Have you ever had a pool? Do you want to take care of it? Or pay someone to take care of it? Realistically, how often will it get used, especially in your climate? How often do your adult children spend an afternoon at your house now? What will happen as their lives get busier and busier? A pool could be great or it could be an expensive, labor-intensive headache.

Is the bayside house in a flood zone? Have you checked into flood insurance? Do you walk for exercise or pleasure? Realistically, how often will you visit the beach? As a life-long walker who appreciates beautiful scenery, I'd take the beach location over a pool any day of the week but that's my priority. Try to be realistic about how you really live rather than imagining a lifestyle that isn't realistic for your personality or circumstances. Get the house that works best for you now and in the future. Good luck house hunting!