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Buying a House? Look for Inspiration...

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

 

Are you looking to buy a new home? Find your energy! Follow your passion! My advice comes from experience and the professional expertise I have acquired over time working with buyers and sellers. Let your search begin with the inspiration that comes from within. Ask yourself the following questions:

 

  1. What makes you come alive?
  2. What gives you inspiration?
  3. What are your life time goals?
  4. What's your personality style?
  5. What can you afford?
  6. What can't you afford?

 

When I was young, my hopes and dreams were different, because they included family and friends. I wanted to make a good impression on others. For me, the ability to buy a home had a lot to do with accomplishment and prestige but that deep inner yearning for being true to myself was even stronger.

 

After the company I worked for relocated me to Texas and my lifestyle was different, it was important for me to buy a home that showed I had accomplished something more in life than when I started. The people closest to me, including family had taken on their own paths in life or no longer existed. Those of us who lived, were all on a different journey. Subsequently, the big family get togethers never existed here in Texas. The prestigious job soon fizzled with budget cuts, working long, hard hours without compensation. Having a job in itself was perceived as an accomplishment.

 

Over the 11 and 1/2 years working with people as a REALTOR, I've seen and heard many stories about people, the reasons why they want to buy or sell, or the personal reasons that I keep confidential. Having a fidiciary responsibility is something sacred to me.

 

So... what's my advice to buyers thinking about buying? Regardless of how much you can afford, never buy more than you can comfortably afford because the life you know today will be different in the future. Give yourself the best life you can within your means and don't buy a home to impress others. Be happy with what you can afford. Make improvements that count when you can afford to do so. Live the best life you can in a clean, well maintained, clutter free home. Spend time with the ones you love as often as you can, including yourself. You'd be surprised how satisfied you can be when you can break free for a vacation or just a local visit to a lake, the zoo, botanical gardens, hiking, biking, or just exploring the roads less traveled.

 

This photo was taken in Puerto Morelos where soul searching comes naturally. I'm happy to say I don't live in a castle - mine is sufficient for my needs. I don't have an ocean view but when I need one, I can book a vacation. I don't have all the new upgrades home builders offer - but what I do have is functional and sufficient for my needs. I don't take risks on home improvements by getting myself into debt - but what I do have is safe enough to know I can sleep at night not worrying about debt, or thinking about something mechanical can cause me harm. A house needs to be maintained - take that into consideration when purchasing a home. From the bottom of the waters of the Carribean Sea, these pearls of wisdom came to me.

 

  • When you live within your means, you can sleep better.
  • When you make improvements to your mental well being because you take time away to do some soul searching, you don't care about impressing others.
  • Focusing on your well being is a gift you give yourself to benefit others. 
  • Everyone journeys at their own speed, in their own time.
  • Time passes by quickly - seek inspiration and find ways to make self-improvement.
  • Impressing others with material goods does not promote life balance.

 

And the biggest pearl of wisdom I received is this:

 

When shopping for a home, be less critical when you look at other people's homes. Live within your means and know that impressions don't necessarily mean anything to others, except you. Be inspired knowing there is a good roof over your head, glass windows to bring in the light, doors that open and close, a functional toilet, shower, tub, kitchen sink, floors that are level, enough space that accomodates your needs, pay attention to safety, potential hazzards, and don't be so picky about cosmetic things that can be easily changed. But most of all, live within your means and take time away to appreciate life because life is the greatest gift on earth. See all, be all, and do all that you can when you can. Don't be a slave to a company or business, even if you are self-employed and never, never, never live in the shadows of debt collectors. Inspiration comes from the spirit within.

 

© Photo Journal by Patricia Feager 4/18/2014

 

 

Posted by

Texas Law requires all license holders to provide the Information about Brokerage Services form to prospective clients.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-4-1.pdf

dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments (12)

Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Excellent words of wisdom all Patricia. What's interesting sellers do not like feedback on what is wrong with their own home but when they are out buying they do the same thing picking apart other people and their homes. The motivation for what you want for sure changes over the years.

Apr 18, 2014 02:37 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Patricia,

Great advice, your principles apply to so many walks of life.  In design, we always look for a touchstone of inspiration...and go from there.  A

Apr 18, 2014 03:02 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Your photo is a beauty!  The reality of buying a house and making it a home is summed up nicely with your end paragraph.

Apr 18, 2014 07:06 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Great Blog Patricia,  I guess I miss your picture that I skip over you, I am sorry, I will get the new image in my head.  Miss you.

Apr 18, 2014 09:56 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Patricia, I totally and completely agree. I tell buyers this exact thngs and never push them to go to the limit.

Apr 18, 2014 02:37 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Patricia. You inspire each and everyone one of us. You add so many wonderful ways for all of us to think about home ownership and share it will all prospective home buyers. Well done, as usual.

Make it a great weekend!

Apr 18, 2014 08:18 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Good information for getting a firm grasp on that which is important for the immediate future. Many a first time buyer goes into the process thinking the are buying their 'forever' home, when it is just the home that teaches them how to live independently

Apr 18, 2014 10:54 PM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I find it hard to believe that this wasn't featured so I suggested it.  When we bought our home, we bought it with the idea that one person could afford the mortgage, and still live within his or her means.  It has been the one thing we cling to.  And, it has served us well.  Smart post, Patricia.  Thank you.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Apr 19, 2014 07:55 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Patricia - smart post and very wise words.   

Apr 19, 2014 11:03 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good advice. Home buyers should know that they will be in good hands when they elect to use your professional services.

Apr 20, 2014 10:46 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Wow!  Such wisdom.  I need to go back and read this over and over.  I'm far too worried about the opinions of others....I know it and I'm working on it.  I am learning to separate happiness from material things, but it doesn't come easy, LOL!  Great advice for those about to begin their search for a home....no such thing as perfect and you will drive yourself crazy looking for it

Apr 20, 2014 08:31 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for the inspirational post. Home buyers in your area should call you to be their agent.

Apr 23, 2014 11:46 PM