How to find a dream home

Are looking for your “dream home” in Princeton area, or anywhere else in New Jersey, and you just can’t find it, I may have some good news  - you will. It just may not be what your originally thought “perfect” is. Let me share a story.

In my pre-real estate life my husband and I were looking for a new house. We had four kids, which was two more then when we bought the old house. We still had room for everyone, bit it was getting a bit tighter, our budget was getting a bit better, and we wanted to have the new home for a new phase in our lives.

We knew the town we wanted to be in, the budget, and what we wanted in the new home. We thought that we should find it in no time.

Dream Home

Our search went on, and on, and on. There were many houses that met our criteria, but somehow something was missing.  I dutifully reported all the pros and cons of each house to our agent, who was patient – she knew we were serious buyers.

We began to wander if there was a “dream home” for us after all. Then, one day – we saw it. It was more then we budgeted, but we were already sipping wine in the tub overlooking the gorgeous yard. We were listening to the music through the surround sound by the pool. Oh, our dream was so close.  We tried, but could not buy this house.

When I called our agent to see another house – she said, “it’s not for you”. I did not question her. We’ve been at it for a long time, she must know. The house was sold.

A month later it was back on the market and I insisted that we see it.  The minute we walked in, I knew this is home. Every day in our home we think about how happy we are to live here and thank our lucky stars.

Is our home similar to the “dream home”? Yes and No. In retrospect, some things are just better left as dreams.



Fast forward to today. I am a real estate agent now helping people buy and sell their homes. I had clients who wanted to a colonial home, and bought a ranch. I had clients who wanted an open floor plan, and bought a home with nook and crannies. Sometimes clients tell me: “We just want to see 2 houses, because we don’t want to take too much of your time”.

How does it relate to my search for the dream home, you may ask. Here are a few ideas to take away.

  • Take as much of your agent’s time as you need to find your home.
  • If you are a serious buyer and are not getting an agent’s time, find the one who has the time.
  • Don’t keep secrets  - let your agent know what’s important. 
  • If you don’t know yet  - don’t worry. The search will eventually bring the answers.
  • Don’t limit your search to “what you know you want”- trust your agent’s advise.
  • Enjoy the process. You may be just around the corner from your dream. Isn’t it exciting?




Do not give up on your dream home, or dream anything. Go for it, search for it. It could be your exact dream or a dream you did not know you had. 


If you are looking for your dream home in Princeton, Montgomery Township, West Windsor, Hopewell, or Lawrenceville, allow me to be part of the search. Take all my time, I am all anticipation - your dream can be one appointment away. 

Dream Home


Please contact Faina Sechzer at 609-553-41755 with any questions and assistance in buying, selling real estate, and relocation assistance in Princeton, Montgomery Township, West Windsor, Hopewell, and Lawrenceville New Jersey. Referrals are accepted.
If you are moving out of this area, please inquire about the countrywide relocation program.


Copyright   2007 Faina Sechzer All rights reserved. This information cannot be copied, reproduced, transmitted, distributed, displayed or published.



 
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16 Comments on How to find a dream home

Thanks for the blog. The only advise I wouold give agents is make sure the husband and wife have the same dream for the home. Deal ing with folks at opposite ends can be frustrating

11/06/2007 06:59 AM by Charlie Ragonesi Big Canoe Realestate Jasper,Ellijay,Ball Ground,Benttree (All Mountain Realty)


I love your story & it is great advice. Things happen for a reason & sometimes waiting produces a better result

11/06/2007 07:05 AM by Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group)


Great post and story. I agree people will know that they know that they know. I'm glad it worked out for your home, Faina. I'm also glad you remember this when serving your clients. I introduce people to houses, I don't sell them a house, it's not my style. It would be an honor to work with you if I was moving to Princeton.

11/06/2007 07:17 AM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)


Charlie - it's a difficult thing advising on dreams. I can't make the husband and wife think the same or feel the same. That said, most couples somehow come to their dream together. I just want to be their to smooth the way. Thanks for your comment.

11/06/2007 08:12 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Joeann - I am totally with you. I believe too that thing happen for a reason. We may not realize it at the time, but only when looking back. Thanks for your comment.

11/06/2007 08:15 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Missy - You said "I introduce people to houses, I don't sell them a house" - that's why you would be my agent in Ann Arbor. Thank you so much for your wisdom.

11/06/2007 08:18 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Faina - thanks for relating your story.  My wife and I are going through the same process.  Been looking for the past 6 months.  Can't believe most homes look the same.

11/06/2007 09:44 AM by Matthew Rosov, Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (Envision Lending Group)


FAINA:  Interesting story.  What I've found is that as buyers continue to look for some time, their idea of what the dream really is keeps changing.  As long as they'll communicate with me about their likes and dislikes, I'm fine with taking time to find the right home.

11/06/2007 09:53 AM by Adam Waldman - Long Island REALTOR® (RE/MAX Best)


Faina- I think the most powerful thing here is that you related your own experience.  Buyers can be stressed, and giving them "Permission" to ask to see "one more house" can alleviate some of the stress.  That is a good Agent!!!

11/06/2007 09:58 AM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)


Mathew - I can't even tell you how long it took us. It can be done, just takes time. Thanks for your comment here.

11/06/2007 11:57 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Adam - You said "their idea of what the dream really is keeps changing" - I see it all the time as well. Many agents wouldn't spent the time it takes. Many buyers - are not communicating well with the agents. All true.

11/06/2007 12:04 PM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Kathy - You said: "Buyers can be stressed, and giving them "Permission" to ask to see "one more house" can alleviate some of the stress".

I can't say it any better then that. Thanks so much for your comments. 

11/06/2007 12:06 PM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Hi Faina,
Buying a house is a important, stressful and expensive decision.  We, agents, need to be understanding and patient during the process.  It is very important that we empathize  with our clients and sharing your personal experience is an excellent way to do that.  

11/07/2007 08:15 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Cynthia -we were all buyers and sellers at some point. We experience the same things that everybody else. We are everybody else. Thanks for your comment.

11/07/2007 08:48 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


Faina- Very good advice! Finding a dream home is for everyone. I am glad you found yours and now help others to find theirs. Katerina

11/08/2007 12:39 AM by Nestor & Katerina Gasset, Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.)


Katerina - that was exactly what I was saying - everyone can find their dream home. it may not be easy, it may take time, and you need a good partner as your real estate agent. Thanks.

11/08/2007 04:53 AM by Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)


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Real Estate Agent: Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert (Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty)
Faina Sechzer - Princeton, Montgomery, Hopewell, NJ Real Estate Expert
Princeton, NJ
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