[KeithO]

Mods- this is far off topic and if you feel this is inappropriate, feel free to remove this thread.

I am posting this here because I know that there are alot of intelligent, experienced people on this site beyond playing with f-bodies...

My wife and I signed paperwork for an offer on a house yesterday. The offer is contingent on us selling our house (open house is today!) and I don't know if this will work out. Even so I am thinking ahead.

The house was built in 1900 and is a frame construction. The siding, windows, electrical service, and plumbing was all replaced within the last 5 years. In that same timeframe, the extensive woodwork and stained glass was all restored to a high standard. The first time we visited the house, my wife's reaction was "I love this house but it is too nice for us, we'd ruin it". We have an 11-year-old and a very active 3-year-old. I understand her sentiment all too well.

(As an aside, the bonus here is that the house is about 15 miles from Beaver Run Motorsports Complex and has a 3-car detached garage that has an inside height tall enough for a lift. What a coincidence! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif) )

Anyway, I don't know diddley about houses and the offer we have is additionally contingent upon a clean home inspection by a professional home inspector.

Is anyone here knowledgeable about homes and specifically old ones? If so, do you have any advice for me? Is anyone aware of any websites that might specialize in houses like this?

I know that this house is my wife's dream house. I just don't want her waking up from one of those dreams where you show up for school in your pajamas. Hahaha.

[jensend]

A contrasting view from a former trim and finish carpenter. My wife and i bought a turn of the century house in good condition in 1982. Our plan was to "restore " it to its original full Victorian splendor. I have skills and tools and had both a fulltime and part-time job. We redid the plumbing, the roof, the bathroom, the electrical service and paid a paltry $4500 to have someone else paint the house. During this lengthy process our two sons were born. We quickly realized that we could devote the bulk of our time and resources to completing and maintaining the house or we could spend our time and money raising our kids. We chose our kids ( a decision which I, as a cancer survivor, am truly glad to jave made). Presently both boys live at home ( one is in college) and I have recently retired. The house, while in decent shape continues to need regular maintenance and repairs . We do them on a strictly priority basis. My time and family are valuable to me. However "beautiful" a house may be, it's only a building. It was here before me and will likely be here after I'm gone. If I had it to do over, I'd buy a simple, lo0w maintenance home and spend all of my time and most all of my money on my family. Let someone else sacrifice their earnings and time with family to impress others or get a spead in "House Beautiful". Personally, as soon as the boys are on their own, I'm selling this place and using its equity to enjoy whatever time is left and help my kids with their college loans.