We are still trying to figure out what it is we are looking for in a house this time around. As we "shop" we are finding that our price range is shrinking considerably. :-{ We had originally thought that we would be able to get a lot for our money in Texas, coming from the Seattle housing market. While that might be the case in some parts of the state, it definitely isn't true in Houston. Mostly due to property taxes, which we are finding can be triple (triple!!) what we were paying in Washington.
Both Jon and I are hoping for a 60's mid-century home that has been mostly redone. We both like the modern touches of these homes, most are good sized without being overly big. We really don't want to buy more house than we need. The good news is there are lots of those homes here, the bad news is they are mostly way way out of our price range. Back to the drawing board? I hope not!
While it has been our goal for this to be our last home purchase, we are realizing that that may not be the case. That's ok.
Here are the homes that we've seen lately:
A 1950s home that has recently been flipped by a contractor. Lots of nice touches, but felt a little too small. Also about 25k out of our price range.
Next is a brick 1990s colonial style. LOTS of curb appeal, but the inside wasn't exactly right. Plus the neighborhood fees are over $200 a month. This home was in our price range.
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| Henry spotted the free candy bowl ;) |
What we are learning:
There are lots of people house shopping right now. (The people in the photo are making an offer at the open house - and the open house had only begun 30 minutes earlier.) Even though our rental contract goes through September we need to get pre-approved so we can move fast if need be.
Curb appeal is important. Remodeling the inside of a house is an easier task for us - while the outside is definitely a money/DIY challenge.
Traffic is BAD in Houston. There were two things we were warned about when we moved here. One was the heat and the other was the traffic. Even though we are only 22 miles from Jon's office, door to door, it takes him two hours to get to and from work. This is exhausting for him. We have to be closer.
Our goal this week is to make of list of things that we are praying for in our new house. As it comes together I'll share it here :-)
5 comments:
I'm sure that whatever home you buy, it will be beautiful! Especially once you put a little of your magic touch on it.
I like seeing a glimpse into your house search process. It looks like it's going to be a labor of love but will be well worth the hard work when you find your DREAM HOME. Can't wait for more updates!!
Good luck hunting, I know it's a stressful time of ups and downs. Keep us posted.
I like seeing your house hunt too, (house hunters may be my favorite show ), that first one I love what they've done! Good luck and please keep sharing!
I didn't realize you had moved- until I saw the pics of your kids in warm weather clothes in Jan! My brother lives in Katy- traffic is insane. But they like it. Moving is never easy- nor is trying to find the perfect house. I am so jealous of your warm weather. I am seriously thinking we will move back south as soon as my 2nd son graduates high school. 4.5 years....
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