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First, I have to say that I love my house. I love the way that it is laid out, I love everything about it except:
1. it is located in a HOA (really would never, ever live in one again)
2. it is in a subdivision (see above)
3. there is no basement
4. the garage is too small
5. the location is iffy...only because the neighbourhood is going downhill...and, you would have to walk at least a couple of miles just to get to the subdivision entrance...let alone to the nearest public transportation facility.
If I could pick up my house and move it somewhere else, I would be a happy camper
But, this is my forever house and I have put too much money into it to sell (wouldn't get my money out of it in this neighbourhood). So, here I will be.
As 1st time homebuyers we didn't know the value of home with an already fenced yard, or that we would regret not having a garage.
Sara
Oh yes . . . those fences can be valuable! And a garage, too. Now some people compromise w/ a carport that works for them, but depending on your lot, that is not always possible.
That is one of the nice things about finding a home where the previous owner has made some upgrades . . . like fencing! I hope others will think about that when they read your post . . . I would rather have a re-sale w/ some fencing and mature landscaping than a new one w/o those things. We have some great houses here in the CLT area that are re-sales - and having fencing and some landscaping that has been added . . . and are only a few years old.
Oh yes . . . those fences can be valuable! And a garage, too. Now some people compromise w/ a carport that works for them, but depending on your lot, that is not always possible.
That is one of the nice things about finding a home where the previous owner has made some upgrades . . . like fencing! I hope others will think about that when they read your post . . . I would rather have a re-sale w/ some fencing and mature landscaping than a new one w/o those things. We have some great houses here in the CLT area that are re-sales - and having fencing and some landscaping that has been added . . . and are only a few years old.
You know, our home was a resale, which is why I fell in love! The newer homes and smaller lots and HOAs just don't do it for me! I loved the fact that we didn't have to pay for the upgrades the previous owner did like custom blinds, beautiful light fixtures, etc. But fencing? Who knew! (We didn't .) We have a bit of acreage and the 1st time someone came out with an estimate, I knew it was a fantasy. LOL. And our shed is stuffed to the gills. Next time .... .
My home is in a cul-de-sac and has a side load garage. Looks great from the street. However, it has two doors instead of one large one. It is impossible to turn into the garage driving forward. The only way to get a car in the garage is to back in! That is extremely difficult while making a turn and having only an 8 foot wide door. My next house, I will really pay attention to the garage. As it is, this garage is worthless to us. And changing it would require major structural work that is cost prohibitive. All, this in a $300K+ house. Ugh.
My home is in a cul-de-sac and has a side load garage. Looks great from the street. However, it has two doors instead of one large one. It is impossible to turn into the garage driving forward. The only way to get a car in the garage is to back in! That is extremely difficult while making a turn and having only an 8 foot wide door. My next house, I will really pay attention to the garage. As it is, this garage is worthless to us. And changing it would require major structural work that is cost prohibitive. All, this in a $300K+ house. Ugh.
Oh, wow. Our last house had a side-entry garage and we loved it but no problem w/ entry. I can only imagine how frustrating that is! I would never have thought about that being a hassle, so I am glad you mentioned it.
You know, our home was a resale, which is why I fell in love! The newer homes and smaller lots and HOAs just don't do it for me! I loved the fact that we didn't have to pay for the upgrades the previous owner did like custom blinds, beautiful light fixtures, etc. But fencing? Who knew! (We didn't .) We have a bit of acreage and the 1st time someone came out with an estimate, I knew it was a fantasy. LOL. And our shed is stuffed to the gills. Next time .... .
Sara
Well, there is always the DIY route . . . get post hole diggers and have at it!!! LOL!
Or . . . decide on a much smaller area to be fenced in right at your house . . . if you need it for children and/or pets . . . Fencing can be quite expensive!!!!
I need a shed, too but those are not cheap, either.
Home ownership can be an expensive proposition!!!! When DH and I were younger and had better backs, we did it all ourselves. That is getting harder and harder!!!! Bad backs . . . no way we would want to tackle those post hole diggers again!
First, I have to say that I love my house. I love the way that it is laid out, I love everything about it except:
1. it is located in a HOA (really would never, ever live in one again)
2. it is in a subdivision (see above)
3. there is no basement
4. the garage is too small
5. the location is iffy...only because the neighbourhood is going downhill...and, you would have to walk at least a couple of miles just to get to the subdivision entrance...let alone to the nearest public transportation facility.
If I could pick up my house and move it somewhere else, I would be a happy camper
But, this is my forever house and I have put too much money into it to sell (wouldn't get my money out of it in this neighbourhood). So, here I will be.
HOA can be a pain or a plus. As for basements . . .I wish every home here had one!!!!!
This is a great thread, Ani. DH and I are buying our first home soon... and it is great to hear what others wish they would have considered when they were in our shoes.
please i will need help out there in the U.S by all means.i will like to let everybody to know to know out there i just had my advance level over here in cameroon and will like to continue over in the U.S because i love their studies so much and more to that i will like to move out so i can see how the world looks like.please mail me at [email]collinsjena@yahoo.com[/email] if you have anything for me.
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.) We have a bit of acreage and the 1st time someone came out with an estimate, I knew it was a fantasy. LOL. And our shed is stuffed to the gills. Next time .... 
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I need help here
