Sunday, September 7, 2008

Renovations and Restorations

The wallpaper is practically all off and would be completely off if my computer wasn't sitting on the breakfast bar and slingo and other things weren't so addicting.

I've got a few small bits to take off and then the serious sanding begins. I have decided (yes I know I haven't done the very best of jobs at keeping you all up to date) to renovate "parts" of the kitchen. i.e. getting rid of that crappy "welcome to the pink fantasies of the previous owner" wallpaper, replacing the (you got it) pink faux granite countertops, and (maybe) putting on new cupboard handles. Also, that ugly, industrial style, white-did I mention huge?- vanity in the bathroom will also go. I am going to get something smaller and quainter. Did I mention how quaint (i.e. small) my house is? I'm sure I have.

I just want it all done yesterday. I want to be moved, and the monster pain of selling a house in a buyer's market is scaring the heck out of me. I'm an appraiser so I'm pretty familiar (and even willing to tell you if you're looking to sell) with what one should to to showcase one's house. Yes, all my majors (roof, windows, floors, furnace, C/A,) are done. The only other 2 majors are these two: bath and kitchen. But one does not want one's home to become super adequate. Trying to explain to James that we don't need to drywall the basement is a tough one. He grows more like his daddy each day. Sigh... Anyone looking to live in a 50's plat neighborhood in a 1200-ish sq.ft. brick ranch within walking distance to a lake side park? Anyone? Anyone?

17 comments:

Marshamlow said...

Good luck! I have every confidence your knowledge and skills will get you a great price on your house. Is your daughter going to transfer to a college in Texas or are you going to have a long distance relationship with her? Yikes.

We have to move a lot. I always hate the leaving part. I fall out of love with the place and it is not the sense of loss just so much work. But, the arriving somewhere new is my favorite part. For about six months then I get depressed for awhile. But, I eventually settle in and all is fine. I wonder if other people have predictable moving mood swings like me. I don't envy all the work. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Rach said...

Oh, Laura, GOOD LUCK!! :o)

Cherry said...

We are in the planning stages of doing those same kinds of renovations to get our place ready to sell or rent (these are the same plans we started making when we bought the place 5 years ago). This market is SCARY!

I hope all of these changes and plans are helping the days pass.

I think of you often, even though I haven't been able to keep up with reading your blog like I used to.

J said...

Good luck Laura! I've never sold a home...we are still in our first one, and tried to sell last year, just as the market crashed. We didn't have the stomach to watch prices fall and fall and fall, without knowing if anyone would ever actually make an offer. Ugh. Seems to be a bit better now, so I hope it works out well for you, and that life in the new place is change for the better.

Anonymous said...

I am going to put my house in the market in the next few months and would love some secret appraiser tips! :o)

The work is such a pain but it is so worthwhile.

Thanks!
Karen
kamato@teksrv.com

Jeanette said...

God, taking down wallpaper is a nightmare. My current house was wallpapered through out and we finally got the last of it down a few months ago! Good luck with your house. I hope it sells quick!

Kathy said...

We bought our dream home early this year and I hope we never have to move.

How was the trip to Florida?

How is the college girl doing?

My thoughts are with you.

Ronni said...

I used a clothing steamer to lift the wallpaper.

I'd take your house in a heartbeat, Laura, but it's too long a commute to work and babies...

Courtney said...

Good luck with the selling of your house. I am coming to you when we get ready to sell ours for advice.

artemisia said...

This is all so exciting...and scary. good luck and I am thinking of you!

Nance said...

You sound very capable and confident and forward-looking. I was smiling as I read this post.

Good for you.

You know you're making the right decisions.

Gina said...

Laura, I wish you the best of luck in finding a buyer.

Betts4 said...

You will be able to do this. It sounds like you have it in hand, just need to take it a step at a time.

1200 sq feet would be a dream. and a backyard? wheee. I have 720 feet and a yard the size of a phone booth.

Sending hugs your way!

Jess said...

Laura, I hope it sells quickly. Good luck with the renovations.

Kesha said...

I hope things are going well for you Laura. I miss you. I haven't seen any posts from you of late.

:hug:

kesha

Karen MEG said...

Hope you find a buyer for your place Laura. Removing wallpaper sucks bigtime... I sympathize ;)

Courtney said...

Just checking in, hope you are doing well.