What would You do? UPDATED!!

ScottishBrit · #1 June 2nd, 2010, 03:34 PM

So were still looking for a rental but have so far narrowed It down to 2. But they both have good and bad things about them. My bad habit Is only looking at the bad things on the places.. Both places we've had to do credit reports, Scores, Back ground checks, etc...Good thing is we found out both our credit scores are in the 800's!!

wow! Sooo Here are the places.

Chino Hills~ Nicer, newer city with good schools and lot's of shops and restaurant. It's a 2 story 3 bedroom 2.5 bath. All new darker wood floors which Im in love with! DH is SO freaking dirty!! He ruins the carpet everywhere we live and I think the hardwood floors would be better. Seriously he's worst then a construction worker! The fixtures, door knob's, etc are crappy. The worst part Is the Kitchen. It's SO outdated. Cheap chipped cabinet's , Stove is older then dirt, and the microwave that sit's on the counter is smaller then something you'd find in a dorm. We would have to buy a fridge, microwave, washer and dryer. It has a backyard that is concreate but a decent size. Kinda wraps around the the sides. It has a slope with 4 fruit trees. The only problem back there is there's a round Brick tall pond that has a cover over it with fish. The landlord said to let him know if it's a problem. Im gonna ask him to possibly drain it. Maybe we can put some very heavey planters or something on top of the metal cover. There is a pool right next door with a Little park. Here's some pic.s

This is the link the the house.
3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Excellent Chino Hills School Area
Family room where I would put all Cambria's toy's. Not happy the fire place is in there but we probably wont use it much anyways.

Kid's room, the other one is Identical.

Up stairs leading to the master.

Living room, right when you walk In.

Then there's the other place.
Corona~ Nice Neighborhood, backs up into a forest ( which coincidently is where David works ) 1 story 4 bedroom 2 bath home. Carpet through out except kitchen and bathrooms which have tile. I Like everything about this place except the back yard has a Pool ( which Ive told you about ) that is drained but not covered and there is wildlife that occasionally pops up in the back yard. I guess the last tenet's feed them so they go back for more. Well, maybe not a good idea with a animal loving toddler around. She was funny when she saw the Raccoon she started meowing. And when I told her he would bite she would say " Nooo Cambria, Bite Bite"..She's so cute I can't handle her! The only thing we would have to buy is a fridge. I didn't take pics but Ill put in the link. It is bigger then the other one and DH wants a 4th bedroom for an office.
Here's the link...

4bd 2bth home in corona

Im sure Im leaving things out. There both in the same area we live in now, closer to his work which he isn't that far from anyways and only a $50 difference. We are approved for the Chino Hills one ( 1st one ) and they asked us when we want to move in. Both say no pets but The Chino Hills one said maybe in a year. I seriously want a dog SO bad!!!! Of course Im ok with having one after DS is a little older. So waiting a year is fine with me.

ANGWife · #2 June 2nd, 2010, 04:22 PM

Neighborhood and school district would do it for me.

JediRach · #3 June 2nd, 2010, 04:32 PM

The second one seems to fit your needs more.

Resi · #4 June 2nd, 2010, 04:33 PM

That is a hard choice. They both look really nice but like you said there are some negatives that I can't help but consider.

The first I like best and the only down side is a two story for me. I would be able to live with an outdated kitchen for the hardwood floors! How do you feel about two stories? I hate having two stories but I hate carpet even more.

I like the second because it's a one story but that is the only reason I like it. The carpet would get dirty like you said. I understand why they wouldn't want pets with the carpet in there. It would get dirty fast with a dog. The pool is the #1 negative to me. It would be pricy to get a cover and it would make me worry to much.

In the end I'd pick the first! I love the dark floors. I also love the fireplace. I just like the look of it over all. Plus, you're already approved to move in when ever you are ready to! What does David think? Is he leaning towards one?

midnight_starr · #5 June 2nd, 2010, 04:44 PM

The 2nd one would be my pick, but I would check with the landlords about possibly them buying some type of cover for the pool since you have a small child. I think the pool is the only real downside for the 2nd house...

Frozendesire · #6 June 2nd, 2010, 04:46 PM

Ya I think I would go with the first one out of the two. I wouldn't feel comfy with a pool like that. I love the hardwood floors. I just went from carpet to hardwood and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I think 3 bedrooms would be plenty, is there an area that he could set up as an office? in the Family room maybe??

