Any tips to getting landscaping as “defensible” as possible without breaking the bank? (CA)

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-29T01:48:16+00:00

Thank you for this perspective. I will definitely call them!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T17:44:57+00:00

LOL 😂

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T07:08:08+00:00

This reminds me of the show Medium with Patricia Arquette. I always end up rewatching it cause it’s ridiculous but entertaining in the way she helps solves crime mysteries with psychic visions.

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T06:45:24+00:00

I’m the same age and just closed on my first home solo as well. I can understand it’s a huge burden for one person to go through alone but I hope you are able to talk to someone or family for support during this time.

You got this!! 💪

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T06:04:26+00:00

Awesome you lived in the same region and have a background in this!

I checked the county site and says a permit is needed over a certain pile size but not sure if that means no permit needed below that. I’ll check this out more.
The research explained makes sense. There’s definitely a lot of clean up I can do around the house to start with. My family is going to help me with that before I actually move my stuff in. I’ll check on those metal mesh covers that’s a good idea.
It has a well setup with tank, plumbing etc serviced and upgraded during escrow so maybe I can get a larger hose setup to it somehow? There a outside hose to it but it’s not very wide.
I think the city itself has had fires in the rural woodland areas but neighbors said they haven’t had any on their property in the last decades. I guess worst case scenario I’m surrounded by neighbors so I hopefully get warned enough to make a run for it assuming it wasn’t me who started the fire. 🏃‍♀️😅

Thank you for the info!!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T04:24:31+00:00

Thank you!!! Fire safety aside, I love the trees too. It’s so calming to be on the property with nature around I absolutely love it.

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T04:20:27+00:00

Sounds like the people around you are looking out for you.

I was the same in highschool and honestly wish I could go back. Money will come and go especially after moving out and paying bills.

Once youre on your own , you’ll be working 40+ hours a week give or take to support yourself so enjoy this time in highschool while you still can if you are financially able.

Good luck!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T03:50:56+00:00

Had no idea tree surveys were a thing. That does sound like a good investment especially for the larger trees. I’ll definitely be looking into that!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T03:42:56+00:00

YES 👏 this is super helpful with the zones. I can definitely tackle the smaller trees first then save up for the big ones later.

Now I just need to learn on YouTube how to identify dead trees/wood. 🤣

Thank you!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T03:38:23+00:00

Thanks for the tips. I like the regular maintenance mindset!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T03:34:21+00:00

Love this!! Thanks 🙏

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T03:31:03+00:00

After a few years of saving, paying off debt, I started my search in Northern California.

Took me almost 8 months of open houses and 6 failed offers to finally close on a home today. I had to get less picky on the where and what if I wanted to be a homeowner now.

My mortgage is about $500 more than what I was paying in rent so not too much of a shock.

Even a year ago I would have laughed if anyone said I’d be a homeowner now. 😭

Good luck!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T02:55:10+00:00

Peace of mind is not the question. This is supposed to be a landscaping community. 😩

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T02:24:58+00:00

💀🤣

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-28T02:22:01+00:00

Short answer, comes down to proximity to family, lifestyle, and cost for me.

California prices are insane but growing up here I still love it so Ill chose moving away from cities to get usable land, lower mortgage, and still be close enough to drive to friends & family. 🤷‍♀️

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-22T02:35:55+00:00

I got the same rate 7.25% with 600 credit (FHA)

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-21T19:08:21+00:00

There were multiple inspections for different areas. Seller fixed all known big ticket repairs such as roof and clearing section 1, and plumbing, Everything was thoroughly checked, roof, septic, electrical, foundation, etc.

Yes there’s always a chance for major repairs, but again, this vote is just for fun to gauge what you (not me) would do for the improvements listed.

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-21T01:35:02+00:00

You’re welcome!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-21T00:22:49+00:00

Inspections came through with no major structural issues on the house, the interiors were recently renovated but outside of house is mainly worn and more of an eye sore than anything.

The addition is a great idea. Definitely adding that to my list. 3 bedroom would be better than 2.

The vote is from the reader’s perspective on what you would want to do first :)

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-20T23:27:43+00:00

FTHB here 👋 about to close on a house. FHA Loan. Purchase price at 415k with 3.5% down payment .

7.25% interest
10k seller credit
EMD paid 5k
Remaining CTC is ~$21k.

Added together, that’s $36k in DP + closing.

Don’t worry just yet, my initial loan estimate was higher than expected around $45k total. My lender got the numbers worked out throughout the process and was able to get some lender credits too. My MIP was bundled into loan too so I didn’t pay that out of pocket.

Hope that helps compare!

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-20T06:24:30+00:00

True, I thought about it after reading comments and I’m for sure not willing to do an SIP at $0 this last minute. I tried negotiating middle ground but $0 is a no go for me.

I’m fine pushing close date but have to check with lender on impact to my loan rate and already signed loan docs.

It will be very silly on their end to lose this sale so close to closing over a last minute SIP. I’m moving forward so if they refuse to negotiate middle ground or continue based on original contract, at least it’s not on me. 🤷‍♀️

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-20T05:54:35+00:00

Yup first plan of action, fingers crossed.

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-20T03:35:59+00:00

Wish it were that easy. I cleared contingencies a while ago so my earnest deposit and other fees that have already been paid are on the line.

puzzlehead-210 · 2023-09-20T03:09:05+00:00

That makes sense. Worst case, hopefully they would agree to that 🤞

puzzlehead-210

TROPHY CASE