Beware of House Funk

Old homes are cool. People will pay more for historic character and charm. But what about funk?

Funk- I'm not talking about the super-cool-booty-shakin' music from the '70's. I'm talking about homes that have something weird happening in spite of being a 'charming old house'.

Here's what brought this up... I was a little bored today so I thought I'd get out and preview some homes on the market in East Nashville. I saw 12 homes- 9 of which I thought were a little funky for the price. What do I mean?

Funky House Stuff
1. Weird floor plan- This is a very common kind of funk with older homes that have been remodeled to fit a more 'modern' lifestyle. Closets, bathrooms or extra bedrooms have been added, but it ruined the house. You've seen these homes. The pictures look great until you go there are see how the rooms work together.

2. Funky attic conversion- Also very common. Seldom does a converted attic space feel right. Problems include: Steep stairs, bathrooms with angled ceilings too low to stand beneath, lack of adequate heating/cooling systems, etc. When converting an attic there is sometimes a fine line between cute/sensible and funky.

3. Mix 'n match floors- Buyers always seem to notice when there are several types of flooring that doesn't match. For example, homes with hardwoods in the old part and then laminate floors in the new part mixed with two kinds of carpet, etc.

4. Unlevel floors or leaning stuff- This is the king of house funk. If the floors are unlevel often much of the house is unlevel. You notice it with door trim, baseboard, windows that stick or furniture that rolls to one side of the room. It can be a real problem and is often the kiss of death for a property that's for sale.

5. Duplex conversions- Homes that still feel like they're divided into two have 'the funk.' Signs of this include: two kitchens, exterior entrances where the should be just a window, and one side of the house that is in much worse condition. Homes can be converted from life as a duplex, but it must be done carefully and thoroughly.

If you're looking for a house you may want to stick with Sly and the Family Stone (see below) and leave the other funk out of the deal. :)

-Peter

www.NashvilleCityHomes.com
REALTOR. City Home Specialist.