Finding the solution
the end of that process, the answer was clear: time to go house shopping.
They started by browsing the Internet. But they soon discovered it was not the most helpful resource.
“We’d look at Zillow or Trulia and see something we loved,” Christine recalled, “then we’d call up our realtor, and it would turn out they weren’t really on the market. She was so patient, but she had to keep telling us not to use those sites.”
As the winter — and the house search — wore on, the Fortmans were getting frustrated.
Then, one day, Christine was stuck at home with a cold. In between sniffles, she was sorting through some mail when she spotted a real estate flyer with what looked like the ideal solution: a 1964 ranch in the Sherwood Heights section of Scottsdale — a hidden enclave of historic homes with great views of Papago Park and Camelback Mountain.
Best of all, the home had already been renovated by previous owners. The photos showed off the practical split design of the floor plan — with bedrooms at each end and common living areas in the middle — but with elegant new touches like a custom wood and glass pivot door at the front entrance, and a luxurious soaking tub in the master bath.
Stainless steel and concrete countertops in the kitchen gave the space a sleek look she thought Stefan would appreciate. But the vaulted wood ceilings, dark wood floors, and large block fireplace added a warmth that appealed to her, too.
Large windows and french doors made the rooms feel connected to nature. And, although the spacious yard held mature trees