-[Naomi] Oh, wow, these hardwood floors are beautiful. -[Cabril] I love the arches.
[Shareika] Yeah, the arches are nice.
[narrator] Cabril and Naomi are leaving Brooklyn
for a new life in Huntsville, Alabama.
[Naomi] I mean, this is more space
than we ever had in New York.
Do you have to mow a lawn every week?
[narrator] The daughter of immigrants,
Naomi grew up being careful with every penny.
At this price, think of all the trips we can't go on.
-[Shareika] Mmm-hmm. -[Naomi] All of the stuff you can't buy.
[narrator] But for Cabril, a little thing like money
shouldn't stand between him and what he wants.
This is not a Japanese soaking tub.
-[Shareika] You don't think so? - [Cabril] No, I know no
[narrator] And in the hot Huntsville market,
can their agent find anything they'll both like?
And we are here.
Y'all not gonna give some type of expression?
-[doorbell rings] -[theme music plays]
I can help you wash the veggies...
-[Cabril] Yeah. -...and you chef it up?
I'm an innovation manager for a venture capital firm.
I work as a creative strategist in advertising.
[Cabril] I grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
I grew up in Manhattan
with my huge, loud Dominican family.
-Oh. -[Naomi] Ooh.
How else can I help you?
[Cabril] If I had to describe Naomi,
I would call her thorough.
We kinda get things done way better than my method of doing things,
which is kinda running into the wall...
-Oh, it's chaos. -...and saying, "Oops."
[Naomi] When we were packing
um, he kinda just threw things in boxes
-and that... -They're labeled "stuff and things."
That drove me absolutely insane.
I'm glad a brought my knife.
-I don't know how I would've worked with some of these. -Seriously,
these short-term rental knives are no good.
I got a new job, and we were headquartered for this particular department
in Huntsville, Alabama.
[Naomi] I thought it was going to be farmland.
And then we looked it up, and it was a city.
So I guess our Northern ignorance got us there.
[Cabril] And we've been in Huntsville for about a month.
I would say there is a little bit of culture shock.
Tornado warnings and tornado watches
apparently are not the same thing,
but they sound the same to me.
[Naomi] Everyone is a lot nicer.
and our apartment in New York City was only 800 square feet.
So we are happy and grateful that we're gonna get
so much more square footage out here,
especially buying a home.
Large back yard, has to be flat
-for a dog. -Oh, that makes sense.
[Naomi] Um, and I think closest to MidCity would be best.
[Cabril] Yeah, I think that makes sense.
There's the farmer's market, which we really like to go to,
a lot of shops, a lot of stores.
It's very walkable in that area.
I really want the house to have charm...
-Oh. -...like some kind of crown molding
or, you know, some interesting features.
I really want a two-story home,
maybe something Victorian with some character.
[Cabril] I grew up in a brownstone, and we did big renovations there.
It's a beautiful home now.
It's kind of something that sticks with me,
the ability to integrate the new into the old,
bring the modern into the classic.
Think we should go for the best stuff.
It's only gonna bring value, it's gonna be wonderful,
so I think we should definitely go top-of-the-line
across the board as best we can.
Like, if we're in Alabama,
think about how much $450,000 will get you.
Why leave New York to pay the same amount...
...of money in mortgage?
That doesn't make any sense.
Okay, what are you thinking?
Um, I'm thinking around $350,000.
Both my parents are immigrants,
and so growing up as the eldest child,
I often had to contribute at home,
and that's really kind of shaped how much I spend on things,
especially with how Cabril loves to buy expensive things.
I definitely need a chef's kitchen,
Like, I can't work under the constraints
we worked under in our last two apartments.
I like to cook. I also like to make breads,
and I need a good counter top
to kinda get that done, you know,
so maybe some quartz, something solid,
something that could hold some heat.
This is, like, our first home,
so I don't think we need all that extra stuff.
Speaking of extra stuff, my soaking tub.
[Naomi] No, we can't get a Japanese soaking tub.
-It's small profile, it's not gonna take up a lot of space. -Do you know how much
-a Japanese soaking tub is? -Yes,
but I think it's worth it.
