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Will We Love It or Will We List It?

As a blogger, I may be compensated in some way (either pay, product, or experience) for sharing the post below All opinions are my own. ~Heidi

Love It or List It logoI have to start this post by giving kudos to Netflix . . . adding HGTV shows to their streaming line-up has been a very welcome addition for our family (especially for my oldest daughter and me – we love those shows and the ones from Food Network as well!)  One of the shows that we really enjoy watching is Love It or List It.  Of course, during each episode, we totally put ourselves in the place of the homeowners, comparing all the issues that are discovered in the houses to our own old home, and wondering what they might find if they came here to help us. 

(A little aside: I understand all too well the whole “we’ve uncovered a problem” scenario. It has played out over and over again with this home . . . it all started when we needed a new roof.  As luck would have it, when they were up there removing the old shingles, they discovered that there was a layer underneath them that hadn’t been removed during the last “roof replacement.”  This meant that it was a lot more work for the roofers to get them removed, meaning more money for us.  Then, a few years later, it happened with the furnace.  It needed replaced and they ran into more problems that meant more money.  Nothing ever seems to come easy around here.  I call it “the money pit” and that’s NOT a term of endearment!  We have the old knob and tube wiring, we’re constantly blowing a fuse, or knocking a circuit, or whatever the correct term is.  It’s beyond frustrating.)

But, it’s home.  And, so I wonder, if Hillary and David were to come here, would we choose to Love It?  Or would we List it?

summer 308[3]

We live in a typical American foursquare home, built in 1929.  The main floor is the basic 3 room layout – living room across the front, kitchen and formal dining room in the back; there is also a closed-in porch (aka mud room) and pantry/bathroom on the back (yes, I said that one room functions as both a pantry AND a bathroom – whose idea what that?!)  The upstairs contains 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath (with small closets in the bedrooms).  We have converted the attic into a 4th bedroom (with a small storage area remaining).  Our basement is not conducive to much updating, as the “ceilings” are very low and contain the exposed beams, pipes, and wires.  

What would Hillary have to do to make us Love It?

1. Totally revamp the downstairs to make it more open concept with a new, updated kitchen area (with more storage and more usable workspace) and a defined office area. 

2. Create a full bathroom from the existing 1/2 bath (and kill the pantry!) 

3. Redo the master bedroom to create more storage space and a bit more privacy.

And some “wishes” but not totally necessary:

  • Redo the back entryway to eliminate the unsafe concrete steps and the door that opens out onto said steps.
  • Create more defined “areas” in the basement – with a separate laundry “room” area and some storage solutions (to help the attic that threw up down there).
  • Add central air.
  • Redo the upstairs bathroom to make it more conducive for a family of 5 trying to get ready all at one time!

What would David have to find to make us List It?

1. A nice neighborhood where Ian could play outside and ride bike.

2. Closer to Brian’s place of employment.

3. At least 4 bedrooms.

4. At least 2 bathrooms (preferably 2 1/2 or 3).

5. An attached 2-car garage.

6. A kitchen that is an improvement over our current kitchen.

7. Move-in ready.

And some “wishes” but not totally necessary:

  • A separate office space.
  • A first-floor laundry (or, at least, an easily accessible laundry area).
  • A fenced in yard space for the dogs.

What about YOU?
Do you love your house?
Or would you enjoy a makeover, or maybe even a move?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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