M
itchell Rechter (66) and Emily Weiss (58) had both settled in South Florida about ten years ago—Weiss from New Jersey, Rechter from the Detroit area. Two years earlier, a blind date sparked a rapid romance. Three months later, after her lease expired, Weiss moved into Rechter’s two‑bedroom townhouse in Boca West, a gated Boca Raton community built around a golf course and country club. The 1,460‑sq‑ft townhouse, purchased by Rechter the year before, became a lively gathering spot for friends and family, with football fans cheering for the Eagles and Lions. Yet the couple felt the space was too tight for their growing households and decided it was time for an upgrade.
They enlisted Hailey Desser of eXp Realty to search for a new home during the summer when many Boca Raton seasonal residents left. Their aim was to stay in Boca West, a 1,400‑acre area with distinct subdivisions and a vibrant social scene. They wanted a three‑bedroom, roughly 2,000‑sq‑ft house with an open layout, a two‑car garage, and a roomy yard.
Three properties emerged:
1. **Three‑bedroom condo (1988)** – 1,811 sq ft, 2.5 baths, one‑car garage, semi‑open layout with a sunroom. Kitchen and bathrooms are dated. Asking $899,000, HOA $1,492/month, 2024 taxes $3,544.
2. **Attached villa (1983)** – 1,975 sq ft, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, two‑car garage, vaulted living/dining area, glass doors to a sunroom, updated kitchen with skylight, new impact windows; bathrooms need work. Asking $799,900, HOA $783/month, 2024 taxes $4,583.
3. **Lake‑view condo (1979)** – 1,460 sq ft, 2 beds, 2 baths, vaulted ceiling, screened patio overlooking a small lake, renovated kitchen and baths, tile floors, hurricane protection, two‑car garage, potential third bedroom. Asking $899,000, HOA $954/month, 2024 taxes $4,140.
After reviewing the options, the couple chose the lake‑view condo, which offered the space and amenities they desired.
**Which Would You Choose?**
- Three‑Bedroom Needing Updates
- Three‑Bedroom With Skylights
- Two‑Bedroom With Lake View
**Which Did They Buy?**
- Three‑Bedroom Needing Updates
- Three‑Bedroom With Skylights
- Two‑Bedroom With Lake View
