So, you’ve been introduced to Emma and Ryan and their quest for a new family home. Here’s the latest scoop: Their current house sold much quicker than anticipated—within just three days of hitting the market—so now they’re on a tight timeline to secure a new place that fits their budget of $220,000.
Below, we’ve highlighted some homes in the Omaha area they’ve explored, from ranch-style gems that were nearly perfect to a few that were definite misses. Spoiler alert: we think they might have found a winner in this lineup.
Investment Opportunity
First up is a charming one-story home located in their current town and desired school district, Elkhorn. This house features a spacious kitchen and a walkout basement (what a bonus!) along with the open concept layout Emma and Ryan have been dreaming about.
The best part? The house was listed below market value. Their real estate agent, Tom, who is also a Realtor® and a member of the National Association of Realtors®, provided comps for the neighborhood to illustrate the fantastic price of $194,000. “Finding a home that offers great value, fits our budget, and has the potential for resale is crucial,” says Emma. “The home just two doors down had a nearly identical layout and sold for $235,000 just two years ago.”
However, the downside is that this property only has two bedrooms and would need significant renovations to accommodate their family. Fortunately, Ryan’s DIY skills could come in handy!
Near the Finish Line
Next, they checked out a ranch home in nearby Bennington, which had a lot to offer. With three bedrooms, over 2,500 square feet of space, a finished basement, and a corner lot, it ticked off most of their boxes—except for one major concern: it’s not within the Elkhorn school district, which is especially important since they have two little girls, one of whom will be starting school in a few years.
Interestingly, this property was one of the pricier options they viewed until its price suddenly dropped, which raised some red flags for them. “We were worried there might be issues with the house,” Emma admits. However, Tom reassured them, suggesting it could just be a strategy to expedite the sale. “We do want to stay in Elkhorn schools, but we could be flexible if the right house came along.” Considering its other advantages, this property remains a strong contender.
The Bargain Find
Lastly, they visited another single-family ranch home in Harrison that looked better on paper than in reality. It had an open layout, updated bathrooms, and a lush, wooded lot—all for $179,000, well under their budget.
Yet, the configuration of the bedrooms posed a challenge for their family lifestyle. “I really wanted all three bedrooms on the same floor for my small kids. I don’t want to have to go downstairs to comfort a crying baby at night,” Emma explained.
For more insights on home buying and family planning, check out this related blog post here. And if you’re considering starting a family, the CDC is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information. Plus, you may want to explore Make a Mom for the top-rated at-home insemination kits available today.
Summary
Emma and Ryan are navigating their house hunt after a quick sale of their home, exploring various options in their desired area. From investment properties to homes that nearly fit the bill, they’re weighing their choices carefully as they search for the perfect place for their family.
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