Some Background: Our Search. Part 1

We've Been Looking...

Since 2010, we have been looking to purchase a home.  At the time we started our search, we had just moved into a rental home by Ocean Beach in San Francisco that literally foreclosed two weeks after we moved in.  We felt like we got HAD by the Landlord!  It was supposed to be our five year home, while we saved money for a house.  Since it got foreclosed, we started entertaining the idea of buying earlier. Well, it put the wheels in motion for us to look hard for a home for purchase!

What Were We Looking for in a House?

Besides needing to be within our budget, we also wanted to be in a location with access to public transportation, and in a good community.  We made lists of our Must Haves, Nice to Haves, and Must Nots!

Must Haves:

• Large Kitchen
• Gas stove
• Nice Family Room
• Lots of Natural Light
• 2 bathrooms minimum
• En suite Bath in Master Bedroom
• Walk in closet for Master Bedroom
• At least 2 bedrooms
• Covered garage
• Laundry area
• Yard 
• Good neighborhood
• Efficient Layout, good flow
• Structurally sound
• Double-pane windows in bedrooms
• At least 1500 sqft

Nice to Have:

• More than 2 bedrooms
• More than 2 bathrooms
• Modern Kitchen
• Entrance Patio
• High Ceilings
• Separate Dining Room
• Fireplace
• Hardwood Floors
• Separate Laundry Room
• Walking distance to Petaluma Downtown
• Level Lot
• New!
• Multi-level
• Open Floor Plan

Must Not Have:

• Master Bedroom next to Kitchen
• Bad Feng Shui!
• Mold problems
• Be in front of busy road
• Drainage issues
• Roofing problems