It's Official
I have spent three days house-looking on-line. I can waste hours and hours and end up all befuddled anyway. And then this morning I got two comments from readers urging me to consider the Chattanooga TN area, as the houses there are more affordable.
So on a whim I went to the mls site for TN and got hooked. So did Dave, downstairs on his computer. We were hollerin' up and down the hall, "I found one that you won't believe"
"No come and look at this one, it has a pool!"
"This one has a pool and 12 acres!"
"I found one that looks like it belongs in Provence, France and is brand new...with a barrel ceiling in the master"
and on and on.
Almost got caught still in my pajamas by the real estate people when they came to take measurements.
Sigh.
The weather turned so nice that we decided to take a walk around the block to soak up some vitamin D and discuss the plans, or re-discuss the plans. I had made hotel reservations for mid April in the Asheville area and now I have lost interest in going there. Mostly because I feel that I can get more than I thought was possible for the money in these other locales.
I am kinda glad that there is this time factor where I can't really do anything, since my mind changes so often...like a kid in a candy store with a whole dollar in my pocket.
A kitchen with a French theme, and beautiful top knotch everything.
Barrel ceiling in the master bedroom, similar to our vacation hotel room in San Miguel Mexico.
We likey.
This decking is made from that no maintenance recycled stuff like Trex, and the outdoor fireplace...o my!
Your weather looks beautiful. Here is a little tidbit. I used to email with the one of the founders of REMAX. Her name is Maxine and RE is Raymond.
ReplyDeleteShe sold out to him some years ago and is now into a completely different branch of business. Didn't know they sold over the borders too into the US.
Question: How many Realtors are allowed to sell 1 house?
Well, things seem earnest now. Wish you all the best with your move.
Just recovered from selling/buying ourselves in November, I really hope you have a smooth one! And that the US has a more sensible approach to buying/selling than here in the UK (where your buyer can pull out 1hr before signing the contracts, without compensation, it happened to us) Like you I took our photos because the estate agents where so disappointing. I must say though that you can get some serious properties where you are going! Crossing my fingers for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to visualize those walls in Mel's colors.Where ever the Johnson homestead is,a visit will be a click away.
ReplyDeleteWhy would 2 people want 12 acres? I guess because you can, America is huge. That house looks nice but I wouldn't feel cosy with all that big open space and no garden. BUT, does look low maintenance.
ReplyDeleteI like this one a lot! Is it in Chattagoony? Do we have to move so far south? I will not twang. I refuse. And does it snow there? Must have a white Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI never thought I wanted "land" but we now live on 10 acres near Richmond Va and I LOVE the space! I'll share one bit about Asheville - it's beautiful there but my Aunt just relocated back to VA from Asheville - she said the traffic there now is horrible. it's becoming big-cityish. Love the photos of the hose you found on line.
ReplyDeleteHow much $ is that french theme house?
ReplyDeleteUrsula, that house on 2.25 acres is a mere $315K. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime I have found a dozen more that are equally as wonderous, big and even some with private lakes. This will prove to be difficult...in a good way.
wow! What about property tax? I live in NJ. Very expensive here, houses and taxes. I want to move south too...
ReplyDeleteI can't find any info on taxes, but I assume they are low, lower than IL and NJ for sure.
ReplyDeleteWell, there is one mountain in Chatanooga plus there's a marvelous acquarium. If you relocate there, I would advise finding a place with shade trees. It gets VERY warm in the summer down here. The one summer we came back to Tennessee we spent everyday inside with the curtains drawn because of the heat ... and we have trees. The good news about property taxes is they are very low. The state gets income from high taxes on anything you purchase. Also there's no state income tax. However, there's a hefty one called the Halls Tax on profits from investments which is the income for us retired people.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll find big houses on really wonderful property in a lot of places in Tennessee. The trick is figuring out what big towns or geography you want to be near.
Having lived in Louisiana for 12 years, I second the thoughts on buying a house with trees. The shade of a large tree really helps alot in the heat and humidity of summer in the south. If you have two close enough you can put a hammock built for two between them!
ReplyDeleteThat being said... that barrel ceiling is gawgeous!
Mel
ReplyDeleteI think you would like it anywhere in Eastern TN or western NC or SC. Asheville is expensive; however, if you get outside of the immediate area it is more affordable. Don't give up on Asheville, again just look outside the area. TN is only 1 hour away on I-26 and their are some small towns outside of Asheville in NC that are affordable. Another place in the NC mountains that is neat is Boone, NC the home of Appalachia State.
Chattanooga TN is a great town. They have done a lot to revitalize the downtown area. It does get hot in the summer, mid 90s. This is not too much of a concern for us southerners; however, since you come from the North it might take a while to get use to it, several summers at least. Also Chattanooga is only 2 hours away from Atlanta.
Because Asheville is in the mountains, the heat is not going to be as much as an issue; however, you will still have summer days in the 90s.
I am excited to think you will be moving to the area.
Jennifer from Johnson City, TN
oh my, love the sink in the kitchen, not that it would want me to spend that much time in one.
ReplyDeletehave fun house hunting and Tenneessee is not a bad place to look.
mrs. Mel, Brother in law lives in suburb of Chattanooga. Water comes out of the Tennessee river, tastes not so great, he had to install whole house filter due to skin allergies. Interstate around the city makes easier to get around, can get even hotter than high 90's in august, really must know what you are buying as far as air conditioning. Not much snow in winter, White christmases are not the norm. Definitely would go visit for a week or two and sample the area.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, if you don't buy it, I want it!
ReplyDeleteI do hope in reality it's as good as it's photos, it seems glorious,
Sally B
I can't believe you are leaving me! That new house is oh, so super fancy. Will you "Mel" it up with those beautiful red walls? I hope so. Your current home is so wonderfully you.
ReplyDelete