Sometimes Home Finds You

There are moments in life when you don't realize you're standing at the beginning of a new chapter.

For me, that chapter began in 2004 when I became an empty nester. Around the same time, my marriage was coming to an end. Life had changed in ways I hadn't expected, but I stayed focused and kept moving forward one step at a time. Looking back, I realize those seasons of change have a way of quietly preparing us for what is next. 

Over the next several years, I found myself searching for more than just a different place to rent and live. I was searching for a place and a community that truly felt like home.

One day, a mortgage professional I respected gave me some simple advice I'll never forget.

"Francine, if you don't buy something by 2011, home prices are going to start rising again"

His words stayed with me.

Around that same time, I kept driving past a condominium in Novato. Every time I saw the "For Sale" sign, I found myself wondering, why hasn't this condominium sold?

Curiosity finally got the best of me, so I pulled over and looked through the patio window.

Sitting on the kitchen counter was a collection of realtor business cards. I remember saying to myself and thinking, hmm...I wonder what's wrong.

That's when I called a realtor friend and asked if they would show me the property.

The condominium sits on a busy corner, and there was a lot of construction going on at the time. And for this reason, may have caused other buyers to keep driving. But when I walked inside, I didn't see what everyone else saw.

I saw possibility.

The condominium is more like a townhome than a traditional condominium, with no one living above or below. Within walking distance of downtown Novato, shopping, and what would soon become the SMART train. It also sits close to the highway, making it an ideal location.

But what really caught my attention was the living room window overlooking the corner streets.

I remember laughing at myself and thinking, when I get older, this is going to be a wonderful place to sit, watch the world go by, and simply pass the time away.

Looking back now, I realize I was imagining much more than a window. I was imagining a life that finally felt settled.

My realtor encouraged me to make an offer, reminding me, "You'll never know unless you make the offer."

So, I did.

In the summer of 2010, I became a homeowner again.

At the time, I thought I had reached my destination and accomplished my goal of owning a home again.

Looking back now, I realize that home wasn't the end of the journey. It was the place

where a new chapter quietly began.

I also realized something else. I wasn't just searching for a house. I was searching for that

feeling of being home.

Sometimes you can't explain why a place feels right. You simply know.

Looking back, I believe some places have a way of finding us when we're ready.

For me, that little condominium became much more than a home.

It became the beginning of the next chapter of my life.

And although I didn't know it then, another familiar road was quietly waiting for me.

But that's a story for another day.

About the author

Francine Schuler is a jewelry artist, entrepreneur, and insurance professional, based in Northern California. 

Through TuneStone Jewelry and Highway 50 Insurance Resource, she shares insights, personal stories, and lessons learned from a life spent helping people, building businesses, and discovering her passion and inspiration along the way.