What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

We already own a home in Nassau, in an excellent school district, in a perfect location (the elementary school is within walking distance, and so is the LIRR), in a very desirable neighborhood. Our neighbors are great, the property is certainly not huge but big enough. DH's commute to work is about 15 mins on a good day, mine is 25 mins.

The house itself is certainly big enough for us and any family we intend to have but the house is old and needs work. Plus it does have it's limitations. Neither DH or I are happy with the layout of the house and both agree that had we picked the house out together under different circumstances, this would not have been what we would have bought. But the timing, the market, and price were right 2 years ago so here we are now.

But DH is now saying that we should instead sell now and purchase new construction out east while the pricing is still good for us. A bigger home with more property waaaay out in Suffolk. I personally HATE the idea of having to commute 1.5 hrs to work everyday. That alone would make me miserable everyday. Plus, I don't like the idea of being so far from everything. We're talking Centereach or Holtsville. DH feels that we get more house for our money out there and would be improving our lifestyle.

I know it's a personal decision but what would YOU do? Would you trade a prime location for a "nicer house" with a b!tch commute? Or would you put that money into your home to make it better (but we DO have limitations so it will never be our "dream home")?

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

thats a tuff call, personally i used to work in westchester when i lived in bethpage and it took 1.5-2.5hrs depending on traffic. Wouldnt do it again, personally. Look in your area or the surrounding towns you might be able to find something you like more then your home close by. It never hurts to go to a real estate agent and ask them to show you some houses in your area.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

The thing is, IMO, there's no point for us to sell and move out of our house unless it's for new construction. That's all I really want or care for. Hard to find, I know; expensive, yes - very. But out East there's more of it and for cheaper. I am really not at all interested in looking around our area for another old POS house that needs lots of work which is all we would probably be able to afford here now. All new construction in our area is way out of our price range.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

I would never take the longer commute option It takes me over 1 hr and 30 mins morning and then at night to drive to work. I hate it. It is such a waste of life. I get home and I am so exhausted. I much rather have a closer commute

Message edited 5/30/2005 4:25:50 PM.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Posted by 5ofClubs

I would never take the longer commute option It takes me over 1 hr and 30 mins morning and night to get to drive to work. I hate it. It is such a waste of life. I get home and I am so exhausted. I much rather have a closer commute

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Look around you can find new homes in nassau, i know they are building by bethpage state park. You have to ask around, real estate agent my also work with builders in the area as well. IMHO, as other stated if you add to your commute so much you wont be able to enjoy the home as much.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Just my opinion -

Do NOT underestimate what the commute does to your life. 1.5 hours on the train is easily over 2+ hours each way door to door when you factor in the travel time to and from train stations on both ends. That is so much of your life and honestly you will not enjoy your home that much during the week because you will leave so early and get home so late. It makes you cranky and it's just a quality of life issue.

Yes, the weekends are fantastic and yes, if you know you don't have to commute long term, it's the better option to go further east. Only you know what you can handle.

Message edited 5/30/2005 7:21:53 PM.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Some people don't mind commuting- I personally hate it so much that I would stay right where I was if I were you.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

I replied on the other thread and I think you should renovate.

I think it is so funny that you think that Centereach and Holtsville is way out East. That is 'up the island' for me. I also moved 'up the island' from Hampton Bays to the Manorville area. LOL!!!

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

i'd stick to where I was ...i couldnt handle a commute for an 1.2

what part of the island are you in now?

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

The way I see it - that is 3 hours less to spend with your family every day.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

I would stay in your current home and rennovate when the time is right.

I have a very long commute now and it's starting to get to me..been doing it five years + now...I would die to have a job only 15 minutes away..

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Would you really want to be that far away from your baby? My GF lives in E. Islip - not too bad a commute -- but when she got laid off from her job in NYC it was actually a Godsend to her. Now she spends more time at home and with the kids, doesn't have to worry if one gets sick in school or whatever....

I would not move for that commute. I would stay and renovate if you like the neighborhood, or else look for something else nearby. Does DH realize what YOUR commute would do to HIM and the family??

Message edited 7/20/2005 4:06:07 PM.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Message edited 1/30/2009 1:18:34 PM.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

Stay there and make your home into a more desireable one!

My SIL lives in E Northport - fast forward many years and 5 kids later they redid the whole place to include 2 more bedrooms and a HUGE kitchen.

Youll probably spend much less than you would on a brand new place.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

It's 3 hours extra a day away from your family.

DH and I recently made a tuff decision to stay in our co-op instead of buying a house (for now). I just didnt think it would be worth everything we would be giving up (extra time in commute, extra fun money, and maybe even having to work an extra job).

IMO, family is so much more improtant than the perfect house. I would share a room with my entire family before I would give up time with them to have a bigger/better house.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?

I chose a house over a job at first. There's no way I would be able to commute to the city everyday and I love living out east. I started a side business to supplement our income.

Re: What would you trade for the home of your dreams?