Sorry we'll be losing you in the neighborhood, tater. Is the family hanging on to the house?
You may not be losing me after all. We are in for a tough 24 hours. Are inspection didn't go as well as we hoped. You see, there were alot of little issues we had with the house (poor paint job, no corner trim, out dated bathrooms, no exhaust over the stove) These we were willing to deal with. But then there is the probability that the roof and the AC may need to be replaced in the next 5 years. But now the huge issue he found was the deck. Which is huge by the way, 3 tiers. He said it was built poorly and is not structurally sound. :angry: Something about the beams that the deck sits on. Plus taking a closer look at it you could tell that they probably didn't use a level when making most of it.
So this may be a deal breaker because to put a whole new deck on would cost $12000-$15000. And the deck is somewhat crucial because that is what allows you to enjoy the hot tub and the pool. Now their realtor is freaking because he thinks we're going cancel our purchase agreement. So he offered that the clients could hire a liscensed contracter to put more footings under the deck. :eyeroll: I guess our decision is whether we should trust the contractor to do the job it would take to correct the problem. ?????
Plus we're still on the fence on whether we should get that big of a house at this time with all the work that has to be done and re-done. Or maybe we should find a cute little house in SSP for the next few years. We did look at one that was adorable and well kept but the floors squeeked terribly and the yard was a little small. Live in that a few years, start a family and when the kids get bigger move to the country.
Uggghhhh decisions decisions..... :worried:
And we basically have 24 hours to make up our mind about the Wyoming house. :frown:
As far as this house goes... we plan to keep it and renovate it and rent it out. Unless the city kills us with not grandfathering some of the code issues. Then we may fix it up as a single family and sell it.
Yeah and I'm also weighing the issue that the st paul post office is moving to Eagan in the next 5-6 years. And that will add another 10-15 mintutes to our drive. I've gotten accustomed to city living and like some things. Being close to all the parks for weekday treasure hunting is nice. Being close to everything is nice. (Except my family)
We're really torn right now I just wish we had more time. :frown:
well, if you really want the house, you could take them up on the offer and select the contractor yourself or making sure that building permits are issued from start to finish (that way plans don't get approved without going through code enforcement, assuming that there is code enformcement up thataway).
Well we cancelled our purchase agreement. There were issues we were willing to deal with before the inspection. But the inspection pushed the list of things over the edge, for the price they wanted anyway.
These people were so odd. They wouldn't go down on the price, but were willing to pay thousands for someone to "fix" the problems. We want the problems "fixed" the way WE wanted them fixed. Not their half ass way. These people must have really low standards on what they consider nice, cuz their realtor was going on and on about how they're "meticulous" about their house and they've taken such good care of it. Pfftt - I can't believe how messy and cluttered it was. They had so much junk just filling up closets and cupboards and crappy paint jobs slopped on the woodwork, cobwebs, filthy furnace. I was intially willing to sink some money into remodeling the kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and then when the inspector gave us his list- gasp.
1) Entire deck not structurally sound. "Built shitty" was his words.
2) No caulking anywhere on the outside of the house.
3) Needs new garage door and frame(the one that leads to the backyard.
4) Possible moisture issues in lower half - might be helped by putting in a gutter system. ($1200-1500)
5) Furnace was filthy and need to be serviced. The filter was so filthy that it started to bowl because air couldn't get through.
6) Roof was on it's last legs and probably needs to be replaced within 2-5 years.
7) Both AC and furnace could go at anytime. (Probably would've lasted longer if they had cared for and maintenced them)
The whole point of us buying a house was to have a place we could just move into and just "live" and get out of this hole so then we can concentrate on renovating this house. We didn't want 2 houses to renovate.
good choice Tates - I wanted a house one time so badly cause it had the deck and hottub - I'm glad it didn't work out. I don't have those now but I have more living space.
Yeah I read that article too. The good thing is we have time on our side. I think we'll take more time before making an offer. Even do 2nd and 3rd showings.
I really agree with you. I think SSP is a hidden jewel for city living. Somewhat secluded from other cities, little crime, reasonable prices, proximity to everything. I like Highland Park too but the house prices there are super high.
We're not interested in condos, townhouses, or twin homes. We have a dog, so... enough said.
