What's Your Criteria??

All buyer’s have certain criteria when they purchase a new home.  It might be location, or price, or amenities and usually a combination of several things; a “must have” list, so to speak.  My job is to find them the house that meets all of their parameters, or at the least as many as I can.

I worked with one client, whom I now call a friend, for more than a year.  She had very clear goals.  She wanted a house with charm and character, she wanted at least 1600 square feet, a garage, 1 ½ baths but preferably 2 full baths and no corner lots.  We looked at hundreds of homes (no kidding!) in Middleton and Madison and she even considered new construction.  We even wrote offers on a few that didn’t work out and in hindsight were not the right properties for her. 

We both were aware of a house that was for sale on Madison’s west side that was darling.  Talk about curb appeal!  She liked the exterior so much that she sat in front of it and called me to see it. But, and here’s the big “but”, it didn’t meet all her criteria.  So, we passed on it.

Fast forward a few days while we were looking at another property with a friend of hers and the house in question came up.  Her friend encouraged her to look at it.  So we did.  And she liked the interior as much as the exterior, but what about her “must have” list?  She thought long and hard about what to do and we talked…and talked and talked.  We eventually wrote an offer.  After some negotiating, the offer was accepted and she has since closed and moved in.

She made some concessions.  The house is 1300 square feet.  It has only 1 bathroom.  It’s on a corner lot.  What??  Yep!  But it is darling, it has charm and she will work her magic to make it spectacular!  I think she’s happy and I know she loves the neighborhood.  And, she was a joy to work with! 

The moral of the story is that it’s important to have criteria, but flexibility is key!  Be sure to look at EVERYTHING!  You never know, it might be the house you’ve been waiting for.  If you know someone looking for the house of their dreams (or close to it!) have them give me a call.  As always, I’m happy to help.