4 Homes // 4 Sale
A real estate game
I used to be a real estate escapist..we do what we do to manage, amirite? Scrolling Zillow before bed imagining how amazing it would be to live in the beautiful homes that 1) I could never afford and 2) would actually upend my family and life to move there. But in the last few years, as I went through divorce and the rebuilding of my life, I noticed my real estate habit stopped. Maybe it was because I needed to become very present in my life. I had to focus on healing and getting through each day. And my healing came through as absolute gratitude for the home I had created for me and my kids. Not only the physical space and aesthetics but the warmth and love that made it function.
Now it seems that I’ve found my way back to Realtor.com. Not to escape but to begin plotting my next chapter because change is coming and I will be an empty nester within the next 3 years. Mixed emotions on that but one thing I know is that I’ll no longer need to live in the community I’m in today. There are a couple realistic cities that I’m considering but also a couple dream places that could be vacation home/rentals.
So, I’ve always liked NYTimes real estate feature, What You Get, where they share what a given price gets you in real estate in different cities around the United States and abroad. In my version I’m rounding up 4 different homes in 4 different places I’d consider living in all within the same price range. I hope it’s a helpful exercise to sort my options as I decide on what’s next for me. And I invite you to play along if you like real estate escapism or the NYTimes feature too. Let’s go!
A 1926 Mediterranean duplex condo near Lake Bde Maka Ska. With a sauna!
Three bed, two bath, 1654 sq. ft.
Three blocks east of the lake and south of Uptown making it walkable to bakeries and coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment. I love Minneapolis and I’ve lived here since 2001 so it would be relatively easy to stay and shift from suburbs to a walkable city with a small yard to garden, etc.
A 1910 turn of the century updated 3 story with front porches on two levels and 4 blocks from Lake Michigan.
Four bed, two bath, 1752 sq. ft.
I am from Milwaukee and my mom and sisters still live there and Chicago. I would argue that Mpls is a better fit for me but being near family and the coast shore of Lake Michigan would be really cool.
Cape Cod 1967 beach bungalow with outdoor shower.
Two bed, one bath, 1128 sq. ft.
I’ve only been to the Cape once but I grew up vacationing on the east coast and I’ve always dreamed of living near the ocean and having an outdoor shower. This one is pretty small but might be a good option to buy and rent during the peak vacation season.
Near Palm Springs 1984 desert ranch with a pool.
Three bed, two bath, 1224 sq. ft.
This one’s way out of my comfort zone for location but California healthy living and weather is nice. I love all the outdoor space and this one might also qualify as a house I use occasionally and mostly list on Airbnb.
We go to Cathedral City almost every year. I don't know that I'd love it in July-August, though...love the Minneapolis house, too!