Home owners... maybe?

Even though we won't know where "home" will be next for us for another week or so, Fort Hood, Texas is a very realistic option and possibility.

Even though moving is both emotionally and physically taxing, the idea of looking for our next house and the adventure a new place has in store makes it a little more tolerable.

When we first got to Hawaii, the thought of buying a house crossed our minds since we were going to be there for three years anyway. However, when we saw what the starting cost of a home was ($350-400,000 for a town house style home) and what that amount what get you (no yard, no privacy, no view, being attached or way to close to neighbors) we nixed that idea real quick.

Once we left Hawaii and moved to Saint Robert, Mo. the same thought crossed our minds, but we nixed it for very different reasons. Once we started looking at the houses, their shotty construction raised red flags, ie they are built fast and with cheap materials. Even though the prices are great out here, you can get a lot of house and land for wayyy less than in Hawaii (starting at about $150,000), a poorly built house is going to cause us more headaches in the long run and since we are NOT going to be living here for more than six months, it's not a game we want to play.

Now that Fort Hood, Texas is a very real option for what's next for us, Chris and I have been looking up houses to rent and to own. Since we have lived in two different homes, with very different layouts and features, I really know what I am looking for in our next home:

(these are in no particular order)
-Within our budget! We have been watching lots of home type shows on TV lately and it drives us both crazy when the Realtors show the couple a home way above what they said they wanted to spend/can afford. It's just plain mean.
-It cannot be built on an ancient Indian burial ground (thank you scary movies)
-It cannot be haunted!
-It cannot be near a cemetery!
-Safe location
-Nice neighbors
-Four bedrooms
-Three bathrooms
-Two car garage
-New or newer construction (or have sturdy bones and character)
-Move in ready (no major renovations and no crazy wall colors to correct)
-Fenced in yard
-Open concept floor plan
-Update kitchen with a well placed island and lots of cabinets and counter space
-Nice curb appeal
-Close to base
-Needs to be energy efficient and hopefully has solar panels
-Separate dining room
-Eat in kitchen
-Mudroom
-Finished basement
-En suite bathroom with his and her sinks
-Walk in closets

Like a typical potential first time home buyer, I have a very large "wishlist" but when it comes to making a commitment of this financial caliber, if I am going to invest this kind of green it has to be what I am looking for. Yes, I am willing to compromise but it can't hurt to dream and know what we want =)