In article >, says...
>
> "Pete C." wrote:
> >
> > Formica or other laminate is my preferred countertop material. It is
> > quiet, unlikely to break glasses or dishes dropped on it, quite durable
> > and for me at least it is easy and inexpensive to replace it regularly
> > for a kitchen update without a full remodel.
>
> I'm with you, Pete C.

There ya go, Cheryl.

Janet

On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:23:09 -0600, Pennyaline
> wrote:



>> I heard today that two things that people look for when you want to flip
>> your house is hardwood floors (check) and granite countertops (check).
>> Floors done last year and countertops this year.
>
>
>Consider the source. Where did you hear it from? My experience is that
>this kind of information comes primarily from people who sell hardwood
>floors and granite countertops.

I've heard it from some homebuilders we deal with. People come into a
house and don't care if the heating system is 96% or 75% efficient and
the walls are well insulated or left hollow. They just look at the
countertops and want granite. Buyers are always asking for
cosmetics, rarely ask for better plumbing or electrical setups.

On Apr 21, 7:07*am, Janet > wrote:
> In article >,
> says...
>
> > But my house isn't paid for, and I'm not retired. *In this job market I
> > want to be able to sell in a hurry if I have to. *With so many houses
> > out there for sale and not moving I want mine to stand out. *
>
> * It doesn't work like that. In a crowded market, if buyers have choice of
> several more or less identical homes, they will buy the cheapest and use
> the money they save for something else.. maybe a new kitchen, but if
> cooking is not a priority for them they'll spend it on something they like
> better.
>
> If you need to sell fast in a sticky market, set the price lower than the
> competition.
>
>
>
> > I will take under advisement some of the comments about going more
> > neutral, but I'm definitely going with granite. *I just love the way it
> > looks.
>
> * That's the only reason to go for it; pleasing yourself.

This is what we put in:
http://www.northwestok.com/sites/def...0Thunder_0.jpg
>
> * Janet.

--Bryan

Water is the #1 enemy of any building. My priority when I win the
lottery is to have my dream house built with the best watertight roof, 2
foot overhangs, overhangs on the windows, elevated entries, laundry room
on a lower level, simple quality plumbing no exotics, and as little
structural wood as possible.

In article >, replyto@inemail
says...
>
> On 4/20/2012 11:29 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
> > Watch an episode of Million Dollar Listings on Bravo network. Some
> > people insist on granite, certain colors, etc.
> > Then there was the couple that wanted $1.5 million in remodel and got
> > it on the place they paid $16 million for. All cash!.
>
> Love that show. Amazing what you see, and real estate shows
> bring out just how nutty people really are when shopping for
> or selling a house.

Ask any estate agent; there are plenty of timewasters for whom "viewing
houses for sale" is a weekend social outing. They've got no serious
intention of selling, moving, buying (or the means to do it). Now they
can do it on TV.

Janet.

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:06:12 -0400, Nancy Young <replyto@inemail>
wrote:

>On 4/20/2012 11:29 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
>> Watch an episode of Million Dollar Listings on Bravo network. Some
>> people insist on granite, certain colors, etc.
>> Then there was the couple that wanted $1.5 million in remodel and got
>> it on the place they paid $16 million for. All cash!.
>
>Love that show. Amazing what you see, and real estate shows
>bring out just how nutty people really are when shopping for
>or selling a house.
>
>And if you're talking about the couple I'm thinking of, I
>just wonder where on earth they get all that money. When they
>looked at this unfinished enormous penthouse, they didn't
>blink as the price, just asked how much it would cost to buy the floor
>below as well.
>
>nancy

That was the couple. Maybe mid 30's or so and piles of money. I think
they ended up with about 7000 sq. ft. Who needs that much for three
people?

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:05:56 -0500, (z z) wrote:

>Water is the #1 enemy of any building. My priority when I win the
>lottery is to have my dream house built with the best watertight roof, 2
>foot overhangs, overhangs on the windows, elevated entries, laundry room
>on a lower level, simple quality plumbing no exotics, and as little
>structural wood as possible.

Build with Insulated Concrete Forms and eliminate structural wood.
While most would still use wood for rafters and joists, that can be
eliminated too. .

On 4/21/2012 9:27 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:06:12 -0400, Nancy Young<replyto@inemail>
> wrote:

>> And if you're talking about the couple I'm thinking of, I
>> just wonder where on earth they get all that money. When they
>> looked at this unfinished enormous penthouse, they didn't
>> blink as the price, just asked how much it would cost to buy the floor
>> below as well.

> That was the couple. Maybe mid 30's or so and piles of money. I think
> they ended up with about 7000 sq. ft. Who needs that much for three
> people?

It's not that I would enjoy living in a minimal space but I don't
want a really large place where you have to maintain all of that
and you need several cats if you hope to find one when you need
one. Heh.

