We knew that the water softener would change the taste of the water, but we were told it was negligible. We are unwell water and had pretty bad water so we were advised and encouraged to put in the water softening system.

We have been ordering bottles (the big ones) of El Dorado water for the last two years, but, as a family of five we are just blowing through them faster than we can keep them full. The soft water is not consumable. Any person that has tasted it has instantly spit it out. If we accidentally make coffee or oatmeal with the sink water, it’s mostly inedible and the texture is off.

Is there a water filter system that we could now have it installed just for drinking water that negates the issue of the nasty softener?

edit: thank you to all who have commented. What started out as intense buyers remorse is becoming more of a mild case of fomo now. You’ve all reminded me of the reasons why I chose to buy our current house and many of your stories are helping me to keep optimistic about the future. Keep those stories coming because it’s really helping me and hopefully others who are in the same boat

For a little bit of background, we had house hunted for a year. Searched far and wide and eventually decided we want to buy in the same city we were currently renting, and in the same area as where the kids are currently enrolled in school—so that narrowed us down to 4 neighborhoods.

Neighborhood A- where we were renting. Built in 2015 with space saving in mind, so although the square footage wasn’t bad, it feels more cramped compared to the other two older neighborhoods. Lot size is tiny with essentially no backyard but there are community amenities.

Neighborhood B- essentially the same as neighborhood A.

Neighborhood C- built in 1980s. Largest lots of the four neighborhoods but l none of the houses have an open kitchen which was a must.

Neighborhood D- built in 2000s. Mid sized lots with open kitchen. House style most in line with what we were looking for. The only caveat is it’s within a mile of a landfill (but imo did not smell at all. We have gone to park play dates there and I did not smell anything even after hours of sitting outdoors. Also we know someone living in this neighborhood and she has no complaints.)

Last summer, we went to an open house in neighborhood D. It had a nice layout and a lot of potential but at that time didn’t decide for sure that this city is where we wanted to live yet, so we didn’t put in an offer.

Then in the fall, we put in an offer in a different city but backed out because we realized that we wanted to live in the current city. And once that was decided, I really regretted not purchasing the house we saw in the summer. But looking back at the home sales in that neighborhood, it seemed to rarely go up for sale…in 2024, only 2 or 3 went up for sale and only one of them was the model we liked. The year before that, that model didn’t even go for sale.

Then February this year, a house came on the market in neighborhood A. When we first rented here, we never thought we would buy here. But I guess having lived in the rental for so long, we started feeling more and more comfortable with it. I was torn on buying the house—it’s bigger than the rental house, we already know so many families who have kids the same school/grade as my kids. The community pool is amazing. However, like I said, the house itself wasn’t a dream home. I compromised on high ceilings, no fireplace, no curb appeal, tiny 2 car garage with no extra place for storage. I’m big on hosting family and I just don’t see that happening because the great room is smallish, maybe good for having 1-2 other family come over but not larger Christmas or thanks giving dinners. It kind of feels like living in dorms, but family style. However, all these aside we still decided to go for it. I don’t want to put it as blame on my husband as he’s always respected my decision, but I do feel somewhat pressured into it. He essentially put it as, “you know if we don’t go for this house then we can kiss ever buying a house in neighborhood A goodbye. We don’t know when a house like neighborhood D would come up for sale again and our rental agreement was ending in a few months. Housing prices are so high and keep getting higher. By the time spring comes around, there will be more inventory but also fiercer competition (which we saw firsthand last year)”. My initial thought was no to the house, but I was able to be convinced because I was worried it would be on me if we cannot find a house and also because I was the one who initiated backing out of the other house. I was always the no person and felt guilty about it.

Essentially I felt at that time that waiting for the specific house I wanted wasn’t practical so I settled. Then of course 3 weeks after closing, the house I was waiting for popped up on the market. (Huge mistake for not turning off Zillow emails.) this house was even better than the one we saw in the summer as it was completely remodeled to exactly my style. I dropped by the open house hoping to convince myself the pictures made it look better, and am now completely devastated. It definitely felt like the one. And because it’s close to a landfill, the price was great and cheaper than the house we bought by 200k. I know nothings ever for sure but I have a feeling, had we wanted to bid for it, we could easily have gotten it.

