I know the economy is crazy and jobs unsecure but I am lucky enough to have my parents lend me a down payment. Ended up putting an offer in on a house today in Bellevue believe it or not. He countered and I accepted. I will be getting a inspection on Friday.

Its a little more expensive than the range I have been looking but Bellevue has excellent resale value and the location is just awesome. Last years appraisal and zillow are way above what we settled at, would be tough to lose on this one in the long run. Was built in 1991. Only way it was even close to my price in Bellevue is because its right next to the retaining wall of 405. Yes, right next to it. However, the wall is big(and suprisingly attractive) and the noise seems to travel way over it. There are large trees bordering the wall and the garage shelters the house from the noise and the insulation must be good because you can hardly hear it indoors. I live near the freeway right now anyway. Its at the end of a culdesac and is very private, fenced all the way around. Nearly impossible to find a house in this area with a large enough garage at a reasonable price. I was looking in Renton and Bothel for homes with shops but that would put me at a 40 minute commute. This will be 10-15 minutes to work, 15-20 minutes home.

However, its a 1/3rd of an acre, not even a quarter mile to the onramp at coal creek pkwy and it has a garage/shop big enough for 5 cars to comfortably fit. The shop has excellent lighting, heat, 220 in 4 places, tons of storage, a garage door in back, room on the side of the shop too. The guy who owned it had lifts and stored 14 cars. :eek: I may get a lift and store 2 cars for extra income. My mom wants me to take my dads gto also and we have been considering getting a 34 chevy project for my father and I to work on.

Its 3 bdrm, 3 bath. I will have 2 roommates, each with their own bath so that will really help pay the bills.

Heres a picture of the garage. Pic is taken at the rear garage door where you could open it to run the car or push it outside in the back yard if making a mess. The white car is where you would put the project car(s)

To the right is a large increasing width room where you could put 3 cars very comfortably and get each out without having to move one, 5 if you wanted to pack the place. The garage door in the front is 16 footer so from the front of the house it doesnt look like you have a crazy huge garage. Sq footage on the shop is 1700 ft.
http://photos.realestateadmin.com/nwmlso/PHOTO/290/817/29081731-5.jpg

Sounds like a nice investment. I don't know your 2 roommates, but they should have no knowledge of your monthly note and you should divide it between them where you live mortgage-free. That's how you do business.

congrats! thats awesome!

Sounds like a nice investment. I don't know your 2 roommates, but they should have no knowledge of your monthly note and you should divide it between them where you live mortgage-free. That's how you do business.

Already ahead of you! :yes: I agree, what I pay is none of their business. However, near impossible for them to pay my whole mortgage, houses around here are not cheap! :noway:

I hope it works out for you Brett. It sounds like a ideal place for a "car guy".
That garage makes me jealous it is exactly what I have been thinking about building.
Good luck

TOG

Already ahead of you! :yes: I agree, what I pay is none of their business. However, near impossible for them to pay my whole mortgage, houses around here are not cheap! :noway:

Good deal, so they will pay most of it then anyway?:thumbsup:

Good job Brett!
Really amazing you bought the garage of my dreams!

Good deal, so they will pay most of it then anyway?:thumbsup:

Yes, most. I should hopefully be paying less than I am currently paying for rent. I pay $995 a month right now and my money is just going to someone else. :sad:

Not only will I have the mortage but gotta start paying the parents back in a few years. I couldnt have done this without them, I'm super lucky they want to help me out. Progress on the velle may slow down a bit although I did just order a bunch of engine parts and am getting very close. Need to get my Roth IRA going too. :(

Yes, most. I should hopefully be paying less than I am currently paying for rent. I pay $995 a month right now and my money is just going to someone else. :sad:

Not only will I have the mortage but gotta start paying the parents back in a few years. I couldnt have done this without them, I'm super lucky they want to help me out. Progress on the velle may slow down a bit although I did just order a bunch of engine parts and am getting very close. Need to get my Roth IRA going too. :(

Sounds good. Always keep in mind that a good mortgage setup is better than money in the bank.;)

Holy S^&T Brett That's awesome. I am totally jealous of that shop. How tall are the ceilings? the dually in the pic is probably what at least 7'5".

Nice, BBQ at brett's place.

