Home buying advice?

[Lynchmeister]

Hey Guys,

My wife and I are looking into purchasing our first house hopefully sometime around Spring of 2009. Any advice as to what to do in preparation?

FWIW, our credit is excellent, but we do have two car payments as well as a couple small personal loans. One specific question I do have is this: Does it make sense to target one of those (not a student loan) loans and pay it off as quickly as possible to eliminate the number of existing loans by one, or do lenders look at the total amount of existing debt?

Thanks guys. Looking forward to your input.

[thirdeye]

First of all congratulations. Your in for the most wonderful headach of your life.

No really, It has been my experiance that the lenders look at both but it really comes down to the bottom line. Income and output. The more loans you have open, the more your paying out in finance charges and so on.

I personally found that it was better to target if you will, as many loans as you can to eliminate then totally. And if possible, consolidating the rest.
Keep in mind that it is also to your benifit to have some savings backing you up. It is also a good Idea to buy as many points as you can.

That's my 1-1/2 cents...


Hey Guys,

My wife and I are looking into purchasing our first house hopefully sometime around Spring of 2009. Any advice as to what to do in preparation?

FWIW, our credit is excellent, but we do have two car payments as well as a couple small personal loans. One specific question I do have is this: Does it make sense to target one of those (not a student loan) loans and pay it off as quickly as possible to eliminate the number of existing loans by one, or do lenders look at the total amount of existing debt?

Thanks guys. Looking forward to your input.

[Ookla The Mok]

Lenders do look at your amout of existing debt. They will also look at your debt to income ratio. With good credit (700+) you will have a good bit more flexibility with these numbers. I don't think a personal loan to consolidate is a good idea. Typically lenders express your debt in dollar figures only, they are less concerned in how many things you currently pay on.
Another thing to consider is an amount of money you have liquid to assist in your purchase. A nice sized down payment can reduce the LTV(loan to value) ratio on the loan. A smaller LTV will invariably lead to lower interest rates. Some lenders will make you carry mortgage insurance until you reach 80% LTV on the home. You can also use the money to pay "buydown points" you basically toss money into the ring up front to lower your rate over the life of the mortgage.

Not to be overly nosy, but whereabouts are you looking to buy? Right now there a fair amount of really good deals on homes in Wisconsin. I am an appraiser in the state, I kind of have to keep my finger on the pulse of the real estate market around here.

[analog_kid]

You got the wife talked into a smoking room right buddy? :wink:

Good luck to you guys! It's definitely a buyers market out there. Just repeat after me...fixed rate...fixed rate...:lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Lenders do look at your amout of existing debt. They will also look at your debt to income ratio. With good credit (700+) you will have a good bit more flexibility with these numbers. I don't think a personal loan to consolidate is a good idea. Typically lenders express your debt in dollar figures only, they are less concerned in how many things you currently pay on.
Another thing to consider is an amount of money you have liquid to assist in your purchase. A nice sized down payment can reduce the LTV(loan to value) ratio on the loan. A smaller LTV will invariably lead to lower interest rates. Some lenders will make you carry mortgage insurance until you reach 80% LTV on the home. You can also use the money to pay "buydown points" you basically toss money into the ring up front to lower your rate over the life of the mortgage.

Not to be overly nosy, but whereabouts are you looking to buy? Right now there a fair amount of really good deals on homes in Wisconsin. I am an appraiser in the state, I kind of have to keep my finger on the pulse of the real estate market around here.

Western Wisconsin. More specifically St. Croix and Pierce County. Agreed that there are some screaming deals to be had. Once you cross the river into Minnesota, well...

Ah ha, another question just sprang up. I do have a 401k going right now and I've been told that I can borrow against that. Of course this is taking directly away from my retirement, but I'm 26 and it's still early in the game. Thoughts?

[Dr. Mike]

Congratulations! Big step.
My wife and I just bought our first house about 2 1/2 years ago. I'll give you what insights I had at the time, and what I wished I knew now.
Debt is a factor, but has been said, the total amount isn't as important so much as how much of your monthly income it eats up.
Having a savings account is definitely a plus.
If you don't know it already, check your credit score and make sure there are no problems on it. I had some problems with mine due to my house being robbed and the person stealing checks and writing them everywhere. I had to send copies of the police report to every single place where one was written, but was also moving at the time, so there was one letter I never got, and so it went on my record as under collection. Luckily I caught it and had it corrected before we went to apply for a home loan.
What I didn't know was all the other costs that you will now have. I didn't understand about escrow, for example, and didn't quite factor in the issue of property taxes that would be added into my monthly mortgage payment. Depending on where you live, they can be quite high (I pay pretty close to 2% here in Ohio).
As has already been said, if your down payment is not at least 20% of the total cost, you will also have mortgage insurance tacked on (I pay about $50/month, tacked onto my mortgage payment).
Finally, as a first time homebuyer, there are certain things you can take advantage of. I don't remember them all, but if you are not told about them, I would question the person handling your loan. Don't get a variable rate loan. As a first time homebuyer you should be able to get a decent low fixed rate loan. I got 6.5% 2 1/2 years ago. I'm sure your rate will be dependent on your credit score, your down payment, and your income.

[Lynchmeister]

You got the wife talked into a smoking room right buddy? :wink:

Good luck to you guys! It's definitely a buyers market out there. Just repeat after me...fixed rate...fixed rate...:lol:


Actually, yes! It might not be a dedicated room, but she has agreed to accommodate me. :w00t:

As for the fixed rate, YES! Two of our friends are also a young married couple and they bought about two years ago. Last week we come to find out that they got an arm. :eek:

We're all praying for them...:001_rolle

[Ookla The Mok]

I wouldn't borrow against my retirement, but that's just me. I would just find a house that fits well within your budget. At 26, you can always upgrade to a more expensive home later if your budget allows it. If you can afford to do so, my advice is to buy a home located in the best school district you can afford to live comfortably in. I would love to provide you some professional advice, but I only go west as far Iowa county. You are well outside my realm of expertise.

[FriscoSoxFan]

My advise has nothing to do with finances.

For your first house, underbuy. Do not try to buy your "forever" house.

Use your first house as a learning endeavor to find out what you do/don't like in a house so when you are ready for your "forever" house, you know what to look for.

Its amazing how your priority list for house features changes after living in your first house for a couple of years.

[Dr. Mike]

Oh, and by the way, I would always err on the side of paying off debt. I listen to Dave Ramsey off and on, and while I don't always follow his advice, I always wish I did. I'm not sure what your income situation is, but after you buy the house, your other debts will not become easier to pay off. In addition to the new cost of the house, there are all kinds of other costs that you didn't have when you rented. You will now be responsible for any and all repairs (and believe me, you will have them, even if you are buying a new house, as my wife and I did).
Sit down and look at your budget, what you have to pay, what you would like to have, and subtract that from your income. Set aside an additional amount as well for savings or whatever. You don't want to be scraping together every last penny to make your mortgage payment. Whatever you have left over for a mortgage payment, calculate less than that, as what you think will be your monthly payment might change. Our mortgage payment jumped by nearly $300 between year 1 and year 2 due to improper calculation of our property taxes by our mortgage company, meaning they hadn't charged enough the first year for escrow, so we spent all last year not only paying down the previous years property taxes, but also paying a higher amount to reflect the correct cost. Whole different ball game from renting.
But it is a great thing, if you shop wisely and buy the house you can afford, not the house you want. Its only your first house.

[Ookla The Mok]

There are places that do lender paid mortgage insurance. Also, if 3% down sounds easier to swallow, FHA products are a wonderful way to get a low rate on a fixed.

Also, If you can afford to, 15 year mortgages aren't as expensive as a lot of people think they are. You aren't paying 15 years of mortgage interest. You could be one of those folks that owns a home free and clear at a shade over 40.

[BD1970]

Congrats on the decision to buy a home.

IMO, don't borrow from your 401k...there's too many strings attached & you would be missing out on the compound interest. I might consider dropping the contribution down instead of an outright loan if you need to but I stick by the old adage of pay yourself first.

Take what the mortgage lender tells you with a grain of salt...he's trying to "sell" you into buying all the house you can afford without any leeway for emergencies or extracurricular spending. That's part of the reason we have the mortgage mess we have now.

[Lynchmeister]

Congrats on the decision to buy a home.

IMO, don't borrow from your 401k...there's too many strings attached & you would be missing out on the compound interest. I might consider dropping the contribution down instead of an outright loan if you need to but I stick by the old adage of pay yourself first.

Take what the mortgage lender tells you with a grain of salt...he's trying to "sell" you into buying all the house you can afford without any leeway for emergencies or extracurricular spending. That's part of the reason we have the mortgage mess we have now.

:thumbup1:

So obvious, yet something I wouldn't have thought of in a million years.

[ouch]

My advise has nothing to do with finances.

For your first house, underbuy. Do not try to buy your "forever" house.

Use your first house as a learning endeavor to find out what you do/don't like in a house so when you are ready for your "forever" house, you know what to look for.

Its amazing how your priority list for house features changes after living in your first house for a couple of years.

This is great advice. Learn your plumbing, electricity, and landscaping, and buy your ladders and drills. Use your first house to buy your second.

I'll add that you should put down as much as you possibly can without killing yourself, and make sure that your mortgage has no prepayment penalties. Then commit yourself to paying off more than the mortgage calls for. In the beginning, almost all of your payment is going towards interest, and barely takes a nickel off of your outstanding debt. If you don't believe me, look it up- the numbers will make your head spin. Plan on, at the very least, making a "13th" payment, all toward the pricinpal, and it can cut the term of your mortgage in half. Using this simple strategy, I paid off my first house in four years, and my (significantly larger) second house in five. It may all seem intimidating at this point, but it's not hard at all.

I tell my friends: you're going to buy a house. You have no choice in that matter. Your choice is whether you buy the house for yourself or for someone else.

[daveesq]

Don't borrow against your 401(k)! The entire value of them rests in making as large payments as possible / allowed as early on as possible and letting interest work its magic. Even not investing in it for a couple of years can have dramatic consequences come retirement time.

[Bradford]

Pay off your debt. Figure out your debt to income ratio. If you have any income that is 1099 (Freelance, dividends ect.) Banks will not consider that income. Rate are coming way down and the housing market is soft now is a good time to buy. Don't over spend you don't want to be married to a house. Get your closing costs upfront. OPEN A HOME DEPOT CREDIT CARD..your going to need it. Best of luck.:

[Lynchmeister]

Great advice guys!

You've all thoroughly scared me into not going near the 401k and the reasons for not doing so make perfect sense. A guy at work had mentioned that first time homebuyers can use it as a resource, but he wasn't really pushing it.

Jay, we were given a quick lesson a few days ago at another pair of friends' house. They're also a recently married couple and just bought a house a few weeks ago. He showed me the breakdown of payments, and you're absolutely right. The first several $1500 payments were less than $100 coming off the principle. Smelling salts were needed.

[Ookla The Mok]

If you look at how a mortgage gets amortized, you pay virtually no principal for the first year or so. When you do go look for a loan have them give you a good faith estimate on a 30yr and a 15yr. Then compare the difference in interest paid.

Unless you plan to buy new construction, I would try to purchase a home that is well below your means. Things like hot water heaters like to poop out at the worst possible times. Also, GET A HOME INPSECTION from a good inspector, not the on the listing agent is sure to recommend.

[Halden]

Not sure if the same applies in the US of not but a consolidation loan to lump all our previous debt into one help us a great deal when buying our first home. I am not sure that it looks a ton better to lenders but it made it way easier to budget and pay off the other loans/cards/cars...

that is my 2 cents

[Dennis]

Don't borrow against the 401K. Plan for expenses that every home has. If you have a lawn, you need to mow it. If you want the lawn to look good in addition, that will be time and money. If the furnace is old and needs replacing, that is $2000 plus. If the house does not have AC and you want it, add another $2000. How is the water? If you are not on city water and the water sucks and you have no softener, you will need a softener because your wife will want one. That is $1000. How's the roof? Most roofs are 20-30 year roofs and need replacing at that time. Count on a couple thousand for that. How's the driveway? Cement? Hope so, because it not then it is yearly maintenance. Don't like the kitchen? $15000. Bathroom? Same price. Etc... Every big project on a home seems to run in the $1000 times however much range. Of course, all of these are rough estimates but just throwing that out there if you had not considered it. Hopefully the newer home you buy, the less these problems but that is why you always see listings with "new furnace", "updated kitchen" and "new roof" because these are the big ticket items to fix. Your first home will hopefully be your starter home and not the home you die in. So keep the price low so you can get on your feet financially quicker, learn what is is to own a house and do the maintenance but learn to do it correctly or it will cost you twice as much to have someone professional fix it.

Dennis, homeowner.

[BD1970]

OPEN A HOME DEPOT CREDIT CARD..your going to need it.

Or Lowe's. Or Menard's...........you're gonna need it!!!!

I'd budget about a months worth of your salary for a bunch of "stuff" for the new home that you never dreamed of until you moved in. Triple that if there's a woman involved!!! Trust me!!!

[ouch]

Jay, we were given a quick lesson a few days ago at another pair of friends' house. They're also a recently married couple and just bought a house a few weeks ago. He showed me the breakdown of payments, and you're absolutely right. The first several $1500 payments were less than $100 coming off the principle. Smelling salts were needed.

Using these figures as an example, if you were to pay $1,600 a month instead of $1,500, you'd be paying twice as much toward the principal. That extra hundred would do as much for you as the first fifteen.

[Lynchmeister]

Using these figures as an example, if you were to pay $1,600 a month instead of $1,500, you'd be paying twice as much toward the principal. That extra hundred would do as much for you as the first fifteen.

Incredible.

[ouch]

Use it to your advantage.

[Mr. Igg]

Gents,

This is a very valuable thread. Good advice flying in from every corner!

Bravo!

[AaronX]

Ah finally something I know all about... yup it's what I do!
Here is my $0.02

First off I agree; underbuy, live within your means and comfort level, you don't need a McMansion

Secondly if your debt is minimal don't worry about it. Focus on saving up the 5% down payment and do a conventional first loan with lender paid PMI (with 740+ Fico it won't really run you much at all) and avoid the PMI all together. This way you won't need a 80/15 either. Do a 30 yr with no prepayment penalty and pay it off faster. There is not a large rate spread between 30 and 15 right now. So you can always over pay a 30 yr but the bank doesn't like if you underpay your 15 year :smile: I would not borrow against the 401k. I would take the next year to eat at home, drop my premium cable channels and avoid buying new DE razors to save up the down payment.

An extra mortgage payment a year on a 30 yr will shorten the term by 7 yrs. Most of my clients simply pay their tax returns into the mortgage since it's found money. You'll be surprised at how much you get back on your taxes by having that mortgage interest deduction.

[ouch]

you don't need a McMansion................ Focus on saving up the 5% down payment

Face it, if you're only putting 5% down, you don't have to worry about a McMansion- you're not getting one.

You'll be rewarded for deferring your gratification. I put down 40% on my first house.

[AaronX]

Believe it or not if/when this economic stimulus package passes the conforming loan limits for FNMA and FHLMC (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) will be increased to north of $600,000. So with the current guidelines 5% on a conforming loan... I'd say in some areas of the country $600,000 would qualify as a McMansion :smile: Plus some lenders were doing Jumbo loans with 0 down to people with just barely 620 FICO score... but thankfully those days of insanity are long gone and I didn't take part in them.

