I have a secret to confess. Sometimes when I’m bored at work… I look at real estate. I have no reason too (other than to pass the time or distract myself). We’re in our forever home which is lucky for us because have you seen these prices?!? Don’t even get me started on the current interest rates…

Despite this, I still find myself frequenting Zillow on occasion. I guess it’s the inner-busy body in me. (I was going to use the word voyeur because I’ve heard it used casually. I looked it up-this is not a casual word people!) I feel like the nosey neighbor sitcom trope- just call me Mr. Furley or Gladyis Kravitz. I’m fascinated with how people decorate and use their spaces. Sometimes you just want to see how the other half live, you know?

Sidebar: There was once this awful real estate show where the homeowners secretly watched the prospective buyers tour their home. Every insult, every catty comment all captured on tape and etched in the ears of the devastated homeowner.  Don’t worry, gentle reader- I have enough couth to keep it to myself. Now back to our scheduled programming… meaning this post.

We all know the old axiom: location, location, location. And I definitely have a location in mind…

When the news is particularly depressing, I get on a Costa Rican real estate website and check out other options. I know I said we are in our forever home, but a little escapism never hurt anyone.These homes in Costa Rica are actually almost affordable, but alas, still out of my reach.

So this got me thinking- what is some prime real estate I can afford? Well I have found some options:

Is there anything more sweet than walking under a blooming magnolia tree? Talk about an open concept floor plan. And no amount of Febreeze can recreate that indescribable scent. Why aren’t there more magnolia scented perfumes and lotions?

Parking myself in my hammock is pure heaven. I love to read, flip through magazines, or just nap. At one point, it was a non-negotiable part of my day. I wish it still were… So it’s no conservatory or a proper lounge, (Can you tell I played a lot of Clue growing up?) but it’s as good as. 

And speaking of parking, does it get more convenient than that one shady spot in the sweltering parking lot? No, it’s not an attached three car garage and the walkability might be remote, but you can’t beat it in the dog days of summer. (Which I feel like has been every day since May. Amiright?)

So maybe I can’t buy a mansion in paradise– I still feel pretty good about these listings.