The fun part of real estate

[amurderofcows]

Too much time has elapsed since my last post. Blame real estate. We closed the deal on a new condo here in San Francisco. It's a bit smaller than our current flat, but it's an exceptionally nice-and exceptionally well-built-new construction, so we're going to quite some effort to turn it into a nice place. We've lived like college students for

Comments

[agriking]

Gee, a tradesman not getting back to you in a timely manner. Color me shocked. That was sarcasm in case you missed it.

The second floor of my house is similar to what you described. there are two large bedrooms on either end and a huge over sized wasted hall in the middle. I don't know what my ancestors were thinking when they did that. If the stair case were moved and the lay out changed about a bit I could have two more moderate sized bedrooms upstairs.

[amurderofcows]

The painter with whom the color consultant works seems very competent, so I'm hopeful. He also comes with tons of recommendations from satisfied customers.

I think long hallways were just the fashion in architecture until the Edwardian home layout took over, where upper floors were a landing off of which there were a good number of (usually undersized, or at least undersized by 2010's standards) rooms.

[tko_ak]

You'll have to post pictures. How long will the process take? Hopefully it won't be a huge increase in rent/mortgage payment. And a good location.

The idea of real estate in San Fran is frightening. Especially if it's nice.

Do you really need a color consultant? I mean, can't you choose colors that you like and apply common sense so there isn't terrible clashing?

[amurderofcows]

We paid cash for the new place, but the property taxes alone are more than we're paying for rent in the old place. This justified living in the old place for almost 16 years, but we've made a conscious decision to spend significantly more to live significantly better

[tko_ak]

Color is unique, and should be what you like. My parents cringed, but when we repainted our house I chose gray for my walls and navy blue for my ceiling.. An odd combination, but I like it dark and I like cloudy weather, so it's a good fit for me.

Stuff like rent control is what makes me a conservative. Sure, it seems like a nice idea in theory, but in reality it causes more problems. One would hope elected leaders would realize that while it benefits some for a period of time, it fucks with supply and quality because the incentive to build more (or keep up with maintenance) is limited. To say nothing of the fact that it screws up the rate of inflation. I'm not even necessarily opposed, on a philosophical level, of limited regulation to ensure price gouging and predatory renting doesn't happen (that rent can't go up more than x amount or y percent over a year's time).

Sort of like union jobs. It's great for those who can get it, but God help you if you can't get one in an industry where it's required or expected.

[nikolarulz]

That's so exciting! Have you considered posting a pic or two? Just so we get an idea of what your new living habitat is like? :)

[tko_ak]

I thought this might interest you.

[tko_ak]

I know you're away from the internets, and who knows if you'll ever get this, but I thought this might interest you:

http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/468-crime-topography-of-san-francisco/