This Is A Poncho-Free Zone!--May 22-29, 2010 PTR (New PTR!!!! 5/31)

[BippityBoo]

Oh Becky, sounds like a typical first day of looking to me!!! Please do not get upset Sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to get your prince, you know what I mean

I agree with your Realtor. Short sales here usually end up taking 3-6 months (if not LONGER) because the banks are SUPER hard to deal with. Lots of paper work, etc. Also, it can be weeks until you get answer back on if your offer was even accepted! I don't think it would work in your situation.

The smoke smell could come out, but IMO only with repainting a lot. I think having all of their stuff out and opening the windows would help some, but you would probably always have that smell (think of hotel rooms). The paint will soak it up for the most part. Also, removing (or cleaning by professionals) ALL carpet in the house. That is all I can think of---I will ask my hubby if he knows of anything new.

I know you will find the right one...hang in there! I am always SOOO shocked how other people live too. It is really upsetting some times when you see the kid's rooms in those homes and it hits you that kids live there too. Hope you won't have to deal any more with those

**Can I suggest the realtor preview the homes for you? We do that sometimes for clients who live out of town and do not have time to be walking through those kinds of homes. We simply make an appt. on a day that we are not with them to do a quick agent walk through to make sure it is up to par. Then, we decide if they should see it. That might help, if your Realtor has extra time. It should only take her an hour or so.**

 

[ladybugmom]

Oh and the fact that we'll get the $6,500 tax credit if we have a house on contract by the end of April doesn't help with the stress either! It makes me more anxious and impatient!!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hang in there Becky! You'll make it! I've certainly never gone through the home buying process, but my father owns a real estate company so I hear about it all the time. I know the process can be very stressful - but rewarding as well. He often tells me of clients who have to look at 50 houses before finding one that they truly love, so you aren't alone in being disappointed the first time out. Good luck and keep up posted!

 

[cinderella crazy]

I know it's stressful Becky! You'll find the right house. It may take a little time but you'll find it. How nice that the realtor cam and picked you up! When we got our rental house ready to sell, we were shocked at how dirty and unkept it looked. There was dog hair everywhere and nasty dog smell. We ended up replacing all the carpeting in the house and that did get rid of the smell. It really is amazing how some people don't take care of their houses.

 

[ladybugmom]

Oh Becky, sounds like a typical first day of looking to me!!! Please do not get upset Sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to get your prince, you know what I mean

I agree with your Realtor. Short sales here usually end up taking 3-6 months (if not LONGER) because the banks are SUPER hard to deal with. Lots of paper work, etc. Also, it can be weeks until you get answer back on if your offer was even accepted! I don't think it would work in your situation.

The smoke smell could come out, but IMO only with repainting a lot. I think having all of their stuff out and opening the windows would help some, but you would probably always have that smell (think of hotel rooms). The paint will soak it up for the most part. Also, removing (or cleaning by professionals) ALL carpet in the house. That is all I can think of---I will ask my hubby if he knows of anything new.

I know you will find the right one...hang in there! I am always SOOO shocked how other people live too. It is really upsetting some times when you see the kid's rooms in those homes and it hits you that kids live there too. Hope you won't have to deal any more with those

**Can I suggest the realtor preview the homes for you? We do that sometimes for clients who live out of town and do not have time to be walking through those kinds of homes. We simply make an appt. on a day that we are not with them to do a quick agent walk through to make sure it is up to par. Then, we decide if they should see it. That might help, if your Realtor has extra time. It should only take her an hour or so.**

Thanks for all of the great tips. Uggh about getting the smoke smell out! That's a lot of work! Maybe it could be written into the contract?! Who knows! I really did like the house . . . You are a wealth of info!!