[narrator] First up, a place just outside MidCity
Shareika said this neighborhood is historic.
Apparently, that park over there used to be a mill,
and all of the houses were made for the mill workers.
And the price is $284,900.
-Oh, that's... -Which is great
-because it's... -That's where you wanted to be.
I think it's the one hidden behind this fence.
Oh, at least it has a privacy fence.
-That's a good thing. -Oh, it's very private.
You can barely see the house.
-[Shareika] How was the drive up? -[Naomi] It was good.
[Shareika] So this home, how do you like the style of this home?
I mean, it does look like it has some charm.
[Cabril] Uh, it's two storie so that's pretty cool.
-[Naomi] Pretty busy road, oh, my gosh. -[Cabril] It's loud.
[Shareika] You are on a main road...
-[Naomi] Yeah. -[Shareika] So it can get a little loud.
But it's not as loud in the house,
and you have a fully fenced- yard as well.
-It'll be kind of small, but okay. -Yes. Mmm-hmm.
[Shareika] This home was built in the 1900s.
Naomi loves history and culture.
So this is a home that fits her to the tee.
Cabril is going to like, I believe, the features in this home.
It may not have everything that he wants in it,
but it's a really great deal,
four bedrooms and a massive kitchen.
I mean, what more could you ask for?
So this would be either the living area or dining area.
-[Naomi] Okay. -With this fixture, I'm pretty sure
they were gonna create this for the dining area.
[Cabril] Okay.
[Shareika] What do you thin of this kitchen so far?
I mean, it's huge.
[Naomi] It's bigger than any kitchen we had in New York.
-[Cabril] Mmm-hmm. - [Naomi] I mean, the styli choices in here
are not what I would have chosen, but it's nice.
Why is this stove a white appliance?
- It doesn't match the rest -[Shareika] Well, the most important thing
is it is gas.
-It is gas. -Yes.
And they have a pot filler.
-[Shareika] Yes. -[Naomi] Yeah, but we have t buy a whole new stove.
Also, where's the fridge?
Well, there is no fridge.
-[Cabril] Oh. -[Naomi] Oh.
[Shareika] So that is something that you can get.
Butcher block is not really my jam.
-Um... -Okay.
Too porous?
-[Cabril] Very porous, yes. - [Shareika] Okay,
-you wouldn't be able to cook-- -Quartz,
-has to be quartz. - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
-[Naomi] Look at all this surface area. - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
It's gonna cost a lot of money to change.
[Cabril] Mmm. Six, seven...
-Ten grand. -[Shareika] Yeah, I'm thinking probably closer to ten grand.
That's reasonable. I mean, we're at a good price on this house.
-Ten grand for good counter tops. -Ten grand.
How am I gonna bake? You gotta spend dough to make dough.
-[laughing] -[Naomi] No, no, no.
It does give me some anxiety
uh, to watch Cabril kind of add on.
So it'll be my job if we do decide to go with this house
to kind of reel him in on those changes
because I do think the home is for the most par move-in ready.
-[Cabril] Okay. -[Naomi] This table is cute. It has so much character.
Do you think it comes with the house?
[Shareika] We can always request for it to stay at the home.
[Naomi] I'm gonna paint it black.
-It looks like that woodwork carries all the way too... -[Shareika] Yeah.
[Cabril] ...which is a really nice feature.
[Naomi] Yeah, I think that's really pretty.
-It's good open concept. - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
[Naomi] This door leads out?
[Shareika] Yes, it leads out.
It used to be a duplex.
-Oh. -Remember I was saying it was built in the 1900s,
and they converted it into a home.
So that's why you have multiple doors.
So what do you guys think about this size?
[Cabril] This is a good spac for a game room.
[Shareika] Okay.
[Naomi] Close the doors, and I don't have to watch yo
-[Shareika] Mmm-hmm. - [Cabril] That's true.
[Shareika] So we're going to go ahead and go upstairs.
So this is the second bedroo
-[Cabril] Okay. -This is a cute desk area.
-[Cabril] That's nice. -[Shareika] Yes, it is really nice.
Not big enough for my, uh, workspace,
but huge windows, which I love.
Yes, you also have a walk-in closet right there.
[Naomi] Okay, cool.
