Very Special Thread Of Real Estate Randomness

SassyLeo · 08-12-2010, 05:40 PM

SassyLeo · 08-12-2010, 05:41 PM

SuperFemme · 08-12-2010, 05:45 PM

betenoire · 08-12-2010, 05:54 PM

I have some questions.

There is a house that I have been watching the online listing of but can't decide how interested I am in it. There are some things that I would like to know before I even bother to go look at it.

The house has a separate entrance to the basement, and the listening says that the basement has a livingroom and recroom - but no mention of a bathroom. What I want/need to know is how bathroom/kitchen ready the basement is. Like, how much plumbing is down there? Will I have to break through concrete flooring for any reason?

What -exactly- should I ask the Real Estate guy when I email him? I know NOTHING about buying houses and even less about home renovations, so I don't even know where to start.

betenoire · 08-12-2010, 05:56 PM

Superfemme - see, when they put down the price I really hope it DOES mean stupid and desperate!

Gayla - I could SO rock that red countertop.

Dixielady - I have JUST the pregnant cat for you! Shipping address, please.

MrSunshine · 08-12-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by betenoire

I have some questions.

There is a house that I have been watching the online listing of but can't decide how interested I am in it. There are some things that I would like to know before I even bother to go look at it.

The house has a separate entrance to the basement, and the listening says that the basement has a livingroom and recroom - but no mention of a bathroom. What I want/need to know is how bathroom/kitchen ready the basement is. Like, how much plumbing is down there? Will I have to break through concrete flooring for any reason?

What -exactly- should I ask the Real Estate guy when I email him? I know NOTHING about buying houses and even less about home renovations, so I don't even know where to start.

Ask if there is access to plumbing/electrical etc... down there

Gayla · 08-12-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by betenoire

I have some questions.

There is a house that I have been watching the online listing of but can't decide how interested I am in it. There are some things that I would like to know before I even bother to go look at it.

The house has a separate entrance to the basement, and the listening says that the basement has a livingroom and recroom - but no mention of a bathroom. What I want/need to know is how bathroom/kitchen ready the basement is. Like, how much plumbing is down there? Will I have to break through concrete flooring for any reason?

What -exactly- should I ask the Real Estate guy when I email him? I know NOTHING about buying houses and even less about home renovations, so I don't even know where to start.

Yay! Questions I can answer!

Ok, first off, the person who's name is on the listing is the person who listed the home for the homeowner. He works for them. He will answer your questions and be very nice to you and would go show you the house but his loyalties will always be with the home owner. Find someone to represent you. Preferably someone you know or who a friend can recommend. A buyer's agent works for you. Their commission is paid by the the seller so it doesn't cost you anything.

You can email the listing agent and just ask him what you asked above - is there a bathroom or any plumbing in the basement for a future bathroom / kitchen. He should be able to tell you that. Expect that he will ask if you'd like to set up a time to go see the house.

I'll add some stuff about general starting points in a different post.

betenoire · 08-12-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gayla

Yay! Questions I can answer!

Ok, first off, the person who's name is on the listing is the person who listed the home for the homeowner. He works for them. He will answer your questions and be very nice to you and would go show you the house but his loyalties will always be with the home owner. Find someone to represent you. Preferably someone you know or who a friend can recommend. A buyer's agent works for you. Their commission is paid by the the seller so it doesn't cost you anything.

You can email the listing agent and just ask him what you asked above - is there a bathroom or any plumbing in the basement for a future bathroom / kitchen. He should be able to tell you that. Expect that he will ask if you'd like to set up a time to go see the house.

I'll add some stuff about general starting points in a different post.

Thanks Gayla, i really REALLY will love you forever if you tell me what to ask and what answers I want to hear.

SassyLeo · 08-12-2010, 06:14 PM

Love this: http://www.100abandonedhouses.com/

Gayla · 08-12-2010, 06:15 PM

I was actually just reading some things a few days ago written by an agent in Ontario. The process seems very similar but they call things by different names (and add extra vowels, of course).

