Which would you choose?
Here in Las Vegas, it's a rarity to find that elusive combination of perfect house and perfect yard. This is generally because the lots homes are built on here are so small. Well, over the weekend two options have presented themselves and we're having a difficult time making a decision. And the problem is, we need to make a decision in the next two days. Here's the situation:
Our favorite floor plan hands down is in a development where the home is built new - you pick the floor plan and the lot and in 4-5 months, you have a new home to move into. A couple of months ago we decided to move forward with this option but negotiations didn't go as planned and we decided to walk away. This weekend the builder contacted us to let us know that the deal had fallen through with the people that ended up buying the lot/home we previously negotiated on. We have until Thursday to decide if we want to snatch it up. One minor drawback is that these other people picked the cabinet colors, granite, and other options throughout the house - one reason you'd build from scratch - so you can pick exactly what you want. Although the options are not what we would have picked, they're fine just the same. The only major drawback is - the backyard is small - Mike paced it off and it measured about 10 steps deep by 20 steps wide. Enough room for some grass and a covered patio down the road. The entire lot is about .15 acres.
Well, the next day, we got some information on a home in our ward that's not actually for sale but will be on the market in about a week. It foreclosed about a month ago, and a company bought it at auction and has been fixing it up. It's in a very nice neighborhood. The kicker here is the lot - it's on .33 acres. The backyard is huge and has a pool, spa, covered patio, large grass area, side yard with playground, and the perimeter is lined with fruit trees, grapes, shrubs, and the like. The home would need some additional work but the yard is unbeatable. The layout isn't our favorite but at the same time, there's nothing terrible about it, my only complaint is that for the size of the house, the kitchen and great room are relatively small. Two other factors to consider here are 1.) that we'd already know several of our neighbors, and 2.) the extra cost of upkeep on a yard like this.
Both homes are the same size, and about the same price. Which would you choose? The new home with dream floor plan and small backyard or the older home which will need some work, with an okay floor plan but unbelievable yard? We need help deciding...
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9 comments:
That's a hard one. For me, I go to where I would be spending the most time at: The kitchen & bedroom. Then I ask myself a few questions: Do I see myself in here everyday? Do I WANT to be in here everyday? Does anything in here bother me at all?
If "no" is an answer to either of first two, or a yes to the third, then that house is not for me. This really did help us in buying our house. It was nice because it would literally take me 2 min to know if I liked a house or not. Both John and our Realtor were always mad at me since I only went into two places in most houses.
One of my problems with houses is storage. Where can you store stuff? Since I know you like to cook, is there enough cabinet spaces for all your food/appliances? Is there a linen closet/cabinet? These may not seem so important, but it does make a big difference!
The yard is good for two main things: kids, and outdoor entertaining. So, do you have lots of schnazzy outdoor parties? And, with kids, they don't care how big the yard is. You've seen our miniscule yard, and our kids spend hours in it. I agree with a previous commenter: kitchen and bedroom. Then, for guests, I guess a family room is nice. Kevin and I live in the kitchen and bedroom, and if they were small, I'd be grouchy. Those are my thoughts. Good luck!!!
Keep in mind that with that huge yard and the pool and the hot tub comes a LOT of maintenance and expense. Really, a LOT. Do you guys really have the time to take care of it? To make good use of it? Do you really want to spend your extra money on pool maintenance? Plus, if babies are part of your future plans, a pool may not be the best idea--too many potential accidents. I'd be paranoid all the time with a pool in my backyard.
i'd definitely say the house-you're going to spend a lot more time in there than in your yard. but definitely a hard one...so exciting though!!
I think I would have to see the floor plan. If the "nice yard" house had a floor plan that wasn't the best... but still nice and had potential... I would probably do that one. Think of it this way... you can always make changes to the house. Renovations are a lot of work but in the end you're happier and the value of the house would sky rockets. You can't change the size of a backyard though (obviously).... so that's something to think about. I'm sure you guys could make the house look awesome!
House-you spend more time.
Jason says yard, I say house. I guess we don't help the decision making much! Good luck deciding.
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