which lot is preferred (Frisco, West: HOA, houses, buy)

[Clonelion]

I appreciate if you can share your opinion about lot selection in Frisco. Here are the options.

1) East facing lot with backyard facing trees and no home on the back, $30K premium. However the biggest windows are west side, I read in this forum that West facing backyard is not a desirable lot.
2) North facing corner lot , $10K premium. The fence facing the street is iron fence, offers little privacy.
3) North facing with neighbors all three sides , no premium.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

The a/c costs of big windows facing west are very high, unless the trees will provide shade for the summer months. Is nothing ever going to be built back there? Is it a park or greenbelt?

What is the issue with the iron fence? Most houses don't have front fences.

[veuvegirl]

We have a west backlot. If I had I could do it over, I wouldn't buy an east/west house. Honesty it isn't horrible, but there are times when we sit in the backyard and the sun is in our eyes.

[Clonelion]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

The a/c costs of big windows facing west are very high, unless the trees will provide shade for the summer months. Is nothing ever going to be built back there? Is it a park or greenbelt?

What is the issue with the iron fence? Most houses don't have front fences.

It is a greenbelt.

Iron fence is on the entire side of the house. As per HOA rules, fence facing the street must be wrought iron fence , meaning no privacy in the backyard unless I grow some shrubs and trees along the side of the house.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

There are plenty of fast-growing shrubs to cover the view. What about the greenbelt? Do the trees shade where the windows would be? Is there any possibility the trees might have to be cut down? I would take #2 if I had the $$.

[aexchange]

In this heat, I would not take any back yard that was west facing, let alone at a $30k premium. I'd probably rank them 2, 3, and a very distant 1 as last. But if privacy is important to you, then go with the houses on all sides.

[Lacajun76]

Option 2 or 3. East facing house will ensure you get the most sunlight throughout the day, morning and afternoon. If you plan on using your backyard for sitting around, i.e. bbq, parties, etc. understand that you will have the sun on you. You can mitigate it with a covered porch, but it will still have sun in your eyes while sitting there. My mom had a east facing house in CA and we always had the sun in our eyes while sitting under her backyard porch.

Why pay a premium to have the sun in your eyes when you're trying to relax in your backyard.

Iron fence / no privacy to not have a neighbor on that side to me isn't worth $10K premium. Your house is separated by at least 10 feet and you have a fence between you. I guess you could get more street parking for guests by being on a corner lot.

[lphung129]

3, 2, 1

Privacy is very important to me, and I just couldn't stand having everyone see into my yard. I would never get a west facing backyard either, even if there was no premium. We spend our evenings outside w/ the kids, playing and grilling. Wouldn't want the sun beating down on us.

[biomedmark]

I would go with your second option. North facing lot would be more useable and having green belt instead of a neighbor or an alley is sure worth 10k. Iron fence lasts longer and no staining expense. You can always add some shrubs or vines to add privacy. Tall wood fences on small lots feel very constricting and I really don't get 5,000 sq ft homes on 7,000 sq ft lots. To add insult to the injury, builders add Disney castle style towers. I'm still trying to get used to these architectural wonders.

[Aceraceae]

I hate the iron fences.