The Scary Mommy Community is a place to find support and camaraderie with amazing moms who love to help one another. We are scattered all around the world, of all different colors and sizes and lifestyles, united by a single thing: motherhood.

Please create a profile to post and for access to all of boards. It's quick and completely painless!

Motherhood Comes Naturally (and other vicious lies) is available in stores, and online, NOW. Do you have it yet? Have you told all your friends and family about it? **Get it, share it, and spread the joy!**
house hunt
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    we have been looking for a house for awhile and one friday we looked at one. it is 149,899 built in 19003bed 1 1/2 bath. no basement, .36 acre. the guy bought it at auction for 25,000 he redid outside siding door frames windows  This home has been completely updated with all new baths, flooring, heating, central A/C, driveway and more. The kitchen is beautiful with new cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Bonus room that could be used for walk-in closet or office. Nice deck overlooking secluded back yard. Seller is offering a one year home warranty.
    We  were told by the Realtor to offer 155,000 and 3% seller help. We said we didn't want to do that. why up the asking price then ask for seller help?!?!? so long story short... it needs a paved drive way DH sport car will not do well in the gravel mud thing that is there now. and the roof looks like shit. we both think it needs a new roof and there is a huge tree hanging branches over the house we want trimmed back. So we told Realtor 155,000 with the 3% seller help and he do driveway look into doing roof and trim tree.(since seller stated he wasn't done renovating yet) We signed contract the guy accepted. So fast forward to today when the Realtor informs me that the seller intends to only replace one more window and that's it. wtf did we offer a higher price for then? i want the house i want to move. I have yet to receive a copy of the contract to even look if the Realtor put in the contract about the roof tree and driveway. what if he screwed us over?!?! did we offer more so that the Realtor could get more money? how does that work? the kids start school on aug 27th.. i need to know what school they will be attending so stressed out i cant even deal with this. i guess my questions are do we do inspection see if the roof will make it 2-3 more years get the guy to do driveway since the listing says new driveway not gravel dirt driveway. and screw the tree?!
    image
    image

    image
    image

  • GrainneGrainne
    Posts: 862Member
    Get inspection! I don't get why the realtor pushed to up over asking and sellers help? I'm in Canada and have never heard of seller help. When we bought our house we upped slightly (400,000 for asking price of 399) because there was another offer in before ours. Don't you have to get an inspection as a condition of sale?
  • GrainneGrainne
    Posts: 862Member
    Beautiful house btw forgot to add :)
  • SammieSammie
    Posts: 7,281Administrator, Moderator
    @realtormom

    I know nothing about this sort of thing, but I
    do know that I would be PISSED if I paid more money and was promised big things that were not being delivered. There has to be something you can do!!

    It's a gorgeous house, so I'm hoping it all works out! Good luck!

    community-manager


  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    yes we do have to have the inspection before anything can go ahead. and if anything comes up in the inspection we are unhappy with we can back out. but i think it is obvious that it won't pass with a roof that is old. but who knows. I feel like the guy is going to make bank on this sale. even if he put 30,000 into the house thats like 90,000 hes get right? something close to that

    image

    it started like this and is much better now but if you are redoing a house dont you think a roof would be part of it? what if you did the whole house and then the roof started to leak and ruined everything you paid for!?

  • GrainneGrainne
    Posts: 862Member
    Maybe if the inspection comes back with roof being an issue you can renegotiate? But if it was in the contract everyone signed then it should have to get done or he should have to drop the price equal to what it would cost to get the roof done?
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    yes that makes sense so maybe we should pay for the inspection just to see what they say.

     and where is the freaking contract?! lol i never got it with the other houses the realtor emailed me a copy of it the next day.

  • GrainneGrainne
    Posts: 862Member
    Make sure you tell the inspector you are concerned about the roof so they really check closely. I agree it doesn't make sense you didn't get a copy of the contract from your realtor and would be demanding a copy now!!!
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    he is "away from his desk" for the day!? I called grr

  • ChristyJChristyJ
    Posts: 883Member

    You didn't have to sign the contract after the changes were made?


