House hunting - WWYD?

[The Captain]

DH and I are very close on finalizing the purchase of our new home.  We've basically narrowed it down to three choices:

1.  House #1 - Custom built about 50 years ago.  Very well maintined but kitchen and baths need updating (of course).  Three fireplaces, fantastic entertaining space on large lot at top of hill (circular driveway) with small inground pool.  The driveway could be a pain in the ass during winter (ice getting up and down and taking garbage down for pickup).  The craftsmanship on this place is awesome though, huge wood beamed ceilings, high grade solid wood floors, fireplace mantle keystoned in, but only 3 bedrooms (one en-suite)  and den would be buried in a windowless area of the lower level (it's a reverse walkout).  Lot is over 3/4 of an acre, as are all lots in the neighborhood.  Two car attached garage.  If not for the driveway/ice during winter and no den we would have closed on this already.  I really can't talk enough about the craftsmanship on this place. 

2.  House #2 - Built about 12 years ago, basically a track home but has 4 bedrooms (two en-suite) and a den all with windows on the main and second floor.  Plenty of space.  Finishes are for the most part builder's grade but it doesn't need updating yet.  We will have to tear out the carpet and put in hardwood in some areas to the tune of at least $15K.  The two en-suites are nice because we will likely have an in-law situation in the next few years (one is on the main floor, one on the second floor).  The lot is small and we have one house that's a little too close for my comfort.  The basement is huge though with extra high ceilings that can be finished for a lot more man-cave space.  Three car attached garage with short, flat, driveway.  This house is 30K more than house #1.

3.  House #3 - Built about 15 years ago.  Better than builder's grade finishes but has wallpaper that will need to be stipped and carpeting that will need to be replaced with hardwood.  4 bedrooms - only one en-suite, which is on ground floor.  We will also have to tear out and replace the carpeting with hardwood to the tune of about $10K.  Other three bedrooms share a full bath on second floor.  Main floor also has half bath for guests and plenty of entertaining space.  Basement is finished.  Lot is slightly less than an acre. Three car attached garage.  This house is 35K less than house #1.

So do we trade space for quality?  If there was an in-law situation we would give up the en suite in house #1 and #3 (which has DH crying because we've never had one ourselves) but we are ok with that.   

What say you all?

As far as the whole carpet/hardwood issue - I have pretty severe asthma so I try to keep dust/triggers to a minimum.  We are lucky that we can afford to put in solid surface flooring so yes, that is a requirment for me.

[Deleted]

#1 or you will be kicking yourself.

[sheilaincali]

I agree with Archie- I'd go with #1 in a New York minute. But I'm a sucker for an older home

[steph08]

#1 or #3.

#1 sounds great and you talk about it lovingly , but only you know if the space will work for you.

#3 - you can always take back one of the second floor bedrooms and do another en-suite, so there is one on the first floor and one on the second in case of an in-law situation and if your DH still wants an en-suite.

[Deleted]

House #3.  I have a driveway like house #1, plus 2 AWD cars/ 1 4wd truck , a plow, a snowblower, salt spredder, an expensive tractor that won't slip.  Add in 50 years old and I would run from that house....  #2 sounds nice, but the small lot is a huge turn off. 

[Bonny]

I like #1 too but I'm concerned about your comment about 'we are likely to have an in-law situation in the next couple of years".

If that's a serious likelihood, you should be considering a single level home or ensure that there are no stairs between the potential in-law and the kitchen/dining area. If it's just a "maybe" perhaps 10 years down the road then don't get too caught up over-planning.

[Urban Chicago]

#1 All the way for me.

Sounds like you have enough room to potentially add an in-law detached cottage if needed.


For what it's worth, there are solid surface options besides hardwood.

[skubikky]

Mar 25, 2014 9:36:21 GMT -5 pooks said:

House #3.  I have a driveway like house #1, plus 2 AWD cars/ 1 4wd truck , a plow, a snowblower, salt spredder, an expensive tractor that won't slip.  Add in 50 years old and I would run from that house...

