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We are looking to move closer to town and have looked at three homes here in Colorado. I've listed their MLS#'s below. Basically we are weighing location, facilities, and layout of home. We are in our mid forties and have two kids in college. We aren't looking to be empty nesters, per sey, but want to be able to accommodate out of town family and friends, when needed. This would be a 15-20 year home for us.

House Number 1: 10857 Evans Ridge Road, Parker, CO
http://www.zillow.com/homedeta...134/2116738132_zpid/

Quiet location. Unfinished basement, but tons of potential. We've seen this home, but it's not listed yet so it's a FSBO. Lots of pine trees surround this home and there are no mountain views and can be dark in the house. Great location to town and decent horse property.

House Number 2: 9191 E. Hwy 86, Franktown, CO

http://www.zillow.com/homedeta...116/2134354137_zpid/

This house has it all. It does need updating, but nothing we couldn't live with for awhile. The big disadvantage to this home is that it is located on a busy rural road (2 lane at this time). You can hear the traffic, even though the house sits at the very back of the property. We just aren't sure if we would get used to the noise. You can't hear it in the house, but you can outside. Barn is beautiful, but in all honesty, probably more than we need. This house would be a no-brainer if not for the road noise. Will that be a big issue in selling it at some point? And, yes, the traffic is expected to increase over time.

House Number 3:7076 E Inspiration Dr Parker, CO 80138

http://www.cohomefinder.com/p/...-Parker-CO-80138.htm

House needs work. We aren't afraid of this kind of house and has good potential. AWESOME location. No doubt this house will go up in value for the land and location. It's also private and has beautiful land. Not sure if I would like the split level idea and is much closer to town than we had originally thought of living. House is in a trust and was originally listed for $800k, but looks like they got a realtor involved and revalued the property. Still too high, in our opinion. This house would also have traffic noise, but at lower speeds - like 35mph and you expect that being so close to town. Full mountain range views and can see the city of Denver. Can't beat the views.

All three houses are vacant and have been on the market for awhile - motivated sellers. We are looking for an investment opportunity as well. We have no physical limitations, so stairs, etc. are not a issue. We have horses to consider, but we are basically trail riders and they are not currently using stalls at all.

These homes are all so different and I'm trying to figure out what I want and where I see myself. It's a lot to process. Should I be thinking investment or forever home - I've been trying to do both.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: christyinco,

You have some decisions to make that's for sure. First off I wouldn't think of it as an investment as you hope to live in it for 15-20 yrs, not 3-5 and it will be for the enjoyment of you and your family. House 3 has the views which would bring me a lot of enjoyment, the horse stalls are adequate and manageable. Is the garage attached-?that would be importment to me in inclement weather. House 1, I couldn't get pictures of it so can't comment on the conditions, but it has good space. If traffic and noise really bother you, then house 2 will not be it for you as you can't do anything about it. That house looked to have very spacious rooms I guess it boils down to what you really want and what is important to your family and how you live. Good luck.

Check out the one on the highway..to see if there are any plans for road widening. You'll have to go to the city for that. That house was fascinating.

The one with the dirt road, the last one, if that is your access from the main road..not sure of that. I would think twice.

The first one..the pictures would not come up for me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: real estate lady,

As everyone else has posted, no pictures or other real information comes up on #1 so no comment.

#2 - Nice house and beautiful arena (by the way, that arena which you don't need and probably will rarely use) is adding at least $100K plus to the asking price so it isn't tempting at all. But, the nail in the coffin is the road noise. If you can hear it now, it will be worse in the future - PASS.

#3 - Wonderful location and land. House not so much - yes, the interior (both functionally and cosmetically) is dated but it's certainly liveable and could be easily brought up-to-date for XXXX dollars. Only problem I see here is the price....

Is #3 worth the listing price? No. Assuming you are able to get it down to FMV, can you afford both the initial cost and cost of renovations? And are you willing to live through the renovations if so? Interesting question - let us know what you decide. For myself, it's all about location and the land around it, the house can be modified as long as one has the money.

Gut reaction: House #3

Personal choice so nothing to add other than have all the inspections including water/well/septic. Depending on the county regulations, any changes to structures can be a hassle to comply to all codes (building and construction).

Just had to comment on this from real estate lady too:
"The one with the dirt road, the last one, if that is your access from the main road..not sure of that. I would think twice."

Just a regional thing. We have a home nearby, RMNP area and it is on a "dirt" road that is very well maintained by the county, nearly like blacktop. CO roads in the mountains are not dirt, but packed hard with rock/sand. No mud, ever. If you have a long driveway, a blade on a truck may be required, but not a big deal with the fluffier snow.

My first thought is #3 also.
I wouldn't consider #2, with the bad location.

If you're not sure, keep looking or thinking about your day to day life and what is really important for your lifestyle.

I liked the highhhhh ceilings and the f.place plus the mountain view on house #2, but I understand the noise thing. When we were buying here in FL, we steered clear away of property near I-95.

Best of luck to you

Best of luck to you in whichever you choose, they are all beautiful homes.
I guess is a matter of what you want to have. I am looking forward to rent in the near future a studio apt.
that is what I think that in the years to come i will be able to handle, and of course, one of those medallions that you put over your neck and they call 911 for you. lol

Update - we chose #2. There were so many things that this property had that we really wanted and lots that were bonuses (like the swimming pool)! We got a great price and are really happy with the choice.

Thanks for your feedback!