I know nothing can be done now. We will not be moving for a while (10 years probably?) so I am so sad that I didn’t get that dream home for my kids to grow up in. I’m trying to tell myself all the pros of the house we just bought…much more friends around, great pool, farther from the landfill, etc but I am still sad. I think partially because I knew this house didn’t feel like the one but settled anyways because it was good enough. And partially because my husband has always been more house happy than I was (we’ve put in a few offers over the past year and every time I felt relieved we didn’t get the house. The one we did get accepted, I was the one that wanted to back out.) It’s just a difference in our personality. I’m much more indecisive but patient and willing to wait for as long as it takes whereas he’s happy to be done and doesn’t ever look back. But after a year of looking and me constantly saying no to houses (along with a slew of other mental health and physical health problems), I felt like I just caved since at least this house is in a neighborhood I am comfortable with.

I am rambling sorry. It’s probably a talk I should have with my therapist. But for all those who have had buyers remorse, are you feeling better???

I’m in the process of buying my first (move in ready) house and have had two friends tell me to paint the closets before moving in because nobody ever wants to empty them to paint later. My question is What tips or suggestions do you have or what do you wish you would have done before moving into your house?

We bought a new build in a subdivision last year. The lot beside us sits higher and is basically dirt, gravel, and weeds. The lot was purchased last year by an individual who planned on building on it, but they ended up buying a house further down the road. They have it up for sale for a mere $160k an acre (we are in Alabama and this isn't a subdivision of a bunch of expensive homes) so it's sitting. When we get a bunch of rain the mud washes out onto my lawn because the people who did the grading and the builder suck at their jobs. What options do I have to force the owner or builder to take care of this issue? The owner is trying to sell so obviously they don't want to pay for grading or sod. The builder says their hands are tied because they don't own the lot, and I sure as hell don't want to pay to have the lot graded or add a bunch of sod.

House has oil heat. Tank is in basement. How do I monitor it?

What exactly happens if it suddenly bursts and dumps 275 gallons into the basement?

Hi all. So I had my moms well tested and it came back high for nitrates as well as positive for coliflorm. We have super hard water and have a water softener that uses pellet salt on only the hot water. I’m debating either installing a whole house reverse osmosis system or an under the sink system just for the kitchen. My concern with the whole house system is if the excess waste water could destroy our already old and sensitive leach field. Another concern is the excess water use with a whole house RO filter running out well dry, due to drought becoming more and more common. Curious on what you all think, im leaning more towards under the sink RO right now. Thanks!!!

Hi, I'm looking for two things. Someone to comment on the picture - is it okay it not. And what specialist do I hire to inspect the home as it is being built. W are using a builder with terrible eviews (save the lecture - they are the only builders in this hideous state and it's not custom, it's a subdivision) - sometimes life is what it is - I KNOW it has to be in watched. When I Google or when I asked on our local forum I'm giving names of inspectors who seem like their only job is to plug in devices just check for radon. They don't have the necessary skill set for structural or likely plumbing or electrical. Guidance as to who to hire. Not looking for freebies - looking to hire someone and any comments on the picture - maybe this isn't as bad as I think.

Doesn't look like I can post a picture. It's the foundation poured last week.

Hello,

Looking to purchase a home. Been on the market for some time, but went to tour a second time and there was water in the basement. Owner states during rain one corner of house leaks (there was a tree there about 8 feet from house since taken down but roots are there, drive way is lifted horribly draining water to home) thing is there was water coming up many cracks along the floor away from this side of the house and a towel wrapped around the sewage drain line. None of the walls are wet or the wood around the basement ceiling, no signs of mold or anything. Seems to only be coming in from the bottom of the basement. Any suggestions what this is? Is it a foundation issue? Costly fix? A lot of homes in our area get water in the basements due to freezing, thawing, snow and rain weather.

Thanks for the help!

My girlfriend and I have been trying to buy for months. The market’s insane — anything we can afford gets snatched up in days. Most SFHs in our price range need a ton of work, and we’re just not handy.

We saw a renovated townhome yesterday and loved it. Great layout, huge master, high ceilings, tons of light, and the location is 🔥. It checks all our boxes right now.

Downsides? - Middle unit - No basement - Single-car garage - $550/month HOA

We're fine with the size, don’t host, and don’t care about parking. We could see ourselves living here a few years and maybe having a kid before upgrading.

