One can dream right?

lyndausvi · August 2014

As you know DH (well me too as seasonal work) work for a private club for 1%-ers. So we have talked about buying a place. Great, although real estate is high so we will not get much for what we can afford. The club has 2 licensed agents. They are gong to act as our agents. Their seller's commission will be given back to us. Cool.

One of the members stopped me on the course yesterday. They are new owners of a townhouse community that went into foreclosure after the housing bust. They heard from the GM (our Realtor) we are looking for a place. Now I've seen their places online. They are nice, great views, locations and style of place we would like, but over our ideal budget (by $60k). They told me they would give us a "killer deal". I said, "well we are not read to buy until the first of the year" (plus our lease ends in March). They said "that is not a problem. We will talk soon".

I went back on line. They are building new units right now. Due to be available in March 2015. Could it be we could get a new home? I don't want to get my hopes up, but I'm so excited at the prospect. Eeek.

The GM/realtor seems to think they will give us deal right in line with our ideal budget. Apparently members take good care of staff they like and they LOVE DH and will do anything for him to stay. She is OOT , but we will get together soon.

So now I'm day dreaming on wish lists of things I would do before the walls go up. Besides the normal kitchen, bedroom,etc, what would you do to make your home run better?

One of the most frustrating things about moving into a place is setting up my home office, Direct TV, cable, wifi, etc. If given the opportunity I would setup in the hall closet electrical outlets, cable and cat 5 lines near on a shelf. That way everything is hidden. Then I would setup cat 5 ports in one of the extra bedrooms and/or office. Also one by the cable outlets in the family and/or living room to hook up the xbox directly (seems to work better than the wifi).

Silly right? However, network cables and equipment bug me so much. It's been such a hassle for me. Every place I move to I have to buy more/different equipment to make things work (I work from home. I need a network). I would rather have a place I can just plug-in and go and not have to see all the equipment.

Anyway, that is my monday. Dreaming about the possibility of buying a pre-construction home.

missdelilah · August 2014

The upside (if the company will accommodate your budget) is that during the construction process you can usually ask them to run some extra wires through, or change a couple of details, particularly if they haven't put the dry wall in yet. I completely understand the issue with cables, etc. I hope you shouldn't experience too much difficulty having some extra outlets put in should you buy before construction is finished. I say dream on! We were having a big chat about this over the weekend. Seems half of TK community is stalking real estate websites and going through exactly the same thing.

daria24 · August 2014

If I ever had the chance to build a home H&I would spend weeks laying out where the outlets go in each room. I swear to god every place we have ever lived has the WORST outlet layout ever.

H's big dream is to have a bathroom large enough for a little bench to put his stuff on. I realize most people probably have bathrooms that would accommodate that, but here in NYC we are lucky to have enough room to turn around in the bathroom. My big dream is to have a built in towel warmer.

I hope it works out for you!

ShesSoCold · August 2014

I would ensure that the laundry is on the same floor as the bedrooms. Possibly a second kitchen sink.

And closets. 1,000 closets.

ETA: Vibes for you that it works out!!!

Jells2dot0 · August 2014

missdelilah said:

The upside (if the company will accommodate your budget) is that during the construction process you can usually ask them to run some extra wires through, or change a couple of details, particularly if they haven't put the dry wall in yet. I completely understand the issue with cables, etc. I hope you shouldn't experience too much difficulty having some extra outlets put in should you buy before construction is finished. I say dream on! We were having a big chat about this over the weekend. Seems half of TK community is stalking real estate websites and going through exactly the same thing.

This! We had our builder run the wiring to our liking and place in outlets that weren't otherwise planned in the original spec. It's easy for them to do before the dry wall goes up.

I've never owned a previously owned home. It scares me. So, I'll go right along dreaming with you that I'll find a new build in TX that has a minimal commute to work.

wandajune6 · August 2014

I'm all about the home networking and outlet placement as well.

I'd want a kitchen with easy access to pots and pans. I loathe putting them into cabinets and would love an open space where I can hang them easily.

