I am a first time homebuyer. I have built many houses before and can do electrical and plumbing on my own so I know what I am getting myself into. I am currently renting a 700ft2 1/1 apartment for $888 a month and am fed up with wasting my money renting. I will however consider leasing to purchase if the terms are acceptable..
Here is what I am looking for in a SFH:
WANTS:
Price: under $150K
area codes: 32828, 32825, 32826, 32817 (closer to UCF), 32762, 32765
bedrooms: 3+
bathrooms: 2+
sq footage: 1100+
yard: fenced or can be fenced. size must be enough for pug to run around and for a deck
walk-in closets
newer roof, ac, electrical
LIKES:
formal dining room
garage for at least 1 car
large master or ability to combine 2 rooms if house has 4+ rooms
laundry room
pool or ability to add one or just a hot tub
2 stories
Thank you both for your responses. I would prefer an older home with newer ac/electrical/plumbing vs a newer, just like you Louise. I am looking at the East side of Orlando as I currently live in Waterford and work behind UCF. For example, here are the zips I am looking at currently: 32828, 32825, 32826, 32820, 32817 (closer to UCF) and maybe 32762, 32765. I worked in a Real Estate office for a little bit so I did pick up some helpful tips and am not one of those "new homebuyers" that look at a place as it is, I think about what it can be made into and overlook paint colors and flooring. As of now, I don't have any children so the school district is not that important to me as it maybe down the road. I am looking to stay under $150K which is why building is my last resort.
If it helps any...I am totally in love with 1136 Grayson (O4813732) but didn't get my offer in in time to get it (unless one of you lovely people tell me it's still on the market). I love the Park Manor location, with over 2400sq ft, the separate DR, a larger backyard, the bar in the house (love!), circular stairs to the upstairs, and the second story balcony overlooking the pool. It fit all my needs and what I loved. I would have had to repaint, reside, refloor, resurface the pool and driveway, redone the kitchen and baths, newer windows... but I loved it.
I would also consider a place that is a little further out but still close to the UCF area if it had more land for my price range. I might also consider foreclosures as I am learning about them now. Thanks so much again. I am going to add a list of deal breakers on to my "want" list now. - Mon Sep 22 2008, 08:29
Thanks. I know that it was through a local Real Estate company here in Orlando but cannot remember which one. I wanted to tell my friend, a Real Estate agent, about the link so he could look into it for me. I want to purchase straight up but want to research my other options as well.
I did work in Real Estate so I know to be cautious about who you work with. I have also been looking for the perfect house for about a year so I know what to look out for when choosing who you work with. I have a "preferred" lender from my friend and my friend is my "agent". - Sun Aug 17 2008, 16:36
decorating, painting, planning for my own house
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