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I will confess that is one of the many reasons why I don't live in California--- although I might consider moving to Santa Barbara if I ever win one of those billion dollar lotteries.
I hear you! I have my list of coastal CA towns that I would go to as well if I won big. San Diego, Pismo/Morro or Monterey, here I come.
In the meantime, we will focus on the job search to relocate OUT of CA to one of those areas where we can be picky with a house hunt.
Exactly.
Location matters a lot.
When houses sell in a few hours at over asking, then you become way less picky.
Unfortunately
I am DEFINITELY looking to relocate to an area where I can take my time and be picky. On the plus side, I have learned plenty about comps from being in one of the hot areas of CA (for real estate).
Definitely looking to go to an area with less competition to buy, I want to be able to be selective and have lots to choose from. That's why Austin is not on my agenda, not looking to move to ANOTHER area with bidding wars.
I was looking (last year, from spring through late summer) for a pet-friendly one or two-bedroom condo in a semi-urban environment (looked in three or four different towns, actually).
Deal breakers:
1. Neighborhood - was it a nice neighborhood? How nervous would I be when I was taking my dog out for a late night relief excursion? If it looked like there were drug dealers or bums around, I wouldn't want to live there.
2. Pet-friendly - did the condo complex allow dogs, was there decent walking areas with some grass (which I'd like even if I didn't have a dog). If the place had no yard, or no nearby grassy areas, I would not want to buy a condo there.
3. Condo association had to have a good budget, lots of money saved up.
4. No maintenance staff or superintendent. (definite deal breaker)
5. Smaller than 800 sq. ft. (I considered places from 825-1100 sq. ft.)
6. Had to be one-story or, if on an upper floor, in a building with an elevator.
7. A pleasant view.
8. No insect problems!
9. No major work required (i.e. working appliances, plumbing working, etc.). I expected to repaint the apartment and probably update the bathroom.
10. Had to have air conditioning.
If I were buying a single-family house; my biggest deal breaker would probably be yard size; I would want at least .40 acres, hopefully at least a half-acre. And an attached garage.
Last edited by Regina14; 04-01-2016 at 08:37 PM..
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San Diego, Pismo/Morro or Monterey, here I come. 