My favorite housing humor site is burbed.com incase anyone cares...

Ouch I also agree with you to the point of saving up is worth it. Frankly, anything in life is worth a little sacrifice.

::edit:: ohhh look a title change :smile:

[andrews]

I just went through all of this bought my first house bought a forclosed home for 79 tho apraised at 98 tho in present condition put 6 grand in it now it is worth 123 tho and my payment is only 758.00 month that includes all fees and taxes on a 30 year fixed all i can say is why did i not do this alot sooner it was a lot of work tho all new flooring paint doors trim roof repair and all new fixtures and a huge list to large to list but was i worth it very much so

[ouch]

Believe it or not if/when this economic stimulus package passes the conforming loan limits for FNMA and FHLMC (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) will be increased to north of $600,000. So with the current guidelines 5% on a conforming loan...

I think there's more to it than just math. If you only have 5% to put down, you have no business buying a 600K house. That's why so many folks have found themselves in a world of hurt.


I'd say in some areas of the country $600,000 would qualify as a McMansion :smile: Plus some lenders were doing Jumbo loans with 0 down to people with just barely 620 FICO score... but thankfully those days of insanity are long gone and I didn't take part in them.

Location, location, location. In some parts, that money would let you live like a king (albeit a king who has a long commuete). In other parts, 600K gets you a McDump. :lol:

Great advice, Aaron.

[ouch]

I just went through all of this bought my first house bought a forclosed home for 79 tho apraised at 98 tho in present condition put 6 grand in it now it is worth 123 tho and my payment is only 758.00 month that includes all fees and taxes on a 30 year fixed all i can say is why did i not do this alot sooner it was a lot of work tho all new flooring paint doors trim roof repair and all new fixtures and a huge list to large to list but was i worth it very much so

I love a good run on sentence. :thumbup1:

I try to explain to people (and feel free to beat me up for this crackpot theory) that you really don't gain or lose money on the house you live in when the market changes. It's only investment properties that take the hit, or when you try to cash in.

Example, with nice round numbers: You buy a house for $500K. The market goes up, and it's now worth a million. How much did you make? Nothing. You still have to live somewhere, and if you want to move in across the street, it will also cost you a million. Conversely, if the market dives and you find it's only worth $250K, you didn't lose anything, since that 250 will still get you a comparable house.

[Lynchmeister]

$600k? Whoa baby! I'm looking more in the $200k range. Around here that will get you about 1.5 acres with a split-level, 1800 sq. foot (after basement is finished), 2 car garage, appliances, etc. Anywhere from 5 years old to new constructions. They're going up like mad around here on all sides of I-94 in Western Wisconsin since we're quickly being swallowed up by the St. Paul/Minneapolis metro area.

Already some of your posts have caused us to take a look at our current situation and make some efforts at cutting back. We looked at our last cell phone statement and realized that we aren't coming anywhere near our allotted minutes. Just called and downgraded our plan. There's $10 bucks save a month. Tomorrow, much to my eternal sorrow, the cable TV is getting scrutinized and trimmed down. Will my DVR service go? God I hope not.

[AaronX]

Example, with nice round numbers: You buy a house for $500K. The market goes up, and it's now worth a million. How much did you make? Nothing. You still have to live somewhere, and if you want to move in across the street, it will also cost you a million. Conversely, if the market dives and you find it's only worth $250K, you didn't lose anything, since that 250 will still get you a comparable house.

That and it's only worth something if you sell it... think the 60 yr old retired couple cares what their free and clear home is worth? Nope they don't care because they aren't moving until they go into a home (or their cruel money grubby children put them in a nursing home to sell their house and take the money).

[ouch]

$600k? Whoa baby! I'm looking more in the $200k range. Around here that will get you about 1.5 acres with a split-level, 1800 sq. foot (after basement is finished), 2 car garage, appliances, etc. Anywhere from 5 years old to new constructions.

How cold did you say it gets there? Please don't tell me what the real estate taxes are, because I'll think of mine and puke.


Already some of your posts have caused us to take a look at our current situation and make some efforts at cutting back. We looked at our last cell phone statement and realized that we aren't coming anywhere near our allotted minutes. Just called and downgraded our plan. There's $10 bucks save a month. Tomorrow, much to my eternal sorrow, the cable TV is getting scrutinized and trimmed down. Will my DVR service go? God I hope not.

There's always cigars. :eek:

[d_random]

Buy the book "Home Buying for Dummies". A great book for first timers:thumbup1::

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Buying-Dummies-Eric-Tyson/dp/1568843852

[Lynchmeister]

How cold did you say it gets there? Please don't tell me what the real estate taxes are, because I'll think of mine and puke.



There's always cigars. :eek:

:lol::lol:

Cigars were the first thing to go, then eating out became a distant memory...I'm clinging to my last beer in the fridge-uh, no...drank that last night. :eek:

And let's just say that it gets super-duper-really-extra cold here. :wink:

[tim8557]

Example, with nice round numbers: You buy a house for $500K. The market goes up, and it's now worth a million. How much did you make? Nothing. You still have to live somewhere, and if you want to move in across the street, it will also cost you a million. Conversely, if the market dives and you find it's only worth $250K, you didn't lose anything, since that 250 will still get you a comparable house.

Very good analysis Ouch, and it's the way I've looked at it for years. The only way to get ahead of the inflation or deflation on a house is to continue to move to lower housing cost markets.

Unfortunately, if your career takes you from LaCroix to Chicago, you're hosed.

I think that we are on our 6th house in 35 years, gained and lost, but it works out. The best advice that I've read so far is don't become "House Poor".

[rabidpotatochip]

My wife and I are considering selling our current house (second one) and moving into a different one (I guess I can't sit still) and there's one thing that brought that matter up, I haven't seen it mentioned in this thread yet: kids.

If you're planning to raise a family in the near future and you still see yourself in your starter home make sure there's room for however many of the little monsters you plan on having and be sure to take their existence/reign of terror into account when looking at the layout of the house. Our current establishment is one of those "open concept" homes where the kitchen runs into the dining room which runs into the living room, etc. and as a result you hear pretty much any sound from anywhere in the house.

Think about yard size too; how big is too big? I'm on a 1.4 acre lot and it takes me a few hours to get the lawn presentable. To make matters worse, I didn't even want such a large yard, it just happened to have the house on it. :wink:

Oh, one more thing, make a list of everything that you do/don't want in a house, drive around and take pictures of houses you like and figure out what you like about them. Store everything, and I mean everything, in a binder or folder and take it with you when you go looking.

Anyway, congratulations on your new project and good luck with finding something you like. :smile:

[Mr. Gillette]

Hey Guys,

My wife and I are looking into purchasing our first house hopefully sometime around Spring of 2009. Any advice as to what to do in preparation?

FWIW, our credit is excellent, but we do have two car payments as well as a couple small personal loans. One specific question I do have is this: Does it make sense to target one of those (not a student loan) loans and pay it off as quickly as possible to eliminate the number of existing loans by one, or do lenders look at the total amount of existing debt?

Thanks guys. Looking forward to your input.

Lynch:

The VERY FIRST thing you should do is to convert, and join the Latvian Orthodox Church. Anything else is futile...such as trying to pay down the loan with your unemployment checks, or by selling computers with Lloyd out of your Father's Garage.

Hope this helps!

[Mr. Gillette]

$600k? Whoa baby! I'm looking more in the $200k range. Around here that will get you about 1.5 acres with a split-level, 1800 sq. foot (after basement is finished), 2 car garage, appliances, etc. Anywhere from 5 years old to new constructions. They're going up like mad around here on all sides of I-94 in Western Wisconsin since we're quickly being swallowed up by the St. Paul/Minneapolis metro area.

Already some of your posts have caused us to take a look at our current situation and make some efforts at cutting back. We looked at our last cell phone statement and realized that we aren't coming anywhere near our allotted minutes. Just called and downgraded our plan. There's $10 bucks save a month. Tomorrow, much to my eternal sorrow, the cable TV is getting scrutinized and trimmed down. Will my DVR service go? God I hope not.

You'll have to give up shaving. You'll be allowed 1 can of Barbasol per month and 2 GOOD NEWS disposables. This should help move you into McMansion, quickly.

[Lynchmeister]

Lynch:

The VERY FIRST thing you should do is to convert, and join the Latvian Orthodox Church. Anything else is futile...such as trying to pay down the loan with your unemployment checks, or by selling computers with Lloyd out of your Father's Garage.

Hope this helps!

Working on passing that test. :wink:

Georgie, what are you doing in there!?!?!

[Mr. Gillette]

All kidding aside...get your ducks in a row, don't feel rushed, find a realtor that you work well with, and don't be afraid to lowball. With your credit history, your employment with Art Vandolay Industries, and most of what you said, this should work well.

Time to Save Big Money at Menards....hahahahahah!

Wisconsin is a friendly state to home owners, unlike my home in IL.

[Rorschuck]

Good advice here, but I'd like to be what I think might be the lone dissenting voice on the whole paying-off-your-mortgage early thing. The flipside of that coin is this:

right now, interest rates are low; you'll likely get a 30-yr fixed at 5-7%.

Sure, you could kick in an extra $x per month and save yourself $y in interest, while paying the loan off $z years early.

But if you can get a return of 10% in equities, that might be the better bet; think of it as borrowing some money at 5% and lending it out to someone else at 10%.

A 10% return in equities is par for the course, but if you don't mind doing your own work (instead of just going the indexing route) and are confident you can get a better return than your mortgage's rate, it might be worth looking into.

Edit: Of course, this all assumes you have the discipline to put that extra $100/month in your investment account (and do something with it); spending it on shaving stuff doesn't count!

[Rorschuck]

For more info on paying off early vs investing that money, this is a reasonably good article:

http://www.aarp.org/money/financial_planning/sessionseven/payoffmortgage.html

[Lynchmeister]

For more info on paying off early vs investing that money, this is a reasonably good article:

http://www.aarp.org/money/financial_planning/sessionseven/payoffmortgage.html

Interesting and enlightening read. Thanks for sharing it.

[Lynchmeister]

Figured I'd bump this little gem since the interest rate was just lowered and I'm meeting with a realtor on Saturday. It's finally time for the pieces to start falling into place.

[Mejnoon]

Figured I'd bump this little gem since the interest rate was just lowered and I'm meeting with a realtor on Saturday. It's finally time for the pieces to start falling into place.

Good for you man:cool: Don't count on your Realtor too much...educate yourself on the market you are shopping in and on the process, and ask the right questions. Keep in mind he's incentivized to close you as quickly as possible, not to get you the best possible deal.

You are likely to be looking at REO (bank owned) and short sale properties. In fact, it is likely that the best deals you will come across will be in one of those two categories. Educate yourself on the peculiarities of those types of transactions, and evaluate how those things fit with your particular scenario/requirements.

Good luck:cool:

[Mejnoon]

Good advice here, but I'd like to be what I think might be the lone dissenting voice on the whole paying-off-your-mortgage early thing. The flipside of that coin is this:

right now, interest rates are low; you'll likely get a 30-yr fixed at 5-7%.

Sure, you could kick in an extra $x per month and save yourself $y in interest, while paying the loan off $z years early.

But if you can get a return of 10% in equities, that might be the better bet; think of it as borrowing some money at 5% and lending it out to someone else at 10%.

A 10% return in equities is par for the course, but if you don't mind doing your own work (instead of just going the indexing route) and are confident you can get a better return than your mortgage's rate, it might be worth looking into.

Edit: Of course, this all assumes you have the discipline to put that extra $100/month in your investment account (and do something with it); spending it on shaving stuff doesn't count!

I can understand the sense of security that drives many people to pay off their homes, but doing so is usually not the most advantageous thing you can do. The cheapest money you'll ever borrow will be secured by your personal residence.

[SepticTank]

I can understand the sense of security that drives many people to pay off their homes, but doing so is usually not the most advantageous thing you can do. The cheapest money you'll ever borrow will be secured by your personal residence.

However if you live within your means and don't overdose on credit then it may be the only significant money you borrow... anyway I begrudge paying the bank a ha'penny more than I need to :biggrin:

[letterk]

Good for you man:cool: Don't count on your Realtor too much...educate yourself on the market you are shopping in and on the process, and ask the right questions. Keep in mind he's incentivized to close you as quickly as possible, not to get you the best possible deal.

You are likely to be looking at REO (bank owned) and short sale properties. In fact, it is likely that the best deals you will come across will be in one of those two categories. Educate yourself on the peculiarities of those types of transactions, and evaluate how those things fit with your particular scenario/requirements.

Good luck:cool:

From recent personal experience, repos and shorts are terribly frustrating to deal with. Just don't fall in love with the place you make an offer on as there's a good chance the bank has false expectations.

[Mejnoon]

From recent personal experience, repos and shorts are terribly frustrating to deal with. Just don't fall in love with the place you make an offer on as there's a good chance the bank has false expectations.

Short sales I absolutely agree, they are an absolute PITA and should be avoided in most circumstances. REO's on the other hand are not bad at all, provided your financing is rock solid going in and your lender/realtor are on it. The major concerns with REO's are condition issues and the limited recourse banks allow for mid-transaction, and per diem fees for going past the agreed upon closing date. Both are things that a good agent should be more than capable of dealing with.

[Lynchmeister]

Update:

We met with our realtor for the first time on Saturday and really liked him. Tomorrow we're going to look at the five houses we picked out, which "looked good enough on paper to warrant a physical showing." In addition, we've also found a lot that we really like, so building is a real option as well.

Very exciting to know that it's finally happening!

[Gruder]

Glad to hear it Cory -- good luck!

[Antique Hoosier]

I would tread lightly in the real estate market in this economy. Unless you HAVE to acquire property for job relocation ( I'd lease for a year to 18 months and let things shake out), you might find MUCH better deals at least a year out. The price of gas (deflation) predicts a pretty deep recession.

[joshmpdx]

im not sure where the chedder curtian is, but Mike is right. i think most markets will continue to decline for a while. even portland oregon, which has not seen nearly the slow down (aka brutal drop) as the rest of the nation still has a ways to go.

however, you never know where the bottom is and now is certainly a good time to buy! but it sounds like you have already made the decision, and i think you can be confident that if you are going to own your house for more than 4-5 years you Will see some appreciation.

i would recommend stearing clear of the lot, and stick with a something move-in ready. there are so many variables that come with building that i don't think it would be satisfing for a first time buyer (and his S.O.)

i'd love to be kept abreast of your progress, Good Luck!

[ouch]

Update:we're going to look at the five houses we picked out, which "looked good enough on paper to warrant a physical showing."

Wait'll you see how little "on paper" corresponds to reality.

Don't get too excited over anything. You're buying a home more than a house, true, but don't forget it's a business deal. Be cool- rember, you're Art Vanderlay.

[MFS]

If there was some advice I wish I had when I bought my first house it is this:

1. Stay in control: Do not get 'ga-ga' over any one of the houses you look at. All will have pluses and minuses. The real estate agent will push you to buy. Remember he/she works for you; you do not work for him/her.

