River city Commons has approximately eight houses that are being sold as foreclosures or on short sales. And I have already looked over all of them from the outside and peaked in the windows. Since I don't have a realtor yet, I haven't seen the inside of any of them except to peak through the windows. So my initial evaluation is based on the general appearance, landscaping, and the size and configuration of the back yards. I also downloaded the documents including Architectural Review Standards from the River City Commons Website.
One of the houses stands head and shoulders above the others and I suspect that it is the one I will finally buy. But I am holding my judgment until I have seen more. While looking at the house, Michael, the assistant director of the homeowners association came by with his dog and we got into a conversation. His partner studied architect under Mies van der Rohe at the Illinios Institute of Technology.
Michael also mentioned that there were two women who were partners down at the corner lot and said something about another gay male couple. I am sure he did not overlook the stickers on my car bumper of the Human Rights Campaign and the rainbow flag. So it does look like I will be among friends and hopefully my dream for a gay gentrification of the area will proceed on schedule.
Gay men are put in the marketing category of "DINKs." That means double-income, no kids -- the marketer's dream unless you are selling diapers. Below is a picture of the house I am most in love with at the time.
It is a sub-plex on a corner lot across from a park housing the neighborhood community center and branch library. The garage side of the house, which faces the park, is in pretty good condition. The landscaping is quite simple, yet elegant with three mature birch trees. The side of the house where the entry is, has more landscape problems. The fence is stained from irrigation and has no plantings between the fence and sidewalk. The landscaping at the entry is nonexistent and the bushes are totally inappropriate to mid-century modernist principles. So my first task will be to clear and grub all landscape elements on this side of the house and start with a new design that is in keeping with the style of mid-century modernism.
The house is a Freddie Mac foreclosure and has had work done by Freddie Mac to the roof as well as repairs and repainting of the facia. The outside appearance, as with most modernist homes, belies the magnificent interior spaces. The entrance opens on an atrium with 6' square foot skylight. Beyond is a 22' X 28' living space with fireplace and sliding glass doors opening onto a shaded patio and large back yard. It is three bedrooms with walk-in closets, central air and heating through a heat pump on the roof, two baths, also with skylights, new cabinets and counter in the kitchen and a laundry room.
Above is my second choice. It is a detached, stand alone home on a short cul-de-sac. The back yard is smaller, but it has a nice wide, shaded side yard on the right that goes back to the entry and has the potential of being developed into a great entry court and shaded dining area. Also the side yard on the left side of the house will make a great utility court. I also like the configuration of the atrium with the door set in about three feet and the atrium wrapping around it. This house appeals to me primarily because of its location on a cul-de-sac with less traffic and the nice landscaping that needs no work. With its simple landscaping and hidden entry, it reminds me most of the homes I used to see in Sunset Magazine back in the 50's and 60's.
I am looking forward to getting my qualification letter from the bank tomorrow and contact the realtor. The realtor I have decided on is Steve Streng, the son of one of the original developers. He specializes in handling sales of all of the more than 1,000 Streng homes that were developed in Sacramento and nearby towns.
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