We have settled in Reno where the sellers hold all the cards due to extremely low inventory and an influx of buyers. We just finished a six month long road trip where we all lived in a 350 sq ft travel trailer. We have four kids and homeschool them so lots of indoor & outdoor space is nice. We also have a large German Shepherd mix dog. Ideally we would like to have a large property with a net zero passive house on it (strawbale, ICF, SIP?) but I don't have the energy to go through the building process right now.
$110k annual income
Right now we are wavering between three options:
1.
$291k list
Will offer $255k based on comps
1373 sq ft house
7500 sq ft lot
Built 1980
Needs flooring, paint, and a handyman's attention
Less-desirable area, but still safe for kids
3 mile bike commute
Seems the most Mustachian, but how long will it work for our family? Potential future rental, but WAY off the 50% rule.
2.
$407k list
Will offer $387k based on motivated seller
2700 sq ft
0.28 acre lot
Built 2001
Needs nothing right away
In a subdivision with public land nearby
6 mile bike commute
3.
$429k list
Probably have to pay $450k due to bidding frenzy in South Reno
2000 sq ft
0.5 acre lot
Built 1978
Needs ?? no pictures on the listing, we will see it tomorrow
In the same neighborhood as our family, our kids can ride bikes down the hill and play with their cousins
Last street before public land
14 mile bike commute, would require e-bike purchase to cut commute time down to reasonable time away from family