https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:40:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701924 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:57:31 +0000 lioneyes 2701924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>location (we had 3 neighborhoods in mind)<br /> 3+ bedrooms<br /> 2+ baths<br /> 2500+ sq feet<br /> outdoor space (preferably a backyard versus deck)<br /> needed work<br /> parking</p> <p>we got everything we wanted in my ideal neighborhood (4 beds + unfinished basement, 3.5 baths, back patio, gutted) except parking. we were passively looking for about a year and actively looking for 4 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701678 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 13:04:05 +0000 Boogs 2701678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When we bought as newlyweds, our must haves were a single story with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage, and a comfortable sized backyard. Now that we are a family of 4 it has changed a lot. We still want a single story, but we would like at least another bedroom, a laundry room, more open concept, and a much larger lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701606 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 11:50:06 +0000 mdf106 2701606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't want a pool, and have one. I did not want it because of maintenance costs. We just spent $3500 fixing a leak, and overall I feel like it doubles our home maintenance costs. I would also prefer having a grassy back yard, and our pool takes up our whole back yard. We do have a long pool season, and do get a lot of use out of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701489 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 09:28:34 +0000 looch 2701489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: No, we really haven't thought about converting it. If and when we have to replace the liner, we will regrade it to make it less deep at the one end and possibly consider it then. </p> <p>@PawPrints: Yeah, it's so personal. I can see how it would be a dealbreaker for some people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701474 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:57:47 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2701474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I would love a pool if it were saltwater! Have you thought about converting it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701457 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:09:44 +0000 LulaBee 2701457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: yeah.... we have been scouring closets of places we look at but sadly there is no way to know of an infestation unless you put glue traps down- not sure any sellers will let us do that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701316 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:25:52 +0000 PawPrints 2701316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: @Foodnerd81: @looch: I assumed the anti-pool thing was a combination of people 1) not wanting the maintenance hassles, 2) would rather use that space in the yard for actual yard, and 3) major safety hazard for toddlers due to accidental drowning (one of the top causes of accidental death for kids age 1-4). </p> <p>Not an issue for us, nobody has pools around here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701313 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:09:00 +0000 looch 2701313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: Well, I didn't want it because I had been a lifeguard in my late teens and had a lot of memories involving cleaning the pool using a manual vac cleaner and chemicals, chemicals, chemicals. I thought for the season (May-September), we would get better bang for our buck belonging to a pool club.</p> <p>Well, then Hurricane Sandy happened and it decimated the pool club we were planning on joining and everything else was out of the budget. So, we found this house, with a fully functional pool, fenced, heater, gas tank, etc. My husband did some research and spent close to $1000 on a pool robot and it's been fun ever since. We hardly use any chemicals at all (we aerate the water) and with the robot to do the cleaning, it's not terrible at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701298 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 17:30:32 +0000 hellobeeboston 2701298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: yeah, like @Foodnerd81: a pool was sort of a negative on my list since I'm in New England. Sure it would be nice I guess, but it's a lot of work and extra money for use for a couple months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701290 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:58:37 +0000 Foodnerd81 2701290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jennibenni: i bet the pool thing has a lot to do with location. In New England I feel like we would want to use it MAX three months out of the year. Seems like too much work/ cost/ liability for such a small window. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701277 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:17:36 +0000 PawPrints 2701277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LulaBee: omg brown recluse?? Is that why you're listing the house again so soon? If only that were a box you could check on your MLS search. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701267 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:39:14 +0000 Jennibenni 2701267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm surprised at how many people specifically didn't want a pool, as a pool has always been a must for me. It's interesting! