I've been looking at houses, but not in that "must find one soon because I have to move" sort of way. It's more of an "I don't know how much longer I can share walls with other humans and I really want my own English maze (or at least a hedge)" thing.

For you experienced home buyers, what are your deal breakers? What features do you have to have in a house?

My list includes nothing built after 1930, gas connection in the kitchen, basement, high ceilings, wood floors and the original doors and moldings.

There are other things I'd like, but I might compromise if it was otherwise perfect -- like a working boiler and radiators, permanent attic stairs, unpainted woodwork, a kitchen that hasn't been remodeled and at least one working fireplace. I'm also rather smitten with those Arts and Crafts stone porch supports that are wider at the bottom than the top.

So, what am I missing? What do you look for?"

Location, location, location :)  

Price is also very important, as well as quality of the construction or what shape the home is in.  The rest is pretty much personal preference... 

Nothing built after 1930 plus original doors and a kitchen that hasn't been remodeled...  The house would be at least 80 years old.  I don't think a kitchen would last that long.  Plus they did not have modern appliances back then.  May be you should look for something new[er] and then just remodel the interior in the Arts and Crafts style.  

 

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Sasha

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Too many people debate as if the point is to show who is smarter, rather than which conclusion is correct.

If you are single, you ,ay want to consider a condo instead of a house. Less maintenance, and when you need to sell it may be easier as well. Just a thought...

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Sic semper tyrannis
~War is Peace~Freedom is Slavery~Ignorance is Strength~ George Orwell "1984"

considered size of back and front yard and who's gonna keep it neat as well...

1930's house - make sure you hire a good inspector as those will have great surprises that'll cost you mcho mula ($$$) ....

Go for recent build with exterior that looks like Craft's house (they build a lot of those around here), then make interrior the way you like....

 

one thing - 1930 house , no air conditioning.... :)

maybe you like it hot , but in me opinion - newer is better. 

 

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- Независимость - это когда в 20-й раз наступаешь на одни и те же грабли, а русские уже ни при чем....

KGBMan:

considered size of back and front yard and who's gonna keep it neat as well...

1930's house - make sure you hire a good inspector as those will have great surprises that'll cost you mcho mula ($$$) ....

Go for recent build with exterior that looks like Craft's house (they build a lot of those around here), then make interrior the way you like....

 

one thing - 1930 house , no air conditioning.... :)

maybe you like it hot , but in me opinion - newer is better. 

I agree. They are more comfortable to live in and more energy efficient. You will spend more money paying your bills for heating and electricity in an older house. Even those built in 70's are not that good. Also, who wants to live in 1930's. Why go back in time? :) 

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And one more thing that I forgot to mention. Don't go for condominiums unless you want to stay there for 2-5 years (no offense Anton :). The Homeowners Association fee (HOA) is a pain in the neck. It is so unpredictable and might go very high depending on your community. some people might be less responsible than you, and you will end up paying for their 'deeds'. I had one several years ago. Mine went up from $130 to $280 in three years while I lived there. I heard that they are paying $325 now, and that is in 7 years when I bought it. It's a gambling… some don't go that high. Retirement communities have generally a better management (my folks info), but I know you are not there any time soon :) If you have a house, you have more control of things that you think need to be fixed, and save more money. You are not dependent on other folks who might be less diligent with respect to a property. Besides it's a great deal to have your own backyard. I have a vegetable garden… You should have seen the tomatoes I have this year!!! :)

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But...but...but....she could pick up a condo at a song (relatively speaking). I get that the association fee is there, but there is less maintenance with a condo (a plus for any girl or maybe even a lazy dude). Do you know how much it costs to patch up or replace a leaky roof? Or cut the backyard/front lawn grass, where mandated? Or the sprinklers water bill? Plus, condos are often located in more urban areas where one could walk or ride a bike, whereas homes are mostly in suburbia and you need to drive everywhere. This is why I asked if she was single, as single people typically prefer less hassle with their dwelling. Also, the length of stay is irrelevant. If one buys a condo or a house, they should be staying put for a while. Just the sales cost (commission, closing, deposits) will be high regardless...Just my 2 cents worth...

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Sic semper tyrannis
~War is Peace~Freedom is Slavery~Ignorance is Strength~ George Orwell "1984"

gtSasha:

Location, location, location :)  

Price is also very important, as well as quality of the construction or what shape the home is in.  The rest is pretty much personal preference... 

Nothing built after 1930 plus original doors and a kitchen that hasn't been remodeled...  The house would be at least 80 years old.  I don't think a kitchen would last that long.  Plus they did not have modern appliances back then.  May be you should look for something new[er] and then just remodel the interior in the Arts and Crafts style.  

 

Yeah, I agree about location, which is one reason I'll end up with an old house. As long as I'm in my current city, there's only one neighborhood I'm willing to live in and it's old. I'm fine with that. I prefer older homes. I don't bond well with new construction. 

