Local ATX Living!

What do you see when you dream of your home?

We all have our "dream" homes.  For some, it's nestled on the side of a snow caped mountain where you can open your back door and ski right onto the slopes.  Others imagine beach front living with a large deck to enjoy ocean breezes and breath taking sunsets.  I've got mine just like you got yours.  But that is not what I thought of when I started writing this.  My question really is... what do you see of when you dream of your home? 

We all know that the home buying process is detailed.  What I am saying is put aside all the internet searching, the open houses you're attending, and all the neighborhoods you keep driving through.  We all know price is an obvious factor, but let's place that to the side for the moment as well.  What do you really want? 

If you're buying for the first time, this can be your first real challenge.  Are you single and looking for at least one extra room so a roommate you can help offset some of your monthly mortgage?  Do you have a flexible work schedule that allows you to perform your job outside of an office?  If so, you may want a dedicated home office outside of your living areas and/or bedrooms.  Are you recently married and soon to be?  You'll want to consider whether your home should fit your immediate needs, or if you plan to start a family in the future.  You may love to entertain so a large living room and extra bedrooms will be needed for your pseudo bed and breakfast.  Or perhaps you're looking at all the empty space now your kids have finally moved out and wondering if all that vacuuming is really worth the trouble.

Here is Austin, TX - like many metropolitan areas - there are a diverse number of communities and with a seemingly limitless array of home styles to choose.  We've got high rise condos in the heart of downtown, funky bungalow homes built nearly 100 years ago, ranch homes in the ‘burbs, and luxury homes with breath-taking views of the hill country and lakes.  The style that fits your personality exists.  It's requires patience when searchingfor your dream, but you know what you want - so what's the hurry?!?

What you may start to find is what you're looking for may change as you look for that first/next home.  If you find that to be the case, you're mostly certainly on the right track.  You'll even be surprised when your "must haves" change or simply get struck from the list (and how quickly too)!  What I tell anyone looking for a home is - don't sacrifice what you really want.  Yes, you need to have realistic expectations.  There's no such thing as wasting time when it comes to your dream.   So prepare yourself for what you want and be willing to wait for it if necessary.  It's not your Realtor's home or your lenders or your best friend's.  It's your home.