A Home Starts With Intention, Not Perfection

 There is a phrase I keep coming back to lately:

“A home starts with intention, not perfection”.

And maybe that is something buyers need to hear right now. Because if you are waiting for the perfect house to come on the market, at the perfect price, with the perfect interest rate, in the perfect neighborhood, with the perfect kitchen... You may be waiting awhile and missing the opportunity in front o you. 

Let’s be honest, The Perfect House Probably Doesn't Exist

After more than 20 years in real estate, I have watched buyers walk into homes and immediately start mentally remodeling them. And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think that is part of homeownership journey. But one questions, buyers often put out of the mind is the most important one. Does this work form my life today?  Can I comfortably afford it? Is it in the location I desire?  

These four questions, are important because, let’s face it, they can be difficult or expensive to change. The most important one to consider is the Location: the lot, the neighborhood, the view. If a school district is important to you or proximity to work, these aspects can’t really change. 

Of course, aspects such as roof, equipment, paint, flooring, fixtures, landscaping, hardware, kitchen, bathrooms, can change.. But do they have to change in order for you to move forward? 

Sometimes buyers become so focused on finding a house where someone else has already made every design decision for them that they overlook a home that could become far more personal. And honestly, sometimes those imperfect houses are where the opportunity is.

Waiting Has a Cost Too

I understand why buyers hesitate. Home prices in Orange County are high. Interest rates matter. Insurance matters. Monthly payments matter.

I would never tell someone to buy a house simply because they are afraid of missing out. The numbers have to work. But there is a difference between being financially prudent and waiting for every condition to become perfect. Markets don't usually work that way, they move or stay static based on the economics around them. Often times before the buyer see’s the opportunity, it is six months behind them.

And let’s face it, buying a home is a HUGE decision. There is almost always going to be something that makes you hesitate. So perhaps the better question may be: Does buying this particular house, at this particular time, make sense for me?

I promise you.. once you found the house and move in. 

What you thought you had to have doesn’t seem all the important. You settle into the routine, you meet the neighbors, the kids love their rooms, you have family over and throughout the year you make it your own. Your first holiday is going to be magical. 

I remodeled my home about 3 years ago, then I decided to sell, was't really on mind to sell, I loved everything about my remodel. (This is actually very common after a remodel)  I downsized and I like my new home. 

But somewhere along the way I became completely obsessed with château renovation shows. Now I'm looking around thinking perhaps I need old stone, European antiques, giant wood doors and a kitchen that looks like it has been there since 1782.

Apparently my current design aesthetic is now South Orange County meets slightly crumbling French château. Who knew?

And that's exactly the point.

Your Home Is Supposed to Evolve

A home doesn't have to be completely finished the day you get the keys. Actually, I often advise clients, live in it before you start tearing down walls. I think there is something wonderful about it not being finished and put your touch into it.

 

So, remember. A home starts with intention, not perfection! 

So buy the house! 

Thinking about buying in Portola Hills, Lake Forest or the surrounding South Orange County communities? Let's talk about what you're looking for, what the numbers look like today, and whether buying now actually makes sense for you. No pressure. Sometimes the answer is "buy the house." Sometimes the smartest answer is "not yet."