2. Go to the BBB to find your own home inspector. Do not use the ones the real estate agent will suggest. Your real estate agent is just that, a real estate agent. He/she is not a home inspector/general contractor. When you get a list from the BBB, call them and interview them. You need to separate the 'wanna-be's' from those who have actually built homes in the past and/or are continuing to build them now. It is a complete waste of your time and money to use someone with less qualifications than a general contractor with the background and experience in actually building homes. A person with less qualifications will be simply guessing and your guess is as good as theirs. They need to be licensed general contractors (not just a licensed home inspector), insured and bonded. They should spend a minimum of 4 to 5 hours at your house inspecting it, including going up into the attic and into a cellar.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of a good, thorough pre-purchase inspection. This is your only opportunity to get the best idea possible on what is going on with the plumbing, electrical and window flashing behind the fancy paint job on the interior and exterior the prior owner is selling.

3. Lastly, your real estate agent will offer to line you up with a loan broker. You will be best served by arranging for your own loan before going to the real estate agent. Your own bank, or more preferable, credit union will give you the best objective advice on what you can afford so you can control your expectations and the 'ga-ga' factor before the real estate agent attempts to control it for you.

Good Luck

[OldSaw]

Update:

We met with our realtor for the first time on Saturday and really liked him. Tomorrow we're going to look at the five houses we picked out, which "looked good enough on paper to warrant a physical showing." In addition, we've also found a lot that we really like, so building is a real option as well.

Very exciting to know that it's finally happening!

In your part of our fair state I would avoid anything in a flood plain like the plague. I don't care what they tell you about how many hundred years it has been since it flooded. It's considered flood plain for a reason.

Also with the record levels of snow we are supposed to get this winter you will get a nice look at all the problems you don't normally see when shopping in fair weather.

Happy shopping, and buy when you are ready. Trying to time the market will only lead to frustration.

[Lynchmeister]

im not sure where the chedder curtian is, but Mike is right. i think most markets will continue to decline for a while. even portland oregon, which has not seen nearly the slow down (aka brutal drop) as the rest of the nation still has a ways to go.

however, you never know where the bottom is and now is certainly a good time to buy! but it sounds like you have already made the decision, and i think you can be confident that if you are going to own your house for more than 4-5 years you Will see some appreciation.

i would recommend stearing clear of the lot, and stick with a something move-in ready. there are so many variables that come with building that i don't think it would be satisfing for a first time buyer (and his S.O.)

i'd love to be kept abreast of your progress, Good Luck!

The Cheddar Curtain wraps it's way around Wisconsin (and I've heard reports of the Upper Peninsula getting swallowed up by it too. :wink:)

We are not buying with the intention of flipping the house anytime soon. We do plan to be there in 5-10+ years. Of course, as with anything, life happens!

Also, with this market, building will definitely be the more expensive option. In addition, if we build, we're looking at having to finish the basement. Now, it's very difficult to get a HELOC, and the last time I checked, I'm still not able to pull money out of my...hat. So, it seems a move in ready property is the way to go.


Wait'll you see how little "on paper" corresponds to reality.

Don't get too excited over anything. You're buying a home more than a house, true, but don't forget it's a business deal. Be cool- rember, you're Art Vanderlay.

You're not kidding! We looked at some real dumps! I couldn't believe it. Some of these people literally packed up everything and the kitchen sink before tearing ass out of town. Holy cow!

Thanks also for the advice to keep a cool head. I'm Art Vandelay, dammit! I'm an importer/exporter.


In your part of our fair state I would avoid anything in a flood plain like the plague. I don't care what they tell you about how many hundred years it has been since it flooded. It's considered flood plain for a reason.

Also with the record levels of snow we are supposed to get this winter you will get a nice look at all the problems you don't normally see when shopping in fair weather.

Happy shopping, and buy when you are ready. Trying to time the market will only lead to frustration.

Agreed. Yes, the ship is probably still sinking, but with the particular house in question, both my wife and I feel the price we're willing to pay (regardless of past or present markets) is appropriate and, therefore, a great value in our eyes. The low tax assessment and current low interest rates are also added incentive to "strike while the iron is hot." We've found "our" house and after much discussion and research, made a reasonable offer. We'll know in a few days what's what, so fingers crossed!...and if it falls through, well, there are houses everywhere and cheap to boot!

Also, to all the other responses that I didn't quote. I appreciate the concern and advice. We feel very fortunate to have the agent and lender that we do. They have been wonderful, however we do understand that they are not in this business for their health. :wink:

[Black Adder]

I don't have any financial advice for you, but an aesthetic consideration for you and your wife is your lifestyle, and where you want to live.

I am VERY familiar with the area you are planning to buy, as I spent most of my life just outside of Hammond. True, the area between Hudson almost out to Roberts has seen explosive growth in housing. It's disheartening and disappointing to me to see those cookie-cutter townhomes swallowing up land that used to be farms and woodlots. Look hard at finding a small farm house on a small wooded lot. I'd almost kill to live in a place like that where wildlife wanders through your yard every once in a while. Of course, this really depends on your personal lifestyle, but you may get a good deal from a retired couple who want to leave the northern cold for warmer climes. Good luck and I really hope you find something to your liking; the potential is there!

Don

P.S.- Property tax rates went up quite a bit, and although I don't have any exact figures, property taxes were one of the main reasons my sister and brother-in-law sold their home near Hammond. Take a good look at property tax rates.

[RichGem]

I hear this place is right up your alley and available these days for pretty much a song... you should look into it. I mean, really.




http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7qu0y9I/AAAAAAAADjE/pZtNxv0Pp3Y/s400/Kremlin_and_Red_Square_Moscow.jpeg

[Lynchmeister]

I don't have any financial advice for you, but an aesthetic consideration for you and your wife is your lifestyle, and where you want to live.

I am VERY familiar with the area you are planning to buy, as I spent most of my life just outside of Hammond. True, the area between Hudson almost out to Roberts has seen explosive growth in housing. It's disheartening and disappointing to me to see those cookie-cutter townhomes swallowing up land that used to be farms and woodlots. Look hard at finding a small farm house on a small wooded lot. I'd almost kill to live in a place like that where wildlife wanders through your yard every once in a while. Of course, this really depends on your personal lifestyle, but you may get a good deal from a retired couple who want to leave the northern cold for warmer climes. Good luck and I really hope you find something to your liking; the potential is there!

Don

P.S.- Property tax rates went up quite a bit, and although I don't have any exact figures, property taxes were one of the main reasons my sister and brother-in-law sold their home near Hammond. Take a good look at property tax rates.

Hi Don,

Good point about lifestyle. The picture you paint is wonderful, but taking our lifestyle into consideration, an older home is just not what we're looking for. While I have the time to upgrade and modernize an old property, I doubt we'll have the liquidity of funds or skills to do so (in a realistic timeframe, that is).

I was born in '81 and grew up in Stillwater and it was the perfect place to grow up! Suburban, yet you didn't have to look or go far to get out in the sticks. As you know, Stillwater is not the Stillwater of my youth. Now, it's all golf courses, antique shops, and yuppies. (Apologies to any and all yuppies on B&B! :tongue:)

In regards to taxes, also an excellent point! It seems that once you cross the St. Croix, taxes seem to almost double (the argument could be made that you get more house for the money, though), so that is definitely a major consideration as well.

Where abouts are you in Minnesota now?


I hear this place is right up your alley and available these days for pretty much a song... you should look into it. I mean, really.




http://bp1.blogger.com/_ySCIT3KO9Zc/Rfnn7qu0y9I/AAAAAAAADjE/pZtNxv0Pp3Y/s400/Kremlin_and_Red_Square_Moscow.jpeg



I'm one step ahead of you. I had my agent place a call to the Kremlin. Their response?

"We no sell."

:lol:

[RichGem]

I'm one step ahead of you. I had my agent place a call to the Kremlin. Their response?

"We no sell."

:lol:


Really?! Huh. Whom did you talk to? They said I could have it for 2 large wheels of cheddar and some nachos.

[Lynchmeister]

Really?! Huh. Whom did you talk to? They said I could have it for 2 large wheels of cheddar and some nachos.

Putin Poutine.

[OldSaw]

Really?! Huh. Whom did you talk to? They said I could have it for 2 large wheels of cheddar and some nachos.

Must be some nachos.

[crowdog]

Thought I would add my 2 cents. I agree with the location deal. Our 2nd house is our ideal location house. It is right next to the university, without too many rentals, and is a closed subdivision, no expansion.

2. Get prequalified. Lots of lenders. Your bank is good, but may not have as many programs, and may require "more". Mortgage brokers that are ethical can be great, but you are paying them through the loan. You are with the bank too, but you may get a break, so compare all costs.

With prequalification you look better to a seller, and you really know what you can afford and can see the payment range.

3. Also drive around a property at all hours. Get a feel for noise, and the feel of the neighborhood. If you really like a neighborhood, try to talk to some neighbors. Do they like the neighborhood. Is there some drawbacks, that nobody will say. (Crazy neighbor, with wild older kids etc)

Have fun with it. Don't get too bogged down with all our advice. Be smart, but have fun, it is great to look at all different kinds of places.

Marty

[Lynchmeister]

Thought I would add my 2 cents. I agree with the location deal. Our 2nd house is our ideal location house. It is right next to the university, without too many rentals, and is a closed subdivision, no expansion.

2. Get prequalified. Lots of lenders. Your bank is good, but may not have as many programs, and may require "more". Mortgage brokers that are ethical can be great, but you are paying them through the loan. You are with the bank too, but you may get a break, so compare all costs.

With prequalification you look better to a seller, and you really know what you can afford and can see the payment range.

3. Also drive around a property at all hours. Get a feel for noise, and the feel of the neighborhood. If you really like a neighborhood, try to talk to some neighbors. Do they like the neighborhood. Is there some drawbacks, that nobody will say. (Crazy neighbor, with wild older kids etc)

Have fun with it. Don't get too bogged down with all our advice. Be smart, but have fun, it is great to look at all different kinds of places.

Marty

And the hits just keep on coming! You guys have been great with all the advise and wise words. We did in fact get a pre-qualification, and a darn good one, I might add. One thing I took from my college German professor was his adamant feelings on not bungling up your credit. In fact, he actually did say, "If this is the only thing you take from my class..." :rolleyes:

Our mortgage broker has been great and a pleasure to deal with. She came highly recommended by friends and I would not hesitate to recommend her to others. The same can be said for our real estate agent, who also came with glowing recommendations. Going back to the mortgage side of things for a moment, though, in the face of the credit crunch, we were able to qualify for a zero down "rural development" mortgage, which I didn't even know existed.

Up to this point, the entire experience has been a positive one and, in fact, today we hear if our first offer was accepted or counter-offered. Exciting stuff!

[OldSaw]

And the hits just keep on coming! You guys have been great with all the advise and wise words. We did in fact get a pre-qualification, and a darn good one, I might add. One thing I took from my college German professor was his adamant feelings on not bungling up your credit. In fact, he actually did say, "If this is the only thing you take from my class..." :rolleyes:

Our mortgage broker has been great and a pleasure to deal with. She came highly recommended by friends and I would not hesitate to recommend her to others. The same can be said for our real estate agent, who also came with glowing recommendations. Going back to the mortgage side of things for a moment, though, in the face of the credit crunch, we were able to qualify for a zero down "rural development" mortgage, which I didn't even know existed.

Up to this point, the entire experience has been a positive one and, in fact, today we hear if our first offer was accepted or counter-offered. Exciting stuff!

Congratulations. I hope everything works out well for you.

[Mr. Gillette]

Congratulations. I hope everything works out well for you.

Cory...another piece of advice...after they haul in your new home...have them do this:
1) Put it up on blocks.
2) Remove wheels
3) Remove and store hitch.


You, living in the cold Cheddar Curtain region, might also want to buy some bales of straw or hay to stack around the perimeter of your...uh...shall we say..basement. The skirting really isn't enough, you know.

Get a weather radio. During Tornado season...RUN!

Don't let your dog chew the door.

Always happy to help.

[RichGem]

Cory...another piece of advice...after they haul in your new home...have them do this:
1) Put it up on blocks. Like the '75 Camaro.
2) Remove wheels
3) Remove and store hitch.


You, living in the cold Cheddar Curtain region, might also want to buy some bales of straw or hay to stack around the perimeter of your...uh...shall we say..basement. The skirting really isn't enough, you know.

Get a weather radio. During Tornado season...RUN!

Don't let your dog chew the door.

Always happy to help.

small fix there Tom.

[Mr. Gillette]

small fix there Tom.

I guess I just made the assumption...just like I'm certain he'll have an old sofa out front, and a spare washer or dryer somewhere in the property...it IS Wisconsin, for Cripe's sake...doncha know?:lol::lol:

But good catch..thanks.

[RichGem]

I guess I just made the assumption...just like I'm certain he'll have an old sofa out front, and a spare washer or dryer somewhere in the property...it IS Wisconsin, for Cripe's sake...doncha know?:lol::lol:

But good catch..thanks.

No prob.

Don't forget the overly-full ash tray and (preferably incontinent) dog to go with the sofa. :eek:

[Mr. Gillette]

No prob.

Don't forget the overly-full ash tray and (preferably incontinent) dog to go with the sofa. :eek:

NICE!!!! VERY NICE...and, of course, just in front of the kitchen sink, on the floor, overfilled, often missed...

...The litter box for the CAT!!!

[OldSaw]

Cory...another piece of advice...after they haul in your new home...have them do this:
1) Put it up on blocks.
2) Remove wheels
3) Remove and store hitch.


You, living in the cold Cheddar Curtain region, might also want to buy some bales of straw or hay to stack around the perimeter of your...uh...shall we say..basement. The skirting really isn't enough, you know.

Get a weather radio. During Tornado season...RUN!

Don't let your dog chew the door.

Always happy to help.


small fix there Tom.


I guess I just made the assumption...just like I'm certain he'll have an old sofa out front, and a spare washer or dryer somewhere in the property...it IS Wisconsin, for Cripe's sake...doncha know?:lol::lol:

But good catch..thanks.

Not to be confused with the old F150 pick up parked on the front lawn with the hood always open and the box filled with garbage. You don't put one of those up on blocks. You never know when you might actually have to drive (or tow it) it to the dump.

Hey! and what's with all the laughing heads :lol:? Are you guys making fun of us.

[OldSaw]

NICE!!!! VERY NICE...and, of course, just in front of the kitchen sink, on the floor, overfilled, often missed...

...The litter box for the CAT!!!

I thought this was a rural setting for our royal family. All the cats need is a flap installed on the door. That's also one of the other reasons for the straw bales, it gives all the critters a nice cozy place to carry on in the winter.

[Mr. Gillette]

Not to be confused with the old F150 pick up parked on the front lawn with the hood always open and the box filled with garbage. You don't put one of those up on blocks. You never know when you might actually have to drive (or tow it) it to the dump.

Hey! and what's with all the laughing heads :lol:? Are you guys making fun of us.

NOT AT ALL! In fact, I have 2 cars and a truck and a 1971 snowmobile as well as a big trailer parked in my yard/driveway, plus a John Deere. I think that's why the Czar was able to annex me...:001_smile

[OldSaw]

NOT AT ALL! In fact, I have 2 cars and a truck and a 1971 snowmobile as well as a big trailer parked in my yard/driveway, plus a John Deere. I think that's why the Czar was able to annex me...:001_smile

Good man. Do you keep the snowmobile in a prominant place in the front yard during the summer? Don't forget to let the grass grow up around it. It's ok to mow up to 6-12 inches of the sled, but never trim around it. I guess this makes finding the proper parking place easier in the spring again.

