Well, we found a house we wanted a few weeks ago.  We loved it not because of what it was, but because of what it could have been.  It just needed a lot of paint and carpet type stuff, but we saw the potential.  The owner was there when we went to see it and she loved my daughters.  She took my three year old by the hand and promised her the "purple room" would soon be hers.

Can you see what's coming here?  We wrote up the offer... the only thing that needed to be tended to was the sale of our own home.  The offer was above asking price, but there was the issue of our home.  They sold the house to a buyer with no home to sell.

This is where Realtor Christina and buyer Christina split and make a disconnect.  As a Realtor, I would have advised any seller client of mine to do the same thing.  As a buyer and a mom, I was crushed.  My little girl cried those bitter tears of a broken promise for the first time in her life, and there was nothing I could do about it.

So we did what many buyers would do.  We took down the "For Sale" sign in the yard and we settled back into our cozy home for the winter.  We decided to stay where we are, for now.  I understand why buyers and sellers with children are so tentative.  Showing a house with little kids is just one small step away from a nightmare.  Add my two dogs to the mix, and you've got trouble.  I decided it just wasn't worth it right now.

Plus, to quote one of my favorite childrens' books:

I love my house,

I love my nest.

In all the world,

My nest is best.

But once you've made that step to envisioning yourself in another house, you can't go back.  We'd been bitten by "the bug."

Okay, so I've been gone for a while.  Well, no, I've been home... but I've been absent from my good friends here on AR.  And I'm trying to be back now.

A while ago, I posted a couple times about getting ready to move, and now we are ready to take the plunge.

I want to invite you to move with me.  If you've never purchased a home before, you will get a feel for the ups and downs of buying in the Central New York Market.  If you have, you'll sympathize with our plight... and if you're an agent, you will get an interesting story to follow.

I have to catch you up first, but it's more than one post's worth of information, so here we go!

We live in a 924 square foot ranch in North Syracuse.  It's a great little house and we refinished the basement over the winter, so we really love it now.  But we are outgrowing it with our 3 and 1 year old daughters, so it's time to make a change.  Here are some pictures:

Our living room, complete with our eccentric but oh-so- HGTV red couch.

Our kitchen- actually there is more space here than it looks like.

Our basement rec room, and my sanity saver when the kids need a place to play while I work!

 So, that gives you a taste of what we are leaving... or trying to leave.  I don't know how the story ends, but look for the next chapter soon.

Allllll righty then!  I've been meme'd again!  I'm starting to fear that people will think I'm conceited.  This is my fourth (and fifth) time having been hit with the good old "Tag!"  This time's culprits are Susie Roscoe and Karen George.  Thank you, ladies... for thinking I am interesting enough to wonder what about me you don't already know.  Here are some inane and completely useless facts about me:

1. I like to think I have it together, but I don't.  And here is proof.  I don't remember what I wrote in the other MeMe's I've done, so I am going to go back and read them.  You can, too, if you are so inclined.  Here they are: And the MeMe Marches On..., then came ... And the MeMe Marches Back... and lastly, How Many Member MeMe's Can a MeMeing Member MeMe?.  I also have files all over my car, my dining room, my kids playroom, and my bedroom.  Actually, right now, there is a file on the edge of my couch too.  I never lose anything, though.

2.  I am a total reality TV addict.  I will stop blogging and all other activity to watch Survivor, American Idol or Hell's Kitchen.  I also love Grey's Anatomy, but that's just a drama type soap opera thing, not reality.  I like them because, despite the debate about editing and things being set up, I still think you can learn a lot about human nature by watching what happens to these poor people.  Plus, they make me feel so normal.

3.  I have a red couch.  I am the only person I know with a red couch, and I am proud of it.  We painted our living room a nice beige color with bright white trim and window treatments, then we have a cool tan striped carpet and the red couch.  It was very daring for me because I'm pretty conservative, but I am way proud of my HGTV living room.  It looks awesome.

4.  I love the New York State Fair.  It rocks.  I'm already looking forward to it at the end of the summer.  It always runs the week before labor day.  As a matter of fact, I was born the morning after my mom and dad spent the whole day there.  My mom thinks it is because she spent the whole day walking around.  We spend my birthday there every year.  It is even more fun now that we have the little ones to show around!  I am lucky to live here at the crossroads of the state, just a 15 minute drive from the Fairgrounds!