And closet space....

lyndausvi · August 2014

I LOVE The Container Store closests. I've already decided that at least in the master bedroom I would not have them do the normal builders closet. Just give me an empty room. I will design the closet with my dad. Then fly him is to install it. My dad is a HUGE closet guy. His shelves are only 2 inches apart so none of his shirts/sweaters have to be stacked.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------He will take a 6 inch spot and make shelves to fit. No space gets wasted..

beethery · August 2014

I look at house plans ALL THE TIME (for sim housebuilding purposes because I'm a NERD), and this one is my favorite:

(click)

lyndausvi · August 2014

ShesSoCold said:

I would ensure that the laundry is on the same floor as the bedrooms. Possibly a second kitchen sink.

And closets. 1,000 closets.

ETA: Vibes for you that it works out!!!

You know, our laundry is on the 3rd floor with the bedrooms. I hate it. Sure I do not have to drag laundry around, but I always forget I even started that it takes me much longer. If it was near my office I would get around to it sooner. Right now it's 2 flights from my office to the washer. I'm too lazy to climb 2 flights to change the laundry.

When it was closer to my office or living room I would get laundry done in the same day. Now it takes me forever because I just plain forget.

theartistformerlyknownas · August 2014

So much yes to outlets everywhere. And a huge kitchen with space for a pot rack. I want ceilings to heaven with cabinets up the whole way, and a rolling library ladder to get to the top ones. Under-cabinet lighting to encourage me to keep the counters clean. Kitchenaid mixer mounted on hydraulics to raise and lower it from below the counter so I don't have to lift it. Double ovens. Second floor laundry room with a huge work space for folding. Sigh.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

Jells2dot0 said:

missdelilah said:

The upside (if the company will accommodate your budget) is that during the construction process you can usually ask them to run some extra wires through, or change a couple of details, particularly if they haven't put the dry wall in yet. I completely understand the issue with cables, etc. I hope you shouldn't experience too much difficulty having some extra outlets put in should you buy before construction is finished. I say dream on! We were having a big chat about this over the weekend. Seems half of TK community is stalking real estate websites and going through exactly the same thing.

This! We had our builder run the wiring to our liking and place in outlets that weren't otherwise planned in the original spec. It's easy for them to do before the dry wall goes up.

I've never owned a previously owned home. It scares me. So, I'll go right along dreaming with you that I'll find a new build in TX that has a minimal commute to work.

Huh? So all of your homes you had custom built or they were brand new models?

I am personally not a big fan of the aesthetic of new homes. I much prefer Victorian style homes, even if many need a lot of investment in repairs.

ETA: If I was having a home built, I'd have it made to look like an old Victorian home, but with 1000 walk in closets and tons of outlets as you are all discussing. . . outlets are alwats an issue, lol!

lyndausvi · August 2014

beethery said:

I look at house plans ALL THE TIME (for sim housebuilding purposes because I'm a NERD), and this one is my favorite:

(click)

I look at them all the time too. Plus my parents have owned 17 homes with 12 being new and/or custom builds. One custom build was when they lived in Japan. I went to the site weekly to make changes.

The homes were spread all over the country. I've learned a lot from them. I know all the tricks that you would not think about.

You know what they do with the scraps from a sink cut out (hard surfaces)? Trash them. Know what my dad insists? He asks for them, then he turns them into cutting boards (smooths the edges, adds plastic feet). They have large ones and really small ones. Something so simple, yet so useful.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

lyndausvi said:

beethery said:

I look at house plans ALL THE TIME (for sim housebuilding purposes because I'm a NERD), and this one is my favorite:

(click)

I look at them all the time too. Plus my parents have owned 17 homes with 12 being new and/or custom builds. One custom build was when they lived in Japan. I went to the site weekly to make changes.

The homes were spread all over the country. I've learned a lot from them. I know all the tricks that you would not think about.

You know what they do with the scraps from a sink cut out (hard surfaces)? Trash them. Know what my dad insists? He asks for them, then he turns them into cutting boards (smooths the edges, adds plastic feet). They have large ones and really small ones. Something so simple, yet so useful.

Holy Hell! Were they in the military or something? I cannot fathom having to move that much. . . it sounds like hell, actually, lol!

theartistformerlyknownas · August 2014

lyndausvi said:

beethery said:

I look at house plans ALL THE TIME (for sim housebuilding purposes because I'm a NERD), and this one is my favorite:

(click)

I look at them all the time too. Plus my parents have owned 17 homes with 12 being new and/or custom builds. One custom build was when they lived in Japan. I went to the site weekly to make changes.