I mean, this is good enough space for my sister when she comes.
[Shareika] So we have this bedroom as well.
[Cabril] With no doors.
[Naomi] Is this house gonna be finished soon?
-[Shareika] Yes. -I can make this,
like, my desk area
-and kinda frame this out. -[Shareika] Yeah.
-Okay. -Put some wallpaper.
-Oh, that would be cute. -[Naomi] Some fun wallpaper.
[Shareika] This is the owner's suite.
-[Naomi] Okay. -[Shareika] A very nice vibe.
-[Cabril] Oh. -[Naomi] Also missing doors.
-[Shareika] Okay. -[Cabril] Lots of natural light again.
These windows are massive.
Yes, they're beautiful. Now, this bathroom is very unique.
-[Naomi] Oh, my God. -[Cabril] It is unique.
[Naomi] Cabril, look, it's your soaking tub.
[Shareika] And it is so nice.
[Naomi] It's a gold tub.
-[Cabril] That's not-- -[Shareika] It's your Japanese soaking tub, right?
This is not a Japanese soaking tub.
-[Naomi] Cabril... -[Shareika] You don't think so?
[Cabril] No, I know not.
- Right. -[Shareika] Then you have your double sinks.
[Cabril] The double sinks is a great touch.
[Naomi] It is around the pri I'm happy spending,
and this house has history, which I feel like
gives it some character, and I really love.
It is move-in ready.
-Yeah -...ish.
You know, we definitely have to change out
- these counter tops. - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
[Cabril] That tub probably needs to get swapped out for one more soaky.
One thing I don't like
is that it is on this very busy road.
So I think I'd like to see more options.
[narrator] So Shareika find a quieter place for Naomi
that will meet Cabril's standards,
but it comes at a cost.
[Shareika] I know it's a little further out than normal, so...
I don't know if I'd be comfortable with that.
They really, uh, got their money's worth
-on this brown paint, Shareika. -[laughing]
They all look exactly the same.
[narrator] But the homes here are new
and have all the updates Cabril wants inside.
[Shareika] I know it's a little further out than normal...
-[Cabril] A lot further out. -[Shareika] ...but 2,901 square feet
-[Naomi] Oh, that's huge. -[Cabril] Oh. That's huge.
-[Shareika] It's two story. -[Cabril] Two story, that's important.
The price is $438,900.
It just recently had a price drop of $11,000.
Okay, so that's right in our price.
-Yes. -Oh, that's still pretty high.
-[Shareika] So... -I don't know if I'll be comfortable with that.
[Shareika] And we are here.
Y'all aren't gonna give some type of expression?
Oh, yeah. Oh, look at the house!
-Yeah, it's... It's... -[Naomi] Wow!
[Cabril] It's really there.
[Naomi] It's craftsman style, Cabril.
Yeah, I know. They're all craftsman style.
You know what? You are going to love the inside of this home.
I wanted to show them
that if we go out a little further,
you can get more house for your money.
The same home in downtown Huntsville,
you may be looking at 50 to $75,000 more.
So it's a larger home, it has a flat backyard,
and it also has the kitchen that they will love.
Check out these beautiful floors.
-[Naomi] Oh, wow, these hardwood floors are beautifu -[Cabril] I love the arches
[Shareika] Yeah, the arches are nice in here
So this would be your office.
-[Cabril] This is a great-sized space. - [Naomi] Yeah,
this is a great space for my office.
-[Cabril] Like, this is almost bedroom sized. -[Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
[Shareika] So we can go ahead and go
into the kitchen.
You see it has the granite counter tops.
-[Naomi] Wow, Cabril. -[Shareika] And it has a gas range.
Oh, yeah. It does have a gas range.
[Naomi] Isn't this what you were looking for?
Look at all this room for you to...
-[Cabril] Yeah, no, this is. -[Naomi] ...knead your dough
This is a great-sized island.
-[Shareika] Yes, it is. -Like, I feel like you can make an entire pizza here.
-[Shareika] Well... -[Naomi] It is above the price I'm comfortable with, but...
-[Shareika] Yeah. - [Cabril] Still a good opt
The kitchen had granite counter tops, which I'm okay with.
