size matters!

[villiagepeople]

*** When using Redfin what Min sq.ft. do you use? ***

can't fix the title...

 

[qwerty]

i do 3+ beds and 2+ baths with a mimimum sq footage o 2,000.  Even though we set a minimum of 2,000, the ideal size for us would probably be 4 beds + 3 baths in 2,700-2,900 sq ft.

 

[villiagepeople]

what's that saying? "you should buy the smallest home in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford"... but after reading on here for a while it seems like everyone is looking for pretty big houses (at least compared to me).  when i do a search on redfin, i select no min on square footage and set a max of 2000 sq. ft.  (i do set a bedroom count of 3 + 2 baths)  so, just wondering what you guys do?  i'm also wondering if i get something like this...http://www.redfin.com/CA/Irvine/14642-Orange-Acres-Ln-92604/home/4670467,will i be buying something that will be hard to sell?

 

[usctrojancpa]

I used 1,800 to 1,900sf search as it is hard to find a 4-bedroom home that is any smaller.  I need a downstairs bedroom for my dad.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I used 1,800 to 1,900sf search as it is hard to find a 4-bedroom home that is any smaller.  I need a downstairs bedroom for my dad.

That's our logic too... but you're cheating... he said on Redfin. They only do 250 increments in the lower ranges so the closest is 1750 (which is what my Redfin search is set to as a minimum).

@villagepeople: I don't think you should set a maximum square footage, you should just set a minimum size and then a maximum price. You never know, a 2100 sft house could show up that's lower than your high and you won't see it because of your filter.

I also set my maximum price higher than our maximum to account for haggling (and window shopping).

 

[usctrojancpa]

I used 1,800 to 1,900sf search as it is hard to find a 4-bedroom home that is any smaller.  I need a downstairs bedroom for my dad.

That's our logic too... but you're cheating... he said on Redfin. They only do 250 increments in the lower ranges so the closest is 1750 (which is what my Redfin search is set to as a minimum).

@villagepeople: I don't think you should set a maximum square footage, you should just set a minimum size and then a maximum price. You never know, a 2100 sft house could show up that's lower than your high and you won't see it because of your filter.

I also said my maximum price higher than our maximum to account for haggling (and window shopping).

Having access to MLS sure does make playing around with a custom search easy, membership has its perks.    I'm trying to keep the loan at or under $417k so I can utilize a 7-year ARM which I'll buy down using my commission to something in the low to mid 3% range.  Then I'll probably pay as if I was paying on a 5% mortgage and some lump sum payments along the way so any increase in rates down the road won't matter much.  Anyone good with their money and budgeting should look into using a 7-year ARM, it can be a great loan product when used properly.

 

[gaab]

I want about a 2500 Sq ft, 4-5 bedroom so I have Redfin set to show anything larger than 2000 sq ft.  I also have no price limit set so I can "see what's out there".

 

[homer_simpson]

I used 1,800 to 1,900sf search as it is hard to find a 4-bedroom home that is any smaller.  I need a downstairs bedroom for my dad.

That's our logic too... but you're cheating... he said on Redfin. They only do 250 increments in the lower ranges so the closest is 1750 (which is what my Redfin search is set to as a minimum).

@villagepeople: I don't think you should set a maximum square footage, you should just set a minimum size and then a maximum price. You never know, a 2100 sft house could show up that's lower than your high and you won't see it because of your filter.

I also said my maximum price higher than our maximum to account for haggling (and window shopping).

Having access to MLS sure does make playing around with a custom search easy, membership has its perks.    I'm trying to keep the loan at or under $417k so I can utilize a 7-year ARM which I'll buy down using my commission to something in the low to mid 3% range.  Then I'll probably pay as if I was paying on a 5% mortgage and some lump sum payments along the way so any increase in rates down the road won't matter much.  Anyone good with their money and budgeting should look into using a 7-year ARM, it can be a great loan product when used properly.

Go on I'm listening!