[Mr. Gillette]

Good man. Do you keep the snowmobile in a prominant place in the front yard during the summer? Don't forget to let the grass grow up around it. It's ok to mow up to 6-12 inches of the sled, but never trim around it. I guess this makes finding the proper parking place easier in the spring again.

No...dammit...but I'll work on it next year. I had it hidden behind a fence. DAMN!

[OldSaw]

No...dammit...but I'll work on it next year. I had it hidden behind a fence. DAMN!

How will the neighbors ever know how rich you are if they can't see your toys?

[RichGem]

Not to be confused with the old F150 pick up parked on the front lawn with the hood always open and the box filled with garbage. You don't put one of those up on blocks. You never know when you might actually have to drive (or tow it) it to the dump.

Hey! and what's with all the laughing heads :lol:? Are you guys making fun of us.


That's for the High Falootin' neighbors who think they're better than everyone else.

Hey guys.... great idea... let's all go in on a family of pink flamingos for Cory's house warming! We can get one for each of them (they're on sale this week at Walmart). And not the cheap plastic ones either.. I'm talkin the high class indoor/outdoor light up model that last winter after winter.

[Mr. Gillette]

That's for the High Falootin' neighbors who think they're better than everyone else.

Hey guys.... great idea... let's all go in on a family of pink flamingos for Cory's house warming! We can get one for each of them (they're on sale this week at Walmart). And not the cheap plastic ones either.. I'm talkin the high class indoor/outdoor light up model that last winter after winter.

Not me...I'm going to shoot a big 10-point buck and hang it from a tree in his front yard, thank you.


I think a couple of those big lighted inflatable snowmen that play Christmas music would be nice, too....:lol::lol:

[RichGem]

Not me...I'm going to shoot a big 10-point buck and hang it from a tree in his front yard, thank you.


I think a couple of those big lighted inflatable snowmen that play Christmas music would be nice, too....:lol::lol:


NO NO NO... that's for hangin' in the boudoir (high class talk for the area filled by the bench and table combo that converts into the royal bedroom). Yeesh, and I'm from New England.

Props tho for the blow up Christmas decorations ....must be left in place until at least july, of course and can't ever actually be taken down (you are allowed, however, to deflate it with a BB gun).

[Mr. Gillette]

NO NO NO... that's for hangin' in the boudoir (high class talk for the area filled by the bench and table combo that converts into the royal bedroom). Yeesh, and I'm from New England.

Props tho for the blow up Christmas decorations tho....must be leftt in place until july, of course.

Agreed...left more or less inflated, but slightly "flaccid" (Cory will understand this, I'm sure) and faded from the sun, drooping with the grass growing around them.

What will Cory need in terms of a Barbecue? I have some extra refrigerator grates for starters...

[Mr. Gillette]

I can get them matching his/hers Dago-Tees...what sizes do you think? Never seen the Czarina....

They'll need these in case "COPS" comes around to film...

[RichGem]

Agreed...left more or less inflated, but slightly "flaccid" (Cory will understand this, I'm sure) and faded from the sun, drooping with the grass growing around them.

What will Cory need in terms of a Barbecue? I have some extra refrigerator grates for starters...

:ohmy:



I can get them matching his/hers Dago-Tees...what sizes do you think? Never seen the Czarina....

They'll need these in case "COPS" comes around to film...

:ohmy: :ohmy:

[Mr. Gillette]

CORY:

I'll help pull this down your road to your new lot.

[Lynchmeister]

I guess I just made the assumption...just like I'm certain he'll have an old sofa out front, and a spare washer or dryer somewhere in the property...it IS Wisconsin, for Cripe's sake...doncha know?:lol::lol:

But good catch..thanks.

:biggrin: Ah...the joys of being a Northern Midwesterner. :lol:


No prob.

Don't forget the overly-full ash tray and (preferably incontinent) dog to go with the sofa. :eek:

So you're from around here? :tongue_sm


NOT AT ALL! In fact, I have 2 cars and a truck and a 1971 snowmobile as well as a big trailer parked in my yard/driveway, plus a John Deere. I think that's why the Czar was able to annex me...:001_smile

Yes, that is in fact why. We were a bit shaky at first, but when we discovered that none of said vehicles functioned in any capacity, the deal sailed right through.


Good man. Do you keep the snowmobile in a prominant place in the front yard during the summer? Don't forget to let the grass grow up around it. It's ok to mow up to 6-12 inches of the sled, but never trim around it. I guess this makes finding the proper parking place easier in the spring again.

Just one reason why I'll always call this place "home." :lol:


How will the neighbors ever know how rich you are if they can't see your toys?

:lol::lol::lol::lol:


Agreed...left more or less inflated, but slightly "flaccid" (Cory will understand this, I'm sure) and faded from the sun, drooping with the grass growing around them.

What will Cory need in terms of a Barbecue? I have some extra refrigerator grates for starters...

:eek::eek::eek:


CORY:

I'll help pull this down your road to your new lot.

Nice! Always looking to freeload off some unsuspecting sucker graciously accept the generosity of a friend. :biggrin:

[OldSaw]

So was everything approved?

[Lynchmeister]

So was everything approved?

Yes. Our finances are in place and we're now in the I want to pull my hair out fun filled phase. Negotiating. We made our initial offer, he counter offered, now we're going to counter his counter. :rolleyes:

Also, a new property came across the desk of our realtor that he's anxious to show us, so tomorrow we're doing another showing of the property we're going to make a second offer on as well as this new property. From what I gather, this second property has some, shall we say, motivated sellers whereas our "first choice" property's seller (based on his counter offer) seems to have a take it or leave it thing going.

At this point, we still have not ruled out the building option, but that is not our favored choice at this point. I'll also say that the reality check is starting to hit, but despite it being hard at times, we're doing our best to keep our options open and have fun.

[RichGem]

Yes. Our finances are in place and we're now in the I want to pull my hair out fun filled phase. Negotiating. We made our initial offer, he counter offered, now we're going to counter his counter. :rolleyes:

Also, a new property came across the desk of our realtor that he's anxious to show us, so tomorrow we're doing another showing of the property we're going to make a second offer on as well as this new property. From what I gather, this second property has some, shall we say, motivated sellers whereas our "first choice" property's seller (based on his counter offer) seems to have a take it or leave it thing going.

At this point, we still have not ruled out the building option, but that is not our favored choice at this point. I'll also say that the reality check is starting to hit, but despite it being hard at times, we're doing our best to keep our options open and have fun.


Good luck with everything! (Oh, and save some hair for Mint 6, or whatever).

[Lynchmeister]

Good luck with everything! (Oh, and save some hair for Mint 6, or whatever).

Thanks Richard. :wink:

Just curious. How many of you are home/property owners?

[OldSaw]

Gee whiz George Cory, I didn't think you had any hair left to pull out.

As far as owning a home goes, you are probably aware that I have downsized from a 4 bedroom house to an apartment. I have owned several homes, including rentals and I still own my cottage and a commercial office building. Real estate is fun when you are buying, but not so fun when you want to sell and the buyers just aren't there.

[MFS]

This is the key time to remain in control and have your best game face on, especially with your own real estate agent. Once your own agent, as good of a guy/gal he/she is, gets their nose under that tent of control, you have lost the one big bargaining chip you have: the ability to say 'no' and walk away from the deal. Be cool:cool:

[Lynchmeister]

This is the key time to remain in control and have your best game face on, especially with your own real estate agent. Once your own agent, as good of a guy/gal he/she is, gets their nose under that tent of control, you have lost the one big bargaining chip you have: the ability to say 'no' and walk away from the deal. Be cool:cool:

Anyone else think of the diner scene in Pulp Fiction? :tongue_sm

Edit: Good advice. At this point, I think my wife and I are our own worst enemies. I'll take your advice to heart and, be cool.

[OldSaw]

Anyone else think of the diner scene in Pulp Fiction? :tongue_sm

Edit: Good advice. At this point, I think my wife and I are our own worst enemies. I'll take your advice to heart and, be cool.

Is that possible? From what I have heard about your border crossings, the missus can pull it off, but I'm not so sure about you my friend. You better let her lead on this one.

[Lynchmeister]

Is that possible? From what I have heard about your border crossings, the missus can pull it off, but I'm not so sure about you my friend. You better let her lead on this one.

Good point.

[Mr. Gillette]

This is the key time to remain in control and have your best game face on, especially with your own real estate agent. Once your own agent, as good of a guy/gal he/she is, gets their nose under that tent of control, you have lost the one big bargaining chip you have: the ability to say 'no' and walk away from the deal. Be cool:cool:

My buyer told me that he lived in the same house for 10 years. When I checked, I found out he'd still be there
today if the Governor hadn't pardoned him.

Why do you have your front door leading right into the dining room? So my relatives won't have to waste any
time.

The sellers told me their house was near the water. It was in the basement.

How much are they asking for your rent now? Oh, about twice a day.

I have a temporary mortgage. What do you mean temporary? Until they foreclose.

Realtor sign--We have "lots" to be thankful for.

Realtor: first you folks tell me what you can afford, then we'll have a good laugh and go on from there.

The dream of the older generation was to pay off a mortgage. The dream of today's young families is to get one.

There is no longer a need for the neutron bomb. We already have something that destroys people and leaves buildings intact. It's called a mortgage.

If you think no one cares you're alive, miss a couple of house payments.

My buyers went through debt consolidation. Now they have only one bill they won't pay.

I listed a maintenance free house. In the last 25 years there hasn't been any maintenance.

Did you hear about Robin Hood's house? It has a little John.

My agent was always smiling. I didn't think anybody could have that many teeth without being a barracuda.

If you want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor cut the grass.

Houses today don't have enough closet space. Sure they do. They're just called guest bedrooms.

Trivia: The floors of buildings are called stories because early European builders used to paint picture stories on
the sides of their houses. Each floor had a different story.

A lot of homes have been spoiled by inferior desecrators.--Frank Lloyd Wright

I bought a two story house. One story before I bought, and another after.

The house is only 5 minutes from shopping . . .if you've got an airplane.

This country is great. It's the only place where you can borrow money for a downpayment, get a 1st and 2nd
mortgage and call yourself a homeowner.

Home is where the mortgage is.

A housewarming is the final call for those who haven't sent a wedding present

The best part of a real estate bargain is the neighbor.

The house was more covered with mortgages than with paint.

Home: A place when you go there they have to take you in.

Charity: A thing that begins at home and usually stays there.

A man's home is his castle. That's how it seems when he pays taxes on it.

Housebroke--What you are after buying a house.

Sign next to FSBO-We shoot every third agent and the 2nd one just left.

This house has every new convenience except low payments.

The trouble with owning a home is that no matter where you sit, you're looking at something you should be doing.

They have an all electric home. Everything in it is charged.

My buyers want a new home on the outskirts---of their income, that is.

A Happy Home is a place where each spouse entertains the possibility that the other may be right though neither
believes it.

By the time you pay for a home in the suburbs, it isn't.

A Modern home is a place where a switch controls everything but the kids, and it has gadgets to do everything
except make the payments.

The house has a wall to wall carpet and back to wall payment.

A typical home has a TV set that is adjusted better than the kids.

House problem: The oven is self-cleaning, but the kids aren't.

Our new house has one down payment and 240 darn payments.

Homesickness What you feel every month when the mortgage is due.

[Mr. Gillette]

Dennis...Cory will never suspect I just cut and pasted that crap!


:lol::lol::lol:

[OldSaw]

Dennis...Cory will never suspect I just cut and pasted that crap!


:lol::lol::lol:

It's funny though.

Can you believe this? I'm running out of things to say. I think I need to come down there and get a refill of BS. Watch for me on Friday, as I will be heading to Virginia with my mother. We are going to take care of my sister for a while, while she does chemo again.

[Mr. Gillette]

It's funny though.

Can you believe this? I'm running out of things to say. I think I need to come down there and get a refill of BS. Watch for me on Friday, as I will be heading to Virginia with my mother. We are going to take care of my sister for a while, while she does chemo again.

Have a good trip...that's a long haul, both in miles and "otherwise."


I think Cory will find a very nice mobile home...hopefully for less than 5K, if he looks hard. We can help him move it.:lol:

Maybe he can get one with plumbing for a bit more...

[OldSaw]

Have a good trip...that's a long haul, both in miles and "otherwise."


I think Cory will find a very nice mobile home...hopefully for less than 5K, if he looks hard. We can help him move it.:lol:

Maybe he can get one with plumbing for a bit more...

Wow! I didn't think they were that expensive. I was thinking more like $1500, delivered. I hear the indoor plumbing isn't that much extra, but the darn hook up is a killer.

[RichGem]

Have a good trip...that's a long haul, both in miles and "otherwise."


I think Cory will find a very nice mobile home...hopefully for less than 5K, if he looks hard. We can help him move it.:lol:

Maybe he can get one with plumbing for a bit more...

Hold it right there! We don't want him putting on airs all of a sudden and thinking that he's better than the rest of us, now do we?

[OldSaw]

Hold it right there! We don't want him putting on airs all of a sudden and thinking that he's better than the rest of us, now do we?

Exactly!
36155

[SepticTank]

Hold it right there! We don't want him putting on airs all of a sudden and thinking that he's better than the rest of us, now do we?

May I be so bold as to point out that nobody mentioned working plumbing at any stage.

[OldSaw]

May I be so bold as to point out that nobody mentioned working plumbing at any stage.

I think everything in the picture I just posted works. I just wonder how long it will take before the missus changes the signs to Czar and Czarina. Of course we know which one Cory will get after he let the dog eat the bedroom door.

[Kit Walker]

Pay off your debt. Figure out your debt to income ratio. If you have any income that is 1099 (Freelance, dividends ect.) Banks will not consider that income. Rate are coming way down and the housing market is soft now is a good time to buy. Don't over spend you don't want to be married to a house. Get your closing costs upfront. OPEN A HOME DEPOT CREDIT CARD..your going to need it. Best of luck.:

A mixture of good and terrible advice. Do not pay off a bunch of debts, then turn around and open a new credit account. That's a pattern that lenders do not look with favor upon.

Do get your financial affairs in order. While you are doing so, study the market around you, and decide what you NEED in a house, particularly since it is your first. Others have advised you to remember that this is a starter house, not your dream home. That is advice you should print out and paste on your bathroom mirror. This is just a first step.

Once your affairs are in order and you are serious about buying, go shopping for a lender and a Realtor. Get yourself APPROVED IN WRITING for a loan before you go to the Realtor. That way you'll know how much you can spend, and the Realtor will know that you are serious.

Do NOT make any major purchases or change jobs until the house has gone through escrow and the entire process is complete. Many people have lost houses because they couldn't hold off buying that brand new car for a month. The loan company WILL check again before closing to ensure that you are still a good risk.

Finally, many Realtors put on classes for the first time buyer. I'd suggest that you take one, even if it's merely part of shopping for a Realtor.

[OldSaw]

Here's a lovely country retreat for the royal family.

36195



Or this one if the bank approves a higher mortgage.

36196



However they may prefer more of an urban setting like this.

36197



Here's a look at some of Cory's new neighbors on his side of the state.

36198



Here's a look at the neighbors on MY side of the state.

36199

[Mr. Gillette]

However they may prefer more of an urban setting like this.

36197



Here's a look at some of Cory's new neighbors on his side of the state.

36198

DENNIS...I SAID KEEP OUT OF MY BACK YARD,. I'm a VERY Private Person!

