is this for real? i put an offer on a home

of all insanity – i put an offer in on a 1/2 duplex today… which surprised even me since i was adamantly looking for a standalone house (no condos, no townhouses). but when i walked into this place it felt like somewhere i could live until i build up enough equity to buy the type of place i really want down the road. the space is almost 1700 square feet and includes 3 bedrooms (1 up, 2 down), 2 bathrooms, a family room, a living room, a dining area and a kitchen with a breakfast nook off it. although it’s two floors (and way more space than i needed), the main living space is all on one floor which i really like… it’s like a large one bedroom apartment, and quite cosy. also a bonus is that it has a wood stove to offset the hydro costs.

the real bottom line though is that more and more i am realizing in a realistic price range for me (around $200k), any house i buy will be in need of major repairs and/or upgrades – which i just don’t have the time in my life for right now. the reality is – as much as i want to live on the coast, i am only here evenings after work and 1 out of every 2 weekends. low maintenance at this stage of my life makes the most sense. i suppose i’m just looking at this as a way to stop paying rent and get into the market without having to put a lot of effort in.

so the offer was countered and i accepted the counter – and that means that we now are dealing with the nitty-gritty. i have to get on the mortgage broker, get an inspector, an assessment and all that…. within the next 12 days or so. if i get the subjects cleared up then i would be giving notice here and moving april 30th – that’ s quicker than i would have expected, but better i move now then get too much more settled in.

anyhow – here’s the list i made this afternoon to help me with my decision, i’m still pretty freaked out by the whole thing…..

the pros:
* it’s really liveable as is – no immediate repairs or decorating needed
* it has a woodstove
* there is a potential to have a suite or a roomate at least to offset the mortgage
* it’s close to the village of gibsons (15 minute walk)
* lots of living space
* no lawn to mow – low maintenance lot
* small garden spaces that could be made really nice without a ton of work
* it’s on municipal water and sewer (no septic to deal with)
* large deck – southwest facing – i can see mt. elphinstone from it as well
* the house is set off from the road
* close to transit, only 4 km or so from the ferry if i feel like walking home on summer evenings
* it’s really affordable for me, a good way to get into a steep real estate market

the cons:
* the neighbourhood is not super exciting
* the lot is small, and there are houses on all sides – i’d prefer a little more rural
* no real hang-out in yard spaces
* it’s a duplex – and maybe i won’t get along with the neighbours

to see photos – click on the more link….. and tell me what you think!