Location. It's is walkable to a million things.

Also-- humongous kitchen. Super big and nice.

OP here. To those who asked, I am not seeking to get ideas for what to look for, just a reminder that lots of people love their homes for all sorts of reasons. I feel like all I do is nitpick all the available homes in my price range and I was just looking to get a better attitude. I'm not looking for a House Beautiful cover home, just a traditional home that has one thing about it that draws us in and offers us some potential when our very young family grows. It sounds like most of you have found some great places. Thanks for sharing.

Complete privacy in our backyard on a small lot inside the beltway. And a very cool mid-century design, if you like "mid-century".

The most unique thing about my house is I can't hear anything going on outside.

Anonymous wrote:We love our house because it is southern facing and bright, is on a cul de sac, has a great floorplan, has his and hers walk in closets, the yard is just right, the deck has a screened gazebo and view of a lake, and the neighborhood is adjacent to a huge park! All of the good definitely outweighs the bad.

Oh and I forgot the laundry room upstairs!

We love our house because it is southern facing and bright, is on a cul de sac, has a great floorplan, has his and hers walk in closets, the yard is just right, the deck has a screened gazebo and view of a lake, and the neighborhood is adjacent to a huge park! All of the good definitely outweighs the bad.

It's all about location, OP. The realtors are correct, and this thread supports that. You can always add skylights and a 2nd floor laundry, but you can't wait 100 years for those trees to grow, or build a whole foods ten minutes from your driveway.

Can walk to elem, middle, and high school
Close to a wooded running/biking path

Anonymous wrote:My old house had fantastic curb appeal, but now we are in the market again. Please share your not-so-humble brag.

My house has the best view I've ever had. It's a small, rundown house on a small lot that's adjacent to larger houses on HUGE lots, but best of all, it's extremely close to a gigantic state park, and the land directly behind my house is in a land trust so it can't be developed!! Yea!! I have close next door neighbors, but when I look out the picture window in my family room/kitchen, all I see is my neighbor's back yard (no fence, and I can't see their house because it's blocked by huge trees) and woods as far as I can see! I LOVE IT. And better yet, it's extremely close to a large urban area, so my commute is tiny! I have never lived in a better situation, although I've lived in much larger, nicer houses. I'm staying put forever!!