mariend, I'm definitely going to have the house inspected, wasn't planning on a structual engineer, but maybe the home inspector I go with will tell me if he thinks it's needed - I think, from the looks of what I saw (not that I really know anything) beams look fine. Wouldn't title insurance protect me from any liens the previous owner has outstanding? Will definitely ask the realtor all these questions tomorrow - for sure I want to protect myself! Why not turn on the electric if the listing agent says it's okay?? Why from the looks of it wouldn't you purchase a house if you got it at a steal?? linda117- not sure what offers have gone in on that house, if any. The area is gorgeous, and this is probably the worse looking house in that area, even after it would be spruced up. The house isn't exactly what I want, but the area is. Seems I have to make some adjustments of what I want, especially if the price is good. I can make the offer, they can reject it, and who knows, if nothing else comes in in time, they may just call me back. One thing that's good - I'm in no hurry. I've been looking for a longggggg time, and time is definitely on my side. ncrealestateguy - thanks for the info - I love NC! The FMV that's listed as public records through the county is around $158k I think, something around that area. Is this the FMV you refer to, the one from the county? So, given your info, you'd say $78K would be a good offer to start, or to go up to? If you put in an offer through the REA, do banks counteroffer? I was thinking if I put in an offer to go $74,990 and see where it goes from there. If I have to only put in $50K in improvements, it would be a nice deal, but if I need to put more, I'd much rather try and get a house without so many problems and work that needs to be done. It's the neighborhood that's the keypoint, not the house (definitely not the pool that I really don't want either) I really appreciate the time and help! carol, I expect to pay for the inspections and I'd have to do it quick as I'm going back home in a week and a half, so this would be quick. I don't know how long the bank will drag their heels with giving me any type of answer though, if it's after I leave, then it won't be so quick - I can't come back til mid August at the earliest due to a family wedding and people coming in and staying with us. That's been one of the hard things about finding a house in another state - not only am I not here, but finding a house with the critieria I'd like is hard - which is why I'm bending a bit with this house - not exactly what I want, but if I can get it at a steal, I'll go for it. What I forgot to mention that I found about the previous sales was the first time it shows the amount due was about $154k and the second time, this past March, it was $150K Again, not sure if this means anything or would have anything to do with what the bank may sell it for. I'll be going back tomorrow morning for another look, more pictures and more measuring. I'm also meeting a guy I met that knows construction for his opinion. Lucky to find this guy - he only lives 1 mile from the house. At least I'll have some insight to what needs to be done, at least what he knows. He doesn't do electrical, and some other things but at least I can get some information about what he thinks it may cost to do what he knows how to do. If it's meant to be, it will - I'm a firm believer in this. I won't be upset if the bank doesn't take the offer I give, I'll just keep looking. Thanks again to all who replied. I'm definitely interested to hearing more from anyone who'd like to give me their 2 cents. I've learned quite a bit just reading these forums!! THANKS!!!!

Maybe a few comments. Tennesee has lots of climates, Memphis is a lot different from Nash ville as an example. Most pole beans grow well in East Tennesse, sothwestern can be quite hot and humid. The Appalchian region is great for beans and many of the heritage varieties originated in the area. Lima beans. Baby limas have adifferent flavor than the giant limas. Christmas/Calico is one of more prolific giant limas. King of the Garden is the standard for whites. Whether you prefer shellies or dried beans is a matter of taste. Shellies are harvested when the beans are full size and pods are leathery and easy to open. For Dry beans the pods are allowed to dry on the plants, harvested, dried some more, and then shelled. They usually grow in flushes with intervals between harvest. This harvest photo shows a mix of shellies and dry. Cowpeas come in all sizes colors and shape. Zippers have green shells that don't dramatically change colors like purple hull types. For shellies the pods will get lighter in color and be full of peas. Zippers are noted for easy shelling as shellies. If you let dry on the vine, they can then be used as dry peas. They are most desired as green shellies.

are you thinking of expanding to get more room? does that large table need to stay? can you move the fridge? what's on the other side? the kitchen has no working space. none. if you want to rework the space, post more pics or a floorpan. if you want to keep everything the same, you can buy a sink base and few upper cabinets on the cheap, paint them and redo the back wall. easy. you could look on craigslist (if you're near a big city) and see what perfectly good kitchens people are ripping out so that they can remodel. I've seen entire kitchens, (cabs, granite, sink, and appliances) sell for 1K, total. lighting. is this a one story w/access to the attic above the kitchen? if so, look into some recessed lights. so, tell us what you want, what you need, and how much you can spend.

A greige instead of a gray on the walls might be more neutral, but that depends on your style. White cabinets on top and blue on the bottom is fine if that's what goes with your decor. If you're talking about cool gray walls for the kitchen, they won't go with the warm walls of the adjoining room. Not sure where you want the gray walls - in the kitchen or adjoining room - you didn't specify. Gray walls are fine for a room that gets the warmest morning sun, but if not, a warmer color would work better.