    $155,000.00 less the 3% seller credit would be $150,350.00.  The 3% will most likely be used to pay closing costs and such if you need it.  If you didn't need it, I would tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine.


    The roof might pass inspection btw.  Roofs can last up to 30 years or so if they were made really (really) well.

    Imperfect and proud of it.
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    @christJ we signed on friday all the papers, only thing we have signed since is a paper saying he changed something we had set at 1500.00 to 500.00 which is lender required repairs

  • SalllyWingo
    Posts: 1,572Member
    Unfortunately if the things you agreed upon for renos aren't listed in the contract, the seller doesn't have to do it.  You'd better get a hold of that paperwork before the sale closes.  Right now you stand a chance of being sued and losing whatever money you may have already put into it, but your reasons for backing out are good.  And @ChristyJ is right about the closing costs.  I hope your contract lists the renos he agreed to do!

    The roof would probably pass inspection judging by your pics.  The house IS beautiful! Congrats!
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    so i've now talked to the realtor the mortgage guy and my dh... (not dear atm)

    nothing was in contract about roof tree or driveway.

    were supposed to have a inspection done if it fails then we can back out no loss of $. 

  • Monkeynmoo
    Posts: 1,420Guest
    What a sneaky realtor! I hope you don't get screwed because of his ass hat-ness!
  • Monkeynmoo
    Posts: 1,420Guest
    If it doesn't fail, one think you can do with the driveway is just put concrete "strips" in the driveway. Wide enough for you should to drive on that way he isn't driving on the gravel and won't ruin his car.... Quickcrete isn't too spendy and it's easy to frame up and pour
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    @monkeynmoo Thx i will let dh know about that!! sounds like it would be a easy thing better then doing a whole driveway

  • SalllyWingo
    Posts: 1,572Member
    That's so shitty. I am sorry!  Buying a house is supposed to be exciting, not a pain in the ass.

    Were there any conditions of sale listed that you could use as a loophole?
  • goldie
    Posts: 108Member
    You're not using the seller's realtor, are you?  If you do have your own  realtor, I can't believe they are treating you like they are, you realize they get half the commission?  There is probably nothing wrong with the roof, besides that it doesn't look nice.  Those black streaks get on the shingles from the trees. 

    Re: the driveway.  If you can't afford to pave it right now, spend some money getting a site guy in there to grade and put down a thick gravel base, it will be nice and smooth.  Then when you can pave, a big portion of what you have to pay for is already done
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    Well, the realtor just called monday morning my husband is going to the house with the realtor and inspector. 225.00 and after that if there is a issue we will say f it and not get the house! :-(

    @goldie we are not using the seller realtor just ours isnt the smartest. its the second one we have had, he insists he has our best interest in mind..

  • Monkeynmoo
    Posts: 1,420Guest
    toyoungtofeelold said:

    @monkeynmoo Thx i will let dh know about that!! sounds like it would be a easy thing better then doing a whole driveway



    There is a house in my neighborhood that has it done! It's just two strips of concrete and then nice pea gravel in between! Good luck, I hope you don't get screwed
  • AnonUser26
    Posts: 1,144Guest
    We're going back and forth over repairs ourselves. It fucking sucks. Hang on there.
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    So hopefully Monday this will be sorted out! 8-} I am feeling a little nutzo trying to figure out which school they are attending and just blah about it all

  • GrainneGrainne
    Posts: 862Member
    Inspections are totally worth it. If its
    The right house it will work out!! Sending good thoughts
  • realtormomrealtormom
    Posts: 648Member
    In most states, a realtor has to report to a Managing broker. If your agent isn't taking care of you properly, call their office, ask to speak to the broker, and tell him or her what's going on. They can intervene, because it's their license on the line, to make sure everything is being done right. Get the paperwork immediately and review it carefully. Also, tell the inspector your concerns so he or she can make sure to be extra critical in those areas. If the inspector indicates that the roof has less than two years, you can request the seller replace it. Most lenders won't finance without a solid roof. If the seller won't, you should be able to get your money back.
    The past has a vote, not a veto ~ Moredecai Kaplan
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    So, I was doing some research online about the school the kids will go to in the new house... it is a public school and it is a "Title 1" school and I had no idea what that meant. 
    Title 1 funds aim to bridge the gap between low-income students and other students. The U.S. Department of Education provides supplemental funding to local school districts to meet the needs of at-risk and low-income students.
    Title 1 is the nation’s oldest and largest federally funded program, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Annually, it provides over $14 billion to school systems across the country for students at risk of failure and living at or near poverty