I could be wrong, but I got the idea that it would be part of
their culture that the son would get married and they'd all live
there with his wife and kids. Like a compound. What do I know.

I know I'd be leery of plunking down a lot of money and crossing
my fingers the developer doesn't go belly up.

nancy

"Janet" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> says...
>
>> But my house isn't paid for, and I'm not retired. In this job market I
>> want to be able to sell in a hurry if I have to. With so many houses
>> out there for sale and not moving I want mine to stand out.
>
> It doesn't work like that. In a crowded market, if buyers have choice of
> several more or less identical homes, they will buy the cheapest and use
> the money they save for something else.. maybe a new kitchen, but if
> cooking is not a priority for them they'll spend it on something they like
> better.
>
> If you need to sell fast in a sticky market, set the price lower than the
> competition.
>>
>> I will take under advisement some of the comments about going more
>> neutral, but I'm definitely going with granite. I just love the way it
>> looks.
>
> That's the only reason to go for it; pleasing yourself.
>
> Janet.
>
>
That's absolutely correct, Janet. Got the money? Spend it to please
yourself. But don't plan on potential buyers to be willing to pay for your
choices.

Jill

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:43:07 -0400, "jmcquown" >
> wrote:
>
>> And I'm sure not going
>> to pay for someone elses' "upgrades" when I buy a house.
>
> That's the way I feel about it too. My house/kitchen is the way I
> want it, not the way someone else might want it.
>
>
About the only thing I'd change in my kitchen is the 1980's wallpaper
Okay, I would like to replace the appliances. But they work, so I live with
them. It will be up to someone else to make changes unless/until it becomes
a necessity. However, if Cheryl is happy with her new granite and whatnot,
that's great.

Jill

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:41:56 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

> Spend it to please
> yourself. But don't plan on potential buyers to be willing to pay for your
> choices.

Something like that is normal and desirable even in this depressed
market. With listings 75% under what they were this time last year,
houses still go for over asking price if they are turn-key ready.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:19:12 -0400, Ed Pawlowski > wrote:

> Buyers are always asking for
> cosmetics, rarely ask for better plumbing or electrical setups.

That's because you get a big fat NO when you ask. I've looked at lots
of new houses in brand new developments and asked if an island can be
moved or modified on a house that was still an empty lot and given
that answer. Needless to say, I lost interest and didn't buy.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Apr 21, 8:59*am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> "sf" > wrote in message
>
> ... > On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:43:07 -0400, "jmcquown" >
> > wrote:
>
> >> *And I'm sure not going
> >> to pay for someone elses' "upgrades" when I buy a house.
>
> > That's the way I feel about it too. *My house/kitchen is the way I
> > want it, not the way someone else might want it.
>
> About the only thing I'd change in my kitchen is the 1980's wallpaper
> Okay, I would like to replace the appliances. *But they work, so I live with
> them. *It will be up to someone else to make changes unless/until it becomes
> a necessity. *However, if Cheryl is happy with her new granite and whatnot,
> that's great.
>
> Jill

Wallpapering is a fun project, and it's not that expensive...

On Apr 20, 7:58*pm, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:44:42 -0700 (PDT), BillyZoom
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > wrote:
> >On Apr 20, 5:32*pm, Cheryl > wrote:
> >> On 4/20/2012 6:06 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> >> > On Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:21:39 -0400, >
> >> > wrote:
>
> >> >> I am probably one of the very few who could somehow get a home equity
> >> >> loan in this economy. *Not sure how I managed it (one bank turned me
> >> >> down saying the value of my house couldn't support a loan of what I
> >> >> asked for), but I'm taking advantage of it. *
>
> >> >> I heard today that two things that people look for when you want to flip
> >> >> your house is hardwood floors (check) and granite countertops (check).
> >> >> Floors done last year and countertops this year.
>
> >> > My banker called a couple of week ago asking if I wanted a home equity
> >> > loan. *No way, its paid for and I'm not adding debt to it.
>
> >> > I don't worry about flipping my house. *I put what I want and don't
> >> > care about ROI. *My heirs will be the ones selling it unless I give it
> >> > away to charity.
>
> >> But my house isn't paid for, and I'm not retired. *In this job market I
> >> want to be able to sell in a hurry if I have to. *With so many houses
> >> out there for sale and not moving I want mine to stand out. *
>
> >> I will take under advisement some of the comments about going more
> >> neutral, but I'm definitely going with granite. *I just love the way it
> >> looks.
>
> >Ignore these ****s (Jill). Granite is far classier. You want it, so
> >get it. It does increase the value of the house. And for the person
> >who said that replacing it lowers the bid, guess what? Then I tell you
> >to **** off. You want to change the house? Buy it and pay for it
> >yourself. Or jam it and find another house.
>
> No buyer will pay a penny more for granite counters any more than
> they'd pay a premium for your berber carpeting, and many people who
> like granite won't like your taste in granite so will replace it the
> same as they'll replace your carpeting. *99% of homes are sold
> strictly by curb appeal... if your house is freshly painted, has a new
> roof, and decent landscaping it will be sold before the buyer even
> sees inside. *You can have the costliest granite counters but if your
> neighbor has an old car up on blocks in their driveway the buyer will
> never see your granite counters anyway, it'll be a drive-by. *If
> anyone is planning to spruce up a house for an easier sale granite
> kitchen counters is the last thing to invest in... a few hundred
> dollars in landscaping will go a whole lot further than many thousands
> of dollars spent on granite counters. *There are only four things that
> sell a house; location, location, location, and curb appeal... you
> can't change location. *Before wasting money on granite kitchen
> counters I'd put those dollars into a new deck/patio, expanded living
> space is always more desirable than fercocktah furniture... make no
> mistake about it, kitchen counters are furniture. *Granite kitchen
> counters have the value of a boob job.

