Since graduating from college, musician James Chiello has been renting an apartment with a roommate. He likes the area, but the parking is horrible--everyone has to park on the street. He also likes the airy kitchen but feels the space is constrained throughout. His lease expires in two months, and he feels like the time is right for him to move out and get a place of his own.
He wants the new place to have at least two bedrooms in a nice neighborhood with a decent-size yard. It must also be move-in ready because he doesn't consider himself very handy. He is relying on the expertise of real estate agent Rhonda Kohn to help him with his hunt.
The first house Kohn shows is a two-bed, one-bath that was built in the 1930s. Though a little old, it has had a lot of nice upgrades such as plantation shutters and hardwood floors. A spacious eat-in kitchen is another great selling point, but the master bedroom lacks closet space and the bathroom is small. The real deal breaker comes when they take a look at the large backyard that butts right up against a freeway.
The next house they view has nice curb appeal and was built in 1942. Hardwood floors and a huge fireplace are the things they notice when they walk in as well as the wood-beamed ceilings. The kitchen is nicely sized but could use a little more cabinet space. Though the rest of the house is nice, Chiello doesn't see a way to fit in his recording studio. They decide to keep looking.
The next house they look at has just come on the market. It's spacious and includes a neat fireplace with mantel. Crown molding and hardwood floors are featured throughout as well as modern appliances in the kitchen. The large family room features wood-beamed ceilings and another fireplace. The second bedroom is not huge, but it would make a nice office. The master bedroom has a large bay window, which allows a lot of light to come through. The backyard is big and although a little unkempt, it features a detached room that is already soundproof! What others might see as an abstract shack, Chiello sees as a perfect place for his recording studio. He's decided that this is the home for which he wants to write an offer.
With just a few days left before the apartment lease expires, Chiello gets the call from Kohn notifying him that he got the house. Several months later, he has moved in and is enjoying home ownership for the first time. He's really excited about everything, especially the kitchen. The new appliances and sheer size of the kitchen is enough to put his old one to shame. Having his own driveway right in front of the house is pretty special, too. He has done a lot of work to it, including rewaxing the hardwood floors and re-sodding the backyard. There's still more to do, but in the meantime, he's happy enough to sit back and soak up the peace and tranquility that comes with owning your own home.
Guests Rhonda Kohn
Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker
Website:
www.RhondaKohn.com Also in this Episode