    I am going to put in my opinion of this please don't be upset or judge be by this I've been trying to think of the proper way to say what I want to say but cant. So here goes. My kids when to a private school then a public school because private school is freaking expensive. I was upset about the public school not being the "best" in the county but it was ok. We finally find a house and may be getting it and i have to send my kids to a school for Types of students that might be served by Title 1 funds include migrant students, students with limited English proficiency, homeless students, students with disabilities, neglected students, delinquent students, at-risk students or any student in need. Students can be classified as at-risk for numerous reasons. A few reasons they might be classified as at-risk students include: high number of absences, single-parent home, low academic performance or low-income family.

    I don't want them to go to a school like this! my son was tested to be in a grade above and i said no because i didn't want him to fall behind in middle or high school! how am i supposed to put him into a poverty school now! gah so stressed out i just need someone to say something.


  • loveitloveit
    Posts: 1,738Member
    Yes...the most important thing about buying a house is what school district it is in!!!! Find the best district, then buy there!!
  • momofdbbmomofdbb
    Posts: 9,092Member
    My ds goes to a Title 1 school and he went there last year and he had his best year ever!!
    They will have meetings at least once a month to come up with ways to help the kids and sometimes the parents learn more. Also the school gets extra money sometimes. I have no issues with my Title 1 school.
    " Wibbly wobbly timey wimey ......." The Doctor
    " I'm a leafe on the wind..watch how I soar ." Wash :((
    " Oh the wall had it comming.' Sherlock Holmes
    yea I am geek !!
  • AnonUser26
    Posts: 1,144Guest
    My mom works for title one. The kids get allotted special funds for computers, art education, etc that other schools don't so that they have all the opportunities that "private school" kids have.

    Just because your poor or homeless doesn't automatically mean that you aren't deserving of a decent education or quality equipment to get that education. It also doesn't mean you are automatically a criminal or a bad person. Just saying.
  • realtormomrealtormom
    Posts: 648Member
    I live in a mixed income, highly motivated, highly educated district. Our school is title 1.
    The past has a vote, not a veto ~ Moredecai Kaplan
  • AnonUser26
    Posts: 1,144Guest
    All title one does is make sure all children have the same opportunities to succeed. A title one school has different academic standards they have to meet, so the kids are pushed a bit harder.
  • pdxmama
    Posts: 1,470Member
    I'm going to try really hard to be nice. My son's school is Title 1. It's a wonderful school. So, that being said, maybe instead of worrying about sending your kids to a "poverty school" you should give it a chance. Of course, if the the thought of your kids mixing with all of those undesirable types listed in your post is that upsetting to you, you could always homeschool.
  • AnonUser27
    Posts: 1,742Guest
    @toyoungtofeelold who would want to have their children hang out with kids from a,gasp, single parent home. You converse and are friends with plenty of women here on SM that fit the bill for all of the "title-1" children you described. Do you think less of the women here because of that?

    I think if you are raising your children well, they would do just fine to have a little variety in their lives. Maybe to be thankful and appreciative for what they have in their lives.
  • AnonUser28
    Posts: 2,083Guest
    I would worry more about sending my kids to a school that was only full of the "privileged". That's not what real life is like. Why do you think it would be bad to send them to a school with extra programs for low income or at risk students?
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    FinallyFree2BMe said:

    My mom works for title one. The kids get allotted special funds for computers, art education, etc that other schools don't so that they have all the opportunities that "private school" kids have.

    Just because your poor or homeless doesn't automatically mean that you aren't deserving of a decent education or quality equipment to get that education. It also doesn't mean you are automatically a criminal or a bad person. Just saying.



    Did ur mom get to choose her school? Do u think the teachers care more and are more helpful? Or do you think they resent having to work there?