 

[addictedtothemouse]

I'm sorry your so stressed. I was lucky Dh had his house when I met him and enough land that when we needed more room we just added on.
I would think that if the smell in the house was very faint maybe a professional steam cleaning with some odor control cleaners would take care of it. Or maybe one of those shark steam cleaners? My DSIL has one and it is great her tile floors always look clean but when she used that it pulled dirt up that we couldn't even see! If it does that I would think it would get rid of whatever is making the smell.

 

[ladybugmom]

Hang in there Becky! You'll make it! I've certainly never gone through the home buying process, but my father owns a real estate company so I hear about it all the time. I know the process can be very stressful - but rewarding as well. He often tells me of clients who have to look at 50 houses before finding one that they truly love, so you aren't alone in being disappointed the first time out. Good luck and keep up posted!

Thank you!! The only thing is there aren't that many houses to look at in the area we want--it's a small town.

I know it's stressful Becky! You'll find the right house. It may take a little time but you'll find it. How nice that the realtor cam and picked you up! When we got our rental house ready to sell, we were shocked at how dirty and unkept it looked. There was dog hair everywhere and nasty dog smell. We ended up replacing all the carpeting in the house and that did get rid of the smell. It really is amazing how some people don't take care of their houses.

Thanks!! Yes, she picked me up AND bought me lunch!! Eww! Glad to hear that you got the smell out. This house has hardwood floors throughout the bottom floor--the 2nd floor has the carpet.

 

[ladybugmom]

I'm sorry your so stressed. I was lucky Dh had his house when I met him and enough land that when we needed more room we just added on.
I would think that if the smell in the house was very faint maybe a professional steam cleaning with some odor control cleaners would take care of it. Or maybe one of those shark steam cleaners? My DSIL has one and it is great her tile floors always look clean but when she used that it pulled dirt up that we couldn't even see! If it does that I would think it would get rid of whatever is making the smell.

Oh how nice!! Yeah, that's not a possibility for us!! We do not live on a big lot and it's in a neighborhood. Thanks for the tips on getting the smell out!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Don't let the search get you down Becky! You'll find what is perfect for your family, it may just require a little patience.

On the smoke smell, did she still have some furniture or clothes in the house - it could very well be in those things as well making the house smell worse. I agree - you'd probably have to have the carpets professionally cleaned and all the walls washed and painted to get rid of it.

That's exciting that the potential for the tax credit is there, for some reason I thought that was just for 1st time home buyers.

 

[ladybugmom]

Don't let the search get you down Becky! You'll find what is perfect for your family, it may just require a little patience.

On the smoke smell, did she still have some furniture or clothes in the house - it could very well be in those things as well making the house smell worse. I agree - you'd probably have to have the carpets professionally cleaned and all the walls washed and painted to get rid of it.

That's exciting that the potential for the tax credit is there, for some reason I thought that was just for 1st time home buyers.

Thanks Michelle!! Almost everything was already out of the house--no furniture and I didn't see any clothes. I've been searching online and it looks like it involves a lot. Definitely something we would probably need to write into the contract to have taken care of if we do pursue this home. Maybe we could end up getting it for less b/c of it? Who knows?! All I know is the smell has to be gone! I am very sensitive to smells--it was funny b/c I could smell it but my realtor couldn't.

There are 2 out there: $8,500 for new homebuyers and $6,500 for those that have owned the same home for 5 or more years.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks Michelle!! Almost everything was already out of the house--no furniture and I didn't see any clothes. I've been searching online and it looks like it involves a lot. Definitely something we would probably need to write into the contract to have taken care of if we do pursue this home. Maybe we could end up getting it for less b/c of it? Who knows?! All I know is the smell has to be gone! I am very sensitive to smells--it was funny b/c I could smell it but my realtor couldn't.

There are 2 out there: $8,500 for new homebuyers and $6,500 for those that have owned the same home for 5 or more years.

I'm that way with smells too! I'm constantly saying 'what is that smell?' and Don just looks at me and says 'I don't smell anything' - it's a curse, I think!

