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Message |
    
clueless
Citizen
Username: Clueless
Post Number: 1
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 11:53 am: | 
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I am looking at a house on Montague about 2 block south/east of Prospect. What can anyone tell me about the area? Crime? Type of neighbors?
Also for a house in the 400K range, how much damage or repairs are typical and what can we expect the sellers to credit us back for? The house is about 70-80 years old.
Thanks. |
joso
Citizen
Username: Joso
Post Number: 93
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 3:04 pm: |
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I live nearby on Prospect. No complaints about crime there. I imagine the houses you are looking at are beween Tichenor and Richmond. It seems to be a beautiful neighborhood. When walking the dog there , it always seems quiet and safe. Everyone seems to be friendly. Great location for the train.
Don't count on credits from the seller. Most want to get what they think you have agreed to pay. Minor adjustments for hidden problems are common, but if you push too far you can loose the buy.
Good Luck and welcome to the neighborhood. |
Jeff Alexander
Citizen
Username: Jalexander
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 8:37 am: |
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Ask for everything that the inspector finds that isn't trivial... My wife always asks for more rather than less... Worst they can say is no. Realize that there is a difference between old and broken - you probably wouldn't get anything for a 20 year old central air unit that still works, but you would for a leaky roof.
Make sure you find a good inspector and that you have a good attorney.. |
wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 42
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 10:09 am: |
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It is a fantastic neighborhood! We've lived here over 4 years and love it. An easy walk to the train station and into town for a bite to eat or bend of the old elbow. Maplewood village is also walking distance (about 1 mile) which adds a nice variety. Not sure what you mean by "type" of neighbors but if "great" is a type then you got them here in all shapes and sizes.
Old houses like this typically have weird electrical configurations, the plumbing is often challenging (especially drains), and the heating system should be inspected thoroughly. These old foundations often have leaks as well so a rainy day inspection (shouldn't be tough to schedule this spring!) could be revealing.
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clueless
Citizen
Username: Clueless
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 5:12 pm: |
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Thanks for all the info from everyone. To answer wnb's question, one of the things I had read and attracted me to SO/Maplewood was the diversity of people and how some neighborhoods are known for different types. For instance one area was known for artists. I was wondering if this neighborhood was known for something like that. I also wanted to know what the neighbors were like. Are they friendly or do people not talk to one another? Does everyone try to keep up with the Joneses, that sort of thing.
In the end, I want friendly neighbors that are proud of wear they live, care for the appearance of their homes, and are friendly and respectful. I wanted an area with a strong sense of community. I also want an area that is safe to walk around even at night. Based on the responses, that's what this area will be! I can't ask for more. |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 25
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 9:20 am: |
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Hi Clueless:
If you decide to buy one of those houses on Montague, I will be one of your new neighbors. We live on Montague at the corner of Tichenor. We bought our house about 2 years ago and actually did pay under asking price. As the house was in good shape we did not receive too much in the way of credit from the owner, but I would expect that if there are issues that is certainly a bargaining point. Both of the houses on the block for sale have been on the market for over a month.
The neighborhood is great. We have a 5 year old and all but one family on our block has children. Most people in the neighborhood are families with children of all ages.
If you want to privateline me more specific questions or stop by my house I would be happy to talk with you some more. |
dgm
Citizen
Username: Dgm
Post Number: 122
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 11:55 am: |
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Your potential neighborhood is also full of artists. |
Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose
Post Number: 7
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 8, 2003 - 7:35 am: |
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I love the area. I no longer live in South Orange but do much work there.
We moved to S.O. in 1976 Had 18 wonderful years. |
OK, it's Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 464
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 8, 2003 - 12:00 pm: |
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I gather there are no hard and fast rules for negotiating a selling price reduction for repairs. But I managed to knock off a few thousand after going into contract. I guess the real aim is to get the house for market value. Built into that market value is the amount of disrepair you consider to be normal and expected. If "more than normal" repairs are needed, you ought to be able to knock some off, but (1) what's normal and (2) how much can you really knock off? This has nothing to do with the selling price. It has to do with what's comparable. If you were buying a 400K house in a neighborhood where prices are typically different, negotiating would be harder, but my guess is that the houses on your block are all in that neighborhood, pun intended.
As joso said, these negotiations can be deal breakers, so be careful. If you're sure you want the house, ask for what you want and be ready to accept less or nothing as a concession. I happened to be lucky. I told the seller that I wasn't interested in going back and forth in amounts and that my offers were serious. She responded in kind, and we ended the deal rather amicably.
Good luck! With perseverance, you'll get a house you like at a good price, and you'll be happy in the two towns. I've been in Maplewood since June
Tom Reingold
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