Backyard Poll

[robmab]

Not all creek lots are created equal, for sure. A lot with a deep creek (or heaven-forbid, a ravine) is subject to erosion, which can occur faster than you think. (Just ask the Whidbey Island folks in Washington.)

Also, creek lots (even those with small creeks) can require flood insurance, even though the possibility of a flood from that size creek is minimal. Flood insurance can be costly, so research that before you make an offer.

Golf course lots are okay, I guess, but I hate those wrought iron fences that most people put up along the golf course. Reminds me of a jail cell. I'd rather see my 8' board-on-board fence than those bars.

Neighbor's yard is okay, if you have good neighbors. That's always a crap-shoot.

All things being equal, I would choose the house that has the size/layout/location I like and not worry so much about whether there's a yard or a greenbelt or an alley back there.

[GripeWater]

That's another myth, very few Creek communities require or need flood insurance. Most people hate wooden fences and their upkeep and whole point of golf course home is to enjoy lush green grass. But of course buying a house means many things to consider and priorities are different for different folks, some value curb appeal and value others paint shades etc

[Keepingitsimple]

I agree. There are lots of myths out there. I have had experience with both types of yards and had zero trouble. Well, some bunnies did eat our flowers and once in a while ducks trespassed but nothing serious.

[Siggy20]

Originally Posted by loveplano

Interesting thread .... Did all our homework and bought our house in a very nice gated neighborhood. The vacant land behind our community though zoned residential SF, the city decided to put a MF in there & did it in no time. We filed a class action lawsuit and fought the city in vain. So...that was my experience and here is a lesson to be learnt.

Excuse my ignorance but what is a MF? I've seen a few houses on realtor.com with some undeveloped land behind them (glacing at satellite photos). Vacant land always scares me a bit because you never know what will be developed right next to you.

In our current neighborhood in NJ, there were some houses in the later phases that were next to some woods. The plan was to develop another huge neighborhood and that quiet street would have been a main thoroughfare....shudder. The township ended up purchasing the land to preserve the space so it turned out well for the houses next to the undeveloped space.

[Squirl]

We have a very high profile professional football player in our (gated) neighborhood. He doesn't live on the golf course and bought one of the homes that backs up to an alley & also has a circular drive in front. I guess security and alternate escapes/extra driveways are something he valued when house hunting. If you think about it, maybe golf course lots present more trespasser access opportunities. I used to live on a golf course (no, don't play) and loved the acres of green, groomed grass and we even had a pond view. Only downside was the profanity being shouted from golfers at times! But I would gladly live on a course again, especially on starter holes 3-5, where they finish early enough in the day that there's not a steady stream of golf carts during the pretty evenings.

[DitsyD]

Originally Posted by Linmora

Excuse my ignorance but what is a MF? I've seen a few houses on realtor.com with some undeveloped land behind them (glacing at satellite photos). Vacant land always scares me a bit because you never know what will be developed right next to you.

Multi-Family. (think apartments)

[bypassus]

of course, everyone wants backyard is close to Ravine, creek, green belt, golf course, Except that, therre maybe different choices.

[Sushi cake]

I would compromise on interior if a house has a scenic yard.

[Funtastic44]

I am currently in market for a home with views. My wife is a nature lover and only condition she had for moving to Dallas was to find a place with a truly green backyard and paths to ride her bike to near by places.