If you’ve been keeping up with me at all, you’re aware that our home has been on the market for a few weeks now. We finally feel like its time to start hunting the next project, er… Home… And I discovered just today that I am horrible- HORRIBLE- at shopping for a new home for myself.
While the Man was working today, I kidnapped our artist friend Steve, and took off into the East End subdivisions of Louisville. Now, I know I’m fantastic at my job. I have a great record of finding my clients their dream homes within just a few shopping expeditions, however, I’ve found that when it comes to myself, I just can’t choose.
I’m sure there is somewhat of an issue with the fact that as a Realtor, I have access to everything that’s available to me. Think of any chef friends you may know. They’ve admitted to eating cereal or Easy Mac for dinner. It’s what they do- as an agent, I’m half tempted to just move into an efficiency apartment, because I know I’ll pick apart everything we walk into- mostly, because I have a list of wants that either keep me pre-occupied in a potential home by figuring out how to make everything fit, or by being so far off the mark that there is no sense in looking farther than the front door.
I encourage my clients to make lists of what they want in a space, so, because I want you all to keep me on track while shopping, I’m going to let you know what it is I need.
If we decide on a detached family home, we need:
1- a formal living room and dining room. When I grew up, we ate in the dining room and visited in the living room. They were always cleaner than everywhere else in the house.
2- a powder room. For our guests to powder their noses, of course.
3- a master suite with a large bathroom and closet, or a master bedroom that backs up to a second bedroom that could be turned into massive bathroom/closet.
4- a kitchen that’s ready to be gutted and turned into something glitzy and fabulous, or one that already is.
5- a yard big enough for an eventual sunroom and/or cut flower and veggie garden.
I know that seems like so much! We have been fortunate enough to find several that fit the bill in our price range, but none have felt like home as of yet, so we’ve also decided to branch out to low-maintenance patio homes and condos. We are aware (through my years of experience, of course), that most condos do not have the space that a single family home does, so our list for those are a little less stringent:
1- garage and basement would be nice, but not necessary- not as popular as you would think in these communities. At least one or the other is a must for storage.
2- large kitchen
3- back patio/yard that can be fenced for the puppies
4- storage space- a large master closet is a bonus!
5- fireplace. If I’m sacrificing size, I need my coziness.
6- master bedroom large enough to hold our bedroom furniture as well as either my desk or a two-person living area comfortably.
So far, believe it or not, we have the city somewhat narrowed it down to a dozen or so properties- 9 houses, 3 town homes. We’ve only viewed 4 so far, and 3 of those are front runners, which does not remotely help us! I’m viewing the remaining 8 this week while still juggling daily workouts, clients other than myself, and showing our home to 2 more potential buyers.
The life of a Realtor never stops, folks, I just need it to slow down long enough to take care of ourselves!