In general, the first step would be talking to a mortgage lender or bank to get preapproved for a mortgage. From what I can tell, the process there is similar to here but much more extensive. Preapprovals happen before you put an offer in on a specific property and are used to help you decided how much you want, and can afford, to spend.

The next most important step is finding an agent to work with. Personal referrals are always best but you can just call a real estate office and ask to speak to an agent. Agents that represent home buyer's are paid via the seller at closing so it doesn't cost you anything to use their services when you're buying a home. Each state, and country, has different requirements when representing clients in a real estate transaction but the basic commonality is that the agent represents you and has your best interests in mind during the transaction.

A good agent can help you find a good mortgage broker. They can explain all the ins and outs of how to buy a home, help you find a home to buy and coordinate everything all the way through closing. They will work with the other parties involved and, basically, let you know what you have to do through out the process.

So first step is really - Go find a good agent!

turasultana · 08-12-2010, 06:19 PM

NY is a 'buyer beware' state. I don't think we have buyer's agents or at least not as a rule. I bought my place off craig's list from the seller.

betenoire · 08-12-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gayla

I was actually just reading some things a few days ago written by an agent in Ontario. The process seems very similar but they call things by different names (and add extra vowels, of course).

In general, the first step would be talking to a mortgage lender or bank to get preapproved for a mortgage. From what I can tell, the process there is similar to here but much more extensive. Preapprovals happen before you put an offer in on a specific property and are used to help you decided how much you want, and can afford, to spend.

The next most important step is finding an agent to work with. Personal referrals are always best but you can just call a real estate office and ask to speak to an agent. Agents that represent home buyer's are paid via the seller at closing so it doesn't cost you anything to use their services when you're buying a home. Each state, and country, has different requirements when representing clients in a real estate transaction but the basic commonality is that the agent represents you and has your best interests in mind during the transaction.

A good agent can help you find a good mortgage broker. They can explain all the ins and outs of how to buy a home, help you find a home to buy and coordinate everything all the way through closing. They will work with the other parties involved and, basically, let you know what you have to do through out the process.

So first step is really - Go find a good agent!

Thanks, Gayla. I'll be doing that as soon as I find out what's going on with this overnight position that I'm after.

I do know that one of my part-time coworkers who averages about 20 hours a week got pre-approved for 130k, and that even now as a part-timer I work more than she does so I can expect around/at least the same amount as my limit. BUT I also know that I don't want to spend nearly much - I'm aiming for under 110k.

SuperFemme · 08-12-2010, 05:55 PM

dixie · 08-12-2010, 05:57 PM

ugly wallpaper house could have been ugly paint house...

dixie · 08-12-2010, 06:01 PM

MrSunshine · 08-12-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixielady

then ask yourself this. do I wanna play barbie the rest of my life or fuck?

dixie · 08-12-2010, 06:04 PM

MrSunshine · 08-12-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SassyLeo

This is the House that Crack built.

08-12-2010, 05:40 PM	#1
SassyLeo Is Grateful How Do You Identify?: Queer Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Engaged Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The PDX Posts: 1,526 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 846 Thanked 1,576 Times in 620 Posts Rep Power: 856203	__________________ Joy is the best makeup -Anne Lamott

08-12-2010, 05:41 PM	#2
SassyLeo Is Grateful How Do You Identify?: Queer Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Engaged Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The PDX Posts: 1,526 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 846 Thanked 1,576 Times in 620 Posts Rep Power: 856203	__________________ Joy is the best makeup -Anne Lamott

08-12-2010, 05:54 PM	#4
betenoire Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Satan in a Sunday Hat Preferred Pronoun?: Maow Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: The Chemical Valley Posts: 4,086 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,312 Thanked 8,739 Times in 2,566 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I have some questions. There is a house that I have been watching the online listing of but can't decide how interested I am in it. There are some things that I would like to know before I even bother to go look at it. The house has a separate entrance to the basement, and the listening says that the basement has a livingroom and recroom - but no mention of a bathroom. What I want/need to know is how bathroom/kitchen ready the basement is. Like, how much plumbing is down there? Will I have to break through concrete flooring for any reason? What -exactly- should I ask the Real Estate guy when I email him? I know NOTHING about buying houses and even less about home renovations, so I don't even know where to start. __________________ bête noire \bet-NWAHR\, noun: One that is particularly disliked or that is to be avoided.

