House-hunting is not fun anymore... (Huntsville, Madison: for sale, apartments, countertops)

[wakeful dreamer]

Man, I'm spamming the forum tonight. It's just that the househunting isn't so much fun anymore. When it first looked like we were moving to H'ville, I was all excited and looking at ValleyMLS for 5 hours a day. Then we took a mini-exploratory trip last weekend. We saw some real dumps. Not fixer-uppers, but "tear-em-downers". Then we saw a lot of homes in a couple of subdivisions out towards Madison. They were nice but seemed a lot overpriced for what they were. We found one well within our price range, great landscaping, but waaaay down Zierdt rd which looks like it's going to be fun during rush hour. Plus the kitchen is really outdated and we'll have to spend tons of time and $ updating at some point. And there's this formal living room I don't know what to do with besides hope it doesn't get filled up with toys.

I actually grew up in Hazel Green, don't want to live out that way ever again. I've been out of the area for nearly 15 years and things have changed so much in that time, I'm not sure where is a good place to live.

I have only a few requirements: 4/2+, large soaking tub, 2 car garage, and granite countertops in the kitchen. NOT a fixer-upper if at all possible. And within 20 minutes of Research park. Is this reasonable to find for around $250K?

[autobahn]

Originally Posted by wakeful dreamer

I have only a few requirements: 4/2+, large soaking tub, 2 car garage, and granite countertops in the kitchen. NOT a fixer-upper if at all possible. And within 20 minutes of Research park. Is this reasonable to find for around $250K?

There is one down the street from me in Madison that meets your needs. It is only 4 years old and has exactly everything you asked for. Only problem is they are asking $339K. I think in today's market it should go for no more than $280/290K. It has been on the market since Thanksgiving.

[caution]

this always happens to me, apartments or houses-- don't feel bad

[tammie2]

Originally Posted by wakeful dreamer

It's just that the househunting isn't so much fun anymore.

Was it EVER so much fun? If it was, I take it you haven't moved much

We moved 5 times in 7 years before we were able to spend 8 years in TX-moving became such a horrid task. This time around I expected it to be a nightmare since we were able to stay for so long Then hurricane Ike took care of that problem

We will start house hunting in a few months and will have the same issues you do I am sure. The biggest thing is just wait for what you want, you WILL find it. We made that mistake once when we had 9 days to find and purchase a home

Seriously, it will get better, after the house is bought, everything else becomes a great adventure!!!

[guxu]

I used to live off Gooch Ln. There are many houses there meeting your requirements except granite counter tops. The houses are not that new (about 10-year-old) and the price should be around or less than $200k.

[DvlsAdvc8]

Same here, I'm so sick of house hunting. Prices in Huntsville just aren't moving much if at all - despite the low sales volume.

Case in point, a house we looked at this weekend was for sale when we moved to HSV in Sept. for $319k (who knows how long it had been for sale prior). It's price in March 09? $319k. That's what we're seeing over and over.

IMO, even the price of the new homes we've looked at is still about $5-10 / sqft too high.

Half of me is annoyed (particularly at my "every price is right" Realtor). The other half is happy... because I'm having doubts that this recession will be over in a year and having my downpayment sitting on the side sure is a nice security blanket.

[wakeful dreamer]

Househunting was a lot of fun, at the "Ooo, look! This one has a pool!" stage. Now we're at the "Why is there a giant hole in the floor?" stage. I'm glad you all feel my pain. Thanks for all the suggestions! I will definitely be checking those suggested areas out.

When we bought our current home, we saw it on Monday, made a (verbal) offer on Tuesday (and I moved in that night because I had to be out of my place), the appraisals and inspections finished on Wednesday, and we closed on Thursday. It was all very informal and until the final closing, was done only on a handshake. Looking back, any of the parties involved could have been burned really badly, but it worked out nicely. I am nervous in part because I know we won't get so lucky again!

[shaken8]

Check out NE H-ville. Just over Chase Mountain, it only takes about 15 minutes (20 if traffic is bad) to get to Research Park. Once you get to the interstate it's a straight shot. There is a lot of new/in the last 10 years construction out that way. Or, check out Five Points. They've been building up the area (tearing down old houses/building new ones) and a lot of the older houses have been totally gutted, and are beautiful. I don't think it would be too hard to find a house in the price range you are looking in that area, with all the features you want. Plus, from Five Points it's LESS than 15 minutes to Research Park (closer to 10).

[caution]

from our recent searching and buying experience here, the 200-300 market is barely a buyers market, and in some areas probably still a sellers market

both our agent and builder said the big discounts are in the next range up, since some areas were over built in the 300K and up range

no expert, but that's what we saw in terms of willingness to give a little on the prices... a few of the houses we looked at saying "there's no way they'll get 250 for that" are still on the market -- and we were looking in December

[mystik817]

I feel your pain. We have been looking since December. Two trips down and we found a house, however we are still job hunting for me and the house we want won't accept a conditional contract on our house in DC selling. I just heard they may have another offer coming in today, so a little bummed. I really want to stay in Madison City schools, and there just isn't that much available in that school district.