D and I like to watch real estate shows, especially ones featuring first time home buyers. Once you've seen a couple of them, it is easy to pick out the trend in what people "ought" to be looking for in a new home.
On the flip side, as a fairly seasoned home owners, makes us wonder what's wrong with us because we didn't think to look for some of those list things that are so important to the first timers.
We don't have granite counter tops in any of our properties. Nor was it a requisite for buying a house. There have been some fiery tempers displayed on the show from the lack of them. And what is wrong with Corian? They cost similar to marble but won't stain like marble can.
Those people haven't learned that stone counters don't have anything to do with the quality of food that comes out of the kitchen. Granted, it is a nice look.
What is the issue with "pop corn" ceilings that some have? The trend started as a way to diffuse light in a bedroom or dining room so the ambiance is more gentle. But everyone hates them.
I think people just get in their head to like this or don't like that because they hear others doing and saying the same things, instead of thinking for themselves.
A starter home is a starter home. Some of these peoples' budgets almost make me laugh. They expect the world (3 - 4 bedrooms, 2 + baths, great neighbourhood, large amount of green space, hardwood floors throughout, finished rec room, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, large back yard, double or triple car garage) for $125K in Texas or the Mid West (almost doable) or $350K in Toronto. They would be lucky to find a town home in Toronto. I can't believe what you can buy in Texas.
In a pretty small kitchen, granite counter tops are a $3000 - 4000 upgrade. Whereas I'm thinking that same money can go a long way to towards things that would really increase quality of life, like a backyard patio set, BBQ, fence, furniture etc.
I completely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteIt's ridiculous what money can buy in mid US/Texas - and gives unreasonable expectations to first time buyers. I also don't like the design magazines - how many houses have a Huge island in the middle of the kitchen and a spacious hallway? Plus where do people put their shoes once they are inside the house? Are you really gonna put your dirty boots in a closet the second you step in a house?
just wondering...
I watch a lot of those shows too. It's amazing to see the different prices for similar sized houses dependingo n where in the US or Canada it is. What never fails to astound me though is how much house so many of these young couples expect and feel they deserve.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ladies for your feedback. Glad I'm not the only one shaking my head!
ReplyDeleteThat makes four of us doing some serious head-shaking... I love those house hunting shows and simply can't wrap my head around the unbelievable prices in the US & what you can get compared to the prices here. I'm with Jolie, though - the sense of entitlement for most of these young couples is through the roof. It's all "I want" and I wonder if they take into consideration property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and the never ending work that goes into owning a home - not to mention cleaning 4 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, etc. etc. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI haven't even got to thinking about all the cleaning!
ReplyDeleteIt is as if they feel that they would have "failed" if their first home didn't hit all the high notes.
Losing sight of the fact that owning a home successfully (being able to afford all the fees and maintenance along with having a life too) is a great acheivement on its own.