[quote=Happs]
I would argue that macro and quantifiable conditions such as the economy, number of foreclosures in an area, crime statistics, quality of school district, the CC&R’s and especially an HOA’s balance sheet and monthly dues vs services rendered take precedent over exterior looks when purchasing a house.[/quote]

You should probably ask the ladies on the board to comment. In our case my wife was interested in schools and crime statistics (sex offenders in particular), the neighborhood look&feel&walkability and the house itself. I had to hit all four – any developing nation looking neighborhoods (e.g. utility poles with overhead power lines along the street) was out of question.

The price, MR and HOA fees were part of ‘can we afford it’, not ‘do we want it’ discussion.