Another weekend, another bunch of open homes to view.
Today we looked at 5 houses, all in the same range of RV.
The first house obviously had some issues with the flooring or, worse, the piles. Every room was uneven, had sections that gave a lot under your feet when you walked over it...basically, it was worrying. They wanted $5k under RV, but it would cost so much more to fix if it was the piles. And fixing something this serious isn't high on my list of things I'm willing to do when I get a house.
House number two was locked, and so the estate agent broke in by reaching in through an open window to unlock the back door. Which didn't give me high hopes as to the security of the place. It was nice enough inside, although the bathroom would need to be completely redone, and there was a lot of mould and damp in the ceiling. Also, it's rented to students who have not looked after the place.
House number 3 had an advertised open day of 1.45. We, along with a dozen other people, got there at about 20 to 2. It was funny, because by now we began to recognise other people who were also seeing the same houses as us. We waited until quarter to, then walked up to the house- no sign of the real estate agent. Everyone was standing around at this point. I'd say around 30 people were there. At 5 to 2 she showed up, took her time getting out of the car, then turned around and instead of apologising for being late she said, "Come on then!" and walked up into the house. That turned me off immediately, moreso than the rundown look of the house. The steps leading up were ridiculously steep, and the last step, onto the front porch was very high, even for me (and I'm a smidge under 5 foot 8). The house was nice enough inside, if somewhat run down, and the estate agent didn't even bother handing out flyers with information- she was too busy having a chat with someone she knew. We had a quick look at the garden, but the dead mouse on the lawn - and the horrified look on its face- were enough of an omen. We were out of there!
And on to the fourth house. It was in a lovely location, at the bottom of a quiet cul-de-sac. But as soon as we stepped in it was obvious the photos were very old, and the rooms were tiny. They were what I'd call a UK double- you could fit a double bed in to the room, but that's about it. I want a NZ double, which have room for a double bed and a tonne of furniture or, even like the room I have here at our rental, which could easily fit two double beds and still have room to move around. I wasn't impressed, overall, and it just seemed incredibly dinky for what they were asking, even despite the wonderful view.
My flatmate, B, remarked that maybe we were saving the best until last. And when we walked up to the 5th house, I knew she was right. It was, quite simply, amazing. Same beautiful views, but huge rooms, well maintained, not a spot of mould anywhere. The garden was smallish (which suits me fine) but the rooms were huge and the kitchen and bathroom lovely. The downside- we overheard the agent talking to one of the 40 or more people who were there, and they were wanting $50-80k over RV. Which is insane even though it was beautiful.
So. A wasted day in many respects. I walked out of the last house feeling incredibly dejected. When will I find a place that's right for me, in the right price range? I don't want much, not really. Just somewhere that isn't damp and isn't falling apart.
Next weekend. It's a mantra I keep telling myself. Next weekend, it'll turn up, the perfect house for me.
Today we looked at 5 houses, all in the same range of RV.
The first house obviously had some issues with the flooring or, worse, the piles. Every room was uneven, had sections that gave a lot under your feet when you walked over it...basically, it was worrying. They wanted $5k under RV, but it would cost so much more to fix if it was the piles. And fixing something this serious isn't high on my list of things I'm willing to do when I get a house.
House number two was locked, and so the estate agent broke in by reaching in through an open window to unlock the back door. Which didn't give me high hopes as to the security of the place. It was nice enough inside, although the bathroom would need to be completely redone, and there was a lot of mould and damp in the ceiling. Also, it's rented to students who have not looked after the place.
House number 3 had an advertised open day of 1.45. We, along with a dozen other people, got there at about 20 to 2. It was funny, because by now we began to recognise other people who were also seeing the same houses as us. We waited until quarter to, then walked up to the house- no sign of the real estate agent. Everyone was standing around at this point. I'd say around 30 people were there. At 5 to 2 she showed up, took her time getting out of the car, then turned around and instead of apologising for being late she said, "Come on then!" and walked up into the house. That turned me off immediately, moreso than the rundown look of the house. The steps leading up were ridiculously steep, and the last step, onto the front porch was very high, even for me (and I'm a smidge under 5 foot 8). The house was nice enough inside, if somewhat run down, and the estate agent didn't even bother handing out flyers with information- she was too busy having a chat with someone she knew. We had a quick look at the garden, but the dead mouse on the lawn - and the horrified look on its face- were enough of an omen. We were out of there!
And on to the fourth house. It was in a lovely location, at the bottom of a quiet cul-de-sac. But as soon as we stepped in it was obvious the photos were very old, and the rooms were tiny. They were what I'd call a UK double- you could fit a double bed in to the room, but that's about it. I want a NZ double, which have room for a double bed and a tonne of furniture or, even like the room I have here at our rental, which could easily fit two double beds and still have room to move around. I wasn't impressed, overall, and it just seemed incredibly dinky for what they were asking, even despite the wonderful view.
My flatmate, B, remarked that maybe we were saving the best until last. And when we walked up to the 5th house, I knew she was right. It was, quite simply, amazing. Same beautiful views, but huge rooms, well maintained, not a spot of mould anywhere. The garden was smallish (which suits me fine) but the rooms were huge and the kitchen and bathroom lovely. The downside- we overheard the agent talking to one of the 40 or more people who were there, and they were wanting $50-80k over RV. Which is insane even though it was beautiful.
So. A wasted day in many respects. I walked out of the last house feeling incredibly dejected. When will I find a place that's right for me, in the right price range? I don't want much, not really. Just somewhere that isn't damp and isn't falling apart.
Next weekend. It's a mantra I keep telling myself. Next weekend, it'll turn up, the perfect house for me.
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