First offer... declined. Not even a counter-offer. Guess they haven't been on the market long enough to take a kick in the shorts like the one I accepted.
We'll probably throw another offer at them a little higher and with no appliances and no hot-tub, as that seemed to be a sticking point for them... if that doesn't work, we'll move on and wait for something else to come along. There's many other properties out there, just hard to find one on blacktop, but something will come along.
Enganeer said
Oct 26, 2011
Don't be too quick to make another offer, you have entered into a poker game.
Maybe wait a day or two. Removing the hangups as you mentioned will also help separate the seller from the emotional attachment of such items.
Lost in the 60s said
Oct 26, 2011
Let it sit till next week. They can think about it over the weekend and fret that you don't want it enough to come right back. I don't know how much you want the hot tub, but most people I know consider them another form of boat ownership. The 2 happiest days are the day they get it and the day it leaves. If they want the tub, help them load it up...
Derek69SS said
Oct 26, 2011
Hot tub means nothing to me... Jenna wanted it, but it's not a real big deal to her.
The refrigerator and the hot tub were both recent and expensive ones, which is why it's an issue. My BIL can get awesome pricing on new appliances through his work (he's a project manager building apartment buildings, so they buy a lot of them) and starting out with all brand-new doesn't seem like a bad idea either.
Lost in the 60s said
Oct 26, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
Hot tub means nothing to me... Jenna wanted it, but it's not a real big deal to her.
The refrigerator and the hot tub were both recent and expensive ones, which is why it's an issue. My BIL can get awesome pricing on new appliances through his work (he's a project manager building apartment buildings, so they buy a lot of them) and starting out with all brand-new doesn't seem like a bad idea either.
Then my next offer would be the same price but they can keep all the appliances. Yes, starting out with new is an advantage in that you have a warrenty and get what you want.
bowtie said
Nov 6, 2011
I might have missed it, but is your current house sale a done deal now and you're in the packing and waiting until closing game now?
Did the buyers want an inspection done?
Hope everythings still going in favor for you. We have had a ton of showings (25-30) including 3 second showings now. There's been another uptick since we dropped the price some, but I think we're done with that now. Now we wait.
Derek69SS said
Nov 6, 2011
Inspection and appraisal were done last week, now we just wait for closing on the 30th.
We're going to be renting my brother's house until we buy something, so we're slowly moving things we don't "need" into the garage there. He has a pretty nice heated shop there, so progress on the Chevelle should continue once we're settled in.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 6, 2011
Any second offer on the kart track, er, I mean the HOUSE by the kart track ??
Derek69SS said
Nov 7, 2011
Not yet... Jenna wants to look at a few more houses first.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 7, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
Not yet... Jenna wants to look at a few more houses first.
She sounds like my wife. We looked at over 12 houses and there was no "love at first sight". This was her favorite after a YEAR of shopping and though it wasn't my ideal location we, obviously, bought it. It cost 15k more to build my shop here than on a flat piece of ground and I've had to contend with the 300 ft long driveway that slopes uphill the entire length. NOT fun in the winter.
Derek69SS said
Nov 7, 2011
I don't like any of the locations of houses she wants to look at... all too close to neighbors for my liking. She accused me of not liking people...
I like people, as long as they enjoy engaging in the same type of wreckless, irresponsible, and antisocial behavior as I do... shooting stuff, lighting things on fire, blowing things up, etc. Not that I'd do that stuff every day, I just don't like having anyone tell me I can't do it.
Dave Seitz said
Nov 7, 2011
One of the new members Chad has a Legends car or two. :)
Enganeer said
Nov 7, 2011
Neighbors are fine...from a distance.
Scott Parkhurst said
Nov 7, 2011
I wish you worked closer. Scott and I are good neighbors...
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 7, 2011
I hear ya on the neighbors. I wanted 10 acres but couldn't afford the prices so we ended up with 2 1/2. No shooting allowed but we do have some cool bonfires now and again. What does she she wrong about reckless, irresponsible, anti-social behaviour...my wife learned to live with it...
