House Hunters Maria and Chaten are Pittsburgh newlyweds who have been married for nine months. The couple has decided to start looking for their first house together. And of course he’s looking for shiny and new, and she’s looking for a victorian fairytale. Their tastes couldn’t be any more different. This should be an interesting hunt.
With a $600,000 budget in mind, let’s take a look at their requirements.
Wish Lists
Hers: She wants an old house, preferably a victorian with a wrap-around porch. At the very least, she wants some historical features a grand staircase, a fireplace and a clawfoot tub. She does want the kitchen to be updated with nice countertops and new appliances.
His: He wants a new build with modern touches. He prefers an industrial feel with clean lines and an en suite master bath. A back yard is also very important. Most of all, he does not want any kind of fixer-upper.
Despite their completely different tastes, Chaten thinks there’s a happy medium. Let’s find out.
House #1, $542,000
The first house is a 119-year-old victorian. Maria immediately loves it and Chaten immediately worries about renovations. The 5-bedroom house includes all of its original woodwork and has the grand staircase Maria wants. Oh, and six original fireplaces. Chaten thinks the house is going to be drafty and hard to heat. He also doesn’t like that the kitchen is separate. Maria points out that what she sees as character and charm he sees as old. They do agree that the kitchen is not going to work for them. There’s no storage or counter space, so it would need completely gutted. They also agree that the master bedroom is small and that bathroom is down the hall.
House #2, $479,900
The second home is a modern one that meets all of Chaten’s wishes. It only has two bedrooms, though, so that’s the first major strike. But the place is amazing. Maria thinks it looks like a parking garage because of the block walls and you have to walk upstairs just to get to the living space. It’s a brand-new build and very underpriced. I would be on that house without a second though. And he seems to like it, but she definitely does not. Like the first place, this is not a happy medium. This one leans more toward him, whereas the first leaned more toward her. Maybe the third house is the happy medium.
House #3, $589,900
The final house is a tudor with great curb appeal. Chaten is impressed by the curb appeal and likes the brick. The 5-bedroom home has the older details she likes, but some upgrades and clean lines that appease him. But he does not like the old floors. The kitchen is updated, but not open. The outdoor area is perfect for them and comes with a bonus: a koi pond. The master bedroom isn’t huge, but it does have the ensuite bath. And they really like it. I think this is their obvious choice. This is the only house that meets both people halfway.
I think there’s no question which house they’ll pick for this episode. If they don’t pick house #3 then I’ll be shocked. So which one do they go for? Let’s find out.
Maria and Chaten decide to go with House #3! I preferred house #2, but this was the most obvious episode in a long time. I think they made a good decision.
Be the first to comment