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:
- What makes you come alive?
- What gives you inspiration?
- What are your life time goals?
- What's your personality style?
- What can you afford?
- 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
Comments (12)Subscribe to CommentsComment