67ss said
Nov 7, 2011
My neighbors come over to watch the smoke shows usually. How did all those black marks get out on the road
bowtie said
Nov 7, 2011
Chris, You had a decent fire that first year if I remember well.
Derek69SS said
Nov 16, 2011
Change in plans... My brother just called. His house is SOLD.
Now, we're looking at putting everything in storage and moving into my parents' basement until we buy something... Looking at 2 more places tomorrow, but they're both much higher priced than the place by the kart track.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 16, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
Change in plans... My brother just called. His house is SOLD.
Now, we're looking at putting everything in storage and moving into my parents' basement until we buy something... Looking at 2 more places tomorrow, but they're both much higher priced than the place by the kart track.
Sorry to hear this, Derek. Too close to winter and the holidays to be playing house tag.
I did check out some cool used karts on racing junk. $1500 should provide some dirty fun....
bowtie said
Nov 16, 2011
That sucks!
Scott Parkhurst said
Nov 17, 2011
Awww man.
Now I have to dig up a slew of new 'parents basement' jokes. I thought those were gone for good.
Derek69SS said
Nov 17, 2011
Things may be falling into place soon.
We're looking at 2 places tonight, and one more tomorrow over lunch... and the people by the kart track have decided now they're ready to deal, as I got somewhat of an informal counter offer on that one today, trying to entice me into making another offer.
Scott Parkhurst said
Nov 17, 2011
You'll find something soon..
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 17, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
Things may be falling into place soon.
We're looking at 2 places tonight, and one more tomorrow over lunch... and the people by the kart track have decided now they're ready to deal, as I got somewhat of an informal counter offer on that one today, trying to entice me into making another offer.
Your patience may have payed off. Like my ealier post, I would let them have the appliances that they want and offer the same amount, or a little less for the loss of the appliances....
Good luck with the next 3. Of course, we NEED to know all about them too.
Derek69SS said
Nov 17, 2011
http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4032251&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer 5 minutes to Rochester, back yard would work perfectly for a pistol range, house and garages are kind of small... price has been dropping quickly. Concerns: Rochester has expanded to about 1-mile away... don't want to become surrounded with homes, also don't want to send our kids to Rochester schools.
http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4033443&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer Older house that needs some work, but looks livable and we could pay cash for it... 11 acres, and gets me 40min closer to the cities for my trips to NCC and autocross events, not to mention future job prospects if my work here ever goes away. Foreclosure that just came on the market yesterday. Good enough to live in for 5 years while we bank money to build new??? We'll see.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 17, 2011
The Oronoco home is small and seems overpriced because of it's location to Rochester. If the economy and housing market ever recover, the expansion could easily get to your door.
I LIKE your dream home !! Going to see it and thinking that will help you get over it isn't going to work. That is a nice house and you'll only want it more. Been there, done that.
The third one is rough but with that amount of land and the price, it would be very hard to resist. Is the school district one you are OK with ? It doesn't specify heating. I see baseboard registers or outlets. Hopefully it's not all electric. The house is BIG too ! Wow, 4200 sq ft. I'm thinking that won't stay on the market long. An investor could probably make some money on refurbishing that for resale. He!! we have that much in the bank. Maybe I should buy it as a "winter project"....
Enganeer said
Nov 17, 2011
The last one looks promising. Close to the cites yet enough room to have your privacy.
I see electric heat, which could get spendy. Any chance for natural gas or LP?
bowtie said
Nov 17, 2011
I like the middle one the best. Space, surrounded by farmland which in that area will stay farmland for a while I bet. The map on the listing shows it to be out by Mitch, but that's wrong.
Bowtieman427 said
Nov 17, 2011
The last one looks like a HUD house. This is one I would consider if I was newly married and had no kids and a lot time to dink around. As your kids get older you will not have time for anything but getting them to where they need to go. Working on a house will take the back burner. If it is you can low ball bid and maybe you will get it fix it up and dump it. The only issue I see in that area is little, to no forseeable market. Need to find a realitor that will not play around.
