305 Blaine

While we were on the Disney Cruise a house came up for sale around the corner.  When returned our neighbor ran over to tell us that we should buy it.  Naturally we thought it would be out of our price range, however when I looked it up it wasn't so bad.  As it turns out it is a short sale and has been on and off the market for 5 years.  We took a look at it and it wasn't in bad shape.  Most of the houses in the neighborhood are over 1 million so this is a steal, even if it needs some work.  So, we put in an offer and it was accepted.  We went through inspection and we were surprised at how good things were... new roof and gutters, plumbing is copper, sewer lines are great, hardwood under the rugs and more.  It has knob and tube electric and needs a new front porch.

So, at this point the bank has to sign off on the loan for the seller to approve it all and that can take a long time. In the meantime we are gathering bids from contractors to paint the exterior, fix the porch, and put in a new kitchen and bathroom.

The house basically has no back yard and is about 20 steps up from the street with no garage and no off street parking, but it will allow us to stay in this neighborhood, allow the kids to stay with their new friends and in their new school.  In addition, the house will already have a ton of equity the moment the sale is final so even if we don't like it we will make money on resale.

We are excited to pretty much have a clean slate, though and we have lots of great ideas for this place!!!!!  Meeting with contractors and designers and architects has kept me busy!!!


Dining Room (with a free lazy boy! -- yuck)

Living Room

Master Bedroom with a gas fireplace and sky lights

The house is about 2100 sq. ft with a finished basement with a bedroom and bathroom in the basement.  When we are done it will be 4 beds and 4 baths which will be awesome and tons more space than we have now!!!!!

So, say a little prayer it all works out for us and that the bank approves the sale!