In reply to Brittany.

Sure, I’ll email that info to you now.

xo
s

Some banks require it, but when people are putting up “cash” (and getting a loan on the back end), that goes out the window. My lender required an appraisal, but not an inspection, and I definitely have a traditional mortgage!

Amen on the emergency fund! A friend who closed the day before I did is now back in serious debt because they took down a wall to open up the kitchen and dining room. They uncovered knob and tube wiring, and had to have the whole house re-wired (apparently in Richmond, it’s all good till you expose it, then it has to go since it’s not up to code), have had serious plumbing issues (that their separate plumbing inspection did NOT uncover….taking the wall down did!), and had to have the main floor releveled bc of a funky joist (that they knew about, but turned out to be way more extensive – and expensive – than they thought). They now call their house The Money Pit.

It’s worth waiting, but definitely check out what’s available. You never know what you might find that could work with the money you have!

Are the bathrooms the biggest? No, but changing out the vanities will help that. Is the kitchen to die for? No, it’s a small galley, but open shelves or glass front cabinets will make it better, as will changing the tile and counters so it isn’t “broken up.” But it’s on a lake, has 3 big bedrooms, large open living areas, and a foyer, which became my biggies. Love the layout, and can totally deal with gradually re-doing the kitchen and bathrooms, foyer flooring and the hideous light fixtures the previous owner put up. And paint. Lots and lots of paint. Did I mention lots of paint?

In reply to Elise.

Haha, so interesting! Love all the tips you guys are sharing!

xo
s