In the middle of February we made an offer on a house, and after two weeks of negotiation, our offer was accepted and we began escrow. Now, two and a half weeks after that, we're pretty much done with most everything that needs to go into it-- inspections complete, appraisal done, loan approved. Sellers wanted some extra time to find a new place to live, so our escrow period isn't officially over until the end of April, but all the legwork is done. We just sit back and wait now.
The house we are buying is a 2005 Hallmark-Southwest manufactured home in the Rancho Goleta Mobile Home park. Yeup, you read that right. We's goin' be trailer trash! :-P
Kidding, of course.
Manufactured homes have come a long way since the day of the "house trailer" that gave mobile homes such a tarnished image.
The park we're going to be living in is a resident-owned co-op. Which means that we don't actually pay space rent to a landlord, but rather own shares of the co-op. Therefore, the park actually screens its residents, running credit and background checks before determining if they'll allow a resident to live there. That goes a long way toward enhancing the safety of the park. The park itself is also very well-maintained-- as with many condos/PUDs, there is a list of rules/regulations and architectural guidelines that ensure a pleasant atmosphere and appearance overall. There is a lake throughout the middle of it, with fishing and boating allowed. There is a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, clubhouse (w/kitchen and ping-pong table), library and billiards room for residents' enjoyment. It is quiet and tranquil, and only a 20-minute walk to Goleta Beach.
The home we're buying has a huge deck that partly overlooks the lake. It's a decent size-- about 1550 sq ft-- not too big, not too small. Three bedrooms (well, technically two bedrooms and a den). And best of all, it is largely south-facing. That's one of the important features I always look for in a home-- that its main living areas are south-facing. Makes SUCH a difference in not only keeping the place warm in the winter, but brightening the place with lots of natural light.
Here are some photos from the MLS listing. When we close escrow and move in (approximately 6 weeks from now), I plan to take plenty of pictures -- both before and after move-in. And then I will look forward to putting my feet up and not having to move again! In my 10 years of living in Santa Barbara, I've moved a total of 7 times. It gets tiresome, and I'm looking forward to settling down :-)
The front of the house
View of the living room from the front door. Double French doors by the fireplace lead to the den (Allan's room).
Another view of the living room. Dining room is through the archway on the side.
Spacious and sunny kitchen. Just off frame to the right of the dishwasher is a small breakfast nook area.
The large front deck. You can make out some of the lake-front view through the potted plants
View of the lake, clubhouse and pool area. To the left is a footbridge connecting the side of the lake we're on to the other
Floor plan of the house.
This blog scrunches it up a bit too much-- click on it for the full-size view.
So there you have it-- a small sneak preview of the house. Keep in mind that a professional photographer took those shots, so the real deal (as well as my forthcoming photos) will not look nearly as nice. But it gives you an idea :-)
