RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (Full Version)

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cjenny -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/8/2007 6:08:09 PM)

I love this thread, seeing your excitement over your house is great.



Griswold -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/8/2007 6:09:56 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

Im en route to purchase a money pit. ERR I mean a house.

I want to pick your brain on the aspects of it. The good the bad, and the ugly.

What the, bank, realitor, attorney WONT tell me.

Unleash you learning episode.

PS: I would kill for a riverfront home that I have a chance at. I will have a spare bedroom too.


(Rivers flood.  There's a very good reason why many houses near them are more affordable).



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/14/2007 5:56:47 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Griswold

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

Im en route to purchase a money pit. ERR I mean a house.

I want to pick your brain on the aspects of it. The good the bad, and the ugly.

What the, bank, realitor, attorney WONT tell me.

Unleash you learning episode.

PS: I would kill for a riverfront home that I have a chance at. I will have a spare bedroom too.


(Rivers flood.  There's a very good reason why many houses near them are more affordable).


we are assessed an extra fee into the water and sewer which to me is pricey. If the wall breaks- the entire Susquehanna valley goes- and the damage will be almost a katrina.  keep in mind anything that gets to New York, DC, points west , Canada- must pass thru here.  The effects would be devastating for many years to come.

Every 36 years we get a big one. 96 was the last big one. 72 was the worse tho the wall was built in 36.

During the bizzsards opf teh ceturies being on higher ground was no guarentee of life. many lost power and riock slides closed roads off for weeks. alternative routes???  LMAO, nope. 



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/14/2007 6:07:42 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: cjenny

I love this thread, seeing your excitement over your house is great.


Dear Cjenny,  I was almost going to go on a rant till I seen your very kind post. I am grubby- overwhelmed. I am comming out of my imfamous black outs. [not to worry if i didnt get them then something is up] I look around and ask myself ""roger,what have you done?"

Heres the deal- I been trying to bring the place up to standards way too fast. I been trying to do it all like superman.  These old places have there quirks. What was I thinking. Almost like I went to a buffet- overate and took a roll of lazxatives....!!!  [smiles]

I get the vibe mom now thinks she made a huge mistake. I can tell in her comments.

Why do I have to be so stubborn?

The rule was- I need to live where I can afford it. I am on expensive meds.

I thought this would be the perfect project house for me. I love to put my own artistic touch on decore.

I must say I enjoyed panting rose bushes and christmas trees.  

Bottem line is- I am very blessed. I was dealt a difficult hand- and made it work for me- I thought i had all summmer for new living arrangements.

Best of all- im not begging friends to sleep on thier couch for a few days.

The key was I was persistent.  The folks here on CM were very helpfull too. After all real life friends get tired of hering it- if you dont want to read a thread here- dont.

But back to you- thanks for the boost. :-)  I think I will shave and lookk like a human and start my day. :-)



cjenny -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/14/2007 6:20:35 AM)

I totally understand being overwhelmed with fix-ups. One thing I finally learned was that I could take my time, it is my house & I could set stuff at my own pace. I understand too, a parent thinking you made a mistake on this.. maybe you could ask her some decorating advice? If she gets a bit involved she may be less critical.
Best of luck to ya! Remember that your house has been around for awhile & you can't do it all at once. No one can.



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/14/2007 6:41:25 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: cjenny

I totally understand being overwhelmed with fix-ups. One thing I finally learned was that I could take my time, it is my house & I could set stuff at my own pace. I understand too, a parent thinking you made a mistake on this.. maybe you could ask her some decorating advice? If she gets a bit involved she may be less critical.
Best of luck to ya! Remember that your house has been around for awhile & you can't do it all at once. No one can.


I got off to a rocky start as before I even closed the code enforcement was at my door with a lecture for me. The next door neighbor had turned me in- and he stated so. We have since had a man to man talk- and the guy cuts my grass for free!!! He wont take payment.

So- knowing I could be watched - I try to keep the outside to look "not under construction"-  I did introduce myself to a few neighbors.  I let them know I am a local boy- and really I just want to live in peace and harmony. This did alot to diffuse any contempt or suspicioun.

part of my hodgepodge of ailments is ADHD. i get reall excited on a project but then my back tells me switsch to another activity.

I am delighted I made peace with teh guy next door.

