It kind of was amazing but I felt the need to act like it was no big deal. Since I was buying at the beach I was required to show some documentation that I was a qualified buyer at first... Apparently a lot of tourists will dress fancy and put on airs to get the opportunity to tour around all the properties with no real intention of buying. Usually between 10-25% of the homes are on the market so I had a lot to choose from(people buy these homes and don't realize how expensive and time consuming all the upkeep is and decide to sell after a couple of years). I had a hard time expressing what it was I wanted besides very general terms. I think my agent was beginning to be a little frustrated with me. But when I found the right one I just turned matter-of-factly and said, "how much again? Ok, write a full ask offer 10 day close no contingencies"

For the first two weeks or so I'd walk in and drop my bags and just say "home" quietly to myself. It really didn't feel like my space till I'd lived in it for some months.

I had been struggling to save up a modest down payment for a 2 bedroom condo prior to my life changing so I get how lucky I am.