I asked my husband what he thought was required to make a house into a home. He’s a simple man with simple needs. Family, woodstove, comfy bed, beer in the fridge and meat in the freezer. 

Teri in my office said, “Homes are about family and gathering. Most of that is spent around meals, so a space to prepare and enjoy meals is a must.”

Angel said, “Oh gosh! I feel like a space where I can see my family having dinner together or sitting in a nice cozy family room talking and laughing etc!”

Did you notice they didn’t say anything about open floor plans and granite countertops, garages and curb appeal? 

To me, its about sanctuary. A place to recharge my soul, not just my cell phone. We know as a culture that families that own their home tend to stay together longer. They find security in a place to call their own, where their children aren’t uprooted and knocked off kilter. We all get a sense of belonging to a place that is vital to our Hierarchy of Needs when we build a home. Our culture needs more family security and belonging. 

Sometimes, it seems that a house is just used to house your stuff and we hope it will be a “good investment” with a healthy return in the next 3-5 years when you will trade up for the next house. I think we all need more than that. Yes, real estate is a wonderful investment over the long term and I highly recommend that you partake in your fair share of it, however, there’s more to be desired. I get so befuddled in the idea of resale value and designing your home so that the next buyer will appreciate it. Yuck. I know I’m going to offend some when I say that Boring Beige and Realtor White does not scream “Home” to me. It feels sterile and cold. I love rich tones of brown, red, purple, green and gold on the walls (gasp!). I love furs and hides and low lights and cozy, snug rooms with squashy furniture with too many pillows and throws, built ins with books and candles, fireplaces and wood cupboards and even some oak trim(scoff!). I love lots of dogs IN THE HOUSE and unmanicured yards with sporadic plantings and a clothesline. How scandalous! What will the HOA say!? 

Why do we want our homes to be trendy and modern? Is that what you really want or is that what you think society or the next buyer will want? Your home should be your family's sanctuary and should look like you and your family have loved and lived in it. Buyers can be stuck on modern updates and open floor plans and landscaping, kitchen and bath remodels and neutral paint palettes built around white and graaaaayyy. In fact, they will walk away from houses that look “dated”. Why? Don’t you want to put your love into it and make it your’s or do you want it to look like everyone else’s? There are some really good bones and history in old houses, maybe even a friendly ghost. 

I truly think to each their own, you do you, but these old houses are filled with love and memories. The earth has accepted them and wrapped her arms around them. They aren’t a new build flopped on naked dirt all in a row like dominos. She has stood there for 100 years, do you think she’s going to tip over now? Look past her steep staircase, shag carpet, oak trim, Formica countertops, small bedrooms and short doorways. There’s a lot of love in her and think of how much more there can be with you and your’s there. Don’t rip it apart to make it look brand new and like everyone else’s boring beige house. Make it look like your’s and raise your babies there. Cook some meals and gather with loved ones. Laugh, get it dirty, make it shine, grow something. Make it your sanctuary, not just where you charge your cell phone. 

Want to buy a home for your family and put down some roots? I know a gal that can help you with the money part. Reach out.