#1 sounds the nicest but give a lot of consideration to upkeep.  
What will it be like maintaining a home like that?
What are the quirks that you can see that would become a PITA?  You have to look very, very carefully at each room and all around the outside.
Where are the spigots?  What does the drainage look like(are there any wet spots?)?  Do any of the windows leak? sometimes stuff like that can be painted over and you wouldn't notice unless you look very close.  Of course you'd be having an inspection but there's only so much that one inspector can see.

Also, how will your in-laws navigate a steep driveway if it's snowy/icy?

[Peace77]

If you are concerned about the driveway, I would put in a heated driveway in house #1.

Is  house #1 on one floor (except basement)?

[Tiny]

Mar 25, 2014 9:40:39 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I like #1 too but I'm concerned about your comment about 'we are likely to have an in-law situation in the next couple of years".

If that's a serious likelihood, you should be considering a single level home or ensure that there are no stairs between the potential in-law and the kitchen/dining area. If it's just a "maybe" perhaps 10 years down the road then don't get too caught up over-planning.

 

This.   Picture yourself in each house in 10/20 years.   Think about your health (I'm not sure how old you guys are - but dealing with a treacherous driveway when you are 40/50 is WAY different than dealing with it when you are 60/70. 

Also consider how much ' day to day work' each house needs - and if you will be doing it when older OR if you'll have the $$ to pay someone to do it.    

There's also the odd mindset that happens when you get 'older' that may make you NOT want to spend $$ to do things that need to be done... I watched alot of houses in my city deteriorate as the WWII generation started aging in place (or widows left with houses they couldn't maintain). For the record I was a "vulture"  and bought one of those deteriorating houses when the old person died.       NOT saying that this would happen to you - but it's something to consider if you are older (or will be older in the house).     

FWIW:  I kinda like house #2  (even though house #1 gives me the Warm Fuzzies and makes me smile)  I'd be happier leaving house #1 in the Fantasyland of my Dreams and go with a more utilitarian kinda house that would make my life easier (ie I wouldn't have to spend alot of time dealing with the house on a day to day basis). 

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

#1.

If the craftsmanship is that solid, that alone is worth the few months that the driveway will be a challenge.  No one builds solid houses anymore -- especially in developments like #2 sounds as if it is in.  

And I second the thoughts that the in-law situation is not yet definite, that you might be able to add on, and even if the in-law does move in, it is usually only temporary (it can be a years-long situation, but usually still temporary).  

Only go with #3 if you can honestly and happily give up your en-suite for the few years the in-law is living with you.

[Tiny]

As far as the whole carpet/hardwood issue - I have pretty severe asthma so I try to keep dust/triggers to a minimum. We are lucky that we can afford to put in solid surface flooring so yes, that is a requirment for me.

I have a friend with severe asthma and I know it's not pretty (and often times abit scary -- especially some of the scary  medications or nebulizer treatments needed to keep breathing... asthma doesn't seem to get better as you get older either    )

I'm feeling a bit devilish here so PLEASE take this in the spirit of 'smiling while poking fun/teasing' --

The three fireplaces are enclosed and gas powered? Yes?? I'm concerned that wood burning fireplaces might add to your asthma woes - (the ash and the wood and the having to clean them).

What about all the allergens in the older house - wood beamed ceilings sound like you can't clean them or paint them (dust collectors).

What kind of heating and cooling systems are in place in these houses? What kind of utility espenses are there and what type of air quality can you expect?

[sesfw]

The driveway could be a pain in the ass during winter

For this reason I would stay away from #1.  Think about day-to-day living, especially if you have an in-law living with you.  Scenery is great, living conditions not so great.  I would also stay away from a pool.

I like #3.  You have a lot of potential there and room to do it in.

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 9:40:39 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I like #1 too but I'm concerned about your comment about 'we are likely to have an in-law situation in the next couple of years".