  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    pdxmama said:

    I'm going to try really hard to be nice. My son's school is Title 1. It's a wonderful school. So, that being said, maybe instead of worrying about sending your kids to a "poverty school" you should give it a chance. Of course, if the the thought of your kids mixing with all of those undesirable types listed in your post is that upsetting to you, you could always homeschool.



    @masshysteria
    What's listed in my post us pulled off of a website. My neighbor's are two women who have two little adopted mixed girls and my kids love those girls to death and across the street the boys day is in jail and my dh cut his hair and we took the boy to vbs for a week to help the mom out.

    It's not the kids I'm worried about it if the teachers are happy enough with there job to do it well.

  • AnonUser27
    Posts: 1,742Guest
    Why wouldn't they love "mixed" girls?! They are the same as you and me. What does the color of their skin have to do with their ability to be loved? Are you trying to say that mixed kids as the kids that make up title 1 schools?
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    I'm saying that they are around all different kind of kids not just ones with married moms and dads I'm saying they have "variety"

    @MassHysteria
    I think if you are raising your children well, they would do just fine to have a little variety in their lives. Maybe to be thankful and appreciative for what they have in their lives.


  • mommyof2_76
    Posts: 342Member
    @ toyoungtofeelold I totally get where your coming from. The website makes it seem like the school is barely scraping by and struggling and the teachers are overwhelmed. Actually it is the opposite because the Feds give the school extra money for teacher aides, reading tutors,speech therapists, art, music, and gifted programs. The teachers are happier because they get help. Also my sons school had an after school program that helped with homework and did field trips and stuff.
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    The thing is my husband busts his ass daily at work and feels the kids should go to a private school. He gets upset that he went to a Catholic school and were getting ready to send the kids to a school who has needs. If anything we would just get involved in the school and help out as much as we could.

    I'm in no way raciest like @masshysteria is trying to make me seem.

  • loveitloveit
    Posts: 1,738Member
    Here is the thing. Your kids come first. You should give your kids the best opportunities possible. Best education, best everything. If that is a title one school, then great. If you can do better for your children, then do it. Title one schools may have extra funding, but they deal with extra problems other schools don't deal with. A good friend of mine works at one and I have gone to her school to help her out. Everything is about helping the kids behave, making sure their drug addict mother isn't abusing them again, finding extra clothes bc the third grader peed her pants (she is/was abused and has issues). There is no parent involvement. My dd's school , a very good public school is like a completely different universe. Everything is about learning bc they don't have to focus on the other problems. There is ALWAYS at least one parent in the room volunteering, bc they are interested in helping their children. Their test scores are awesome.
    My point is, title one schools have their place. But if possible, go to a school that s major focus can be education.
  • momofdbbmomofdbb
    Posts: 9,092Member
    I see why she is worried , not the kids she is worried about. The way they worse the letter and I got one , it makes it out like the school is really having issues ! I did get a letter stating if I did nit want my child to attend the Title 1 school I could have him transferred to a different school in the district and transportation would be free. But I like the school he goes to.
    Now no two schools are the same and I would check out the school myself to see what it looks like. Talk with some teachers ( if you can) DSs is having an open house today and I am going to it to see what class he will be in.
    " Wibbly wobbly timey wimey ......." The Doctor
    " I'm a leafe on the wind..watch how I soar ." Wash :((
    " Oh the wall had it comming.' Sherlock Holmes
    yea I am geek !!
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    @momofdbb @loveit thank you for useful comments. I am going to call the school board see if I can do another school and I have a meeting already set for this coming Friday.