But here’s the thing — my uncle is our realtor, and I’m worried his bias might be pushing us to close. Also not sure if we’re thinking long-term enough.

Potential first time home owner. I would be buying a small home in the U.S. because that's what I could afford.

People are predicting a recession or depression in the coming months due to Trump's tariffs. So if I bought now and that happens, I would be upside down on my loan, right?

My other concern though is that if I wait, investors will swoop in and buy lots of properties when the market crashes and homes won't be affordable again in my lifetime.

Hi everyone,

Closing in less than two weeks on a new build. When taking a closer look at the roof today, I saw a few things that caught my attention.

Here are three pictures showing different concerns.

1) This is the big one. I'm guessing those three nails shouldn't be exposed.

2) Should the entire exposed edge of these boots be sealed or is sealant at the corners sufficient?

3) I'm assuming this just needs replacement?

Thanks

Have a very small house and under-sink RO system. The tank is only 4 gal. Would like to upgrade the tank size but the only option is to go into the basement and mount it between the rafters. Looking for ideas or tank sizes that can fit between 16" on center rafters and be positioned horizontally for a vertical output.

I have added a re-mineralizer to my system. The water where I live smells horrible and tastes even worse. Just asking about options for RO tanks that can be on their side and fit between rafters, thats it. No lectures on RO and advantages vs disadvantages. Appreciate anyone who is willing to help. Thank you so much in advance!

Hey all, caught between getting an Ego Electric Mower (this one probably: https://www.lowes.com/pd/EGO-POWER-T6-42-in-56-volt-Lithium-Ion-Electric-Riding-Lawn-Mower-with-6-6-Ah-Batteries-Charger-Included/5014665335) or just any standard gas riding mower (similar to this one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-T2400K-46IN-KOHLER-22HP-GS-MWR/5015367155).

If you have any other suggestions, I'm all ears!!

Background on my yard:

~0.5 acre, uneven (needs regrading at a future time, planning for that project), and lots of home projects / initial home construction has left soil compacted & rocky. Stays a bit muddy after rain.

What I use now:

- Electric self propelled Ryobi push mower : this does not work well for me at all. Takes roughly 4 or 5 batteries to get 3/4 of my job done, and an absolute pain to handle the uneven hills & rocks.

More info on what I am looking for:

- Ease of use and long term reliability (this is an expensive purchase so I am hoping it will last at least 6-7 years with little upkeep)

- Relatively powerful (I want to tow things behind occasionally as I plan for yard projects like core aeration, seeding, tilling, etc.)

- Prefer electric due to simplicity, but also the dying batteries on my Ryobi has made me very skeptical going forward

- Mower type that can tow things behind so explains why i prefer that style (although more suggestions are always welcome)

The rest of my schpeel:

I am considering the tractor type so I can tow things like aerators & tillers as needed in the future, but I'm not sure how much that will impact the battery life on these mowers. Now granted, that is not something I will be doing every week, but still something to consider.

I like the Ego because I'm worried about maintenance on the gas one long term, heard great things about their brand & reliability, and electric is relatively quick and easy to get up and get going.

Thinking of the gas one because of the times I will want to tow things behind (and its effect on the electric mower battery life), probably a bit more power and not limited to only working when batteries are charged.

Husband and I have a new baby and are saving for a house. In the meantime, we are living with one of our parents so that we can save money (because how are you supposed to save enough while also renting right?) The thing is, the housing market is pretty stacked against us and while we dont want to rent forever, we don't want to never have our own place again either. So the question is, before yall bought your homes, how much time would yall have given before giving up on the fairytale of owning a house and just go back to permanent renting? 2 years? 5?

Hey guys….

I need your help/suggestions for a DIY in my bathroom. My walls are peeling horribly and my ceiling… idk what to say but these spots terrible. Yes I have a fan but obviously it sucks…

Background: purchased home couple years ago for my kids and I. It is an older home (built in 1960s). Right now it seems everything is starting to fall apart. I don’t have funds to call in the pros ( I know, very sad).

Here’s a link to what it looks like: https://imgur.com/a/cHtw5kc

I am getting ready to start the process of putting my house on the market. A month back I heard something in the ceiling and had pest control come out. They determined several places that rats could get into the attic and found droppings in the attic. The pest guy also said the attic insulation should be replaced.