Here's a look at the neighbors on MY side of the state.

36199

I am SO sorry to have sent these pictures of Mr. Gillette's Ex's....I'm SO embarrassed!

[OldSaw]

I am SO sorry to have sent these pictures of Mr. Gillette's Ex's....I'm SO embarrassed!

I've decided to help them get over it. When they were having dinner at my place last night I asked them what went wrong and they all pretty much agreed it was mostly about hair color. Apparently, Tom, you must prefer red heads.

[Mr. Gillette]

I've decided to help them get over it. When they were having dinner at my place last night I asked them what went wrong and they all pretty much agreed it was mostly about hair color. Apparently, Tom, you must prefer red heads.

That answers the eternal question: "Ginger or Maryanne?"

[OldSaw]

That answers the eternal question: "Ginger or Maryanne?"

When I was a kid I preferred Maryanne. However, as I got older, the only reason to even watch was for Ginger, especially with the sound turned off, since I still couldn't stand listening to her for some reason. :lol:

Oh well, poor ex's. I'll do my best to help them get over the trauma. Of course, as long as Mrs. Oldsaw doesn't mind. :wink:

[Lynchmeister]

Dennis...Cory will never suspect I just cut and pasted that crap!


:lol::lol::lol:

:lol:

So here's the latest rundown.

We found the house, made an offer, received a laughable counteroffer, counteroffered the counteroffer, were met with a simple, yet firm, "No," and have since abandoned any and all hopes of purchasing the house.

We meet with a builder on Tuesday. :lol: Before you guys flame me, we are still actively looking for/at existing homes. :thumbsup:

Editor's Note: House showings are not fun with a hangover. Editor needs to find where that self control ran off to.

[ouch]

Sounds as if you're getting close, Cory. Don't get too attached to anything, and if the seller is not realistic (especially in this market), laugh at him. There are tons of houses out there and you'll find the right one. The key is to just use your head.

Here is an example to the contrary. This is the house across the street from me. Despite having two nice Mercedes in the driveway, a nanny for the five kids, and endless pool parties, the owner has 1.1 mil outstanding on his mortgage, and the house is now in pre-forclosure. He'll lose everything except the smug expression on his face.

I hope this will be the first of many homes to come for you- pay it off, move up, repeat. You'll never recall anything more fondly than your first home.

[OldSaw]

:lol:

So here's the latest rundown.

We found the house, made an offer, received a laughable counteroffer, counteroffered the counteroffer, were met with a simple, yet firm, "No," and have since abandoned any and all hopes of purchasing the house.

We meet with a builder on Tuesday. :lol: Before you guys flame me, we are still actively looking for/at existing homes. :thumbsup:

Editor's Note: House showings are not fun with a hangover. Editor needs to find where that self control ran off to.

Keep looking. I'm sure you will find a nice deal eventually...








Like this (http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?loc=baraboo&bd=6&bth=8&gate=google&source=a15696&supads=pup%2cpun&sid=56f0956fd68d413f94f5b9e9a2bf1ae3&lid=1102369713&lsn=1&srcnt=1) perhaps in lovely Baraboo, WI.
36471

[ouch]

Keep looking. I'm sure you will find a nice deal eventually...








Like this (http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?loc=baraboo&bd=6&bth=8&gate=google&source=a15696&supads=pup%2cpun&sid=56f0956fd68d413f94f5b9e9a2bf1ae3&lid=1102369713&lsn=1&srcnt=1) perhaps in lovely Baraboo, WI.
36471

That looks really nice. I'd move there in a flash, except that I swore I would never move to any place colder than where I am now.

[RichGem]

Keep looking. I'm sure you will find a nice deal eventually...








Like this (http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?loc=baraboo&bd=6&bth=8&gate=google&source=a15696&supads=pup%2cpun&sid=56f0956fd68d413f94f5b9e9a2bf1ae3&lid=1102369713&lsn=1&srcnt=1) perhaps in lovely Baraboo, WI.
36471

and just down the street from the Czardom's official casino and money laundering operation. What more could a Czar want?

[OldSaw]

and just down the street from the Czardom's official casino and money laundering operation. What more could a Czar want?

Maybe that's the problem with this house, the casino drained all of its funds.

[Mr. Gillette]

Sounds as if you're getting close, Cory. Don't get too attached to anything, and if the seller is not realistic (especially in this market), laugh at him. There are tons of houses out there and you'll find the right one. The key is to just use your head.

Here is an example to the contrary. This is the house across the street from me. Despite having two nice Mercedes in the driveway, a nanny for the five kids, and endless pool parties, the owner has 1.1 mil outstanding on his mortgage, and the house is now in pre-forclosure. He'll lose everything except the smug expression on his face.

I hope this will be the first of many homes to come for you- pay it off, move up, repeat. You'll never recall anything more fondly than your first home.

Ouch...I don't think I want the house OR the mortgage, but I might be interested in housing the Nanny, temporarily. Can you arrange this?

Thanks!:lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. We're meeting with the builder tomorrow and have a "wish list" of upgrades for him to price for us. In addition, I just found out what my annual salary raise will be starting with the new year (I didn't think they were giving those out these days! :w00t:), so things are shaking out nicely for us and we're very excited.

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on the progress!

[Mr. Gillette]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. We're meeting with the builder tomorrow and have a "wish list" of upgrades for him to price for us. In addition, I just found out what my annual salary raise will be starting with the new year (I didn't think they were giving those out these days! :w00t:), so things are shaking out nicely for us and we're very excited.

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on the progress!

Why don't you kids just move in with your parents? Or with the Seinfelds?

CONGRATS! SOUNDS LIKE IT"S WORKING OUT.

Remember...Save big $$$$ at Menards!:w00t::w00t:

[RichGem]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. We're meeting with the builder tomorrow and have a "wish list" of upgrades for him to price for us. In addition, I just found out what my annual salary raise will be starting with the new year (I didn't think they were giving those out these days! :w00t:), so things are shaking out nicely for us and we're very excited.

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on the progress!

So... you finally hacked the payroll computer? Well, good for you. :biggrin:

Congratulations. Oh, and LINUX.


edit: PS... I know where you can get a 10-man arctic tent for next to nothing.

[ouch]

Ouch...I don't think I want the house OR the mortgage, but I might be interested in housing the Nanny, temporarily. Can you arrange this?

Thanks!:lol:

If you rent her by the pound, you'll need a second job.

[Lynchmeister]

If you rent her by the pound, you'll need a second job.

That's a whole lotta lovin!

:biggrin:

[OldSaw]

Why don't you kids just move in with your parents? Or with the Seinfelds?

CONGRATS! SOUNDS LIKE IT"S WORKING OUT.

Remember...Save big $$$$ at Menards!:w00t::w00t:

Maybe they could get a place next to the white haired guy from the Menard's commercials.

[OldSaw]

So... you finally hacked the payroll computer? Well, good for you. :biggrin:

Congratulations. Oh, and LINUX.


edit: PS... I know where you can get a 10-man arctic tent for next to nothing.

Does that include the revolver and sleeping bags? How about a small slice of that Tahquamenon river frontage?

[OldSaw]

If you rent her by the pound, you'll need a second job.

Are we talking two ax handles wide?

[ouch]

That's a whole lotta lovin!

:biggrin:


Are we talking two ax handles wide?

Put it this way- papasmurf took a look at her, and said he'll pass. :lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Put it this way- papasmurf took a look at her, and said he'll pass. :lol:

Poor Nick...:lol:

[Mr. Gillette]

If you rent her by the pound, you'll need a second job.

She sounds like she needs to live in Wisconsin with the Lynchmeisters. As the saying goes...what do you call a 300 lb Woman in Green Bay? (Anorexic.)

So I'll buy her from you, and send her over to help Mr. & Mrs. Lynchmeister with pups and "any other needs" he might have.

Thank you in advance for brokering the deal.

[Mr. Gillette]

Maybe they could get a place next to the white haired guy from the Menard's commercials.

Um...Dennis...I think you need to sit down. Take a deep breath. Drink some water. Center yourself. Breathe deep. Relax.

Dennis...I think that kindly man passed away quietly about a year ago.

I'm sorry.

I don't like to have to tell you that this way, with you gone so far away-- but I think it's the truth.

He had no home...he just moved from Menards to Menards, poor guy, sleeping on Patio Furniture, chaise lounges, and subsitsting on beef Jerky and Snapple.

I'm sorry, Dennis.:crying: And I hate to spoil your Fesivus

[Mr. Gillette]

Does that include the revolver and sleeping bags? How about a small slice of that Tahquamenon river frontage?

I'll toss in the wood stove, too--- you can really get that thing warmed up...

[Lynchmeister]

She sounds like she needs to live in Wisconsin with the Lynchmeisters. As the saying goes...what do you call a 300 lb Woman in Green Bay? (Anorexic.)

So I'll buy her from you, and send her over to help Mr. & Mrs. Lynchmeister with pups and "any other needs" he might have.

Thank you in advance for brokering the deal.

Woo hoo! Live in help! :lol:

Meeting with the realtor and builder in 1 1/2 hours and getting excited! Our wish list keeps getting bigger with time. The newest dream item is French doors in the master bedroom (faces out towards the backyard) that open out onto the deck, which probably won't be built for at least a couple years, but damn, how cool would that be?

[Mr. Gillette]

Woo hoo! Live in help! :lol:

Meeting with the realtor and builder in 1 1/2 hours and getting excited! Our wish list keeps getting bigger with time. The newest dream item is French doors in the master bedroom (faces out towards the backyard) that open out onto the deck, which probably won't be built for at least a couple years, but damn, how cool would that be?

Okay...now FIRST...I laughed out loud at your Avatar...STOP IT!

Let's have a "Deck Raising"...next summer...you get your house built, get the materials, and I'll bring my 10 man tent and set it up for us to all live in/smoke things (pipes) in, etc...then, just like the Amish, we'll build you a deck...all you have to do is 1) barbecue some ribs 2) share your with with the Nanny you're going to live "in".


Congrats! Remember something, youngster-- Your mortgage payment is nothing but $$$ for the people you borrow it from for the first number of years. YOU are putting money in THEIR pocket, and THEY are making money off you...BIG time. YOU are the customer, they are the purveyor, but they have a way of making you hold your hat in your hand and beg them. Don't make them do it. YOU are the Czar, dammit! Seriously-- remember that these people NEED your money...probably more than you need your house.

Don't let them mess with you, little feller.

I mean that-- we can build a deck. I used to be a professional construction worker...I know how to whistle at girls, pound nails, dig holes and where to go to the bathroom in an inobtrusive place. (Caution...NEVER put your hands in a Sump pump pit in a newly constructed house!)

[OldSaw]

Is this where I am supposed to say happy Festivus?

[Mr. Gillette]

Is this where I am supposed to say happy Festivus?

Happy Festivus to you, too...Old Saw...Let's get together and build Cory a deck! Well...let's let him get the house built, but let's pick a summer weekend and build a deck for him.

Here's the thing...the poor little guy and his lovely naive wife, and their new Nanny, probably have never been through this before. So today they meet with the builder and he says "Sure...it should take about 8-10 weeks, once we dig the hole to have you in your house." Cory does mental math and looks at his calendar.."So like the end of February?" he asks, and the builder, choking back hysterical laughter says..."Wellll....probably somewhere along the beginning of March...certainly by Easter. We'll have you in there." This is now giving him until March 23rd. Meanwhile, the builder is pounding his leg to keep from laughing out loud, while Cory writes out the check.

"Of course," continues the builder, that depends on weather, and availablilty of materials-- and you DO have a lot of upgrades..do you folks have kids in school? Because if you do, you might want to think of NOT moving them in the middle of the Spring term, you know...so we'll get it all wrapped up and closed in, certainly by Memorial Day."

Cory hands him the check.

"But you know--- that's just the WRAP up...just getting the house framed in enclosed," (and this is the line he loves the best): "A house needs time, once it's framed, for the wood to dry out and settle into place. That's why our houses don't show nail pops in the drywall. I hate to finish a house during changing weather. Do you want nail pops?"

The Czarina shakes her head...Cory looks at her and agrees, nodding, then correcting course and shaking his head. "No," he mumbles.

"So we'll get her framed up, get the doors on and the windows and the roof, and let it sit for a few days...Probably by August I can get the plumber and Electrician in there, but they'll need a deposit to get on the job, and the heating guy needs 50% up front...I can hold these checks for you if you want-" I'm thinking the heat can be running sometime in October, and then we can get the place dried out and start with drywall, trim, interior finishes, etc. My guys like to take Christmas off, and it's hard to know what the weather will be like, but I'm pretty sure that we'll have it all completed, and ready for a walk through by the end of March, just like I said, on Greek Orthodox Easter, 2010, April 4. Then we'll correct any problems, and make it right. But you won't have any nail pops."

"Could I get those other three checks now, please?"

"No...I won't be reachable for a short time, I'm taking a vacation, but I have a guy who will drive by the lot, taka a look at it, and I can get back to the excavator, who will get right out there, as soon as he's out of the hospital, and as soon as the ground thaws and he gets the repairs done on his machine."

"Nothing to worry about."

"Could you just initial this contract, too, please?"

"And this one...it's for the Teamsters...":lol::lol::lol:

[OldSaw]

Happy Festivus to you, too...Old Saw...Let's get together and build Cory a deck! Well...let's let him get the house built, but let's pick a summer weekend and build a deck for him.

Let's just see if they make it through this process without killing each other first. I think it was a new palace house that caused a different Tsar Czar to fall. We don't want to be responsible for pushing them over the edge.

[Lynchmeister]

Tom, have you been wiretapping the builder's office again? :eek:

[Lynchmeister]

Let's just see if they make it through this process without killing each other first. I think it was a new palace house that caused a different Tsar Czar to fall. We don't want to be responsible for pushing them over the edge.

One word for you.

Linux.

[OldSaw]

One word for you.

Linux.

Crap! I forgot to say Linux... Oh wait, that's a different planet.

[ouch]

Here's the thing...the poor little guy and his lovely naive wife, and their new Nanny, probably have never been through this before. So today they meet with the builder and he says "Sure...it should take about 8-10 weeks, once we dig the hole to have you in your house." Cory does mental math and looks at his calendar.."So like the end of February?" he asks, and the builder, choking back hysterical laughter says..."Wellll....probably somewhere along the beginning of March...certainly by Easter. We'll have you in there." This is now giving him until March 23rd. Meanwhile, the builder is pounding his leg to keep from laughing out loud, while Cory writes out the check.

"Of course," continues the builder, that depends on weather, and availablilty of materials-- and you DO have a lot of upgrades..do you folks have kids in school? Because if you do, you might want to think of NOT moving them in the middle of the Spring term, you know...so we'll get it all wrapped up and closed in, certainly by Memorial Day."

Cory hands him the check.

"But you know--- that's just the WRAP up...just getting the house framed in enclosed," (and this is the line he loves the best): "A house needs time, once it's framed, for the wood to dry out and settle into place. That's why our houses don't show nail pops in the drywall. I hate to finish a house during changing weather. Do you want nail pops?"

The Czarina shakes her head...Cory looks at her and agrees, nodding, then correcting course and shaking his head. "No," he mumbles.