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701266 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:37:31 +0000 LuLu Mom 2701266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are in the process of building and here was a list of my must haves (1 I gave up) </p> <p>Ranch<br /> 3 bedrooms<br /> 3 stall garage<br /> walk in pantry<br /> cleaning closet for storage<br /> mud room area<br /> large master closet<br /> stand alone shower and tub in master (I ended up giving up my tub to make more room in closet which was more important to me)<br /> Island in kitchen<br /> Fireplace</p> <p>Our fireplace will not be finished with stone immediately, it was a compromise we made in order to have everything else on our list (besides bathtub.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701250 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:17:30 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2701250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With our first home we did not get our first pick location. We started out looking inside of one gated community that was on one side of town. When all the homes on there were getting snatched up we expanded our search. We ended up gaining more convenient access to two major highways. When we started our must have list included backing up to nature- water or trees. We ended up buying a home that backed up to someone else's yard. Between their landscaping and our bushy and tall hedge we enjoyed privacy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701228 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:38:40 +0000 looch 2701228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My main concern is always with being able to sell when we need to and not owning so much house that it causes budget issues if one of us were to lose our jobs...so I didn't choose anything too big or too small, too custom or too cookie cutter. I wanted at least 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, 2 car garage on a smaller sized lot on a low traffic street in a certain part of town. I got all of those things because we were able to offer asking price.</p> <p>I absolutely didn't want a certain style house or a pool, but ended up with both. I didn't want the pool because of maintenance, but it hasn't been bad at all and what we pay to heat it is way less than what we would spend on a membership to a club. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701048 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:37:11 +0000 JennyPenny 2701048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought our current house was our forever home when we bought it, but we've been casually stalking our dream neighborhood for a while and I've become increasingly convinced that we'll move eventually. The main improvements we're looking for are:</p> <p>- flat driveway space<br /> - flat yard<br /> - room for cars and a workshop for DH<br /> - laundry room in a not annoying location<br /> - dream neighborhood (close to work, parks, greenways, and highway)</p> <p>And it has to have that on top of all the things we love about our current home, so its a tall order... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them/page/2#post-2701009 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:47:53 +0000 bushelandapeck 2701009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've been in our house for 7 years (pre kids) so there are some things I would look for if hunting now vs then. At the time we wanted:<br /> -good schools<br /> -large backyard/fenced or able to be fenced<br /> -4 bdrms<br /> -bedroom on the first floor for FIL when he visits (he's in a wheelchair)<br /> -walkable to the train for DH<br /> -garage</p> <p>We have all that in our current home, but if I were looking now, I would look for something with a different bedroom layout and a finishable basement, in addition to the things we have now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700997 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:28:32 +0000 LulaBee 2700997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are about to put our house on the market and start looking again. We just bought our current house last year so now we know for sure we don't want to settle.</p> <p>Must haves:<br /> -location, closer to downtown than we are now<br /> -3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms<br /> -flat fenced or able to be fenced yard for dogs and kids<br /> -good light, big windows<br /> -laundry on main living floor- not in a basement<br /> -garage<br /> -no brown recluse spider infestation (current house has)</p> <p>Would like to have:<br /> -open floorplan or ability to open it up<br /> -decent views, our city is hilly<br /> -brick exterior</p> <p>We are hoping to find our forever (or at least until kids are out of school) home and I'm willing to wait to find it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700935 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:15:29 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2700935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: No HOA is pretty high on my wants list. It seems impossible in a lot of areas but not where we are looking since we are moving further out into the suburbs. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700931 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:59:33 +0000 JessyMess 2700931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Must Haves:<br /> -We picked the neighborhood first for the walkability to downtown<br /> -Not on one of the busier streets<br /> -At least 3 bedrooms<br /> -Bathroom on every floor<br /> -Charm<br /> -A fenced in yard<br /> -Hardwood floors or possibility of pulling up carpet<br /> -Recent kitchen and bathrooms (last decade)<br /> -Off street parking</p> <p>We compromised on recent kitchen and bathrooms and parking for a house that fit everything else and was in our price range. I gave our kitchen a Pinterest makeover and we finally got our fugly bathroom redone 5 years after moving in.