I knew that there were too many townhouses and condos being built. The one they built down the street (where the old Masonic lodge use to be on 4th) has been completed for a year and I think they've only sold 4-5 of them. They were over $240,000. :eek: That's alot considering there isn't any yard space, individual garages, or pool.
Seems to me they're very close on a hydrogen car (I've seen some prototypes, even a hummer), it's just getting the infrastructure in place to support them. Not to mention safety concerns.
It's more about changing the minds of the general public. Even if you had a great alternative, a lot of people like their cars as is. I'm all for better technology. As a society, we've depended too much on the standard gas engine car for far too long, fuel costs aside. I mean, our ancestors didn't stop at the steam engine, why should we stop at the gas engine? To keep an edge on other countries, we need to innovate.
And no, I'm not an enviromentalist nor economist. I like thinking ahead to what could be.
I whole heartedly agree with you. The one positive thing about high gas prices is that it will push consumers to demand alternative fuels that not only cost less but are better for the environment.
We have the innovation.... but unfortunately politics and money get in the way. Those with the most lobby power usually win. That is why we as voters need to be heard. The lobbyists can pay the politicians all they want, but if they want to re-elected they need to do what the voters want.
The problem is in getting enough consumers to start voicing their opinions. I like what 'CCO is doing with their Project Energy all summer so far. They break down the energy crisis into understandable segments where you can decide what you feel about it. Here's one of his last In The Know segments about it.
I'm still amazed by the guy that made/stored his own power, didn't have a phone, basically paid NO utilities, even made his own fuel for his truck. He was prettymuch self sufficient, didn't have to rely on anyone, nor any company. In fact, part of the news story has it that he actually sold some power to NSP when they had shortages. Only reason I ever heard about him was he was getting too old to maintain all the equipment himself and he was auctioning off his farm.
Oh we're all over the place. We just hide behind fricken suits and nice haircuts now is all. All we need is one person to start the new revolution. :eek: :wink: :goofy:
Oh, and there's plenty of the braless babes still trotting around out there as well. Only now they're in high heels instead of sandals. :eyeroll:
My sister's ex boyfriend bought one of those cars that can run off of recycled restaurant oil. Ran like shit. Kept breaking down, expensive to fix because nobody was familiar with it. He didn't even keep it for 6 months.
The "hippiest" thing about me is that I'm a recycling nut. Our fourth grade trip was to Long Lake Conservation Center. We learned a lot. Some of it was overboard though... they wouldn't let us flush the toilets until someone pooped. There motto was "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down." :worried:
I was also on the recylcing committee in college. It was cool, cuz most people care and will recycle if they make it easier for them. So that's what we did, made it easier for everyone.
I have to confess that I CANNOT throw away plastic bottles. I always bring them home to recycle.
This one-hour documentary, reported by Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign affairs columnist, Thomas L. Friedman, explores his ideas for a "geo-green alternative," a multilayered strategy for tackling a host of problems, from the funding of terrorist supporters through our gasoline purchases, to strengthening our economy through innovative technology.
This is a really good show to watch if your interseted in this subject. I'm taking this class right now in school.
I did like that one episode of the lone gunmen where they found a car that ran on water that the oil companies were trying to keep the lid on. Turns out they explained it away as the inventor didn't want to let the world have the technology as it would eventually lead to more oil consumption (roads, plastics, lubricant, etc) as cars got cheaper and cheaper to run.
At least it was an interesting theory, never thought about that angle.
I like Thomas Friedman, he's very smart in many areas. I've read his syndicated newspaper articles and he's appeared on Oprah a few times. Facinating viewpoints on the middle east problems.
St. Paul Post Office is planning on having their battery exam for employment. They haven't posted it yet, but the word at work is that they are going to have one. Check USPS.gov for postings and sign up. I'll try to post later when the info is given.
I really missed being around here. The new house is wonderful and we had the whole family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The only bad thing is we can't get high speed internet where we are and we haven't settled on whether to get satelite internet (spendy) or dial up (slow). So I stopped by our old house where we still have our computer hooked up to internet (for the hubby's sports of course) so I thought I'd pop in to say hi. I don't have time to read the 3000+ postings but I'll have to make sure I get up to speed before the big hunt !!!
