House Hunt: Stop #1

Our first stop yesterday was at a super cute three-bedroom, two-bath house in a great area of Decatur (read walkable to shops and restaurants and lots of awesome stuff).

The house is at the top of our price range, but especially since it was vacant, we wanted to check it out. This place had an immaculate red brick exterior with a nice screened-in porch. Other noteworthy info about this house: It has been on the market since July, had a price reduction and immediate "under contract" status in October but is now back on the market at its original price.

Our first impression inside was a good one. The house featured high ceilings, brick fireplaces, gorgeous hardwood floors and other 1920's/1930's period details. The layout was inviting and the rooms all good sized.

Wait for it... wait for it...

Oooh. The kitchen and bathrooms need major updating. Booo! The kitchen cabinets haven't been updated in 30-plus years and the floor is a bad linoleum. The bathrooms wouldn't be as major to update, but the cruddy broken tiles and dated tubs have to go.

PROS:

• High pitch in attic could mean a more affordable addition/expansion later
• Decent-sized master suite with need office nook and relatively spacious master bath
• Storage in an unfinished basement/crawlspace
• Gorgeous hardwoods
• Great curb appeal
• Stunning period details (love me some old house!)
• Spacious deck in backyard (plus a private deck on the master suite)

CONS:

• No covered parking (typical for this area)
• Carpet in some areas of the house
• Top of our price range
• Older home may equal more upkeep
• If the price were lower, we may be convinced otherwise... but we were really would prefer a 3/2 to have a second living area or basement

Verdict: it's really a shame this house is at the top of our price range. If it were $30k under our top, we'd consider making it a project.

Will post the other three this week...

Mom and Tripp, thanks for coming along to see a few of the houses. That was fun!