NPR: Help us pick a house

I like one , DH likes the other. Of course. They are both around the same price, around the corner from each other in a nice neighborhood. The smaller house is on a busy-ish road( doesn't bother me too much), 3 BRs( although one is really small- maybe a twin bed would fit) two baths, crawlspace basement. However , everything in it is completely new- hardwood floors, brand new beautiful kitchen- we wouldn't even have to paint- and I could quite possibly be happy living in the bathroom. Nice big backyard w/ brand new deck. I don't like that it is small- if/when we have another baby, it would be pretty tight. I mean, we could always add on, but one of the reasons we are looking to move is b/c all of our family is out of state. So when they come visit, we'd like to have room for them to be comfy. This house really doesn't allow for that, unless we add on, which we're not able to do for the forseeable future. I don't see the point in making a huge move when one of our main problems will still be there.

The other house is the same price- but it needs a lot of cosmetic work and a completely new kitchen. Its got 3 huge bedrooms, only 1 bath( no biggie, I've always only had 1 bathroom), huge yard, very sunny and I love they way its set up. We would need to do alot of work- pull up carpets, replace windows and do the kitchen - so approx 15k worth of work ? Maybe ? I don't know how much a new kitchen would cost- is that totally off? This house has lots of room for guests, a regular basement that we could finish one day... I just see so much potential for this one. My mom always told me to get the most house for your money , and to look at a house with an eye for what you can do with it.

Any insight, tips, pros and cons? My husband of course likes the one we have to do no work to.

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

I'd have to agree with your mother!! I would think the house that you have to put some work into would be your best bet, especially since you need the room for oot guests and future kiddies. You can always do a little at a time but at least you don't have to add on. As far as a kitchen goes it depends on your taste. You can spend alot of money on a new kitchen. Good luck with your decision!!

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

Definitely the second one. Even if you have work to do once its done you will be happy in it whereas the other one will never meet all your requirements. The busy road would put me off too.

Could you live with the kitchen for awhile or does it have to be ripped out straight away? Kitchen prices vary depending on the quality and look you want etc...also depends on the size of the kitchen.

Are there floorboards under the carpet that you can refinish or are you putting down new carpet?

I know new windows are expensive but you will save money on heating your house as they will insulate your house better.


Good luck

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

I second the second! It sounds like you want to be talked out of the first one. I think you will be happier down the road when you have more room.

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

As someone who bought a house on a busy road & it didn't bother me, it now does.

I would opt for the house that was set back. You may not hear the noise inside the house, you'll hear it during parties in your backyard. It's annoying.

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

i'd go with the 2nd house

Re: NPR: Help us pick a house

The second one has a lot of potential.