So I'm totally freaking out about our house which is currently under construction. Eric and I knew that when buying a home one makes compromises. By building in our current area we are definitely compromising trees as well as house individuality. All of the houses in the area look practically identical with the exception of the shape of the porches. We are also building in a neighborhood that is still growing so we don't know what it will be like after a few years. A couple of other drawbacks are the smallish backyard and no storage space, i.e. no attic. To top it off, last night we got an email from our field manager telling us that next Monday will be his last day and so two other guys will be finishing our house. I'm sure that's not a big deal and that it happens all the time in construction, but I don't do change well and it makes me nervous for someone to come in and finish up our house.
Now you may be thinking, "So if you felt like you were compromising so much, then why are you building there?" Well, at the time that we were looking for houses we didn't come across any in our price range that we liked, not to mention I didn't want to have to clean up somebody else's mess. In my mind, if we built a house than it would be clean and would have a floor plan that we liked. I still like the floor plan of the house we're building with the exception of the garage that is only big enough for 1 normal sized car and a Smart car. I love that it has 3 bedrooms plus a study so that we don't have to create an office in the living room. Eric likes the bathroom that has a separate shower and garden tub. We both liked the incentives--free washer and dryer, refrigerator, and $10,000 of upgrades. Although I do have to say, we had to "upgrade" for some silly things like window sills and an operating garage door.
Eric would prefer to live in the neighborhood we are currently living in because it is established. Well because I was freaking out this afternoon, I decided to drive around and see if any homes I liked were for sale. I have seen tons of homes for sale in our area recently and I as I was driving by today I noticed that nearly everyone has been sold. Then I found a house that is still available and for sale by owner. They had fliers on the sign, so I grabbed one and took it home. The asking price for the house is close to what we're paying to build. The strange thing about the house is it has the same floor plan as my aunt's house. Would that be too weird? The drawbacks are that the house is only 3 bedrooms which is okay, but not great. If we have a couple of kids one day, we'd have to put the computer out in the living room. Also, a refrigerator does not appear to be part of the deal. The good things: it has at least one tree, separate garden tub and shower, floored attic for storage, patio, 2 car garage, fireplace, a larger backyard, and it's in the neighborhood Eric likes. I haven't called to make an appointment to see it. Perhaps its dumpy inside. Perhaps it already has sold, but the sign is just not down.
Aaaahhhh! Dilemma! I don't know what to do! After reading what I just wrote, I'm thinking, "Obviously you prefer this home you found today. Forget the other one!" If we "forget" the other one, we'd be out at least our earnest money. :( This is stressful. I wish someone could just tell me what to do! Wouldn't it sometimes be nice if life was just that easy?
If you made it this far, thanks for reading my rant. All comments and suggestions are appreciated.
It will be ok–whatever you decide to do! If I've learned anything from HGTV, it's that there is always compromise when it comes to buying a house, and there is no "perfect" house out there.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this new house is definitely worth at least looking at, so that you'll have some more information to go off of as you decide.
And no matter what, once you move in, it will be your HOME, which is so much more than a house.
Good luck :)
Okay...Obviously you're finding out how stressful looking for and building a house is. (It took Josh and I 2 years before finding the "perfect" one)- and even now I find flaws!
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at "used" houses, you can always ask for different things in the contract (ie. throw in the fridge, help pay the closing costs, etc). You will also have inspections showing the good and the bad which is good because you know that most of the kinks will have been worked out since it's an established house. Like you mentioned in the blog you will also be able to look at the house, but also the neighbors & houses around you to make sure you like the whole package.
I've never built before, but I like the idea of being the first owner & also picking out the floor plan and colors. I agree with the down sides you mentioned in your blog. You do have to remember that newer houses tend to have smaller everything...rooms, garages, yards & no trees!!
Just know that whatever you do, make the decision that gives you and Eric peace. Pray lots...I'll be doing the same for you!! :)
If you are interested in looking at houses our realtor was awesome! (isn't pushy and she's young and has good taste!)- Let me know if you want her name & number.
Oh man! Lots to think about. I definitely like established homes, but there's a lot to be said for a home that no one has never lived in. You got to choose everything yourself. So...I see both sides of the issue. I think whatever decision you make will be fine. Just try not to second guess yourself too much - that always gets me into trouble!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. There will ALWAYS be something wrong with every house.
No house is perfect!! But find one that turns that house into a home. (Cheesy, I know.) :)
Praying for y'all!
There is no harm in looking or at least calling about the other house. Like you said, it could already be sold or you look at it and it needs a lot more work than you thought... all that will do is help reassure you in your decision to build. Or you might go and see this house and it is what you dreamed of, at that point I think losing your earnest money won't look so bad.
ReplyDeletecan i ask where this new house is? i am wondering if we looked at it.
Yikes! That's a tough one! I know God will lead you to the house you're supposed to be in! Praying that the decision will obvious. :) Remember, no matter what, He's in control!
ReplyDeleteDitto with Chelsey...and, no one says that the home you buy first will be the home you'll spend the rest of your life in. A first home is rarely perfect. Chances are, later after the kids come along, you'll want more space or something and buy another house. Think 5-7 years in the future, maybe not 20-30.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking from my WORLDS of experience in home buying here, of course.... ;-)