This is Falling Water, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece in SW Pennsylvania. I cannot adequately describe the setting, but it is plush with vegitation, color and texture. I can easily see how it might inspire one to greatness! If you ever have a chance to see it, DO IT!

Buying a house isn't as difficult as you might think, even if you're short on funds--but you should approach the home buying process one step at a time, starting with your wants and needs. Grab a piece of paper and divide it into three columns. Prioritize! If you'll have a co-owner, have that person make a list too, but don't share ideas just yet.

Column 1, List Must-Have Features

• If the house must be located in a specific neighborhood or school district.
• If the house must have 3 bedrooms, a 2 car garage, a large kitchen, a view.
• If there must be no restrictions against a home-based business.
• If the home must be one level, with few or no steps.
• List every feature you feel is a must.

Column 2, List "wishes and dreams":

• A basement or a deck.
• Whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets.
• A certain type of architecture.
• Gas heat; central air
• List all features that are important to you--but that you might be flexible about.

Column 3, List Features You Do NOT Want:

• A home located next to a highway or in a congested area.
• Certain types of architecture.
• Homes that need a great deal of work.
• List all features you absolutely cannot accept. 

  Review your list. If your co-owner made a list, compare them to see if your priorities match. If they don't, you'll need to compromise, revising your lists so that both of you are happy.

  Making a list is a good exercise because it forces you to think about your wants and needs, but I can almost guarantee you that the list will change and evolve when you actually begin to look at houses. Even home buyers with an unlimited budget rarely find the "perfect" home.

  Before you head out to look at properties, get your finances in order. If you haven't reviewed your credit records, do it immediately. It isn't unusual for records to contain errors--and they can't be fixed overnight. Obtain a written loan guarentee.

  OK ... time to seek an agent. If you happen to know one in your area, get in touch and give him/her your lists. If you do not know anyone in the business, ask around, check newspapers, and most importantly, check the internet! At least 75% of home buyers shop the internet FIRST. If you're buying, it gives you an idea of what your money can buy. If you are selling, it gets you acquainted with your competition!

  My recommendation is to seek techno savvy agents whose brokers also put a value on technology, but you also want an agent who will communicate with you and work hard for you. This is Real Estate in the 21st Century!     Happy hunting! 

This is the inside of Falling Water. It is so homey and beautiful, one wouold hardly imagine it a "breakthrough" piece of architecture!