5.  I think I was a redneck in my past life.  It's one of those things that you eventually just have to stop denying and start owning.  I love barbecue, dream of buying an RV and I actually own a long sleeved flannel shirt.  Now, don't get too disgusted.  I don't wear the shirt.  But I have it just in case the mood should strike.  I am also married to a real, authentic country boy from North Carolina.  He brings out the redneck in me!

I don't want to pass the MeMe to anyone who doesn't want it... but should I anyway?  No, not gonna do it... not gonna do it.  But, if you want to meme and you haven't been asked, consider this your invitation.  Just make sure to e-mail me so I can read yours!

This one is going to be short.  It's the kind of post I hate.  I always roll my eyes at the posts where people are like, "Oh I just got this, like, totally cool new <fill in the gadget> and I just wanted all my AR buddies to know how great I am."

But we are going to pick up a different car tomorrow.  I am making the leap from a 2001 minivan to a 2005.   I don't believe in buying new cars, but to me this is a big deal.  I'm a weirdo.  It's just that we have been blessedly without a car payment for a while now, and so this makes me a little jumpy.  I have been enjoying blowing that extra money on dinners out and useless junk for my kids.

But, here is the question.  Is this going to help my business?  It's a factor for me.  I feel like maybe driving an older car is not good for my super-cool Realtor image.  Because you know, when I pull up in this newer bad- boy van, respect will be IMMEDIATE.  People will be knowing how cool I am even before I step foot out of my giant white egg on wheels.

Yeah, I'm totally convinced.  I'm so going to sell more houses now.  I'll be oozing confidence.  Forget the cute little sportster or the Hummer.  The minivan is the way to go.  Or should I take a second look at the station wagons...?  Those always inspire the envy of my peers.

What do you drive?  What does it say about you?  I dare you to share.

How often do you hear that?  This is a "once in a lifetime" whatever- deal, chance, event, feeling, opportunity.  And what do you always do when you hear that phrase?  You agree.  Because it's true.  It really is, most likely, something that will only happen once.

Why was I thinking about this today?  I don't know.  I was cruising along in my minivan (yeah, yeah, I know....) alone, for once.  I had the radio on and the windows down and a song came on that was talking vaguely about once in a lifetime chances.  I was in a good mood.  I'm still in a good mood.

And I thought about that idea... once in a lifetime.  And I thought about how great it is that every day is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It is a chance for me to:

• be a good mother to my children.
• enjoy the relationship I have with my loving and supportive husband.
• breathe fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, and smell the roses.
• help someone buy the home of their dreams.
• help someone sell a home so that they can buy the home of their dreams.
• listen to a friend in need.

I have the opportunity to make every day my "once in a lifetime" day.  How lucky can you get, right?  Every day has the potential to be the day I will remember for the rest of my life.  Of course, I will not remember each day I spend for the rest of my life.  But I will remember a collection of them.  I can remember that these months, or years, were happy and productive, even if  the individual days fade into the background.

Besides, maybe tomorrow will be the day I remember for the rest of my life.  When I wake up in the morning, I'm going to prepare for that.  And if tomorrow isn't it, maybe the next day will be.  I know one thing for sure: when my once in a lifetime day comes, I'm going to be ready for it.  I'm going to be expecting it.

Besides, you get what you expect, right?  So, are you going to be looking for your once in a lifetime day tomorrow?  And if it comes, will you be ready for it?

I can't believe this.  Suddenly, I am swamped.  I have new listings and new accepted offers to follow up on.  I have a phone that is running out of battery from ringing so much.  I have this smile on my face that won't go away.

And I have, like, zero new blog posts written.  So I'm taking a minute here to back it up and get back to basics.  I love this place, and I love writing my posts.  It's the one time each day that I am always just Christina.  I'm not Mommy, or wife, cook, house cleaner... I'm just me.

I take a lot of pride in being a professional Realtor, and I have always been writer too.  It's just that not everything I write gets read.  But, if you're reading this, there's something I want you to know.  This is me.  Totally.  It's not filtered... much.  It's not contrived or designed to trick anyone.

I love doing this because I feel like I am having a conversation with... well, myself.  And whoever else wants to listen.  And if you have read other things I've written and wondered how true it is, here's the answer.  It is.

I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who can take the time and initiative to blog about anything.  I know a lot of people who are blogging about real estate, because we have something in common.  But I am also enjoying reading blogs about nothing.  Like the Seinfeld show in print.  That's cool... and long as people are consistent and real, they have me hooked.