I'm more of a quartz person myself,
but it has a very good feel
Everything looks clean and pristine,
which I love.
[Shareika] Nice and flat.
-[Cabril] Yeah. -[Shareika] It's beautiful out here.
[Naomi] It's perfect for a dog.
I mean, this is more space than we ever had in New York
[Shareika] I mean, it's nice out here, quiet.
[Cabril] Yes.
Do you have to mow a lawn every week?
-[laughs] -In Alabama,
because it does, you know, rain a little more,
you will more than likely have to cut it every other week.
[Cabril] Okay.
[Shareika] You see, you have a gas log fireplace
and this is a really nice space.
-[Cabril] I love the open concept. -Yes.
[Naomi] Yeah, that's great. I love the big windows.
-[Shareika] Yes. - [Naomi] There's enough s for our couch.
[Shareika] Very nice-sized owner's suite.
[Cabril] All right, yeah. This carpet can totally go.
-We can run the hardwoods all the way throughout. -[laughs] Yes.
-[Cabril] I haven't priced them. -Hardwood floors
are probably two to three grand.
-Okay. -[Naomi] For this room alone, right?
Yes.
He's a big spender. He just likes to buy things,
and he doesn't really see the big picture.
I'm not really comfortable at this price.
So I really don't see him doing any of those projects.
[Shareika] So check out the bathroom.
-[Naomi] Oh, this bathroom is spectacular. -[Shareika] Yes,
this bathroom is everything
[Cabril] Not Japanese, but nice.
[Shareika] You do have the nice double showerhead as well.
[Cabril] Definitely would change that out for a rain showerhead.
-I like the glass-- -But for now, you can always keep it.
[Cabril] Could be in there for sure.
Yeah, so you can just do some...
-That way you can have... -[Naomi] A rain showerhead?
-...upgrades to do all the time. -[Cabril] Yeah.
It's, like, $300. Why do we need that? This one works fine I'm sure.
[Shareika] Yes, and it's dua
[Cabril] Carpet on the stairs.
[Shareika] Well, it's a safety to keep you from tripping and falling.
So you do have a flex room right here.
[Cabril] With more carpet.
[Shareika] Yes, but you have the option of having
your own gaming area.
[Cabril] Oh, yeah, I could see that.
[Shareika] All right, let's go ahead and look at
this, um, guest bedroom here
It is a very nice-sized bedroom.
[Naomi] And we could put a bed for my sister to stay.
[Shareika] And your third bedroom here,
which is currently an exercise room.
[Cabril] We've got good ceiling heights even up here.
[Naomi] I like it.
I do like that it is move-in ready.
-I love the arches. -[Shareika] Okay.
[Cabril] Um, I really like the kitchen.
I know this is a little further out.
A lot far.
Remember the price, this one has just dropped $11,000.
[Naomi] I think that's still above
- what I was looking to spen - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
Think of all... Like, all the trips we can't go on...
-[Shareika] Mmm-hmm. -...all of the stuff you can't buy.
That's something to consider,
but we'll see.
-I mean... -Mmm-hmm.
...we'll see what we do.
[narrator] So their agent comes up with a much less expensive place
closer to MidCity, but there's a catch.
It also looked like it had some projects,
which would not be ideal.
[Naomi] I heard it's cold in New York.
-Really? -Yeah, aren't you glad we're here?
Yeah, the weather here has been much nicer.
[narrator] Naomi and Cabril are excited about their new lives in Alabama.
And since this next place has such a low price,
she in particular is hoping it works for them.
It's super close to Mid-City,
so it's about a five-minute drive.
-Oh, so this is, like, the perfect spot. -[Naomi] This is like...
It's not two stories.
[Cabril] Oh.
It also looked like it had some projects,
which would not be ideal.
I mean, I love a good project.
Mmm.
Oh, it's kinda cute.
I think it looks pretty well maintained on the outside.
The ranch style is not my favorite.
We've never had this much grass before.
[Cabril] We've never had any grass before.
[Naomi] It looks like it has big windows though.
[Cabril] Yeah, that's big for you.
[Shareika] Hey, guys, how are you?
