Tiberius (my Imperial) gave Iona to the Blades. Now he's got Honeyside all to himself.

Ironpelt (my Khajiit) lives in the Archmage's quarters in Winterhold. So he doesn't have a housecarl problem.

But poor Nyx, my Dunmer, owns both Breezehome and Proudspire Manor. So she has two housecarls to contend with.

I actually came up with some good snarky responses for annoying housecarls:
HOUSECARL: "Long life to you, my thane."
DRAGONBORN: "You'll have a short life if you don't shut the oblivion up."
HOUSECARL: "I am your sword and shield."
DRAGONBORN: "Well swords and shields don't talk, so neither should you."
HOUSECARL: "Honored to see you, my thane."
DRAGONBORN: "I'd be honored if you'd glue your mouth shut."