So, after much frustration over prices and mortgages, my stubbornness paid off. I found a house and a mortgage that all fit into my budget. It is the house that I really wanted; I was able to negotiate a good price on it. It is quite far from downtown (35 miles), but I don’t commute at rush hour normally. And they are installing a public transport rail line (with Wi-Fi access!) to the nearby area that will be operational in 2008.
Pending inspection, I should be all set to close in the next 3 weeks!
Major pluses include:
- xeriscaped lawn with no grass to mow
- view of Lake Travis and Texas Hill Country from the master bedroom
- extremely low-crime area
- immediate access to excellent biking and hills
- $100/year HOA with access to 10 parks, a marina, boat ramps, golf, private airport, pool, and tennis courts
- attached two-car garage with sectioned-off workroom area
- 2 extra bedrooms for guests
- fenced-in backyard deck area
- 1600+ sq ft of space
- appraised value of $20k+ more than I paid!
I don’t know how unorganized people are able to do this. There are a lot of people to coordinate - mortgage lender, real estate agent, inspectors, title agency, etc. And they all need different things. It’s good that work is slow and I have time to fax paperwork around. But, fingers crossed for a happy ending to this story!
Hey Lauren, congratulations!!! The house sounds fantastic, especially the no grass part. I just bought a new house too and there is lots of grass. I keep plotting how to landscape to get rid of it.
Post pictures when you can.
E.
Maybe we can have the ST Christmas party at your place
I’ve pmed austin79 that you should be forbidden to fly anywhere near this area if you fly your plane like you drive your car…
I’m a great driver, hence my nickname: Super Driver
I’m really looking forward to spicing up the inside. Is doesn’t really match the outside right now in terms of being ‘modern’ in design. I have pretty contemporary tastes, so once I can afford to do some work I hope to make a few changes to the interior. I’d love to go the whole Design Within Reach route, but I think I am on the IKEA budget. There may be some room for a few things from West Elm, which I also love.
Sounds like you are living in the same hood as my buddy there.
I’d be really (happily) surprised if that were the case. Pretty much no one lives out this far… ok, well, only about 5000 of us.
I have 2 extra rooms - one for you and one for Brian(s)!
What is behind the house leading to the terraces? (which look like they are faux concrete maybe?).
I dig the front yard! That, plus the look of the house would indeed seem to require a modern interior. A very minimalist decor could mean you can afford one or two select items from DWR or West Elm maybe? (both of which I also dig)
Well I am supposed to be there for some music festival in September. I have not heard the dates yet. Hopefully it does not interfere with the Timex Triathlon. Unless of course you are making Apple pie, then the hell with the race.
Well now I do. Just kidding, I actually have Austin pretty well wired. Hell, I have more friends in Austin than in Phoenix. Once Desert Dude moves out of town I will have driven everyone out of town.
