The adventure continues Pt1

Since learning that the house that is currently our home was going to be sold, we have been proactive in seeking alternatives. We have made an appointment with a mortgage broker next week and look forward to what we might learn there. Of course we might learn that we're fooling ourselves to think we could possibly afford a house anywhere in Melbourne. We will see.

We have also been looking at some houses online, and have found a few that we think might have potential for us. Keep in mind that we want enough room for all our books and bookshelves, and we need a place for Tom to practice his singing as well as room for his desk.

View from the front

Lounge Area

Today I visited two houses. The first looked quite good. It is in an excellent area, just around the corner from where our church meets - literally, and so it is very close to the Croydon Train Station. The photos online suggested that while it looked terrible outside, the inside had been well taken care off and nicely renovated.

What the information on the website didn't show, is that the home is part of a block of units, so while it does have an enclosed courtyard, the 'backyard' - the view outside the bedrooms - is common land for the units. There is also a 'body corporate' fee that would need to be paid. It would be crowded with bookcases, and near impossible for Tom to practice singing. Kitchen isn't real big either. One of the agents indicated that they have some offers for mid $400k, which is at least $50k above the advertised suggested price.

I left this place frustrated. Why do real estate agents need to be deceitful? I know that the photos are never - NEVER - a true indication of what the place looks like, but there was some key information missing online.

Second house - Outside

The second property I looked at didn't have such a good location, but was good enough. However, the house is so small that it would be impossible. I fear that I sound too proud to live in a humble dwelling when I write this. That is not my intent. It's just that when I consider our family and our needs, the house felt too small.

Lounge and dining. (Looks bigger than it is)

It had a bit going for it though. The position meant that the property backed onto an industrial area - so singing wouldn't be an issue there. The yard is ready for a good makeover, and that is something that we could happily get our teeth into. There is a bungalow, which means it could be a study, or a separate room for Daniel, or a practice room for Tom. Potential!

But the bedrooms didn't have robes, and the lounge/dining area would barely fit part of our furniture, and the kitchen would absolutely need replacing (which could be fun). Is it really worth more than $400k? I can't believe that it is, but expect it would sell for that.

The adventure continues.