Monthly Archives: January 2007

Looking for houses with Anna the realtor (for four hours!) today was really fun and very interesting. Revealed to us many things which we liked and didn’t like – things we hadn’t thought about previously. Bad news is the house I said I liked in an earlier post is embroiled in some kind of bidding war that we shouldn’t get into, says Anna. But, together we all explored North Durham, which we really liked.

A couple of homes in Horton Hills caught our attention – big backyards with trees, wood floors, beautiful decks, fireplaces, landscaping, etc. We’re going to keep those on our top 5 list. Tomorrow we’re going to look at houses in Eno Trace – about 3 miles north of Horton Hills. The Eno Trace neighborhood sits right on the Eno Woods State Park! We could walk there out of our backyards! It’s very family-oriented, with big porches that wrap around the whole house. We’ll let you know how it goes.

Hooray! It’s official! We are approved! We are as good as cash, baby! Now we just have to find that house…

Wish us luck!

We’re getting very excited about possible house ownership. For our future realtor, we’ve made this helpful list of ideal home qualities:

Must have
“¢ Location convenient for getting to work (Research Triangle Park) – i.e. proximity to highways 40, 54, 55, 70, 147, or TW Alexander Dr.
“¢ At least 2 bedrooms
“¢ At least 2 bathrooms
“¢ Roof, water heater, structure, etc. all in good shape
“¢ Central heat and air conditioning
“¢ Wooded property; lots of trees
“¢ Small- to medium-sized backyard
“¢ Plenty of closets
“¢ Plenty of kitchen counter space
“¢ Plenty of electrical outlets (3-prong)

Would be really nice (in order of importance)
1) Prefer a “uniquely-styled” home – should not look exactly like all the houses around it
2) Location near park and/or walking trails
3) 1- or 2-car garage; or carport
4) Clinton really wants a basement; Crystal really wants a laundry room
5) Hardwood or laminate floors
6) Large kitchen
7) Fenced backyard
8) Weatherization, including storm windows, etc.
9) Eco-friendly construction; energy-saving utilities/features
10) Deck off backyard
11) Plenty of windows
12) Attractive landscaping
13) Gas range in kitchen
14) Garbage disposal in kitchen sink
15) Colorful, quality exterior paint
16) Tasteful, quality interior paint

Don’t want
“¢ Unkempt neighborhoods
“¢ Unscrupulous neighbors with drug labs in their basements and crazed dogs chained to rusty Trans Ams on blocks in the front yard
“¢ Location on busy street
“¢ Acreage or extra large yard (too much to mow/maintain)
“¢ Location in floodplain
“¢ Location under power lines
“¢ Proximity to industrial development
“¢ Brick or ranch-style homes (but willing to consider)

Wish list (big bonus points, but not necessary)
Storage shed or workshop in backyard
Kitchen with middle counter island
Kitchen with high-quality countertops and cabinets
High-quality front door with solid locks (e.g. w/ Schlage brand handle set)
Proximity to Montessori school
Vaulted ceilings
Skylights
Fireplace (preferably gas, but wood okay too)
Community pool and/or other community amenities
Built-in bookshelves