Need help to decide which house to settle for - Both in same location, about 15 mins apart, similar ISD, same size. Below are differences - 1) No back neighbour but metal fence and nice park view at back, But people walking on trail can see my backyard because of metal fence, 10mins walking dis to Walmart. About 30mins drive to airport. HOA 1000/yr, 4bd+2ba, 200/sq ft price 2) Next to highway access, upcoming commercial, hotels, distribution center and data centers - fb, amazon, walmart. 15mins drive to nearest grocery, About 40mins drive to airport. HOA 400/yr, 4bd+3ba, 190/sq ft price Plz give your comments, preferences, arguments below... What other features would you consider to shortlist? Does hoa 1000 vs 300 matter for resale, when avg hoa in the area ranges between 200-600/yr?
I wouldn’t “settle for” any house. Only Buy a house because you want to live there, not because it’s the least bad option
Visit both houses, imagine yourself living there, go with the one that feels best. Also try this: Imagine realtor calls you and tells you that house 1 just sold to someone else. What is your instant reaction? If you don’t feel strongly about either house then buy neither of them.
So one HOA is $1000/year and the other one is $400/month (therefore $4800/year)? No brainer decision here. In 10 years it will be $38k difference at least + inflation. Since $/sqft difference is $10, if the property is 2000sqft, the first one is cheaper by $18k in the first 10 years, and mortgage locked, so no inflation. In the long run is even cheaper.
Jogging trail is a big plus if you are into running. May not need to go to gym