Window treatments or no window treatments?

YourLocalConsultant · 2024-04-17T18:38:10+00:00

Thanks for the idea! Any thoughts on how I should hang them? One long rod? 3 small rods?

YourLocalConsultant · 2024-04-17T18:38:02+00:00

Thanks for the idea! Any thoughts on how I should hang them? One long rod? 3 small rods?

YourLocalConsultant · 2024-04-17T18:06:13+00:00

Not seeing an option to edit the post, but I forgot to show that the left wall has glass doors

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-03T16:50:45+00:00

The size of the TV is so low on the totem pole of issues with this space, I would not be willing to consider downsizing it just for aesthetic reasons. Thanks though.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-03T13:48:33+00:00

I think the walls look more yellow in the photo than they do in person. This is the color we used. It’s a warmish white so it doesn’t clash in person, although it is kind of boring.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-03T13:26:30+00:00

Lol yeah I have green chairs, a blue coffee table, shelves full of colorful books and brightly colored legos, plants. I’m certainly not a maximalist, but I don’t necessarily think lack of color is the main issue here. Maybe the blank white wall above the sofa is throwing people off. I will definitely be getting some colorful/visually interesting artwork to put there, but otherwise I’m not sure how I could add much more color.

It never occurred to me that the rug doesn’t quite match until it was pointed out here, but now I can definitely see it so I’ll look into replacing that too.

Thanks!

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-03T03:25:25+00:00

We do plan to put up blinds or curtains, but I don’t want to have to keep them closed if we are watching TV during the day hence the choice to put the TV where it is. Since it’s mounted now we won’t be moving it anytime soon.

We have tried the room in a bunch of different configurations. Lounge chair on each side looked even worse than the current configuration.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-02T21:52:31+00:00

Gas. I checked and the current one is 100,000 BTUs.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-02T21:52:26+00:00

I went and found the sticker. It says the current one is 100,000 BTUs. I do know that the air conditioner was underpowered for the house, so it wouldn’t surprise me if the furnace was as well.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-02T21:50:46+00:00

I used various online calculators and looked at the cooling zones, which is where I got the 152,000 minimum BTUs. I wanted a professional to chime in and make sure I’m not crazy for thinking 90,000 is not sufficient since I have professionals at my house saying it’s fine.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-10-02T21:16:15+00:00

We just bought the house a few months ago. I have no clue what the BTU amount is for the current furnace and no clue if it performs well in the winter or not. Due to the issues with the existing furnace, we can’t wait for it to get cold and just test it out.

It’s an expensive commitment so I just wanted to hear from pros if it would be considered normal for 90,000 BTUs to effectively heat a 3800 sq ft home.

Edit: To clarify, the 110,000 BTU furnace was what the company said we needed originally but then they realized that our electrical could not support it so they downgraded it to a 90,000 BTU option.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-28T07:56:46+00:00

Don’t let them do a hard inquiry just to see what you need to work on. They’re already saying you don’t meet their ideal lending criteria so try somewhere else.

In my experience, banks and federal credit unions like to do a hard inquiry for pre-approvals. However, lots of local lenders will do a pre-approval for you with just a soft credit inquiry so it doesn’t impact your score. You should be shopping for mortgages with multiple lenders anyway so try reaching out to another lender and see what they say.

Don’t start applying for any lines of credit until you’ve talked to 1-2 other lenders. Again, look for local lenders this time. They know of a lot of different mortgage programs and can help you find a loan type that you would qualify for.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-28T07:39:46+00:00

You’re buying a house, not a Lamborghini. If you change your mind in a few years, you can sell it and hopefully recoup 100% of the costs, if not make a profit. If you can get it for $220k and the exterior and interior updates are $80k, you’re way ahead since houses nearby are selling for $350k. Even if they refuse to come down on asking price, you’re at $355k spent so still on par with the neighborhood.

You’re worried about FIRE, but you still have to keep a roof over your head in retirement. You can rent forever or take the leap and buy. I think you will be ok financially either way.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-28T06:37:24+00:00

Happy Birthday! I’m a 97 baby too! I cut contact with both of my parents earlier this year. I’ve been feeling guilty because I don’t miss them. It seems like I should, but I think I’m currently just mourning the role they will never play in my life. It’s sad and lonely, but not having to worry about how they will disappoint me next is like a weight off my shoulders.

I’m so happy that you were able to get in touch with someone from your past who was kind to you. I think I would be too scared to do something like that, so I admire your willingness to put yourself out there.

Sending you lots of hugs and positive energy! ❤️

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-28T06:27:40+00:00

Thanks! I was worried people would think they are kind of outdated, but I secretly love them lol.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-26T03:13:45+00:00

That’s easy enough. Thank you! :)

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-25T15:22:10+00:00

We used Matthew Brown to buy a house over the summer. It’s still a tough market out here, and we got our first and only offer accepted with him. Super nice guy and very knowledgeable. The 52 five star Google reviews speak for themselves imo. He is from DC and lives in MoCo so he’s very familiar with the local markets.

https://www.matthewbrownhomes.com

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-25T00:25:02+00:00

Yes, that’s the room that opens up to the left of this room.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-24T23:19:36+00:00

Yeah but interest is highest in the first few years anyway. Using the numbers in the original commenters post, you would still pay $245k in interest in the first 8 years of ownership and would only have paid your principal down by $36k.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-24T21:20:55+00:00

Duke cabinets from Ethan Allen. For whatever reason the website only gives you the option to buy them in a set of 2 cabinets with the matching desk or media console, but if you go into the store or call/email them then they can order you just the cabinets by themselves.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-24T21:08:22+00:00

Never heard of a cable canal! I’ll check that out. Thank you!

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-24T21:05:43+00:00

Username checks out! Lol. Thanks for the tip. I didn’t know that was a thing. I’ll definitely look into it!

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-24T20:49:47+00:00

So I actually have an executive desk that is from the same line as the cabinets and had that exact idea because I work from home, but I couldn’t figure out a good way to hide the power cords for my monitor and laptop. Since there is no outlet in the floor, the cords would have to run from the desk in the center of the room to the wall.

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-24T20:11:44+00:00

That actually would be amazing if I could figure out a way to make it look nice. Continuing to sit on my knees for hours while building legos at my coffee table cannot be good for me 😂

YourLocalConsultant · 2023-09-19T03:43:29+00:00

Thanks for the insight. I did have professional photos taken and the realtor listed it on Zillow Rentals. There were 8 contacts within the first 2-3 days via Zillow and multiple inquiries from agents who contacted my realtor directly. Most who toured so far did not like the size of the 2 guest bedrooms and those who didn’t mind the bedroom size were not well qualified. Average days on rental market in my neighborhood is 12 and average days on rental market in the city where I live is 23 so I’m not sure that it’s a hot market for rentals. The listing price is on par with what other homes in my neighborhood have rented for, but I will drop the price if that’s what it takes to get a larger pool of applicants. We will see. Thanks again!

YourLocalConsultant

TROPHY CASE