My question is, what work (if any) should I have done prior to listing my house? Should I have the attic sealed and cleaned but not replace the insulation? Should I also replace the insulation? The quote for everything was approximately $4000usd. Should I do nothing and just include it on the sellers disclosures? Any advice is appreciated!

Hi all,

Wanted to get everyone's take on a fence/signage dispute with a neighbor. My neighbor has a fence that fully fences in their yard and runs parallel to my property line. I own a vacant lot next to their house. I've had some people illegally park on my lot and I hung a sign on the fence post stating the it is private property and illegal parkers will be towed. It is a nice looking sign and I positioned it so the top of the sign is below the fence line so it wouldn't be something my neighbors would get bothered by. The other day, I saw that the sign had been removed and placed on the ground in my lot. I am certain my neighbors removed it, but honestly I thought I was within my rights to hang it since it was on the side of the fence facing my lot. I also didn't think they would be opposed considering they couldn't even see it unless they were walking on my property. In hindsight, I obviously should have given them a heads-up, I just didn't think it would be an issue.

I was looking at the property line again, and technically the fence is located a few inches inside their lot line, so technically I suppose it is on their property, however it feels pretty damn petty of them to yank it off and throw it in my yard. I've never met them before but I think I may go over there and explain why I put the sign up, why I had originally thought it was within my rights to do so, but now that I see technically it is fully within their property line, if they'll allow me to rehang it. I understand the property rights nature of this, but they walk through my lot all the time and I've never made a big deal about it. I'd been fine with them doing so since it is a shortcut for them to go on walks through our neighborhood. Now that they're being adversarial about this, it makes me want to tell them not to walk through our lot anymore since it os technically trespassing. Ultimately, the sign is a good thing for both of us because other people were parking and leaving trash (broken beer bottles, random other garbage) on the lot and I know they wouldn't want that either.

Any other advice on how I should handle this?

Thanks!

I am considering a small remodel to my bedroom. I cannot currently fit a king size bed in my bedroom (technically I COULD but it wouldn't look right). If I were to remodel my closet so that it is no longer a walk-in I could get enough room for a king bed and lose almost no storage space. My personal value in this change would be tremendous.

The question I have is, would eliminating the walk in closet, but creating space for a king bed increase or decrease the value of the house and by how much?

My home was built in 94 in the South East. About 2400 sqft and 2 stories. In the summer my house can’t get below 80 and my house it’s very cold in the winter.

My HVAC works, I feel air coming out the vents, albeit weaker from some areas.

The next thing I could think of was insulation. In a lack of words, is it bad?

Pics

https://imgur.com/a/8eWg8we

edit: the beam is at like a 30-40 degree angle, should have added this, the whole ceiling is at this angle.

I have a 3k bulb and I want to place it in some kind of fixture that has a filter over it that diffuses the light as it shines down. There is a beam directly overhead maybe 10-12ft from the ground that I would like to attach the fixture to. The wiring will have to be external. What would i need to accomplish this, like what kind of fixture would allow me to attach it quickly to beam and have a filter I can put over it to diffuse the light?

New, young homeowner here that is very curious of what other men think of this.

I enjoy yard work, gardening and mowing the lawn. I don’t see much of an issue with a woman being outside and getting her hands dirty. I don’t expect a pants leg in my relationship just from doing it either. BUT, I do have a husband and granted he works a lot during the week. I don’t believe he grasped on to the fact that we are homeowners now. He’s handy, he can fix things and hang stuff up but gets very lazy when it comes to doing outside yard work. Even if he’s off on the weekends he rarely goes outside or works on anything with the house unless it’s something really serious.

I love my husband and this is not a bashing him post: I’m just curious, Guys do you mind your wife going out and caring for the lawn and raking leaves even if you’re home and have the time to do it? I see husbands who won’t even let their wives touch their lawns or pick up anything outside the house. Just curious, I hope this isn’t a controversial topic. (I am not a feminist, I just like doing work outside the house.)

Hi homeowners, I’ve got a problem next door. The owner bought a vacant lot years ago and couldn’t afford to develop it. He lives in china and is unreachable. His 8 foot fence has come down completely and has been hitting cars, inhibiting neighborhood parking, blocking the sidewalk and most importantly creating a path for transient people to climb up through his lot. The brush is as tall as 10 feet in spots and everyone’s concerned about fire risk. The neighbors are talking about pitching in to clean the property and fix the fencing. What would you do?