Well, there you have it. If this useless turd says I'm wrong, I must
be completely right. Sheldon, you haven't said anything accurate in
here for years.

On 4/21/2012 8:13 AM, Janet wrote:
> In >, says...
>>
>> "Pete C." wrote:
>>>
>>> Formica or other laminate is my preferred countertop material. It is
>>> quiet, unlikely to break glasses or dishes dropped on it, quite durable
>>> and for me at least it is easy and inexpensive to replace it regularly
>>> for a kitchen update without a full remodel.
>>
>> I'm with you, Pete C.
>
> There ya go, Cheryl.

There I go what? A couple of replies with opinions? I wouldn't call
that the masses.

merryb wrote:
>
> Wallpapering is a fun project,

Your mileage may vary there!

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:59:39 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:
>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:43:07 -0400, "jmcquown" >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> And I'm sure not going
> >> to pay for someone elses' "upgrades" when I buy a house.
> >
> > That's the way I feel about it too. My house/kitchen is the way I
> > want it, not the way someone else might want it.
> >
> >
> About the only thing I'd change in my kitchen is the 1980's wallpaper

I see a project for you the next time you're bored.

> Okay, I would like to replace the appliances. But they work, so I live with
> them. It will be up to someone else to make changes unless/until it becomes
> a necessity. However, if Cheryl is happy with her new granite and whatnot,
> that's great.
>
If you don't like the color of your appliances, there is paint you can
use to change it! The product is cleverly known as: appliance paint.
Personally, I'd have it done professionally and just paint the sides
myself - but it can be done. I know you don't like stainless steel,
but you can even update old appliances with flexible stainless steel
if you did.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7202340_do-f...ss-steel_.html
A facelift like that would be good for someone trying to sell a house.


--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:40:03 -0700 (PDT), merryb >
wrote:

> On Apr 21, 8:59*am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> >
> > About the only thing I'd change in my kitchen is the 1980's wallpaper
>
> Wallpapering is a fun project, and it's not that expensive...

It's harder than it looks! You have to be very careful not to stretch
the wallpaper when applying it to the wall or you'll have gaps in the
seams when it dries. I tried wallpapering once and decided that's why
I pay people to do things.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 4/21/2012 8:19 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:23:09 -0600, Pennyaline
> > wrote:
>
>
>
>>> I heard today that two things that people look for when you want to flip
>>> your house is hardwood floors (check) and granite countertops (check).
>>> Floors done last year and countertops this year.
>>
>>
>> Consider the source. Where did you hear it from? My experience is that
>> this kind of information comes primarily from people who sell hardwood
>> floors and granite countertops.
>
> I've heard it from some homebuilders we deal with. People come into a
> house and don't care if the heating system is 96% or 75% efficient and
> the walls are well insulated or left hollow. They just look at the
> countertops and want granite. Buyers are always asking for
> cosmetics, rarely ask for better plumbing or electrical setups.

Mu uncle had a medium size contracting business. One of the stories he
told was a client who asked how much less it would be to omit the
insulation because they would prefer to have something that imparted
bragging rights instead.

On 4/20/2012 2:43 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>
> "Janet" > wrote in message
> ...
>> In article >,
>> says...
>>>
>>> On Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:21:39 -0400, Cheryl >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> >I heard today that two things that people look for when you want to
>>> flip
>>> >your house is hardwood floors (check) and granite countertops (check).
>>> >Floors done last year and countertops this year.
>>>
>>> Buyers also come in and say they don't like the color of the granite
>>> and it will have to be changed. Ditto the floor. (that comes out of
>>> the purchase bid)
>>> Janet US
>>
>> There's no point trying to anticipate the tastes of unknown future
>> buyers. By then fashion will have changed and they'll probably want some
>> nice retro 1950 Formica worktops in the kitchen.. and shagpile carpets in
>> the bathrooms.
>>
>> Janet
>
> Apparenly Cheryl is planning to sell the house, why else mention
> "flipping" it? You just never know what I buyer will want. That's why I
> pay no attention to the shows with buyers who say "must have granite!"
> or "must have hardwood floors". Guess what? If someone wants to spend
> the money on that stuff, great. I'm not going to. My kitchen works just
> fine as it is with the formica countertops. I'm not even thinking about
> changing the linoleum floor. Let whoever owns it after me deal with all
> that. What I have may not be TV-show ready but it works for me. And I'm
> sure not going to pay for someone elses' "upgrades" when I buy a house.