Nice job Brett!
Now we can call you a HOMO.......ner:D


OK it was funnier in my head...:(

Way to go, Brett. Sounds like a really nice place. That garage is wicked. Looking like 'Berg Jr' with a man cave like that.

Looks awesome Brett :yes: Hopefully you get it :thumbsup: That shop looks like it'll be an awesome home for the 66' :yes:

That sounds like the ideal home for you Brett.:thumbsup:

That shop is incredible.

You're right about the investment potentual of homes in that area.
Even with the freeway behind you, just being in that area with 1/3 acre and a shop will always make that property desirable.:yes:

Here's to a smooth transaction.:beers:

dang im diggn that shop for sure!

Nice job Brett!
Now we can call you a HOMO.......ner:D


OK it was funnier in my head...:(

l:) I thought it was funny.

Congrats! Man that puts my garage to shame.

1/3 of an acre is nice, till it comes time to mow.

The yard is pretty small. Its a rambler so the house+ shop takes up more the land.

look like a winner brett-

one peice of advice.
In your closing procedure is 3 days for "neighborhood check" or something like that...
USE IT. Go out there at night (6:30-9pm)and just hangout- listen to the noise. watch the neighbors. Make sure it won't drive you nuts. There are a lot of little annoying things about neighbors & freewaynoise that you can't do anyting about once you have bought and moved in. make sure you are cool with that first!

Good advice Ben. There are really only 2 neighbors. The 3rd is way across the culdesac and kinda down the street. The nieghbor to the side and back are fairly far away but it seems to be a quite neighborhood. Its bellevue so mostly families I think.

Next BBQ will be at your place ;)

:thumbsup:

Good going Brett, make the sacrifices needed now to be a home owner and it will pay off in the end. I pay more a month than I would like, but it's worth it for getting the property I wanted. The shop looks cool now, but I want to see another pic of it when the Goat is in there, that's a sweet car:thumbsup:

Yeah I will take a pic for you guys when/if all moved in with the cars parked in there. I know all you guys care about is the shop anyway. ;)

Awesome, Congrats.

I don't understand what Rambo is talking about, He has the nicest neighbor.

I think its hilarious that You use a paragraph to describe the garage and a half of a sentence for the house. Then you post a pic of the garage,,, Still no house. You need to change the name of this thread to "I think I bought a garage" :D You are truly a car guy..
Congrats on the House Brett!!!::hurray:

Awesome Brett:thumbsup:

I agree with Ben. My wife and I went and knocked on doors in the neighborhood and met some neighbors. We asked them about noise and such. Only problem is that people move and people move in and there is nothing you can do about that. Right now I have some Jack A$$ that keeps riding his dirt bike up and down the street. Im about to call the Sherrif :mad:

Anyway shop looks real nice.

Yeah I will take a pic for you guys when/if all moved in with the cars parked in there. I know all you guys care about is the shop anyway. ;)

You're just buying a shop that comes with a free house.

If this was a forum about home improvement (Where George should be) Then I would have spoken more about the house. :D

Its a very nice rambler house with 3 rooms, 2 bedrooms having attached baths. It has lots of storage, none of the rooms are next to eachother, 1 being at the other end of the house. The laundry room is large with a toilet and sink next to it. kitchen is nice and open, good for entertaining. Has hydronic heat and water heater so no tank to run out of hot water and is a very effecient heating system. Has thermostats in each room to keep everyone happy and reduce cost. I'm going to put new carpet in it and paint the walls but thats about all it needs. Has new roof and gutters.

That's great Brett, I'm happy for you. I bet you can't wait to fill that shop up with BBC's and cars to take over the throne. :D

lol, would take a long time to earn that crown... :yes: Might just be easier to overthrow/assasinate the current king. ;)

Very nice Brett, congrats!

lol, would take a long time to earn that crown... :yes: Might just be easier to overthrow/assasinate the current king. ;)

At the rate I'm blowing up stuff, I may run out in a few years and you can inherit the throne. :noway:

Hey Brett, can I store a few thing's in the shop?;)

Hey Brett, can I store a few thing's in the shop?;)

Sure, your welder, alignment jig, car. etc. :yes:

If you want to get discount on any home improvement items, let me know :thumbsup: I get 10% off of stock merchandise and 10% above cost on any special order stuff.

