I know you posted asking how to fix the backyard privacy of #3 in another forum/location, but for me, that'd be a deal breaker. It seems so closed in compared to the other 2. It sounds to me that you really love #1, but it is just a little too far away from a stop? (oh, and also the rail line). How loud is the rail line? Passenger service only, or heavy rail cars?

All else being equal (which location is rarely equal), I'd look at the storage in each house. Also, how much house do you need, for how long? You say, GF--any plans for kids? If no, if just the 2 of you, and you both work, how much house do you really need? Do you need a finished bathroom in the basement?

It sounds as though you can't afford the third house if you also feel the need to sink 40-50k into it (although I don't think there is anything that looks like it needs to be updated immediately). Personally, I would avoid the train tracks. How long is the average DOM in that neighborhood? And are you in a seller's market? If #1 has been on the market for longer than the average DOM and you are in a seller's market, then I think trying to sell it in a buyers market may be very challenging.

But, to me all three look great. And I would encourage you to stick to your budget as much as possible. There are going to be things that you will want to do to a house, and things you need to do to a house and you'll want to make sure that you aren't house poor can you can afford to do those things.

Do you need a 3 - 4 bedroom house? Now? These are all *huge* houses for just a couple, or even one with a few children. They are also all relatively new construction -- and with heat-gobbling high ceilings -- in what look like outskirts 'developments'.

Are you looking at anything smaller, older? Do you plan to marry, start a family? What's the school situation in these areas? Remember that new developments may start out with low taxes, but that will change as homeowners add children to the school-age population.

I'm smiling about your emphasis on *basements*. Do you anticipate needing a 'man cave'? LOL

Yes a family is a possibility. My GF prefers the bigger houses...my preference is something in the 1200-1400 sq/ft range.

And with basements, I just feel that if they are set up properly, it can be a huge addition to the house, and one of the those requirements is big windows that let in a lot of natural light. basement that feels like a dungeon no one wants to be in. But a basement that doesn't feel like a basement is just like another level of the house and useable living space.

#3 looks good to me. But the school test scores and reputation would determine my choice. The house can't be too big when you have kids. Besides, the pricing of the houses around here is reflected as cost per square foot, and so 3 would be a better deal too.

I'm a fan of #2 myself. But I'm not buying it- you are. Can you pick one room in the basement to dig out and put in a bigger window? That might help you to like it better. It looks pretty nice as far as basements go to me.

I'd pick number 2. It's close to the train and in your budget. Darker basements make great movie viewing spots. #1 being 120 meters from train tracks would be a big "no" for me, and I grew up with train tracks closer than that. It might also impact resale. #3 just doesn't make sense with the money you would want to spend and your budget.

Brave person, you are prepared to walk 12 minutes to the bus stop in Winnipeg in winter, when you have other options? :) Oh, and train tracks. Not ideal. I also think there are few things you will regret more than stretching your budget for a house. If you can see 40-50k upkeep, the actual number is bound to be higher in something so underpriced for the neighborhood. Number 2 sounds like the best option, and it looks good from what I see. It's possible to update it however you like, and you have the advantage of doing that slowly to avoid financial strain. However, it's clearly the one you like the least, so I suggest you shelve all these options and wait for something both of you like and agree on. Unless there is some reason to hurry? Spring/summer usually sees a lot more houses available for sale.

Location, location, location. That means find the house in the best neighborhood for the least price which would lean towards 3.

The railroad would be a deal breaker.

You've told us you want to be near a bus stop, but not how far your commute will be from these development houses. (The forum sometimes sees threads by people who love their new homes, but are never IN them because their commutes are so long.)

I asked about children because I don't understand buying space and paying taxes on houses before the space is necessary. Could you buy space for two our three people now and move as it becomes appropriate? (We sometimes see threads from couples who bought too big, too early. Kids don't always come along 'as planned'.)

How much can you afford to buy and maintain if/when you have children and a SAHM (or must pay for child care)?

With the new info--you can improve lighting (and very good, low electric led lighting) to brighten up the basement. #2 seems like a good option. If you just can't do it, keep looking.

Sorry, but I'm gonna say, "keep looking," too. ;-)

If your preferred budget is *under* $450k, then I wouldn't even look at anything at or above $450k. I only say that because, from your post, it seems you're most comfortable under that price, and would be stretching to go above it. Stay comfortable, especially before family formation. It's worth it.