I need your opinions: Which house should we buy?

[Redstone]

This one, which we tried to buy last year, but now the price has been reduced:

More information and pictures here: http://www.hoodre.com/proddir/prod/73/197562?RedirectURL=%2F-listprice%2F20%2F10%2F%3FsearchSelect%3D73%26Search%255BList_Price%255D%255Bmin%255D%3D0%26Search%255BList_Price%255D%255Bmax%255D%3D0%26Search%255Bacreage%255D%255Bmin%255D%3D%26Search%255Bacreage%255D%255Bmax%255D%3D%26Search%255Btown%255D%3Dlancaster%2Bnh%26Submit%3DSubmit

Or this one, which is a bit more money, but has an apartment we can rent out for about $600 per month:

More information and pictures here: http://www.hoodre.com/proddir/prod/73/207924?RedirectURL=%2F-listprice%2F20%2F10%2F%3FsearchSelect%3D73%26Search%255BList_Price%255D%255Bmin%255D%3D0%26Search%255BList_Price%255D%255Bmax%255D%3D0%26Search%255Bacreage%255D%255Bmin%255D%3D%26Search%255Bacreage%255D%255Bmax%255D%3D%26Search%255Btown%255D%3Dlancaster%2Bnh%26Submit%3DSubmit#

We're leaning toward the second one. Both have great locations right in town.

Redstone

[Zornhau]

1. I like the porch on the first one better

but I totally understand the draw of having a rental. looks like the second one has a big yard too, which is nice. When are you going to move?

[Redstone]

4. The second one has a thirty-foot long porch on the side you can't see. As far as

"when," by late spring if possible. The economy up there is dreadful, so the houses don't sell real fast. That means the sellers are REAL flexible.

Redstone

[Zornhau]

18. That sounds like a good deal on the second one then

I hope you have good luck finding tenants, it can be tough.

[zingaro]

2. Oh my

That second house is stunning. Don't get me wrong - I like the first one but that second house is so well appointed and squared away. It's beautiful. In my humble opinion, the second house has a much stronger Redstone vibe than the first.

[Redstone]

7. "The Redstone vibe?" House #2 it is, then, and thanks for your vote.

Redstone

[Gormy Cuss]

60. I love house # 1

but either one would be great. How big is the lot with #2 ?

[opiate69]

3. Man, what a tough choice..

they're both gorgeous.. and both would easily be at least twice if not 3 times as expensive in my neck of the woods..

[Redstone]

6. Oh, yes. At least 3 times as much here, maybe more. Which is part of why

we want to move. The second one, with the apartment rental, would cut our mortgage payments in half.

Redstone

[opiate69]

9. Yeah.. the built-in income would have me lean towards the second one too..

not to mention the typical Victorian staircase/ladder in the first house. I never did like those super-steep stair cases, being afraid of heights and all.

[Redstone]

23. I'd have to raise the stair railings in either house; those stairs were made when

Americans were much shorter in general, and the railings are about hip-height to me.

Redstone

[ikojo]

43. The shorter railings would work perfectly

for me and all of my siblings....we girls are 5'2 and my brother is 5'6..the nieces and nephews didn't get much taller either, much to their chagrin. The short gene is STRONG in our family.

[fizzgig]

5. both of those are just beautiful

i don't know that i could make a decision

[graywarrior]

8. The second one so I can rent the apartment

[Redstone]

15. OK, you're in, unless my cousin wants it (she's interested).

Redstone

[graywarrior]

22. I shall now have to kill her.

[Redstone]

27. Now now, she's very nice, even looks a bit like you.

Redstone

[graywarrior]

56. How dare she mock me!

:rofl:

[Wapsie B]

10. Very nearly a toss-up.

I like both houses but the living room in the 2nd one looks wonderful.

[mzteris]

11. I LOVE the personality

of the first one.

But having a renter can bring in some needed cash.

However, have you ever had renters before?

They're not all good.

Sometimes they "cost' you more than you make.

