Devon & I are starting out on the long road of buying a home. Currently we have been preapproved for a mortgage and as of today, we just started working with a buyer’s broker, who Devon has worked with before, and who I already like. So this whole “buying a home” thing (which I always thought of as one of the most adult of actions) is something that we’re actually going to do. Scary.
When I talked to our broker today, he told me that D & I should make a list separately of things that we need and want in a house. In all reality, all we really need is 4 walls & a roof that enclose a space big enough for me, Devon & Fifi to sleep in, but we’re decided to sell out and become a little bit less punk rock. So I made my list.
Must Haves:
Single family home. 1 bedroom & 1 office. 2 full baths (or room to add a 2nd full bath). 2 car garage (or enough land to build one). A yard big enough for having a dog (although we don’t have one yet) and planting a little garden. Laundry area is not in kitchen. Gas stove hookups. 1400 sq ft +. A wall in a living room or family room that’s big enough for a 13 ft retractable projector screen.
Would really love:
A guest room. Lots of light. Exposed wood ceilings. A house w/ some personality/character/unique-ness. Nearish public transit: Bus, Subway and/or Commuter rail. In the city of Boston. Preferably has a patio, or deck. Not in a development. A fireplace or woodstove. A front porch, an open one preferred. An open floor plan. A BIG kitchen. Big closets in master bedroom. A hallway or front entryway coat closet. High ceilings.
Also, it wouldn’t hurt if it looked like either of these:
So, what would your “needs & wants” list look like?
It would also be free!
Free would be nice.
I haven’t really thought too much about it…I’m not that picky. I still tend to lean to the 4 walls + roof = good. A yard and porch are definitely nice. More than one bedroom is good for guests and/or growth. My tastes are probably a little less modern-ish that the pictures you put up but I haven’t quite ironed that out yet. All those windows would probably freak me out though.
We’ll see what happens. B and I won’t be buying a house together until we are married…so we’re thinking/hoping that by Nov. 2010 we’ll be ready to not renew our lease.
So in 2 years, I’ll be asking for advice!!
Mum – Ooh! I totally forgot to add “free” to my list!
Kristin – I like lots of big windows for light. Light makes me happy. Devon on the other hand: his dream house is to renovate an old unused missile silo underground w/ no natural light what-so-ever.
Aww you guy’s totally have crazy plans going on already! How exciting!!! I call godmother!!! hehe. As for house hunting advice.. I already have some for you.. When buying a house, really try to not buy one form 3000+ miles away.
Fifi would totally love a missle silo:
http://www.silohome.com/!
Silo home – omg, that’s hysterical. But yet so practical
So…Kara is a lurker (like you on the Cape e-mail) and reads your blog and comments. You have no idea what drunken tirade my last comment on this post led to on Girlie Cape Weekend. Right Kara?
Hmm.. a drunken tirade during girlie cape weekend?!? I’m shocked! hehe. actually not really… I’m curious what the tirade was about though…….
Haha. Apparently, by stating that Bill and I may be ready for a house in Nov. 2010 and also stating that we wouldn’t buy a house before we were married created a big “if A = B, and B = C then A must = C situation.” (Yeah, math class!)
Kara pointed out the time line I inadvertently set for myself, with emphasis on how much notice she needs between my engagement and wedding, so she can be properly prepared. At least 12 months, fyi.
Which means my imaginary wedding would be happening around Fall 2010, so my imaginary engagement would have to occur no later than Fall 2009.
However, in her drunken state, time seemed to be speeding up for Kara and she was convinced that this all meant that I had to get engaged in the next 3 months for this to work out. And of course, she proceeded to tell a deck full of strangers that I was getting engaged in a few months…actually, I think she told them I was engaged.
Ann was quite perplexed to hear my “big news.” 
It was pretty amusing and in true Cape Weekend fashion. Wouldn’t you say Kara? (if you’re still lurking.)