But, okay, back to basics.  I love where I live and I think people are missing out.  So I am going to go back to what I was originally going to do.  I'm going to write about this cool place and all the things that there are to do here.  Have you planned you summer vacation yet?  Let me help.

Do you live in Central New York?  Let me show you around.  Do you want to be a tourist in Syracuse?  Let me give you some tips.  That's why I'm here.

And, by the way... if you want to buy or sell a home in the Syracuse, New York area, give me a call.  That's how I earn a living.

I get asked questions all the time about homeowner's associations.  It's a tough one for me to answer because everyone feels differently about things like this, but there are definite pros and cons to living in a neighborhood regulated by an association.  Whether or not you choose a home within one or not can and likely will have a big effect on the way you enjoy your home, so read on for some more information.

THE GOOD:

• Associations can regulate things like paint colors, regular maintenance, and the amount and quality of vehicles on the properties.  This is generally viewed as insurance that property values will remain stable and the neighborhood will always be pleasing to drive through.
• Many associations offer some services.  These services can include exterior maintenance of the homes and yards, snow removal and trash services.
• Amenities.  Associations collect dues and pool them to use for the good of the community.  Sometimes this buying power can translate into community pools, playgrounds, trails, clubhouses, or other amenities that would be attractive to the members.
• A sense of community.  Homeowner's associations provide a small- scale opportunity to be involved in the community.  There are offices to be held, events to help plan, and things to volunteer for.  No matter what your comfort level, there is always something that you can do to be involved.
• Events.  Depending on the association, there may also be events available.  Some examples are community garage sales, picnics, trips, and holiday festivities.
• Friendships can bloom.  Because you will tend to meet more neighbors, you increase your chances of forming close bonds with others within the neighborhood.  This can be a great way to meet like- minded individuals who live nearby.

THE BAD:

• Associations can regulate things like paint colors, regular maintenance, and the amount and quality of vehicles on the properties.  If you are a "do- it- yourselfer," this may not be the place for you.  Neighbors generally frown on cars being repaired in driveways or even a classic car that is not used every day.  The restrictions on paint colors can be oppressive to some, and some associations also regulate landscaping and tree choices.  If you don't like to be told what to do, think carefully about this aspect.
• Nosy neighbors.  I have heard and seen examples of people getting into skirmishes about the rules in areas with homeowner's associations.  The sense of community can be the tie that binds or the tie that gags.  Sometimes neighbors feel they have the right to watch each other very closely, and whistle- blowers can become a real nuisance when they begin to look for things to report.
• Fees!  Fees can range from very reasonable to... um... very not.  If you are looking to get the most home for the buck, then adding the need to make HOA payments on top of everything else may change the house you can afford, so consider this carefully.
• Politics.  People who live in neighborhoods with an association naturally run into each other more because they have the added element of events and meetings to contend with.  People often run to grouping together, so this is another thing to think about if the very recollection of high school cliques makes you squirm.

Whichever way you go, you will probably have great reasons for doing so.  And you know what will make you happy and what will bug you beyond belief.  Good luck... and happy home buying!

Some fellow Realtors will not like this post.  In parts, it is encouraging you to waste our time.  But, it is what it is. 

Once in a while someone will call or e-mail me with a very simple question.  It goes something like, "I think I want to buy a house.  What is the first step?"  Yes, there are stock answers.  But, there is no one way that must be followed.  Some people need to follow the steps a little out of order, or they just want to take things slower or faster than others.

So, here are a few of the first things that you MAY want to tackle when you are beginning the process:

1. Talk to a mortgage professional of some kind.  It can be your bank or credit union, or a broker.  Please don't go on-line- you should talk to someone.  This will give you an idea of how much you can and should afford to spend.  Do you think this is putting the cart before the horse?  Well, it is... kinda.  Like when I was thinking about buying, I looked around a little first to see what number I would be looking for when I went for an approval.  But starting with the bank can keep you from looking at things that are far too expensive.  That usually leads to a broken heart.
2. Go on-line.  Look around at your local sites to determine what it is you like and don't like.  Establish a list of neighborhoods and other must haves or must not haves.
3. Go to some open houses.  Even if you're not really thinking that this will be the house for you, it's a good idea to get educated on the market.  That way, you will really know a good deal when you see one.  There is no substitute for practice and experience.  This is why you will eventually want a buyer's agent.
4. Call an agent.  If you have trouble with any of the steps above and find yourself saying, "How do I do that?  Where do I find it?  Who do I call?"  then you might want to start with an agent.  We have lists of contacts and websites to help you get started.
5. Okay, this is the one.  Go see some stuff.  Don't spend days, but just pick a few houses and go see them with an agent.  You will know by how you respond if the time is right for a move.  You will know because you will be trying to make houses work rather than seeing everything wrong with them.

