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Most of the time I am very decisive. I know what I like and what I don't like. I know right away all the practical reasons why something will work or why it won't work. But, right now I am having trouble with a decision. And it is an important one.
We can't figure out where to live. HH went up to Whitefish a few weeks ago, but didn't find anything he liked very much. We have chosen to rent at first so that we can become familiar with the area before making any type of investment. But, now we are having to choose a place site unseen. Can I just tell you? This is not easy!!!
As a rule, HH and I have similar tastes and so building a house, choosing things for the home and purchasing homes has never been very hard for us. We generally agree. However, we are having some difficulty coming to a consensus on this particular decision.
Would you like to weigh in? cuz we really need some help!
I will try to sound as unbiased as possible so you won't know what way I am leaning. Hmmm...
The first house is a log home, built in the 80's with a beautiful deck and an amazing view of the lake and ski resort. Breathtaking views! It is located in a really nice area. It is in an area that will get a lot of snow and is up a rather steep street. It also does not have a yard, but does have a driveway where the kids could play. It has two bedrooms upstairs in a loft, one called the Bear's Den where the kids would have to crawl through a small entrance to get into the room. This level also has a bath with a toilet and two sinks only. On the main floor, there is a master bedroom and bath, a family room with fireplace, a kitchen and dining area. There is a lower level that is one big room with a couch, a stove and a queen sized bed. Have I mentioned that this one is furnished? It is usually a vacation home, but they are wanting to lease it out long term through June. This would mean that we would leave our furniture here in storage. From the pictures, it appears to have quite a bit of the owner's furniture and things in it. It has a single detached garage. Because of the area, it has private beach and lake access. When you think of living in Montana, this is the house you might picture.
The other house is in an area that is about 10 minutes from the lake, further from the town of Whitefish, but closer to the big town and shops in Kalispell. It is in the country, in a flat area where there is not as much snow and where the homes are older. We are not sure if this is considered a good area or not. The lot is wooded and large. It has a flat front yard with grass and some cute walkways. The back has a trampoline, a play structure, and a fenced yard. It also has two big deck areas, one with an outdoor fireplace and hot tub. The inside is on two levels. The main level has a newly remodeled kitchen with a breakfast bar. The kitchen is open to a large family room/dining room area with a fireplace. There is a master bedroom and bath along with 2 other bedrooms and an additional bath on this level. The downstairs is a finished basement with windows and a door to the back yard. It has two more bedrooms, a full bath, a large laundry room, a desk area and another family room/playroom area with a heating stove. This one is unfurnished, newly painted, has new carpet, and has remodeled bathrooms. It also has a two car heated garage. It is an older home on the outside and not what you picture living in when you think of Montana. Funny thing about this one- the owner is very nice and his name rhymes with "thank heavens."
If you have time to wrap your brain around my crazy descriptions and have an opinion I would love to hear it!!!
18 comments:
I made my decision from the first few sentences of the first house. I'd take the 2nd one. I would not want to live on a steep hill with no backyard. There also doesn't seem to be enough bathrooms but I could have read that wrong.
The 2nd house has a great piece of land for the kids to play including all the play equipment. It seems much more family friendly on the inside with a new kitchen and flooring.
Also, I am not a big fan of using someone else's furnishings. I'd be terrified that my kids would mess it up somehow but also sleeping on someone else's mattresses just seems gross. Also hanging out on their couches- YUCK!
So there you go- I pick house #2!
I'd probably go with the 2nd house too because it seems more practical for a family (although the 1st sounds fun and interesting with the views and Bear's den). Besides, steep, icy/snowy driveways are not fun - except for sledding. The good thing is that either house will just be temporary, so you can live with whatever you don't like and avoid it when you're ready to buy a house.
I like the 2nd house, with a nice yard. The 1st house with a bears den, someone would still need to clean it up, would you climb through the hole to do that? :) the 1st house seems like something you would go and rent once in a while to enjoy and have fun, but not live there for a long period of time.... I hope you make the right choice. Which one do you like more??
Being from S. Cal, you should have no problem with steep snowy driveways. Having four very still and quiet boys will make not having a yard not an issue. Plus, you probably aren't constantly feeding them or helping them with homework while cooking, so who needs a breakfast bar? And I know your family won't ever want to visit, so who needs the extra rooms? AND, who wants new carpet under their feet? Better to step on all the dog pee from the previous owner.
Of course, you could go with the second one...
Either way, God will be there and that is a good thing... :)
Hmm..hard choice..not..2nd one..it sounds awesome, you'll have lots of room for the kids to play and you'll have a BEAUTIFUL view of God's Beauty!!
Luv ya Cousin;
Joanie
Well, Here is the decision....Are you ready? Stay here with mommy!!!!
In the words and wit of my 10 year old niece, "Well, uh, d-uu-hhh."
Trust me, I grew up in Wyoming and you must believe me when I say you want the 2 car heated garage, which I am assuming is attached. You do not want to carry your groceries and children from the garage to the house, through the snow, when it's 15 degrees outside!
I can see why you are struggling. The practical decision, versus the luxury place in your mind decision. I think I would pick number 2. This isn't the practical one of course, but if I was moving somewhere where the views were one of the main reasons I was moving I would really want that luxury. And it's not forever! I think it would give me the immediate satisfaction I needed with that big of a move. Good luck with this major choice. I understand how hard it would be.
I also like the description of the second house! While I think that the first sounds charming for a vacation home, I couldn't sell myself on living in a house that isn't "home" to me-- meaning I would be a little uncomfortable without my furniture and decorations. The second sounds homier and it sounds like you might have a little more room for all those boys :)
The first house sounds like it has a lot of character but I would definitely pick #2. It sounds fantastic and if I were in the same situation I would want my own furniture so it felt like home. Good luck with your decision. Either way it will be great! :)
As much as I love views, and number one just sounds stunning, I'm a mum of boys and couldn't imagine them having a yard to play in. I would go number two, and remember it isn't forever.
okay, poor little log cabin now has a soiled reputation with gross beds and sofas and carpet full of dog pee. i have stayed in many vacation homes that were immaculate. as for hank beaven's home, what if it ends up being in a gross area with scary larry neighbors? i have no opinion on either home but i do believe, from personal experience, that the Lord has a perfect home for you and that as you lay your requests at His feet that He will make it abundantly clear where you should live...it may not even be either of these. You will know..."Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" Is 30:21 (you gave me this verse years ago!) :) i love you, dearest friend...and am praying for His crystal clear clarity!
I say you get two tickets and take your hottie husband up there with baby Vance and you leave my 3 nephews here with me so you can make the RIGHT choice before moving so flippin far away with 4 little boys!!!!! It could be neither and a completely different one that you two will find perfect for you. It shouldn't be one or the other, just the right one for you two.
I'd pick Number 2. Because you are just renting and it sounds so much better of a place to live WHILE you are looking for that fabulous place with the view where you can build you own cozy, luxury home...
Well from the two choices, I would go with #2 AFTER I found out if the schools are good in that neighborhood. I liked Gina's idea too though. Maybe if you both go for a visit, you will find the one that's for you. It has to be so hard being so far away and not able to stop by to see it. I'm so excited for you my friend. Please keep us posted with what you find. =) Good luck!!
I love all of your comments. Thanks so much for having such thoughtful responses. I love you guys.
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