I just caught up on another group and see that you actually are selling
your house so I understand the reaction now. I still stand by my
thinking to make the house attractive enough to sell for asking price.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
> That was the couple. Maybe mid 30's or so and piles of money. I think
> they ended up with about 7000 sq. ft. Who needs that much for three
> people?


I work for many people with way too much space like that. I guess it's fine
if the money issue doesn't stress your budget.

I grew up in a big house like that and I didn't like it. That said, it was
nice to switch bedrooms as the mood hit me. I had 3 in that house over the
years.

My apartment here is the biggest one they offer but only about 1100 sq.
feet. I don't use but half of it now that daughter is gone. I could easily
downsize to an effeciency apt, but yet this is my "home" and where daughter
grew up so it's her old home too. I also like to keep it since I have the
extra bedroom for when they come to visit.

That said, even if I did downsize, the cost of moving, etc and the not so
much cheaper cost of a smaller place....it would take several years to get
to the break even point.

Gary

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:44:15 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:



>
> I still stand by my
>thinking to make the house attractive enough to sell for asking price.
>

Of course it will sell for asking price if it is priced right. Most
sellers think their house is far better than any other, thus they
should get a higher price than anything around.

On 4/21/2012 8:06 AM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 4/20/2012 11:29 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
>> Watch an episode of Million Dollar Listings on Bravo network. Some
>> people insist on granite, certain colors, etc.
>> Then there was the couple that wanted $1.5 million in remodel and got
>> it on the place they paid $16 million for. All cash!.
>
> Love that show. Amazing what you see, and real estate shows
> bring out just how nutty people really are when shopping for
> or selling a house.
>
> And if you're talking about the couple I'm thinking of, I
> just wonder where on earth they get all that money. When they
> looked at this unfinished enormous penthouse, they didn't
> blink as the price, just asked how much it would cost to buy the floor
> below as well.
>
> nancy
>

Two common ways are personal injury lawyers and drug dealers. Our local
version of john edwards has a 12,000 square foot "house" with a 10 car
drive through garage.

My niece worked on a drug task force program for some time. She said one
of the things they looked at were big cash purchases because it was
almost certain it would lead to a drug dealer.

On 4/22/2012 8:20 AM, George wrote:
> On 4/21/2012 8:06 AM, Nancy Young wrote:

>> And if you're talking about the couple I'm thinking of, I
>> just wonder where on earth they get all that money. When they
>> looked at this unfinished enormous penthouse, they didn't
>> blink as the price, just asked how much it would cost to buy the floor
>> below as well.

> Two common ways are personal injury lawyers and drug dealers. Our local
> version of john edwards has a 12,000 square foot "house" with a 10 car
> drive through garage.

We have those houses here, too. Like, is it a museum? The town next
to mine tried to limit house sizes because they worry who will buy
something like that after the current family moves, it will have to
be a multiple family or a hotel. And they don't do that.

From all appearances they gave up on that rule.

> My niece worked on a drug task force program for some time. She said one
> of the things they looked at were big cash purchases because it was
> almost certain it would lead to a drug dealer.

The feds operate on that principle, too, any cash transaction over
$10G has to be reported. I don't think that amount has gone up
since the 70s, so they must be inundated with data. Anyway, I'm sure
a $16M transaction would stand out.

Whatever they're into, they're doing well for themselves.

nancy

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:59:39 -0400, "jmcquown" >
> wrote:
>>
>> "sf" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:43:07 -0400, "jmcquown" >
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> >> And I'm sure not going
>> >> to pay for someone elses' "upgrades" when I buy a house.
>> >
>> > That's the way I feel about it too. My house/kitchen is the way I
>> > want it, not the way someone else might want it.
>> >
>> >
>> About the only thing I'd change in my kitchen is the 1980's wallpaper
>
> I see a project for you the next time you're bored.
>
I meant I'd strip the wallpaper and paint. But no, I don't see myself doing
that. I'd have to pay someone to do it.

>> Okay, I would like to replace the appliances. But they work, so I live
>> with
>> them. It will be up to someone else to make changes unless/until it
>> becomes
>> a necessity. However, if Cheryl is happy with her new granite and
>> whatnot,
>> that's great.
>>
> If you don't like the color of your appliances, there is paint you can
> use to change it! The product is cleverly known as: appliance paint.

