Homes in Pittsboro - did I miss the boat? (Apex: rental, chapel)

[MizSeeker]

OK - I went to school in CH back in the day and love the feel of Pittsboro. I like the land stewardship movement, old farmers and new farmers, artists, etc. So when I received a small inheritance from my parents - I considered - now that my kids are grown - I could move to the country and finally live in a place I wanted. But I waited to seriously start looking until the company I worked for went through several layoffs/resource actions to try and be careful. (I know - no security anyway)

I'm thinking I missed the boat. My kid will be taking over my current house in Apex so I am approved for a lower amount for the new house (200K) because I will be carrying both mortgages. I have no other debt. I wanted some land - at least 1.5 to 3 acres - I miss my gardens and I want room to fence for our dogs (3) and to setup shops for myself and my bf (one wood shop - one glass shop). What I have found is no land or a house that needs fixing - I am tired of living in houses that need fixing - it never gets done. OR places that have covenants that restrict everything.

I am looking today at a modular again that sits on 2.5 acres but most of the acreage is unusable either due to easements and an issue with a property line which means the line cuts off the driveway and brings the line in close to the house. The yard hopefully could be improved but we're not sure about getting our shops and fencing in there. The house is big - kinda beige and we wanted hardwoods rather than carpet but whatever. I was told someone else is looking at it seriously and I need to decide. And that I will not get a deal - which also means if it turns into a bidding war - I can't get it anyway. My realtor has said that the covenants are not being followed in that area anyway so not to worry about it or pay a lawyer to clear it - but I can't count on that.

My kid thinks I'm being too picky - my realtor says people are buying fast and furious and prices are going up rather than being low. This is the house I planned to move to and die in - my last move. And all I feel right now is a great deal of pressure to grab this property for the space and accept that I probably won't find anything else in that area. And I considered finding land and building a modular on it but the land there is expensive and I'm hearing horror stories about the modular builders here.

Suggestions? Yes -I overthink and want certainty where there isn't any.

Martha

[toot68]

I guarantee that you can find a 1200-1500 sq foot home on 1-3 acres of hardwoods between chapel Hill and Pittsboro for under 200K. Be patient, it doesn't sound like this house is exactly what you are looking for, there's no reason to rush. They are out there, its just that there isn't one on the market every day of the year. If you're realtor is telling you otherwise, I suggest you might get the opinion of someone else. I can suggest a very good value oriented realtor for that area, who likes to find homes in the woods vs clear cut subdivisions, send me a PM if you are interested.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by MizSeeker

OK -
I was told someone else is looking at it seriously and I need to decide. And that I will not get a deal - which also means if it turns into a bidding war - I can't get it anyway. My realtor has said that the covenants are not being followed in that area anyway so not to worry about it or pay a lawyer to clear it - but I can't count on that.

My kid thinks I'm being too picky - my realtor says people are buying fast and furious and prices are going up rather than being low. This is the house I planned to move to and die in - my last move. And all I feel right now is a great deal of pressure to grab this property for the space and accept that I probably won't find anything else in that area. And I considered finding land and building a modular on it but the land there is expensive and I'm hearing horror stories about the modular builders here.

Suggestions? Yes -I overthink and want certainty where there isn't any.

Martha

If someone else is looking at it seriously and wants it why haven't they made an offer. This normally ends up being a line that poor realtors use to get people to make a decision... just my opinion. It doesn't sound like this is the place for you. I would wait. And don't listen to your child. Be picky.... YOU have to live with the decision, no one else. Since you aren't selling your current place you don't have to buy right away. Wait for the right one.

[playnice]

Sounds like some high pressure salesmanship is getting to you. Also sounds like you have too many uncertainties for this to be the absolute perfect place.

[ljd1010]

Originally Posted by PDXmom

If someone else is looking at it seriously and wants it why haven't they made an offer. This normally ends up being a line that poor realtors use to get people to make a decision... just my opinion. It doesn't sound like this is the place for you. I would wait. And don't listen to your child. Be picky.... YOU have to live with the decision, no one else. Since you aren't selling your current place you don't have to buy right away. Wait for the right one.

I totally agree with PDX!!!

[bobbis]

Keep looking...it's a buyers market!

[MizSeeker]

I went back out to the house last night and the house is huge (2100+ sf) and will have more room if we finish out the attic for my books and crafts. It is very very beige; outside and inside. But we can swap out the carpet for the hardwoods. The property is more surrounded than I thought with hardwood trees (good) but we can clear out some if it bothers me. Porches can be added and yards reseeded - right? My only real concerns are that the property line is odd on one side and we need to get RID of the fire ants.

The seller knows I'm interested and I'm going to make some more calls on property details today and make a decision. If they get an offer before Monday and take it - then it wasn't meant to be. My daughter will have to extend her rental lease where she is at and I'll keep looking.

That does not mean I won't look at other listings this weekend and drive around. I'm not going to be backed into a corner I don't need to be in.

thanks!!

Martha