Why I Am Still a Property Virgin

At age thirty-five, I have been around long enough to be called a name or two. Sometimes people compliment me other times it may be an insult. However, the one thing I have been called of late is a "property virgin." This is how it began. A friend of mine asked me if I was in the market to buy a home and I said not really. Then the friend proceeded to ask me many more questions concerning real estate, until finally they told me to tune in to a show on HGTV to more fully understand what a "property virgin" was. So, I checked my local television listings (lucky for me I have a cable television provider because the channel is not offered through basic listings in my area) and found the show's listing time.

The show is called Property Virgins and is hosted by a middle -aged brunette named Sandra Rinomato. Her mission is to assist people who have not purchased their first home by presenting them with three properties to choose from based on their "wish list." This list usually acts as a guide for Sandra as she handpicks three properties for the perspective buyer or buyers to purchase. The main prequalification is that as a property virgin you are pre approved for a mortgage loan.

After watching a couple of episodes (typically they are shown back to back), I realized I truly was a property virgin "virgin." As I watched a few happy couples close on their dream home, I grew uncomfortable. Why? Well, Sandra and HGTV have really made it clear that no matter how close I may have thought I was to buying my first home I am not ready.

The show is quite educational. I know now I need a down payment to give me more options. Also, I have learned that location is probably the most important aspect of the home search. According to Sandra it can dictate price, taxes, and overall value over the years. Slowly, it is becoming clear that having a wonderful and knowledgeable real estate agent is helpful too.

Thanks to HGTV and Property Virgins I realize I am not ready to lose my "virginity." I would ideally like to lose it with an arsenal of information and with Sandra Rinomato by my side to guide me in the right direction. Not every show has a "happy ending" but each property virgin seems to learn so much more than they ever imagined. I would highly recommend watching a few episodes before making your decision to lose your "property virginity."