Is a house like a partner?

How do you know it is the right one for you? How do you know if you will like the décor a month from now, a year from now, a decade from now? This blog post sounds a little bit like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City.

But to me, my dwelling, has been a priority in my life. I can remember back to my apartment living days and finding some low-cost ways to make my apartment feel and look like home. The renovation of my beach house in part, led to divorcing my husband as he was not interested in making the house a priority.

Each time I purchased a home, it has been a mix of a good investment and good “bones”. When it comes to a partner, I was not great at following the same advice. But for me, I can’t imagine my life without a place to call my own. It is truly a part of my identity and where I sp end most of my disposal income. I joke with my carpenter that we are in a committed relationship, as he has been steadily employed at my home for the past several years.

But how do you know you are buying the right house? There are plenty of articles about falling in love and some of the same rules apply to the home. There is an instant attraction; there has to be chemistry, the ability to see yourself in the space/with the person, it feels right in your core. And then there is location. I have never been big on long distance romances (though I did try it once but that’s for another blog) but as realtors say there are 3 things that matter when buying a home: location, location, location. It fits your budget. I believe your partner should fit your budget and lifestyle too. You also want to stop looking at other homes. Each time I have bought a house, I knew it was the house for me (except for one) and immediately put in an offer and I didn’t second guess my decision (well maybe a few sleepless nights). I wish I could be as sure about a partner. But with age comes the wisdom that even when we think we have found the “forever” home, nothing is forever, but it’s a nice idea.