ugh. house-hunting.

ladybugpjb · January 2013

WWYD?

House #1: property manager essentially said it's ours if we submit the application. I like it, but it's quirky - random updates over the decades, previous tenants were original owners (I think). Kitchen layout stinks, but not unbearable. Includes all appliances, even if they're old. Great yard with covered patio. Large den. Two full baths. Fireplace. Built-in shelves (we have a loooot of books). And they might let me keep the piano that didn't sell at the estate sale (woot!).

House #2: no guarantee we would get it - in an AWESOME location at a great price, so the other two couples viewing it when I did were submitting their applications. I like it, but it has some downsides that might cancel out it's awesome location: Smaller than #1. Less 70s-ish in the living areas, but kitchen is original - 1950s? I've never seen an oven as small as this one. No appliances included. No bonus room. Only 1.5 baths. Avocado trees (yum!). Decent backyard, but no covered patio. And I'm pretty sure our sofa would clash with the carpet. It's an odd tan-peach, leaning towards the peach.

Both are the same rent. Both have pink tile in the bathrooms (which I like to tease DH about, but neither of us really cares).

House #3...I forgot about it and didn't pursue it, but I made the mistake of looking through my list and found it again. I think they're pet-haters...I mean, they don't allow pets, but the realtor never got back with me. It's the same age as the other two, has more updates, yet still retains original 50s/60s charm. Lots of built-ins. I haven't actually seen it, and I know internet pictures are misleading, so I hate to risk losing #1 for the chance to see it.

So WWYD? Hold off until you could see #3? Go for the sure thing? Take a chance at losing the sure thing for a chance at the awesome location? I need a house soon, and these are my best options. Otherwise, I live in a hotel until one of the other homes I like becomes available in February.

Ugh. I need DH. He says he trusts my judgment, but he hasn't seen those kitchens...

amywalt1684 · January 2013

Already sounds like you've eliminated 2 over house 1, plus sounds like the chances of getting 2 are unlikely.
How soon can you look at 3, I'm assuming you have pets and it may be a no go anyways?

kjgilhoo · January 2013

Unless you can see #3 like, today. I'd go with #1. You sound happy enough with it and if you're only renting then that's fine (at least I'd be fine with it). Is the location bad, or just not as ideal as #2.

I think the peach carpet would be a deal breaker for me in #2. Sounds petty, but with little kids and pets and it being a rental, yuck! Oh, and a bonus room would make a world of difference. I wish we had a basement sooooo bad.

Rachey1082 · January 2013

House 2 sounds quirky, which I like, but I'm weird. But it might not be the best fit as far as something move in ready.

House 1 sounds really nice. It also sounds like its more move in ready. It's probably the choice I would make if I were in your place.

I wouldn't bother with 3, but that's because I think people who have problems with pets are really particular about everything. And with little kids and pets, honestly the kids are much dirtier than the pets. But that's my personal hang up.

GL!!

melissa0726 · January 2013

I'm leaning towards #1. I don't mind quirky, and having appliances is a huge bonus IMO. Plus, the yard and covered patio sounds awesome.

Since it sounds like you want to get settled into a place ASAP, I probably wouldn't wait to see #3. Agree with Rachey that if they are particular about pets, they won't look favorable upon toddler messiness.

ladybugpjb · January 2013

Oh wow - I didn't expect so many replies so early!

I already heard back from #3 - owner is allergic to cats. Understandable, but sad. So that eliminates that one.

I'm supposed to meet with the property manager for #1 today, so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks for the feedback - you were very helpful! Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes quirky.

countrywed · January 2013

unless #1 has a bad location I would go with that. No appliances would be the deal breaker for me, it just doesn't commute to have to supply a fridge in a rental to me. So you buy a fridge than move to another house that either comes with it or you have this tiny-or big - fridge that fits in the one place but doesn't fit looks wierd in the new place.