The homes were spread all over the country. I've learned a lot from them. I know all the tricks that you would not think about.

You know what they do with the scraps from a sink cut out (hard surfaces)? Trash them. Know what my dad insists? He asks for them, then he turns them into cutting boards (smooths the edges, adds plastic feet). They have large ones and really small ones. Something so simple, yet so useful.

We had a cutting board like that... then my dad told me when he gave me my Wusthof knives that the lady at the store said that's the single worst thing to use them on. Womp womp. In the trash it went.

theartistformerlyknownas · August 2014

Ooh ooh you need to do this built-in coffee cabinet!

ShesSoCold · August 2014

lolo883 said:

Ooh ooh you need to do this built-in coffee cabinet!
STUCK IN THE BOX

I need like 7 of these. I HATE appliances on the counter and also hate lugging those bastards around. This is fantastical.

theartistformerlyknownas · August 2014

Sorry I'm posting all over the place. @beethery I totally have my house plan picked out already. I'm kind of obsessed with it. It just needs a regular basement rather than the garage basement, then the garage put somewhere else. I dream about drinking coffee from that master bedroom balcony. And my double walk-in closets.

http://www.houseplans.com/plan/2288-square-feet-4-bedrooms-3-bathroom-cottage-house-plans-2-garage-37327

cupcait927 · August 2014

lolo883 said:

Sorry I'm posting all over the place. @beethery I totally have my house plan picked out already. I'm kind of obsessed with it. It just needs a regular basement rather than the garage basement, then the garage put somewhere else. I dream about drinking coffee from that master bedroom balcony. And my double walk-in closets.
http://www.houseplans.com/plan/2288-square-feet-4-bedrooms-3-bathroom-cottage-house-plans-2-garage-37327

@lolo883 I am in love with your house plan. Craftsman style homes are my favorite.

Jells2dot0 · August 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

Jells2dot0 said:

missdelilah said:

The upside (if the company will accommodate your budget) is that during the construction process you can usually ask them to run some extra wires through, or change a couple of details, particularly if they haven't put the dry wall in yet. I completely understand the issue with cables, etc. I hope you shouldn't experience too much difficulty having some extra outlets put in should you buy before construction is finished. I say dream on! We were having a big chat about this over the weekend. Seems half of TK community is stalking real estate websites and going through exactly the same thing.

This! We had our builder run the wiring to our liking and place in outlets that weren't otherwise planned in the original spec. It's easy for them to do before the dry wall goes up.

I've never owned a previously owned home. It scares me. So, I'll go right along dreaming with you that I'll find a new build in TX that has a minimal commute to work.

Huh? So all of your homes you had custom built or they were brand new models?

I am personally not a big fan of the aesthetic of new homes. I much prefer Victorian style homes, even if many need a lot of investment in repairs.

ETA: If I was having a home built, I'd have it made to look like an old Victorian home, but with 1000 walk in closets and tons of outlets as you are all discussing. . . outlets are alwats an issue, lol!

It sounds strange, but yes. All of my homes, including the ones I've lived in growing up, where either new builds (based on a builder's model in a new development) or a custom build. I've owned three homes since getting out of college and each one I chose the interior colors, flooring, any options, etc. So, moving into an already existing home is new to me. However, the majority of the homes we've been looking at in Texas are older tudors or bungalows. Something with character. Especially if we do keep our home in AZ, I want something completely different.

beethery · August 2014

Oh lolo I love that houseplan!

I am a big fan of the Southern Living Idea houses (there are two in my hometown, one is right around the corner from my old house!), so I love their layouts... and all their decorating stuff they do to them. They're so perfect.

lyndausvi · August 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

I look at them all the time too. Plus my parents have owned 17 homes with 12 being new and/or custom builds. One custom build was when they lived in Japan. I went to the site weekly to make changes.

The homes were spread all over the country. I've learned a lot from them. I know all the tricks that you would not think about.

You know what they do with the scraps from a sink cut out (hard surfaces)? Trash them. Know what my dad insists? He asks for them, then he turns them into cutting boards (smooths the edges, adds plastic feet). They have large ones and really small ones. Something so simple, yet so useful.

