Another WWYD re- rentals

sunandsand

As some of you know from my post yesterday, we're moving in 2 months. Compare these two properties and see which one you would like better...

Property A-

2 bedroom, 1 ba, newer and cleaner than B, no storage other than a small laundry room and the back of the garage. Farther from work by about 10 mins. We love the landlords (family friends). No fence in back yard. Small dogs only. (we currently have no pets but are considering a dog in the summer)

Property B-

Also 2 bed 1 bath, but 2 separate storage areas in the basement...you walk down 5 stairs to one area and then turn a corner into another area. Unfinished, but the first area has potential to hold our office desk and with a rug and some lamps might work as a play area. The other area would hold the hundreds (not really) of crates and bins I store our stuff in. HUGE garage that might hold both cars. Big kitchen, lots of cabinets. NO DISHWASHER. Closer to work. Costs $70 more than property A. Closer to my mom (DS goes there on Thursdays).Fenced yard, no pet restrictions.

 So, for $70 more, we are getting tons more storage but no dishwasher. Opinions appreciated...we're still mulling it over.

littlemermaid

When you say A is cleaner than B, do you mean something that can be taken cared of with a deep clean or are the carpets filthy that you wouldn't want your child crawling on it?  Does B have a laundry room?

sunandsand

littlemermaid:

When you say A is cleaner than B, do you mean something that can be taken cared of with a deep clean or are the carpets filthy that you wouldn't want your child crawling on it?  Does B have a laundry room?

hardwood in both, but the hardwood in A is newer. The only thing dirty about B is that the floors are scuffed and the tile in the kitchen and bathroom is a little dingy. 

B's laundry room is actually in the huge garage.

littlemermaid

Is the living space the same square footage?

sunandsand

littlemermaid:

Is the living space the same square footage?

They are about the same size. Only difference is one has the large unfinished basement and larger garage.

littlemermaid

I would probably pick B because it has the basement, large garage, extra storage space.  If the floors are really that bad you could have them cleaned up professionaly before moving in.  The basement you could buy a cheap remnant carpet to put on the ground.  It would be a nice space for your husbands computer desk and play area.  The dishwasher is not a deal breaker for me since I don't mind washing dishes.  But for some it's a deal breaker.  Also being closer to work and your mom's is a plus.  The fenced in yard will come in handy when your child is older they can play in the fenced in yard.  Good luck with your decision.

ETA: Since it does have a basement make sure the basement doesn't have any flooding or leaking issues when it rains heavily.  You wouldn't want all your storage, carpet..etc getting ruined every time it rains.

sunandsand

littlemermaid:

I would probably pick B because it has the basement, large garage, extra storage space.  If the floors are really that bad you could have them cleaned up professionaly before moving in.  The basement you could buy a cheap remnant carpet to put on the ground.  It would be a nice space for your husbands computer desk and play area.  The dishwasher is not a deal breaker for me since I don't mind washing dishes.  But for some it's a deal breaker.  Also being closer to work and your mom's is a plus.  The fenced in yard will come in handy when your child is older they can play in the fenced in yard.  Good luck with your decision.

ETA: Since it does have a basement make sure the basement doesn't have any flooding or leaking issues when it rains heavily.  You wouldn't want all your storage, carpet..etc getting ruined every time it rains.

I am definitely leaning toward B. More space = less clutter = looks cleaner. Thanks for your opinion. Now I just need to convince DH (he always picks the cheaper option!)

hopefulmom

I think B would definitely worth an extra $70.  I'm all about storage!  I can live without a dishwasher.  I actually have one but only use it maybe 20 times (at the most) a year....seriously.  Maybe you could convince him if you look into how much a storage unit is to rent per month.  It is already right there at your home, you can park in a garage (both cars) and it is so convenient rather than driving to a storage unit.  Plus, you will save some $ on gas driving less to work and less to your mom's.  Give him all pros and no cons (which I can only see the $70 issue).