What Do You Think of This House??

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

We need to move as my husband took a job transfer. We looked at houses last week for the first time.

I am falling in love with this house. Am I wrong to so quickly fall in love with a house?

The house is too small, my husband and I both agree on that. He met with a builder last night to talk about an addition. It sounds like they came up with a nice plan.

The home is on 9 acres in beautiful woods. Even though the home is small - I LOVE it. I don't know if these photos can be made larger, but I was trying to show what it looks like - note there is a cold frame on the back of the house!!!

The interior is beautiful - I would not change a thing.

The problem is that my husband is not as crazy about this house as I am.

[jtjohns]

The home is on 9 acres in beautiful woods. Even though the home is small - I LOVE it. I don't know if these photos can be made larger, but I was trying to show what it looks like - note there is a cold frame on the back of the house!!!

Any house that comes with a cold frame deserves serious consideration! The house really does look lovely.

Is it feasible to do an addition before you move/as you move? I'd just be concerned that you'd be living with construction for a few months and not really be able to get settled in the house until it was finished...

House-hunting can be such a stressful process -- hope it all goes smoothly...

~JJ

[kristen.c]

Oh, PICTURES! How exciting!

I think it's absolutely charming! All of that land for the kids to play and explore, and a place for a garden, what's not to love? Is your husband only concerned about the space issues?

Hopefully you'll enjoy this. When we were looking at houses last year I realized it was a lot like dating.

-Sometimes you'll fall in love with something that's just not right for you.
-Sometimes someone else will make their move before you do.
-You might fall in love quite a few times before you find the one you're meant to be with.
-Your family/friends might take a little while to warm up to the one you love.
-You might get your heart broken. But keep in mind there are other fish in the sea. If it doesn't work out, relax, you'll find something better.

I hope the process goes easily for you, but if you encounter some speed bumps, keep in mind that it's all going to work out eventually. Much luck to you and I hope whatever home you settle down in that it provides you many years of joy and happy memories!

[knittingintheround]

Wow, I love it! If the addition is feasible, it sounds like a great option. Do let us know what you decide. :)

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

"Any house that comes with a cold frame deserves serious consideration! The house really does look lovely.

Is it feasible to do an addition before you move/as you move? I'd just be concerned that you'd be living with construction for a few months and not really be able to get settled in the house until it was finished...

House-hunting can be such a stressful process -- hope it all goes smoothly..."

I agree with what you said about the cold frame - that did sell me on the house - only joking, but it sure is a nice feature.

We would not be able to afford the addition until our current home sells, so that part is all up in the air.

It is stressful, my husband starts fulltime in Aitkin May 12th. That leaves us commuting 3 hours between homes until at least June 4th when school gets out. Then our summer is all one big unknown. I don't know where to register the kids for summer programs at this point???

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

"I think it's absolutely charming! All of that land for the kids to play and explore, and a place for a garden, what's not to love? Is your husband only concerned about the space issues?

Hopefully you'll enjoy this. When we were looking at houses last year I realized it was a lot like dating.

-Sometimes you'll fall in love with something that's just not right for you.
-Sometimes someone else will make their move before you do.
-You might fall in love quite a few times before you find the one you're meant to be with.
-Your family/friends might take a little while to warm up to the one you love.
-You might get your heart broken. But keep in mind there are other fish in the sea. If it doesn't work out, relax, you'll find something better.

I hope the process goes easily for you, but if you encounter some speed bumps, keep in mind that it's all going to work out eventually. Much luck to you and I hope whatever home you settle down in that it provides you many years of joy and happy memories! "

Thanks so much for all the words of wisdom, it is making me feel better. I was thinking this morning I am probably being foolish getting my heart set on this home.
If this does not work out, I am sure we will find something else.

Yes, the only issue my husband does not like is the size. He likes the idea of the addition in theory, but actually going through all the stress and hassle of the addition is a negative factor.

This home instantly felt like the perfect place when I drove into the yard and then walked into the house. It has the perfect northern Minnesota feel to me.



__________________

[purplemoon2008]

-Sometimes you'll fall in love with something that's just not right for you.
-Sometimes someone else will make their move before you do.
-You might fall in love quite a few times before you find the one you're meant to be with.
-Your family/friends might take a little while to warm up to the one you love.
-You might get your heart broken. But keep in mind there are other fish in the sea. If it doesn't work out, relax, you'll find something better.