Well DUH! Years ago I had a neighbor who did just that for a living... he
was an appliance painter.

> Personally, I'd have it done professionally and just paint the sides
> myself - but it can be done. I know you don't like stainless steel,
> but you can even update old appliances with flexible stainless steel
> if you did.

It's not a matter of painting them. They're just old. The combo
stovetop/oven/overhead microwave is a very neutral almond shade, as is the
fridge. I'd stick with that if I were going to replace anything.

> http://www.ehow.com/how_7202340_do-f...ss-steel_.html
>
> A facelift like that would be good for someone trying to sell a house.
>
True, but you know whoever buys it will want to put their own stamp on it.
I'll let them pay for it. When our mother died (before I decided to keep
the house), one of my brothers said, "Oh, we'll have to replace all the
kitchen appliances with stainless and replace the formica countertops."
Really?! Why?! I understand (somewhat) the asthetics but I don't see the
point in paying for appliances or countertops someone else will be using.

Again, I'm happy for Cheryl if she's enjoying her newly outfitted kitchen.
Personally, dark green countertops (no matter what they're made of) would be
one of the first things I'd want to change. My point is, it's a matter of
personal taste. You can't know what the next person who lives there might
want. But you knew that

Jill

"Janet" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, replyto@inemail
> says...
>>
>> On 4/20/2012 11:29 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>
>> > Watch an episode of Million Dollar Listings on Bravo network. Some
>> > people insist on granite, certain colors, etc.
>> > Then there was the couple that wanted $1.5 million in remodel and got
>> > it on the place they paid $16 million for. All cash!.
>>
>> Love that show. Amazing what you see, and real estate shows
>> bring out just how nutty people really are when shopping for
>> or selling a house.
>
> Ask any estate agent; there are plenty of timewasters for whom "viewing
> houses for sale" is a weekend social outing. They've got no serious
> intention of selling, moving, buying (or the means to do it). Now they
> can do it on TV.
>
> Janet.
>
I used to do that as a teenager... go to open houses, look around at what
was for sale. I was earning minimum wage and couldn't have afforded the
paper the deed was printed on. But it was fun looking at the homes. Now I
enjoy watching home buyers with minimal budgets and unrealistic expectations
get shot down on TV

Jill

On Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:06:28 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

> On 4/21/2012 8:13 AM, Janet wrote:
> > In >, says...
> >>
> >> "Pete C." wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Formica or other laminate is my preferred countertop material. It is
> >>> quiet, unlikely to break glasses or dishes dropped on it, quite durable
> >>> and for me at least it is easy and inexpensive to replace it regularly
> >>> for a kitchen update without a full remodel.
> >>
> >> I'm with you, Pete C.
> >
> > There ya go, Cheryl.
>
> There I go what? A couple of replies with opinions? I wouldn't call
> that the masses.

I've had my granite for almost 3 years now and have no nicks or
whatever else it is people are complaining about. Maybe their
surfaces weren't well sealed in the first place. I've certainly never
broken anything on it, but I don't break things anyway.

I can honestly say that I haven't done that once a year maintenance
treatment I've heard about here and use ammonia water on it to clean
(a habit I can't seem to shake that's leftover from the tile and grout
era); so I don't treat it with kid gloves and my counters still look
good.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:21:03 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

> True, but you know whoever buys it will want to put their own stamp on it.
> I'll let them pay for it. When our mother died (before I decided to keep
> the house), one of my brothers said, "Oh, we'll have to replace all the
> kitchen appliances with stainless and replace the formica countertops."
> Really?! Why?! I understand (somewhat) the asthetics but I don't see the
> point in paying for appliances or countertops someone else will be using.
>
Well, if you want top dollar I can only say that people are looking
for turn key homes right now. Otherwise, the selling price will
reflect what they have to do to it.

> Again, I'm happy for Cheryl if she's enjoying her newly outfitted kitchen.
> Personally, dark green countertops (no matter what they're made of) would be
> one of the first things I'd want to change. My point is, it's a matter of
> personal taste. You can't know what the next person who lives there might
> want. But you knew that

Absolutely! I fully expect the next person to own my house to remodel
it from the studs out and probably reconfigure the interior space
somewhat to modernize it (it's 80+ YO). I've seen that happen to many
houses in my neighborhood because they are well above entry level and
the people who buy here have the cash to do it.