I didn't know that about the credit - that is a nice bit of incentive!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Becky!
sounds like a very stressful situation...I remember when we relocated we looked at about 10 houses before we decided to just buy property and build oursleves! although, we have still outgrown our house ...sounds like the house you really liked just needs some new attention...I agree with Katie on removing the smell; it may just be a stale smell from needing new paint and/or floors...I bet she would be willing to negoiate on the terms. But, than you may find something you really like in the next few days...hang in there ::goddvibes::

 

[BippityBoo]

Thanks for all of the great tips. Uggh about getting the smoke smell out! That's a lot of work! Maybe it could be written into the contract?! Who knows! I really did like the house . . . You are a wealth of info!!

Well, please keep in mind that I am just guessing that it would have to be done. If the smell is not that bad, a coat of paint in the main areas and a good steam clean should do it. We moved into a repo and the house smelled HORRIBLE of dog pee and smoke. We were up for the challenge and totally took everything out of the house Carpet, tile, everything. Just having the carpet out helped a lot with the smell. Once we painted, you could not smell a thing anymore. We still live here and the smells have never come back!

There are ways around it...that is a great idea to put it in the contract. Just be sure to be very specific about what you want. If they try to paint or clean the carpet themselves to save money, then you may get a poor painting job or a carpet clean that does not help the smell at all. Specify that you want a professional job done. I think in this economy, someone would be willing to do so to get the sale! HTH

 

[ladybugmom]

I'm that way with smells too! I'm constantly saying 'what is that smell?' and Don just looks at me and says 'I don't smell anything' - it's a curse, I think!

I didn't know that about the credit - that is a nice bit of incentive!

That's how I felt yesterday--I kept saying, "What is that smell?" and the realtor kept saying, "I don't smell anything." I think we're going to take Brent back to see it and I'll see if he notices--I haven't mentioned the smell to him yet. Yes, the tax credit is VERY nice!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Hey Becky!
sounds like a very stressful situation...I remember when we relocated we looked at about 10 houses before we decided to just buy property and build oursleves! although, we have still outgrown our house ...sounds like the house you really liked just needs some new attention...I agree with Katie on removing the smell; it may just be a stale smell from needing new paint and/or floors...I bet she would be willing to negoiate on the terms. But, than you may find something you really like in the next few days...hang in there ::goddvibes::

Yeah--we built the house we're in now and I really don't want to wait to have a house built. Plus you can get some really good deals on pre-existing homes right now. Thanks for the encouragement!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Well, please keep in mind that I am just guessing that it would have to be done. If the smell is not that bad, a coat of paint in the main areas and a good steam clean should do it. We moved into a repo and the house smelled HORRIBLE of dog pee and smoke. We were up for the challenge and totally took everything out of the house Carpet, tile, everything. Just having the carpet out helped a lot with the smell. Once we painted, you could not smell a thing anymore. We still live here and the smells have never come back!

There are ways around it...that is a great idea to put it in the contract. Just be sure to be very specific about what you want. If they try to paint or clean the carpet themselves to save money, then you may get a poor painting job or a carpet clean that does not help the smell at all. Specify that you want a professional job done. I think in this economy, someone would be willing to do so to get the sale! HTH

Oh wow!!! Well that sounds promising! The smell of the smoke is not overwhelming but I can smell it (but my realtor could not). Supposedly the previous owner only smoked outside. So it's good to know you CAN get rid of the smell! The entire 1st floor of the home is hardwood floors and tile in the kitchen, hearth room, and laundry room. Then the carpet is upstairs in the bedrooms. Good idea about being specific. Maybe I could even recommend the people my realtor uses to do all of her jobs?! She has a whole crew of people that she uses to paint, drywall, etc. And she is able to get them fairly cheap b/c she uses them for all of her clients. My realtor thinks this lady is really wanting to get rid of the house b/c she has already moved up north. But we'll see what happens. Oh--and what do you know about county appraisals? The house is appraised (our county assessor) for almost $20,000 less than the asking price. Is that normal? I found that bit of info last night while researching.

