That's all good advice. We're definitely going to be more choosy the next time. I think the next time I'd like to buy some land and build a brand new place. I'd even consider some of the newer pre-fab buildings that are delivered onsite.
What was the real estate market like when you sold the house? It was a sellers market when we bought this place. We had to compete with so many other potential buyers for every home we made an offer for in 2024. It's such a nerve-wracking process—especially when you're trying to time the selling of the old home and buying of the new home. We were extremely lucky both times we've sold (2015 and 2024). The second time our condo sold in less than 24hrs.
I would say the market was tight, both selling and buying. Real estate agents were having a tough time. But all real estate is local. We had to know our market when we sold, had to figure what our advantage might be...since the house was not a gem. Our greatest asset was our school district, which at one point actually came out #1 in the country. We also had a nice corner location--curb appeal. The man who bought it had a two-year-old boy. He said he was buying the house for his son. We were lucky. Sold on the first weekend, and I believe it was overpriced.
Irony of the situation: US News just came out with rankings. Our old school district came out #41 in New York state. No idea what the national ranking is, but it can't be good. Crazy luck. Wheel of fortune.
The first weekend! That's great. I had a feeling our condo would sell fast because it was one of the only "newer" buildings in a historic Victorian neighborhood so that made it unique/desirable. Neighborhoods and school districts can change so quickly! The next property I buy will be in the country, I think. I'd like five or so acres with a smaller house. I've been looking at these from Boxabl and they seem like a decent choice.