Form an investment perspective the Oronoco one is you best bet. It has the most potential to go up in value and hold value form a buy and sale perspective. Bigger and better market. Also you need to check if your kids have to go to Rochester. I thought Oronoco had a choice as many kids from there go to Pine Island. There is future expansion planned in North Oronoco (Pine Island annex) called Elk Run. One thing about Oronoco which is weird is there is not to much there becuase it is so close to Rochester. You will be doing everything in Rochester. Convience factor is way up in that area as they have been making north Rochster better and eventually they will be moving Menards North to a new interchange if it ever happans with potential for growth. As far as people you will be ok for a little while as growth has slowed. One thing to consider you will have land and hopfully many of your potential neighbors have a couple acres too (built in buffer). A couple acres close to Rochester will do nothng but go up in value and be more stable then the more rural areas.
The $299 one may be ok too if you want to live there and it your and wife's dream house then go for it.
Derek69SS said
Nov 17, 2011
The Oronoco house is very nice. Its very similar in size and layout of the house we're in now, but with a nicely finished basement. Not enough ceiling height in the garages for a lift though. Jim, I had the same thoughts... that one's going to retain its value very well, and probably would be the easiest to sell later. Price seems reasonable considering the location, but IMHO they're asking a premium for a location that we don't really like. Not enough "small town" feel to it, as it's right on the edge of Rochester... it would be nice to have a <10-minute drive to work though. I'd probably make an offer if I thought I could get it for around $225k
The Racine house for $299k is WAY overpriced. It looks good in the pics, but I really don't like the layout of the house, and everything is very outdated in it. IMHO, it's worth about $200k. Glad I looked at it so I can get it out of my head now.
The foreclosure by West Concord I'll look at tomorrow. Jenna's on-board with the idea of living in a dump while we build what we really want... shop first, of course. She has even suggested building something like this: http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4032431&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer (although resale has to be terrible on something like that, but it's good to know she'd happily live in a shop )
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 17, 2011
The Racine house looks well kept and shows well in the pics. Always a different story in person, eh ? Kinda like buying cars unseen on ebay...
That last link to a house/shop is quite unique. You wouldn't get a permit for anything like that in "the cities".
I'd love to be able to live in the open country with 10+ acres but my wife is a "city" girl. She thought our small acreage was big when we moved here.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 17, 2011
bowtie wrote:
I like the middle one the best. Space, surrounded by farmland which in that area will stay farmland for a while I bet. The map on the listing shows it to be out by Mitch, but that's wrong.
Yeah, I saw that too and forgot to mention it. I was gonna razz him that if he drove that close to me every day, why hadn't he stopped in ??
Derek69SS said
Nov 17, 2011
Lost in the 60s wrote:
That last link to a house/shop is quite unique. You wouldn't get a permit for anything like that in "the cities".
In Dodge County they'll let you build anything... very little government meddling, and low property taxes make it my preferred county to move to.
Yeah, the map to the Racine house is way off... Those aren't always very reliable.
-- Edited by Derek69SS on Thursday 17th of November 2011 08:36:20 PM
Bowtieman427 said
Nov 17, 2011
What happend to the to track house...Did you get another offer in ? In Oronoco you will have to get a permit to do anything : ( Sure taxes are higher their also. We are in Goodhue right on boarder taxes are a little lower and BS not as bad as Olmsted. Not as good as Dodge or Wabasha.
Seen anything in Kasson, Mantorville area ? Those are nice towns too. They have a very good school system. They are real good in sports they beat us at everyhting. Not sure on the taxes they built a new school not to long ago. Kasson has a Dirt track at the fare grounds not sure if it is still going. I thought Kasson realestate was depressed right now, perhaps from school levies like Byron. Those levies will not last forever. Mantoville is a great small town. Great food.. Hubble house and Candy store. They even do old mela drama plays. Very old fashioned place. Straight shot to Rochester from either of them.
http://www.dodgecountyspeedway.com/
When the wind is right you can hear them running in Pine Island. 10-15 miles away.
Derek69SS said
Nov 17, 2011
I'll probably get another offer in on the one by the kart track tomorrow, unless I choose to make an offer on that foreclosure first.