If that's a serious likelihood, you should be considering a single level home or ensure that there are no stairs between the potential in-law and the kitchen/dining area. If it's just a "maybe" perhaps 10 years down the road then don't get too caught up over-planning.

#2 and #3 allow for single level living.  It's a maybe and the folks involved keep changing their minds.

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 9:57:29 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Mar 25, 2014 9:36:21 GMT -5 pooks said:

House #3.  I have a driveway like house #1, plus 2 AWD cars/ 1 4wd truck , a plow, a snowblower, salt spredder, an expensive tractor that won't slip.  Add in 50 years old and I would run from that house...

#1 sounds the nicest but give a lot of consideration to upkeep.  
What will it be like maintaining a home like that?
What are the quirks that you can see that would become a PITA?  You have to look very, very carefully at each room and all around the outside.
Where are the spigots?  What does the drainage look like(are there any wet spots?)?  Do any of the windows leak? sometimes stuff like that can be painted over and you wouldn't notice unless you look very close.  Of course you'd be having an inspection but there's only so much that one inspector can see.

Also, how will your in-laws navigate a steep driveway if it's snowy/icy?

Forget the in-laws - what about me?

It's the PITA I'm trying to consider.  FWIW I can smell mold a block away and this house is dry.  Maintenance is a good point, it's half brick and half cedar siding so we'd have to have it painted every now and then.

We have a yard service now and I have no intention of giving that up.  Drainage is excellent exactly because it is at the top of a hill (we've got major snow melt right now and there was no signs of swampland).  Windows are newer vinyl clad so in good shape.

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 11:13:29 GMT -5 Tiny said:

As far as the whole carpet/hardwood issue - I have pretty severe asthma so I try to keep dust/triggers to a minimum. We are lucky that we can afford to put in solid surface flooring so yes, that is a requirment for me.

I have a friend with severe asthma and I know it's not pretty (and often times abit scary -- especially some of the scary  medications or nebulizer treatments needed to keep breathing... asthma doesn't seem to get better as you get older either    )

I'm feeling a bit devilish here so PLEASE take this in the spirit of 'smiling while poking fun/teasing' --

The three fireplaces are enclosed and gas powered? Yes?? I'm concerned that wood burning fireplaces might add to your asthma woes - (the ash and the wood and the having to clean them).

What about all the allergens in the older house - wood beamed ceilings sound like you can't clean them or paint them (dust collectors).

What kind of heating and cooling systems are in place in these houses? What kind of utility espenses are there and what type of air quality can you expect?

All very good points. We currently have a fireplace and there are many times we don't use it because I'm symptomatic. In fact, we rarely use it at all everything considered.

Yes the firplaces are wood, good point - everyone gushes about how nice they are to have, but in reality we can't use them that often.

Each house has forced air heating and cooling (it's a requirement).  If the house does not have a whole home HEPA system we install one.   I hadn't considered the allergens that could build up in the wood beams, again - good points!

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 11:18:52 GMT -5 alwaysbeoptimizing said:

#1

Spend 3-5K and put an egress window in the basement for additional natural light

The way the house is laid out (basically built into a hillside) this is not possible without major excavation work.  Then a supporting wall would have to be poured to keep the egress clear so it would ruin the view from the front.  There is basically only one side on the lower level that gets natural light and unless you change part of the charm, that's the way it will stay.

Good idea though!

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 10:37:22 GMT -5 Tiny said:

Mar 25, 2014 9:40:39 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I like #1 too but I'm concerned about your comment about 'we are likely to have an in-law situation in the next couple of years".

If that's a serious likelihood, you should be considering a single level home or ensure that there are no stairs between the potential in-law and the kitchen/dining area. If it's just a "maybe" perhaps 10 years down the road then don't get too caught up over-planning.

