Which House & Garage to Buy?

[nolimits76]

Hey all, new here, but been lurking and trying to learn.

Quick question...in the process of buying a house. We found 2 homes we really like. In the process of negotiation on house #1 (no final deal reached yet!) and last night we looked at a house we liked enough we are considering pulling our other offer and going after it.

Here are the differences. Appreciate any and all comments. Trying to go into this with my eyes wide open. Both houses are within a mile or less of each other. The golf course community homes sell pretty quick as they are highly desired.

House 1:
- Located in golf course community
- Bunch of rules & regulations to keep it looking nice HOA seems ****.
- Lots of charm. Upgraded trim work, extended wood floors, etc.
- Architecturally a little more pleasing to me from the outside.
- Sits on a corner lot.
- Fully fenced (wood rail & green coated chain...required by HOA...no privacy).
- Professionally landscaped
- 2 car garage (about 21' x 23')
- Nice sized lot...near 1/3 acre...but house not situated to make a garage addition easy
- Built in 2000. Mechanical systems and roofing are originals.
- No sheds, outbuildings, etc allowed.
- Will eventually upgrade the kitchen and probably gut & redo the master bath
- Baby house in the neighborhood. Majority of other homes are bigger, and consequently $50-200k more than this one, depending on specifics.


House 2:
- New neighborhood w/ community pool, play ground, etc (easy walking distance...5 or 6 houses down)
- Within 60sf of each other. Same money.
- 3 car garage w/ built-ins already (done well)
- Just over 1/3 acre
- Full privacy fence
- Located in cul-de-sac
- Built in 2011 so things are nearly brand new (no major remodels req'd)
- Currently has a double drive gate next to garage. Would be easy to add a concrete pad later for boat and/or pop-up trailer storage and still be hidden from neighbors.
- Not sure the rules....haven't found the HOA requirements...if they exist
- Has nicer finishes inside that we want. But would probably upgrade the trim and install wood floors (currently only in entry) to better match/surpass house #1.
- Biggest con I can see is neighborhood is developed by ONE builder...hence all the houses look very similar and you could easily find a duplicate (house #1 is much more diverse). This concerns me w/ resell value

 

[NUTTSGT]

Both of them are HOA homes ? If they are, most of the members here will tell you to walk away from both. If you do buy one, and complain about the HOA later, you'll get plenty of "we told you so".

 

[nolimits76]

I'm not sure about house #2....trying to do my research. I know for a fact house #1 has one. It's on a golf course, and they are fairly strict. I even placed a call to one of the members last week because I was confused on how something was worded. He seemed like a very dry and **** sort of guy at the beginning but kind of loosened up after talking to him a bit.

BTW...I was reading through your garage build thread the other day. That thing is awesome! Great job!!

 

[kamesama980]

Ask the seller about the HOA for #2...I'm pretty sure they're legaly bound to tell you about it since that can be a MAJOR decision factor.

I just purchased a house and in the course of looking, turned down several good candidates with excellent pricing because of the HOA. I'll do my share to keep the area looking good but I won't put up with getting a fine for mowing my lawn a day late, parking in the driveway, or having family visiting for the holidays park in the street.
/rant

Both sound good. Have a good look at the appliances in both and use quality as a guideline over age. My house was built in 2000 but used many cheap appliances...dishwasher is barebones (1 setting...wash..not that I ever use more) and mostly works. heat/AC is adequate but lowest bidder isn't always best value.

Just from your description and putting aside the HOA I'd probably go for #2. There's a lot of range covered there though.

 

[lane meyer]

HOA = red flag if there's any chance that you'll be doing anything automotive....and god forbid you leave a less than beautiful car in the driveway, that'll get you a passive agressive warning letter

 

[Falcon67]

#2 by a mile unless you are an Arnold Palmer type.

 

[Crauly]

My wife and I are also looking at houses and we just found one. I think #2 is better. If you have access to land and get to it via the side of the house all the better.

That's what we were looking for and now if we get it ill be building my garage in the back. however make sure you check for zoning and coding issues with how far u can build from fence line and back of prop. those are limiting my building size. only 20x25...

Good luck

 

[softailgarage]

Back away from anything HOA, unless you dont mind nazi's telling you what to do with your own property. And always, always go with the biggest garage.

 

[nolimits76]

Thanks everyone.

I did find out house #2 also has a HOA.

The good news is it isn't nearly as restrictive as the other one. However, my plans of a pad to store a boat and pop up camper on was killed pretty quickly. The good news is detached buildings can be constructed assuming they match the house, blah, blah, blah. So when/if this becomes an issue for me, I would have some alternatives.

Nothing in else overly crazy, outside the HOA website has some rules on the pool use (expected).

The real issue I am running into is almost every house we have looked at has SOME sort of an HOA and restrictions, even some of the older homes. Maybe I need to move to the boonies. lol

 

[nolimits76]

Oh yeah....and they should love me real good once I get moved in and get the headers and catless mids on my Challenger.

 

[patent pending]

without pics....#2

I would think a golf course community HOA would be tough.