Wow, Kristen, I love these! And how true they are!

Michelle, I think the house is wicked cute. Two things that I really dig about about it are; on 9 acres, and the cold frame! BUT, IMHO, for us, it would be too small as is (and we only have one child and two dogs!). But that is just us. Our house is 2,500 sq ft. and we have 5 acres. Plop my house (with the cold frame, of course!) on YOUR land and I'd be lovin' it! lol!

It is only the 1st house you've seen too, so keep that in mind. I wish you lots of luck and keep us posted on any other houses you look at (with pics!!).

[ocean_brez]

I agree with everyone else here in that the house is way cute! :) Sadly it would be too small for us too with all of our pets, the kids, and years of crap that no-one seems to want to part with. *sigh* But the land... OMG! I could sooooo go for that!

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

I will let you know what happens in the end. We did look at about 10 places so far with no luck. Either bad location, bad house or too expensive. My husband is going to check out some lots tonight that are near "the little house".

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

My husband found out the "Little House" has a wood foundation. He does not like that idea at all. I agree, it seems odd to have a wood foundation instead of concrete. Apparently some homes built in the 1970's have wood foundations, it was a cost saving measure.

I think the "Little House" is on hold at the moment.

We are looking at two foreclosures that the bank has purchased back this week.

#1. Brand New home on 20 acres that is partially complete. My husband is very handy, so this might be a great option if the location is right.

#2. A home on 98 acres - Yes 98 acres! The property completely surrounds a small 35 acre lake. We would have our own private lake. My brother had told us if we found a great property he would consider splitting it with us. So, we will see??

[purplemoon2008]

Those both sound wonderful! Heard of not having a basement (built on a concrete slab). Never heard of a wood foundation!

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

"Those both sound wonderful! Heard of not having a basement (built on a concrete slab). Never heard of a wood foundation!"

We had not heard of wood foundations before either. We were told since there are no termites in Minnesota, they are able to use wood for foundations. Some builders today are still using them from what we have been told. It just seems to us that they are bound to fail at some point????

[ocean_brez]

We had not heard of wood foundations before either. We were told since there are no termites in Minnesota, they are able to use wood for foundations. Some builders today are still using them from what we have been told. It just seems to us that they are bound to fail at some point????

Even without the possibility of termite infestation, I would be a bit worried about wood rot. Even the best wood is subject to wood rot at some point or another.

Oh and BTW... your 2 newest choices sound really cool. *drool*

[kristen.c]

Wow Michelle, both new choices sound really great! Your own private pond? WOW!

[Emikat]

My husband found out the "Little House" has a wood foundation. He does not like that idea at all. I agree, it seems odd to have a wood foundation instead of concrete. Apparently some homes built in the 1970's have wood foundations, it was a cost saving measure.

I think the "Little House" is on hold at the moment.

We are looking at two foreclosures that the bank has purchased back this week.

#1. Brand New home on 20 acres that is partially complete. My husband is very handy, so this might be a great option if the location is right.

#2. A home on 98 acres - Yes 98 acres! The property completely surrounds a small 35 acre lake. We would have our own private lake. My brother had told us if we found a great property he would consider splitting it with us. So, we will see??

Heck Ill come live there with ya lol Build me a nice house across the pond and Ill pay ya rent 8o) 1 dog 3 cats 2 toddlers so a bigger house would be appreciated 8o)
All kidding aside ( I really would move) that sounds like a beautiful option!!!

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

Thanks everyone, I have my fingers crossed one of the properties will work out. It is stressful trying to find a house.

[purplemoon2008]

Even without the possibility of termite infestation, I would be a bit worried about wood rot. Even the best wood is subject to wood rot at some point or another.

Heck, just think about what chemicals they might have used to preserve the wood in the foundation!! Yikes! And, of course, after so many years, it will rot no matter what!

[IFALLSMICHELLE]

"Heck, just think about what chemicals they might have used to preserve the wood in the foundation!! Yikes! And, of course, after so many years, it will rot no matter what!"

I was thinking the same thing, not only the rotting aspect but wondering what type of chemicals were used to preserve the wood too - I hate the idea of treated lumber it scares me.