<br /> I am so glad I didn't budge on location. I benefit from the location everyday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700903 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:59:56 +0000 skipra 2700903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We moved 3 years ago. Our non-negotiables were:<br /> 1. Good school district<br /> 2. Not right next to the highway so that all you could hear<br /> 3. At least one level is accessible by wheelchair and has bathroom or minimal stairs and could easily add a ramp.<br /> 4. Walking distance to something (park, downtown area, etc)</p> <p>We were close to buying a house that wasn't great for our last 2 items. Luckily it fell through and we found our house that met all our criteria. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700882 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:21:49 +0000 Greentea 2700882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A desired location and a walkout basement or no basement and no mold or lead and 2 bathrooms and natural light and no crappy pipes. No attic. I could comp on the bathroom but uuuugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700833 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 18:33:43 +0000 Finfan 2700833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) good access to highway for commuting<br /> 2) at least an acre<br /> 3) 2 car garage<br /> 4) 3 or more bedrooms, 2 bathrooms<br /> 5) main floor laundry<br /> 6) ranch/ 1-story</p> <p>School district doesn't matter as our state has open enrollment. We got basically everything we wanted but we spent about $25,000 more than I wanted but still affordable. I'm cheap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700825 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:39:30 +0000 wrkbrk 2700825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NCSUchick27: We just went through this and ended up building instead! Should be closing in about 6 weeks.</p> <p>We wanted:<br /> 1) Close commute (7 min for me, 15 min for DW)<br /> 2) Garage<br /> 3) Walkable to restaurants, bars, coffee house, park<br /> 4) First floor master suite (very rare in our area)</p> <p>It's all so personal to each family. There is no right or wrong list! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700411 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 03:57:03 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2700411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alexandra603: exactly! Not Seattle, but where we live it's the same. Basically the house we ended up with is a great tiny starter house with a surprisingly large lot, but by the end of the process it was like whatver house didn't sell to someone with cash for 100k minimum over asking? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700406 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 02:54:02 +0000 Kemma 2700406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We wanted a decent yard (got it), a quiet neighbourhood (got it), two bathrooms - a family and master ensuite (we got two bathrooms but not the ensuite), a newer house with good resale (house is slightly dated but perfectly adequate and liveable).</p> <p>We knew we didn't want stairs so that was a deal breaker and we needed a fully fenced yard with no pool, which we got. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700398 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 01:03:12 +0000 DesertDreams88 2700398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our must-haves were:<br /> 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms<br /> Pantry or lots of cabinets<br /> Open floor plan or eat-in kitchen<br /> Attached Garage (no basements or attics here)<br /> No fixer uppers</p> <p>School district didn't matter to us because we have open enrollment in AZ </p> <p>I also really wanted a pool and xeriscaped yard and got both, but now I regret both with kids :(</p> <p>Things that weren't "musts" but I LOVE:<br /> Master suite<br /> Big pantry<br /> Big linen closet<br /> Big windows (live in sunny AZ)<br /> Self-closing sliding door with safety lock 5 ft up (pool safety) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700395 Mon, 20 Feb 2017 23:55:51 +0000 Corduroy 2700395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our must haves were </p> <p>Location (schools, commute, safety, quiet)<br /> Ability to walk to a few places &amp; sidewalks<br /> 1.5+ bath<br /> 4 bedroom (ended up with 3 &amp; an office)<br /> 2 living areas (office &amp; living room)<br /> Not too open concept<br /> No HOA<br /> Somewhat flat street - we live in a hilly area and my mom was obsessed with the idea DD would just roll down the street one day into traffic. </p> <p>We looked at 400+ houses because we're terrible decision makers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700391 Mon, 20 Feb 2017 23:46:29 +0000 Alexandra603 2700391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in Seattle where the housing market was insane so it was really just about what was the least crappy house we could afford? ha! We did want a good school district, a doable commute to downtown and 3 or more bedrooms but were pretty flexible with everything else. The home we ended up purchasing is not our forever home (it's small at 1500 sq feet and I'd like more room when the kids get older) but it's really cute and I love it for now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/house-hunting-what-were-your-must-haves-starting-out-and-did-you-compromise-on-any-of-them#post-2700282 Mon, 20 Feb 2017 18:22:08 +0000 StrawberryBee 2700282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This will be our forever home, as I'm not planning on moving ever again.</p> <p>Must have:<br /> Great school district<br /> Not on a busy road , or anywhere where you can hear traffic<br /> Yard not angled to dump water in basement or around foundation<br /> 2 car garage<br /> Open kitchen. Didn't have to be new, but not in a boxy little room<br /> No septic<br /> central air<br /> At least 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths </p>