Derek69SS said
Nov 18, 2011
That foreclosure is rough... not at all liveable. No furnace, no appliances, the plumbing has been frozen, the roof is in bad shape, etc. The land is fantastic though. It will sell I'm sure, but not to me. I'm just not comfortable taking on the debt of building a new shop and a new house.
We might make another offer tonight on the one by the kart track.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 18, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
That foreclosure is rough... not at all liveable. No furnace, no appliances, the plumbing has been frozen, the roof is in bad shape, etc. The land is fantastic though. It will sell I'm sure, but not to me. I'm just not comfortable taking on the debt of building a new shop and a new house.
We might make another offer tonight on the one by the kart track.
So they are basically selling the land and the new owner will bear the cost of removing the trash before building new. Fire department training ??
Derek69SS said
Nov 18, 2011
Yeah, if someone wanted a big old house, it could probably be made livable for 30k and be a decent property for cheap, but we're not really interested in living in an old house that's going to take a lot of effort to keep up, and it's not worth sticking any money in for temporary use. I have enough hobbies, I don't need a house restoration project...
bowtie said
Nov 18, 2011
We looked at a house up by me. @4600 square feet, wooded back yard on a cul-de-sac, nice neighborhood. Listing price was @$210K. Went to see it in person and it needed @ $40K in fixing to be acceptable for living. Still would have been a great deal for someone, but not me.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 18, 2011
bowtie wrote:
We looked at a house up by me. @4600 square feet, wooded back yard on a cul-de-sac, nice neighborhood. Listing price was @$210K. Went to see it in person and it needed @ $40K in fixing to be acceptable for living. Still would have been a great deal for someone, but not me.
I thought you put yours on the market to buy one you already had your eye on ??
On a different note, we got our property tax statement for next year. They went down 6% due to the devaluation of our property. Doesn't bother me that they think it's worth less, since we don't plan to sell in the foreseeable future.
bowtie said
Nov 18, 2011
We did. Before we actually wrote an offer, we looked to see what was out there. Probably should have done it like Derek-get the brain damage done and get the money first then go buy, but I don't think we would have been as lucky finding something like this in the cities.
Derek69SS said
Nov 22, 2011
We couldn't come together on a price on that Hayfield one, so we're moving on... made an offer on the foreclosure by West Concord. If we can get that one, we'll build a shop w/ living quarters next summer.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 22, 2011
bowtie wrote:
We did. Before we actually wrote an offer, we looked to see what was out there. Probably should have done it like Derek-get the brain damage done and get the money first then go buy, but I don't think we would have been as lucky finding something like this in the cities.
I don't mean to steal Derek's thread but I hadn't heard you bought something else. Sounds like you're moving up by Chris ...
bowtie said
Nov 22, 2011
Well, about 9 blocks closer...... We'll be up by Lowe's and Menards in Coon Rapids.
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 28, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
made an offer on the foreclosure by West Concord.
What came of this ?
Derek69SS said
Nov 28, 2011
I haven't heard anything except that there were multiple offers on it... doubt mine was high enough to get it.
We moved into my parents' basement over the weekend.
Enganeer said
Nov 28, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
We moved into my parents' basement over the weekend.
Let the jokes begin.
- J/K, I don't think you will have to wait too long for something decent to show up.
Derek69SS said
Nov 28, 2011
In the past 2 years there's been several places that we liked, but couldn't afford without selling ours first. More of those types of places will come up again. :)
Lost in the 60s said
Nov 28, 2011
Derek69SS wrote:
I haven't heard anything except that there were multiple offers on it... doubt mine was high enough to get it.
We moved into my parents' basement over the weekend.
Your's would be non-contingent, cash...
Derek69SS said
Nov 28, 2011
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Your's would be non-contingent, cash...
Yup, but our offer was only $65k because we had to keep something aside for a down-payment to build. Full asking price of $75k was a good buy, and I'd bet it sold for close to that.