"So we'll get her framed up, get the doors on and the windows and the roof, and let it sit for a few days...Probably by August I can get the plumber and Electrician in there, but they'll need a deposit to get on the job, and the heating guy needs 50% up front...I can hold these checks for you if you want-" I'm thinking the heat can be running sometime in October, and then we can get the place dried out and start with drywall, trim, interior finishes, etc. My guys like to take Christmas off, and it's hard to know what the weather will be like, but I'm pretty sure that we'll have it all completed, and ready for a walk through by the end of March, just like I said, on Greek Orthodox Easter, 2010, April 4. Then we'll correct any problems, and make it right. But you won't have any nail pops."

"Could I get those other three checks now, please?"

"No...I won't be reachable for a short time, I'm taking a vacation, but I have a guy who will drive by the lot, taka a look at it, and I can get back to the excavator, who will get right out there, as soon as he's out of the hospital, and as soon as the ground thaws and he gets the repairs done on his machine."

"Nothing to worry about.".........
:lol::lol::lol:

Okay, who's going to start the poll for "when is Cory going to move in?"

Put me down for July 14.

[Mr. Gillette]

:lol::lol::lol:

Okay, who's going to start the poll for "when is Cory going to move in?"

Put me down for July 14.

Damn...July 14 is my birthday. I"m going for April 23....2011

Here is the Deck off OldSaw's place. It's his "rooftop garden".

[OldSaw]

Damn...July 14 is my birthday. I"m going for April 23....2011

Here is the Deck off OldSaw's place. It's his "rooftop garden".

You spying on me again? :lol:

[RichGem]

Is that Ouch's babysitter on the roof?

[Lynchmeister]

:lol::lol::lol:

Okay, who's going to start the poll for "when is Cory going to move in?"

Put me down for July 14.


:biggrin:

Here's a bit of insider info - the lot we were in love with yesterday is no longer our lot of choice. A closer look revealed a livestock farm virtually right across the street. Can you imagine that in the middle of Summer??? Mmmm. Beefy! :w00t:

[burnwood]

:biggrin:

Here's a bit of insider info - the lot we were in love with yesterday is no longer our lot of choice. A closer look revealed a livestock farm virtually right across the street. Can you imagine that in the middle of Summer??? Mmmm. Beefy! :w00t:

Well that smell is awesome to DRIVE past. 5 seconds of childhood memories. Anything more...:death:

[RichGem]

:biggrin:

Here's a bit of insider info - the lot we were in love with yesterday is no longer our lot of choice. A closer look revealed a livestock farm virtually right across the street. Can you imagine that in the middle of Summer??? Mmmm. Beefy! :w00t:

Oh SHITE gosh.

I can see it now... Ya'll looking for the Lynchmeister place? Well, howdy. Ya, ya'll wanna jest go down the road thar a piece an when ya smell livestock, ya wanna turn right. go a piece and thar you are. thrid palace on the left.

[Lynchmeister]

Oh SHITE gosh.

I can see it now... Ya'll looking for the Lynchmeister place? Well, howdy. Ya, ya'll wanna jest go down the road thar a piece an when ya smell livestock, ya wanna turn right. go a piece and thar you are. thrid palace on the left.

:biggrin: Definitely more accurate than MapQuest.

[ouch]

Is that Ouch's babysitter on the roof?

I don't know. does she look like this?

[Mr. Gillette]

:biggrin:

Here's a bit of insider info - the lot we were in love with yesterday is no longer our lot of choice. A closer look revealed a livestock farm virtually right across the street. Can you imagine that in the middle of Summer??? Mmmm. Beefy! :w00t:

Cory...it's Wisconsin...having a livestock farm across the street means never guessing what you're putting on the Barbecue. Don't you have a 30-06? I thought it was REQUIRED in WI....


Hope you don't cook the garage with the Turkey...that's a favorite Illinois Holiday cooking experience..."Gee, I dunno...it was cold outside and I cranked the propane up and moved it into the garage. I don't know WHY the garage burned down...you take care of it, we're going to Golden Corral."

[burnwood]

I don't know. does she look like this?

how much does she charge for services? babysitting you perverts!!!!

[Lynchmeister]

Cory...it's Wisconsin...having a livestock farm across the street means never guessing what you're putting on the Barbecue. Don't you have a 30-06? I thought it was REQUIRED in WI....


Hope you don't cook the garage with the Turkey...that's a favorite Illinois Holiday cooking experience..."Gee, I dunno...it was cold outside and I cranked the propane up and moved it into the garage. I don't know WHY the garage burned down...you take care of it, we're going to Golden Corral."

I had a Red Ryder once...does that count?

[Mr. Gillette]

I had a Red Ryder once...does that count?

YOU'LL PUT YOUR EYE OUT!

[Lynchmeister]

YOU'LL PUT YOUR EYE OUT!


Well, my older brother did shoot out our old basement TV. His defense? "I didn't think it was loaded." :w00t:

[Lynchmeister]

YOU'LL PUT YOUR EYE OUT!

:whistling:

[OldSaw]

Any news on the new home front?

[Lynchmeister]

Any news on the new home front?

We have decided that building is the route we are going to go. At this point, we are very clear in what we want and what our area has to offer in terms of existing homes and "rolling our own" seems to now be the best fit for us.

On Monday, we're meeting with the builder again to hash out the final details. Once all is in place, we'll draft up the paperwork and get the financing in place. As of right now, we're looking to break ground mid-January.

[OldSaw]

We have decided that building is the route we are going to go. At this point, we are very clear in what we want and what our area has to offer in terms of existing homes and "rolling our own" seems to now be the best fit for us.

On Monday, we're meeting with the builder again to hash out the final details. Once all is in place, we'll draft up the paperwork and get the financing in place. As of right now, we're looking to break ground mid-January.

Wow! A mid January pour? If I ever build, I will avoid pouring a basement in January in Wisconsin. I've just seen too many problems with winter pours. I know many have gone well, but with the worst winter on record descending on us I would definitely be on the scene that day. Whether you know what to watch for or not doesn't matter, you're the one writing the checks and being on the scene can make a difference.

[soapbox]

Wow! A mid January pour? If I ever build, I will avoid pouring a basement in January in Wisconsin. I've just seen too many problems with winter pours. I know many have gone well, but with the worst winter on record descending on us I would definitely be on the scene that day. Whether you know what to watch for or not doesn't matter, you're the one writing the checks and being on the scene can make a difference.

As far as I know, you shouldn't pour unless the temp is 35 degrees and rising (and preferably damp or misty). Concrete sets because of an exothermic (heat-generating) reaction, but Wisconsin winters would require so much insulation on top of the pad that I wouldn't do a January pour either.

[RichGem]

We have decided that building is the route we are going to go. At this point, we are very clear in what we want and what our area has to offer in terms of existing homes and "rolling our own" seems to now be the best fit for us.

On Monday, we're meeting with the builder again to hash out the final details. Once all is in place, we'll draft up the paperwork and get the financing in place. As of right now, we're looking to break ground mid-January.


Oh NOES... the LFS (linux from scratch -- look it up & think gentoo from super hell) approach! Bye bye hair! :tongue_sm

seriously, hope it all goes well with a minimum of stress. it sounds very exciting.

[OldSaw]

As far as I know, you shouldn't pour unless the temp is 35 degrees and rising (and preferably damp or misty). Concrete sets because of an exothermic (heat-generating) reaction, but Wisconsin winters would require so much insulation on top of the pad that I wouldn't do a January pour either.

I doubt Cory is pouring a pad. In Wisconsin most homes have a full basement with a footing below the frost line. They can add lime to allow the reaction to work in lower temperatures. The biggest problems I have seen with winter pours is late deliveries between trucks and freezing and/or setting between pours. Ideally the entire foundation should be one continuous pour in any weather, but winter conditions have a way of upsetting this. The worst one I ever saw was a very visible diagonal line between every truck load and it leaked like a sieve. However, todays waterproofing methods are much better than they were 30 years ago.

I'm not trying to discourage Cory. I just think it is important for the owner to be there on the day of the pour. I think everyone is more diligent when the guy writing the checks is there. It's human nature, if you are doing multiple jobs and one of them has an owner who is there regularly and communicating with the builder on a daily basis, which one do you think is going to get more attention?

Also ask lots of questions. You don't have to know anything to ask questions. However, it forces the guy doing the answering to think about it.

[RichGem]

what's with the basement pour? I thought he'd just stick to the crawl space between the hay bales and the wheels. :confused:

[OldSaw]

what's with the basement pour? I thought he'd just stick to the crawl space between the hay bales and the wheels. :confused:

Oops... excuse me, I was just doing a soliloquy on my thoughts of reality. We now return to our regular silliness. :redface:

You are correct, depending on which county you are in. Some counties require a slab to be poured under all mobile homes. In the county where my cottage is that is only a luxury.

[RichGem]

Oops... excuse me, I was just doing a soliloquy on my thoughts of reality. We now return to our regular silliness. :redface:

You are correct, depending on which county you are in. Some counties require a slab to be poured under all mobile homes. In the county where my cottage is that is only a luxury.

Thanks for clearing that up. I was worried.

[mankini]

We have decided that building is the route we are going to go. At this point, we are very clear in what we want and what our area has to offer in terms of existing homes and "rolling our own" seems to now be the best fit for us.

On Monday, we're meeting with the builder again to hash out the final details. Once all is in place, we'll draft up the paperwork and get the financing in place. As of right now, we're looking to break ground mid-January.

I worked in the new construction business for almost 20 years. The things I have seen will prevent me from winter concrete work of any kind.

Maybe technology can stave off some effects of the cold but IMO it can not exactly reproduce ideal conditions.

Good luck, take plenty of video or pictures they will be your only real proof of what went on that day.

[Mr. Gillette]

Wow! A mid January pour? If I ever build, I will avoid pouring a basement in January in Wisconsin. I've just seen too many problems with winter pours. I know many have gone well, but with the worst winter on record descending on us I would definitely be on the scene that day. Whether you know what to watch for or not doesn't matter, you're the one writing the checks and being on the scene can make a difference.

If you want to appear like you know what you're doing...just about the time they lower the chute and let some concrete out, put your hand in it, feel it, drop it down and look at the driver.."Did you put Chloride in this" (ask it very pointedly, then take another handful)...then "Add another 2 gallons to the mix, I don't like it." Then just slam it down and walk away.

Always happy to help!

But in all seriousness...here's the deal...you could hold off until March and do better with ALL of the construction. The three month wait will translate into about a 3 week difference in move-in between Jan and March start.

Builder needs your money...remember?

My dad had a Jan pour in Michigan 30 years ago. The ground hadn't settled right, and the fill didn't do much...he has much cracking, driveway approaches, steps, etc that don't line up as they should, and it still seems to move, 3 decades later.

Think carefully about this, grasshopper.

[soapbox]

I just think it is important for the owner to be there on the day of the pour. I think everyone is more diligent when the guy writing the checks is there. It's human nature, if you are doing multiple jobs and one of them has an owner who is there regularly and communicating with the builder on a daily basis, which one do you think is going to get more attention?

Also ask lots of questions. You don't have to know anything to ask questions. However, it forces the guy doing the answering to think about it.

Big +1 on this. Also, when you're there on the big day, make coffee, provide doughnuts and/or other snacks, bottles of water...be nice. Little perks like that go much further than the $30 it'll take to provide all the goodies. And asking questions is great, provided it doesn't show you have zero understanding of the process. I just showed my ignorance of northern construction with my "35 degrees and rising" comment--but now I know that lime can offset colder temperatures. Neat!

[Mr. Gillette]

It can be done...(Mr. Gillette worked in commercial construction for 8 years in the 80's/90's...but needs to be done VERY carefully-- my issue isn't the concrete pour or curing, which can be controlled with chemicals, etc...but the proper settling of the substrate/ground etc...again, not a problem with bottom of basement, since this is below frost line, but the stuff/pours around the edges of foundation, which tend to get put in too early anyway.

Read this, my young Lynchmeister: http://www.na.graceconstruction.com/custom/concrete/downloads/TB_0106.pdf

Then keep in mind weather-- that wood left outside will get wet, and it will get cold and dry, then wet again, and soon someone puts drywall on it, fires up some heaters, windows have been installed and now the wood shrinks, etc.

"It's too cold to work today" so they're not there. The plumber is in Florida...

All of that. With the winter delays adding up, a wait for a couple of months doesn't take you much longer and puts the building of your house in much better conditions.

But in any case, rain or shine..Donuts...yes..."Donuts make your brown eyes blue!")

And be sure to stop the whole job, dip your hand in the concrete and demand 2 more gallons of water. Then slam it down, look at the end of the chute, nod your head, and stalk off.

[OldSaw]

Donuts, coffee, OJ are always a good idea. A hungry crew is a grouchy crew. A well fed crew will be much happier.

Tom's advice on the job site tantrums are spot on... if you are the general contractor. To really make those moments payoff though, you need to add my former bosses touch. Approach that particular fellow that you just got into it with, look at your watch, make a little calculation on a piece of scrap wood, then pull your checkbook out of your back pocket and write his last check right there on the spot and send him down the road. This usually gets the attention of the other workers and makes them much less likely to make the same mistake.

[Lynchmeister]

:biggrin:

Dammit, this concrete needs more water!

Just practicing my lines. :lol:

All kidding aside, much good advice here. I've learned a lot about cold weather pours in the last day and feel more comfortable with the decisions that we are no doubt going to be making in the near future.

[OldSaw]

:biggrin:

Dammit, this concrete needs more water!

Just practicing my lines. :lol:

All kidding aside, much good advice here. I've learned a lot about cold weather pours in the last day and feel more comfortable with the decisions that we are no doubt going to be making in the near future.

And what's ironic is that it is usually the other way around, they add too much water to make it flow better, but then it is weaker, shrinks and cracks. Keep an eye out for one of the guys on the crew putting his hand up to his mouth like he is drinking from a cup as he is looking at the cement truck driver. He is telling him to give it a drink.

And of course, if in doubt as to what is going on, ask the foreman and have him explain why he made that decision, there might be a good reason, but if not, you might have some recourse later on.

[RichGem]

I think this could all be avoided if Cory would just break the bank and buy himself a triple-wide... or 3 standard wides welded together... Tom and Dennis could help with the welding. Just be sure the "home" gas line / BBQ tank is turned off first.

The, when the Summer thaw comes, move the 3-wide, excavate a basement, and more the home back into place. problems solved.

(yeesh, do I have to teach these people everything?)

[OldSaw]

I think this could all be avoided if Cory would just break the bank and buy himself a triple-wide... or 3 standard wides welded together... Tom and Dennis could help with the welding. Just be sure the "home" gas line / BBQ tank is turned off first.

The, when the Summer thaw comes, move the 3-wide, excavate a basement, and more the home back into place. problems solved.

(yeesh, do I have to teach these people everything?)

If we are taking this route, screw the basement. Just add another trailer. If the royal family runs out of space and needs more storage they can get an old semi truck trailer.

The whole mess should be located in as much open space as possible for good tornado activity.

[Lynchmeister]

Speaking of which, why is it that tornadoes are attracted to trailor parks like moths to the flame?

Oh, and the missus says she won't settle for a double or even triple wide. In one of those "it's my way or the highway" moments, she threw down her steaming bowl of beer-cheese soup, screamed "You lazy bum! Get off your ass and get me one of them quadruple wides with the polished tin siding. You know--YES YOU DO!--the one's that look like a Diner car? One of those," and then stormed out of the room.

Yeesh. Some people just can't be pleased. :surrender:

[Mr. Gillette]

:biggrin:

Dammit, this concrete needs more water!

