November 2, 2009

Is this our Dream House?

There is a house we both really like. I happen to love it, E likes it very much, but is it THE house?
We want to wait at least another month before putting in an offer, but what if this house is gone? Will we have missed out on our dream house? If we do buy this house, what if something better comes along after February?

I don't think I am the type of person that just "knows" when something is the one. I had to try on my wedding dress three times before deciding on it, and even to this day I wonder if that was the right move.
This is the house causing all the doubts. Here's how it compares with what we described as our dream house.

YES - At least three nice-sized bedrooms.
YES - A spacious living room.
YES - A separate dining room.
YES - Nice large windows in common areas.
YES+++ - A relatively medium to large yard. A good yard to us is at least 1/4 of an acre.
YES+ Bonus - A driveway and garage, bonus points if the driveway can fit two cars side by side.
YES - A nice street and neighborhood.

These are the things we would love to have, but are not deal-breakers:
YES - At least 1.5 bathrooms, preferably 2 full baths.
YES - Integral garage.
YES - Finished basement.
YES! - Nice size closets.
YES - Room for a home office, either in the basement or an extra bedroom or den.

Additional Plus's:
New A/C, furnace and Hot Water Heater
Renovated kitchen with Stainless Appliances
Pantry
Brand New Wood Windows
Hardwood floors in impeccable condition
No Wallpaper!
Built-in grill in back yard (connected to gas line)
Huge back porch that can easily become a FR or Den
New landscaping in front
1/2 Acre flat yard
1/4 mile from elementary school
Close to South Park

So what are the cons?
- The second full bathroom, although fully renovated, is in the basement (finished).
- The main bathroom might need to be renovated soon, but it's not really necessary.
- The street is a bit busier than we would like, although the house sits far back from the street.
- We need to work on the curb appeal (shutters and a portico should do the trick).
- We found it too early!

Maybe it will take us looking at this house a few times before deciding it is THE one, or maybe it just isn't it.

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