Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Our First House!

It's close to official. By Thursday of next week (one week away) we should be signing the escrow papers closing the deal. It's not exactly what we had in mind for a first home, but it is a stepping stone to better things to come. For the same money we could've purchased twice the home on half the land further out in the sticks. But as Erin always said, "It's better to buy the cheapest home in the best neighborhood rather than the biggest home in the worst neighborhood. And in the 98335 Zip code there are no bad neighborhoods. (okay, maybe there could be, but I'd still feel comfortable leaving the keys in my car.)

The home is just over 1,000 square feet with a one car garage. The garage is mostly finished so we can use it for living space.

The floors are real wood (I don't know the kind of wood, I'd like to say oak) throughout the dining, kitchen and hallways of the house. It's three bedrooms and one bathroom, and sits on 2/3rds of an acre. Our kids can ride their bikes to the second best elementary school in Gig Harbor, or if Erin still works at Lighthouse Christian School, they can go to the first best elementary school.



The living room is small but we have big plans to make it our reading room by installing some custom shelves beside and above the fireplace.


So many places to put our personal touch in this house and outside. The yard has some work to do to make it beautiful.

This is my first time going through the home buying process and it's confusing, frustrating, and quite stressful at all times. I'm sure many of you know how much Erin hates to pack and move; with that and Erin starting a new school year, life at home requires a little more patience than we've been giving it.

All in all, I'm excited for the new home. Finally something I can call mine and do whatever I want to with it. And with so much land I can build that garden I've been wanting, and composting center, and...

9 comments:

Erin said...

Hey, if anyone has any great ideas about how to make the house have more curb appeal, drop us a line! I'm thinking we need a different color paint, new siding, a new roof shape, a wrap around porch ...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It looks great, and it will be so nice to have your own place that you can do what you like with. And 2/3 of an acre will be so fun!
Maybe you could build a planter box in front of the house and put some flowering shrubs or plants in it?

Tara said...

Your house looks awesome! I know what you mean about buying the cheapest house in the better neighborhood. Our cul de sac has the smallest and least expensive houses, but it's surrounded by giant houses on huge lots. I know it keeps the property values up. You guys are going to have so much fun putting your personal stamp on the house! And you'll have to let us know how it goes with the bookshelves. Tommy and I are thinking of doing something similar in our sunroom. Congratulations!!!

Jenna Hoskinson said...

Wow, that is awesome you guys! I am so happy for you and will keep my fingers crossed that everything closes ok and you get the keys on Thu!

I think it's really cute (but I like older houses and still miss our Tustin house!) but since you asked for suggestions, I say get rid of that wierd overhang on the roofline, and I know it's expensive, but new windows would REALLY make a difference. And then I can't tell because of the angle, but I bet it would help to trim back that bush that is right up against the house, too, or maybe even take it out completely. OK, that's my 2 cents.

The Corbett's said...

Congrats on your new digs!!

Rachel said...

Yay for the Hardwicks! I guess you guys aren't going to move to Colorado then? I know it wasn't an option, but I just think everyone I love should live here!!!

Joshua said...

We're with you, Rachel. We want everyone to live in Colorado too. That way we can have even more space here on the coast. :)

Jay said...

Those trees are ENORMOUS! And I thought we had mature trees...

2/3 of an acre?? I'm picturing Joshua on a riding mower tipping his John Deer hat to Erin in the morning... That's huge!

And with 3 bedrooms it sounds to me like the Hoskinsons have a place to stay in Washington...

McVick said...

hey sweet house. just in case u dont know who this is, it is mavric. see u later