I made several mistakes in choosing the first home I ever bought.

Such as purchasing from the developer without anyone else to advise me. And buying what I was told would be the best investment for a single professional – instead of the cute place I really liked. Concepts such as negotiating never occurred to me. As usual, I learned things the hard way.

If only someone had told me it was okay to use my heart as well as my head.

‘Big investment,’ People said. Don’t break any rules. Get standard number of bedrooms, lot size. Stay away from any possible detractions from the value, such as being near railroad tracks, backing to a busy street or too close to a freeway. Flag lots have a stigma, as do steep drives and one or two bedroom detached houses. Keep to the normal.

It took me years to learn the value of rebellion.

What if being near a train track doesn’t bother you? Maybe the trains only run twice a day, and there’s something appealing about that lone whistle at twilight. Or maybe this house is well insulated from noise, or you can simple turn off your hearing aid.

By buying this home, you may get a little more house for your money. A house you couldn’t afford if it were not near the train.

Perhaps a certain flag lot offers more privacy – and you love your privacy. Or this two bedroom home that many buyers shun is perfect for you, or could easily be converted to three.

By allowing yourself to consider what works for YOU, it’s possible to love a not-quite perfect home over its more conventional neighbor. And you’ll probably face less competition to buy it.

Resale, you’ll be told, might be hurt. Perhaps.

But  you paid less to begin with. The overall profit is likely to be similar – you got it for 5% less, so selling for 5% less didn’t mathematically cost you anything.

And tastes and ideas change over time. Years back, split entry homes – homes where you step into a landing and then go up or down stairs – tended to sell for slightly less. Over the years, however, people have remodeled such entrances, making them appealing, even dramatic. A fellow realtor commented just the other day that split level entries no longer seem to affect price.

More importantly, you’re getting the place you truly want.  A home is more than an investment. It’s personal. It’s where you recharge your batteries, entertain friends, and nurture your family. Your quality of life begins with the quality of your home.

At least give your heart a vote.

The truth is, no one can promise you what any house will be worth in the future. Markets shift, tastes change, economies ebb and flow. When all is said and done, one question remains.

Is there really a better investment than yourself?