Sometimes, they're just damn noisy and a nuisance. . .

Not that I'm trying to discourage you, just offeringn a bit of reality check.

[Redstone]

25. Well, the local hospital has used the apartment to put up interns, etc who come

to town for six months to a year, and has said they'd like to continue doing so.

I think that would promise a reasonable class of renter.

If not, my cousin may rent it, and she's real quiet.

Redstone

[greatauntoftriplets]

12. They're both beautiful....

For strict curb appeal, I would pick the first house. But the economic opportunity the second house affords is very attractive. Is there a separate entrance for the apartment? I am guessing that it is on the third floor.

[Critters2]

13. I like the second one more.

I just like the classic lines, bay window, etc.

The second one. Definitely.

[SPKrazy]

14. I like #1

however they are both very nice homes and you'd probably be happy with your family in either one.

the $600/month rental is a draw for #2

I just like the lines on the first one

[Redstone]

16. Carpenter Gothic style is hard to resist, isn't it?

Redstone

[SPKrazy]

21. it is to me

have always loved that style

[DS1]

17. the snow would look rather comical buildign up between those rises on the first one

[Redstone]

32. We'd think of it as "natural insulation.

Redstone

[VenusRising]

19. For outside aesthetics, the first one.

But the second one is gorgeous inside, except that awful blue paint.

I can also understand the draw of having a rental portion of your property.

I'm sure you will choose what's right for you and your family, but I would go with the second house.

But please change that horrible blue paint if you do! :puke:

:hi:

[Redstone]

33. Mrs R would have that blue paint gone within a week.

Redstone

[VenusRising]

36. A lady of taste.

After all, she married you. ;)

[Redstone]

39. I'm blushing, here.

Redstone

[VenusRising]

44. Tee-hee!

I made you blush. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

20. Definitely the second one,

First one is nice, but I definitely like the second one the best.

Is the apartment separate from the house?

[Redstone]

26. The apartment is upstair in the back of the house (over the house's kitchen),

between the house and the garage.

Redstone

[lost-in-nj]

24. Deja vu all over again....

oh hon

you know which one you want

and which one I would choose....
:)


you loved it then
I bet you love it now.......

happy for you.....

:hug: :hug:

lost

[Redstone]

30. Yeah, I know. There's also the price differential, and the fact that house #1 is

a local landmark, known as (surprised?) The Three Gables.

Redstone

[yewberry]

28. I like the second better, but I'd probably go for the first.

I'm a sucker for old farmhouses. My dad lives in one in NH and my mom recently sold the one she'd been in (built in the 1700s and you couldn't keep a candle lit near a single window in that place!)

I like the looks of the second, but I must've missed the lot size. The apartment might be a good thing if you see yourself needing it (elderly parent, family member/friend, care provider) but tenants can really be more trouble than they're worth. Will you be able to rent the unit? Is there a history of rental?

Also, I really like the heating options in the first--alternative heat source, woodstove, hookup. Love that.

The little tiny blinking yellow light in my head: the second one has a sump pump installed in the basement, and the basement is unfinished. Um, are the two facts related?

Beautiful places, Redstone. I'm shaking with envy.

[Redstone]

31. Yes, Mrs R got the willies about the sump pump, too. We'll look at that very closely,

because we had a house with water problems before.

Thanks for the opinion.

Redstone

[hisownpetard]

29. There's nothing like your first love!

[lildreamer316]

34. JEALOUS!!! They are beautiful.

Which ever one has more land.
Seriously.

[Redstone]

38. About the same for both. #2 is closer to the bar, but #1 is closer to the town park.

Redstone

[bullwinkle428]

35. Countdown to Redstone ranting about what a dumbass tenant he allowed to move in...

:rofl:

[Redstone]

37. Now, that's funny. Thanks for giving me a good chuckle.

Redstone

[ikojo]

40. Number 2, t.he one built in 1857...

first of all it's BEAUTIFUL and second the rent from the apartment will help pay the mortgage. This house is awesome looking.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

41. I like the second one a lot better, my dear Redstone...

Bigger, more bathrooms, just nicer in the details...

