I get asked, by realtors and friends, what my dream home looks like.
Prerequisites: I want a house, not a condo or a townhome, but a bone fide house, I’m partial to 4-squares, but am warming up to bungalows. Also, the more recent things like the roof, the windows and the mechanics have been updated the better.
- Proximity to the Blue Line. I don't like to drive and would prefer to be able to walk to a Blue Line station, preferable within less than a mile.
- Bonus if there is a Metra Station nearby.
- Basement: It needs to be tall enough for a 6' 2" fellow to stand upright in it. As long as it provides good storage and can also double as a workshop and workout room, I'm happy.
- Bonus if it is finished or partially finished or could be finished and turned into a ManCave or entertainment room.
- Attic: Bonus if it's finished but again, one that has potential to be expanded is ideal. I saw a place that had the water pipes run up to the attic already so that creating a dream master bedroom with bathroom, whirlpool and separate shower was a possibility later down the line. My understandings running the pipes up is a big part of the cost so having this already done is a must.
- Fireplace or at least a spot to put in a fumeless one.
- Garage 2 car or more. Carport might be okay but would prefer a place to safely park my car, a future wife's car and our bicycles.
- Kitchen: updated. I do not want to renovate a kitchen or any other room really.
So really I'm looking for a place that is ready to move in and doesn't need an mandatory renovations, only if I suddenly decide I have too much money in the bank (ha!) and decide I want to drop a wall to increase the size of the a room or something.
That's all I can really think of besides the obvious: good neighborhood, low/no crime, proximity to expressways and good restaurants. I do realize that to get the majority of a wish list it might be necessary sacrifice one or two items.
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