What do you think about fixer-uppers (Galveston, Georgetown: wood floors, real estate market, how much)

[Just Lookin]

This is starting to sound real scary. How in the world will I be able to check all these things out when I am in Calif? I can get the inspections done but all those other things to look out for is going to be hard.

Any chance the house is just fine? Or is it the age you all worry about. I mean the man lives there so it can't be that bad right?

He said on his report to the Realtor that the only thing needing repair was the bathroom. I KNOW, THEY ALL SAY THAT.

Thanks so much.

[soapboxsallysmom]

I have an older home 1953 in Fl but lived in Tx for several years. I know that I can live here for quite a while without any major upgrades. I did them prior to moving in, but I knew the previous owner well and the house history.

Since you can't be there to oversee everything now, the best and easiest thing to do (and least expensive), is to have it inspected by an independent nationally or state certified home inspector. Then you will at least have an idea if you want to continue.

Comfy in my little cottage in Fl.

[neddy]

Bound for Texas where in East Texas is it? I got a ton of realtives that do a ton of things in that area. MAybe someone knows something about it

[musicman107]

If you're really serious about this, I'd suggest hiring a home inspector from Dallas area...In Texas, inspectors MUST certified by Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), but that's only the start...Find someone who has experience, credentials (I'd look for NACHI, TAREI, ASHI beyond just a TREC license)...someone who is INDEPENDENT and NOT associated with a realtor.
From personal experience, I had a friend who was shown some homes by a realtor in East Texas, found a home she fell in love with, had it inspected by TREC licensed inspector...she put down earnest $...I drove from Austin area, armed with the inspection report (Form REI 7A-0) for the home...can't blame her for liking the home, large corner lot....walking through it, it looked fine..pretty appealing..nice feel....but my own inspection showed her it was going to be a black hole for $...needed new roof, water heater ASAP...electr. wiring was beyond repair..numerous plumbing leaks...needed complete new double garage door...the list goes on and on..realtor's own 'friendly' inspector did not note these things, and after my inspection, kindly gave her $ back.
Buyer beware: Get a good, completely, unbiased, INDEPENDENT inspector!
As a TREC-licensed inspector myself, I wish I were in your area..I'd be glad to help you out.
Feel free to PM me and I'll try to help you find one.

Originally Posted by Bound for Texas

This is starting to sound real scary. How in the world will I be able to check all these things out when I am in Calif? I can get the inspections done but all those other things to look out for is going to be hard.
Any chance the house is just fine? Or is it the age you all worry about. I mean the man lives there so it can't be that bad right?
He said on his report to the Realtor that the only thing needing repair was the bathroom. I KNOW, THEY ALL SAY THAT.
Thanks so much.

[Just Lookin]

Originally Posted by neddy

Bound for Texas where in East Texas is it? I got a ton of realtives that do a ton of things in that area. MAybe someone knows something about it

The house is in Elderville just 20 minutes out of Longview. I tried getting info about the town but I guess no one knows of it.

Perfect name for us. Elderville

I am going to wait and see the pictures the Realtor sends today. My daughter in law just called and said, don't do what I did. Sight unseen. She said the wall at her home was cracked. SO I won't be doing that. She moved to Dallas.

I heard that East Texas was sandy. I think that is a good thing, right?

[Just Lookin]

Update: I just found out it is in Lakeport near Gregg County Air Port. Ohhh, doesn't that mean lots of water somewhere? And snakes. (

[momof2dfw]

Goggle "Elderville Texas". It's a ghost town.

[Just Lookin]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

Goggle "Elderville Texas". It's a ghost town.

Lovely, that is all I need. ewww a ghost town.

Well, we have a fire going on in our town right here. We were told we might have to get ready to leave. So, maybe I won't have a house when we get back so wish us luck. Its kind of scary.

Thanks for all your help. I'll let you know what happens.

[Steel Man]

Hey, did someone say ghost town? Well, since you brought it up, here is a link to Texas ghost towns:

http://www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Texas_ghost_towns.htm

Just don't blame me if you go and get too scared!

[stargazer]

If you decide on it, just wanted to say good luck. I have renovated a home before and it was so much fun. You will have a good time too I bet.