Hi All

I’ve been looking at smaller SFHs in Carmel Valley area…particularly those that are under $700K. Just want to get some ideas as what most people feel about these properties.

With a limited budget, I’ve been looking at:
1) Old houses (built in 1985~1990) near Carmel Creek or Carmel Country/Del Mar Heights. They usually have low HOA ($50 or less) or none. No mello-roos. However, older homes tend not to have as functional a layout…and some need some work. They’re quite small (1500~1800-sqft)
2) Semi-old twinhomes (built in late 80s or early 90s): These are more spacious for the price cuz it’s a twin-home. However, my husband did not like the idea of twinhome. In terms of function, they’re better than group(1).
3) Newer SFHs in south part of CV:
These are a little bigger than the older homes in terms of in-door square footage (1650~1900-sqft) but have little yard in the back (which I don’t mind for personal use). However, they’re often in gated community (higher HOAs) or in cul-lo-sec where you cannot park along the curb (can only part on your small drive-way).

Sausalito community is one of the group (3) I recently saw. I like the inside layout of the house although I’m not super happy with not being able to park by the curb.

I want to know what’s the best investment and personal use when it comes to buying a house in CV under my budget. which group would u pick?

thanks!