It’s something we associate with the American Dream. There is a certain satisfaction that comes with purchasing a home that is hard to match.
As you’ve probably learned about us, we love living in Arlington. We’ve shared our opinions about why Arlington is a great place to live and purchase a home. Additionally, we’ve highlighted various livability studies that rank Arlington as a wonderful city for home ownership.
If you are considering purchasing a home, it can be helpful to get feedback from a homeowner. Learning about their journey to homeownership may shed light on things you should consider.
As part of a new series on Arlington Texas Today, we want to share the stories of new Arlington homeowners. Since all journeys to homeownership are unique, we feel this will be a great way to showcase the process and emotions that come with buying a home.
Our first featured new homeowner is Liz S. Liz recently purchased a home in Arlington and agreed to share her thoughts and experience with us.
The following questions and answers are excerpts from our interview with Liz.
ATT: Tell us about yourself.
LS: I am an education consultant and have been in education for 16 years. I am a 40 year-old mother of a six year-old daughter, Skye.
ATT: What is your background owning and/or renting a home?
LS: My husband and I owned a home for five years. After (my) divorce, I bought a home but could not afford it at my teacher salary. I rented for 5 years after that.
ATT: Why did you want to purchase a home at this time?
LS: I was tired of moving my baby girl every year. I want her to be stable and grow up in one school and make life long friends. I moved when I was young and I want her to experience growing up with friends throughout her years in Arlington ISD.
ATT: Why did you select Arlington as the city you wanted to live in?
LS: My church. They are family and the daycare I have her in. (I) would not want her anywhere else.
ATT: What were the most important amenities for you in a home?
LS: Quality of schools is hands down the most important reason for my house hunt. My daughter’s education is the number one priority in my life.
ATT: What surprised you most about the home buying process?
LS: The worry of the appraisal. I was so afraid (the home) would appraise for less (than the sell price). I was wrong 🙂
ATT: What was your experience like working with your Realtor?
LS: (Keela McGraw) was always ready to show me houses I wanted to see. She introduced me to my lender and insurance guy that has made everything smooth sailing. Even though I know I am not the only one they worked with, they made me feel like I was a top priority.
ATT: What’s the #1 piece of advice you would give someone thinking about purchasing a home?
LS: God has a plan and no matter how many houses you look at he will get you in the right house. Be patient.
Do you have questions about purchasing a home? Click here to ask Arlington Texas Today co-founder and CearnalCo Realtor Keela McGraw.
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