 

This.   Picture yourself in each house in 10/20 years.   Think about your health (I'm not sure how old you guys are - but dealing with a treacherous driveway when you are 40/50 is WAY different than dealing with it when you are 60/70. 

Also consider how much ' day to day work' each house needs - and if you will be doing it when older OR if you'll have the $$ to pay someone to do it.    

There's also the odd mindset that happens when you get 'older' that may make you NOT want to spend $$ to do things that need to be done... I watched alot of houses in my city deteriorate as the WWII generation started aging in place (or widows left with houses they couldn't maintain). For the record I was a "vulture"  and bought one of those deteriorating houses when the old person died.       NOT saying that this would happen to you - but it's something to consider if you are older (or will be older in the house).     

FWIW:  I kinda like house #2  (even though house #1 gives me the Warm Fuzzies and makes me smile)  I'd be happier leaving house #1 in the Fantasyland of my Dreams and go with a more utilitarian kinda house that would make my life easier (ie I wouldn't have to spend alot of time dealing with the house on a day to day basis). 

As we all know, buying a home can be a very emotional decision even for the most logical among us, that's why I have you guys!

Your points above are well taken.

[Bonny]

Mar 25, 2014 12:44:07 GMT -5 The Captain said:

Mar 25, 2014 9:40:39 GMT -5 Bonny said:

I like #1 too but I'm concerned about your comment about 'we are likely to have an in-law situation in the next couple of years".

If that's a serious likelihood, you should be considering a single level home or ensure that there are no stairs between the potential in-law and the kitchen/dining area. If it's just a "maybe" perhaps 10 years down the road then don't get too caught up over-planning.

#2 and #3 allow for single level living.  It's a maybe and the folks involved keep changing their minds.

Then make the decision that's best for yourself. Your  in-laws will make a decision that works for them.

I think you're in your mid to late 40s? My guess is that house #1 will be fine until you guys are approaching 70. 70 seems to be the age where a lot of folks start having knee and hip issues and you don't want to be in a situation where you are going up and down stairs multiple times during the day.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

How do the neighborhoods compare?
How do the schools compare?
How do the yards/landscaping/outdoor maintenance compare?

[zibazinski]

If all things that PP mentioned are equal, I'd do #3.

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 14:15:16 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

How do the neighborhoods compare?
How do the schools compare?
How do the yards/landscaping/outdoor maintenance compare?

1.  #1 is fabulous
     #2 is cookie cutter, this is actually one of the better homes in the area
      #3 is fantastic (just a step below fabulous)

2.  Schools are comparable and in the top 100 nationwide (which is the main reason we are moving in the first place)

3.  #1 again - fantastic landscaping - will need some maintenance (which is fine - i like to garden and hire out the parts I don't like)
     #2 landscaping sucks - I've actually designed a few layouts in my head as the folks living there don't (obviously) care about landscaping
      #3 is fabulous - I worked in a garden center during summers of HS and college and know something about plants.  This landscape looks fantastic and was obviously designed to be low maintenance.

[The Captain]

Mar 25, 2014 13:47:40 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Mar 25, 2014 12:44:07 GMT -5 The Captain said:

#2 and #3 allow for single level living.  It's a maybe and the folks involved keep changing their minds.

Then make the decision that's best for yourself. Your  in-laws will make a decision that works for them.

I think you're in your mid to late 40s? My guess is that house #1 will be fine until you guys are approaching 70. 70 seems to be the age where a lot of folks start having knee and hip issues and you don't want to be in a situation where you are going up and down stairs multiple times during the day.

Bonnie - you've got the age right.  The only thing I worry about is that my mother couldn't handle stairs by the age of 55 (she had asthma also).  I've been a lot more aggressive about managing mine though so hope to do better...

[Bonny]

Mar 25, 2014 14:42:59 GMT -5 The Captain said:

Mar 25, 2014 13:47:40 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Then make the decision that's best for yourself. Your  in-laws will make a decision that works for them.