I still haven't gotten our buttons yet :eek:
I hope everyone is well and are getting their shovels warmed up.
Hey everyone..... well I've pretty much have been hunting wireless. I'm at our old house now but haven't had the discussion boards handy so we've been doing it the old fashioned way. Well we've been getting the scoop from hnts2mch also.
Up until today I haven't even had the chance to go out and look. I was still sick the first couple days of the hunt (that's why I didn't make the pre-dig) and my new work hours are getting in the way.
You may not be losing me after all. We are in for a tough 24 hours. Are inspection didn't go as well as we hoped. You see, there were alot of little issues we had with the house (poor paint job, no corner trim, out dated bathrooms, no exhaust over the stove) These we were willing to deal with. But then there is the probability that the roof and the AC may need to be replaced in the next 5 years. But now the huge issue he found was the deck. Which is huge by the way, 3 tiers. He said it was built poorly and is not structurally sound. :angry: Something about the beams that the deck sits on. Plus taking a closer look at it you could tell that they probably didn't use a level when making most of it.
So this may be a deal breaker because to put a whole new deck on would cost $12000-$15000. And the deck is somewhat crucial because that is what allows you to enjoy the hot tub and the pool. Now their realtor is freaking because he thinks we're going cancel our purchase agreement. So he offered that the clients could hire a liscensed contracter to put more footings under the deck. :eyeroll: I guess our decision is whether we should trust the contractor to do the job it would take to correct the problem. ?????
Plus we're still on the fence on whether we should get that big of a house at this time with all the work that has to be done and re-done. Or maybe we should find a cute little house in SSP for the next few years. We did look at one that was adorable and well kept but the floors squeeked terribly and the yard was a little small. Live in that a few years, start a family and when the kids get bigger move to the country.
Uggghhhh decisions decisions..... :worried:
And we basically have 24 hours to make up our mind about the Wyoming house. :frown:
As far as this house goes... we plan to keep it and renovate it and rent it out. Unless the city kills us with not grandfathering some of the code issues. Then we may fix it up as a single family and sell it.
hmmm...imho...I wouldn't drive ....
why...
2 issues
gas prices keep going up
2..I'd rather not drive...vs. time
granted I know you like it...but it could be a blessing...
We're really torn right now I just wish we had more time. :frown:
if anybody involved has the last name of "hecker" run for the hills...
These people were so odd. They wouldn't go down on the price, but were willing to pay thousands for someone to "fix" the problems. We want the problems "fixed" the way WE wanted them fixed. Not their half ass way. These people must have really low standards on what they consider nice, cuz their realtor was going on and on about how they're "meticulous" about their house and they've taken such good care of it. Pfftt - I can't believe how messy and cluttered it was. They had so much junk just filling up closets and cupboards and crappy paint jobs slopped on the woodwork, cobwebs, filthy furnace. I was intially willing to sink some money into remodeling the kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and then when the inspector gave us his list- gasp.
1) Entire deck not structurally sound. "Built shitty" was his words.
2) No caulking anywhere on the outside of the house.
3) Needs new garage door and frame(the one that leads to the backyard.
4) Possible moisture issues in lower half - might be helped by putting in a gutter system. ($1200-1500)
5) Furnace was filthy and need to be serviced. The filter was so filthy that it started to bowl because air couldn't get through.
6) Roof was on it's last legs and probably needs to be replaced within 2-5 years.
7) Both AC and furnace could go at anytime. (Probably would've lasted longer if they had cared for and maintenced them)
The whole point of us buying a house was to have a place we could just move into and just "live" and get out of this hole so then we can concentrate on renovating this house. We didn't want 2 houses to renovate.
Home prices dropping
good time to buy.
I've been in a money pit for 8 years!
I won't do it again
good choice Tates - I wanted a house one time so badly cause it had the deck and hottub - I'm glad it didn't work out. I don't have those now but I have more living space.
Eagan is a good place to look into!
Mendota Heights is near there too!
High buck - low value
You pay a big price for convenience there. Not much left in Eagan now either. Most value is in the Farmington/Lakeville area now.
heck maybe you can get into one of the new condo's or townhomes that they will not be able 2 sell...
We're not interested in condos, townhouses, or twin homes. We have a dog, so... enough said.
