House Hunters: Mike and Nancy Want Their Daughter's First Home to Be Perfect

Mike, a physician, and Nancy, a grad student, are eager to find a home in Walnut Creek, California where their young daughter Kaelie can grow up happy and safe. Currently, they live in a rented condo with no yard space and lots of stairs. In their new home, they'd like few stairs, and a nice back yard where Kaelie can play. They also want 4-5 bedrooms Nancy and Mike love the way the home has been renovated, but are upset to see that a large pool takes up the entire back yard. Nancy definitely does not want a pool. Mike is also concerned that at $940,000, the home is beyond their budget. The next house they see is a tri-level contemporary with 3 bedroom and 3 1/2 baths. It's listed at $850,000. Mike and Nancy like the updated finishes and open, sunny spaces. The kitchen is renovated, but the appliances are not stainless steel, like Nancy prefers. The home has two yard areas -- one is grassy and the other has a deck and hot tub. And there is no pool which makes Nancy very happy. On the other hand, the home's multi-level design is a negative to the couple, who were looking to avoid stairs. The third home that Colm takes Mike and Nancy to see is two-story traditional with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and is listed at $875,000. The home's decor is not to the couple's taste, but they love the updated kitchen which opens to the family room. The large park-like backyard is appealing to Nancy and Mike and again, they like the fact that there's no pool. Upstairs they see 3 large bedrooms and an open loft area. They like the layout but wonder if the loft would be unsafe for Kaelie since it is open to the living room below. Mike and Nancy weigh the pros and cons of all three homes. Which one will they choose?