[Rain Man]

Okay, here are my criticisms of both houses:

I got nuthin'. They're both perfect.




If we dive into minutiae, here's how I would decide.

1. Advantage California: It's all one unit rather than a compound, so I won't get annoyed at walking from the kitchen to the home theater during a tropical rainstorm.

2. Advantage California: The views. The Hawaii view is fantastic, but the California view is one of a kind.

3. Advantage Hawaii (or not): It's mostly one level so I can age in place. However, California has an elevator, which actually means it's more accessible. So this may be a push.

4. Advantage California: California has the better pool by a long shot. However, Hawaii's pool can be used year-round. Slight advantage to California.

5. Advantage Hawaii: Neither has a large outdoor area to throw a football around, but you're less likely to die falling off of Hawaii's yard.

6. Advantage California: San Francisco may not be the greatest city, but it's still a big city with big-city services.

7. Advantage Hawaii: The stipend in Hawaii gives you the full-time chef.

8. Advantage California: It's like it's a spy house. It's all unassuming from the front, and then it opens up into this fantastic home. I love that element.

9. Advantage Hawaii (or not): I kind of like cooler weather but you can't diss Hawaii here. This might be a wash or even slight advantage to California for me personally.

The truth is there's no wrong answer here. But in the end, I think California has more stuff nearby to help me fill my days, and I'm just gaga over the home design and setting. I would grin at that view every single day.