We had a few requirements (3 bed, 2 bath, and CLEAN).
We had been checking listings online for days prior to the trip, and luckily, our lovely Realtor and new friend, mapped out a ton of places for us to see.
This place was the first one we saw in person. Super duper clean. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and even a study too. Oh, and did I mention a great kitchen? Here she blows:
and yes, in case you were curious, it does kind of look like our current home (this was back when we purchased it and there wasn't a front yard... for some reason I couldn't find any more recent pics without humans in it).
So, it was clean, in a great neighborhood, a little playground/park around the corner (we're talking less than a block away). And, the kitchen was so nice and open. It had a LEGIT laundry room too! Luckily, that house was first in our search and we compared every other house to it. And, with every house we saw, we kept going back to that first one.
Until we got to see this beaut in the historic downtown area... (sorry, some of the pics are blurry)
We loved this house and the idea of this house. Hello, look at those trees in the back? Did you see that bathroom floor? And that kitchen with the brick? Wrap around porch? Yes. All very nice.
But, let's talk DWELL on the bad parts, b/c we decided to not go with this house in the end. And, I really need to focus on the NEGATIVE so I can be happy about that first red brick house instead.
CON list:
-the floor plan. If you noticed in those first few images, it is a very CLOSED floor plan. Meaning, there is one main hallway and little separate rooms on both sides. The kitchen is in the back of the house and the closest area for the kids to play is way up in front of the house.
-it's a pretty small home. which is fine (we are used to small), but a little crazy when you have such a wonky old timer floor plan. Our current home seems much bigger than it really is, b/c so many of the rooms open into each other. Also, it would be tricky to figure out a place for another little baby (no, this is not an announcement, I'm just thinking future for a minute). I know that many of you who read this might live in the city and seeing these pics you might think, "Melissa, this is a ton of space comparatively speaking..." and, yes, I know. I'm a spoiled-little-tiny-wahh-waah-baby / brat. What can you do? I am who I am.
- the three bedrooms really turn into TWO bedrooms, b/c no way would I ever have one of my kids sleep in that first green bedroom with an exterior/rickety door to the front porch. So, i the end they would need be sharing a room. Which is fine and good for some reasons, but stresses me out a little.
-no working garage. the glorified shed was nice to have in the backyard for storage purposes, but the main big door didn't open. Also be parking on the side of the house in a dirt/rock driveway. Let's talk about how not fun it would be with kiddos in the rain and mud going to and from our destinations. And, where would we put things that we'd use on a regular basis---like our double stroller? Put it on the front porch? Probably it would get stolen. Hmmm...
-no storage in the house. While cute and darling, the closets were mini with doors that wouldn't open all the way EVEN if you put your back into it. And, you all know that I am my mother's daughter---I love good storage.
-Super busy street with no fence around the front---we're talking I could never let the kids play in the front yard/porch with out being stressed. out. of my. mind.
-yes, it's located in the "historic district" but that borders the "shady" district. meaning, not super duper safe.
-As I sat back down in the car after spending a few minutes inside taking a tour of the home, I couldn't help but notice a TON of sick dog hair ALL over my dark pants. gag me. Knowing that a very hairy dog lived in the place, kind of makes my stomach churn. Sorry all you pet owners. Shedding dogs aren't really my thAng.
-let's talk about the front door---umm, it hardly closed. And when it did, you could still see the outside. That would stink as far as safety is concerned. Me and my weak self could probably just shove the door and it would open. Also, another bedroom door opened onto the front porch---which was also a weak-sauce-non-tight-closing-door. Meaning someone could easily snatch a kid in the night. I'm dramatic, but hello, I'm a mom too.
-and last, but certainly not least, is that the girl who owned it wouldn't be able to move out for another few months---which means we'd have to find temporary housing for our temporary rental. Meaning I would go temporarily crazy. Basically, we would have to find an apartment somewhere for about 2 months. So, moving twice. With a big piano. And two toddlers? Not sounding super appealing.
So, let's play the game where you help me rationalize why we made the better decision for the newer CLEANER home in the super SAFE area. :) Thanks in advance.
P.S. I am SO over choosing homes and getting emotional about them. Three cheers for being somewhat settled in a few weeks.