I've looked at a lot of houses, and the second one just makes me happier...

FWIW...

It is more money, but IMHO, you get a lot more bang for the buck...

[Redstone]

48. Yes, and I might just use the apartment for my office, instead of having to deal

with the headaches of tenants.

Redstone

[CaliforniaPeggy]

50. That is also a good thought...

[RetroLounge]

42. I like the first one...

I'm a sucker for porches with a swing...

RL

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

45. They're both very nice, but I especially like the second one.

And I can't believe the asking price! That house would cost 3X as much around here!

[Redstone]

49. Houses are inexpensive there because the local economy isn't so hot.

Redstone

[yardwork]

46. I would buy the second one in a heartbeat - what a beautiful old historic house!

It's gorgeous. I can't imagine ever regretting owning it.

And the prices - one couldn't buy either of those houses in-town in my area for under several million. Even way outside town they would go for a very large amount.

[Redstone]

47. We're lucky that we can live in a place with low house prices if we want to, because

my busines is pretty portable...I only have to visit my customers two or three times a year.

Redstone

[LibraLiz1973]

51. Tough call! I love the gables on house 1

but can see it needs more interior work than the 2nd.
The 2nd house looks much roomier inside. I think I would go with house #2
but the REAL question is... which house does Mrs. R want? Cause that's the one
you will end up with!!

:)

[Redstone]

54. Well, of COURSE she get the one she picks. We'll be seeing the second one

next weekend, and will make a decision then...unless something else comes up.

Redstone

[midlife_mo_Jo]

74. The steep pitch of the roof is probably going to cost more to redo in the long run

Been there, done that. :(

[Whoa_Nelly]

52. House #1 It really seems so you and yours

It's a standout
It's has lots of character

and it seems a happy place....
(don't ask me to expand on that...just a gut feeling about it for you, your wife and son)

:hi: :loveya:

[Redstone]

57. Gut feelings count a lot in buying a house. Thanks for your vote.

Redstone

[dpbrown]

53. Definitely the first one

That house has got personality!

[Redstone]

59. Personality and history; it's a local landmark, and even has a name: The Three Gables.

It was a B & B for quite a few years, and the old sign is still in the basement.

Redstone

[Capn Sunshine]

55. I vote number two.

You realize if that place was around here it would be about 1.5 million, right?

Back to the math. Don't get dependent on the rent, but 600/mo puts a nice dent in a house payment.

I suggest renting to strippers. They sleep all day, are gone evenings, and pay in cash. Sure, it's one dollar bills and they are a bit gamey, but cash is cash...
:bounce:

[Redstone]

58. Ha! No strippers in that town, though. It's too cold up there.

Redstone

[stevedeshazer]

63. Either of those houses would run a million bucks in my town

I had no idea real estate was that reasonable in NH.

Looks like you can't lose on either.

[Redstone]

71. This is WAY up north where the local economy isn't so hot. I'm fortunate in that

my business doesn't rely on the local economy.

Either house could run a mil where we live now, as well.

Redstone

[Flaxbee]

61. I like the exterior of house 1 better, but the interior of house 2 ...

and house 1 only has one full bath -- house 2 has two, unless one of them is in the apartment you might rent out - ? Will that be an issue, to have only one full bath and one 3/4 bath (if you get the second house) with you and Mrs. R and your boys?

I like the yard of house 1 better, too. Which one has the better kitchen, as Mrs. R loves to cook?

[Redstone]

66. The second house has two full BRs, plus the 3/4 in the apartment. Mrs R is not thrilled

with the second BR in house #1, given that it's under the stairs.

I'm OK with either one, because both have the 200 amp electrical service I need for my office.

