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So my husband and I have it down to two lots in the development we like. They are both about 2.5 acres. The development is quite and in the mountains, but not too far from the rest of the world. The first lot is priced at $126k and is on the main road in the development which all the other roads branch off from, but it's deep into the development,down the road. It's a corner lot and in the winter you could probably see the lake across the street. There would be a house next to us, behind us and across the street in both directions. Remember though, they are large lots so no one would be right next to us. It's a nice flat lot and we like it, but we don't want to pay that much, we would offer less.
The second lot is the second piece of property as soon as you enter the development. It's the same size and not as flat. We don't mind that so much because my husband likes the idea of a walk out basement. We would have a house on either side and across the street, but no one could ever build behind us because the lake is there. The lake is not on our property, but we would be able to see it from our deck. It is priced lower at $99k. I like that the price is lower, of course, because it gives us more wiggle room for upgrades with the house, but I don't know how I feel about the house being the 2nd one into the development and closer to a busier main road that gets you to this development. I'm sure I will probably hear cars going by when outside, but not inside. I'm torn. In today's economy, do we take the one for less even though I'm not sure I want to be close to the road? There is an advantage to that I'm sure with less travel time to work, we'd probably be the first to get plowed in the winter and you can see the lake.
What are your thoughts? Thanks.

We had purchased the model in the development my DH built. Big mistake, the construction trucks drove by all the time while building other homes, not predictable when they would stop because building happens whenever someone buys and then builds. Of course by the time we settled in building was over and the traffic slowed down tremendously. Traffic with construction trucks and when building is going on also kicks up a lot of construction dust!

Also all the strangers that happen to be checking out the development pass by your house when you are that close to the entrance. This goes for all the lawn companies, tradesmen, delivery trucks, mailman truck...

I like the inner lot better for the privacy and those driving by you live near you, not passing through.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Totally agree with Mary Ruth. There will always be traffic out on the street. I vote for the further one in. Privacy always trumps traffic.

The better places always cost more, because location, location, location.

If you make a list of pros and cons you will know which property to choose, but the following are reasons why I'd choose the second lot.

quote:

Originally posted by chloenkitty:
The second lot: my husband likes the idea of a walk out basement, no one could ever build behind us because the lake is there, we would be able to see it from our deck, less travel time to work, we'd probably be the first to get plowed in the winter and you can see the lake.

Of course, not having seen either lot it's difficult for any of us to really know which may be the best choice. Price notwithstanding, the advantage of a lake view and never any neighbors behind the property is a positive reason and one that usually includes monetary value to the property long-term. If you choose a house plan with the main rooms on the view side you may not hear the traffic much. Most people have traffic sounds wherever they live and one gets very used to them and seldom hears them. I live almost 2 miles from a major highway with forest surrounding my house and property and can still occasionally hear traffic sounds. I still consider it very quiet here. A walk out basement is a great feature which increases the livability of a home and likely the value.

Construction of other homes in the development will eventually be finished so that is only a temporary inconvenience and only if you build before others. You could possibly wait awhile to build until most homes are finished and you will have no construction traffic. Business traffic is something that will always be but if you work during the day you won't be there to hear it.

Since I live on a lake and love it, I'd vote for the lake...however, it reality...I'd have to 'see' real pics of both lots.

Here are a few questions that I would be asking myself about the $99K property:
Would being near the egress for the development increase your risk of being robbed? Would it be hard to back out of your driveway because of traffic? Would you have people walking through your property to access the lake? Will you need a fence for your animals and if so, will that block your view of the lake? Will there be a lot of activity on the lake, especially motor boats, and how will that affect the noise level in your home?

Thanks for the replies. First, I don't know why someone mentioned construction vehicles coming through for awhile, but that's not going to happen because the development is probably 90% built already so that's not a concern.
The lake is not large and has an area where home owners who dont have their home directly on the lake can access it. Since its a small lake, no motors are allowed.

That was ME posting about construction sites. I figured the lots were not all sold and so you would have more traffic going by your house.

I am sure you have decided and that is wonderful you found your lot. Just that I think your first post a few weeks back were to buy this lot to have for later on when your DH wants to retire. Perhaps not building yet. If so... WHY settle for something you don't want or are not sure of.

With time on your hands, get what you and your DH and family really want.

Good luck in your endeavor!

You know what? If you read your original post again, you have already answered your own question.
It is clear (to me anyway) that the first choice is THE one you really want, and I totally agree with you, hands down.
Go for it!

What a wonderful decision, between two fantastic spots. I'd weigh the longterm potential for traffic versus my desire for a lakeview, and weigh the view a little heavy because that's my natural desire. What's yours?