$100,000 Garden

[sorce]

It's gonna have a crappy lil house on it.

But it will be MY Crappy lil house!

You all know I been getting kicked out...trying to find a place....
Almost went and rented.....
Glad that got effed!

I got approved for the "American Dream"!

Too frigging excited!

I don't know anything about the home buying process...

Any advice welcome!

Dirtbags and Squirrel Chasing!

Sorce

P.S. You are all welcome to visit my Garden when it's ready!

 

[f1pt4]

you only live once, but debt will drag you down. buy what you can afford and enjoy it.

home ownership can be very rewarding, but there's a ton of hidden costs associated with owning a home. it's not just the mortgage.

Congrats though. Spend the time doing research on where you want to buy! Think about the commute to wherever you work.

you also need a good enough yard for your exploits.

it's fun but it can be costly.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

If this becomes a thread about the home buying process... I'll move it to the Tea House.

That said...

(1) Get an inspection
(2) Talk to the neighbors BEFORE you buy
(3) Shop around for a mortgage
(4) Walk around the neighborhood / drive around it completely before you buy

 

[bonhe]

Hi Sorce,
I wish you luck my friend.!
Bonhe

 

[Stan Kengai]

If this becomes a thread about the home buying process... I'll move it to the Tea House.

That said...

(1) Get an inspection
(2) Talk to the neighbors BEFORE you buy
(3) Shop around for a mortgage
(4) Walk around the neighborhood / drive around it completely before you buy

1a) Check the house out on google earth, or similar, to make sure you're not moving in next to a sewer treatment plant, like one of my friends did.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Also not sure if your looking inside your children's school district or outside it. So that also needs factored in.

Home ownership can be rewarding...just be prepared. There is no calling a landlord. So having a bit kept back for emergency purposes is a must.

 

[whfarro]

Location, location, location.
Know your neighborhood.

 

[Paradox]

The above advice is good.
The only thing I would add is:

Avoid a variable rate mortgage. The Fed has been talking about raising interest rates. They havent done it yet but they will sooner or later.
Over the course of 30 years, you dont know what is going to happen. At least with fixed rate you know what your payment is regardless of what the interest rates do.

 

[Stickroot]

How much land?
Enough for green house?
Koi Pond?
A few PitBulls on 15' chains?
Playground?
30'x50' shop?
??????
I am excited!!!!

 

[Vin]

There are no rules that say you must buy what you're shown; you can go out a find what you like and then have the Realtor show it to you. Zillow.com is your friend.

 

[JoeR]

Not sure about there, but it's really shocking what <$100k will buy you here in NC.


Several acres with a brand new double wide; they make them much nicer than what comes to your mind when you hear trailor, like granite counters and things.

Or one in need of a little work on a golf course or something.


Excited for you!

 

[jriddell88]

This is what I'm talking about, frig trees falling off the window seal !!

 

[Gunstock]

I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left.

 

[watchndsky]

congrats man - but as mentioned above, dont forget the hidden costs (or be prepared to learn how to do the work yourself and save some $$)


as for what <100k will buy - it totally depends on where you are looking. you will find costs vary wildly depending on where you want to live.

 

[quietobserver]

"HOA"....3 little letters with big implications

 

[PiñonJ]

Google 'Tiny house' then find a nice lot to put it on. There are some really cool, compact affordable structures out there, some of which you can put together yourself. Some are on moveable frames. Good luck!

 

[Stickroot]

One thing on my mind is.... The well, if it has one, how old is the pump? Mine just went out. It lasted seven years at 300' and cost $2700 to have replaced.

HVAC is another point. How old?
How many ton compared to square footage?
Basement? How does it drain? Pump? Sump? If sump pump, how old?

City Sewer? Private septic?
If private, does it have leach field?
When was it pumped last?

 

[Wilson]

Happy hunting dude! try to enjoy the search, and keep the mind creative. Often there are places other people can't see the potential in. I always enjoyed the quote of "buy the cheapest house on the nicest street" do the reno and creative stuff yourself. A bad hood can ruin your new sanctuary!

 

[Stickroot]

The ROOF.
Has it been replaced?
Torn off or roofed over?
If roofed over, how many times?
And how long ago?
Is it three tab shingle or architectural?
Architectural shingles are WAAAY BETTER.

Siding... Wood, vinyl, metal?
If it's brick or stone take close look at how solid it is, cracks, loose mortar.

Room additions... If they have concrete footing.. Is it attached to the foundation of the house? If not the whole addition can settle and pull away over time.

If in the city limits, meet with city inspector, it may help you to see any concerning points about the property that may pass, but are future issues.

 

[PiñonJ]

Shop for mortgage rates. Sometimes a local bank can be the most competitive.