Back on the prowl in hunt for dream house

We are in the hunt earnestly this time. Armed with a Realtor and a loan pre-approval letter, my partner Molly and I spent the weekend on the prowl for our dream home.

In the houses that are still occupied, it really does feel like we are intruders prowling about the premises. Opening cupboards and closets to investigate size and depth instead feels like the proverbial peeking behind a friend’s medicine cabinet. Only, I don’t know the people who live in these homes and so find myself distracted by clues as to who they are and what their stories might be.

I’m certain we toured the Northside home of a cake decorator. Her set-up in the basement, complete with a 1940s era oven, made us all the more curious. The sumptuous smells that must have, or still do, waft through the house were surely delectable.

In a large South Hill craftsman, from among the numerous rooms and odd nooks, kept appearing cats. Finally, Molly surmised that individual renters must be occupying the bedrooms and they probably each came with a feline friend.

Apparently, we are the exception to the rule that asserts a home shows better furnished. Preferring to see vacant houses is just one of several pleasantly surprising things Molly and I have in common when it comes to house hunting.

I remember one summer day a year ago when we walked through the single-family home neighborhood just to the east of our apartments and compared impressions of the house facades. Where I saw downright ugly architecture, Molly saw potential for remodel. Oh boy, I thought, how are we ever going to agree?

Having a very specific price range helps. For now, we’re not going to have any leeway for remodeling. It was quite a sight though, when we walked into an inviting rancher that could use just little updates, nothing big like some of the craftsman houses would need. Our eyes twinkled with the prospect of visiting the hardware store for new paint or replacement outlet covers.

Molly and I happily agree that kitchen size matters. Two full bathrooms, one for the boys, one for the girls, is an absolute necessity. Our touring of more than a dozen places helped solidify how important a basement is, particularly for storage.

The tree in the backyard for a clubhouse is still primary on our son’s list. Though, he did seem willing to compromise on the rancher that had no tree, but was a mere six blocks from his best school buddy.

To my biggest surprise, we found a place on our second day of earnest hunting that was to die for. I could see it in Molly’s face as she looked out past the deck to a corner of the yard that could be the compost pile. I could hear it in my voice as I kept exclaiming about the small touches.

The clincher: paint cans neatly lined up on a basement shelf with printed labels marking from which room the paint came.

We went back twice in one day and by late afternoon were ready to call our agent saying we wanted to make an offer. She called first, though. A solid offer had already been put in. An inspection was scheduled for the next day.

I keep telling myself we’re lucky to not be in a hurry. But, damn, that place was cute. So, back on the prowl we go.