Prosperous soul, mortgage neutrality & creativity Year 2

savingholmes

Thanks Starlight and Merlin. 

Even though it's a 4 bed too - it's smaller than this house - however I don't really need/use all the space I have here. It's a split level house with just one level at the front visible but two at the back and side.

On my wish list if I bought yesterday's valley property in order of priority would be:

1. External door on the ground floor - there are none currently!  From a safety and enjoyment point of view I'd want one or more. This would be the top priority. I'm not sure whether I would then also need to allow for a step down. Say £2K per set of doors. That's like to involve moving the radiators so would also need to factor that in.
2. The kitchen is very brown - my least favourite colour. My first step would be to replace the tiles with something more modern. The cupboards were beech laminate and seemed in good condition. It might not be my first choice but would do for now.
   
3. Ideally an ensuite - although if there's only me living there - there's no rush for that. That could be £10K just there... I think there's space as they've used the downstairs hallway for storage cupboards and wasted a lot of space. There is a separate cloakroom already that looked modern on the main floor. 
   
4. I'd have to look at the flooring of the property too. 
   
5. A lot of the rooms are wallpapered - it's all tastefully and neutrally done - so would be something I might tackle longer term rather than initially.
6. Again some of the ceiling has rough artex - I've a slight concern re possible asbestos. Either way longer term I might want to get that smooth.
7. Convert the garage - it's huge - runs the full depth of the property and already has two windows in it. 
   
8. Find a way to add balconies to one or more rooms to maximise enjoyment of the views. That could mean that I need 4 sets of patio doors... I'm thinking - one as part of converting the garage and one set at the dining area end.
9. It has a coloured bathroom suite which dates it - and its peach - not my favourite but it does the job. They put in a double shower which is positive. 
   

If this was going to be my 'forever' home or close to it - it would be worth doing it once and doing it right. 

1. Plant an apple tree
2. Put in some form of water feature even if its small.

I'd be tempted to get a quote for the lot and then decide what to do & when. It looks like I'd need planning permission for the balconies but hopefully not for the rest. There isn't room to extend the property as such - but the balconies would give more usable space at the main living level - but would extend above a flagged path so shouldn't harm what's underneath.

My one concern about the property is the garden isn't very deep and backs onto the main road. It's kind of higher than the main road though as there's some kind of bank. It seems to have been built late 70s so not sure what that will throw up.

If I stayed here there are a list of upgrades I should get to at some point.

I've no idea which way it orientates and whether solar panels would be an option - but I'd consider them.

Anyone got a money tree?

Right - best quickly throw some clothes on and start work!!

savingholmes

I've asked if she'd consider an offer in line with what the neighbouring property sold for. That was a whole 1hr45 ago so now on tenterhooks. She's not had any other offers which suggests it's overpriced. I know she's had viewings other than me.

I think if she refuses the offer / goes too high - I'd go back with someone and consider it further. I'm wary of overpaying. It couldn't be a much prettier location though - and you get those views from inside which to me is a must. I don't intend to use it as a holiday cottage but it would make a stunning one - and I think would attract interest.

If she accepted a low offer and I got around asking price for mine - I might be able to move with my savings intact which would be amazing. I could then consider at my leisure what changes to make to the property.

savingholmes

Not heard anything back. It has just been hailing and thundering here. I'm due out with a friend tonight so need to get ready for that.

I really hope that house works out - but if it doesn't at least I have a clearer picture of what I'm looking for. I had such a sense of homecoming though just driving up to it I'll be gutted if it doesn't work out.

Starlight_at_Sea

It's early in the negotiation SH.... I read it as a good sign that they haven't said no straight away. Have a good evening! 

SandyShores

Really exciting!

Blackcats

Very exciting.  I hope you hear some news soon.  

beanielou

Wow.  Things are moving quickly.

lucielle

Keeping everything crossed. 

L

LeighofMar

The property and the local amenities sound amazing. I hope things work out in your favor.

savingholmes

Thanks Dancing, Starlight, Leigh, Lucielle, Beanie, Sandy, Blackcats

I think she'd want to discuss it with her family as she's a widow so I'm hoping I might hear something tomorrow. The more I think about it the more I want it. It just had an amazing feel to the place - it just felt like home. She and my work friend liked the look of it.

I've been out with a friend tonight so not done anything on decluttering / improving the house yet. I had a lovely meal out though. She'd come and visit me if I moved. She was the person who recommended the handyman originally. She reckons he'd come and help me out there occasionally if needed. If that was the case it would be a big help. She reckoned he and a friend might even help me move. If I could persuade BIL to also drive say a big 7.5t thing that would help. We will see... 

The rough quote for moving that I saw at £3-4K - I need to question that kind of spend. I'm not convinced that what I own is worth that kind of money. Quite a lot of my furniture is 1k3a or old or FB bargains. I have to keep reminding myself that once I've sold - there still quite a bit of time between then and the move to continue letting stuff go. I need to take photos of some of the stuff in the garage though and get it gone. Maybe even give some to my handyman (who also sometimes helps with house clearances).  I've just arranged for a few quotes to get a better idea of likely cost. That should then fuel my decluttering as I don't want to spend £ moving crap only to let it go at the other end.

Apparently Friday's valuation is on Z00m - which I need to redownload on my laptop as I think I deleted it. I also don't have the best webcam so a bit unfortunate. In fact my phone camera is much better - so perhaps I should re-download on my phone. Just done phone version... 

Need to take meds and get to bed. I'm in work in the morning.