I have a friend in Oak Park, it's a beautiful area, but you're absolutely right on the expense.

I think that house is stunning. It has a lot of character, and yes-while it does look like a Buddhist went nuts with the orange paint, behind that are walls. Solid walls. Solid stable walls, with windows that won't link air and a backyard aching for children's toys. The rooms upstairs would look out over that garden, and could the the study with which to try to rebuild.

Just my thoughts, for whatever they're worth.

I think that's one great-looking house, Elizabeth. As Margi said, good bones. Does the stair up to the 2nd floor stack over the stair down to the basement? If not, there's often enough room under the stair for a small powder room. I much prefer neighborhoods that have garages off alleys rather than driveways from the street - makes for much safer sidewalks for kids.

I was stunned by the price... and envious. Houses like that in my Seattle neighborhood (which is comparable historically and architecturally to Oak Park, though without all the Frank Lloyd Wright houses) sell for upwards of $800,000.

We looked for a house in Oak Park a few years ago, and if my memory serves, this looks like a great house for the money in that suburb. The AC is a pain, but a few well-placed window units would work wonders. Is there a garage off the alley?

I really like that kitchen.

Move to Louisiana. $400K would get you a very nice house with tons of extras!

I actually really like that house! Paint the downstairs a pretty tan and it is beautiful! And full of sunlight and very open and airy! The kitchen is really cheery and its a nice backyard.

Did you like the rest of the house? It looks to be in good shape and those floors are beautiful.

God, that must've felt good. I'm really happy you both are making progress.

I won't tell you what $400K will get you here in Mpls/StPaul, it's not nice. I do think its a wonderful looking house.

P.S. Of all the things you mentioned, the only one that would worry me is the lack of air conditioning. The garage in back actually looks nicer than one in front. In 18 months, I have never once used my main floor bathroom. Most people only use one eating area; we never use our formal dining room. And the fireplace, meh, you could maybe get it working later. I really think it's a lovely house, and from my perspective really well-priced. I'm so excited for you! Finding a new home is so much fun. (It's the financing part that really sucks.) Good luck! :-)

Wow, that house is GORGEOUS! Buy it quick. Just make sure you get it tested for lead paint, since it was built prior to 1978.

LOVE the handholding! The hardwoods look nice too!

That's what made me a devoted suburbanite. I'd rather live in the boonies and have a nice, new reasonably priced house than pay city prices for city quality.

But $400k isn't that expensive for a major metro area. I live 30 miles from DC, and you can't even get a townhouse for $400k. These days, the condos start at $250, and the townhouses are closer to $500. It's crazy.

Move to Missouri...it's cheap livin' here. ;) But then again, my dining room is also orange...

Prices up here are insane right now. Next door is a 1500 square foot home (exluding basement) with master bedroom, a tiny second bedroom, small loft, living room and galley kitchen with side eating area -- 1.5 baths with a two car detached garage. Lake frontage 80 x 250 deep.
$600,000

INSANE!

Just went on the market Memorial Day. Eight years ago, you could have bought it for about $190,000.

Well, that link just bombed.

Try this one: http://tinyurl.com/7a2cl

I really wish I knew what to say, but I'm just not a big city kind of girl. I guess all I can say is, "don't click here."

I bet that one has a bath downstairs.

Little Miss Bright Side Says: This house appears to have good bones. Paint the downstairs, look into putting in a water closet yourself. . .

It's been one of my fondest wishes to own my own home. Someday. I'll keep typing.