Holy Hell! Were they in the military or something? I cannot fathom having to move that much. . . it sounds like hell, actually, lol!

Nope, corporate job moved my dad.

The first 2 were in the during the first years of marriage. 1st house was a started. 2nd one was because of a growing family.

Then the moving started. 2 years in VA. 4 months in MD (brand new house). 20 months in TX (new house). Then we did 8 years in Pa in the same house (new).

Then the moving started again. NC (50 weeks - new). Japan (they didn't own there). Then they built their "forever home" in PA. That last about 1.5-2 years? Can't remember. Off to Europe they went for 4 years (2 - England, 2 - norway). I lived in the "forever home" (paid rent too).

Came back for a few months then off to TX for 2 years(new). Then dad retired. The moved to a place in MD that my dad renovated mostly himself for 3 years.

Then mom said "married you for better or worse, not for lunch. You need a job because you are driving me crazy".

Off to Indy (new - kept the MD house). 5 years later, moved to another new place in Indy. They sold the MD house and bought a summer house in DE.

In the middle they bought a 2 new builds in Phoenix. Partly for investment, partly a place for my brothers (and their families) to each live. Plus a another 1 or 2 places.

So maybe it's only 15, IDK, I can't keep track. It was a lot though.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

cupcait927 said:

lolo883 said:

Sorry I'm posting all over the place. @beethery I totally have my house plan picked out already. I'm kind of obsessed with it. It just needs a regular basement rather than the garage basement, then the garage put somewhere else. I dream about drinking coffee from that master bedroom balcony. And my double walk-in closets.
http://www.houseplans.com/plan/2288-square-feet-4-bedrooms-3-bathroom-cottage-house-plans-2-garage-37327

@lolo883 I am in love with your house plan. Craftsman style homes are my favorite.

The apartment we just moved into is a Craftsman style :-)

ETA: I love that plan as well!

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

lyndausvi said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

I look at them all the time too. Plus my parents have owned 17 homes with 12 being new and/or custom builds. One custom build was when they lived in Japan. I went to the site weekly to make changes.

The homes were spread all over the country. I've learned a lot from them. I know all the tricks that you would not think about.

You know what they do with the scraps from a sink cut out (hard surfaces)? Trash them. Know what my dad insists? He asks for them, then he turns them into cutting boards (smooths the edges, adds plastic feet). They have large ones and really small ones. Something so simple, yet so useful.

Holy Hell! Were they in the military or something? I cannot fathom having to move that much. . . it sounds like hell, actually, lol!

Nope, corporate job moved my dad.

The first 2 were in the during the first years of marriage. 1st house was a started. 2nd one was because of a growing family.

Then the moving started. 2 years in VA. 4 months in MD (brand new house). 20 months in TX (new house). Then we did 8 years in Pa in the same house (new).

Then the moving started again. NC (50 weeks - new). Japan (they didn't own there). Then they built their "forever home" in PA. That last about 1.5-2 years? Can't remember. Off to Europe they went for 4 years (2 - England, 2 - norway). I lived in the "forever home" (paid rent too).

Came back for a few months then off to TX for 2 years(new). Then dad retired. The moved to a place in MD that my dad renovated mostly himself for 3 years.

Then mom said "married you for better or worse, not for lunch. You need a job because you are driving me crazy".

Off to Indy (new - kept the MD house). 5 years later, moved to another new place in Indy. They sold the MD house and bought a summer house in DE.

In the middle they bought a 2 new builds in Phoenix. Partly for investment, partly a place for my brothers (and their families) to each live. Plus a another 1 or 2 places.

So maybe it's only 15, IDK, I can't keep track. It was a lot though.

O.o

Yeah, too much moving for me.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

Jells2dot0 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

Jells2dot0 said:

missdelilah said:

The upside (if the company will accommodate your budget) is that during the construction process you can usually ask them to run some extra wires through, or change a couple of details, particularly if they haven't put the dry wall in yet. I completely understand the issue with cables, etc. I hope you shouldn't experience too much difficulty having some extra outlets put in should you buy before construction is finished. I say dream on! We were having a big chat about this over the weekend. Seems half of TK community is stalking real estate websites and going through exactly the same thing.

