tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812871306222509242011-07-22T12:54:22.035-07:00I started this blog to document the process of moving from Oakland,CA to Durham,NC to buy a home sight unseen for under $35,000. Other than reasonable intelligence,many hours of HGTV viewing, an a few "how-to" manuals I have zero home renovation skills. This has been an adventure blended with a whole lot of culture shock.Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.comBlogger91100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-90934957073816101912011-07-22T12:49:00.000-07:002011-07-22T12:54:22.046-07:00So much has changed in life and in my little home. I have been here since November 2007! Wow time moves swiftly! Life is good at 503 Carlton! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kewpiemania/sets/72157627094592943">Click here</a> to see some updated pics.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-9093495707381610191?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-84393842138460603822008-12-20T09:05:00.001-08:002008-12-20T09:28:38.387-08:00So we have been here a little over a year. We have been adopted by a feral (not so feral anymore) cat colony and our small urban yard is always full of birds, squirrels, and the occasional raccoon. I love the wildlife. I also love how our depressed neighborhood seems to be coming to life. Sometimes I think it may have been easier to buy a more expensive home and have less work to do. (I am also regretting not getting a loan that gave me a cushion for renovation expenses.) All and all I love my little never ending project. It is slowly coming together. The original plan has shifted due to a <a href="http://www.helphealfran.org/">pretty big illness in the family</a><a href="http://www.helphealfran.org/"> </a> so some projects like re doing the floors and installing a new (old) cast iron tub has been placed on the back burner.<br />I did scrape all of the fire engine red paint off of the fireplace and repaint the kitchen cabinets.<br />One day this little house will have polished floors,a big soaking tub, and perhaps a new deck on the back. Until then, my little house and I will wait to be discovered by one of those home makeover shows and continue reading Home Depot How-To Manuals.<br /><br />Pics to come.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-8439384213846060382?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-73714458616645763752008-05-17T15:28:00.001-07:002008-05-17T15:34:12.220-07:00Before<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9c-p3BDeI/AAAAAAAAABk/THejXIkO7RE/s1600-h/Kitchen+before.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9c-p3BDeI/AAAAAAAAABk/THejXIkO7RE/s400/Kitchen+before.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201478326094466530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9czJ3BDdI/AAAAAAAAABc/sNKKmOEZIqI/s1600-h/Kitchen+before2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9czJ3BDdI/AAAAAAAAABc/sNKKmOEZIqI/s400/Kitchen+before2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201478128525970898" border="0" /></a>After<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9crZ3BDcI/AAAAAAAAABU/I_D3GQxXaX4/s1600-h/Kitchen+Now.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9crZ3BDcI/AAAAAAAAABU/I_D3GQxXaX4/s400/Kitchen+Now.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201477995381984706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9cjZ3BDbI/AAAAAAAAABM/RrtlvOmWLFc/s1600-h/kitchen+now+yay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/SC9cjZ3BDbI/AAAAAAAAABM/RrtlvOmWLFc/s400/kitchen+now+yay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201477857943031218" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-7371445861664576375?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-46650339839804230642008-05-17T15:23:00.000-07:002008-05-17T15:28:24.643-07:00I had such a good time meeting people and hopefully some of them will become new neighbors.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-4665033983980423064?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-25167793564127872022007-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:002007-12-04T12:16:19.072-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/R1WzGuKCncI/AAAAAAAAAAU/dpE45Z9CYbA/s1600-h/Office+Before.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/R1WzGuKCncI/AAAAAAAAAAU/dpE45Z9CYbA/s320/Office+Before.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140211477764021698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/R1WzHOKCndI/AAAAAAAAAAc/S1yuaM-po4Y/s1600-h/office+after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/R1WzHOKCndI/AAAAAAAAAAc/S1yuaM-po4Y/s320/office+after.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140211486353956306" border="0" /></a><br />So I have been here in the house for a month now. What a month it has been! I have met some really great people, and some that I pray find their way in the world and leave the drugs alone.<br />Mostly it has been great! I have a home! My house is really charming and I have already done a lot of work on it. With Ken Gasch's guidance and tools and help from my new friend Angel I have removed the gross linolum flooring that covered half the house and exposed the hardwood that was hidden under. The house is taking on a whole new feeling.