These things are all important when you are beginning to think about buying, but everyone needs to take different steps at different times to feel comfortable.  You have to do what feels right to you.  Because what feels right usually is right.

I love my crystal ball.  It's what tells me that a new buyer client is great or is not, and what tells me if a listing will sell or languish on the market for months on end, and it's what tells me what groceries to buy each week.

Yeah, as if!  I do not... I repeat DO NOT have a crystal ball, ESP or any other psychic powers.  That's why when you ask me about certain things, all I can do is guess.  I don't know for sure if the water in the basement will be a big problem or not, and I certainly don't know how long it's been there.  I'm not sure if the roof is okay or not, but the water spots on the ceiling might know.

You and I can be a great team, but I can't tell you what to do.  If you are a buyer, I'll:

• open the doors to as many houses as you want to see before you take the plunge.
•  commiserate when the right one doesn't come along right away.
• jump up and down with you when we find the one that makes you feel "that feeling."

If you are a seller, I'll:

•  be happy to help you rearrange your furniture.
•  advise you on paint colors and changes that need to or don't need to be made. 
• give you some little tips that will help get your house sold.
• market your house in all the right ways.

But I don't know when the buyer will come, and I won't know how solid they are then they get here.  And I also won't be able to figure out what the home inspector will say ahead of time.

I love this job and I really love all that I've learned and all that I now know about homes, prices, markets and neighborhoods.  I am a more well- rounded person because of this.  BUT, I really can't promise you certain things.  I can use the clues in a home to tell me what MIGHT be going on, or the cues in a purchase offer to figure out something about the buyer's true intentions, but people are... well, people.  There will always be sellers that conceal the truth and buyers that get such cold feet that they never buy a house.  And there will always be homes that only get better with age and buyers who bend over backwards to make the sellers happy.  I find, more often than not, that people are really good.  They all want the same thing- happiness.

And to me, truly, happiness is a new home.  I love painting, fixing, customizing.  I love placing furniture and everything else.  I even kind of love the little change of address forms at the post office!  Why?  Because they are all part of this great phenomenon of real estate, and of life.  Change is good.

So, call me if you want a real person to work with to buy or sell your home.  Call me if you're not sure yet, but you want some more information.  Call me if you want a positive outlook and someone who will really try to get you where you want to be, when you want to be there.  But don't call me if you're looking for a crystal ball.

It's time for me to take a break from my commentary on market conditions and local places and events.  It's time for me to write a completely personal blog, one that I will print and save for later.  And here it is.

Yesterday my oldest daughter turned three.  It marks, for me, three years of parenthood and two in real estate.  For her, it was a day of pampering and love.  And I hope we made her really happy.   I think we did.  So, you see... she's changed her name.  The one we so carefully chose as one we hadn't heard too much in a while, but it was normal enough to not get made fun of in school was not the right one, apparently.  Never mind that we fought about it, went through hundreds of others before settling on it, and really loved it.  We made part of it individual and part of it from the family, so she will always have something of her own and something from her history with her.

Nope, none of that counts when a three year old decides that her name is Princess Cinderella.  And this is not a casual name change, this is serious.  It's been going on for months and shows no signs of letting up, so we did the princess thing yesterday.  All day long, my little girl WAS Cinderella.

She started off with breakfast at a table strewn with rose petals (fake, of course) and ended her evening with a cruise in her brand new Princess Solstice in the back yard.  In between, we had her pictures taken at a studio, lunch at McDonald's so she could play on the playground, balloons galore, friends gathering for cake, and presents!

It was a picture perfect day for this little princess, but it was so simple.  We could all take a lesson from her in sheer joy.  The things that made her the happiest were the things that didn't even register on our radar ahead of time.  She was delighted with the attention from everyone.  The greeter at Wal- Mart burst into song when we told him about it being her big day.  She blushed, but loved every second.  That was free.  I let her wear her princess dress all day from last Halloween and she felt so special.  That was free.  We played what she wanted to play and sang the songs she wanted to sing, and she felt like royalty.  That was free.

It was a wonderful day.  I told her as she drifted off to sleep that she will always be our princess.  And do you know what she said?  She said, "I know."