Just practicing my lines. :lol:

All kidding aside, much good advice here. I've learned a lot about cold weather pours in the last day and feel more comfortable with the decisions that we are no doubt going to be making in the near future.

Nice...but you have to specify..."TWO GALLONS"

(By the way...nice parking job by the hospital. Sorry about your roof)

[RichGem]

Nice...but you have to specify..."TWO GALLONS"

(By the way...nice parking job by the hospital. Sorry about your roof)

maybe this time, he'll find the pig man.

[OldSaw]

Speaking of which, why is it that tornadoes are attracted to trailor parks like moths to the flame?

Oh, and the missus says she won't settle for a double or even triple wide. In one of those "it's my way or the highway" moments, she threw down her steaming bowl of beer-cheese soup, screamed "You lazy bum! Get off your ass and get me one of them quadruple wides with the polished tin siding. You know--YES YOU DO!--the one's that look like a Diner car? One of those," and then stormed out of the room.

Yeesh. Some people just can't be pleased. :surrender:

I think I know where you can get one cheap. On HWY 41 in Kaukauna or Little Chute there is one that went belly up. It is fairly new and still very shiny.

[RichGem]

I think I know where you can get one cheap. On HWY 41 in Kaukauna or Little Chute there is one that went belly up. It is fairly new and still very shiny.

Ya gotta love it when, instead of having to clean the gutters, you can just drive the whole house to the car wash. :biggrin:

[Lynchmeister]

I think I know where you can get one cheap. On HWY 41 in Kaukauna or Little Chute there is one that went belly up. It is fairly new and still very shiny.

...or the Denny's in Hudson. :lol:


Ya gotta love it when, instead of having to clean the gutters, you can just drive the whole house to the car wash. :biggrin:

:lol: Nice!

[OldSaw]

...or the Denny's in Hudson. :lol:

Make sure you have the right hitch and bring a pump for the tires, sometimes they go flat when they sit like that. It will make a great royal palace.

[Lynchmeister]

Make sure you have the right hitch and bring a pump for the tires, sometimes they go flat when they sit like that. It will make a great royal palace.

Prediction for the future: With the second hound, the doghouse is gonna be crowded. :tongue_sm

[RichGem]

Prediction for the future: With the second hound, the doghouse is gonna be crowded. :tongue_sm

Why? Have you put on a lot of weight recently?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Mr. Gillette]

Old Saw...

Why don't you help the little feller (Lynch) out...you have a trailer hitch on the Buick? Swing by the Elkhart, IN area where they make these things and pick up something nice for a Mobile doghouse.


A doublewide.

[RichGem]

Old Saw...

Why don't you help the little feller (Lynch) out...you have a trailer hitch on the Buick? Swing by the Elkhart, IN area where they make these things and pick up something nice for a Mobile doghouse.


A doublewide.

LOL

[OldSaw]

Old Saw...

Why don't you help the little feller (Lynch) out...you have a trailer hitch on the Buick? Swing by the Elkhart, IN area where they make these things and pick up something nice for a Mobile doghouse.


A doublewide.

Sounds like he's gonna need a double wide dog house. Too bad I have my mom's car with no hitch.

[RichGem]

As part of my duties as Vice Czar, I was recently in the Royal Presence of the Czarina and she granted me an interview about the coming house building project. As it would be of interest to our subjects, she has allowed me to publish her thoughts in the interview which can be found here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb6ErLPt4t8&feature=related)


Enjoy.

[Lynchmeister]

As part of my duties as Vice Czar, I was recently in the Royal Presence of the Czarina and she granted me an interview about the coming house building project. As it would be of interest to our subjects, she has allowed me to publish her thoughts in the interview which can be found here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb6ErLPt4t8&feature=related)


Enjoy.

:lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Since we're building, we asked if we could run speaker wire throughout the house, which we were told would be no problem. So...any thoughts, tips, tricks, or advice? I'm completely clueless, but figured, despite my current lack of home audio knowledge, it would be less painful to do this before the drywall went up.

So far, I know that I will need speaker wire that's rated CL2 or CL3 for inner-wall use. Other considerations, I suppose will be any building codes I will need to comply with and, of course, finding the cash. :001_rolle

[Mr. Gillette]

Since we're building, we asked if we could run speaker wire throughout the house, which we were told would be no problem. So...any thoughts, tips, tricks, or advice? I'm completely clueless, but figured, despite my current lack of home audio knowledge, it would be less painful to do this before the drywall went up.

So far, I know that I will need speaker wire that's rated CL2 or CL3 for inner-wall use. Other considerations, I suppose will be any building codes I will need to comply with and, of course, finding the cash. :001_rolle

Only thought...remember, a little over a year ago, the comparitively long thread about $400.00 speaker wire? That would be a good thing to avoid, I'm thinking...be a bit more moderate...:lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Only thought...remember, a little over a year ago, the comparitively long thread about $400.00 speaker wire? That would be a good thing to avoid, I'm thinking...be a bit more moderate...:lol:


:lol:

Good tip! Although, I'm not budging on the 24k gold plating. That is a necessity. :tongue_sm

[RichGem]

plated? plated? Come now... are you the Czar or not? Full gold, buddy, full gold.

[thirdeye]

:lol:

Good tip! Although, I'm not budging on the 24k gold plating. That is a necessity. :tongue_sm

If your gonna do it, do it right and go for the gold. I did mine and trust me when I tell you it was one of the best cost over runs a made. Now the wife on the other hand.....

[Lynchmeister]

plated? plated? Come now... are you the Czar or not? Full gold, buddy, full gold.

:biggrin:


If your gonna do it, do it right and go for the gold. I did mine and trust me when I tell you it was one of the best cost over runs a made. Now the wife on the other hand.....

Wait a minute...(remember I know nothing of home audio)...you mean this is a real consideration?

[thirdeye]

:biggrin:



Wait a minute...(remember I know nothing of home audio)...you mean this is a real consideration?

Yes very much so.....

It carries much better than other wire.

[Lynchmeister]

Yes very much so.....

Whoa...do you guys hear that? Yes? It's my budget, sitting in the corner and crying. :tongue_sm

On a whole 'nother topic. Any opinions on plumbing for geothermic heating? Apparently it is a good way to reduce energy usage in the home, but again, that poor budget.

In the end, though, we're going to take a long hard look at everything and, if necessary, such luxuries as audio, etc., will take a back seat to such things as upgrading from the included 80% efficiency furnace to a 90%+ efficiency furnace w/power vented water heater, so on and so forth.

Switching topics yet again, stainless steel or black appliances? Originally we were all about the SS, but popular opinion is that it is a PITA to keep up on, so we're leaning back towards black, which we also really like.

[Mr. Gillette]

Just put all your unused jewelery in a plastic bag, put it into a prepaid mailer, and they'll send you money back to buy gold plugs.

[ouch]

Only thought...remember, a little over a year ago, the comparitively long thread about $400.00 speaker wire?

I believe that was roughly $400 per foot. :eek:

[Mr. Gillette]

I believe that was roughly $400 per foot. :eek:

Yes it was...I'm sure the Lynchmeister's 60 foot double wide could benefit greatly from some $400/foot "dental gold.":w00t: Nothing is too expensive to listen to a new Polka CD!

[thirdeye]

I believe that was roughly $400 per foot. :eek:


Yes it was...I'm sure the Lynchmeister's 60 foot double wide could benefit greatly from some $400/foot "dental gold.":w00t: Nothing is too expensive to listen to a new Polka CD!

:lol::lol::lol:

Actually the monster wrapped cable I put in was just about 270.00 a ft.

Mind you, I only ran it double for about 20 ft, from the livingroom, downstairs to my study. The back end of the home theater was done with straight monster cable.

I only used it for the music feed to my study. The remote was the cheapest part of the project. Oh ya, I did all the work, I didn't have it done.

[Mr. Gillette]

:lol::lol::lol:

Actually the monster wrapped cable I put in was just about 270.00 a ft.

Mind you, I only ran it double for about 20 ft, from the livingroom, downstairs to my study. The back end of the home theater was done with straight monster cable.

I only used it for the music feed to my study. The remote was the cheapest part of the project. Oh ya, I did all the work, I didn't have it done.

Okay...but think of Cory, running this out the back door, past the metal shed, and clear out to his....uh...bathroom, maybe 80 feet there, hooked up to an old pair of Jensen Car speakers. Get serious!

[thirdeye]

Okay...but think of Cory, running this out the back door, past the metal shed, and clear out to his....uh...bathroom, maybe 80 feet there, hooked up to an old pair of Jensen Car speakers. Get serious!

:lol::lol::lol:...Damn coffee spit on my screen again....:blush:

:w00t:...He's got Jensens out in the two holer?????

[RichGem]

:lol::lol::lol:

Actually the monster wrapped cable I put in was just about 270.00 a ft.

Mind you, I only ran it double for about 20 ft, from the livingroom, downstairs to my study. The back end of the home theater was done with straight monster cable.

I only used it for the music feed to my study. The remote was the cheapest part of the project. Oh ya, I did all the work, I didn't have it done.

Given that Cory will be building himself a double-wide, that should run him... what?... like $50 total cost of wiring, if it's going by the foot, right?

[Mr. Gillette]

:lol::lol::lol:...Damn coffee spit on my screen again....:blush:

:w00t:...He's got Jensens out in the two holer?????

Surround sound...two Jensens behind, two near the door, and a nice Subwoofer from WalMart in the hole...some type of "Ported Enclosure" I think.:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Okay...but think of Cory, running this out the back door, past the metal shed, and clear out to his....uh...bathroom, maybe 80 feet there, hooked up to an old pair of Jensen Car speakers. Get serious!


:lol::lol::lol:...Damn coffee spit on my screen again....:blush:

:w00t:...He's got Jensens out in the two holer?????


Surround sound...two Jensens behind, two near the door, and a nice Subwoofer from WalMart in the hole...some type of "Ported Enclosure" I think.:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Pfffttt! I've got class and dignity, man! Get real...Jensens...Ha!...after work I'm swinging by my cousin Jed's place the local junk yard and prying out (with a crowbar) procuring some Blaupunkts from an old Volkswagen.

[Mr. Gillette]

Pfffttt! I've got class and dignity, man! Get real...Jensens...Ha!...after work I'm swinging by my cousin Jed's place the local junk yard and prying out (with a crowbar) procuring some Blaupunkts from an old Volkswagen.

Hope you get them in BLUE to match the decor...but I'm sure BFI will eventually find their outhouse.

Cory...remember the adage "Sink too low, soap no good." That's a URINAL cake in there...but it fits nicely in your scuttle!

[RichGem]

Hope you get them in BLUE to match the decor...but I'm sure BFI will eventually find their outhouse.

Cory...remember the adage "Sink too low, soap no good." That's a URINAL cake in there...but it fits nicely in your scuttle!

Maybe as a house warming gift, the guys on the thread will get you a space heater to go in there. What do you think?

[Mr. Gillette]

Maybe as a house warming gift, the guys on the thread will get you a space heater to go in there. What do you think?

In Wisconsin this would be a can of B&M Beans and a Bic lighter. LInux...oh wait, wrong useless thread...:lol:

[Siv]

Speaker Wire - just get 12 or 14 gauge oxygen free copper wire. That'll do ya.

Don't forget to put Cat-5 network cabling throughout (wireless is only for when you take your laptop into the can) and make sure they run TWO coax cable runs to everywhere you want a TV (you need two inputs if you have a DVR and want to watch one show while recording another).

What ever happens, you will always be short of cables but try and get as much in there as you can.

[RichGem]

Speaker Wire - just get 12 or 14 gauge oxygen free copper wire. That'll do ya.

Don't forget to put Cat-5 network cabling throughout (wireless is only for when you take your laptop into the can) and make sure they run TWO coax cable runs to everywhere you want a TV (you need two inputs if you have a DVR and want to watch one show while recording another).

What ever happens, you will always be short of cables but try and get as much in there as you can.

excellent idea.

[Mr. Gillette]

Speaker Wire - just get 12 or 14 gauge oxygen free copper wire. That'll do ya.

Don't forget to put Cat-5 network cabling throughout (wireless is only for when you take your laptop into the can) and make sure they run TWO coax cable runs to everywhere you want a TV (you need two inputs if you have a DVR and want to watch one show while recording another).

What ever happens, you will always be short of cables but try and get as much in there as you can.

I'm not sure Cory's trailer is in a location where cable is available...and I'm QUITE certain that no TV station is within easy distance. Perhaps he can pick up Milwaukee AM stations.

Satellite? He lives so far back in the sticks that Friday Night Smackdown doesn't make it there until about Tuesday AM...

[RichGem]

In Wisconsin this would be a can of B&M Beans and a Bic lighter. LInux...oh wait, wrong useless thread...:lol:


Uh... forced air heating system?

:eek:

[Mr. Gillette]

Uh... forced air heating system?

:eek:

(pounding desk at work, giggling...STOP!) LMAO!

[Lynchmeister]

Hope you get them in BLUE to match the decor...but I'm sure BFI will eventually find their outhouse.

Cory...remember the adage "Sink too low, soap no good." That's a URINAL cake in there...but it fits nicely in your scuttle!


In Wisconsin this would be a can of B&M Beans and a Bic lighter. LInux...oh wait, wrong useless thread...:lol:


Uh... forced air heating system?

:eek:


(pounding desk at work, giggling...STOP!) LMAO!


Where do I even start? :lol:

[Mr. Gillette]

Where do I even start? :lol:

Just repeat this to yourself...over and over:

Well, I guess I'll have to pick myself up, dust myself up, and throw myself right back down again!

[OldSaw]

Whoa...do you guys hear that? Yes? It's my budget, sitting in the corner and crying. :tongue_sm

On a whole 'nother topic. Any opinions on plumbing for geothermic heating? Apparently it is a good way to reduce energy usage in the home, but again, that poor budget.

In the end, though, we're going to take a long hard look at everything and, if necessary, such luxuries as audio, etc., will take a back seat to such things as upgrading from the included 80% efficiency furnace to a 90%+ efficiency furnace w/power vented water heater, so on and so forth.

Switching topics yet again, stainless steel or black appliances? Originally we were all about the SS, but popular opinion is that it is a PITA to keep up on, so we're leaning back towards black, which we also really like.

Just keep whittling down the square footage and you can have these things.

[OldSaw]

:lol::lol::lol:...Damn coffee spit on my screen again....:blush:

:w00t:...He's got Jensens out in the two holer?????

Two holer is right... upper & lower. Guess which one is Cory's.

[RichGem]

Two holer is right... upper & lower. Guess which one is Cory's.

The Czarina is a total lady and doesn't engage in such mundane bodily functions. The dogs and cat however... well that's a different story from the top, uh, berth.

[OldSaw]

Speaker Wire - just get 12 or 14 gauge oxygen free copper wire. That'll do ya.

Don't forget to put Cat-5 network cabling throughout (wireless is only for when you take your laptop into the can) and make sure they run TWO coax cable runs to everywhere you want a TV (you need two inputs if you have a DVR and want to watch one show while recording another).

What ever happens, you will always be short of cables but try and get as much in there as you can.

...the square footage is shrinking.

[OldSaw]

I'm not sure Cory's trailer is in a location where cable is available...and I'm QUITE certain that no TV station is within easy distance. Perhaps he can pick up Milwaukee AM stations.

