Finding a home, finding a college

By: Mara Walsh

This is the year! The year of the all-important college search for my stepson. Friends told me this process was difficult, and they were right! Even after only a few short weeks, I get it! I also quickly realized that the whole process felt familiar: high stakes, all the emotions and a significant financial investment…it’s just like buying a home! 

The initial narrowing down can be overwhelming
What do you want your major to be? What type of weather do you love? Rural or urban setting? Older or newer campus? The questions to answer are never ending. 

The same goes for honing in on a home search. Do you want to live in a big city, small city, suburb or in the country? Are you looking for a specific neighborhood feel or vibe? Are you looking for newer construction or a home you can make your own over time?  Are schools important?

And there is always that element you can’t put your finger on: a gut feeling, where it feels ‘right’. Listening to this voice is a crucial part of the process too. 

I gave my stepson the same advice I give my real estate clients: asking and answering these questions upfront can feel long and a little painful, but clarifying what is most important to you will save you time in the long run. It isn’t financially or logistically feasible to fly all over the country looking at colleges, and narrowing things down also applies to buying a home.

Professional guidance is key
The process of finding the right college has changed drastically since I went through it! While it is our first time, college counselors and consultants do this all the time and  have up-to-date insights on the ever-changing college landscape, and what it takes to get in. They understand how to create a focused search based on interests, grades and financial constraints and can help create impactful applications. (If you need recommendations for college consultants let me know!)

Now I see myself as a real estate counselor/consultant because this is exactly what I do for my clients! Knowing the right questions to ask, market a home for mass appeal or position a buyer’s offer is how I spend my time day in and day out. 

It is a process
With a solid understanding of what you are looking for, the research phase begins. When searching for colleges this means tours, tours and more tours! But also, try to get a peak under the tent, so to speak. Find a family member or friend that lives by the college so your child can walk around campus, maybe attend a class, and get a true feel before finalizing your decision. 

 The same goes for real estate. Showings are great, but walking around the neighborhood, talking to neighbors, checking out local shops and restaurants will give you a real taste of everyday life. 

Move in day!
Even after ten trips to Bed, Bath & Beyond, move in day is going to be emotional and will likely throw in a few surprises – either at school, or with a new home – it won’t go exactly to plan. The best way to prepare is to expect the unexpected, and be excited about the future. And, know that you have family and/or your amazing real estate broker to help!

Our bags are packed, and we are excited to hit the road again soon on our latest round of college visits. In the meantime, I will be running around Chicago working with my buyers and sellers – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!