I think you're right about condition. I've looked at some that require extensive restoration and I just don't think I'm up for that. Cosmetic stuff is fine, but I don't want to gut and rebuild, and I don't want to rip out a previous owner's bad updates.

That's why I want the original kitchen. I fully expect to have to replace appliances, but the old cabinets look better than the new ones at the price point I'm looking at. I'm looking at bungalows (and a few shotguns). Most of the renovated kitchens I've seen in those are done with stock cabinetry that really doesn't fit the space, which makes sense. A middle class owner wouldn't be as likely to spring for custom work as a mansion owner. The originals were typically custom built for the house. My current apartment has two walls of the originals and they still look great. My first apartment in this neighborhood had all of them, including the old ironing board cupboard.

I know buying new is probably more practical and trouble free, but I don't think I'd be happy. Anyone here restored an old one?

AHTOH:

But...but...but....she could pick up a condo at a song (relatively speaking). I get that the association fee is there, but there is less maintenance with a condo (a plus for any girl or maybe even a lazy dude). Do you know how much it costs to patch up or replace a leaky roof? Or cut the backyard/front lawn grass, where mandated? Or the sprinklers water bill? Plus, condos are often located in more urban areas where one could walk or ride a bike, whereas homes are mostly in suburbia and you need to drive everywhere. This is why I asked if she was single, as single people typically prefer less hassle with their dwelling. Also, the length of stay is irrelevant. If one buys a condo or a house, they should be staying put for a while. Just the sales cost (commission, closing, deposits) will be high regardless...Just my 2 cents worth...

I looked at a few condo interiors on a local real estate site. The condos were definitely cheaper, but I'd still be sharing walls and following rules made by other people (hoa or condo board). If I have to do that, it seems like I might as well stay in my apartment. 

I wouldn't buy a house in the suburbs. Suburbs are too isolated and I don't want to deal with an HMO. The neighborhood where I live (and where I've been casually house hunting) is hip, old and urban. I can walk to live theatre, movies, groceries, bookstores, bars and coffee shops. Fortunately, there are tons of houses here. If not, I'd go the condo route.

The yard thing is definitely an issues. I worried about that. My friend Wayne spends a fortune each year on his gardener and I can't afford that. My friend Stan suggested turning any lawns into front and back New Orleans style courtyards with potted plants rather than grass. I like that idea a lot.

KGBMan:

considered size of back and front yard and who's gonna keep it neat as well...

1930's house - make sure you hire a good inspector as those will have great surprises that'll cost you mcho mula ($$$) ....

Go for recent build with exterior that looks like Craft's house (they build a lot of those around here), then make interrior the way you like....

 

one thing - 1930 house , no air conditioning.... :)

maybe you like it hot , but in me opinion - newer is better. 

 

lol...  Memphis is nearly the tropics. Everyone has already installed air conditioners.My apartment was built in 1929 and my inside temp is 66 right now. I prefer 63, but 66 is pretty good for summer.

Heat isn't a problem, but I do want radiators instead of central heat. Can you even get those in a new house?

No doubt you're right about the inspections. A lot of the houses are being sold "as is" and that kind of scares me. It would be my luck that the basement would collapse the day after I move.

 

Leah:

AHTOH:

But...but...but....she could pick up a condo at a song (relatively speaking). I get that the association fee is there, but there is less maintenance with a condo (a plus for any girl or maybe even a lazy dude). Do you know how much it costs to patch up or replace a leaky roof? Or cut the backyard/front lawn grass, where mandated? Or the sprinklers water bill? Plus, condos are often located in more urban areas where one could walk or ride a bike, whereas homes are mostly in suburbia and you need to drive everywhere. This is why I asked if she was single, as single people typically prefer less hassle with their dwelling. Also, the length of stay is irrelevant. If one buys a condo or a house, they should be staying put for a while. Just the sales cost (commission, closing, deposits) will be high regardless...Just my 2 cents worth...

I looked at a few condo interiors on a local real estate site. The condos were definitely cheaper, but I'd still be sharing walls and following rules made by other people (hoa or condo board). If I have to do that, it seems like I might as well stay in my apartment. 

I wouldn't buy a house in the suburbs. Suburbs are too isolated and I don't want to deal with an HMO. The neighborhood where I live (and where I've been casually house hunting) is hip, old and urban. I can walk to live theatre, movies, groceries, bookstores, bars and coffee shops. Fortunately, there are tons of houses here. If not, I'd go the condo route.

The yard thing is definitely an issues. I worried about that. My friend Wayne spends a fortune each year on his gardener and I can't afford that. My friend Stan suggested turning any lawns into front and back New Orleans style courtyards with potted plants rather than grass. I like that idea a lot.

 

You are right. Look up "Arizona landscaping". It would eliminate all grass, and you can still make it pretty with potted plants.

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Sic semper tyrannis
~War is Peace~Freedom is Slavery~Ignorance is Strength~ George Orwell "1984"