What does hubby think??

..Christine.. · #7 June 2nd, 2010, 05:13 PM

I would go with the one in Corona......to me
it looks nicer. Also the Corona/Norco school district is a really good district. I have several friends that live in Corona and love it.

~*sierra*~ · #8 June 2nd, 2010, 05:26 PM

i liked the first one best! but the kitchen looks way bigger in the second.......hmmmmm this is a tough one!

Resi · #9 June 2nd, 2010, 05:49 PM

You should of done a poll on this! It looks like we are all spilt! ha ha.. tough choice.

Mars · #10 June 2nd, 2010, 06:19 PM

Both house look good to me but the 2nd one seems to meet your needs more.

My break down:
1. The money you will spend to furnish the kitchen in the first house could be used to get a pool cover or fence for the second house so I don't see much of an issue there money wise.

2. You mentioned that they were pretty close to each other so I don't see why you couldn't send you children to the schools close to the first one if you chose with the second one.

I don't know how you would deal with the carpet and DH issue with the second one though.

Good luck with your decision.

greeneyes · #11 June 2nd, 2010, 06:41 PM

I like the first one better. Mari made a good point that you'll probably spend a similar amount in appliance needs as you would on the pool cover... but it's much more likely that you'll be able to use the appliances you buy in another house.

I hate having carpeted floors. With a husband, a dog, and two kids it is a PITA to keep clean.

ShannonMVT · #12 June 2nd, 2010, 08:22 PM

Hmm, hard choice because I would really prefer a 1 story home, I think going up and down stairs is a big pain, especially with an infant. For me, I like wildlife/forest so I'd like the backyard.

The major downside to the 2nd one is the pool, there'd have to be some way to gate it for me to be comfy with that. I personally have liked our carpet for Matthew learning to crawl and walk, less accidents since carpet is softer.

How long do you plan to stay in the home? If the schools are a lot better in the first home, and you plan to stay till Cambria is in school, then that should be an important factor.

Sorry I am not much help I guess!

Mod-LadyCoconut · #13 June 2nd, 2010, 08:46 PM

My pick would be for #2. I was thinking the same as Mari -- it'll be cheaper for you to buy a pool cover like the one I told you about then it would be for you to buy a fridge, washer, and dryer, and for me the pool thing is the only downside. I'd prefer to have a real backyard with grass, etc. than concrete one. Plus there's more privacy with forest behind you. I like that its all one floor, and I especially like that you'll have a spare bedroom to use as an office. That would be a big deal for me. The carpet/hardwood floor argument kind of sucks but you could also get big area rugs for the main parts of the house where DH tends to be messy. I feel like carpet is better for babies to be crawling on etc. too.

Have you done a drive by at night? lol, that is always a good idea to see what the neighborhood is really like. Are there little kids in the area that Cambria could play with or you could make friends with the moms? I'd check that out too, especcially if you think you'll be there for a while. I feel like as far as pets go with house #2, after a year or so of being a good tenant you could probably talk the landlord into... like hey we're considering moving and then you'll have no renters... and they might agree to it.

ScottishBrit · #14 June 2nd, 2010, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANGWife

Neighborhood and school district would do it for me.

Thats what mostly does it for DH too.

ScottishBrit · #15 June 2nd, 2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resi

That is a hard choice. They both look really nice but like you said there are some negatives that I can't help but consider.

The first I like best and the only down side is a two story for me. I would be able to live with an outdated kitchen for the hardwood floors! How do you feel about two stories? I hate having two stories but I hate carpet even more.

I like the second because it's a one story but that is the only reason I like it. The carpet would get dirty like you said. I understand why they wouldn't want pets with the carpet in there. It would get dirty fast with a dog. The pool is the #1 negative to me. It would be pricy to get a cover and it would make me worry to much.

In the end I'd pick the first! I love the dark floors. I also love the fireplace. I just like the look of it over all. Plus, you're already approved to move in when ever you are ready to! What does David think? Is he leaning towards one?

We've always had 2 stories. We do now. They dont bother me but it's hard for my mom when she comes over to watch Cambria walking up and down the stairs. But she doesn't come over often. I HATE Carpet but have never had hardwood. I hear good and bad things about it. Some people say Hardwood is harder to clean, doesn't make much sense to me? We both like the fact that number 2 is a one story. I swear David can't walk on stairs. He falls ALL the time!

