We joined a co-op here in Orlando and after evaluating the cost as well as what value it would add to our home we decided to pass.

This loan assumption is turning out to cost as much money as an original loan.  

We opened the back wall of the kitchen to allow access from different areas of the house which lost little and made it feel much larger.My take aways:Not having a limit on my AMEX comes in very handytwo 24" vanities cost a lot less than a 48" vanity and look okay when put side by sideNeighbors were so happy to have the unit updated that they came over with plants and put them in themselvesSuper thick deck paint filled in the pits in the deck so we only replaced a couple broken boardsHome Depot really has some good kitchen cabinetsA crappy carpet install can mean a lot of rework to repair baseboardsDig the window well out 6" below the bottom of the window frame and make sure the window is sealed well.  

Well thank you - I am going to take your advice and paint the floors - I think it will look nice and not cost a whole lot.I will also have someone take a look at the foundation - that way if they do need to jack it up a bit - I can paint the walls AFTER they've potentially shifted or something.My main weakness is that I hate bugs and am horrified at the thought of crawling under the house.

This was especially important because the 1958 kitchen had a ton of oddly sized appliances, and buying them at retail would have cost a ton.

Say if you want a contractor in Costa Mesa, CA, don't put "does anyone know a contractor", etc.  

They cost a lot more upfront but the drawn is quite a bit less.

That adds up the cost a lot!

You try many different problem solving pamphlets that cost a Dollar or more.

Considering the idea that missing one good lead could cost a deal, I'll do just about whatever it takes to get one in place.One question... will using a service take away from our local investor "feel"?