How does one accomodate the smaller size of the Motawi tile in the design? If I'm understanding you correctly, you'll just have a wider joint around the decos, and that would get grouted. And how do I figure out exactly what size the niche should be framed out at to ensure that there will be no cuts needed at the sides and top (other than what's needed for the pattern). Lay some of the tiles out dry on your table. Herring bone isn't that hard to lay out. You're basically laying out steps with one row of steps laying horizontally, and the next laying vertically. Look at a herringbone design. You'll see what I mean, and once you see it in that light, it's not quite so complicated any more.

Sorry all! 'Been running all day ... No decision yet but I had a great conversation with my sales "guy" this am. He's a good guy - no pressure to buy anything particular. He gave me good info on both the Miele and LG. If any one is interested, he said his first choice after Miele is Samsung (but no gas dryer so onto LG for me). He's not a fan of Whirlpool/Maytag and he showed me some reasons. He works at the store where they sell the most Miele in all of Canada so he knows Miele. Miele has also paid for him to go to Germany and see manufacturing first hand. He, of course, is sold on Miele's commitment to quality build/materials. He said they ask Miele about steam all the time as every brand offers it now. Miele said they won't do it until they can do it perfect. He had nothing bad to say about the LG. He said if you get a good one they are great. He said if you get a bad one ... it used to be worse but they have changed their policy and after 3 service calls they give you a new machine. They figured out (under warranty) any more calls was costing them more than just giving a new machine to replace an obvious lemon. That's reassuring. With his cost, the LG would run me about $1,200 less and he says there is no reason I shouldn't get at least 10 years ... maybe 15. Of course, Miele will take me 20 or more ... "they" say. The reason for the delay is I quizzed him about the supposed changes to the W4XXX so he called his people at Miele. Sounds like just some minor aesthetic stuff but I showed him the left hand washer and he wanted to know more. He pushed them about the left hand washer and no one was saying too much. The IDS (Interior Design Show) starts today and my "guy" is going to the Miele invitation only party. He says they usually show/talk about what's coming so he wants me to wait until tomorrow when he can tell me more. Have I decided?? Still not 100% ... I'll wait to hear more tomorrow. If it is truly just aesthetics than no biggie but if they are going to come out with a left hand door than I want to know. He also confirmed with two different Miele people that yes indeed the T9822 is available to ship. Bottom line, I can have either set installed early next week and be doing laundry without stressing my machine will implode (which is what is happening as I type). I really do like both - in a perfect world I'd have both ... LOL ... but alas ... I'll have to choose one. I may be leaving town for the weekend so if you don't hear from me tomorrow it may not be until Tuesday that I get back on here. Sorry you have to wait a little longer ... :) Here's something I thought of today, my "guy" was giving me some performance points about Miele today that I hadn't read anywhere. Things Miele tells them about the machines. For one example, the 4.0 cu. ft. drum is the "perfect" size for properly tumbling the clothes for the best clean and their tumble action is different than others. I realized today that Miele does a lousy marketing job. In everything I've read and seen, hardly any real "meat" about what sets them apart (besides their quality and their honeycomb drum). A little "ah ha" moment today ... I mean what is with their website?? They need serious marketing help ... they haven't even updated their site with the W4842. He told me if Miele would put a machine that's opened up on the sales floor so they can show customers what's inside people would buy them no hesitation. It's just all that stuff in "intangible" because you can't see it. Makes sense.

we moved to the dayton area a few years ago for my husband's residency. we bought an older (1906) farmhouse w/ beautiful original woodwork and floors for (well) under $200,000. the bathrooms and kitchen are ok, nothing to write home about. four bedrooms, plus smallish nursery type room, dining room, living room, library, family room, 5 acres, two nice barns, detached garage, and 5 acres. no central air, unfinished basement and attic. don't know where you are coming from or what would be a good price, but there are a lot of houses like mine around here. a good place to start would be dayton.rapmls.com i often go here just to look around. get a map of ohio's counties and see what kind of commute would be doable. hope this helps, happy to answer any more questions.

Since you want a home in this neighborhood pretty badly, that means your demand is high. And right now, this home in the only one in this neighborhood, plus it's the only one on your list that has a layout that's particularly good for you, which means your supply is low. That means a higher price--but maybe not $270k. I'd say do this: Get them your appraisal number in a way that is credible (not just you on the phone). Suggest that if this number troubles them, that they ask an appraiser of their own choosing to give them his/her opinion; if they balk, offer to pitch in toward the price. Then put together your rationale for the price, much the way marys1000 suggested, to show that the $240k mark is fair. Give them the most recent comps you can find, etc. Then, also point out why they'd benefit from a sale now (market is slow most places, and not near the bottom yet from a national point of view; no broker fee, no advertising, no showings, whatever closing length you're willing to give them, etc.). And, if they invest the cash they walk away with, how much would they make between now and March? But don't make the offer yet--ask them to ponder those issues for a day. THEN offer them $250k, *IF* you can swing the mortgage/downpayment combo w/ the bank. Because, as I said, your individual supply/demand relationship is not the same as the rest of the world's, and they KNOW this. Plus, you said in your letter "top dollar"--not "fair market value." Your initial offer being slightly higher than the appraisal will hopefully take the sting off the lower appraisal and maybe prevent them from seeing you, suddenly, as "those folks out to take advantage of us." And paying over the appraisal can certainly be viewed as "top dollar." if you're willing to go up to $270k, keep that in abeyance until you need it.