TGHH: Isabel

Isabel has some great curb appeal. AND it's sort of right where we want to be location-wise. It backs right up to Mount Washington, has a nice view (you can see the observatory on a clear day), an amazing 3 car garage, new front deck, low-water landscaping, great french doors!

Unfortunately, we are losing enthusiasm and neglect to take photos.

We put in an offer. There is another buyer and we are competing. They increase, we increase. The seller responds back with a higher number. We take another look before deciding...

Upon closer inspection, it appears that the house has receive an insta-flip makeover. Designer color paint to cover up crooked walls, newish laminate floors to distract from the slight slope in most rooms....newish IKEA kitchen cabinets that don't hide the fact that there isn't a distinct spot for the refrigerator and most of the electrical is plugged into cheap extension cords running around the room from who knows what single outlet.

We chat with our agent out on the sidewalk. I'm honestly not that into the house anymore. Sergio isn't either. But this is the closest we've been to making it happen since Berenice -- months ago. We decide to not meet the offer. At least it was over quick this time. Still no word on Kenneth or El Paso.

The listing agent for Isabel still has the site up for now so you can see photos here: Isabel

THE CRITERIA
The criteria hasn't changed too much. We cross Altadena off the list. It's just too far for us. Some parts of Altadena are gorgeous but we aren't ready for that kind of suburbia. And though Kenneth is in El Sereno, that's off too. It took us 15 minutes to get to a freeway entrance from there. It may not sound like much.... but in rush hour, that would jump to tack on at least 30 minutes to my commute, even more depending on the day! YUCK.

So unless it's Kenneth, El Sereno is out.

Target areas: Glassell Park, foothills of Mount Washington, Highland Park, foothills of Montecito Heights, hills of El Sereno, Altadena

Needs:

1. We can comfortably afford it without having to survive on ramen alone
2. We need to feel safe in the neighborhood (how did this not make our list the first time?)
3. Two bedrooms
4. At least one full bathroom -- read: has a tub
5. Off-street parking for two one cars
6. 900+ sq. feet home SEE BELOW
7. In one of our target areas

Wants:

1. Two bathrooms (this would make getting a roommate easier, if needed) SEE BELOW
   
2. Garage
3. 900+ sq. feet home
4. View SEE BELOW
5. Walking distance to "stuff we like" SEE BELOW
6. Outdoor entertaining space
7. More square footage
   

Pie-in-the-sky want:

1. Two bathrooms
2. Walking distance to "stuff we like"
3. View
   
4. Move-in ready