<br /><br />The neighborhood is interesting. It's mostly quiet. I love that SEEDS in right down the street as well as the library. I am excited that the police seem to be serious about fighting crime and turning the neighborhood around. It seems like the neighborhood is made up of mostly good poor people and some addicts and young misguided kids. There also seems to be a concentrated amount of social service type organizations in the area, more so than in the other parts of Durham I have seen which seems a bit unbalanced. I wonder why that is?<br />I know there is a lot of potential here. I can feel it.I look forward to being part of my neighborhoods growth.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-2516779356412787202?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-35933174766684534732007-10-08T16:38:00.000-07:002007-10-08T16:51:58.613-07:00So the offer has been accepted...the inspection has happened...the appraisal has happened...now I just have to wait for closing and for the loan to go through. So many details...stressful to say the least. Some days I do wonder if it's crazy that I bought a home sight unseen. Last night I watched HGTV and there was an episode of "first time buyers" This couple living in San Diego, bought a home in Denver after only seeing pics their realtor took. It was nice to see that I am not the only one who bought a home off of the internet without doing a walk through first.<br />They were pleased when they finally got into their home. I think I will be too.<br /><br />I am a little concerned about crime in the area...and to be honest I am not worried out having my stuff ripped off as much as something happening to my dog when I am not there. He is like our kid. I am not so worried about the diva cat...she can hold her own.<br />I think I may have to invest in an alarm system. After the new year we will drive to NY and pick up Frantastic's dog Max. So our cozy little house will be quite full. 2 adults, 2 small-med. dogs, one diva kitty.<br /><br />I can't wait to get there. I can't wait to turn the key in the lock and walk the rooms imagining colors and decor. I am looking forward to meeting the neighbors and getting settled in.<br /><br />Looking forward to the adventure of it all.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-3593317476668453473?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-19993005073064009782007-09-28T13:38:00.000-07:002007-09-28T14:11:20.778-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/Rv1qwj1ZH7I/AAAAAAAAAAM/7fwZFRW_JYM/s1600-h/503+Carlton.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UFm9UyHEGAc/Rv1qwj1ZH7I/AAAAAAAAAAM/7fwZFRW_JYM/s320/503+Carlton.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115362134248202162" border="0" /></a><br />The Preservation Durham folks accepted my offer on the house at 503 Carlton!<br />Now we just have to have it inspected and appraised and get the final word on the loan.<br />I am excited and nervous! I could never have done this without help from my realtor Ken Gasch-<br />He rocks! If you ever want to buy a home in the Durham area he is your guy. www.kengasch.com<br /><br />I am excited to become part of the Cleveland Holloway Neighborhood and the downtown revitalization.<br /><br />So folks think I am CRAZY to leave the Bay Area and buy a home without having seen it myself.<br />( I have seen pics). It does feel a little crazy, and adventurous.<br />It will be interesting, no doubt.<br /><br />Here is a pic of my soon to be new home<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-1999300507306400978?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-89000229643313275302007-09-18T08:45:00.000-07:002007-09-18T08:54:41.602-07:00So I have submitted a proposal to Preservation Durham - We may have a house. A small house...hmmm let's call it cozy. Yes we may have a cozy house. It's gonna need some DEEP cleaning (good thing I like to clean) and some TLC. I am excited about finally becoming a home owner and excited about saving a historical home. When it's time to expand the family -I can sell it(actually Ken will sell it) to another older home lover and buy my dream 1920's Craftsman Bungalow.<br /><br />Exciting times.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-8900022964331327530?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-881287130622250924.post-37676545430370604012007-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:002007-09-14T16:41:53.663-07:00<span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">Hello! Hello? :)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">I am starting this blog to share, vent, and discuss Durham and the adventure of trying to by a home from 3000+ miles away. I currently live in Oakland, CA. I was just there a few weeks ago and fell in love with the area. I am dreaming of buying an older bungalow and making a home with my girlfriend Fran ( I like to call her Frantastic) 2 cute puppies Santo and Max and her diva kitty Zelda. I have been doing a lot of research about Durham ...the good and the not so good.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">I am excited about how the Cleveland Holloway residents are taking a stand. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">I hope to join and contribute to this neighborhood.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">If you have any leads on houses please pass them on! I don't have a big budget but I do have big ambitions. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">Peace!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/881287130622250924-3767654543037060401?l=durhamdream.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dante Mandalahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01366907613081271207noreply@blogger.com0