Other than my basic requirements of 3-4 beds, 2.5 baths, double sinks in the master and on a quiet neighborhood street, there are too many factors to consider. So far, we haven't seen that one house with the perfect combination of interior, exterior, neighborhood, and of course price. So now I've come to the realization that I'm going to have to compromise and weigh all the options and try to make a good decision. As for now, these are my top 3, and my dilemmas:
House #1: Large and In Charge
This house has great curb appeal, and the best part about it is the 3 car garage, which also carries the highest price tag. While spacious and roomy on the inside, the nicest part about it is the exterior. There's a beautiful stamped patio in the small backyard. Unfortunately, the interior has been finished rather cheaply. We're talking linoleum floors and the dreadful laminate countertops (although at least its not white). It does have wonderful 9' ceilings, but for the price you'd think you wouldn't have to go in and tile half the first floor and spruce up all the bathrooms, and we'd still have to try to negotiate the price down to our liking.House #2: Feeling Good in the Neighborhood
This home has great curb appeal. While 300sf smaller than home #1 the price is do-able. It's in a lovely neighborhood and actually has tile floors (while also off-white). Large master bedroom and bath as well. One issue is the small backyard, which is taken up with a goldfish pond and surrounding landscaping (beautiful, but not much room for the kids to play). While only a few years old the kitchen is Blah-zay and definitely needs a face lift in the way of countertops, appliances and paint. Well, the whole house is a blank slate actually, just waiting for me to splash paint all over it. It also has 4 bedrooms like house #1 and #3.House #3: Location Price Location
This Home is lovely throughout and at 2300sf there is room for all my furniture. The only project is to tone down a few bright walls to my taste, and perhaps tile the vinyl floor which is actually quite nice as far as the colors. The kitchen here rocks. Stainless appliances, tons of counter space, has a place for bar stools and a lovely morning room dining area adjacent. The master suite is dreamy with his and her closets. The price is awesome for the sf-age, the only catch here is the town. It's a little less developed than the previous 2 homes' neighborhoods, and may be a minute or two longer commute for work. Extra parking for our 3rd vehicle is a plus, and it has privacy being at the end of the street. The yard is LARGE, and this is where the work starts in landscaping or seeding the patchy grass backyard. But for a bonus there is a full privacy fence and nice deck. At this price I may be able to get some nice patio furniture... I wish I could decide and I feel like the clock ticking since I'd like to get in somewhere before the holidays...
