u/pipubx

After 6 months of searching, we finally got the keys to our place in Georgia. Super excited, but now we’re staring at a completely empty house and a budget that suddenly feels a lot smaller than it did before closing.

We’re trying to get decent stuff without going broke in the first month, so I’m trying to figure out where it makes sense to spend more and where we can be practical.

Here’s what we’re thinking right now:

Sectional:

My husband and I are basically set on the Lovesac Sactional. We have 2 dogs, so the washable covers are a big reason. Budget is around $3,000 to $4,000 depending on layout, which hurts a little, but this is probably the one furniture item we don’t want to cheap out on.

Washer / dryer:

Still unsure here. We’re looking at the LG WashTower because our laundry closet is small and the stacked design would save space. Budget is around $1,500 to $2,000. I keep seeing mixed opinions on LG appliances though, so I’d love to know if this is actually a good choice or if there’s a better option for a tight laundry space.

TV:

This is the one I’m stuck on. Our living room wall is huge, so I’m looking at an 85” TV, ideally around $1,500 to $2,000. I was looking at Sony first, but it eats up too much of the remaining budget. Reddit keeps mentioning the Hisense U7 as a solid option, and the specs seem good for the price. Our living room gets a lot of sunlight, so I care about picture clarity, contrast, color, and glare handling more than having the fanciest brand name. Any U7 owners here who can share real experience?

Fridge:

Still haven’t found a model I feel good about. I was originally thinking a Samsung French Door around $1,500 to $2,000, but I keep seeing horror stories about ice makers and repairs. Open to suggestions here if anyone has a reliable bang-for-buck fridge they actually like.

So basically, Lovesac Sactional is almost decided, washer/dryer is still a question mark, TV is between stretching for Sony or going Hisense U7, and fridge is still wide open. Any mistakes we should avoid before we start ordering everything?

this is gonna sound petty but I need a sanity check.

guy on our street installed one of those robot mowers ~4 months ago. small thing, runs around at random hours, looks like a Roomba on grass. when he first set it up I thought it was kinda silly.

problem is now his lawn looks weirdly better than mine. and I'm the one paying $140 every 2 weeks for a service that rolls up with a trailer and 3 guys.

asked him at the mailbox last week. he said the thing runs on its own schedule, maybe 3 times a week, and the cuts are so short the clippings basically disappear into the lawn. grass never has to recover from a big chop. didn't sound like marketing copy, sounded like he couldn't believe it works either.

now I'm down a research hole. came here because I trust homeowners who've had one a season more than YouTube reviewers.

real questions:

1. actual install cost? all-in not sticker, counting setup time and boundary wire/RTK hassle.
2. first year, what broke or needed warranty? I keep reading about sensor failures.
3. neighbors complain? mine are 25-30ft away.
4. what did you buy and would you buy it again? want a real shortlist, not just the brands with the biggest marketing budgets.

install pic + brand + yard size would basically answer everything. thanks.