As you know by now, we have recently sold our house and have to be out in a few weeks (May 12th to be exact). We are very excited about it, BUT now we have to make a decision about where we want to live!
We started looking at houses in February (before we even put our house up for sale). I feel like we have basically seen every house in our area in our price range. So after looking at those and looking at the new construction available, we have decided that we would like to build new. Right now with the housing market the way it is, builders are throwing in so many great incentives that we will be able to get more for our money so it just makes more sense. Obviously our new home will not be built by the time we move out so we are staying at Vince's parents house while we wait (should be interesting... haha).
OK. So we have decided to build and we have decided to stay at the in-laws (please wish me luck. haha.. kidding) Now we need to decide which development we are building in. There are actually a LOT right around our area and we have looked at them ALL, but we have narrowed it down to 2 choices.
One is called King's Grant and the other is called Applecross.
Applecross was our first choice from day 1. Some of it's positives are it's in a great school district, it's on a golf course, and the homes and neighborhood are beautiful. Some of the negatives: it's at the higher end of our budget which wont leave us much extra fun money as I like to call it haha, plus on top of the mortgage there are a bunch of other extra fees to consider (the homeowners association fees, the club house fees, and the golf course fees are all separate payments), the average age in the community is in upper 30's so we would be one of the youngest families, they will still be building in there for a few more years so we would have to deal with all of the construction for awhile which can be such a pain..
King's Grant was actually not originally on our list... BUT after going there to see the different model options we do really like the layouts AND they have lowered their prices so much that we can get a LOT more for our money than we could at Applecross. It is a nice neighborhood with lots of young families. It's is actually just about 5 minutes from where we live now and we do really like where we live, it's quiet and peaceful, but still not far from everything. (It's less than a 20min drive to work for both us) The only real negative: the school district (it's actually the same we are in now), but we have already decided that we are sending our kids to one of the local private school no matter which school district we are in at least up until high school (Vince went there, his nephew goes there now and there are lots of reasons why we like it.. but thats for a later post after we actually have kids haha).. so that's not really a big concern for us. We don't plan on this next home being our forever home, so by the time we have kids in high school I doubt we will even be at this house. (obviously, we get bored quickly.. we only lived in our current house for a year and half haha)
OK.... so you have heard about the 2 places we are trying to decide between. Choice #1: a smaller house on a golf course, maxing out on price OR Choice #2: a slightly bigger house at a much lower price, but not in an ideal school distirct.
We had originally planned on waiting until mid may to make a decision, but 2 days ago King's Grant called and made us a really good offer including some of the upgrades we wanted and other things... but the offer doesn't stand for long so we need to give them an answer asap.
We went last night to look again and I stayed up half the night going over the different models and offers and everything else.. ughhhh.. I don't know I really do go back and forth....
I think we will have to make a decision by the end of the weekend, so I will let you know as soon as we know..
12 comments:
I would go with #1.
Main reason - You may get stuck in this house longer than you intend to. The market may change, good or bad, and selling may or may not be an option before your child is in school.
You are young, Im sure you'll move again in the future, but plan for a home that you COULD live in for a long time if you had to.
I read wrong. I though you meant elementary school. HA HA! :) It's been a long day. THAT being said, choose the one you could live in for a long time and be happy in in case you are unable to move a few years down the road.
Good luck!
In the end, you go with what you want. As I like to think, I'm spending a ridiculous amount of money anyways, so you may as well get what you want.
I would probably go with option number 2 though. Unless #1 is your dream house and you can see yourself spending the rest of your life there. As you said, the school district won't really matter as you'll be sending your children to private. And if you want to save money to spend on decorating the place, it may be a good option. But like I said, follow your heart. Either way, you are spending money, you should get what you want.
The King's one sounds like the way to go in my opinion, but that's just an outsiders point-of-view!!
I'm sure you will love whichever choice you make though!
I think you have to just go with where you think you'll be happy in the long run. Think about the fees and over time paying them, etc.
I literally live between both develoments and they're both beautiful! Praying for you to have peace in your decision!
personally, knowing the area...I'd go with Choice #2.
My parents live near Applecross..I LOVE IT...its gorgeous. But think of this--you could save up to move into one of those homes in 5-10 years, right?? PLUS, the community would be done and gorgeous by that time! I personally love applecross, but I say get more for the money! Although, I bet your taxes would be a wee bit higher in Kings Grant, although--all the extra fees of Applecross may be annoying. I personally know families in Applecross and they're all in their 40's or 50's.
Heck, you know my choice...Kings Grant it is :)
and now I realize where Kings Grant is--OH my gosh! Its so close to my parents, not even funny! I love that neighborhood!
Go with Kings Grant!! :) haha
Good luck with living with the in-laws! We did it for 2 years when we all moved up to Minnesota and Greg and his Dad started up their business to save money. It wasn't that bad! ;-) And it sounds like they're pretty awesome people too!
You should post pictures of the areas for us! :-)
Both sound like great neighborhoods. If it were me, I would be swayed towards the Kings Grant neighborhood, but you two should do what you feel is best for the both of you! :)
Good luck with you decision Jenna! I have a good friend from high school who just moved to Applecross (in the Carriage homes) with her fiance. They love it and have a beautiful home! If you end up there let me know and I will give you her name!
Personally, I would go with King's Grant. Sounds like a fabulous deal and that you will be getting more for your money..which will leave you more money to DECORATE and have FUN with! But you definitely should follow your heart on the decision, only you know what is right for you! Best of luck and let us know your final choice!
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