Six months and $300,000 later, a Massachusetts family wants out of its century-old home

A Massachusetts couple left Boston for a 100-year-old suburban house, expecting it to offer more room as their family grew.

Just six months later, they posted in the r/RealEstateAdvice subreddit because nearly $300,000 in repairs and renovations has left them missing renting and city life, and they're wondering how to get out.

Here's what to know

The couple had moved into the century-old suburban home while expecting baby No. 2 and knew some work was coming, but not how extensive it would become or how quickly it would add up.

The costs mounted fast, as they detailed on Reddit. Over the first six months, the first-time homeowners said they spent heavily on HVAC, electrical work, lead cleanup, windows, flooring, paint, and other mechanical items, plus "a million smaller things."

Maybe worse, they thought the arrangement wasn't for them: "We've realized we don't actually like suburban life that much. We miss Boston. Walking places, having less space and honestly the simplicity of renting."

Because they had already pictured moving overseas in roughly five to seven years, the couple said they now see three possible paths. Those are to stay in the house and hope appreciation helps them break even, sell and take a loss, or move out and rent the property while paying $2,000-$3,000 per month to keep their 5.625% mortgage.

Several commenters argued against a quick exit.

One wrote, "Stay. Judging from your post, you guys are stressed out with all the life events going on."

Another added: "Don't make major life decisions when you're reeling from the stress of gutting out a house while you have a newborn."

More background

At the center of the post was a straightforward resale question: After spending about $300,000 so quickly, how much of it will likely show up again when the house sells?

One commenter said that depends largely on what, exactly, the money went toward.

In that commenter's view, more visible upgrades might return "somewhere between 50-75 cents on the dollar invested," and "exceptional quality" work could reach 100% on some projects. Basic repairs were treated differently. They said a hidden sewer fix might return "0% of investment."

If the couple does decide to sell, that same commenter said the paper trail could matter. Their advice was to assemble "a lookbook of every single project and receipts, with pictures" so prospective buyers understand the spending as genuine investment.

Taxes were flagged as another issue. One commenter said selling that soon could raise questions about how long they lived there and what exclusions they might qualify for, and suggested talking with a tax advisor.

What can be done?

Much of the advice centered on stopping nonessential spending. 

"No decorative or 'wouldn't it be nice' upgrades," one commenter suggested. "Just basic livability and safety."

Some commenters also suggested the couple may not have given suburban life a full chance yet. One recommended choosing one of the area's walkable downtowns, becoming regulars there, and joining local groups.

For a more concrete next step, commenters said the couple should get comparable sales and a realtor valuation that reflects the improvements already completed. 

Others focused on the emotional side. 

"Buyer's remorse is super normal," a user suggested. "It's a huge purchase."

Where can I learn more?

Both poor walkability and feeling saddled with too much stuff can burden more households than just the young family in this story.

• Across U.S. cities, each added Walk Score point can lift nearby home values by thousands.

• In American homes, unused possessions quietly drain money, space, and day-to-day decision-making.

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