Pool And Clubhouse Or No Pool And Clubhouse?

Finally, you get to buy a house for you and your family. You have been through so many towns and have endured weekends going into strangers houses that have been put on sale. After all the time spent looking through various properties, you've now lowered your choices into two or three. One of the homes you picked, is not that big, but is situated in a beautiful neighborhood that boasts of a world class Clubhouse, Olympic Size pool and Community Owned Lit Tennis Courts.

Another is a big beautiful spacious home with an expansive lawn that can accommodate a pool if ever you needed one, but the problem is that the community is lacking in amenities and all it can offer are a few shabby and weather worn picnic tables and chairs in a small clearing. Both these homes are well within your budget. Now, the problem is: Which home do you buy; the small one with the lovely neighborhood or the big one with amenities that are not up to par?

These are just a few instances that make buying a home more complicated. If only you can get both the spacious house and the great neighborhood at the same time; but that is just way above your budget. Here are a few things that might help you jumpstart your decision in choosing which house.

Small home and property: Great Neighborhood - At first you think that this is the right choice because you have all the amenities that is often afforded only to great neighborhoods. Our advice: look beyond that, take a physical look at the clubhouse yourself and see how world class it really is. See for yourself the actual condition of the pool, check for algae at this point and ask for maintenance schedules. Look at the tennis court and see if it is truly that great. If you end up proving that the brochure or sales pitch is right and have made your spouse nod with approval then move on still and consider the size of the house you are interested in before anything else. Make sure that it is comfortable enough for you and your family and see if it can still grow with your needs.

Big Home and Expansive Property: Neglected Neighborhood - A big house is great if you are still thinking of expanding your family or if you enjoy entertaining. If the yard is big enough for you to have your own pool someday, then keep the option open. Also keep in mind that a bigger house needs bigger maintenance cost, which should be considered also. If the only concern you have is the fact that the neighborhood is not as developed as the other. That should not be something to worry about. It seems that given time, most community end up more organized and will have marked improvements as long as there is peace and job security.

To sum it up buying a house depends on so many peculiar things like the size of your family, the children's age, proximity to school and office etc. Even the physical state of the house is a big factor to weigh. So think it over and may the best house win.