“Employing your imagination is the first step to the fulfillment of any dream.”
~ Richelle E. Goodrich
Meet Leah Harris of Washington DC, a client and friend of mine. Together we’ve been rummaging the marketplace for a new nest for Leah and her seven year old son. As a single mom she has lots to consider and her list of must haves is specific, objective and challenging. Yes, all three are achievable if one is willing to make some compromises.
I thought you’d enjoy reading how she focused on bringing in her dream home into reality. This is a passage from her upcoming story which will be published in full in my upcoming book, “Bounty and Bliss: Women’s Stories of Buying a Home Solo”.
“I have always been a firm believer in the Law of Attraction. New Agey stuff aside, to me it just makes common sense that we have a greater chance of attracting what we want when we focus singlehandedly on our goal, stay positive, and keep our minds and hearts open.”
“Now this is not to say that I was Ms. Positivity every step of the way. The market in my area is hot, hot, HOT! There is almost little to no inventory in my price range and desired area. Many houses are starting to get multiple offers, go pending even before the open house, and bidding wars are not uncommon. I had many moments of fear, doubt, and stress during the home-buying process — especially when I lost out the first place I bid on (in my dream location) to an all-cash offer. I was disappointed, but the first thought that came to my mind was “there is something better out there for you.”
“I had heard of ‘love list’ where people list all the characteristics of their desired mate, in hopes of attracting such a person. Why not do the same for a house? After all, it will likely be your ‘partner’ for many years as well! So I made my ‘house love list’ after losing out on house number one. I spent some time imagining how great it would feel when I finally scored my dream home. Then I put the list down and honestly sort of forgot about it, while continuing to go about my search.”
“Other ways I stayed (semi) sane during this process were:
• Venting to friends
• Doing my homework so I felt on top of the trends and confident in my decision-making (i.e. being an active poster and reader on local real estate message boards, stalking Redfin/Zillow/Trulia)
• Making time to relax and go to the spa
• Getting plenty of rest, exercise, and eating well
• …and of course, leaning on my awesome Realtor for encouragement and ideas!
Fast forward one month later, and a house around the corner from the house I lost out on came onto the market. This one was in even better condition – with a gorgeous top-to-bottom renovation. (The first house needed a ton of work.) When my offer was accepted, I pulled out my list and looked at it. The house had every single one of the characteristics I listed (well, except for the swimming pool, but I did put that down as my one ‘negotiable’).”
“Was it a sheer coincidence? Maybe, but I’d like to think that there was something larger, more magical at work here.”
“Are you in the market for a house? Even if you don’t believe in the Law of Attraction, consider writing out a love list with all the characteristics of your dream home. What do you have to lose?”
As Leah’s Realtor I stand by her each step of the way guiding her towards her desired goals. I remind her of the things that are most important to her. When you’re caught up in the frenzy of searching for a home, you can forget your basic priorities in the moment. As Realtors we have to help steer the ship for our clients. Leah’s’ story is not over yet as settlement is still a month away. Financing has to be finalized, an appraisal done, but she is well on her way to her new home. And she done it in part, by creating her love list and letting the Universe guide her.
What’s your secret sauce, dear reader, for buying a home?
EnJOY and blessings,
