house maybe

We have looked at a lot of houses over the past 3 weeks or so. A few really nice ones, but mostly a bunch of misses. Even the nice ones have Achilles Heels like higher than normal taxes or smaller than normal bedrooms. The only one we loved so far had the high taxes and multiple offers. Suffice to say, we moved on.

Today while out on a walk to look at a rather run down place nearby (our hope to find a diamond in the rough that is fixable) we ran into a couple looking at the same who happened to also be selling their home (see picture above). We arranged, thanks to our ever flexible agent Joleen, to see it that day. It misses some targets, no garage and only one bath, but hits most of them, most prominently low taxes, good interior space, the necessary updates (like electrical) and a manageable yard. So, we put in an offer.

The offering game is always an interesting one. Did they tag it with a higher price than they hoped to actually get? If so, how much higher? Are they in a hurry to sell, or will they wait it out a bit? If they counter, what number are we okay with? Much like a game of cards, you have to know when you are in too deep and fold. The biggest problem is the emotional one, and all the time and energy spent looking. Plus, even when you come to an agreement, you always have to wonder if you got a good deal or a bad one. Is there another house just about to come on the market that would be a better fit?

Harder still is trying to find a point of comparison in this area. In King City, there were a lot of similarly aged homes of close enough dimensions to gauge what seemed like a fair number. Here, it is seemingly impossible. First off, because EVERYONE lists basements as square footage, finished or not. Secondly, because block by block you have huge variances in the quality of the neighborhood. Thirdly, because the houses are such disparate ages. How does one compare a house built in 1889 with one built in 1979 or in 2010? Are granite counters and SS appliances and large abundant rooms a good trade off for a neighborhood that is still in the infancy of getting better? And what of the neighbor's house with the derelict car parts strewn about the yard and house paint flaking like so much dandruff? There are no apples to apples here.

Ultimately, we will find out tomorrow late whether they counter, accept, or outright reject our offer. My gut says they don't accept it, but probably don't reject it outright either. We shall see and, of course, I shall post as events warrant. For now, I am tired of signing my name to documents and tired in general as well.