Went to see a house near the freeway at about 46th Ave. Instantly liked what I saw. A few days later saw the inside. Quite compact but enough for one or two people. Has great views – set above the street by about 25 feet. Has a spacious deck.

Are there any drawbacks. Yes, three.

1. Principally, noise from the freeway. At street level it is modest. At deck/garden level it is significant. Inside the house it’s not very noticeable.

2. It sits on a hill that in an earthquake may be prone to slippage.

3. 28 steps just to get into the garden. As I add years will I still be able to climb them?

Overall I am definitely favoring it. I’d like to see a couple of other places in the same price bracket before I put in an offer. Why does my agent have to be out of town for a week or 10 days?

M.