If you want to get discount on any home improvement items, let me know :thumbsup: I get 10% off of stock merchandise and 10% above cost on any special order stuff.

Hmm, what about carpet? :)

Hmm, what about carpet? :)

Yeah...

I get 10% off stock carpet, and any special order carpet, if you can handle a 7-14 day wait, is 10% above cost. That above cost discount can turn a 1500$ project into a 750$ project or some times less depending on the cost :yes:

If you got 3 retards, I mean bachelors in a house, why redo the carpet?

If this was a forum about home improvement (Where George should be) Then I would have spoken more about the house. :D

I think there's a few of us that belong there, we just don't vocalize it as much as George does.

Sounds like a great property. I agree with checking out the neighborhood at night, some things are just plain annoying like dogs barking, stupid neighbors, etc.

If you got 3 retards, I mean bachelors in a house, why redo the carpet?

Contemplating letting my gf move in. :o It just needs new carpet. The color and condition so it will be changed. I will probably have a friend living with me, if he messes up the carpet it will come out of his security deposit. :yes:

Contemplating letting my gf move in. :o

:noway: Don't do it- BTDT & have the t-shirt & collector cup set to prove it.
Wait till you are married to move her in. :yes:

:noway: Don't do it- BTDT & have the t-shirt & collector cup set to prove it.
Wait till you are married to move her in. :yes:

No relationship advice from car guys! :noway: ;)

I would never marry a girl without living with her first. Were good friends, its not going to be a big deal. We work different schedules, have different hobbies, I'm charging her rent as if she was anyone else, I dont forsee any problems. If they arise, I kick her out.

As long as you keep the carpet short enough...:p:p:cool:

As long as you keep the carpet short enough...:p:p:cool:

Hardwood floors! :D

Hardwood floors! :D

Excellent!!!!!!!! :hurray:

No relationship advice from car guys! :noway: ;)

I would never marry a girl without living with her first. Were good friends, its not going to be a big deal. We work different schedules, have different hobbies, I'm charging her rent as if she was anyone else, I dont forsee any problems. If they arise, I kick her out.

Wow, its like listening to myself 7 years ago.... ;)

Nobody can really tell you how to live your life... and even if they do, you'll still do it your way. (I know I did dispite what everyone told me). So enjoy the ride!
It will eventually work out and be cool! :D

Hardwood floors! :D

:thumbsup:


I was going to say that, but with Dave around...

putting "hard" and "wood" in the same post is asking for trouble.:yes:

Hope the inspection works out, looks cool. Good luck!!!!!

Hardwood floors! :D

:thumbsup:

It worked out for me, we lived together for 8 years before getting married. Don't have any doubts before you go down that road.

I would never marry a girl without living with her first.

I agree 100%!!

The last one I did this with, found out her decrepit mom was part of the package, let me just say "deal breaker".

I agree 100%!!

The last one I did this with, found out her decrepit mom was part of the package, let me just say "deal breaker".

Thats almost as much baggage as a kid! :eek: Except decrepit moms die quicker :D

Thats almost as much baggage as a kid! :eek:

Yeah, but at least the kid would shutup sometimes and eventually have to go to school... this particular specimen didn't work, ever!!

:thumbsup:


I was going to say that, but with Dave around...

putting "hard" and "wood" in the same post is asking for trouble.:yes:

There's a reason I'm a carpenter.:yes: I get top play with MY wood all day long.

No relationship advice from car guys! :noway: ;)

I would never marry a girl without living with her first. Were good friends, its not going to be a big deal. We work different schedules, have different hobbies, I'm charging her rent as if she was anyone else, I dont forsee any problems. If they arise, I kick her out.

Yeah, until late one nite, when she starts paying her rent "in that special way";) She'll figure it out, they all do.

Brett, we all pay for it, one way or another.:yes:

l:)

I would never marry a girl without living with her first.

you don't buy a car without test driving it first:yes:

you don't buy a car without test driving it first:yes:

aside from the Dodge PU Paul, just how many of your cars have you been able to test drive?
You have been very quiet lately....

you don't buy a car without test driving it first:yes:

I should have clarified my comment a little more.
I wouldn't have married my wife without having lived with her first for a while either- But that doesn't mean you want to rush to have her living with you.