 

[BippityBoo]

Oh wow!!! Well that sounds promising! The smell of the smoke is not overwhelming but I can smell it (but my realtor could not). Supposedly the previous owner only smoked outside. So it's good to know you CAN get rid of the smell! The entire 1st floor of the home is hardwood floors and tile in the kitchen, hearth room, and laundry room. Then the carpet is upstairs in the bedrooms. Good idea about being specific. Maybe I could even recommend the people my realtor uses to do all of her jobs?! She has a whole crew of people that she uses to paint, drywall, etc. And she is able to get them fairly cheap b/c she uses them for all of her clients. My realtor thinks this lady is really wanting to get rid of the house b/c she has already moved up north. But we'll see what happens. Oh--and what do you know about county appraisals? The house is appraised (our county assessor) for almost $20,000 less than the asking price. Is that normal? I found that bit of info last night while researching.

The hardwoods sound promising. Even though the carpet is upstairs, you would be surprised how much it can contribute to the smells! ESPECIALLY if she does not live there and there has been no A/C turned on to circulate the air. Yes--I would agree with your Realtor. I think she would be more motivated since she has moved away already.

Also, def. go with your Realtor's suggested contractors. Great idea

Now as for the appraisal. Let me ask Chris (he has been an appraiser for 7 years now). Personally, I would not think that you would offer anything above an appraised value. I will get back to you!

 

[ladybugmom]

The hardwoods sound promising. Even though the carpet is upstairs, you would be surprised how much it can contribute to the smells! ESPECIALLY if she does not live there and there has been no A/C turned on to circulate the air. Yes--I would agree with your Realtor. I think she would be more motivated since she has moved away already.

Also, def. go with your Realtor's suggested contractors. Great idea

Now as for the appraisal. Let me ask Chris (he has been an appraiser for 7 years now). Personally, I would not think that you would offer anything above an appraised value. I will get back to you!

Thanks Katie!! You are sooo good!!! I appreciate you asking Chris!! I e-mailed my realtor but I haven't heard back from her yet--she has a busy day with appts. though.

 

[Dancegrl624]

House hunting is the worst! Don't get discouraged. The right home will come along that will be perfect for your family. Our house was actually the very first one I saw! Everything I saw after it just didn't even come close. I had the same experiences as you did...walking in and then right back out of a house. Some had water in the basement, some smelled like wet dog or worse-dog urine. I can't believe the shape of most houses that are for sale! Our house had only been on the market for 5 days when we saw it. I think we were even the first people to see it! We made an offer and we counter offered over the course of a day, but it was finally ours. Don't give up!

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Becky,

first off the house hunting...crazy, huh? good luck w/ this...my first bit of advice is if your 1st goal is to stay in the area you want and you are not willing to budge then just go slow...if you are buying first I wouldn't get all stressed over it, something will come now or later...

2nd if you have a time frame let it be your time frame of when to buy, move and sell not the realtor...she works for you not the other way around.

I recnetly was reading on another Diser's report trying to find a new job, not exactly the same, but someelse said:

"find a fit, not fit the find"

I think that is brillant...so easily do we settle, if you don't have to then don't, if you don't plan to move again...I wouldn't. Matt and I have owned 3 homes including the one we are in now...this is it. Yes we settled on a few things but nothing we flet compromised over.

as far as the smoke smell...anyone who says they only smoke outside...just isn't true, if you smell it faintly now, it would be way worse after moving in. Any rugs or porous surfaces will have to go to permantly remove the smell/stain. Every wall and other surfaces will need to be seriously cleaned.

I'd pass unless this house truely was the one...

hope that helps, sorry to be a downer.

Good luck

Now to the other cute stuff...the B&B show looked just amazing, what a great experience and you are awesome and so clever w/ Ally's hair for Sues day

J~