How do you afford a $350K plus home? (University Park, Highland Park: foreclosures, loan)

[BLB62]

I Know What You Mean.. We Drive By Some Places With Million Dollars Homes And I Wonder "who Are These People".. And Contractors Just Keep Building.
It Depends On Location, Location, Location.. We Built Our House For 150,000 In Il..in Las Vegas It Would Be Worth 850,000..same House..
Good Luck...they Say It Is A Buyer's Market,, And No, I Do Not Know Who ""they"" Are...

[kt2le]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

What is the deal with those two story arch entrances? I thought those were passe' even in the suburbs. I'd be incensed if they built one of those next to me..

I agree completely! Builders have overdone two-story arched porches for YEARS and I am so sick of them. It seems like every tract house in town has one and they do nothing to protect the front door from weather! To me, nothing screams "Late '90's" more than tall arched porches slapped on the front of boring boxes.

[banker]

Originally Posted by kt2le

I agree completely! Builders have overdone two-story arched porches for YEARS and I am so sick of them. It seems like every tract house in town has one and they do nothing to protect the front door from weather! To me, nothing screams "Late '90's" more than tall arched porches slapped on the front of boring boxes.

The tide is beginning to turn. We are looking at a development here in San Antonio that features lots of large one story porches on two story plans. Very attractive. I think Pulte is the worst for having the over done two story entrances. And yes - ever stand on a two story porch in the rain...and get all wet. They are so pointless.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by banker

The tide is beginning to turn. We are looking at a development here in San Antonio that features lots of large one story porches on two story plans. Very attractive. I think Pulte is the worst for having the over done two story entrances. And yes - ever stand on a two story porch in the rain...and get all wet. They are so pointless.

Pulte and D.R. Horton BOTH are notorious for those blasted things. Then every low end tract builder behind them followed their lead. It was some way I guess they thought would evoke some sense of "class" to the masses looking at lower end housing. It was a cheap way to add a "porch" of some sort onto the front of a small two story box. A small gable sticking off the roof and two brick columns going down either side. woo-hoo. Most of the builders who do those things are not building what I would say are "McMansions". Also notice there are little or no overhangs around the entire homes? YUCK!

[banker]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

Pulte and D.R. Horton BOTH are notorious for those blasted things. Then every low end tract builder behind them followed their lead. It was some way I guess they thought would evoke some sense of "class" to the masses looking at lower end housing. It was a cheap way to add a "porch" of some sort onto the front of a small two story box. A small gable sticking off the roof and two brick columns going down either side. woo-hoo. Most of the builders who do those things are not building what I would say are "McMansions". Also notice there are little or no overhangs around the entire homes? YUCK!

Thankfully this trend if finally changing. Here in San Antonio KB Home has a new line of houses with great porches and wonderful architectural detailing to avoid the box look. The exact opposite of Pulte.

[fil]

You can look at the 2 story over hang in a couple of ways:
1. It's a 21st century, attached car port
2. It will protect cars from hail

Always looking for the positive.

[banker]

Originally Posted by fil

You can look at the 2 story over hang in a couple of ways:
1. It's a 21st century, attached car port
2. It will protect cars from hail

Always looking for the positive.

We are talking about two story entrances to houses...how will they protect a car from hail?

[fil]

They LOOK like they would protect from hail. Not that they would actually serve that purpose. I was keeping the theme of looking expensive just to look good or it's there for the show.

[banker]

Another draw back of the high two story porch is cleaning them...cobwebs love those second story ceilings...

[jorywalker]

The average household income for Highland Park is $140ish and the average home price is in the $900's. If you are balking at $2800 per month with a household income of $180k you need a budget coach! lol With your income per year you are in the top 5% nationwide.