This! We had our builder run the wiring to our liking and place in outlets that weren't otherwise planned in the original spec. It's easy for them to do before the dry wall goes up.

I've never owned a previously owned home. It scares me. So, I'll go right along dreaming with you that I'll find a new build in TX that has a minimal commute to work.

Huh? So all of your homes you had custom built or they were brand new models?

I am personally not a big fan of the aesthetic of new homes. I much prefer Victorian style homes, even if many need a lot of investment in repairs.

ETA: If I was having a home built, I'd have it made to look like an old Victorian home, but with 1000 walk in closets and tons of outlets as you are all discussing. . . outlets are alwats an issue, lol!

It sounds strange, but yes. All of my homes, including the ones I've lived in growing up, where either new builds (based on a builder's model in a new development) or a custom build. I've owned three homes since getting out of college and each one I chose the interior colors, flooring, any options, etc. So, moving into an already existing home is new to me. However, the majority of the homes we've been looking at in Texas are older tudors or bungalows. Something with character. Especially if we do keep our home in AZ, I want something completely different.

There are a bunch around the area I live/work. . . they are so cute I think.

lyndausvi · August 2014

@prettyGirlLost

I'm moved 3 times in the last 3 years. I guess I get it honestly. After a while you become a pro. And by pro I mean you are smart enough to hire pros. None of this DIY stuff.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

lyndausvi said:

@prettyGirlLost

I'm moved 3 times in the last 3 years. I guess I get it honestly. After a while you become a pro. And by pro I mean you are smart enough to hire pros. None of this DIY stuff.

Yes, I'd do that definitely!

I have been fortunate, maybe, to not have had to move a lot. . . it's fortunate for me because FI and I hate it, lol!

Now hopefully for you, your last move for a long ass time will be in March 2015 ;-)

theartistformerlyknownas · August 2014

beethery said:

Oh lolo I love that houseplan!

I am a big fan of the Southern Living Idea houses (there are two in my hometown, one is right around the corner from my old house!), so I love their layouts... and all their decorating stuff they do to them. They're so perfect.

I'm crushing on it so hard. There's even already double ovens in the kitchen layout. Right across from the PANTRY! Oh how I dream of pantries. Open layout... fireplace... built-in bookcases... kids' rooms that don't share a wall with our room, for hanky-panky-friendliness... second-floor laundry... double, separate sinks in the master bath... swoon.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

lolo883 said:

beethery said:

Oh lolo I love that houseplan!

I am a big fan of the Southern Living Idea houses (there are two in my hometown, one is right around the corner from my old house!), so I love their layouts... and all their decorating stuff they do to them. They're so perfect.

I'm crushing on it so hard. There's even already double ovens in the kitchen layout. Right across from the PANTRY! Oh how I dream of pantries. Open layout... fireplace... built-in bookcases... kids' rooms that don't share a wall with our room, for hanky-panky-friendliness... second-floor laundry... double, separate sinks in the master bath... swoon.

Oh so has this house actually been built, and you got to see it? Or this is all just based on plans?

theartistformerlyknownas · August 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

lolo883 said:

beethery said:

Oh lolo I love that houseplan!

I am a big fan of the Southern Living Idea houses (there are two in my hometown, one is right around the corner from my old house!), so I love their layouts... and all their decorating stuff they do to them. They're so perfect.

I'm crushing on it so hard. There's even already double ovens in the kitchen layout. Right across from the PANTRY! Oh how I dream of pantries. Open layout... fireplace... built-in bookcases... kids' rooms that don't share a wall with our room, for hanky-panky-friendliness... second-floor laundry... double, separate sinks in the master bath... swoon.

Oh so has this house actually been built, and you got to see it? Or this is all just based on plans?

It has surely been built somewhere, but I've only seen plans. The spot across from the pantry might actually be a fridge, but I would make that my double oven spot and fit the fridge somewhere else.

PrettyGirlLost · August 2014

So when are you building yours Lolo? ;-)

lyndausvi · August 2014

I don't have a dream house style. I've moved too many times. At the beach I like a certain style, in mountains is something a little different. I even like the old brick townhomes you find in center city Philly.

I guess my style is whatever is the style for the area. A log cabin would look weird at the beach. A beachy style would look odd here in the mountains.

One can dream right?

Re: One can dream right?

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