Redstone

[Breeze54]

62. The 2nd one.

I need a new apt. asap! :P

[Redstone]

64. The line forms over there, just behind GrayWarrior.

Redstone

[Breeze54]

65. I wasn't serious!|!

I'm staying in my home state. Good luck though.

I really like the looks of the 1st one better.

[speedoo]

67. Incredible how much house you get for your money up there!

The bonus is you are so close to Montreal and so forth. But it must be cold up there now.

[Redstone]

69. Ah, but with such a nice house costing so little, I'd not mind staying inside. Actually, I grew up

just acros the river from that town, and I know it gets DAMN cold. You just dress for it, and it's not such a big deal.

Redstone

[speedoo]

75. Well, I am very glad i saw your post. Now you have me looking...

at houses in the Portsmouth, NH area, and while more expensive than the area you are looking at they are still great value, relatively speaking.

[NMDemDist2]

68. I like #2 if it's got a decent kitchen n/t

[Redstone]

70. That's the wild card; we haven't seen #2's kitchen yet.

Maybe next weekend.

Redstone

[NMDemDist2]

81. it says it's updated, but realtors know a kitchen sells a house

why no pictures??

that makes me nervous

[midlife_mo_Jo]

72. If both locations are nice, defiinitely the second

The first only has one full bath if the info is correct - not desirable and less resale value.

The second house looks lovely except for the wallpaper. Very nice home. I'd buy it. :)

[Lorien]

73. Wow. That's really tough. I prefer the lot that the Three Gables home

sits on, as well as it's front porch.But I really like some of the interior spaces in the second home. Maybe with a few more trees and shrubs the second home would have more curb appeal. Which will be easier to heat? Which one is closer to work?

[Redstone]

76. Work, in my case, is wherever I live (my office is in the house). The second house might

look a bit better in a summer picture, because it has that cluster of white birch trees...

Interior features? #2 has pocket doors that open UPWARD! I've never seen that before, nor even ever heard of it. How cool.

We're going up to look through #2 next weekend.

Redstone

[Lorien]

77. Can't beat the prices

you couldn't buy a 1,000 sq. ft 2/1 in my neighborhood for that! Either way, they seem like a steal. :-)

[Redstone]

79. A steal compared to where we live now, as well. A chance for us to cut our

mortgage payment literally in half. That would take a LOT of pressure off me.

Rdstone

[leeroysphitz]

78. I like the first one. It's all pointyer and stuff. nt

[GoddessOfGuinness]

80. I want the first one...

But the second seems to have a more spacious interior. The first one has a nice yard...and the woodburning stove is a nice touch.

So y'all buy the second one, so I can have #1! :hi:

[grasswire]

82. incredibly good prices, by West Coast standards

Wow. Beautiful homes, good values. A barn! Who could believe that exists for that price.

[dropkickpa]

83. I'm totally in love with house #2

It's gorgeous, and exactly the style of home I want. It seems to have more amenities, the double garage and loft sounds great, and I love all of the neat details such as the door frames and little alcove and such!

[Seabiscuit]

84. DITTO.

[this_side_up]

85. Are you

sure you want a 2 story house? Who will paint the outside?

#1 has alternate heat source(s). 2 has oil? - are you allergic
to the smell? Can the oil be changed to ? plus add alternate
heat source.

If removing the oil furnace/tank, what are the governemnt charges/inspections to do so - tank removal, soil/water inspections?
Are the soil and groundwater already contaminated with oil? Have
inspections been done already? Is geothermal possible?

Are the houses on city water and sewer or wells and septic? If city water, can you drill a well if want alternate source in case of emergencies
and for garden and hot tub.

Is natural gas available for a backup generator?

Are all bedrooms on the 2nd floors? If you ever have temp or permanent walking problems (or worse, need a wheelchair) can an elevator be installed? How much $?

If not an elevator, then one of those chair thingys that slowly go up/down the stairs. Are the staircases wide enough for a chair thingy?

Is either house already remodeled for universal access - wheelchair
access? How many steps from the ground to the doors and if
a ramp is ever needed, is there room for one?

