How US couple compromised on their dream home after moving from Arkansas to Melbourne

If you've ever searched for a property to buy or live in, and you're moving in with someone else, you know there will be compromises.

When you've moved countries — say, from Arkansas in the US to Melbourne — there's even more pressure to find a place that ticks most of the boxes for all parties involved.

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That's what happened with married couple Kurtis and Emily Carlson. When Kurtis got a job offer in Melbourne, he was quick to accept. He explained in the TV show House Hunters Australia that he and Emily had always spoken of taking a huge adventure after getting married but before having children. How often do opportunities arise that allow you to relocate your life to the other side of the world with at least some financial security?

But then moving here was another story. While Kurtis had a job lined up, Emily did not, which impacted how much money they had to work with. She was also reluctant to splash out since they hadn't sold their home in Bentonville, Arkansas, so she was strict about staying within their allocated budget.

Then there were their personal preferences to consider. Kurtis was hoping for a home in the city that would be the complete 180 of the suburban life they'd come from, but Emily wasn't ready to let go of that vibe; "green space" was high on her wish list. Kurtis also said he didn't want a garden or anything that would require maintenance, since he wanted to spend his weekends exploring.

They wanted two bedrooms and two bathrooms as a minimum, and wanted to stick within $2,200 a month for their budget.

It was up to real estate agent Glen Coutinho to help them find their dream home in Melbourne, a city where Emily claimed Vegemite was very "salty" and they became quickly impressed with the efficient public transport (especially the trams).

Here are the three options he presented them with on House Hunters Australia, which you can stream for free on 9Now.

House 1

The first place Glen showed the couple was a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment right in the city — it immediately ticked some of their boxes, especially Kurtis'. At $2,200 a month it was right on the money. While Kurtis was impressed, it didn't win Emily over.

"It's just a small, cramped space," she said. "It doesn't really feel homey."

When she lamented the lack of "green space" Glen pointed out a park a few blocks away.

"I don't know if that's what I meant by 'green space'," Emily said.

"Well, it's green, and it's space," Glen joked. He also suggested they could put fake grass on the balcony.

One other downside was the construction happening right next door. They guessed it would be around two years' worth of noise and that a high rise would go up, blocking any view they had.

House 2

Glen then took the couple to a 1920s Art Deco building with much more of the charm Emily was hoping for. Kurtis initially baulked at the lush green lawn but was relieved when Glen told him the body corporate would maintain it. He was worried it was too far from the city, too.

At a glance it ticked Emily's boxes, however at $2,300 a month it was over their allocated budget. It also had three bedrooms and only one bathroom, which Emily said would be difficult if they had guests over.

Emily liked how spacious it felt and she was a fan of the kitchen and countertops. But it wasn't "modern" enough for Kurtis, who said of the bathroom, "It looks a little dated in here. Looks grimy."

Good thing Glen had a sense of humour and one more property to show them.

House 3

With such opposing views of the first two houses, the third had to be The One, right? It was out in the suburbs but also right on a train line — good for public transport purposes, less than ideal for noise. "You wanted the hustle and bustle, right? It doesn't get any more hustle than that," Glen told them.

This building was from the 1940s. Emily liked the charm but Kurtis said, "I'm not big on living in a museum." He was worried that older buildings tend to have "a few issues" but Glen reminded him, "It's been here for 70 years, it should be here for a few more."

They were impressed with the kitchen and bathrooms, which were renovated. And at $2,000 a month it came under their budget. "Give it to me," Glen said cheekily. Kurtis suggested the extra money could be for Glen to do their landscaping and maintenance.

Kurtis still didn't seem convinced, even after Emily expressed House 3 was her favourite.

"I think Emily is losing her patience with Kurtis, so maybe I just give them one apartment each," Glen said.

"We usually just arm wrestle," Kurtis said of the way he and Emily had made decisions in the past, but this time they sat down and made a pros and cons list for each property.

House 1, the city apartment, was quickly ruled out, which left the more suburban House 2 and House 3 as their options.

While House 2 had more pros, Emily thinks it's not worth the extra $100 per month they would have to pay.

Which means there's only one house left for them!

Kurtis still wasn't thrilled about the prospect of needing to maintain their minimal lawn area, but said it was small enough it would only take about 20 minutes, leaving their weekends free for exploring Australia.

You can see how Kurtis and Emily turned their house into a home, and watch more couples and families choose their dream homes in Australia, on House Hunters Australia.

Stream complete seasons of House Hunters Australia for free on 9Now.