We have an HOA but are a small neighborhood in the rural part of town. Everyone is pretty chill and for the most part there aren't insane rules. Each HOA is different though and there are plenty of power drunk folks who like to make life miserable for others. Just do what I did and get on the board of directors. That way you have input about things.

3 car garage is a no-brainer as well

 

[indyokie]

# 2 - if your on this site and your taking a 2 car over a 3 car...come on...I "gave in" and accepted a 2 car 12 years ago...guess why I would move now...right - need / want / really want a 3 car.

 

[cameby]

No 2's position in a cul-de-sac is more attractive than you might realize. If you have children or are going to have children, they can play more safely outside your home. Just from what you've written, I like No. 2 over all.

 

[nolimits76]

Pics of house #1

 

[nolimits76]

Pics of house #2

FYI, these were taken by a realtor, or someone they hired. They always look distorted to me. For instance, the backyard is very big, but these pictures make it look like an acre lot. It's not, lol.

 

[Letsgobowhunting]

On a golf course is translated as "siding includes a lot of dimples and dents". Nice view and really good if you can drive your own cart while golfing to save $$$. Oh, and good resell value.
You could always rent a storage unit to live your secret GJ life.

 

[nolimits76]

Only other negative I can really think of with #2 is that behind the house there is a new neighborhood being developed. Dirt roads, pipe laying on the ground, etc. It will be a bit before it is complete. Not a huge thing, but I've been trying to find more info if these will be same, lower or higher priced homes.

So right now when looking towards the back of the property from the back porch, you see the fence and beyond it this development. A little further away on a small rolling hill you see a small power distribution center. To me that is an eye sore, but I suspect some trees and the soon-to-be built houses will mask that from our view should we decide to buy.

 

[zporta]

i like the landscape and back patio and yard better on house 1

but i like the garage and overall house design of 2. Not your average cookie cutter house, a lot a nice and different architectural features

 

[FJ 432]

House #1.

Seems to me to be the better investment being the smallest house (style) in the area. I'm not sure I could convince myself that buying a house for investment purposes only. Makes sense but all things equal you may make some money if you decide to move in a few years.

Either way they both are beautiful.

 

[NUTTSGT]

BTW...I was reading through your garage build thread the other day. That thing is awesome! Great job!!

Thankyou very much, I appreciate the compliment.

Thanks everyone.

I did find out house #2 also has a HOA.

The good news is it isn't nearly as restrictive as the other one. However, my plans of a pad to store a boat and pop up camper on was killed pretty quickly. The good news is detached buildings can be constructed assuming they match the house, blah, blah, blah. So when/if this becomes an issue for me, I would have some alternatives.

The real issue I am running into is almost every house we have looked at has SOME sort of an HOA and restrictions, even some of the older homes. Maybe I need to move to the boonies. lol

Be cautious of how the detached building has to look and especially if they have to approve the design/plan/size. You may not be happy with that outcome or the price it's going to cost to match per their specs.

Yes, boonies.

Oh yeah....and they should love me real good once I get moved in and get the headers and catless mids on my Challenger.

Even more reason to head to the boonies.



Earlier when I responded, I wondered about you screen name. Now that you have an avatar posted up, let me give you some friendly advice as a "heads up". Your screen name's namesake, Carlos Hathcock, his son is a member here that checks in every now and then. As a Marine Corps veteran, I have a high regards for the man, his legacy and his son, please treat that screen name with the respect it deserves.

Thank you, Eric


BTW, don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions and post up pictures of the places you're looking at, this site has some very knowledgeable members that will give you great advice.


you posted pics while I was typing

 

[NUTTSGT]

but i like the garage and overall house design of 2. Not your average cookie cutter house, a lot a nice and different architectural features

I like #2 better as it has plenty of character.

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

They're both nice houses but, I can't stand HOA's.

 

[Dennis93]

House #2 seems wayy better, and looks more architecturally pleasing to me. Beauty in the eye of the beholder I guess. But I wouldn't buy either one. It's like he said, wait till you find out your new additions needs to be brick veneer with x amount of windows and doors, and x lights above every entrance, and this color architectural shingles. You'd be amazed.

Stay far away from any HOA, restrictive or not because they can become so at any moment, if you want to be a true GJ member and be a man

 

[Dennis93]

Also, I just realized, forget about storing anything in your backyard in the front house since it will be seen no matter what. That canoe you have might have to go in your garage. I store a lot of stuff in my backyard, albeit neatly and organized. Just saying though that if someone can see inside you're not going to hide anything.

 

[Moose97]

Avoid HOA at all costs! Get out of city and into county if possible. If you must have one of these, I'd go with #2. You're gonna hate the HOA.

 

[dodgepolara500]

#2 has an interesting single garage. I've never seen one so set back from the adjacent garage. I think #2 is better because of the size of the house and garage

 

[december45]

I have to agree stay away from HOA. Serious if you think the guy you talked to was **** now before you move in, you just wait, my guess is you havent seen anything yet.
I also figure that the by laws will get tweaked when the people who run the HOA change up. The restrictions may not be too restrictive now but they always get massaged with the change of power. One of the things that never change is that most of these HOA are run by "control freaks" If you dont mind that kind of thing then thats ok but most cant stand HOA

 

[nolimits76]

Thanks for all the comments and advice. It is much appreciated.

