Henry and I like watching House Hunters International on HGTV. We had our own version of House Hunters for the last two months in Pittsburgh. Here’s how our episode would have gone this past weekend. Cue the host:
Host: Henry and Leighann are moving their family of five from the suburbs of Washington, DC to Pittsburgh following a job change for Henry. They’re looking for a four bedroom house with lots of light and a backyard for the kids to play. They entertain out-of-town guests frequently so Leighann would really like to have a guest room as well. Henry is concerned with commuting and would like to keep his trip to the city under 30 minutes.
Real estate agent, Terry, took them to see three houses.
House #1:
House #1 is in a desirable neighborhood with sidewalks and rolling hills. It’s brick front with a sloped drive way that levels off at the top. It has 4 bedrooms, great natural light and a bonus room and full bath in the basement. Henry’s commute would be about 20 minutes.
The backyard is less than desirable with overgrown weeds and overgrown landscaping. A big negative for these house hunters.
House #2
House #2 is in a charming neighborhood just 8 minutes from the city. It’s a great mix of urban and suburban with homes built in the early 1900s. Henry and Leighann love older homes and the unique feel of each one.
House #2 also has 4 bedrooms and a lovely second floor playroom. Two of the bedrooms and a full bath are located on the third floor and could easily convert into guest quarters when out-of-towners come calling.
The backyard is definitely urban-sized, with little grass, but has a built in play yard for the kids…
House #3 is situated about 5 minutes past House #1 (so a 25ish minute commute) in a nice, cookie-cutter neighborhood with sidewalks and flat backyards. It also has 4 bedrooms and nice natural lighting. The basement boasts a wet-bar and powder room making it functional for overnight guests.
Which house do you think Henry and Leighann picked? House #1 with the jungle back yard. House #2 with charm and function. Or House #3 with the flat suburban back yard perfect for kids and adults alike?
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (28)
I think Henry and Leighann would choose house #2 if they didn’t have such a large, active family. The back yard just won’t cut it…although the house (from the outside) looks AMAZING! I think for practical purposes they will go with house #3. It looks like a great house for three little ones to grow up in and much lower maintenance than house #1.
I LOVE House Hunters too! I just wish I coukd afford a vacation home in some exotic location… 🙂
Co grata on finding a house! I can’t wait to hear more.
* congratations. Sorry, I’m typing on my phone..
I think Henry and Leighann chose house #3, but Kristen does not appreciate the cliffhanger nature of this post! 😉
You probably picked all three since you will take what you can get?
Love this post…..I enjoy House Hunters too and often pick the correct house, I’m going with #3 although I’d never make a decision without seeing the inside, especially the kitchen.
i’d go with house # 3 because of the backyard for the kids to play and the spacious rooms for overnight guests and I can see fun family/friends time there as well!! YAY!
I am going with number 3 Bob.
I LOVE this post since I also love House Hunters! But I have to agree with the other posts, the cliffhanger is hard 🙁 I say #3! Can’t wait to find out since all three were nice!
House #1 looks a lot like what ya’ll just moved from. House 3 seems like a could fit BUT will the owners accept Henry and Leighann’s contract (or have four others been placed on it first??). Can’t wait to find out!
amy<><
I’m voting for house 3! Of course, the people on the show never go with what I would pick, so I’ll say house 1.
are you going to be sad if we all pick the wrong house? haha I love house hunters.
I like number 2 but I agree with Sarah that the yard would be difficult.
maybe 1?
House #3????? I don’t know…they are all nice. (:>)
House #3
My guess is house 1–the overgrown weeds and landscaping can be fixed!! The weeds could be pulled while the kids play outside or whatever. I’m going w/ house #1!
I love that show too!!!! I also like ‘Property Virgins.’
I am guessing house number 3 although house number 1 is an empty slate as far as the yard and Leighann could have fun landscaping it. I just want to know so we can come visit and stay in the guest room.
johanna
I loved house hunters when we still had TV. And I could never pick the right house. So I’m going against all the odds and picking house #2. Because I think old homes have charm as well and I think the backyard is quaint. I suppose the real answer is as someone else said, whichever one you could get an offer in on without being outbid by five other people. I pray you did indeed get a contract on one of these!
Cute post! I think you chose House #3
After living in the Pittsburgh area (Monroeville and North Huntingdon) for ten years, I know level lots are near impossible to find! For that reason, I think you chose House #3. “Yinz” get ready to “sweep” your carpets, drink your “pop,” “red-up” your house, put a “gum-band” around your newspaper, and don’t be too “nebby!” Great memories living there! Are you all going to be cheering for the Black and Gold?
Gail
Annapolis, MD
house #3!!! can’t wait to find out!! congratulations!!
Gail, too funny, yes we do talk just like that!
I think you choose house #3!
I think you picked house one. The weeded back yard is easy to fix and it looks like it’s not right next to the other houses like in house #3. House #2’s back yard is way too crowded. But since i live on a farm that would be how i think….naturally 🙂
I love house hunters too!!! I would say house #3.
@Gail – what is ‘nebby? I got all the other ones. Seriously, y’all need help with your English around here.
And yes, we’ve had a hard time finding flat back yards. Lots of ravines, cliffs and hills.
Leighann – “Nebby” means nosy or inquisitive.
Gail
Annapolis, MD
I think house #3!
I think you chose house #1. I agree with the others – the back yard can be fixed!!!
I say house # 3….it’s the one I think I would have picked …..not having seen the inside…..I love house #2, but as my husband says, an old house is always an old house with old house problems!
is house #2 in regent square? i have been reading back posts and saw this one just now… ~liz