Hey guys!

Matt Goldstein with the Now Guys and today we’re talking first time homebuyers purchasing a house that’s “been around the block.”

You the buyer, being in that awkward place life where you start wondering

“Am I millennial? Do I eat enough avocados to be one?” – just swiped right with the Jenna Jameson of houses and now what? This pretty lady is definitely not in her prime but there’s something about her that just seems mature and full of character, and really gets you going. So you follow through and purchase that older home, and now have taken on the task of pleasing a much more experienced lady (and let’s be serious – that is nerve racking).

Just like those movies were the jock beats his douchebag buddy by being 2 Fast and WAY 2 Furious, (RIP Paul Walker), or how the popular guy can transform the artsy chick into someone new by removing her ponytail and glasses just in time to take her to prom, you just spent your last dollar on a home that intimidates the s*&^ out of you (rightly so) and are eager to get in there and start turning that zero into a hero. THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE? DON’T. FREAK. OUT. Today, we’re here to help you turn Betty White into Scarlett Johansson – or at the very least a Kardashian midway through the surgeries. Let’s say post lip, pre butt implant.

1.) R-E-S-P-E-C-T this home’s history!

Do not underestimate this old broad.  DO not go in and just start knocking down walls.  This girl has been around the block so you want to handle with care.  Get a professional to help with improvements and DO NOT CALL THEM IMPROVEMENTS.  Be sensitive!  I want to take this wall down so people can see more of you, your true beauty.  And this flowered wallpaper? Yeah, lets remove this so your natural tone can shine. CONFIDENCE is key, no matter how pretty you make her look on the outside, she has to feel it, know it trust it, and believe it!  A professional contractor or at least an insured and trusted handyman who’s work you’ve seen can help you avoid having the Britney Spears circa 2007 house on the block.  (Poor Brittney.)

2.) Take it slow!  

There no rush, you’re in this for the long haul.  A common misconception is that once you’re in the house, you have to do everything at once. No one likes that. Be gentle and go piece, by piece.

Do the most important thing (to you) first, and then plan on how you’re going to keep getting things done.

Sure, you heard that Margaret did her refinished her backdoor from a dark brown to a stark white and that sounds appealing. But you tried that once in college and decided that you’d rather not travel down that road again. You can’t just enter through the back door first trip to the backyard.

Ease into it. And don’t worry about what others are doing – HOUSE PEER PRESSURE / HOUSE RENNOVATION PRESSURE IS TOTALLY A THING AND WE ARE NOT. HERE. FOR. IT. Your pace is your pace – don’t overextend yourself.

3.) Don’t get complacent!

No house wants to feel unwanted or that they aren’t as exciting as they used to be or they are just there out of convenience and ease.  Even if your old house Kyle moves back to town after backpacking through India where he taught children how to save elephants so those elephants could go and save children and in doing such hard work got an even more chiseled six pack and somehow got taller maybe because his humanitarian acts then turned into an app idea where more children can save more elephants and Facebook bought it for a gazillion dollars so he can just be Kyle and whiten his teeth constantly and not have to worry about bills or carbs cause he’s a vegan and eats what elephants eat because the freaking children and elephants don’t eat meat, and/or can’t afford to have handi snacks!  Well, I’m sorry I freaking love handi snacks!  I don’t care, I mean the house doesn’t care that you only dated in high school and it’s been years! KYLE IS THE WORST! He makes things look easy, at least cosmetically, while we’re over here trying to decide whether we upgrade the landscaping, the washer/dryer, or eat this month.  NOT ME. I’m the house who gives you shelter and love and a “comfy” belly to lie on!  Who takes our kids to school and wipes our kids noses and butts!  Does Kyle do that?  And how about the elephants?  Huh? Does he?  For landscapes sake Carol, I’m your husband!!!

…Sorry, MY POINT IS, just appreciate this wonderful imperfect home you have, that’s all I’m saying.  Try not to focus too hard on what your neighbors or their Kyle’s are doing. There should be NO pressure and NO timeline when it comes to transforming your home.

4.) Enjoy and Be Grateful!  

You’re doing what most people dream of and you own a home that has character, scars, stories, and a history.  Fill this home with laughter, friendship, family, memories, and love!  Make mistakes, paint a room blue so you sleep better (that is 100% NOT a thing), plant a garden in the back even though you killed that “lucky” bamboo on your desk within a week (thanks for the birthday gift, Karen from accounting), but just enjoy yourself.  It’s not the size of the home that matters but what is shared inside that matters.  You hear that Kyle!!!  I got more memories in this little…OK, OK, I’ll stop!  Congratulations on the biggest purchase of your life so far, enjoy the excitement!  You only get stories of your first home once!

Matthew Goldstein
A Fresh Approach To Real Estate
Keller Williams Real Estate
Lic#3150469
7280 W. Palmetto Park Rd #110
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Cell: 561-459-7114
Fax:561-892-2370
MattGoldstein@KW.com
www.theNOWguys.com