations on the new place Daisy. I'm very happy for you. :yes:
Thanks!
Any idea on when you're going to move in?
I believe the closing date is July 16th. That is supposed to be confirmed with me sometime in the next week or so, so that I can make sure Aaron is home and not on the west coast or something!
Excellent! I hope it all works out.
There is nothing like a new home the fresh outlook on life that it brings.
Thanks for the update, Daisy! Very exciting indeed. :yes:
Quote from: Locutus on May 31, 2007, 12:50:13 AM
Excellent! I hope it all works out.
Yeah no kidding. History proves that he tends to get screwed on the most important times to be home...
Update:
Kitchen cabinets and counters are all in!! Wood trim is mostly done. Bedroom doors are in. The bathroom sinks and counters are in, too! I love the way it looks. I couldn't remember exactly, but I'm happy with the outcome!
Do you have any idea as to when you'll be moving in?
We close on July 20th, so about five minutes after we sign. LOL
That's excellent Daisy. I hope you enjoy it! :yes:
You've waited a long time for this.
I'm sooooo looking forward to it
I'll bet you are! :biggrin:
When Aaron gets back in town (he has my camera) I will take some pictures and post the updates.
Excellent. I'll look forward to seeing them.
Its neat to see all the choices we made coming together.
My kitchen was basically something I was just having to envision. I mean, I had the little sample things, but they are tiny and you can't really picturer what its going to look like. Turns out, the wood floor and the wood cabinets are the same color (YAY!) with the granite countertop, and it looks great.
I couldn't remember what tile we chose for the bathroom and laundry room floors. I saw it tonight; I like it!
I love to cook, so the kitchen is very important to me. I'm glad that yours is turning out the way you want.
Same here! I love cooking.
I just don't care for cooking in this small apartment kitchen. There's no where to chop!
Space is important. I love to chop, cook, grill. The only thing I really don't like to do is bake pastries, cakes, pies, and the like.
Forgot to take the camera yesterday when we went down to see it but ...
THE BRICK IS ON!!
The brick is called "Campfire," a red/black/white speckly "old" brick style. The siding is the darker gray, kind of like the background in here...against the brick, the siding looks blue-ish, and its very pretty. Our door and shutters are dark gray. I love my house. Love it love it love it.
Congrats Daisy! Won't be long now until you guys are in the new nest! I am SO jealous! :smile:
I'm excited but will be sad when its over.
The cool part is, my excitement is kind of prolonged because I'll get to read your journeys with new house building, just as Id be sad mine are over.
They poured our slab and the wood is delivered! :chacha: :chacha: :chacha:
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yes:
From our centex homes personal page:
(http://www.centexhomes.com/MNH_Main.asp?uid=189748)
Wish it's hurry up....
:confused: I can't see anything?
crap...
well its an online checklist they mark off as each thing is done
Last they marked off was drywall complete, on June 8. The next one is trim and woodwork. It looked pretty much done on Sunday, I'm sure its done by now!
Very, very, nice. Don't forget to take the camera next time. :razz: :biggrin:
Wow...gotta love today's technology!!! I've never heard of a virtual checklist! :biggrin:
I know...they're on my cell, but I can't upload from mine, only Aarons...