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Replies (8)
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
It a very pretty house. If you want a family retreat that is private, it looks great. If you wife wants a neighborhood feeling though, it may not be a good fit. It also looks like it has been on the market for a while so you want to make sure that you are making adjustments in your offer for the driveway that might come up when you go to sell.
The uphill driveway would be something to think about especially since it gets snowy, but the upside is that you have beautiful setting and privacy in exchange. I would make sure that you have a place for your toddler to play and think about how old they would have to be before you felt comfortable letting them play outside to explore on their "own" (translation you are on the deck, they are within earshot).
Older kids would love exploring, but with plenty of space inside I wouldn't see an issue with a toddler as long there is a small flat area to play outside.
The uphill driveway would be something to think about especially since it gets snowy, but the upside is that you have beautiful setting and privacy in exchange. I would make sure that you have a place for your toddler to play and think about how old they would have to be before you felt comfortable letting them play outside to explore on their "own" (translation you are on the deck, they are within earshot).
Older kids would love exploring, but with plenty of space inside I wouldn't see an issue with a toddler as long there is a small flat area to play outside.
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4699
I have decided that certain houses I would not buy based solely on the driveway being dangerous. If the driveway is as steep as I think based on the other pictures I would not touch that house. The problem is sometime you will end up with ice on that driveway. You might be unable to stop and then slide into the road. If no cars are coming it was just a scary ride. If a car is in the wrong place at the wrong time you just had an expensive lesson on why steep driveways can be a real problem.
- Joan Braunschweiger, "Morris County NJ"
- Contributions:1543
Ultimately, this is obviously only a decision you can make although I think Dan and Sunny both make good points.
I'm just trying to get over the fact that a house that size, on 2.3 acres, is listed at less than 250k.
Maybe I'll move to Michigan......
I'm just trying to get over the fact that a house that size, on 2.3 acres, is listed at less than 250k.
Maybe I'll move to Michigan......
- Caveat Emptor
- Contributions:500
rock salt is $5 per 25 lbs(the ultra low temp stuff is $10 per 25lbs), living in Michigan you might need to supplement that with a commercial plowing company, but I don't think the driveway should keep you from buying the place. you might be looking at ~$300 per year to do a good job of it. the real question is whether that secluded street will be properly maintained in a heavy winter.
your wife wants neighbors// if you get that place, i don't think shes getting them. imo, if your wife is a stay at home mom, I can see the appeal of being able to arrange neighborhood playmates and inviting the neighbors over on a whim and its not something to dismiss or to be taken lightly. It looks like its probably 10 mins from the "village" at least so literally all her visiting/ entertaining will be by appointment
good for a toddler (warning, advice of a 20-somthing coming up)// the house really doesn't matter too much. the yard is nice, but kids dont need 2.3 acres. the massive living room is nice, but its just that much harder to clean, the granite counter-tops and fancy fireplaces; kids don't need any of it. so while its a very very nice house, I would give it a "toddler friendly score" in the 60% range. 0.02
your wife wants neighbors// if you get that place, i don't think shes getting them. imo, if your wife is a stay at home mom, I can see the appeal of being able to arrange neighborhood playmates and inviting the neighbors over on a whim and its not something to dismiss or to be taken lightly. It looks like its probably 10 mins from the "village" at least so literally all her visiting/ entertaining will be by appointment
good for a toddler (warning, advice of a 20-somthing coming up)// the house really doesn't matter too much. the yard is nice, but kids dont need 2.3 acres. the massive living room is nice, but its just that much harder to clean, the granite counter-tops and fancy fireplaces; kids don't need any of it. so while its a very very nice house, I would give it a "toddler friendly score" in the 60% range. 0.02
- Caveat Emptor
- Contributions:500
I recant, I would use a subscription service like this one which costs 450/year. on top of that you'd still need to put down ice melt or rock salt in the morning to keep your driveway from freezing over.
for total piece of mind regarding the driveway
note, no affiliation with said company, no guarentees they would service your area, just to give you an ideo of the cost.
for total piece of mind regarding the driveway
note, no affiliation with said company, no guarentees they would service your area, just to give you an ideo of the cost.
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4699
Rock salt does not melt snow or ice below a given temperature. That alone may not solve the potential problems. I bought a truck to plow my own yard with. In just 2 winters of plowing I spent less money on the truck with all repairs needed since its original purchase and fuel included than that contract would cost. I have had the truck now for over a decade.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26833
What do you consider as an ideal residence for a toddler?
We chose safe (no rivers, crocodiles, poisonous snakes, big holes to fall in etc), access to things that are fun for a toddler (playgrounds), a great place to have little friends come and visit.
But, of course, toddlers keep growing and more than anything great parents make a great place for toddlers to live.
We chose safe (no rivers, crocodiles, poisonous snakes, big holes to fall in etc), access to things that are fun for a toddler (playgrounds), a great place to have little friends come and visit.
But, of course, toddlers keep growing and more than anything great parents make a great place for toddlers to live.
- chaddibanyan
- Contributions:2
Thank you guys for your valuable input. I am going to re-visit the location and re-consider buying this property. I will update when I decide something.
Thanks,
C
Thanks,
C
Is this home good for a family with a toddler ?
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8830-Grand-River-Dr-SE-Ada-MI-49301/60386700_zpid/
What entices me -
- Private Drive (secluded surroundings)
- Amazing view
- Heavily wooded
- Amazing interiors, open concept kitchen and living room
What I am confused about
- the uphill drive-way in winters (experienced it), it is pretty steep...
- I have a toddler, and this home being uphill, i am thinking is it worth the risk ?
- wife likes to live besides neighbors with whom she can shout across the street (literally !!)
Advice needed
Thanks,
C
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