So, I can’t remember if I mentioned that I looked at Hometown in Arvada, this is the place I saw last Saturday. The timing is right, but I was very wishy washy of the floor plans. I was contemplating if I like it or not, and the different floor plans they had. So, I had time to mull it over. The lady was nice, not too pushy.
Yesterday I went to see Dancing Willows townhomes and condos. The townhome person did not even work there, so was “covering” for someone, and could only give me a brochure. There was only one model also. I was put off on their townhomes, and I think they were the high end of my price range. I guess this is what the economy is doing to the builders. But I went to see the condos, and I’m glad I did. There were 3 models and the sales lady took us to see where 2 were going to be and a new build, which is slightly different from the model. These were southwest, in Littleton. Nice area.
So, I went back to the first place to see if I could get a handle of what I want. While driving to the other place, Sarah and I was talking about why I want a townhome vs condo. Good question. I think it had to do with not growing up in a house. In Brooklyn, my family lived on the top floor of a 2 family house. You don’t see that in Denver, or at least I have not seen it.
So, my perspective is a condo is a glorified apartment and a townhome represents more of a house. Both has no need to landscape or garden. But there are some “townhomes” which are ranch style where the floor plan is all on one floor, so is there really a difference? Also, condos are less expensive, but can have the same square footage as a townhome. Wow, I thought to myself, I guess there really is no real difference. Huh. What a revelation.
So, we get to the first place, and unfortunately we could not look through the places since they were sold and could no longer let us in. So I was talking about the floor plans and Sarah was looking at it with me, and I was telling what I liked and did not like with the floor plans. At least in my head there were things I liked and did not like. And as always, if I am going to spend that much money, I would like to have what I want and not necessarily settle.
So, again, Sarah says to me, well, it sounds like you will be compromising a lot to spend that much money. Why not spend less and have what you want more or could live with. I know, ultimately, I have to make the decision because I am going to live there. {sigh} Yet, again, there’s a small light in the head going off. Why would I spend all that money if I have to settle, when I like the bottom half of one plan, and the top of another?
So, I was driving around thinking about what I could do next. Now, before I left for the UK, I did but some money down on a place, and they are building, and still selling. So, I am going back to see what there is over there. Now there was this place that I really liked the floor plan, I mean it called to me. So, I finally found out that the place is in Stapleton, way too far for work, which is too bad. Living there would mean my commute would be 1 1/2 hours and that’s not counting on traffic.
Anyways, part of that process, was that I ended up talking to a real estate agent. In the morning, when I checked my email, she had emailed me a few places to look at and gave me some advice. I mean I had called her around 9pm, which I did not realize how late it was, and she sent me the emails around 10-1030pm. Wow, she did some stuff without asking. And the places she found me was really nice. I mean she emailed a couple of places in Belmar, and Dancing Willows and suggested I compare prices since I was going there anyway. So, I figured she did that for me, she was not pushy, so I figured what the heck. I’ll use her.
SIDE NOTE: I looked at Belmar myself and at the time there was no way I was able to afford it. Everything seemed to start around the $350′s. Holy Cow! So, when she gave me a couple of places where the description said have not been lived in, I was really ecstatic about it. That’s another reason why I am using her. Wow, Belmar. Let me tell you this place is like yuppie-ville. But it’s hip, trendy, has the best stores. There are a lot of restaurants and shops and lofts and condos, and townhomes. This part of time was being “re-gentrified” and the developers are building to last and attract. I mean there are lots of stuff to do, there’s a movie theatre, bowling alley, PF Chang’s, Elephant Bar, and a lot of other places all within walking distance. I am really excited about it and the possibility of living there . . . cross your fingers.
So, anyways, I always have a Plan A, B, C, and then D, E, and ultimately F. So, I am in between A and B and C. So, A was to just look at new builds by myself. B is use a real estate agent and begin looking for places that are around 0-3 years old. C is using the real estate agent for places that may not be on the market yet.
Oh okay, not getting all my hopes up. I am being somewhat resigned to the fact that I may not buying something absolutely new. But then, you know, loving the place and the location, is the compromise for buying new. At least the places are less than 2 years old. I figure that’s a good compromise.
I called her today while walking from one building to the other, and asked her to help me find some stuff. About an hour later, so I had 3 emails and a list of places that were for sale, in my price range, less than 2 years old, and west of I25. Wow. So, she told me to take a look and let her know what I thought about them. She added a few older ones, but she wanted me to see what was out there.
I’m looking at Belmar late Monday and I asked the agent if perhaps there will be something new in my price range. Everyone is saying it’s a great time to buy, and why not ask. Worse case scenario, they don’t have anything, and I am not worse off for it. Will let you know how it turns out.
The others I will have to get to on Wednesday, because we are starting late on Monday. Tuesday I have a couple of conference calls, and I think Wednesday I’m back to looking at the other places. Maybe, by the end of next week, I will be able to decide on a place and begin the buying prices. But I’m getting ahead of myself. I need to get through looking at places, then worry about financing for the place.
You know me, I worry about everything.