First offer... declined. Not even a counter-offer. Guess they haven't been on the market long enough to take a kick in the shorts like the one I accepted.
We'll probably throw another offer at them a little higher and with no appliances and no hot-tub, as that seemed to be a sticking point for them... if that doesn't work, we'll move on and wait for something else to come along. There's many other properties out there, just hard to find one on blacktop, but something will come along.
Maybe wait a day or two. Removing the hangups as you mentioned will also help separate the seller from the emotional attachment of such items.
Let it sit till next week. They can think about it over the weekend and fret that you don't want it enough to come right back. I don't know how much you want the hot tub, but most people I know consider them another form of boat ownership. The 2 happiest days are the day they get it and the day it leaves. If they want the tub, help them load it up...
The refrigerator and the hot tub were both recent and expensive ones, which is why it's an issue. My BIL can get awesome pricing on new appliances through his work (he's a project manager building apartment buildings, so they buy a lot of them) and starting out with all brand-new doesn't seem like a bad idea either.
Did the buyers want an inspection done?
Hope everythings still going in favor for you. We have had a ton of showings (25-30) including 3 second showings now. There's been another uptick since we dropped the price some, but I think we're done with that now. Now we wait.
We're going to be renting my brother's house until we buy something, so we're slowly moving things we don't "need" into the garage there. He has a pretty nice heated shop there, so progress on the Chevelle should continue once we're settled in.
Any second offer on the kart track, er, I mean the HOUSE by the kart track ??
I don't like any of the locations of houses she wants to look at... all too close to neighbors for my liking. She accused me of not liking people...
I like people, as long as they enjoy engaging in the same type of wreckless, irresponsible, and antisocial behavior as I do... shooting stuff, lighting things on fire, blowing things up, etc.
Not that I'd do that stuff every day, I just don't like having anyone tell me I can't do it.

Neighbors are fine...from a distance.
I hear ya on the neighbors. I wanted 10 acres but couldn't afford the prices so we ended up with 2 1/2. No shooting allowed but we do have some cool bonfires now and again. What does she she wrong about reckless, irresponsible, anti-social behaviour...my wife learned to live with it...
My neighbors come over to watch the smoke shows usually. How did all those black marks get out on the road
Change in plans... My brother just called. His house is SOLD.
Now, we're looking at putting everything in storage and moving into my parents' basement until we buy something... Looking at 2 more places tomorrow, but they're both much higher priced than the place by the kart track.
Now I have to dig up a slew of new 'parents basement' jokes. I thought those were gone for good.
Things may be falling into place soon.
We're looking at 2 places tonight, and one more tomorrow over lunch... and the people by the kart track have decided now they're ready to deal, as I got somewhat of an informal counter offer on that one today, trying to entice me into making another offer.
http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4032251&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer 5 minutes to Rochester, back yard would work perfectly for a pistol range, house and garages are kind of small... price has been dropping quickly. Concerns: Rochester has expanded to about 1-mile away... don't want to become surrounded with homes, also don't want to send our kids to Rochester schools.
http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4030133&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer More money than I want to spend, but I drive by this place a lot and have always admired it from the road... hoping that looking at it will allow me to get over wanting it.
http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4033443&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer Older house that needs some work, but looks livable and we could pay cash for it... 11 acres, and gets me 40min closer to the cities for my trips to NCC and autocross events, not to mention future job prospects if my work here ever goes away. Foreclosure that just came on the market yesterday. Good enough to live in for 5 years while we bank money to build new??? We'll see.
The Oronoco home is small and seems overpriced because of it's location to Rochester. If the economy and housing market ever recover, the expansion could easily get to your door.
I LIKE your dream home !! Going to see it and thinking that will help you get over it isn't going to work. That is a nice house and you'll only want it more. Been there, done that.
The third one is rough but with that amount of land and the price, it would be very hard to resist. Is the school district one you are OK with ? It doesn't specify heating. I see baseboard registers or outlets. Hopefully it's not all electric. The house is BIG too ! Wow, 4200 sq ft. I'm thinking that won't stay on the market long. An investor could probably make some money on refurbishing that for resale. He!! we have that much in the bank. Maybe I should buy it as a "winter project"....
