That is the question I keep getting after posting a picture of my future home in Georgia.
After talking of my plans to purchase a lake home in Iowa for 2 years, it makes sense that my decision caused mass confusion.
So, what happened?
After a couple of my offers were not accepted and another fell through prior to closing, I pressed pause and decided to stay in Chicago a little longer and enjoy my beautiful condo and boating on Lake Michigan. I even invested in a rental property with my son where I planned to live once my condo sold. After receiving two low offers on my condo, I took it off the public market and listed it privately, determined to wait for an offer that was reasonable.
And then to my surprise, when I least expected it, my condo sold. By this time I knew that my investment purchase was not contingent on the funds from my condo which meant I could now focus on finding my lake home!
While embracing my time in Chicago, I continued to watch the real estate offerings in Iowa and found that prices were escalating and like elsewhere, bidding wars ensued anytime something great hit the market.
Then it occurred to me. If I am going to have 2 homes, including the one in chilly Chicago, the other should be in a warmer climate. I zeroed in on eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, northwest South Carolina, and northern Georgia. Next, I looked for communities near a major airport and near a lake where my boat club operates.
My dilemma in getting started was deciding where to look first. I decided to start in Georgia as I was intrigued by Lake Lanier and my boyfriend’s brother-in-law is an established realtor in that area. And, as I found properties I liked in neighboring States, he referred me to realtors in his network to assist.
Like everywhere, lake properties are going under contract as quickly as they hit the market. The first few that caught my eye had multiple offers before I had even worked on financing approval.
So once again I pressed pause. No easy task for this impatient woman. Spending a couple of weeks in Hawaii helped. Then I worked on pre-approval and scheduled a vacation to Atlanta. I even looked into subleasing an apartment.
Then, just like the sale of my condo, when I was least expecting it, I found my forever home. During my press pause phase, I had favorited a property in Cumming GA to give my realtor an idea of the amenities I wanted. On the same day I applied for an apartment lease, I got a notification that this “favorite” property was reduced in price. After touring it via facetime, I booked a flight to Atlanta to see it in person.
It was love at first sight. A contemporary new-build with plenty of space to entertain. A large garage and bonus space perfect for my feeding ministry, AirBNB and craft studio dreams, a dream kitchen, and a place for future grandchildren, puppies, and a pool. This is where you will find me, vacationing at home during my retirement years.
Since I was competing with multiple offers, I did not have the time I wanted to explore the area to make sure it would fit the kind of social life I desire. But never fear. I will be connecting with former colleagues, high school classmates, sorority sisters, and a friend of my bestie who is also moving to the Atlanta area. I will be closer to my parents and sister and my boyfriend Joe has six siblings nearby including his sister who has already declared us to be retired besties. And I imagine many new friends when I find a new church home.
Looking back at the vision board I created a couple of years ago, I see my new life in this home in the images. Although it’s not Iowa, I will be taking many direct flights from Atlanta to Des Moines on Delta. But when I’m home, I look forward to frequent visits from family and friends.
Is it Iowa? No, it just might be Heaven.