--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:44:15 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 4/20/2012 2:43 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>> "Janet" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> In article >,
>>> says...
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:21:39 -0400, Cheryl >
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> >I heard today that two things that people look for when you want to
>>>> flip
>>>> >your house is hardwood floors (check) and granite countertops (check).
>>>> >Floors done last year and countertops this year.
>>>>
>>>> Buyers also come in and say they don't like the color of the granite
>>>> and it will have to be changed. Ditto the floor. (that comes out of
>>>> the purchase bid)
>>>> Janet US
>>>
>>> There's no point trying to anticipate the tastes of unknown future
>>> buyers. By then fashion will have changed and they'll probably want some
>>> nice retro 1950 Formica worktops in the kitchen.. and shagpile carpets in
>>> the bathrooms.
>>>
>>> Janet
>>
>> Apparenly Cheryl is planning to sell the house, why else mention
>> "flipping" it? You just never know what I buyer will want. That's why I
>> pay no attention to the shows with buyers who say "must have granite!"
>> or "must have hardwood floors". Guess what? If someone wants to spend
>> the money on that stuff, great. I'm not going to. My kitchen works just
>> fine as it is with the formica countertops. I'm not even thinking about
>> changing the linoleum floor. Let whoever owns it after me deal with all
>> that. What I have may not be TV-show ready but it works for me. And I'm
>> sure not going to pay for someone elses' "upgrades" when I buy a house.
>
>I just caught up on another group and see that you actually are selling
>your house so I understand the reaction now. I still stand by my
>thinking to make the house attractive enough to sell for asking price.

You might get the price of adding a half bath back but you won't see a
penny back from adding granite counters. If you want to do a kitchen
up-grade add a small walk-in pantry, that will return your investment
twice over and actually help sell your house, granite counters will be
a total loss and won't help sell your house even a little bit... used
granite has the value of used panties. If your laminate kitchen
counters are in good shape leave them be, if they're beat to crap
replace them with new laminate but don't expectd to get that money
back... kitchens have to come with counters, no one will pay a penny
more or be more likely to purchase your house regardless what they are
made of. A new larger kitchen window will help sell a house,
providing it offers a good view... if it looks out on your neighbor's
trashy yard it's best to get rid of the window altogether and do a
wall. If every house in your neighborhood has a designer kitchen with
granite then it will pay to redo your kitchen to match, but making
yours the priciest counters on the block won't bring a penny more. If
yours is the lowest priced house in a good location that's the best of
all possible worlds. The last thing you want to do when getting ready
to sell is add stuff to elevate the selling price of your abode....
you'll get far more return from planting $5 worth of petunias by your
front door than you will from a $10,000 granite counter.

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:09:00 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>
>> That was the couple. Maybe mid 30's or so and piles of money. I think
>> they ended up with about 7000 sq. ft. Who needs that much for three
>> people?
>
>
>I work for many people with way too much space like that. I guess it's fine
>if the money issue doesn't stress your budget.
>
>I grew up in a big house like that and I didn't like it. That said, it was
>nice to switch bedrooms as the mood hit me. I had 3 in that house over the
>years.
>
>My apartment here is the biggest one they offer but only about 1100 sq.
>feet. I don't use but half of it now that daughter is gone. I could easily
>downsize to an effeciency apt, but yet this is my "home" and where daughter
>grew up so it's her old home too. I also like to keep it since I have the
>extra bedroom for when they come to visit.
>
>That said, even if I did downsize, the cost of moving, etc and the not so
>much cheaper cost of a smaller place....it would take several years to get
>to the break even point.
>
>Gary

Your neighbors will very likely take up a collection to help you move.
LOL

In article >,
says...
>
> "Janet" > wrote in message
> ...
> > In article >, replyto@inemail
> > says...
> >>
> >> On 4/20/2012 11:29 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> >>
> >> > Watch an episode of Million Dollar Listings on Bravo network. Some
> >> > people insist on granite, certain colors, etc.
> >> > Then there was the couple that wanted $1.5 million in remodel and got
> >> > it on the place they paid $16 million for. All cash!.
> >>
> >> Love that show. Amazing what you see, and real estate shows
> >> bring out just how nutty people really are when shopping for
> >> or selling a house.
> >
> > Ask any estate agent; there are plenty of timewasters for whom "viewing
> > houses for sale" is a weekend social outing. They've got no serious
> > intention of selling, moving, buying (or the means to do it). Now they
> > can do it on TV.
> >
> > Janet.
> >
> I used to do that as a teenager... go to open houses, look around at what
> was for sale. I was earning minimum wage and couldn't have afforded the
> paper the deed was printed on. But it was fun looking at the homes. Now I
> enjoy watching home buyers with minimal budgets and unrealistic expectations
> get shot down on TV

Me too :-) My favourite at the moment is "Grand Designs Australia" (not
to be confused with the same concept GD in Britain). The Australian one
has people with zero taste or sense building their dream home, usually
without an architect or workable plans, with predictably awful results.