I knew that there were too many townhouses and condos being built. The one they built down the street (where the old Masonic lodge use to be on 4th) has been completed for a year and I think they've only sold 4-5 of them. They were over $240,000. :eek: That's alot considering there isn't any yard space, individual garages, or pool.
yuppers. if we ever come into a decent amount of money, we're buying a few pond-side acres in lakeville and building.
if.
r u sure?? ya...home value...but as gas prices continue to rise...screw that...I wouldn't want to drive any farther than I need to....
but what do I know...
It's more about changing the minds of the general public. Even if you had a great alternative, a lot of people like their cars as is. I'm all for better technology. As a society, we've depended too much on the standard gas engine car for far too long, fuel costs aside. I mean, our ancestors didn't stop at the steam engine, why should we stop at the gas engine? To keep an edge on other countries, we need to innovate.
And no, I'm not an enviromentalist nor economist. I like thinking ahead to what could be.
can you say 1.21 gigawatts? :smile:
We have the innovation.... but unfortunately politics and money get in the way. Those with the most lobby power usually win. That is why we as voters need to be heard. The lobbyists can pay the politicians all they want, but if they want to re-elected they need to do what the voters want.
http://wcco.com/intheknow/local_story_192092852.html
I think it's cool people in this day and age can still be self sufficient (and no, I'm not talking like montana militia style).
I'd love to see all the girls in those cool flower dresses...and slinky shirts with no bras....ok...maybe the bras....but still..
Oh we're all over the place. We just hide behind fricken suits and nice haircuts now is all. All we need is one person to start the new revolution. :eek: :wink: :goofy:
Oh, and there's plenty of the braless babes still trotting around out there as well. Only now they're in high heels instead of sandals. :eyeroll:
hippie babe google search can get me in trouble at work....
oops...
I was also on the recylcing committee in college. It was cool, cuz most people care and will recycle if they make it easier for them. So that's what we did, made it easier for everyone.
I have to confess that I CANNOT throw away plastic bottles. I always bring them home to recycle.
Premieres Sat, June 24, at 10 p.m. ET
This one-hour documentary, reported by Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign affairs columnist, Thomas L. Friedman, explores his ideas for a "geo-green alternative," a multilayered strategy for tackling a host of problems, from the funding of terrorist supporters through our gasoline purchases, to strengthening our economy through innovative technology.
This is a really good show to watch if your interseted in this subject. I'm taking this class right now in school.
Heres a listing of the times it's on.
Heres a better link with video samples of the show Here
At least it was an interesting theory, never thought about that angle.
St. Paul Post Office is planning on having their battery exam for employment. They haven't posted it yet, but the word at work is that they are going to have one. Check USPS.gov for postings and sign up. I'll try to post later when the info is given.
I really missed being around here. The new house is wonderful and we had the whole family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The only bad thing is we can't get high speed internet where we are and we haven't settled on whether to get satelite internet (spendy) or dial up (slow). So I stopped by our old house where we still have our computer hooked up to internet (for the hubby's sports of course) so I thought I'd pop in to say hi. I don't have time to read the 3000+ postings but I'll have to make sure I get up to speed before the big hunt !!!
I still haven't gotten our buttons yet :eek:
I hope everyone is well and are getting their shovels warmed up.
Do we have a place and time for the pre dig yet?
Ta Ta for now.
buy your buttons from Becksie! she's a tax collector for the WC this year. She'll be at the pre-dig OR you can egram her to get them.
If I noticed and recall correctly, the button doesn't have to be registered/postmarked until a day AFTER the hunt begins this year.
Probably upstairs - but if it's after 9 and you look upstairs and we are not there - - look downstairs
thanks for getting our buttons and registration sent in :cool:
Prediction: I'm going to find the medallion on my 30th birthday! Oh yeah, I would like a small veggie tray
PS Lucy says "waaaaa" translation "hi"
You should've seen their faces when they got to Crosby at 10pm and saw hundreds of lights in the woods. :ooh:
ARE YOU ALIVE????????????
Up until today I haven't even had the chance to go out and look. I was still sick the first couple days of the hunt (that's why I didn't make the pre-dig) and my new work hours are getting in the way.
Oh well hope to see you out there.