This is the most drafty house I ever lived at. My psychiatrist told me to buy a small place. But this has a southern expoosure and is centrally located. The utilies may cost more but so does gass for errands.  I get abunadant sunshine- this can help anyone whi is depressed. The views are per the 2nd floor.  as there is a wall on the river.

picture a water fall- perhaps niagara falls- ok- the ioiniztion that sparks from the water are good for a person. so too applies to this river on an augist summers day eve. The mist comes over the town and it is so refreshing.  gods country.

aside from being drafty- the kitchen and bath are too far to walk.  listen to that complaint. if you are one that goes alot- and i do have my bouts like anyone else does..... it is inconvenient.

ok- suppose the place was built 1890- here we are in 2007;  how does one recogncile todays lifestyle with the past design??

here in lies the challenge.

both my bird and dog love it here.

mom chose to move to Chicago. a place with lousy social programs. 

i left there in 1988- as it was very cut throat there then. today it is even worse. people in a small town will leave you alone for the most part- in a metro too many vultures I feel.

this has been a HUGe family event. I have to wait a few minutes too call her.

BTW- some of my logic- is that mom can came back and live HERE- as I have space- and it could easiy be chopped up into 2 units.

a good feature is i have buildt in equity on paper.
:-)







pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/15/2007 7:40:32 AM)

ok a word about resale value.  i have concluded that i dont want to over improve the property- unles it is strictly for my own enjoyment.    my brother aand jim, are on me- listen to this. 1 of the numerous christmas trees is crooked. i know they mean well- but we spent 1/2 hour discussing a tree!! 

lets clarify abit- while i find subdivision homes nice- i find unique homes more appealing. for instance dome houses.

the side yard has a southern exposure. i planted many rose bushes and conifers. a few more and it will be a forest. im holding off on the back yard- as i may be able to lease right a way out for parking to a nieghbor.  i have 28 windows- many on the 1st floor. landscape can do wonders for a property.

consider the scents that will blow in- pine and roses.

say i plant 10 plants- the chances of all 10 growing are remote.  5 or 7 might grow.

if u ever seen frank loyde wrigths falling water. tat excites me way more then houses big enuff to be a hotel. and all crammed in a subdivission.

so - if you are ever are in PA and you see a crooked tree- if folks like me that slack it off.  :-)

really and truly the place can later be a show place. but 1. lets not forget "I" am the owner.  and "I" have to live with it.

the layout of the laand adds a sense of isolation. i like that. i dont want to be right on top of the next house. nor do i want to hear the neighbors fights.

come to think of it- ed and jim love to cut down trees.   in some locations a full sized tree can add 50k to value of land.. [oak]

the reason i did not straight the tree that was crooked is it would have broke the roots. then ild have a dead tree. also- trees tend to aim toward the sun.

i seen on tv where a place in germany cut down the forest and manmade it. well- nature can do wonders.

planted a tree on your own land is-- rewarding. and yes - im aware they need trimmed. but thats life.

:-)
also when i die i could care less what happens to my stuff/junk.



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/16/2007 3:40:40 AM)

What a nice surprise getting up today. As I got out of bed- my eyes drew to the view of the river. The hue and contrast between the sky and river are a differetn shade today. The Susquehanna can be like a shiney mirror, like a blue water way, aqua, today a neon gray against a baby blue sky backdrop.  I hadnt realized there woud be a contrast- sorta a "life" to it.

the body is made up a huge percentage of water- we are drawn to it.  So i opened some windows here.

i had been waterring the douglass firs, norway paine and such.

each hour that river will reflect a mood of  the river basin. wayy cool.   the early morning seaguls give it that "ocean" hint.

my 1st aparment in chcago had a view of the skyline.  that was kick azz.

this morning has been like waking to a waltz with nature. it whets my appetite for all that summer will bring.  it had not ocurrured to me that it changes color. 

:-)  *big eyes like a kid over ice cream!!*




pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/16/2007 9:58:51 AM)

ummm. i think i see the "light"--- due to circumstances i think i give up.

a had another visit from the code office. dandellions next to a state highway are over so many inches- thus i recived written warning.

ummm- i think im done here.



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/16/2007 10:12:03 AM)

i phoned the mayors office. of course he is in a meeting.

on the way to buy for sale by owner signs i seen wayy worse weeds.

i could fricken scream



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/24/2007 1:38:44 PM)

OK- what we just seen is what my brother termed "buyers remorse". [says my brother]

recieved a thimg in the mail= reconfigured my budget. long story short- is that of choices A,B,C- this choice I made still is shrewd.

yes - i was pissed off over what i considerred  harrassment- i have teamed up with a nieghbor and she is coaching and counseling me -  regarding my new home. 

so- to tally up my budget- i did- still made the right choice-  tho there is alot of work ahead.

the journey of life is full of bumps.

i did not think "buyers remorse would apply to me.

so- now- i think i have a grip on things.



