We saw 17 properties in San Diego this past weekend. A little bit of everything - some places we couldn't quite afford. Some places that need a lot of work. Some places that just need a coat of paint. Some places that were totally empty and easy to visualize. Some places that were filled with stuff (so filled I have no idea how the sellers could be out in a year, much less a month!). Some places with huge yards. Some places with no yards. Good areas, bad areas, great houses, awful houses, you name it - we saw it.
It was a whirlwind. And I feel like my emotions have ran the scope. In the past, Paul and I both been pretty no-nonsense about where we live. We look through some places online, look through some places in real life and then sign off quickly. The current place we're in, I signed a lease and paid a deposit before I'd even set foot in the neighborhood.
But, of course, that's a bit easier to do as a renter, not an owner. Owning is a completely different beast. The pressure to "get it right" is overwhelming (but fun too!). We made the decision to consider buying based on many factors, but I am keeping in mind that we can always rent so it would be crazy to purchase something we're not in love with and that doesn't work for our growing (!!) family.
So I'll keep you posted. I plan on talking more about our process once things start to feel more organized and an actual plan takes shape. We have our fingers crossed about one (amazing!) place but outside of that it's looking pretty lackluster at the moment...