10 Questions...

I'm going to post these mini-interviews with past clients from time to time. Let's start this week with two.

First up is Felix Havoc: Twin Cities Hardcore Legend. Besides his great bands, Felix been critically involved with the Twin Cities scene in nearly every capacity. He runs the essential Havoc Records and has booked many shows over the years - including the epic Thrashfests I - V.

1) What town / neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose to live there?
Minneapolis, Standish Ericson. I chose to live near the light rail.

2) What type/style of home do you live in?
A classic craftsman style bungalow.

3) What made you choose to buy when you did?
The end of bachelorhood.

4) What do you like most and least about home ownership?
Most-getting to fix up and decorate the house to exactly my tastes. The worst Minneapolis Property taxes.

5) What sort of projects have you taken on with your home?
Whole house remodel! Nothing was untouched.

6) What bands have you been in / are currently in and what instrument?
Destroy, Code 13, Damage Deposit. vocals.

7) What was the last great show you went to?
Kakka Hata 77 at the Rathole

8) Do you have a favorite record in your collection / one you'd never sell?
Bad Brains "ROIR" sessions. Discharge singles.

9) What was the last great record you bought?
Heratys s/t LP

10) Any suggestions to someone thinking about buying their first house?
look really carefully, don't be suckered by a house that's been "remodeled" as often these are cosmetic changes covering bigger problems. Be leery of any house that changed hands during the housing boom as it might have been flipped with only cosmetic work and still needs major repairs beneath the surface. Try to find a classic well built home that hasn't been remodeled too much. If you must by a newer home, research the builder and talk to other people who bought homes from the same builder. A builders reputation good or bad can last for decades in a neighborhood.
You are better off paying more up front for a house in better condition, better location than trying to save money by buying something that needs a lot of work or is in a sketchy neighborhood. But if you DO want a project and buy a fixer upper, give me a call, as remodeling houses is what I do. I just see a lot of eager homeowners buy projects that are way bigger than they can handle. I've seen a lot of people start small and wind up spending more money on their "cheap" starter home in a marginal location than they could have spent on a turnkey deal uptown.

Great advice. Check out Felix's amazing work at http://www.metropolismn.com/ He does unbelievable work.

Next up, short answers from Tim Sieler. Tim plays guitar Ambassador Gun, killer death grind from Minneapolis. Check out the "when in hell" CD (available at Relapse.com). He also works at Humm's so say hi when you're in there.

1) What town / neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose to live there?
Phillips/ Midtown. Close to downtown, uptown & campus.

2) What type/style of home do you live in?
Two bedroom house.

3) What made you choose to buy when you did?
Just sick of paying rent. (& tax rebate)

4) What do you like most and least about home ownership?
No landlord is great, city taxes are not.

5) What sort of projects have you taken on with your home?
Potentially finish the fence this summer.

6) What bands have you been in / are currently in and what instrument?
AMBASSADOR GUN, guitar & vox

7) What was the last great show you went to?
Weedeater & the T Rock

8) Do you have a favorite record in your collection / one you'd never sell?
The Beatles Abbey Road

9) What was the last great record you bought?
Rotten Sound "Cycles"

10) Any suggestions to someone thinking about buying their first house?

Be patient!