I dont get it. The only thing he really likes about that one is the view in the backyard. He doesn't think the pool is a big deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnight_starr

The 2nd one would be my pick, but I would check with the landlords about possibly them buying some type of cover for the pool since you have a small child. I think the pool is the only real downside for the 2nd house...

I told David to ask but of course he keeps saying, why he's not gonna do it, who cares, we can just buy one...but he's looking at plastic fences!

ScottishBrit · #16 June 2nd, 2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frozendesire

Ya I think I would go with the first one out of the two. I wouldn't feel comfy with a pool like that. I love the hardwood floors. I just went from carpet to hardwood and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I think 3 bedrooms would be plenty, is there an area that he could set up as an office? in the Family room maybe??

What does hubby think??

I Really dont want the computer in our bedroom but I dont want it in the playroom either, I dont want it all exposed. But I think thats where were gonna have it. He wants to buy a new computer desk something like a Secretary style and hide the Wires. Either that or our Dining room area is pretty big so we might put it in there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ..Christine..

I would go with the one in Corona......to me
it looks nicer. Also the Corona/Norco school district is a really good district. I have several friends that live in Corona and love it.

How's selling your place going? Ive heard they both have good school Districts. Im sure we will be out here for at least 5 more years.

ScottishBrit · #17 June 2nd, 2010, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeneyes

I like the first one better. Mari made a good point that you'll probably spend a similar amount in appliance needs as you would on the pool cover... but it's much more likely that you'll be able to use the appliances you buy in another house.

I hate having carpeted floors. With a husband, a dog, and two kids it is a PITA to keep clean.

DH wont let me buy the Appliances I REALLY want. I mean whats the point of having a super nice washer and dryer if it's hidden in the garage. And If I get a stainless steel fridge in the Kitchen I think It will look Ridiculous with the other out dated stuff. Maybe If I get a white fridge I can be one of those people that have there old fridge in the garage

The Pool cover or gate would still cost us more. The Pools big and has the hot tub connected so it's a weird shape.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyCoconut

My pick would be for #2. I was thinking the same as Mari -- it'll be cheaper for you to buy a pool cover like the one I told you about then it would be for you to buy a fridge, washer, and dryer, and for me the pool thing is the only downside. I'd prefer to have a real backyard with grass, etc. than concrete one. Plus there's more privacy with forest behind you. I like that its all one floor, and I especially like that you'll have a spare bedroom to use as an office. That would be a big deal for me. The carpet/hardwood floor argument kind of sucks but you could also get big area rugs for the main parts of the house where DH tends to be messy. I feel like carpet is better for babies to be crawling on etc. too.

Have you done a drive by at night? lol, that is always a good idea to see what the neighborhood is really like. Are there little kids in the area that Cambria could play with or you could make friends with the moms? I'd check that out too, especcially if you think you'll be there for a while. I feel like as far as pets go with house #2, after a year or so of being a good tenant you could probably talk the landlord into... like hey we're considering moving and then you'll have no renters... and they might agree to it.

The first one Is more Family friendly. Pretty much everyone has kid's in the area. Next to the pool is a Little slide thing. But it's meant for more 3 and over. The 2nd house is more of people who are Original owner's and are older. But down the street and around the corner is a huge park..

Mod-LadyCoconut · #18 June 2nd, 2010, 10:48 PM

From the tone of your posts it sounds to be like your heart is telling you to go with #1.

As far as hardwood vs carpet and cleaning... to me its easier to do carpet b/c you just run the vaccuum. With hardwood you have to sweep and mop. I guess spills are easier on hardwood but we don't ever spill anything for it to make a difference. I may sing a different tune after we reach toddlerhood, lol.

LisanAndy · #19 June 3rd, 2010, 03:33 AM

I like #1 better, it looks awesome

Good luck Amy!

Resi · #20 June 3rd, 2010, 04:54 AM

The reason carpet is easier to clean is because all of the dirt and dust gets hidden in there. A vaccum can never get it all out. While carpet is easier on baby to crawl on it's awful for them health wise. I hate our carpet. I've always had hardwood floor before this house. You need to use a dust type mop to get the dust bunnies almost every day but that is it. You can get away with spot mopping and doing a big mop every 2-3 weeks or so. The steam mops are great and they don't use chemicals so it's 100% safe for the kids.

Btw, your rent is double our mortgage payment! It's so expensive over there!