I think you're in your mid to late 40s? My guess is that house #1 will be fine until you guys are approaching 70. 70 seems to be the age where a lot of folks start having knee and hip issues and you don't want to be in a situation where you are going up and down stairs multiple times during the day.

Bonnie - you've got the age right.  The only thing I worry about is that my mother couldn't handle stairs by the age of 55 (she had asthma also).  I've been a lot more aggressive about managing mine though so hope to do better...

Captain,

I'm 52 and have had asthma since I was 8. My experience has been if I control my allergies well it's very rare for me to have issues with asthma. I can still knock out a 10 mile hike with lots of hills and have no issues. And I have two cats and don't keep the house as clean as I should.  My biggest problem is generally going into someone else's dirty house who also has cats...or mold. Mold is a big one for me.

I know everyone's situation is different. But it sounds like you know yourself and your triggers.

Good luck with your decision.

[busymom]

I'm leaning towards #3, although #1 sounds great, except during the winter.

Stairs ended up being my Mom's kryptonite when she got into her 90's.  DH & I are already talking about our "dream retirement house", & it's not the one we're in right now.  We want everything on one level, including the laundry.  If we can't find that, then Plan B is a master suite & laundry on the main floor, & other bedrooms upstairs. 

Whatever you decide, enjoy! 

[Deleted]

I like #3.

[zibazinski]

Also, don't overpay for a house. We are in another bubble which is why I'm selling my more expensive rental, while I can.

[Deleted]

I like #3 as well.  With a 50-year-old house, there is a chance that there is asbestos somewhere inside.  There's a chance that there are other not up-to-code issues as well.  I don't care how well it looks as if it were maintained, you would be surprised at the issues that you may discover as you update. 

Did you want a swimming pool?  Would you use it?  That's an added expense.

What is the closet situation like in house #1?  Are they big enough?  How about the bathrooms?  You say the kitchen will need redoing?  Is that cosmetic or structural?

A 50-year-old house isn't old enough to be historically interesting (mid 1960s?), but is plenty old enough to have major issues.

Just my 2 cents!     Good luck!

[beenherebefore]

I'd go with house #2.

[The Captain]

Ok, so an update for those who may be interested.

House #1 - we decided to pass on.  Dealing with the driveway during the winter was the deciding factor.
House #2 - good thing I did my due diligence.  Despite the owners and listing agents assurances that we could put a fence up I checked village code and zoning map, turns out that lot is considered a corner lot and thus only split rail fences are allowed.  Too close to a busy street and no privacy so that for me was a deal killer.
House #3 - Sellers were not willing to move much on price and I will not overpay for a house, especially one that needs a lot of updating so we passed on that one.

Looked at several more homes.

Finally put an offer in on one which has four bedrooms and 2.5 baths all on the same level (it's a ranch).  It has a full basement with 8.5 ft ceilings (which is very rare for that age).  The basement is partially finished but we will end up re-doing it all ourselves anyway.  The space down there is huge! and full of promise.  It even has a separate cold room area for my wine cellar .  This was a custom built home (as is every house in the area/association) and the quality shows in the exterior brickwork and masonry around the fireplace.  DH and I did a pretty thorough inspection (we will still have one done professionally) and liked what we saw of the craftsmanship.  ETA - Laundry is also on the main floor so it truly is single level living and would work well with an in-law situation if needed.

We need to tear the carpeting out of the bedrooms and put in hardwood and refinish the existing floors.  The entire house needs a paint job as well (some bright colors in there!).  At some point we will need to redo the kitchen and two full baths but they are ok for now.  The agreed upon price (IMHO) reflects this.  Our real estate agent tells me I drive a hard bargain.

The master has an en suite and a walk in closet.  DD's bedroom will also have a walk in closet.  It's on slightly under an acre and has a lot of potential for us to totally make it into our "dream" home.

We went under contract last night!!!

Now I have to get painters, flooring guys, movers, etc lined up and get our current house ready for market and listed.


AAACK!!!