People don't really need to utilize their space as much as more concentrated areas so having a unit or bedroom in the basement is far from desirable in most cases.However, personally, I would only add that if you planned on renting it or utilizing it to off-set your costs, otherwise, to me, it's kinda like painting a room bright purple in hopes of finding someone who loves the color and buys it just for that.

Or if it seems like you have the rare seller who will care, just double close and call it a day.At the end of the day, the seller cares about 2 things.1) The deal closes2) Whatever check they are handed at closing is for the amount you told them it would be when you signed the contract.They don't care if you sell it the next day, rent it, spend 200k rehabbing it, burn it down, drop a bomb on it, paint it purple, or let it sit empty for 9 years.

As far as areas: doesn't really matter too much to me as long as it's close to a train line so I can get to the Daley Center (clark/lake stop on blue/green/purple, Merchandise mart on brown, lake stop on Red).  

There's supposed to be a nice big pice of 2x8 blocking carefully installed right behind where those holes are, so it won't be the patch holding the sink in place.Sam, I'm afraid this is just going to be a total, total crap job to make this tiled access panel I'm proposing look even close to decent if you don't have the tools and skills of a fully equipped tile contractor.So my second idea is this: forget the access panel, and patch that hole with 1/2 in. drywall, preferably purple drywall, to eliminate those open studs and that code-breaking fire hazard.

Technically could have been purple crayon if it was legible.

You are right, I read the little purple book and I should try to fool my self...

You're welcome to search for Lamborghini studies to support your straw man argument, but I'm not going to waste time on this purple unicorn scenario.

Our property taxes are pretty reasonable, although the recent boom means our valuations are increasing (causing a sharp rise in the amount of property taxes we pay) but the mill levies themselves are still pretty reasonable.Politically, we are a somewhat purple state, so people from all walks find commonality here (although we are definitely sliding towards blue as time goes by).  

Patrick,Like your name. two things, first one is very important, if you haven't bought the house yet do not post the address on here, someone may take it right out from under you. second, the house looks to be in decent shape, a paint job and and new windows you are ready to go ( that includes painting the cabinets), bath tiles you could either replace or re-glaze to get rid of that purple. not in the best of areas, seems like there is high crime around it, check Trulias crime map.

Bad idea - pay rent first then you can talk about hiring him if it needs paint - make sure you approve the paint colors - if he paints it bright purple then you will have to have it repainted upon move out and it will cost a fortune to cover up the purple paint - also think about this, if he does a bad job and you don't pay him, he can file a mechanics lien on the property until you do UGH - you don't want that - have the proper docs in place before you hire anyone - scope of work, pay agreement, general release and final paycheck - this will protect you