Mr. Brian Paris, realtor. I was already slightly familiar with him from the homeowner's workshop and it seemed like the natural direction to take. I called and left him a message early in the day. Anxiously, I waited for his return call. Several hours later Mr. Paris called. Seeing as it was Friday evening, we agreed to meet the next week. We scheduled a time for late Tuesday afternoon at 630pm. He encouraged me to make a short list of the items I was looking for in a home so we could narrow the search down.
May 2, 2017
Palms sweaty, wishing I had some of my mom's spaghetti, I waited in the parking lot at 10999 IH-10 outside of the Keller Williams suite. We entered the conference room. I nervously scanned my surroundings while Mr. Paris set up his tablet and the humongous screen that displayed his contact information and the PowerPoint he covered during the workshop. The bulk of our conversation was budget related, making wise financial decisions, and not becoming house poor. We quickly dove into the wish list...my requests seemed minor but once he entered it all the initial list of available homes was only 13.
We reviewed them on the big screen. There was one on the west side that had just hit the market and another I was willing to see near Balcones Heights. I assumed we'd see the houses in a day or two so I was caught off guard when he asked if I wanted to see them tonight!
Our first stop was on Nassau drive. It had everything on my list, except a garage--but it didn't feel right. And then we went to the back and I knew it was not the one for me. An awkward yard shape and the house next door had big, loud barking dogs.
Next up was the west side house. And it was beautiful!! It had been renovated, very spacious, beautiful tile throughout, the master bedroom was amazing and the backyard was captivating. But. It was way over my budget. In the moment eating Ramen noodles for the next 30 years sounded plausible. As our night came to an end Mr. Paris let me know that if I wanted to make an offer we'd have to make a move soon as the house would go fast. I drove home, knowing in my gut, neither one of the house would become my home.
May 3, 2017
Emails and texts flew back and forth. After a restless night I realized I had to tweak my wish list a bit. I took a late lunch and met Mr. Paris on Santa Monica Rd. We walked in and right out. On paper it was perfect. In real life the neighborhood was sketchy and I did not feel safe even visiting.
The same day a house on Vandenberg Way was put on the market. My schedule prevented us from going to see it same day. Mr. Paris went by and was kind enough to send me photos and video footage of the house. He felt as though it would be perfect for my situation. He wanted to make an offer ASAP, but I still needed to see it.
May 4, 2017
All along Naysia hadn't played much of a role in this process. I really wanted her to come with me to Vandenberg Way. She Ubered to my job at 4 and we agreed to meet Mr. Paris at 5pm. In hindsight I'm glad it all worked the way it did. I was on my there during the start of rush hour. I hated the traffic and the distance. Luckily, Mr. Paris called to let me know the sellers had already received 15 offers and they were no longer allowing additional views. He asked if I wanted to see another house since we were out. I told him I'd have to pull over to look at the listing and call him back.
I had only seen 3 homes and I was already overwhelmed!! As we sat in some random neighborhood I started to cry. Maybe this wasn't the right time. I prayed, Lord, help me to know what to do! Help me to know when I walk into a house if it's the one YOU set aside for me! My plan was that I'd see one more house and if it didn't work than I'd take a break from the process. The pre-approval was good for 90 days, my lease wasn't up until August. I had time and did not want to rush.
I looked at the email I had received earlier in the day and there was a house on Eland Dr. I was willing to look at. Called Mr. Paris to let him know where to meet. My face was frowned as we turned into the neighborhood. The street was just off the freeway, mall close by, lots of pedestrian traffic. As we headed east the neighborhood became greener and more residential. We pulled into the driveway, and the only thing I could say was "Hmm". We stood on the porch as Mr. Paris opened the red front door. The original wood floors immediately caught my attention, the house was bright and sturdy. Naysia and I walked thru several times and all I could continue to say was "Hmmmmm"....... We were there longer than I had been at the others. It felt good, it felt right, I think it's the one. Naysia had already decided on which bedroom would be hers. I asked what she thought and she loved it. The lawn in front on back was her concern--we are desert rats, her question was "How do we take care of the grass?" I shrugged my shoulders, we'd have to figure that out.
I expressed my initial adoration and the desire to possibly make an offer. I needed to first pray and talk about it with some wise folks. My goal was to have an answer in an hour. Two hours later I let Mr. Paris know I'd like to move forward.
May 5, 2017
I spent yet another late lunch in Mr. Paris' company. This time to sign documents supporting my offer on the Eland Dr. house. Signature here, intial there, and the question I dreaded. Several offers had already been made--did I want to offer more than the asking price? My answer, no. He asked if I was sure and I was certain. At that point he suggested I write a letter to go along with my mediocre offer. It was after 2pm and offers were being presented at 4pm. The pressure to write a heartfelt letter was on. As I walked out the door he asked if I need to see an example.....no, the Lord had already put the words on my heart. Now, to quickly get it on paper.
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