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/30/2007 8:54:53 AM)

ok- a few days ago- i had some paint to use up. So i went at the icky wrought iron fencing- ended up by my car port. in the rear of the property.

the neighbor came out all upset. we started off sorta mean at eacother. then we calmed down. at issue was that paint could end up on her new car. we formally introduced- and her husband as well. she said they are buying the duplex. i said that improves the value on my home. she said the paint make my place look better.  we exchanged phone numbers. i told her and her husband- i want to know my neighbors. that i am not her to get rich,. and we need to stick together just in case gangs come into out block.  the husband says it is unlikely. but never say never.

im sorta ashamed of myself for acting snotty in the beginning. it wasnt an isue that i stepped on their lot- but that paint could splatter. [onto car]
but a happy ending came of it. they said they thought i put the place up for sale. i said it was buyers remorse. the husband offerred to "talk to his code buddy"- i said lets leave it be for now.   his wife thought my landscape looked nice. im glad- a few said the plants were too close together. well thats the prupose to have a nice quick yard.   a blend of conifers and roses on teh property. 

also- the next door neighbor approached me about buying right away for a drive way. i told him i would lease right of way at teh cost of my water bill.  [$71 a month]  i mentioned i did not want to tear down the carport.

i was on teh phone w Shirley the old timer. i mentioned i wanted a 3 story water fall- she said- in the front or in the back???
i said in the front.

i think outside the box.

my paint job isnt perfect but it shows an effort to upgrade teh block.

im so glad i bought. it may be disorganized but it is MINE!



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (5/31/2007 11:30:05 AM)

been watering the roses and conifers. of course- one cant buy a 12 room house and not have furniture. FINALLY_ i got a start on decent furniture. a buddy said just go out and charge it. i said nooooooooooo- not for stupid furniture.

garbage wroks odd in PA- it is easy to get fined for "dumping" and "rubbish"= the thrift stores will even refuse donations if they think it is too junky.

anyhow- 3 guests would have a matress at this point and one a futon. nobody better leave bodily fluid on my white silk sectional!!!

BTW- w these hot temps- i put a box fan in the attic-to exhaaaust the humid air there.

i dont really consider the place presentable but it is geting closer.   :-)



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 1:10:48 PM)

I can see the floor!   OMG- yess!  the place is slowly seeming like a home. not just a place to crash!

I took a bunch of junk to the pink-purple room; making the 1st floor neater. yay,.



cjenny -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 3:53:38 PM)

Seeing the floor is a good thing! Or at least I think it is.... I'm not sure if I have a floor or not hehe.
Remember when 'it' gets overwhelming that you really can take your time on the inside stuff. Yeah it can be hard pacifying neighbors and codes I do understand that. Just try not to let it bog you down too much.
*smiles*



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 4:13:35 PM)

I think there are a few under-currents going on here.  the surrounding neigbors reported the previous owner- a lesbien coupe to chilren and youth- and to code. it was almost a sport. well- i am a different owner. i do the dont ask dont tell in terms of me being gay. so folks just cant deal with that.

then-  at least 2 others WANTED this property- it was a foreclosure, and I had the wear-with-all to score. so pricewise everyone knows a I paid bargain basement prices.  Now if they talk to me- they realize I have a brain. No kids here- so I guess we cant call children and youth on me. :-D.   That only leaves code.

Anyhow- I got the porch swing over- was given to me-[dog chewed on it]  anyhow- i went for mulch too- they had some lumber.

someone may have taken my peice of drift wood- or it blew away.

location location location.

ya know- it hasnt sunk it. to own a huge house with showplace potential.

one day at a time.


im so glad not to be a renter.   BTW  "everyone" seen the for sale sign- they ask me- I tell them it was buyers remorse and the town is "stuck with me."

they definately noticed im landscaping the place. this is one thing i cant go wrong with.

as i went down list of options. this is still the best choice.

i been kicked out of classier places.

besides. legally- the place is MINE. i dont have to sign anything. when the investors buy up the block ill be the last one to sell. if i sell at all. ild compare it with having Atlantic city boardwalk property before it was on the map.

no one in this neighborhood has any proof that I am gay- and if they do- so what.

=================>>>
'
besides-a busload of 50 screaming nellies- hasn't cum up for Harrisburg.   [yet]   i wouldnt want to turn the place gay, would I ???

