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A Valentine's to Remember

By
Real Estate Agent with Referral Patners LLC 0583719

front view of house

Valentine 1999. An all important date in my life. It holds a sweet memory, no pun intended. I had in my hand for the first time keys to a house that I could call home. I don't recall the drive from the closing to the house but oh, how well I remember standing in the middle of the living room with those keys in my hand. I was elated, surprised, overcome with joy and any other expression of happiness one can imagine. And it was Valentine's Day!

The journey began for me when I decided to take action and fulfill my dream of home ownership. It was January and all about new ~ year, home, leap of faith. So I leaped and contacted a mortgage person. They were able to help me determine how much home I could afford to buy. Whew, was I glad that process went quickly and smoothly. Pre-qualifying was relatively painless. I was motivated. I was ready and able. I needed to find a location I was willing to live in.

Out came the map book, highlighters and all the other tools needed to study. I identified several areas I was willing to consider. It was time for the great adventure; exploring the new and unknown areas in hopes that I would consider one home.

Exploring involved driving to each area and scouting out the neighborhoods. First, I drove through the streets on a regular work day. Next, I went back out on a Saturday to those I had not ruled out on the previous drive-by. Doing this really gave me a good feel for the neighborhood.

Having achieved my goals within a week I was ready to meet with a real estate agent. I handed over to the agent my maps and list of requirements in a home. Not being an agent myself at the time I was unaware of what the term meant to be a ready, willing and able buyer. But the agent knew and gladly explained that I had properly prepared beforehand.

My agent advised me that in light of all the information I had shared they would be able to prepare a tour of homes for the following day. The next day was a Saturday and we started out on our tour with seven homes. I knew when we entered the last home I had walked into what would be my new home. It was a good home for me and a fabulous Valentine's day in 1999.

View of back yard


If you are considering making your dream of home ownership a reality please give me a call. Together we can work through the process of owning a home. If you qualify, you may be entitled to the first time homebuyers tax credit of 2009. The credit could help you in achieving your dream of homeowner.

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Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

I was wondering where this August "Valentine" story was going from the title Teral! I enjoyed reading about it and how you were so prepared to find your dream home. 

Aug 11, 2009 02:34 PM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Thanks, Karen, try as I may I could not think of a catchey title so if nothing else I'll get a fresh run on the story when Valentine's comes around <smile>.

Aug 11, 2009 04:12 PM
Wendy Montoya, REALTOR® Broker Associate, 254-315-4906
Towne Adams REALTORS - Waco, TX

That first feeling of buying a home.  ahhhhhh. Yes, you describe it well. 

Aug 12, 2009 03:18 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Thanks for sharing your information with us today. Have a great weekend.

Aug 14, 2009 08:16 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Thank you, Wendy and Harry for reading my post.  This one does show the importance of a catchey title.

Aug 15, 2009 02:43 PM
Irene Tron
Valparaiso, IN

Great story!  There's nothing like the excitement of that first home purchase.

Aug 17, 2009 07:04 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

It is one of life's pleasures that is ingrained in your memory and cherished for years. Thank you for sharing with me, Irene.

Aug 17, 2009 01:55 PM
April Solomon
Keller Williams Professionals - Swannanoa, NC
Broker/Realtor/GRI

Thank you for sharing your information with us today.  There's nothing like the excitement that comes with your first home purchase. 

Aug 19, 2009 11:13 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Thank you, April, for reading my story.

Aug 19, 2009 12:30 PM