From Doubt to Dream Home: How Paige & Lukas Found “The One”

They walked into an open house in Barton Hills over a year ago. Paige and Lukas were Austin cool casual - bubbly, clearly in love, and had a way about them that was both bright and grounded. They didn’t know what they didn’t know about home buying.

They dreamed of owning their first home in Austin and going to open houses was entertainment more than homework. They weren’t sure of anything as we stood in that multi-million dollar dream home—only that they wanted “a fixer-upper that we can renovate and live in at the same time, start a family in, and then use as an investment property.”

I loved their joie de vivre. So, we stayed in touch. 

A Dream Takes Shape Over Coffee ☕

Over coffee at a local Austin café, Paige shared that her parents owned multiple properties, and she had always dreamed of her and Lukas buying their first home in Austin, TX, fixing it up, and making it their own as an investment in their future.

As a special needs teacher in Austin, Paige’s heart was on her sleeve all day long, and the way she told her story was no different. She had a blueprint for homeownership: buy, fix, add value, move up, repeat.

With Lukas’s family deeply rooted in construction and his mad reno skills, they knew that if they found a house that needed work, they would take on the challenge with family support.

From Uncertainty to a Clear Strategy

With a savings plan in place, they set a deadline to buy. I connected them with a highly strategic mortgage lender in Austin (over coffee, of course). He helped them understand their true purchasing power..

And with that clarity, everything shifted.

Now, they could approach their home search with a new level of financial confidence and we could plan their strategy. As a real estate Agent in Austin, I always want my clients to know their monthly nut and not overextend. I'd rather see them travel, save, and invest in their future instead of stretching beyond their means.

The Search for the Right Home

We toured homes in Austin that fit their budget and allowed for renovations. But, I had concerns.

With Paige pouring her energy into her students, Lukas working full-time, and talks of starting a family, I worried that coming home to a never-ending renovation project would be overwhelming, expensive, and take away from their joy of homeownership.

We found two fixer-upper homes in South Austin that they loved. Both received multiple offers. And, when push came to shove, I didn’t feel either was worth “bidding” on. So, now what?

As we navigated the process, Paige and Lukas started realizing that even with family help, renovations would be costly and time-consuming.

They were at a crossroads: Time. Money. Location. Condition.

They were willing to sacrifice quality of life but really, how much space would they need  for two people?

The Unexpected Find 🏡

 And, then Lukas found “the one”—a home they never expected.

 It was listed outside our original search parameters yet it checked almost all their boxes.

 Lukas fell in love immediately. Paige was in disbelief.

 Could they really afford a fully renovated home in Austin at their price point???

 It wasn’t her favorite neighborhood but the house itself offered them the best opportunity to own a home in Austin without major renovations. It wouldn’t need the not-so-sexy fixes like a new roof, plumbing, or windows.

 We went back for a second visit.

 Lukas was still giddy.

 Paige started to feel it.

 Being inside, seeing it fully renovated, and understanding that it was truly within their reach—could this be home?

Paige Turns the Page 📖

 A few days later, we went back for a second visit.  Paige started to feel it. Being inside, seeing it completely renovated, and understanding that it was truly within their reach. Could this be “home”? 

 We got together to review the contract. Paige was now all in.

 Only, the Listing Agent had received another offer the day we were preparing theirs.

 “Their home” was now in multiple offers!

 Now, it was a winner-takes-all scenario.

 I’ve played this game as a top Austin real estate agent. When someone’s dream is in your hands, you better know your stuff.

 We strategically structured their offer. I sent it over that night and called the Listing Agent in Austin to walk through the terms.

 Paige and Lukas went home knowing they had put their best offer forward.

 No reply that night.

 Paige didn’t sleep. Lukas slept.

Sometimes, The Next Chapter Finds You When You’re Ready 📞

Around noon the next day, my phone rang.It was the Listing Agent.

At the same time, Paige’s name flashed on my screen.

Minutes later, I called her back. She wasn’t happy.

Before I could say a word, she answered with  “The internet says the house is now under contract —meaning someone else got it.”

I smiled before speaking, “Yes. It’s under contract. It’s yours! Are you ready to own it?”

Elation! 🎉

Chapter New

Three weeks later, this sweet couple closed on their dream home in Austin, TX. Through it all, they stuck to their plan: They saved, focused, asked questions, pivoted, and grew immensely throughout this process.

I’m so grateful to have been part of their journey. I’m proud of them in a Mama Bear kinda way. And, I’m elated for them!

🐶 Cooper S. Goodman has already claimed the best spots in the yard and is ready to jump in the cowboy pool.

💙 Paige & Lukas, thank you for trusting me with your home-buying journey.

I can’t wait to spend time with you, your Queso and Baby Spice and your future mini-me’s. And, Cooper S. Goodman and I look forward to helping you build your real estate empire in Austin in years to come!

Want to find your own dream home in Austin? 💭

📩 DM @jennifersgoodman or call 📞 512-548-4568 to start your journey today! 🚀