They're ones that if we don't find the place that is "it" that we would be willing to consider.
This is the first one:
It is a house and a shop all in one building.The pluses are: it is extremely well built (we know the current owner), has almost 40 acres, pavement almost all the way, has a workshop for Pie (actually a dream shop for most guys), approximately 20 minutes from work.
Negatives are: smallish living room, house area smaller than I'd like, priced a bit high, no barn, not fenced.
To consider: we've been told if the only thing really holding us back is the lack of a barn the current owner would build a small barn (but not sure if what he'd be willing to build will be ok with what we would want). Fencing is (or will be) done on 2 sides by the other property owners leaving only 2 sides for us to fence. Not sure what kind of fencing though and it would be preferable to stay away from barb wire, even though that IS the most common fencing around here.
This is the house that Pie would pick if we HAD to choose one right this second.
This is the second house:
Pluses: again close to work (about 20 minutes), next door to people I know and like (and that have an awesome outdoor arena I could use!)and close to others that I know/like, close to an indoor arena I could use, house has lots of recent reno's/upgrades, 40 acres (10 fenced so far for pasture)Negatives: garage is unfinished (needs concrete & drywall), no barn or shop, funky smell in one area of stairs to basement (Realtor Cousin is quite sure it is in the carpet), master bedroom smallish.
To consider: we could build dream barn & shop (within reasonable price) when we have the money (probably after our house sells). This highway is twinned almost the entire way, not opposed to replacing that carpet (newish but kinda ugly).
And yes this is the house I would pick at the moment! lol
We have at least 3 more acreages to go see. Just waiting for Realtor Cousin to set up appointments around our schedule. Which, by the way, includes Pie's MRI tomorrow (finally!) Have fingers crossed, prayers said and good thoughts/vibes/energy going out that everything comes back A-OK!
*both images are from their respective ads*
Jingles for Pie!
ReplyDeleteAnd unless you find the perfect acreage, I think your best bet is #2. You know your neighbors and you like them. I can't stress how important that is. Also, carpeting isn't a huge issue. It's just cosmetic. More than likely, you'd get more bang for your buck with #2 and it'll likely have a higher resale value, in the event you want to move in the future.
I also like house #2! Like Oregon Sunshine said, carpet is cosmetic and can be replaced. I like that the neighbors have an arena you can use and an indoor is close by. Building your dream barn is a plus although it is always nice to already have something there to move the horses into!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the others you get to go see!
Thinking of Pie and sending good thoughts your way!
Okay...I say go with house number two (just like everyone else!!).
ReplyDeleteIs 40 acres kind of the standard lot/acreage size where you live? I was just wondering, because down (and over) here, the standard/common lot size is either five acres, or 10. Just curious. :)
Property shopping with horses in mind is always difficult. But it sure is fun to get out there and look around. Hope you guys find one that you will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAnd fingers crossed for Pie!!
I also like #2, though Mike and I keep saying that next time, we'd consider an all-in-one metal building, which have become popular here. And I'd rip every stitch of carpet out in favor of ceramic tile, hardwood or laminate flooring as soon as I could afford to do so. It's so much easier to keep clean and looking good for longer than carpet.
ReplyDeleteLooking at property must be exciting and daunting at the same time. I like #2 as well.
ReplyDeleteI second Leah's point on the carpet - easy to get rid of and replace if necessary...
Hope you guys find something that works for you!
Fingers crossed for Pie at his appt.!
Good luck property hunting! Hopefully you will find the perfect one. I like the idea of a close by indoor arena.
ReplyDeleteHouse and property hunting is fun. Well, at least I think it is. My husband and I found 18 acres that were fenced but the house was not really what I wanted. Now I regret not getting it. I so would have loved to have lived there with no neighbors. Sigh.....
ReplyDeleteI like number 1. The all in one is nice. Then later you can build a house and use the shop/house for a rental or a guest house type thing. Just the house part, not the shop. But that is just me.
House number 2 sounds good in the fact that you are close to two arenas. Tough choices! Can't wait to see what the other ones are!
So is 40 acres standard there? How lucky!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the option of just buying the acreage and building your own home...and barn the way you want it?
Then you will be happy all the way around.
House shopping can be fun...but stressful with so many options...and none of them metting expectations and wishes exactly.
~Lisa
Wow~good luck house hunting. The right one will come along and you all will know it!
ReplyDeleteWe would LOVE to have 40 acres!!! Looks like a tough choice, but having people close by that you like is a major consideration. I agree with everyone else that carpet is just cosmetic and not even worth making a deciding factor. We are Realtors, too, and it is a challenge to find something when horses are in the picture. But having fencing up already makes a huge difference. I vote for #2 so far.....
ReplyDeleteWe would LOVE to have 40 acres!!! Looks like a tough choice, but having people close by that you like is a major consideration. I agree with everyone else that carpet is just cosmetic and not even worth making a deciding factor. We are Realtors, too, and it is a challenge to find something when horses are in the picture. But having fencing up already makes a huge difference. I vote for #2 so far.....
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the house hunt! Glad I'm not doin' it, son't think I could handle the pressure. There's always plusses and minusses to such situations, I'm sure you'll find the "One"! ;)
ReplyDeleteHow goes the property hunt?
ReplyDeleteWe're looking too but we're looking to rent at this point. We came across 5 acres in Portland that would put my husband much, much closer to work and I wouldn't have to board my horse any more! Our fingers are crossed that we get the place!
I'm hoping you find your acreage soon too!
Did you get the test results back for Pie yet? Everything ok? Anything any of us can do to help?
(I'm trying to catch up here now, so bear with me, lol)
ReplyDelete#2 looks fabulous. Good neighbors are a super important plus. And in addition you have access to both indoor and outdoor arenas? Excellante. Like you said, you can build your own dream barn and shops. You aren't stuck with something that you are constantly saying "man, I wish X was different." I hope you find something that is perfect :)
And crossing my fingers the MRI either shows what's going on and it's something not bad, or is clear.