Home Hunting - Part One

  I was going to call this entry house-hunting, but that would really be misleading.  It isn't just a house we've been hunting for.  It's a home.

  Since we made the decision that we sincerely want to make Colorado Springs our home, we have been looking for a place to settle.  Originally, we believed it would be quite temporary.  We had in mind that we would find a place to rent while we built on a piece of land we own with a view of Pikes Peak.

  A little research revealed that our perfect spot, property owned since 1983, is in the city plan to become the northeast corner of a four way stop at the eastern end of a sprawling residential development.  Perhaps not the ideal location for our dream home.  So, on furter reflection, we decide to wait and see what really happens with this development before we commit to build.

  We also learn, as we investigate the housing market in the northern part of Colorado Springs, our target area, that renting a home, preferably furnished, of the size and with the amenities we prefer, will cost as much as or more than what we might pay to purchase such a home.  This is when our focus shifts.

  So we begin to investigate homes for sale.  It isn't long before I rediscover my beloved's preference for new homes over those lived in by others.  We shift our focus to new, recently built and spec homes.  There are many.  I am particularly impressed by how many there are with pricetags over $700,000. More than we prefer to pay.

  I am also impressed, and surprised, by how many still include formal dining and living spaces.  In the 23 years we've been married, I can count on one hand (okay, both hands, really) the number of times we've used the formal living room.  The dining room we've used more frequently, but only because the table has more leaves and seats more people.

  We really do want a great room, living space in the basement for visiting college students. and a view, if possible.  To be continued...