Janet

On Apr 20, 3:45*pm, Gary > wrote:
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
> > On Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:21:39 -0400, Cheryl >
> > wrote:
> > >I heard today that two things that people look for when you want to flip
> > >your house is hardwood floors (check) and granite countertops (check).
> > >Floors done last year and countertops this year.
>
> > Buyers also come in and say they don't like the color of the granite
> > and it will have to be changed. *Ditto the floor. (that comes out of
> > the purchase bid)
> > Janet US
>
> I totally agree. *No matter how you fix up your house to sell, new buyers
> will want something different. Kitchens, flooring, paint colors. *Better to
> not spend that money and keep your selling price that much lower.
>
> IMO, you improve your house to suit YOU and make you happy while you live
> there. *You have no idea what the new owner might want to do.
>
> Gary
>
> PS - I deal with house turnovers often and this is true, not just me
> guessing.

Nobody wants to buy a remodeling project, so baths and kitchens have
to be in "move-in" condition. But I agree not to put a lot of money
into things the new guy might well want to tear out.

I've seen a lot of idiosyncratic remodels in the neighborhood next to
mine, and the more individualized they are to the owner's taste, the
longer they sit on the market. Not everybody wants to pretend they
live in Tuscany, oddly enough. Or live in a motel-look-alike, with a
quartet of patio doors flanking an upstairs balcony.

If you're looking to make your house appealing to today's buyers, make
a tour of open houses in your area, and note what sort of cabinets,
sinks, etc., the developers are putting in.

Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
> On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:09:00 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>
> >Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> >>
> >> That was the couple. Maybe mid 30's or so and piles of money. I think
> >> they ended up with about 7000 sq. ft. Who needs that much for three
> >> people?
> >
> >
> >I work for many people with way too much space like that. I guess it's fine
> >if the money issue doesn't stress your budget.
> >
> >I grew up in a big house like that and I didn't like it. That said, it was
> >nice to switch bedrooms as the mood hit me. I had 3 in that house over the
> >years.
> >
> >My apartment here is the biggest one they offer but only about 1100 sq.
> >feet. I don't use but half of it now that daughter is gone. I could easily
> >downsize to an effeciency apt, but yet this is my "home" and where daughter
> >grew up so it's her old home too. I also like to keep it since I have the
> >extra bedroom for when they come to visit.
> >
> >That said, even if I did downsize, the cost of moving, etc and the not so
> >much cheaper cost of a smaller place....it would take several years to get
> >to the break even point.
> >
> >Gary
>
> Your neighbors will very likely take up a collection to help you move.
> LOL

LOL! Of 400 apartments in this complex, only one woman has lived here
longer than me. I moved here in Dec. 1978. She's been here since 1964 when
they were built. I'm determined to wait her out and be the longest resident
someday when she leaves....or dies. I've been here so long, it will
probably when I die that I leave here too. LOL.

Gary ;D

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:58:12 -0700 (PDT), spamtrap1888
> wrote:

> If you're looking to make your house appealing to today's buyers, make
> a tour of open houses in your area, and note what sort of cabinets,
> sinks, etc., the developers are putting in.

I think it would be more to the point to watch that show that spruces
up a house on a very limited budget to sell. The biggest differences
come with painting the kitchen cabinets and installing new hardware.
After that, granite countertops - which don't have to be expensive and
new (inexpensive) appliances and of course a new sink/faucet. Pretty
it up just enough, price it "right" and you'll have a bidding war even
in this economy. People have money, they just aren't spending it.
I'm watching the housing market in a certain part of San Jose at the
moment and that's the case with every house that's in turn key or near
turn key condition. Shoot, I saw one in the Rose Garden that would
have cost as much as the selling price to fix up properly (needed
complete renovation down to a new foundation) and it was snapped up at
full asking price.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

spermtrap1888 wrote:
>
> If you're looking to make your house appealing to today's buyers, make
> a tour of open houses in your area, and note what sort of cabinets,
> sinks, etc., the developers are putting in.

What good will that do... are you going to rebuild... you'll never see
any return on that kind of investment. It's far wiser to spruce up
what you already have than to replace. Get out the cleaning supplies,
wash all walls and woodwork, repaint if need be... even paint is no
longer cheap, today a gallon of decent paint costs about $50, and
cheap paint won't cover so you'll need twice as much. Hire Stanley
Steemer to spruce up your tired carpeting... have the hosue exterior
power washed. It's smarter to price a home realistically than to
invest good money into a worn out abode. Old fashioned elbow grease
costs very little compared with rebuilding and will actually give a
return... no legitimate buyers will even look at your new counters
because to address them at all can only raise the purchase price. When
selling the best one can do is go down the check list of the
mechanicals a bank will look at, bring those into compliance to save
the sale from failing at closing. No lender will disqualify for old
fashioned worn counters but they will for a broken heating/cooling
system, a contaminated well, a malfunctioning septic, a leaky roof,
bad wiring, etc. I've seen deals fall through due to broken door
locks... be sure every door in the house latches properly, that
bathroom lock emergency entry is operable, and all exterior door keys
work. Be sure all stair railings and exterior lights are to code.
There are companys that a realtor will recommend that will make sure a
house passes the lender's check list, that service is reasonably
priced and most repairs are nominal, even bringing a slow septic up to
par costs little... that's a much better investment than granite
counters... save buying granite for your cemetery plot.

