I remember what it feels like to search for a home to buy. Although, it's been six years since I bought my last home -- before that I routinely moved every couple years or so. (Buying homes, fixing them up and reselling them paid off well enough that I didn't mind moving so often.)
But the point is I'm not that far removed from the home buying process that, despite my decades of experience in real estate, I forget what it's like to drive down the street, reading house numbers, crossing fingers and hoping the home in the middle with the flagstone walkway and terrific curb appeal is the home that is for sale. Then feeling disappointed when I realize it's the home next door with the boarded-up windows and ugly paint job.
Every buyer has specific needs, some more specific than others. I'm working with a buyer now who is very particular about what she wants. It must be a single story, have a raised foundation, a large yard for her 3 dogs, a pool, be remodeled or newer without a great-room concept, located in a quiet neighborhood (nestled between conforming homes reflecting pride of ownership) within 15 minutes of downtown Sacramento and priced around $350,000.
I know some of you may be thinking that this is like looking for a needle in a haystack and way too much work. Some agents would not have the patience to work with a buyer who has her heart set on a dream home. But I see it as a challenge, an exciting hunt and not an insurmountable problem. Everybody has a right to find their perfect home. And I shall continue to search until I find it. It's why I am in real estate.
Photo: Big Stock Photo
The Short Sale, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming from Archer Ellison in January 2009.
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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.
Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.
The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
