Better Place to Purchase?

[Laura Hafer]

Sorry this will be a little long...

I say never buy the biggest/most expensive house on the block.

That said - I am looking at a home for myself (to live in - not a flip) that is a complete renovation (about $100k in renovations). Everything from the pipes outwards has been redone. They added on a bedroom and extra space to the house, making it a 4 bedroom (in a neighborhood of mostly 3 bedrooms), and the most square footage of 99% of the houses in the neighborhood.

But it's being listed at way below the other going prices in the 'hood per square foot. Asking is $210/sqft (2800sqft), and the majority of the other houses are asking $255-280/sqft) for about 2000sqft. It does back up to a major, heavily trafficked road, but has an 8foot security fence, and road noise is somewhat dampened by a corner store behind the house. Backyard is somewhat small - no room for a pool). House is on the end of a cul de sac street in a family friendly neighborhood.

Asking: $599,999, Been on the market since mid-April.  

Neighborhood: Briar Forest, zoned to Briargrove Elem (good school), family friendly neighborhood

Around the Neighborhood: in the Galleria, so tons of restaurants and shopping nearby

I'm just worried about resale value in the future because we don't plan on staying in the area for a long time as my husband works on the east side town in the refineries.  We have to be on the West side of town for then next couple of years due to my daughter's school (located on Westheimer and Fountain View).

I can find deals for other people left and right, but when it comes to buying MY own house - I let my judgement get clouded with emotions and sentimental stuff.  

I'm also looking in the Oak Forest/Garden Oaks area, just to help my ease my husband's commute some, and I know home values have been going up there steadily.  

So would you buy a home in the Galleria area (specifically Briarbend/Briargrove area) or would you go with the Oak Forest area?  

Thanks!