I see electric heat, which could get spendy. Any chance for natural gas or LP?
Form an investment perspective the Oronoco one is you best bet. It has the most potential to go up in value and hold value form a buy and sale perspective. Bigger and better market. Also you need to check if your kids have to go to Rochester. I thought Oronoco had a choice as many kids from there go to Pine Island.
There is future expansion planned in North Oronoco (Pine Island annex) called Elk Run. One thing about Oronoco which is weird is there is not to much there becuase it is so close to Rochester. You will be doing everything in Rochester. Convience factor is way up in that area as they have been making north Rochster better and eventually they will be moving Menards North to a new interchange if it ever happans with potential for growth. As far as people you will be ok for a little while as growth has slowed. One thing to consider you will have land and hopfully many of your potential neighbors have a couple acres too (built in buffer). A couple acres close to Rochester will do nothng but go up in value and be more stable then the more rural areas.
The $299 one may be ok too if you want to live there and it your and wife's dream house then go for it.
The Oronoco house is very nice. Its very similar in size and layout of the house we're in now, but with a nicely finished basement. Not enough ceiling height in the garages for a lift though. Jim, I had the same thoughts... that one's going to retain its value very well, and probably would be the easiest to sell later. Price seems reasonable considering the location, but IMHO they're asking a premium for a location that we don't really like. Not enough "small town" feel to it, as it's right on the edge of Rochester... it would be nice to have a <10-minute drive to work though. I'd probably make an offer if I thought I could get it for around $225k
The Racine house for $299k is WAY overpriced. It looks good in the pics, but I really don't like the layout of the house, and everything is very outdated in it. IMHO, it's worth about $200k. Glad I looked at it so I can get it out of my head now.
The foreclosure by West Concord I'll look at tomorrow. Jenna's on-board with the idea of living in a dump while we build what we really want... shop first, of course. She has even suggested building something like this: http://www.smtidx.com/live/IDX/details.php?id=4032431&type=re&sort=1#headerFileContainer (although resale has to be terrible on something like that, but it's good to know she'd happily live in a shop
)
The Racine house looks well kept and shows well in the pics. Always a different story in person, eh ? Kinda like buying cars unseen on ebay...
That last link to a house/shop is quite unique. You wouldn't get a permit for anything like that in "the cities".
I'd love to be able to live in the open country with 10+ acres but my wife is a "city" girl. She thought our small acreage was big when we moved here.
In Dodge County they'll let you build anything... very little government meddling, and low property taxes make it my preferred county to move to.
Yeah, the map to the Racine house is way off... Those aren't always very reliable.
-- Edited by Derek69SS on Thursday 17th of November 2011 08:36:20 PM
In Oronoco you will have to get a permit to do anything : ( Sure taxes are higher their also. We are in Goodhue right on boarder taxes are a little lower and BS not as bad as Olmsted. Not as good as Dodge or Wabasha.
Seen anything in Kasson, Mantorville area ? Those are nice towns too. They have a very good school system. They are real good in sports they beat us at everyhting. Not sure on the taxes they built a new school not to long ago. Kasson has a Dirt track at the fare grounds not sure if it is still going. I thought Kasson realestate was depressed right now, perhaps from school levies like Byron. Those levies will not last forever. Mantoville is a great small town. Great food.. Hubble house and Candy store. They even do old mela drama plays. Very old fashioned place. Straight shot to Rochester from either of them.
http://www.dodgecountyspeedway.com/
When the wind is right you can hear them running in Pine Island. 10-15 miles away.
We might make another offer tonight on the one by the kart track.
We moved into my parents' basement over the weekend.
Let the jokes begin.
- J/K, I don't think you will have to wait too long for something decent to show up.
In the past 2 years there's been several places that we liked, but couldn't afford without selling ours first. More of those types of places will come up again. :)
Yup, but our offer was only $65k because we had to keep something aside for a down-payment to build. Full asking price of $75k was a good buy, and I'd bet it sold for close to that.