And Eric, yes you nailed my inspiration for the username. I was curious if anyone would catch on. Pretty cool his son visits the forum. I will try to do justice to it.

A quick update on the house situation. I mentioned in my original post we were negotiating with the seller of house #1. This has been going on for a week of back and forth offers and counter offers. The seller countered back earlier and we are withdrawing our offer altogether. Tired of the BS. The seller values the house more than market comps support.

So house #2 is our new #1 choice. Going to look at it again tomorrow with a few other homes. Problem with the other choices are they are city lots also but much smaller some as little as 1/6th acre or less!

I am going to look for something on the outskirts with more land and freedom. Will be interesting to see what is out there. Most affordable things will be in 1+ acre neighborhoods. My last house was one of those that was horse friendly and consequently barns were okay despite have a very laxed HOA (mainly to keep the entrances nice and fences in good condition on the riding trails).


Wish me luck, and keep posting. I enjoy seeing other perspectives.

 

[DIC]

HOA's stink

 

[nolimits76]

Some of you were more curious about the layout of house #2. I went to the builders website and found the floor plan view.

Keep in mind, this house has some changes. For instance...

- There is an entry from the 3rd car bay into the entry hall.

- There is a corner fireplace in the living room.

- There is a door and small patio off the master.

- This is a single level home (currently) and does NOT have the stair case and game room upstairs. Today when we visit again I plan on crawling up in the attic to determine if there is enough space to add the game room (and a bath) since the original floor plan supported it.

- Having seen the floor plan, I am curious how things might have shifted around since the house doesn't have the stair case. If we add later, the best case scenario is the living room was just increase in size the extra 3' or so. If all this works out, this could be an extra 500+ sf we could add somewhat easily and boost the value of the home for resell later down the road.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have to agree stay away from HOA. Serious if you think the guy you talked to was **** now before you move in, you just wait, my guess is you havent seen anything yet.
I also figure that the by laws will get tweaked when the people who run the HOA change up. The restrictions may not be too restrictive now but they always get massaged with the change of power. One of the things that never change is that most of these HOA are run by "control freaks" If you dont mind that kind of thing then thats ok but most cant stand HOA

Although I like #2 on the outside and inside, I'd have a very hard time buying a home in a HOA.

 

[crewchief888]

if thats the house you ( and the wife) like, then it's ultimately up to you...

i'd have a talk with more than one neighbor about the HOA...

make several passes through the area at different times of the day, both weekends and weekdays, and see whats up....

take a look around the neighborhood to see who is doing what, ie: any "car guys" around, or does it look like a typical "stuck up" area?

my advise, if you plan on doing anything in the garage besides detailing your car, i'd be looking someplace that didnt have an HOA...

i lived in one, did a LOT of things that weren't exactly by the HOA rules, but for the most part the HOA left me alone, especially after i had one of the HOA officers arrested for making threats and tresspassing.....

 

[nolimits76]

We have driven the neighborhood at various times to get a feel for things. So far so good. Most people are our age (30's) and appear friendly. Saw a couple of gatherings with some cookouts going and beer drinking. Also I noticed some guys had boats in their driveways. Most garages have been closed so not sure how many car guys are there. More recon is required, lol.

I get the feeling things are relaxed.

No real luck finding properties without HOA that meet our needs and desires. Those that exist are old and require quite a bit of work. But we are still pursuing that option. If we boost our budget we would have an easier time finding land and the type of house we want. While we could go up, we prefer to stay in the range we are looking so the house doesn't own us. But who knows maybe it will happen.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are you using a realtor ? Have you asked for homes that are not in HOAs ? If you have and they are not showing you any, tell them to find homes elsewhere or you will find another realtor.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I don't see you and a HOA being a good mix.... Boat and camper sitting outside would be doubtful...... Building a big enough shop with added storage space may be questionable..... You might park your Ford next to its dead ringer in a WalMart parking lot, but would you be happy with a near dead ringer house parked next to yours,,, and how close? Buy some property that you can enjoy...

 

[48windsor]

Id stay away from any Hoa"sIve got enough rules and regulations .Think the one post nailed it when he said that if you dont have a perfect looking car... Well you know the drill. The only person you should have to ask anything is your wife thats it!

 

[nolimits76]

I have not forgotten about this thread. Instead, we have been looking at alternate places. After looking around and considering all factors such as budget, overall location, etc we decided house #2 was the spot for us. I'm not crazy about the HOA, but it seems laid back enough that I can work with it. Of course, the moment I complain I am sure you guys will remind me of this very moment.

We are now under contract and doing all the inspections and paper work. Does the paper ever end? It's been a few years since I bought a house, and it seems worse. I seriously got an email the other day that had 34 pages I had to print & sign of ******** disclosures.

They may want a ***** sample soon to verify my DNA and identity. Geez.

Oh well, this will pass. If all goes well, we close on 8/9. Who's helping me move?