LOLOL



Griswold -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 4:16:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

I can see the floor!   OMG- yess!  the place is slowly seeming like a home. not just a place to crash!

I took a bunch of junk to the pink-purple room; making the 1st floor neater. yay,.


Quit hogging the fucking thread...let people answer...

(Here's the fucking answer):

Buy.



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 5:26:47 PM)

LMAO  @ Gris-

yup!

belongs to me and the bank.  :-)   I s000 am glad no more landlord.

im a corner house too. another plus.

:-)   primal urge of a kid. MINNNNNNNNNNNNNE.



cjenny -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 5:36:41 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

LMAO  @ Gris-

yup!

belongs to me and the bank.  :-)   I s000 am glad no more landlord.

im a corner house too. another plus.

:-)   primal urge of a kid. MINNNNNNNNNNNNNE.


I think the reason I like reading your adventures is cuz I am getting ready to put my home on the sinking market.
Sad. Really really sad. Peacocks n deer n turkeys n pheasants n coyotes oh my lol, all in my backwoods. Worrying terribly about my dog, she is old and unsocialised but so sweet. She has always had free run n she actually runs with the deer. It's so so awesome to see her flying thru the woods with them!

I don't know where I will end up, currently in Michigan and strongly considering Austin Texas which I visited last week. Sigh, sorry I'm rambling in your thread pahunk there is just so much going on right now. The house/property is a mess. I haven't the ability to get stuff done which is why I have to move but I can't move til the house looks good lol.

So......
I love reading your excitement & joy. Of how you see the light reflecting over the river. I live right now, vicariously through you as you look around at YOUR home.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Sometimes it makes me feel a little easier, wondering if the future owner here will gaze around with the happiness you show.

Yup I've my rosy glasses on tonight so I'm overlooking the dandelion issue [sm=mrpuffy.gif] (that's dandelion fluff btw).

cj



pahunkboy -> RE: Home purchase-mistakes and shrewd moves (6/1/2007 6:23:21 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: cjenny

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

LMAO  @ Gris-

yup!

belongs to me and the bank.  :-)   I s000 am glad no more landlord.

im a corner house too. another plus.

:-)   primal urge of a kid. MINNNNNNNNNNNNNE.


I think the reason I like reading your adventures is cuz I am getting ready to put my home on the sinking market.
Sad. Really really sad. Peacocks n deer n turkeys n pheasants n coyotes oh my lol, all in my backwoods. Worrying terribly about my dog, she is old and unsocialised but so sweet. She has always had free run n she actually runs with the deer. It's so so awesome to see her flying thru the woods with them!

I don't know where I will end up, currently in Michigan and strongly considering Austin Texas which I visited last week. Sigh, sorry I'm rambling in your thread pahunk there is just so much going on right now. The house/property is a mess. I haven't the ability to get stuff done which is why I have to move but I can't move til the house looks good lol.

So......
I love reading your excitement & joy. Of how you see the light reflecting over the river. I live right now, vicariously through you as you look around at YOUR home.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Sometimes it makes me feel a little easier, wondering if the future owner here will gaze around with the happiness you show.

Yup I've my rosy glasses on tonight so I'm overlooking the dandelion issue [sm=mrpuffy.gif] (that's dandelion fluff btw).

cj


Cjenny;  say whatever you want to- share as much or as little as you want. imput is most welcomed!! Feel free to take this thread in your direction.  We all can gain perspective.

OMG- what a profound compliment!   [living vicariously thru my experience here]  I am flatterred!!   That is so cool! 

Jump in anytime- any of the CM folks as well. 

As an adult I have nightmares of trying to get home- to the home I grew up in, Chicago.

I wonder about the history of this place. A prominant family had to have built it. The rafters are maybe 8 inches apart. When built the 1st floor too had a view of the river.

Life is a bit of a journey. A few times- I thought I seen a ghost in the stairway. Not a mean ghost.

historically- I am a few blocks from Fort Augusta. This was a hide out when the French and English were fighting here- 1700s.  Chief Shickellamy-  was a famous leader. Indians of 6 nations lived in peace here due to his rule. When he passed all hell broke loose again.

2 branches of the Susquehanna river come together at Sunbury.

when i think of 6 nations living in peace and harmony- i think so cool!!

Fosrsith? the scientist that discovered oxegen lived across the river in northumberland.

the 1st building to have electric is here in Sunbury- the Edison hotel.

up on the hill- aka blue hill- the amish have picnics and co-exist with the gay element.  the far right wants teh park to turbn straight......end pt 1



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