Gorgeous yard but no place for swingset - dealbreaker?

[Anonymous]

There's also a lot of maintenance associated with a yard like that. Will you do it or be happy to pay for a landscaper to maintain it? If so, look at the rest of the house and determine value from there.

[Anonymous]

OP here. There are very few comps for this particular street, but a house across the street, same model, sold last year for above the current asking price of this house. Since the house was on the other side of the street, it had a level lot backing to woods and also a walkout basement with lots of light while this house has a walk-up basement. Other than that, the finishes and condition seem similar. This house was originally priced above the sales price of the flat lot house, but has since had three price reductions and is now about 80k less. I guess the question is how much this house should be discounted for the sloped lot? I had not considered the drainage issue - definitely something to look into.

Thanks, PPs, for sharing your thoughts!!

[Anonymous]

There has to be something else going on with that house, I don't buy the backyard excuse. Our back yard slopes away from the house so there's no hope for a swing set or playing soccer. But the front yard would work for kicking the ball around. And there's a nice county park at the other side of our neighborhood. It has a better playset than we would ever buy. With a sloped backyard like you describe, at least you're not looking into your neighbor's yard. Having a private backyard like that is awesome. Not having to mow a lot of grass is also good. Landscaping like that is easier to maintain than a lot of grass..

Sounds like the house is still a little over priced. It should come ina little lower than the house across the street.

[Anonymous]

OP, the back yard is not the reason it has been on the market. Bid low and see what happens.

[Anonymous]

there are too many lazy people who don't care about yards...it is not the yard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That might be a dealbreaker for some, but I don't think it's why this house has sat on the market for so long. I'm guessing it's overpriced.

271 days in Oakton is not a long time
houses just take time to sell

[Anonymous]

OP here. 200+ DOM definitely seems outside the norm. I think PPs are right that the house is overpriced or there is something else turning off buyers, not necessarily the yard. The more we think about it, the more features we find that are not to our liking, so we have decided to pass on this one. Thanks to everyone for offering your thoughts and opinions.