House Hunters Season 110 Episode 3 Less Bang, Less Buck
- TV-G
- February 1, 2016
- 21 min
In season 110 episode 3 of House Hunters entitled "Less Bang, Less Buck," viewers are taken on a journey of home-buying options in the bustling city of Chicago.
The episode introduces us to the featured couple, Anna and Michael, both in their mid-30s and excited to move into their first home together. They have spent the last few months saving up for a down payment and are now ready to take on the daunting task of finding the perfect home. As they assess the options in the city, Michael and Anna realize that they will have to make some tough choices when it comes to their budget.
Upon meeting the couple, we learn that Anna is a freelance writer and Michael works in finance. They both have a passion for culture and the arts, which has led them to the city of Chicago - a hub for art, music and literature. However, the couple's different jobs and interest have led them to have slightly different criteria for their future home. Anna is looking for a cozy space where she can write and relax, and Michael has his sights set on a home that's perfect for entertaining.
The couple's budget tops out at $350,000 and the stakes are high with such limited funds in a bustling city like Chicago. They are seeking a place that will allow for a comfortable living experience but still fall within their budget -- with this in mind; they debate between purchasing a fixer-upper that lacks in space but has character or going for a bigger, move-in ready option in a less ideal location.
The first property that the couple explores is in Lincoln Park, a trendy part of Chicago. The one-bedroom apartment is close to the lake, green spaces, and the city's best restaurants and shops. However, with its $280,000 price tag, Anna notes that they won't be able to host dinner parties comfortably and agrees that the kitchen is going to be too small for Michael's needs. Michael also commented on how unhappy he was with the apartment's lack of natural light which is a priority for him in any home he will acquire.
The second property is a two-bedroom condo in a high-rise complex overlooking the river in West Loop. It has all of the amenities the couple could wish for along with a desirable location. It is listed at $330,000, only $20,000 over their maximum budget. However, the couple immediately notices that space is limited for any kind of entertainment like Michael's desire hence they come to the conclusion that it wouldn't work for them.
The third property is a fixer-upper in Edgewater and despite its proximity to the lake and green spaces; it is slightly over their budget with a $375,000 price tag. However, the couple finds it charming and full of character which is what they were hoping for. But the property is in a less crowded suburb with some drawbacks such as the distance from their respective workplaces. Michael likes the space and character the most but Anna expresses her concerns about the distance.
With these options in mind, the couple weighs their choices. They meet with their Realtor and within a few hours, they make their decision for what will inevitably be their first home.
Overall, "Less Bang, Less Buck" presents viewers with the real-life stresses that come with purchasing a home within a budget. Anyone who is passionate about finding a home that meets their individual requirements should tune into this episode and see the tough choices that homeowners have to make.