Satellite? He lives so far back in the sticks that Friday Night Smackdown doesn't make it there until about Tuesday AM...

I posted about Cory's smoke signal set up before. I'll see if I can find it.

[RichGem]

...the square footage is shrinking.

I guess he's down to a smaller double-wide at this point as opposed to the 3x wide (welded together with duct tape from 3 single-wides) as originally planned. :nonod:

[OldSaw]

Where do I even start? :lol:

Dig a big hole and start throwing all of your money into it... for the next 30 years.

[thirdeye]

Two holer is right... upper & lower. Guess which one is Cory's.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:.....I was thinking side by side but upper and lower works....

So Cory, what did you want our help with again......:biggrin:

[OldSaw]

Found it. Here's Cory's internet setup. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=786288&postcount=3326)

[OldSaw]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:.....I was thinking side by side but upper and lower works....

So Cory, what did you want our help with again......:biggrin:

He has too much money and desperately needs our advice on how to squander invest it in a new home project.

[Mr. Gillette]

Dig a big hole and start throwing all of your money into it... for the next 30 years.

Cory: I have a vintage copy of "Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House" which you and the Czarina could read.

If reading is too difficult, Cary Grant starred in a great movie setting of this, but it's black and white...much like the broadcasts you're just now starting to receive.

(Soon Gilligan's Island will be in color...don't worry, my young friend...but not the Addams Family.) Signals are REALLY slow behind the curtain!:lol:

[Mr. Gillette]

CORY:

By the way...good news!!!! I was visiting my elderly father in Michigan, (which is like Wisconsin, only a bit slower) over Christmas. He leaned back in his chair and declared "I think I'm done with the Hay business. I'm not going to raise it any more."

Immediately I asked him if I could have the many pallets he put under the hay, and he's happy to let me bring them up.

Doncha see?!!! Your deck is practically built! All we have to do now is just lay the pallets into place, wire them together, put a few concrete blocks under them here or there, and YOU HAVE YOUR DECK!!!!!


I know you're speechless-- no thanks necessary. I can haul them up whenever you get the trailer in place and the wheels off. (You might just want to put the blocks under the trailer more or less level and then let the air out of the tires...makes it easier to move, if you can get electricity in there sometime to pump them back up again....just a thought.(:001_smile

[OldSaw]

CORY:

By the way...good news!!!! I was visiting my elderly father in Michigan, (which is like Wisconsin, only a bit slower) over Christmas. He leaned back in his chair and declared "I think I'm done with the Hay business. I'm not going to raise it any more."

Immediately I asked him if I could have the many pallets he put under the hay, and he's happy to let me bring them up.

Doncha see?!!! Your deck is practically built! All we have to do now is just lay the pallets into place, wire them together, put a few concrete blocks under them here or there, and YOU HAVE YOUR DECK!!!!!


I know you're speechless-- no thanks necessary. I can haul them up whenever you get the trailer in place and the wheels off. (You might just want to put the blocks under the trailer more or less level and then let the air out of the tires...makes it easier to move, if you can get electricity in there sometime to pump them back up again....just a thought.(:001_smile

Or be a man and use a bicycle pump.

[Lynchmeister]

I posted about Cory's smoke signal set up before. I'll see if I can find it.


:lol::lol::lol::lol:.....I was thinking side by side but upper and lower works....

So Cory, what did you want our help with again......:biggrin:

Oh boy. :lol:

@Tom: Thanks! I just told the little lady that some crazy, naked dude in Illinois is giving us a free pre-fab deck! Score!!!

:w00t:

[RichGem]

He has too much money and desperately needs our advice on how to squander invest it in a new home project.


On a completely UNrelated note, I hear that taxes in the Czardom will be going up significantly in the next few months.

edit: I just realized that this is the official Chip-post-count-beating post. :thumbsup:

[OldSaw]

On a completely UNrelated note, I hear that taxes in the Czardom will be going up significantly in the next few months.

edit: I just realized that this is the official Chip-post-count-beating post. :thumbsup:

Congratulations. :a50:


Now, are you talking beating Cory's chip count at the Ho Chunk casino or Rabidpotatochip's post count?

[OldSaw]

Got Linux?

[RichGem]

Congratulations. :a50:


Now, are you talking beating Cory's chip count at the Ho Chunk casino or Rabidpotatochip's post count?


Thank you! and we're talking RPC's post count. As for the Ho Chunk chip count...we'll let's just say it's hard to beat the Czar when he *is* the house.

[Lynchmeister]

Well, a lot has transpired since I last updated this thread. We had all of our ducks in a row and were ready to start digging while my wife and I were vacationing in Phoenix. Literally the day before we flew, our mortgage lady called in a panic. The builder's appraiser appraised the plans, but the mortgage lady's third party appraiser did not. In other words, the appraiser hired by the builder predicted that once the house is actually built in two months, the value will hold (despite the housing market falling deeper into the poop hole). Big surprise, right? :rolleyes:

There was a brief 24 hour period where we didn't think the project would be moving forward and it took an emotional toll on both of us. In the end, we decided to do the smart thing and see if we couldn't make the non-partisan appraiser happy. In the end, we did! We originally had planned on rolling in the closing costs, which in effect is writing the loan as if the builder was paying them, but of course, this just jacks up our mortgage. In our case, the house didn't appraise, so we are now paying for CCs out of pocket to lower the purchase price. In addition, we had changed the foundation size at x dollars/sq. ft. To free up some more cash, we were going to bring the foundation in three inches on each side, but the builder agreed to eat those costs, which of course, we got in writing. Finally, our realtor agreed to shave off a piece of his commission. So in the end, the house, our house, remained in tact and the project is going forward.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for today, but the predicted high for today is only 11 degrees fahrenheit, which concerns me that it will be postponed until later in the week. I'll be sure to let you all know.

[Mr. Gillette]

Well, a lot has transpired since I last updated this thread. We had all of our ducks in a row and were ready to start digging while my wife and I were vacationing in Phoenix. Literally the day before we flew, our mortgage lady called in a panic. The builder's appraiser appraised the plans, but the mortgage lady's third party appraiser did not. In other words, the appraiser hired by the builder predicted that once the house is actually built in two months, the value will hold (despite the housing market falling deeper into the poop hole). Big surprise, right? :rolleyes:

There was a brief 24 hour period where we didn't think the project would be moving forward and it took an emotional toll on both of us. In the end, we decided to do the smart thing and see if we couldn't make the non-partisan appraiser happy. In the end, we did! We originally had planned on rolling in the closing costs, which in effect is writing the loan as if the builder was paying them, but of course, this just jacks up our mortgage. In our case, the house didn't appraise, so we are now paying for CCs out of pocket to lower the purchase price. In addition, we had changed the foundation size at x dollars/sq. ft. To free up some more cash, we were going to bring the foundation in three inches on each side, but the builder agreed to eat those costs, which of course, we got in writing. Finally, our realtor agreed to shave off a piece of his commission. So in the end, the house, our house, remained in tact and the project is going forward.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for today, but the predicted high for today is only 11 degrees fahrenheit, which concerns me that it will be postponed until later in the week. I'll be sure to let you all know.


My little buddy...when you get those calls, you square your shoulders, clear your throat, take a deep breath and intone: "Do you KNOW who you're talking to here?" Let them know you are the CZAR! Then..."Uh...just a minute, maybe you should talk to the Czarina!"

Seriously...get "Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House" either the movie or the book. I can mail you the book...it's a scream!

Hang in there...you'll be in that house by October...2010

Just listening to my local (Chicago) news...try to get them to put your water service in without a meter. Over the long haul, this will save LOTS of money! This is what several building inspectors in Chicago have done, and it should work for YOU, too!

[Gruder]

Looks like good progress to me Cory -- good luck!

[Lynchmeister]

We've pierced the frozen Earth! I drove out to the lot this morning and found this. Exciting stuff!

[Mr. Gillette]

Don't forget to call JULIE before digging!


Good technique...I TOLD you that you could find that hidden key. Now remember "Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel" and don't get the machine stuck in the basement!


Dear Mr Lynchmeister,

As Chief Counsel for the Ho-Chunk Indian Nation of Greater Northern and Western Wisconsin of the Pottawatomi Tribe, it distresses me to to inform you that the site upon which you have begun excavation is considered an ancient pet burial ground and is therefore sacred to our people.

Please cease and desist from any further disturbance of the earth given to us by the Great Spirit until (ahem) appropriate "arrangements" can be made that are acceptable to my people.

Thank you

Rod Blagogevich:lol::lol:

[Lynchmeister]

Work on the foundation has begun! It's now more than just a big hole in the ground!

[rabidpotatochip]

Now it's a big hole in the ground... with rebar! :lol:

[Mr. Gillette]

Work on the foundation has begun! It's now more than just a big hole in the ground!

Nice hole...and those formwork things? With a couple of 2 x 4's, something for a roof (piece of tin, like an old sign) and a blanket for a door...you could make a quite passable (no pun intended) outhouse.

GLAD to hear you made the concrete thing work out...I hope they vibrated it well to get it worked into the forms.

Footings look good.

Cory, you HAVE to run roughshod over these people-- these construction guys can't do a THING without your help/approval.

Here are some other good lines to practice...say them like Frank Costanza:

"Who the hell left this hammer here? I want to know who it is, and I want him OFFFFFFFFF this jobsite...NOW!!!!"

"This is my home, dammit...it's my home RIGHT NOW, even without clearly defined walls and roof, doors and windows. If you THINK you can come into MY HOME with your muddy boots...even into the garage...WE JUST DON'T LIVE THAT WAY...OUUUUTTT! And that goes for EVERY ONE of you, IRREGARDLESS!!" (This kind of outburst will really REALLY help.)

To the bricklayers doing your fireplace...while they're tossing junk in to form the smoke shelf:

"JUNK BRICK? You're tossing this stuff in as filler? I can't BELIEVE this!!! I don't want crap like this hidden in my fireplace. GET OUT...NOW!"

And the ever popular:

"Now men, here at our daily briefing, I thought I made myself clear...apparently I did not. MEN...NO ONE, not ANYONE, may park on the jobsite, in the driveway, or anywhere close. Get here early, carry your tools, but NO ONE parks on the jobsite, IS THAT CLEAR?!!!!"


This will help them know you are in charge. They will respect you for it, too!

[Lynchmeister]

Update -

After work last night, I drove out to the house and was extremely excited to see that all the foundation walls are up and curing! Now that the perimeter of the house is down, I can fully appreciate just how big a two acre yard is!*



*my wife thinks it's strange that I get excited about riding a lawn mower around while drinking a beer and smoking a cigar. What's wrong with her?

[thirdeye]

Update -

After work last night, I drove out to the house and was extremely excited to see that all the foundation walls are up and curing! Now that the perimeter of the house is down, I can fully appreciate just how big a two acre yard is!*



*my wife thinks it's strange that I get excited about riding a lawn mower around while drinking a beer and smoking a cigar. What's wrong with her?

Sounds like things are well on their way Cory.

And yes, I can fully appreciate sipping a cold on and smoking a cigar while my son mows the lawn these days.......:lol:

[RichGem]

Update -

After work last night, I drove out to the house and was extremely excited to see that all the foundation walls are up and curing! Now that the perimeter of the house is down, I can fully appreciate just how big a two acre yard is!*



*my wife thinks it's strange that I get excited about riding a lawn mower around while drinking a beer and smoking a cigar. What's wrong with her?

this only counts if you are also wearing an old straw hat or John Deer cap (all beat to heck) with an old wifebeater T shirt and your work jeans that should have been burned years ago. preferably with a bandanna patterned handkerchief hanging out of your back pocket.

[Gruder]

*my wife thinks it's strange that I get excited about riding a lawn mower around while drinking a beer and smoking a cigar. What's wrong with her?

She lacks a Y chromosome. :wink:

Glad it's going well -- keep those progress pics comin'!

[Lynchmeister]

Sounds like things are well on their way Cory.

And yes, I can fully appreciate sipping a cold on and smoking a cigar while my son mows the lawn these days.......:lol:

Hmm...maybe she was onto something with this "baby fever" that seems to be spreading like wild fire among the women in my circle of friends.

Then again...

:lol:


this only counts if you are also wearing an old straw hat or John Deer cap (all beat to heck) with an old wifebeater T shirt and your work jeans that should have been burned years ago. preferably with a bandanna patterned handkerchief hanging out of your back pocket.

In the event that the straw hat comes out, it's mandatory (see Man Law #374, Sub-sec. 00729a, Chapter 4, Paragraph 6, Line 23,[or just enter "man manlaw" in a terminal] which reads, "You must not wear a straw hat without smoking Half&Half in an old corn cob.") to forgo the stogie and reach for the cob.

:lol:


She lacks a Y chromosome. :wink:

Glad it's going well -- keep those progress pics comin'!

:lol:

As of 6pm CST tonight, I'm off of work for 4 glorious days, so I'll be out there daily snapping pictures and pestering the builders. :biggrin:

I'll be sure to post pics as they roll in!

[RichGem]

Hmm...maybe she was onto something with this "baby fever" that seems to be spreading like wild fire among the women in my circle of friends.

Then again...

:lol:



In the event that the straw hat comes out, it's mandatory (see Man Law #374, Sub-sec. 00729a, Chapter 4, Paragraph 6, Line 23,[or just enter "man manlaw" in a terminal] which reads, "You must not wear a straw hat without smoking Half&Half in an old corn cob.") to forgo the stogie and reach for the cob.

:lol:



:lol:

As of 6pm CST tonight, I'm off of work for 4 glorious days, so I'll be out there daily snapping pictures and pestering the builders. :biggrin:

I'll be sure to post pics as they roll in!

that will be useful in case the FBI needs to come by and "examine" the cement that Uncle Vinnie threw in for ya as an extra 'cause you're his favorite nephew. :whistling:

[Mr. Gillette]

Sounds like things are well on their way Cory.

And yes, I can fully appreciate sipping a cold on and smoking a cigar while my son mows the lawn these days.......:lol:

I'm smelling a new John Deere for Cory...or maybe one of those big SCAG mowers, with the zero turn thing...hmmmm....:001_smile

[Lynchmeister]

I'm smelling a new John Deere for Cory...or maybe one of those big SCAG mowers, with the zero turn thing...hmmmm....:001_smile

Oh man! I'd love a John Deere riding mower. Current pricing trends, however, tell me that I feel otherwise. :biggrin:

Meanwhile, we're progressing along quite nicely! The foundation appears to be nearly completed.

[Mr. Gillette]

that will be useful in case the FBI needs to come by and "examine" the cement that Uncle Vinnie threw in for ya as an extra 'cause you're his favorite nephew. :whistling:

2012 is coming soon...have you considered adding a lead-lined bunker while you're able? You and the Czarina might be the only survivors of the Asteroid...(which, by the way is one HELL of a game!)

Get that bunker built!

:001_rolle

[RichGem]

Looks great, but uh, is that a leg I see sticking out of the cement? What's that about?

:eek:

:lol:

[Mr. Gillette]

Oh man! I'd love a John Deere riding mower. Current pricing trends, however, tell me that I feel otherwise. :biggrin:

Meanwhile, we're progressing along quite nicely! The foundation appears to be nearly completed.

Concrete looks TOO DAMN WET...I said to add TWO GALLONS to the mix, no more, no less. Don't blame me, when the whole thing falls in...

...but it should stay up until you get it paid off...:lol: