For sale by offer

I've already been looking at costs, so I have an idea of what I'm getting myself into. All estimates of course, but I'm getting a general idea.

My dad is pretty handy with a lot of these things. He's done his own building/renovations & plumbing. Including restumping the back of our house years ago. So as long as I'm willing to be patient, I'm sure he'd be happy to help for the right price :)

I know a couple people quite well who have certain trade certificates (but don't work in the area anymore), who would help out, or charge a low fee as well :) most companies/tradies charge a decent travel fee to come here. So the more help I can get local, the better for me & them.

Well we went for a look today. It's actually more livable than I expected. It was used as a shearers quarters then empty for 3 years, so wasn't expecting much TBH. The only thing that needs to be done preferable before moving in, would be re-roofing. The carpet isn't nearly as bad as I thought. It was good to look after a decent rain too. I know that water is coming in through the range hood & fire place. There is a little water damage in the roof around the chimney. No other leaks though. Floors are all solid. It's actually 6 bedrooms, but one is off the kitchen, so they've classed it as a dining room.

The front of the house, the original building (lounge/kitchen/dining) may need re stumping. But as I mentioned, my dad can do that. The rest is concreted. A few of the stumps have already been done. But it's not going to fall apart any second, & the termite inspection will give me a lot more detail on that.

The bathroom wasn't on the website, but it's actually probably the best looking part of the house. Clean, tidy, good size etc. The previous owner had water/power/everything cut off (repossessed), so I couldn't check taps etc. But gas hot water system is a newer instant, model same as I had installed on my house 18 months ago.

Other than getting rid of the ugly, ripped lino in the kitchen, there's not a lot that actually needs to be done straight away. I have to think about the size of it & heating over winter, but there's time to think about that now.

The thing is, that with the $20 or so thousand it might take to do it up, it'd still come in at less than they'd want for my house I'm in now, as it sits. And my house needs extra's this house already has. This house has space, it has a rumpus room, an entertaining/bbq area outside & double shed/garage. Verandah off the front. Mine is a basic, standard 4brm house. No verandah/roofing of any kind once you step outside. Only the car port. No shed... again, just the car port. So our carport is storage (that can be seen from the road, yay) & there's some shade cloth out the back as some form of sun protection. I sit out the back in the sun, or in the car port when outside...
If I bought this for the $160/180 I expect them to ask, I'd still need to spend another 10 or so to have a shed & basic out door living area.

It has so much storage. Huge island bench in the kitchen, as well as built in, double door pantry. The 2 bedrooms upstairs have built ins, & the main has a huge walk in. Again, I have none of that here. A single pantry & a single linen press. All sheets/towels/blankets etc etc are trying to squeeze in there & kids have to store under their beds, coz there's nowhere else... The christmas tree lives in a corner of my room. I look at it year round! lol

So the space would be awesome...

It sounds huge!! What is the government valuation on it? It is sounding really good - I hope you get it!

I'm not sure. They wanted $129k when it was on the market. They had an offer of $115k, but that person couldn't get finance together. Apparently it's still under his offer though or something?? Mum is interested in having it evaluated, but then if they only value it at 80k, & I get the loan, I'd only be approved for the 80k. There'd be no extra to do any decent repairs first. It'd be taking care of the most urgent bits & pieces to live in, then as I can. I'd really like to be able to at least repair water damage, the roof, kitchen floor & probably replace the range hood. There's also the issue of if there are plumbing problems I don't know about & may not be able to find out about til after.

Again, thankfully, with the help of Bunnings & dear old Dad, we can do all that ourselves, but I'd rather pay someone with a harness & scaffolding to do the roof, especially on the second storey.

Is there someone I can contact to find out if it is actually condemned? I think it may be rumors, but I would like to be sure. Mum suggested the local shire should know?

I'd strongly recommend getting a proper building inspection done. that was you know exactly what you are in for.

My brother is a builder, but he isn't trained in inspections and he quite often will miss something when checking out an existing house.

Might be worth the couple hundred dollars for the peace of mind. They also would be able to tell you if its condemned.

I havr thought about that. I'll have to look into costs in my area. It can cost up to $1000 for an evaluation with travel costs.
Will look into it. I always assumed a building inspection was required with a sale for some reason? Maybe that's just because so many people do it.

:o $925 fee for travel for a building inspection. Just for travel... Another $490 for the actual inspection!

Wow, that is a fair bit of travel allowance! Can you ask if they are coming to/through the area in the next while to split travel? Are they travelling by limo?!

The joys of living in WA. This was a Perth company. I'm 4 hours south. I'll see if any are closer, but the bigger regional centres are all 2-3 hours away.

My uncle is having mum & dad's property at home evaluated on Thursday to see if using my third of that will help me.

Mum did say that he would also arrange the building inspection & it would be included in the loan, so I won't need to pay it upfront. I didn't realise that. And I've found building inspectors closer, so hopefully there won't be such ridiculous travel costs.

Things are happening. I'm still doubtful, but it is a little exciting! Google tells me that CBA are about the only ones who will accept centrelink as a form of income, and they're the ones doing the valuation. The fact that they will accept it is a good start :)

I better keep christmas basic for now & get some actual savings in the bank, rather than just deposit money. Can only help, even if it isn't long term. I hope...

Nervous. Mum & dad's place is being evaluated today...

I'm crossing everything for you Xox

Or not. A key was supposed to be dropped into the office. It wasn't. They drove to the property (120k) & the spare wasn't where it was supposed to be either.

Wonder if this will help or hinder my chances :/ wish we weren't all the way over here now.

Oh. The spare was there. But there was a black snake next to it, so he left... lol oh dear

Well I hope you don't have to pay anything for a "nothing" visit.

Me too. Monday or Tuesday he should be going that way again.

Waiting for news. Valuation was done last week. They were just waiting for a dwelling entitlement check, which there isn't.
Would have the report done early this week. Keep forgetting close of business over there is 3 hours earlier than here lol.
Saving as best I can :/ which sucks for christmas, but hoping it helps in some way!

Ok, I have something to think about now. There was a suicide in the shed. I'm not sure that changes how I feel about the place or not.

Im not sure how to delete pic. I know what it's about now though.