[quote=Scarlett]That’s a very good point BG. I am not from here and so I won’t comment on that. (my gut feeling would be probably not). I imagine though that many houses back then were that size – while more recent construction has increased dramatically the size. So at the time a 1200 sf was not something standing out as “tiny”. It was just like most other houses of your neighbors and friends. But it would defintely stand out nowadays. Except maybe UC, the areas I am looking at houses are relatively newer and larger.

Very true about “less choices, less worries” – couldn’t agree with that more! Honestly, more choices stress me! Our parents had it much simpler in that regard![/quote]

Scarlett, 1200 sf houses don’t “stand out” when situated among other similar houses of their era. And since many of their lots are oversized, a good portion have been remodeled to up to double their size, increasing overall property values. And I forgot to add earlier that the vast majority of <=1400 sf houses were built with just one bath back then. There are also lots of 1200-1500 sf houses in SD County currently listed for =<$300K and sometimes larger ones in this price range (which need work). So, if your "gut feeling" is "probably not," then you should remain a 2-income family if you still aspire to purchase property in SD County, IMHO. You stated in your previous post that you would consider 1500-1700 sf. Of course, you know that UC has this size inventory in your price range, which we have discussed for you on other threads. [quote=Scarlett]No, Ren, we aren't on call. We refuse to spend 2 hrs a day commuting since we had kids. That’s why we sold our townhome in North RB – so we tried that for about 1.5 years (at rush hour) and rented since then in UTC. Never looked back. Been very happy. Even if we buy in PQ let’s say we’d still spend between 1-1.5 hrs every day. But we have to draw the line somewhere.
Actually, renting with sweet 15′-20′ minute city street commute is a HUGE incentive to NOT buy….when I remember those LOOOOOONG commutes…. I count my blessings every day.[/quote]

Again, not trying to “push” you to consider UC, Scarlett, but you also stated you preferred a surface-street commute to work and that issue (plus the memory of the RB commute) were the main reasons why you were still renting. I guess what I’m saying here is that we have seen some good deals go down in your price range in the 1500++ sf size in recent months right at your back door.