I didn't read everything....are there full bathrooms on the
first floor? If not, is there room to remodel and make it
universal access? Is there room for a bedroom on the first
floor?

With global climate breakdown, lots more varieties of
infected flying/crawling bugs will be arriving. Are any of the porches
already tightly screened in? Is the screen weave small/tight
or fairly large which is easy access for bugs. Is it possible
to screen in any of the porches or does the design prevent that?

What is the insulation level in the attic and walls and
floors? How old are the windows and are they double pane.

How close to river, creek, lake are the houses? Have they
ever flooded? Any puddles in the lawn or driveway? Drainage
problems?

I'd go with #2 just because the rental will help pay heating costs.

[LaurenG]

86. I'm going to go with the second one

Those are excellent prices on both of those homes. If you can make up part of your mortgage payment I'd definitely choose the second one. It also appears to be in better shape.

Good luck, that's an exciting project!

[Orsino]

87. Unless you're an experienced landlord, here's a vote for #1.

They're both pretty houses, but do you really wanna be chasing down a tenant for the rent money?

I lean toward owning your own dwelling to which no one else has a key. Enjoy life to the fullest.

[yellowdogintexas]

88. second house definitely. for one thing, 2 baths, plus the apartment

both are lovely.

[redwitch]

89. What a pretty house! First one, I mean. Great gables!

Having said that, having rental income might be nice. I have never wanted to be a landlord though, it's the Irish in me. :-)

[Highway61]

90. Hands down

The first one...it has the "New England" feel....beautiful lines to the structure. Good luck!

[huskerlaw]

91. They're both lovely, but...

the second house is AMAZING. The details are stunning, honestly.

All else being equal, I'd definitely go for House #2.

Either way, congratulations!!

:hug:

[Sweet Freedom]

92. I loooove #2

It looks abolutely beautiful. House #1 just seems "fussy" to me -- maybe it's all that wallpaper. :)

[Arugula Latte]

93. I like #2 much better. What a gorgeous house!

To be honest, I'm not crazy about those three steep whatchamacallits on the front of the first house.

[zabet]

94. No question at all.....#2.

Besides the bonus apartment
for rental income, the 2nd one
is way more bang for your buck.
#2 is probably built better
judging by the fine detail trim
work on the inside.

[Sugar Smack]

95. THE SECOND ONE.

Please? I'd love to come and visit y'all in the second one.:D

[Redstone]

104. But you haven't visited us in THIS house, yet!

Redstone

[begin_within]

96. I would defintely buy the first one

It has a lot more charm and the yard looks a lot better. It's much more desirable, in my opinion. The second one is too close to the street and too close to the power lines. But if you need that $600/month income, I guess that trumps everything else.

[Blue Diadem]

97. Oh Oh Oh the 2nd one.

I love the 2nd one.

Are you willing though to be a landlord?

Both are beautiful, but that 2nd one has such beautiful woodwork and details, plus the added benefit of the apartment.

[Midlodemocrat]

98. I think they are both gorgeous, Redstone.

But I would go with the second one. And, JMHO, but that wallpaper has to go.

[Orangepeel]

99. those are good prices.

Plus, you are in an early primary state. I'm jealous!

[Redstone]

100. Thank you all for the great replies and advice. I'm kicking for the Sunday crowd, then will

tally up the votes and let you all know which one ends up being the DU fave.

(Although, as you all know, Mrs R's opinion will be about 90% of the decision...she has read your responses so far, and wants me to pass along a big thank you to one and all.)

Redstone

[MichiganVote]

102. Which one is easier to care for or get around in Redstone

[Redstone]

103. Both have been thoroughly updated (200-amp electrical service and son on), so

the "taking care of" works out to be maintenance items such as painting, etc for either. And in that town / area, it's REAL easy to find tradespeople who can do the things I can't.

As for the "getting around in:" I've gotten up and down stairs on my rump before (after knee surgeries and the like), so if I have to do it again, I will. I know that in my case there's a chance that the stairs may become a factor at any given time, but what the hell, I'm betting that they will not.