-[Naomi] Hi, Shareika. -[Cabril] Hey.
Cabril is wanting something more modern and up-to-date.
Naomi is wanting a lot more character.
So it has the character for her,
but they're gonna have to keep an open mind
about the condition of the home.
It's not gonna be perfect for them,
but they can make it perfect.
I know you guys are looking for a two-story,
but it is definitely... The price is perfect for you guys.
-[Naomi] Okay, well, I'm here for that. -[Cabril] So how much is it?
It's $189,900.
[Naomi] That's... That's good.
[laughs] It is. Just come on in.
So as you see, it has the original hardwood floor
that have been refinished for you guys already.
-[Cabril] Oh. -[Naomi] Oh, that's awesome That's great character.
[Cabril] It could be refinished again maybe once or twice.
[Naomi] And when was the house built?
The house was built in 1958.
-Ooh. -Look at all that character.
[Cabril] That's cool. I can work with that.
[Shareika] Okay, we have the owner's suite here.
[Cabril] Oh, the hardwoods go throughout.
- That's pretty nice. -[Shareika] Yeah, hardwoods are throughout the home.
And your half-bath.
-Ooh, half-bath? -Yes, half-bath,
but you do have this nice-sized closet here.
So you can always extend it out and make a full-bath out of it.
[Naomi] Shareika, that sound like a project.
Take everything out of there, put brand new stuff in there?
-Mmm-hmm. -My soaking tub?
[Shareika] You're probably looking closer to 20, $30,00
[Cabril] That works.
-[Shareika] Yeah. -I mean, that's still reasonable...
-Yeah. -...and within the price.
Sounds like a lot of work.
-[Cabril] All right. -[Shareika] So you have your secondary bedroom here.
It's very nice-sized.
-[Naomi] Yeah, we could use this as on office. -[Cabril] Yeah.
So you do have your full bathroom here.
[Naomi] The tile here is great.
-[Cabril] Yeah. - [Shareika] The tile is beautiful.
-[Naomi] Yeah, it's vintage -[Shareika] It's very nice.
[Cabril] Is that a swan?
[Shareika] It is a swan.
-[Cabril] Why is there a swan? -[Shareika] You can change out the shower and tub in here
and just make it your own.
[Naomi] I'm fine with changing out this...
-[Shareika] Yes. -[Naomi] ...but the tile stays.
I agree. I think the tile will be nice.
-Think about the potential. -[Cabril] We can't keep all this tile.
[Naomi] No, the tile is staying.
It has so much character.
What does that even mean?
-It's cute. -[Naomi] It's cute.
[Shareika] Now, this can be your, um, guest bedroom.
Shareika, you think this panel is original to the house?
Yes, I'm 99% positive that it is original,
-um, to the home. -[Cabril] Oh, yeah.
[Naomi] I mean, it's kinda cute.
- It's character. -[Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
[Naomi] We can paint it whit
Now, you're going to love the kitchen.
-[Naomi] Is that a roach? - [Cabril] Did you say lo
[Shareika] Look how spaciou this is?
Shareika, I can't cook in here.
Well, you can.
Why couldn't you cook in here? There's a stove.
[Cabril] Yeah, but it's electric.
It doesn't heat evenly.
The countertops are... What is this?
You can always change the counter tops.
Maybe re-doing your cabinets
putting an island in.
Do you know how many projects that sounds like?
-[Cabril] That sounds real good, Shareika. -But remember the price.
-I have to work from here. -Remember the price of the home.
But with some imagination and some work put in,
it could be the kitchen of my dreams.
But it's got a long way to go.
-Oh, it's a little bonus space. -[Shareika] Yeah.
[Cabril] You can make this, like, a den, a gaming area maybe.
-[Shareika] Mmm-hmm. -Get an 80-inch in here.
-No, no, no. -I think that would be really cool.
-No, no, no. -But if you do,
You can always put it up against this wall right here.
[Cabril] That would be spectacular.
[Naomi] We already have three TVs.
[Shareika] Let's go ahead and check out this back yard.
[Naomi] Oh, my gosh. Look at how flat it is!
You have a lot of space for your puppy dog.
-[Naomi] Mmm-hmm. -[Cabril] It's like a park.