Take your time... Enjoy yourself...

you don't buy a car without test driving it first:yes:

I'd wager she's been for a test drive, this is a matter of which garage she gets to stay in. :D

lol, you old guys totally live vicariously through us kids. ;)

lol, you old guys totally live vicariously through us kids. ;)

say what?

say what?

:confused: I be speekang anglish son...

lol, you old guys totally live vicariously through us kids. ;)

l:) Get real! We were out getting l@#d at your age in the evening and you spend your time doing metal work.:boring:

Oh, look, Brett just got owned by George.:D

Oh, look, Brett just got owned by George.:D

The only metal work I be doing is with my pole biatch! :hurray:

The only metal work I be doing is with my pole biatch! :hurray:

It must be shiny from all that polishing...

It must be shiny from all that polishing...

LOL!!!! And greg takes it to the endzone!

Lmfao!!!!!!

It must be shiny from all that polishing...

That is about the best I've seen lately.:yes:

You'd think His right arm would be grotesquely larger then it is.;)

:D I love you guys. :yes:

Aaaawwwww c'mon, you love yourself, you know it.:D

WOW!
6 hours waiting and that's all we got for a comeback! :beers:

WOW!
6 hours waiting and that's all we got for a comeback! :beers:

George, There are a few things I would say but peoples feelings end up getting hurt or get offended. :rolleyes: ;) You can just guess what that may be.... I'm not saying! :noway: :D

This thread started out well but sure took a s@#t real quick.

This thread started out well but sure took a s@#t real quick.

Like everything in the NW section. :yes:

This thread started out well but sure took a s@#t real quick.

That's okay... Brett can use it for fertilizer at his new place.:D

lol

We are all just a bunch of post whores.

Getting the inspection today, going to tag along.

Getting the inspection today

Hopefully its just a rash!

May have to up the rent on that gf if it's more than that :yes:

How'd the inspection go?

looks like Brett is gonna have to moonlight doing metal work on my Elky

Hey Brett
I know it's been awhile, but I just wanted to say congratulations and well done. :thumbsup:
Looks like a great garage and you even get house with it ? :D Fantastic !
Cheers mate and welcome to the mortgage club.
Dave

The inspection went ok, they found a few issues but it was well worth the money. We asked for about half the items to be fixed and he responded he didnt want to do anything and would credit me $5k. I accepted tonight! :beers: Sounds like I am much closer to being a home owner.

Things to do:
Spray insulation in the attic and mount a fan to keep airflow and reduce moisture.
Fix vents in crawlspace to maintain airflow
windows need to be replaced because seals are broken but it can wait a few years

I will also be putting in new carpet and painting.

Just ordered the appraisal. I would be highly surprised if it comes in less than the loan amount. :noway:

The offer still stands for Lowes discount Brett :yes: Better hurry though, my driving record is clear on the 25th (Thursday) and I'll be looking for another job come next week :D

I can call an order into the Bellevue Lowes and use my discount card over the phone and you can go pay/pick it up as long as you know what you need ahead of time :p

When I first started my business, I specialized in apprasial repair lists for several local realtors. Several of those items can be done in a weekend, for real cheap.

Window retrofit can also be easily done depending on what's in there to start with.

Good to hear Brett, can't wait for the house warming party.

Chad, why a new job? :confused:

Dave, Maybe I'll have you come help me fix the place up! :yes: ;)

House warming party/car get together for sure. :yes:

House warming party/car get together for sure. :yes:

probably better to get the painting done and have the beer afterward!:beers:

best to do all you can possibly afford (maybe even go into debt) and get big things done before you move in.

Some very good boat racing friends of mine own a large local window company, I'm sure I can help out some when it comes to buying the windows in the future.

Chad, why a new job? :confused:

With my driving record clearing up, I'm going to get back into being an auto tech. Working on cars is way better than working retail.

Not going to burn any bridges though. Going to do a full two week notice if/when I find another job.

I especially want to do it because most dealerships around here and Renton and possible else where do 3/13's for a schedule with 4 days off plus over time. Would be an awesome schedule :D