Choices, choices

Well, we've spent a LOT of money in gas this week - househunting, exploring the area, taking a "tour of libraries" and looking at neighborhoods. But, we've narrowed our search to the top 5 houses. I should say that "I" have narrowed the search. Tommie will get the grand tour of all five houses on Saturday. I hope we are able to make a decision and put an offer in this weekend on a house! On our househunting trip today, I was hoping to eliminate all or most, because we've already got some really good choices - unfortunately, I added two more to the list! It is both unfortunate and a blessing!! Is that possible? I feel blessed that there are so many houses that would fit our needs, but it is very hard to decide.

Those of you who visited us in Texas understand that we are leaving a gorgeous house with a wonderful floorplan - a newer home with many upgrades. Well, our price range here dropped about $40,000 from the house we just sold, so we are not looking for a house that is newer & gorgeous - nope, we are deciding which 1970's house will work best for us! ha, ha Each house has something very good to offer and a thing or two that can be overcome with a little elbow grease and/or money. It will be interesting to see what features win out over others. Without disclosing our future address & location to any unknown readers, here are the top 5 (from least expensive to most):

1. 1977 bi-level, 2090 sq. ft., 3 bed/2 bath, yard: 100x120 grassy - nice screened in porch, needs some updating in bathrooms, overall good condition, quiet no-outlet neighborhood with rolling hills
2. 1968 two story, 1890 sq. ft, 3 bed/2 bath, yard: .33 acres grassy w/basketball court - immaculate, small but lots of storage space, move-in condition with nice upgrades, spacious quiet neighborhood (house next door is rundown)
3. 1972 1 1/2 story, 2300 sq. ft. (1400 sq. ft. unfinished basement), 4 bed/1.5 bath, yard: 1.14 acres (1/2 grass, 1/2 woods) - very large, needs a LOT of updating and work, yard is very appealing, house has good layout and good potential, but needs help, quiet no outlet neighborhood with lots of boys
4. 2003 2 story, 2568 sq. ft., 4 bed/2.5 bath, yard: fenced 62x135 grassy - newer, very nice, lots of big closets, boring yard & house - not much character, but move-in condition, cookie cutter neighborhood with lots of young families
5. 1972 quad-level, 2220 sq. ft., 4 bed/2.5 bath, yard: 1/2 acre landscaped, backs up to woods - funky 70's decor, but custom home quality workmanship, yard needs TLC, floorplan is great, wooded neighborhood with hills

Place your vote! :) Any comments or thoughts that would help us make a decision? I know it's hard to imagine the houses without seeing them, but any opinions voiced will be considered!