Do you "unplug" from the housing market after you buy a house?

[elbenn]

I second the suggestion for trees. Plant a bunch of big evergreens around that end of the lot. It will probably improve the vaue of the home, too.

[egoldber]

I agree that trees or a fence or a combo will help with the noise a great deal.

Also, I would ask yourself, what will you do if you find a "better" house? Will you sell and move? If no, then there is no percentage in looking. It is only making you unhappy.

I totally get this because I used to do it all.the.time and it was nothing but crazy making for me. I have had to learn to consciously decide to let things go and I truly am happier now.

[Kindra178]

I still look all the time, almost four years later. I am not totally sure we are in our forever home though! Prior to having kids, I used to go to open houses, walk around construction sites, etc. I love real estate!

In your case, because you are going to stay for 15 plus years, whether you paid a few thousand more or a few thousand less probably doesn't matter. So keep looking only if you enjoy it, but not because you think you made a bad decision.

[kijip]

Replace looking at real estate with looking at home project stuff. Start daydreaming about something big to do at your house.

OR Build the boys a treehouse. Once you have built that you can't consider another place without thinking "oh but it doesnt have our treehouse!"

[arivecchi]

Thanks for all the helpful advice guys! The side of the lot that abuts to the road does have some trees, but it is not as densely wooded as other areas. I will think about planting some more trees. I like the idea of a fence but not sure it would help since the house is high up on a hill and the road is at the bottom of the lot.

Perhaps that pool with waterfall idea will get moved up the priority/project list.

Great idea about finding some home project apps. It would probably be good to channel my energy into something new. Any recs for good home project apps?

And Beth, I hear you, I so need to let go. It's very much not in my nature, but I do need to learn to do that!