What would you do???

My2Beauties wrote: OK, so the bid we put in on that last house was countered. Long story but basically the couple didn't realize what they had gotten themselves into when they listed their house at the list price, now they're saying even if they get full list price that they will be losing $1500, so they're in trouble as far as their price goes, because their agent told them he could sue them if he gets a buyer that wants the house for list and they decline. Anyways, to make a long story short, we low-balled them as it was so they definitely weren't going to budge with us, we aren't willing to pay what they want for that particular house, we could afford it but we don't want to pay it, kwim?

So anyways, there are a couple houses we're looking at tonight, we're familiar with the areas and the pics of the homes are really nice, one of them is actually right across the street from one of Brian's very best friends and he said the one is house is niiiiiiiiiiice! Here's my thing, the one across from him is $10k less than the other one I really potentially like. The one that is less we wouldn't even have to low ball them which gives us plenty of chances to go back and forth and we would probably pay what they are asking in that area, it's a nice house from what I can see. The other house I like better from the pics but it's a little higher than what we want to pay, we want to be comfortable with our payment when we get into our home. I would be willing to negotiate with these people a little if they are willing to go a bit lower but that could possibly be at the expense of someone else seeing this other house and getting it before we are even done negotiating on the more expensive one and then if that fell through we wouldn't get neither one of them WWYD in that situation? Would you bid on the house you know you could get even if it meant paying the list price just because you know you probably will get it, or would you take the chance of bidding on the higher one in hopes that they come back with a fair counter-offer that we can comfortably afford?? Did I mention I hate house hunting?

Kaitlin'smom replied: IMO go see the houses and see what you like more if they are equal in like-a-bility go with the lower piriced one. For me when we house hunted we littlery saw alot of houses in one night I woudl always know if I liked it or not, our realitor could as well there were some we we in and out in in 1 minute flat. when we got to the last house I know almost immedatly that would be our first home. just driving there I felt like I was going home, and it was the nicest we had seen all night. We went back to it a second time and bid on it. We have lived there since 99. sorry house hunting is so frustrating for you. I hope one that you look at your will fall in love and it will be the right price for you.

coasterqueen replied: This is a hard one because you should bid on the house you want, not the one you know you will get, KWIM. I guess it depends on how long you want to be in the hosue. I have a hard time deciding on things like this because I'm a firm believer of my children growing up in the same house FOREVER . So we aren't moving unless something awful happens.

It's good you have so many to pick from in your range, though. I talk to so many people who say it's hard to get choices.

GL.

coasterqueen replied: I agree with Di. Look at both of them, then make your decision. If you like the higher one much more I say bid on that one. If they are about the same go for the lower priced one.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
I so wanted this to, unfortunally it would end up in the long run costing me way more not to move. It breaks my heart to know I need to move closer to work and school for her, cause I would love for her to grow up in the house she was concieved in. I honestly hoped to have moved before we had a child. Plus we need a bit more sqft.

luvmykids replied: I would say bid on the one you want, you may end up paying list price eventually regardless of which house it is so you may as well get the one you like the most. Of course you want the most value for your dollar but I wouldn't disregard a house simply because you may have to pay the full asking price if it's the one you love (and you can afford it).

coasterqueen replied:
Aww Di, sometimes it's out of our control. For me, and I know we are getting off the topic here, but I had to move in 6th grade to a different school district and it was the worst thing ever. I never adjusted well to my new school or surroundings. Always felt out of place, etc. DH was always in the same school district but had to move as a teen when his dad divorced, but still same school district so it wasn't so "traumatic" as it was for me. So I vowed that we would settle wherever we wanted our children to go to school. And we did. We know Dh could make more money somewhere else, but it's important for us to have them go to the school district we are in and to grow up on the family land. So that's why I have the belief I do.

siblingtoolivia replied: I have to say that although the one that is more expensive is the one you really want (which is always the case - I know I could love a $250,000 house way more than I can love a $150,000 house) but in the end you have to pay the mortgage payment and if you can't love that payment I would not go look at the more expensive house because if you fall in love with it, then NOTHING is going to compare to it, even if it makes economic sense......you would never be satisfied with it. I say check out the one that is the lower price one. If it ends up being wonderful you will be happy as a clam with a nice comfortable payment and money still in the bank!!

I had a fabulous realtor, she refused to take me to any house that was even $5,000 more than our price range....she knew if I fell in love with one that was too expensive I could never go back and would just be disappointed in the end that I couldn't afford it......

Kaitlin'smom replied:
sorry to be off topic.....I guess thats why I started her in pre-school in the area we want to her attend school. That way she might know some of them already if they go to the same school.

okay back on topice go look at them and let us know which you like more or dont like then decide.

mammag replied: I agree with Di that you will know it when you see it. When I was looking at models to decide which one to have built, I walked into this model and just absolutely knew. I guess it showed too because when we met up with the sales guy he said the guy at that model called him and told him I would be back there and he could tell I was impressed. I'm sure I was grinning from ear to ear looking like a fool.

Definitely see both houses and go with your gut. If it doesn't work out you'll still know that you did what you thought was best for you.

Hope you find your dream home soon!

C&K*s Mommie replied:

Good luck on finding the right home for you guys!

Boys r us replied: I would go see both houses and see which one you like best and are most comfortable with as far as house for the money, location...etc..then I would make a LESS than full price offer on EITHER one. Just b/c you could afford the one house at full price doesn't mean that the people selling it aren't willing to accept less. I would offer AT LEAST 5k less than asking price.
If they're not willing to take it, which is doubtful, then they'll counter offer!

CantWait replied: You really need to look at both houses before you make a final decision. Best of luck.