  • loveitloveit
    Posts: 1,738Member
    @toyoungtofeelold , you're welcome! Here is another idea that ppl do...although I don't know if it pertains to your situation: some ppl rent an apartment for just a few months in the "good" school district then move to a more affordable area that is still close by. Once the kids go to that school they are grandfathered in and can keep going there. I've seen this happen at our school bc it is the best in the state. Anyone looking to do this should check the rules in their area first but I think its a rather smart idea!
  • KellynnKellynn
    Posts: 1,987Member
    If you are concerned with the school district, others my be, too, which will make selling your house down the road a lot harder. That's something to keep in mind, unless you are planning on spending many years there. The best advice I have read is to always buy the least desirable house in the best desirable location. You can always improve your house, but you cant move it!
  • loveitloveit
    Posts: 1,738Member
    ITA with @CKLW !
  • momsaidnomomsaidno
    Posts: 1,805Member
    Makes a lot if sence!!!!! But its right by a military base so hopefully that's a selling point for some family's!?

  • SammieSammie
    Posts: 7,281Administrator, Moderator
    It's funny you mention that, @loveit @cklw. We love our house, but it's definitely not what we envisioned. It's older, needs some remodeling. Not anything major. Nothing really necessary. Everything works and looks nice, it's just not "us" in certain parts. BUT the reason we snatched it up? This community and the school!!! It might look like just a little farm town, but it's NOT. The school, teachers, programs, community involvement, etc is absolutely incredible. We will take an outdated bathroom and ugly wallpaper and deal with that if it means getting to put our child and future babies in an awesome school set in a great, safe community.

    I realize this is NOT an option for everyone and I mean NO judgement. There are plenty of amazing Title 1 schools. I attended one myself in the little town I grew up in and there is not a bad thing you could say about it. I also did a portion of my student teaching in an excellent Title 1 school. It really comes down to the staff, the learning environment, and the community and parent support/involvement. The status of Title 1 is not necessarily an indicator of good or bad. Just like not carrying "Title 1" doesn't automatically make a school top notch. I think your concerns and questions are entirely valid. I'd tour the school, talk to the staff, talk to the administrators, talk to other parents, etc and try to get a feel for it. You might be pleasantly surprised!! If not, hopefully the transfer works out. I wish the best for you and the kids either way!! :)

    community-manager


  • pdxmama
    Posts: 1,470Member
    @toyoungtofeelold, I realize that the info is pulled off of a website. But you said "now I have to send my kids to a school for"... then inserted the list of types of kids who might be served by a title 1 school. Your next words were "I don't want my kids to go to a school like this!" Nothing about teachers not being happy with their jobs in that statement So, it sure makes it sound like what you don't want is your kids going to school with "those kinds" of kids. Also, @masshysteria didn't say anything about you being racist. She simply pointed out that you interact with women here everyday who's kids fall into all of those different categories that you included. Saying that kids can benefit from being around a variety of different people is just stating an opinion, which a lot of people share. If kids are only exposed to people just like them, it sure doesn't prepare them for the real world. Also, being around people who are less fortunate than them can help teach them gratitude by showing them that not everyone is as lucky as them.
  • AnonUser33
    Posts: 743Guest

    My kids went to a private school for a year, then to t title one school for a year, then to 3 other public schools that did not recieve title one funding. Funny to me that the title one school was the best one yet. If I had my choice they would go to that school. Unfortunately it is an elementary school and they are going into high school. Maybe the difference is that at the title one school they were with "their people" and at the other 5 schools they haven't been.

    Why wouldn't you even want to give it a chance? If its that big of a deal buy a cheaper house so they can continue to go to their private school.

    My husband also busts his ass working so we can afford the things we want and need. There are NO houses in our area for that cheap. The house we are looking at is $210,000 and requires a rehab loan because it is trashed. It is one of the cheapest houses we can find, oh and it is also in a title one school boundaries.

  • undercoverbanana
    Posts: 7,739Member
    i wouldn't even offer a price without seeing a complete home inspection. i thought the seller had to provide that?
    i'm nekkid.
  • mommyof2_76
    Posts: 342Member
    Title 1 schools are all different. What is interesting is the criteria to be a title 1 school is only that a certain percentage of kids (i think it is 70% ) qualify for free or reduced lunch. So a lot of the not so great title 1 schools are in the bad parts of town. But if its a good area the school is probably good as well. But I would tour any school my child would go to no matter the status because I have found that at least in our area that at the wealthier schools there are a lot of issues with assaults and bullying and things because every time their spoiled kid gets in trouble their parents get them off the hook
Add a Comment