So these factors are a tossup.

Redstone

[ThomCat]

101. I love that second one.

That style house tends to have a much more efficient use of space. That first one looks like the rooms would be a bit awkward on the second floor.

The apartment is a good investment.

And that second house is probaby more energy efficient, all other things being equal, because it doesn't have all that unnecessary surface area that the first one has on the roof.

[Redstone]

106. You know, you raise a point I hadn't even thought of, and I appreciate it.

House #1 has had cellulose insulation blown into the walls, but I don't know if it's been put into the gable roof areas.

Although I will tell you that appearances may be a bit deceiving regarding the "awkward rooms" on the second floor of house #1. Those gables are so high that the rooms on the seconde floor are not affected by them; the area under the gables just works the same as if the rooms were inside a large dormer. If that sentence makes any sense to you...that' the best I can explain it. The gables don't detract from the usability of any of the rooms.

Redstone

[AlCzervik]

105. fwiw i really like the first one, the second one is also nice but i really do not

like that garage addition, though useful it just looks like it doesn't go with the rest of the house. Good luck on which ever one you buy!

[Redstone]

107. The garage IS a bit inelegant, isn't it? And there's the fact that the barn of house #1

is HUGE, with a monstrous loft (greenhouse conversion, anyone?)...choices, choices.

It's a lot to think about, which is why I appreciate your comments and ideas...you're the first one who pointed out the lack of stylistic integration regarding that garage.

Thank you.

Redstone

[yvr girl]

108. Outside house one: inside house two

I can't believe how cheap they both are. You'd be lucky to get a one bedroom apartment for that price here.

The second one just seems to have nicer details inside.

[Redstone]

109. Hey, sweetie, how have you been? Have you flown lately?

Talk to me; it's been a long time.

And yes, houses up there are absurdly cheap in comparison to more populated areas. If I had to depend on the local economy to make a living, they'd seem expensive, though.

Redstone

[yvr girl]

110. Last time I was even in a plane was on my way home from Boston

I'm insanely busy right now. Basically, I have TWO full-time jobs. Generally, I work from 2:30 am to 7:00 pm. I'm hopeful that will change soon. Keep your fingers crossed.

How are things with you?

[Redstone]

111. Jeez, you've been working an insane schedule for a long time now,

haven't you? You live in such a wonderful place; it's a damn shame you don't have enough time off work to enjoy it.

Maybe it's time for you to do what we're hoping to do: Move somewhere with a lower cost of living to lower the financial pressure.

Since you asked, and I appreciate you doing so: All is pretty good here, after surviving the dreadful summer.

Redstone

[carly denise pt deux]

112. Definitely house #2

house #1 looks like it's really cramped, house 2 is a nice house, roomy and a little more modern touches, I like it lots better
Carly

[Adsos Letter]

113. Pardon me, but....

...am I reading correctly? $235,000 for the second home?!!!!

Good Lord...you probably couldn't even buy the lawn for that where I live...very, very, jealous...

:D

[pitohui]

114. in the end only you can decide

for me personally it definitely isn't worth $600 a month to have a tenant in my home, even in their own apartment, depending on the person, this represents a major intrusion on your life and personal time all out of proportion to the tiny amount of profit it represents

also with other folks i've known who have done this, eventually some family member/parasite becomes aware of the situation and rather than earning any money off the unit, you end up with a free-loader in the home, either that or you're constantly nagged to get the tenant out and give the space up to the free-loader, this seems to apply to larger families, in louisiana any family above a certain size it's a given that somebody in the family is an addict or some other kind of bum unfortunaately

[spindrifter]

115. I prefer the second one.

It has more character, and I like the idea of the separate apartment to help bring in some income.

[NewJeffCT]

116. I like the looks of the 2nd one, but

as somebody said above, unless you're an experienced landlord, it might be more trouble than it's worth to rent out.