Ms. Ettlinger, 25, was just a year older than Mr. Randel, 26. They had just moved into their one-bedroom apartment in White Plains, N.Y. when they rescued Dori, a 9 year-old Bichon and Morris, a 10-year old terrier mix. Ms. Ettlinger stated that Morris, a sickly 10-year-old dog, has more energy than most puppies. “And Dori’s a princess.” The apartment cost them $2800 per month. Ms. Ettlinger, who is a legal assistant, said that the apartment was “fine” but that once they got the dogs it felt like “the walls were closing in on them.” Mr. Randel is a third grade teacher at the DREAM Mott Haven Charter School, Bronx. Neighbors became tired of Morris’ seemingly endless enthusiasm. “We’d leave to work and hope he wouldn’t bark,” Mr. Randel stated. “But we got notices on our doors about the noise.” The couple, who met at Pepperdine University as undergraduates in 2015, got engaged this year. They wanted to have some yard space for their new housemates. Ms. Ettlinger also envisioned some outdoor space to garden, but that was less important. Jeanesca Martinez, a Scarsdale-based agent at Keller Williams, said Jeanesca Martinez connected with the couple through a cousin. “Yard space was always in the forefront — would this be a safe environment for Morris and Dori?” [Did you just recently rent or buy a home in New York? We would love to hear from your. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]With a budget of $800,000, the couple scouted houses across the northern Bronx and southern Westchester County. Ms. Ettlinger stated that the location was flexible but she wanted a place where they could feel like locals. Mr. Randel said that he was reluctant to move into homeownership. However, the couple were optimistic about their prospects. “A large search area meant an embarrassment in riches,” Ms. Ettlinger recalls thinking. On eight occasions, rival buyers outbid them — once by as much as $200,000.” “After that,” Ms. Ettlinger said. Eight homes later, rival buyers outbid them – once by as high as $200,000.” Ms. Ettlinger stated that they had other options. The living room featured stone fireplace and beamed ceilings. There was also a finished basement and a patio at the rear. A 10-minute walk took you to the Larchmont Metro-North Station. The asking price was $779,000 with $14,000 in taxes. This three-bedroom, one bathroom split-level home was built in 1920 in Tuckahoe. It featured a fireplace, eat in kitchen, and stone patio for Mr. Randel and Ms. Ettlinger. Although there was enough space for each person to have their own work space, the cramped landing on the stairway was too uncomfortable for Mr. Randel (6’1″) Walking distance brought you to downtown Tuckahoe and the Crestwood Metro-North station. The asking price was $699,000 with annual taxes of approximately $17,000. Split-Level in Tuckahoe Julia B. Fee/Sotheby’s International Realty Tony Cenicola/The New York TimesThis house, which had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, had “Colonial charm” but needed only minimal updating. Ms. Ettlinger stated that they liked the layout with a half-bath on main level and a Rapunzel, let your hair down’ staircase. The kitchen was renovated and the backyard, which is partially enclosed, would be suitable for dogs with additional fencing. The basement was not finished. The Crestwood Metro-North station is approximately one mile away. The asking price was $735,000 with $17,000 in taxes. Find out what happened next by answering the following questions:
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