Sorry for long post. Will try to get to the point!
I live in London with DH and our 4 month old. I grew up about a mile away from where I live, and where my mum still resides. Although close by, my mums street is so much nicer. Well kept houses and a lovely park I played in as a child. I really want the same for my DS - the school locally is better too. DH and I had been thinking of moving because the residents on our road don't take care of their properties and some of the houses are shabby. Some houses are owned by landlords who are filling every room with tenants. We are just a bit fed up with looking at rubbish in front gardens and people sitting and smoking on our wall.
Anyway a house has came up on my mums road and it is perfect. All except the price. It would put about £100k + on our mortgage. I know it will stretch us massively but it ticks so many boxes. My son will grow up with granny nearby and she will be a massive help. As my mum is getting older it will also help me keep an eye on her. The price it's on for seems good for the area but is too much out of our price range. My mum has offered to help financially but I have said no. She is almost 70 and works full time (this is her choice, she's always been work mad!!). She is thinking of reducing hours which might mean she can help with childcare and therefore reduce our nursery fees which will help. My DH recognises it's a great deal but is worried, as am I, about stretching ourselves so much.
The owner is in a retirement home but I knew her and her husband (RIP) when I was growing up. Not very well but my mum is well known on the street as she is the resident nurse and has helped some of the neighbours over the years if they have been unwell. I have read recently about ppl writing letters to appeal to the owners and was wondering if anyone has experience of this? Just wondered if I wrote about growing up there and that we are a small family starting out it might make them inclined to consider our offer. Am I being unrealistic??
Btw I recognise I am in a privileged position to own my home so don't want to seem ungrateful. Just if anyone has any insight.....