Meet First-Time Home Buyer Kendra Krull Simon

WHAT WERE YOU MOST SURPRISED BY THROUGH OUT THE PROCESS?

I was surprised to learn about pocket listings. I had no idea there were houses that our agent had access to that I couldn't find in a simple Google search.

DID YOU WIND UP IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOU INITIALLY WANTED TO BE IN?

No! We actually ended up in a neighborhood that wasn't even on our radar whatsoever. But we trusted our agent. When we weren't finding what we wanted our agent said..."this house has everything you want but in a different neighborhood." We knew it was the one right away.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE PROCESS?

Practicing patience. We wanted to find our dream home right away! (It took a year) and then when we found it we wanted to be IN it right away! (We had to go through a long process of offers, negotiations, contracts and then an escrow) THEN we wanted it to be livable right away...it takes a solid year to feel settled. At the end of the day it all flies by so fast. We've been in our home for 4 years and it feels like yesterday. There's no need to rush things.

WHAT WAS THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF THE PROCESS?

Working with a real estate agent who we really enjoyed on a personal level. It made the viewings so much fun! Also, our agent had us sit and write a "dream home wish list" during our first meeting which was really fun. It never dawned on me to sit a write out a very clear idea of what would make us the most happy. We were kind of just blindly looking at properties up until that point.

DID YOU SPEND MORE OR LESS THAN YOU INITIALLY PLANNED TO?

Less, surprisingly... on the actual home which turned out to be a blessing because decorating definitely ended up being more than I had expected. I think factoring in an initial decorating budget is a good idea but you don't need to factor in EVERYTHING at once since you will want to add things over time. Just the basics. Couch, bedroom furniture, kitchen appliances, etc.

ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS:

It's important to stay flexible. Don't get too attached to what you think you want because there could be something even better a mile outside of your desired neighborhood. You never know!

Don't start decorating until you've been in the house for some time. I tried to get EVERYTHING by the end of escrow. Huge first-time buyer mistake. Thank goodness my mother-in-law stepped in with this advice because it would have been a complete disaster.

Find an agent you like on a personal level and TRUST them. They know more than you do. ;)

HOW HAS OWNING YOUR OWN HOME CHANGED THE WAY YOU LIVE IN YOUR OWN SPACE?

Owning a home definitely creates a new sense of responsibility. I've really learned a lot about caring for a property. Homes need TLC just like the rest of us! It also creates a huge sense of self, through self expression. Goodbye temporary ikea furniture-hello investment pieces and items that really real reflect who you are. It's really a lovely creative and personal journey.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU ENJOY MOST NOW THAT YOU OWN?

Not being afraid to make mistakes. I painted my kitchen 4 times before I found the right colors!

I also have loved creating a "home". It feels so much more personal sharing our home with friends and family as opposed to a place where we reside for the time being. It's far more intimate and special.