08-12-2010, 05:56 PM	#5
betenoire Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Satan in a Sunday Hat Preferred Pronoun?: Maow Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: The Chemical Valley Posts: 4,086 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,312 Thanked 8,739 Times in 2,566 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Superfemme - see, when they put down the price I really hope it DOES mean stupid and desperate! Gayla - I could SO rock that red countertop. Dixielady - I have JUST the pregnant cat for you! Shipping address, please. __________________ bête noire \bet-NWAHR\, noun: One that is particularly disliked or that is to be avoided.

08-12-2010, 06:14 PM	#9
SassyLeo Is Grateful How Do You Identify?: Queer Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Engaged Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The PDX Posts: 1,526 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 846 Thanked 1,576 Times in 620 Posts Rep Power: 856203	Love this: http://www.100abandonedhouses.com/ __________________ Joy is the best makeup -Anne Lamott

08-12-2010, 05:45 PM	#3
SuperFemme Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Permanently Banned 10/24/2010 Preferred Pronoun?: She. Relationship Status: Married (one of 18,000) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 4,933 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 7,108 Times in 2,327 Posts Rep Power: 0

08-12-2010, 06:15 PM	#10
Gayla Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Kinky Butch Top Preferred Pronoun?: I'm not picky Relationship Status: She makes me dance like a fool and forget how to breathe. Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SF CA Posts: 3,229 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 877 Thanked 7,077 Times in 1,966 Posts Rep Power: 0	I was actually just reading some things a few days ago written by an agent in Ontario. The process seems very similar but they call things by different names (and add extra vowels, of course). In general, the first step would be talking to a mortgage lender or bank to get preapproved for a mortgage. From what I can tell, the process there is similar to here but much more extensive. Preapprovals happen before you put an offer in on a specific property and are used to help you decided how much you want, and can afford, to spend. The next most important step is finding an agent to work with. Personal referrals are always best but you can just call a real estate office and ask to speak to an agent. Agents that represent home buyer's are paid via the seller at closing so it doesn't cost you anything to use their services when you're buying a home. Each state, and country, has different requirements when representing clients in a real estate transaction but the basic commonality is that the agent represents you and has your best interests in mind during the transaction. A good agent can help you find a good mortgage broker. They can explain all the ins and outs of how to buy a home, help you find a home to buy and coordinate everything all the way through closing. They will work with the other parties involved and, basically, let you know what you have to do through out the process. So first step is really - Go find a good agent!

08-12-2010, 06:19 PM	#11
turasultana Member How Do You Identify?: Queer Femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: spoken for Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: brooklyn Posts: 432 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 226 Thanked 713 Times in 249 Posts Rep Power: 2043786	NY is a 'buyer beware' state. I don't think we have buyer's agents or at least not as a rule. I bought my place off craig's list from the seller.

08-12-2010, 05:55 PM	#13
SuperFemme Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Permanently Banned 10/24/2010 Preferred Pronoun?: She. Relationship Status: Married (one of 18,000) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 4,933 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 7,108 Times in 2,327 Posts Rep Power: 0

08-12-2010, 05:57 PM	#14
dixie Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: I usually just poke it with a stick. Preferred Pronoun?: Bitch Relationship Status: Intertwined deeply Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: We're all a little mad here. Posts: 6,627 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,972 Thanked 21,383 Times in 4,808 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	ugly wallpaper house could have been ugly paint house...

08-12-2010, 06:01 PM	#15
dixie Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: I usually just poke it with a stick. Preferred Pronoun?: Bitch Relationship Status: Intertwined deeply Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: We're all a little mad here. Posts: 6,627 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,972 Thanked 21,383 Times in 4,808 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	ooh...i want the Hannah Montana room!!!

08-12-2010, 06:04 PM	#17
dixie Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: I usually just poke it with a stick. Preferred Pronoun?: Bitch Relationship Status: Intertwined deeply Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: We're all a little mad here. Posts: 6,627 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,972 Thanked 21,383 Times in 4,808 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	I would soooo live here...