T4L,

Congrats on your upcoming retirement!

Having recently remodeled my kitchen, I can address your second question. I spent roughly $36K for a remodel through Home Depot (I’m sure I paid a bit of a premium but I liked the convenience of “one stop shopping”), which involved all new (stock Kraftmaid) cabinetry, soap stone counters, fully tiled walls/backsplash using subway tiles, new appliances (not stainless though, just went with white), new lighting and electrical and updated plumbing. Floors already had new ceramic tile installed (less than 1 year old) which stayed, and no walls were moved. This was for a rather small, galley style 1940’s kitchen. Hope this info helps…

T4L,

Congrats on your upcoming retirement!

Having recently remodeled my kitchen, I can address your second question. I spent roughly $36K for a remodel through Home Depot (I’m sure I paid a bit of a premium but I liked the convenience of “one stop shopping”), which involved all new (stock Kraftmaid) cabinetry, soap stone counters, fully tiled walls/backsplash using subway tiles, new appliances (not stainless though, just went with white), new lighting and electrical and updated plumbing. Floors already had new ceramic tile installed (less than 1 year old) which stayed, and no walls were moved. This was for a rather small, galley style 1940’s kitchen. Hope this info helps…

I cannot address the real estate purchase issue, but have you driven on the 15 to test your theory? Regarding the remodel costs, if you are your own sub, then I would think you could remodel the kitchen for 50-100K depending on how high end the cabinets, appliances and the flooring, i.e.- marble, travertine, etc.is that you use. The bath I would expect to be less, possibly 25-35. K, depending on such factors as above. My neighbor paid 75. K for his bathroom remodel, but I think he really overpaid and he used someone who advertises extensively, so look for a contractor who needs work, but checks out in terms of no complaints. Ask to visit other places he has remodeled. Landscaping can be a do it yourself project if you do not want a lot of hardscape, which adds a lot of cost to the project. I would guestimate 10-20. K depending on what you want. Good luck.

One more thing, since you are commuting, have you looked at the Temecula area which has good schools and lower prices generally than anywhere, (except Chula Vista) in the San Diego area?

I cannot address the real estate purchase issue, but have you driven on the 15 to test your theory? Regarding the remodel costs, if you are your own sub, then I would think you could remodel the kitchen for 50-100K depending on how high end the cabinets, appliances and the flooring, i.e.- marble, travertine, etc.is that you use. The bath I would expect to be less, possibly 25-35. K, depending on such factors as above. My neighbor paid 75. K for his bathroom remodel, but I think he really overpaid and he used someone who advertises extensively, so look for a contractor who needs work, but checks out in terms of no complaints. Ask to visit other places he has remodeled. Landscaping can be a do it yourself project if you do not want a lot of hardscape, which adds a lot of cost to the project. I would guestimate 10-20. K depending on what you want. Good luck.

One more thing, since you are commuting, have you looked at the Temecula area which has good schools and lower prices generally than anywhere, (except Chula Vista) in the San Diego area?

I cannot address the real estate purchase issue, but have you driven on the 15 to test your theory? Regarding the remodel costs, if you are your own sub, then I would think you could remodel the kitchen for 50-100K depending on how high end the cabinets, appliances and the flooring, i.e.- marble, travertine, etc.is that you use. The bath I would expect to be less, possibly 25-35. K, depending on such factors as above. My neighbor paid 75. K for his bathroom remodel, but I think he really overpaid and he used someone who advertises extensively, so look for a contractor who needs work, but checks out in terms of no complaints. Ask to visit other places he has remodeled. Landscaping can be a do it yourself project if you do not want a lot of hardscape, which adds a lot of cost to the project. I would guestimate 10-20. K depending on what you want. Good luck.

One more thing, since you are commuting, have you looked at the Temecula area which has good schools and lower prices generally than anywhere, (except Chula Vista) in the San Diego area?

Congrats on retiring from military after 24yrs of service and best wishes with the new job

1. Don’t rush into buying a home just because your looking for a tax write-off. It’s nice to be able to write it off but I don’t think it is a huge benefit.

2. I’ve made some offers on REO lately and the listing agents usually say don’t come in at more than 20% off, but do whatever you want as most of the time they are not looking at mult. offers and you can counter back and forth. BTW I haven’t got a bank to accept 20% or more off but properties are still listed and I’ll see if they lower asking prices over the next few months.

3. If you have no experience remodeling then you”ll soon find out some companies will quote $40-$50k for a new kitchen….an avg master bath quote can run $20k. All depends on materials and size.

I personally wouldn’t buy right now (even in a nice are of RB) unless you can get something 20-25% below current comps. We still have a big mess ahead and it isn’t worth the stress of losing $100k + of equity over the next few years. You should also figure out what rents are in the area for a place that size.

Congrats on retiring from military after 24yrs of service and best wishes with the new job

1. Don’t rush into buying a home just because your looking for a tax write-off. It’s nice to be able to write it off but I don’t think it is a huge benefit.

2. I’ve made some offers on REO lately and the listing agents usually say don’t come in at more than 20% off, but do whatever you want as most of the time they are not looking at mult. offers and you can counter back and forth. BTW I haven’t got a bank to accept 20% or more off but properties are still listed and I’ll see if they lower asking prices over the next few months.

3. If you have no experience remodeling then you”ll soon find out some companies will quote $40-$50k for a new kitchen….an avg master bath quote can run $20k. All depends on materials and size.

I personally wouldn’t buy right now (even in a nice are of RB) unless you can get something 20-25% below current comps. We still have a big mess ahead and it isn’t worth the stress of losing $100k + of equity over the next few years. You should also figure out what rents are in the area for a place that size.