On 4/22/2012 9:27 AM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 4/22/2012 8:20 AM, George wrote:
>> On 4/21/2012 8:06 AM, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>>> And if you're talking about the couple I'm thinking of, I
>>> just wonder where on earth they get all that money. When they
>>> looked at this unfinished enormous penthouse, they didn't
>>> blink as the price, just asked how much it would cost to buy the floor
>>> below as well.
>
>> Two common ways are personal injury lawyers and drug dealers. Our local
>> version of john edwards has a 12,000 square foot "house" with a 10 car
>> drive through garage.
>
> We have those houses here, too. Like, is it a museum? The town next
> to mine tried to limit house sizes because they worry who will buy
> something like that after the current family moves, it will have to
> be a multiple family or a hotel. And they don't do that.


About ten years ago a massive building was built in the next town over.
I figured it would be something like a medical office building for ten
practices or something like that. Turns it is was the new "house" for a
recently very successful person. A few years went by and it turns out
that the persons success was largely because he knew how to sniff out
corrupt politicians and government officials and pay them to make things
go his way. A judge got caught and then the whole think rippled through
all of the people who were involved. As is predictable the guy turned on
everyone giving evidence to the government so his stay in his somewhat
smaller new home will be shorter than the others who were successfully
prosecuted.

The "house" has stood vacant now for maybe 4 or 5 years. As you noted
who would buy it?




>
> From all appearances they gave up on that rule.
>
>> My niece worked on a drug task force program for some time. She said one
>> of the things they looked at were big cash purchases because it was
>> almost certain it would lead to a drug dealer.
>
> The feds operate on that principle, too, any cash transaction over
> $10G has to be reported. I don't think that amount has gone up
> since the 70s, so they must be inundated with data. Anyway, I'm sure
> a $16M transaction would stand out.
>
> Whatever they're into, they're doing well for themselves.
>
> nancy
>

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:41:01 -0700, sf > wrote:

>On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:58:12 -0700 (PDT), spamtrap1888
> wrote:
>
>> If you're looking to make your house appealing to today's buyers, make
>> a tour of open houses in your area, and note what sort of cabinets,
>> sinks, etc., the developers are putting in.
>
>I think it would be more to the point to watch that show that spruces
>up a house on a very limited budget to sell. The biggest differences
>come with painting the kitchen cabinets and installing new hardware.
>After that, granite countertops - which don't have to be expensive and
>new (inexpensive) appliances and of course a new sink/faucet. Pretty
>it up just enough, price it "right" and you'll have a bidding war even
>in this economy. People have money, they just aren't spending it.
>I'm watching the housing market in a certain part of San Jose at the
>moment and that's the case with every house that's in turn key or near
>turn key condition. Shoot, I saw one in the Rose Garden that would
>have cost as much as the selling price to fix up properly (needed
>complete renovation down to a new foundation) and it was snapped up at
>full asking price.

Yeahbut, they were only asking for the price of the lot minus
demolition and hauling away the trash... that's how banks price
trashed forclosures.

On Apr 22, 11:21*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> *If you want to do a kitchen
> up-grade add a small walk-in pantry, that will return your investment
> twice over and actually help sell your house, granite counters will be
> a total loss and won't help sell your house even a little bit... used
> granite has the value of used panties.

Well, there are used panties, and there are used panties. One
person's used panties is another person's *used panties* Assigning
value or the lack thereof of used panties is a very subjective thing.
Now I'll be thinking about used panties even more than usual.

--Bryan

Bryan wrote:
>
> On Apr 22, 11:21 am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> > If you want to do a kitchen
> > up-grade add a small walk-in pantry, that will return your investment
> > twice over and actually help sell your house, granite counters will be
> > a total loss and won't help sell your house even a little bit... used
> > granite has the value of used panties.
>
> Well, there are used panties, and there are used panties. One
> person's used panties is another person's *used panties* Assigning
> value or the lack thereof of used panties is a very subjective thing.
> Now I'll be thinking about used panties even more than usual.
>
> --Bryan

LOL!

On 4/22/2012 11:24 AM, sf wrote:

> Turbo cool? A new feature, huh? I wonder how the new appliances will
> affect your electric bill? I know there was a big difference in our
> monthly bill when we switched from an electric top to gas.

There was a notice on it that it costs $49 per year to operate. We'll
see but it will be an addition because I kept the old one and it's in
the basement.