This week's Open House, and the first to be featured on this blog is the following:
Built in 1949, it's a modest bungalow in a quiet neighborhood in a Cleveland suburb best known for raising Drew Carey.
The neighborhood is close to schools and shopping and the freeways. It's also a short hop to downtown. It's actually the perfect location if you have to commute to downtown. The airport is about a fifteen minute drive - close enough for convenience, but not without the annoyance.
I like that there is a park within walking distance.
According to the description, the roof, furnace, and windows are new. And it has central air. This house is a real score as these are the bigger ticket items that won't need replaced for some time. And with a home warranty, that will repair them if they have issues, god forbid.
Looking at nearby homes for sale, the price is pretty comparable for other homes of the same size and amenities.
I took a perusal of the pictures posted online the night before. The listing is rich with pictures.
I love using the pictures to make a list of those things that I want to get a closer look at when I'm there in person. I've marked these items with an asterisk.
KITCHEN/DINING ROOM:
Both are on the small side, but this is fairly typical for bungalows of this size.
There is carpeting. And there is wallpaper.
I'm really curious about that area between the stove and the fridge. *
LIVING ROOM:
Beautiful hardwoods. More wallpaper. Some curtains.
BEDROOMS:
More wallpaper. There is some more carpet too.
The pictures really don't reveal much. Other than the closets are probably on the small side.
SECOND FLOOR:
This is actually considered a "half-story".
Lots of different wood grain here in different colors.
And more carpet.
It's got a decent sized closets (more than one). And some built ins. Looks like some sort of built in vanity too. *
BASEMENT:
I kind of like the lino flooring down here. Of course living with it might be a different story.
The accoustic tile ceiling is not the prettiest thing, but it is good to have. If you ever have to get at the plumbing, electrical, or heat ducts, just pop out the panels. Much better than having to rip into drywall and then having to repair or replace it.
I'm assuming the laundry room is down here somewhere. And maybe the half bath. *
OTHER:
There is a nice little three seasons room in the back. This is nice to have during the summer. It give a good entertainment space away from the bugs.
The two car detached garage is a good feature in a neighborhood known for tiny attached one car garages. And it has electricity and an opener. Nice!
I'm curious what kind of storage possibilities there are and if there is an existing workbench. Even if you only own one hammer, it needs a place to call its own. (Last count there were three or four in my house). *
The yard is fenced and the driveway paved. "Good fences make good neighbors!"
M(issing) I(n) A(ction):
There isn't a single picture of either bathroom, so these are key things I'll check on during the open house. The house is well maintained, so I'm hoping they are in good condition. *
It's not made entirely clear from the listing, but it looks like there is a living room and a separate family room that has a door way to the three seasons room. *
I'll also try to get a feel for how up to date the electrical and plumbing are. Plumbing is the bane of my existence in houses (I have bad plumbing karma), so it is something I usually look at first thing.
Now I just have to bide my time until the open house starts. We're expecting weather, so let's hope it still happens!
Now I just have to bide my time until the open house starts. We're expecting weather, so let's hope it still happens!