-[Naomi] I love the character of the home. -[Shareika] Okay.
[Naomi] I love the hardwood floors,
- the vintage tile in the bathrooms. - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
I was not a fan of that kitchen.
That's not a chefs kitchen.
- And those bathrooms... - [Shareika] Mmm-hmm.
-[Cabril] ...I can't go in there. - [Shareika laughs]
It is under your price.
So it is a great option for you guys.
Remember the location.
- You're in the... -[Naomi] Yeah, can't change the location.
[Shareika] ...perfect locati for you guys.
But I'm concerned we'll be in a construction zone,
which I'm not too excited about.
There is a lot of work to be done in this home.
It's just overwhelming,
especially as first-time home owners,
on top of moving to a brand new city.
It's pretty intimidating for me.
I mean, we really need to get out of that short-term rental.
I'm so... I'm just over it.
[narrator] Cabril and Naomi have been battling each othe
and the market in Huntsville
Now, it's time to make a decision
[Naomi] Let's talk about the renovated historic farmhouse.
[Cabril] You know, wasn't too far from MidCity
That neighborhood is
very, very loud.
[Naomi] Yeah, I mean, I love that price,
but that house was on the loudest street.
I mean, I love that the home has some history to it.
Because it was a duplex, it had that weird door
that we would have to close
[Cabril] That kitchen had a great layout,
but I did not love the counter tops.
I would definitely prefer quartz.
[Naomi] That bathroom, I don't know if it's really to our taste,
but I think for now,
the home is move-in ready.
So what about that expensive craftsman?
The price does frighten me a bit.
[Cabril] I mean, we can afford it. It's very nice.
[Naomi] Also, it's really fa from MidCity,
but I did like a lot of the things
it had on the inside. It was move-in ready.
[Cabril] Kitchen layout was great.
It did have granite.
[Naomi] That bathroom was bi
It had a soaker tub.
[Cabril] But I definitely think that with that house,
we would have to rip out those carpets.
[Naomi] That would be so expensive, and that house is huge.
I mean, the ranch was way under
what we were looking to spen
- So... -[Cabril] Yeah, $189,000 is a great price.
[Naomi] And it is super clos to MidCity
and shops and stores,
but there is a lot of work that needs to be done to the home.
[Cabril] The bathrooms in that ranch are just unusable right now.
[Naomi] I liked how much character the bathroom had.
[Cabril] And the kitchen needed to be completely redone,
but I think the price gives us the flexibility
to be able to make changes without having to worry
about the dollar signs kinda rolling up.
[doorbell rings]
[Naomi] Yeah, what's up, papi?
[Carlos] I'm making the cabinet that you wanted put up.
[Naomi] We chose the inexpensive ranch,
uh, we have started doing a lot of renovations to the home.
We purchased it for $210,000
So at that price, we can really make it our own.
-I'm thinking four this way... -Okay.
...ceiling height.
I did not want to live in a construction zone,
but my dad has come down to help us.
So if Cabril is jumping in on a project,
I mean, my dad is like, "This is how we do it,
and this is how we do it quickly."
So they've been getting a lot done pretty fast.
[Cabril] We have a giant island that we're gonna build out.
It's going to have quartz counter tops
that I so dearly need to bake the way I want to bake.
[Naomi] The tiles just came, it took a while.
Oh, we need something to open that with.
In that main bathroom, after we expand that bathroom out,
we're gonna be able to add a Japanese soaker and a shower,
a dual vanity.
The bathroom with the black tile is staying.
So we're gonna be keeping that character intact.
Just as long as we change ou the tub and toilet and sink
Cabril is happy with the tile.
[Cabril] Hey, mama, how's it going?
My mom is coming down to help us out.
She has a ton of experience setting up different gardens.
You've got wild onions.
-Check this out. -[Naomi] Oh, my gosh.
Could Cabril cook with these?
[Debra] Of course.
Taking that leap and moving to a new place.
I mean, it can always be scary,
but it didn't feel as much of a risk
because we had each other.
Living in New York and not knowing if there was ever a future
where we'd be able to own a home,
this house is giving us that opportunity to really
work together on something that's beautiful and that's ours.