Clearwater, Florida ~ Someone asked me recently, "What makes a house a home?" - Having an analytical side, I decided to research how the dictionary defines "house" and "home"....
Official Definition of Clearwater, Florida House and Home:
Checking on-line The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary says a House is,"a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families" and a Home is, "one's place of residence". While that may be factually correct, it just felt flat for me - like it missed the real essence of the question. So I put on my Realtor Hat ....
Clearwater Realtor's Definition of House and Home:
Now Being a full-time real estate agent in Clearwater, Florida, my business and my passion, is all about houses. With this being said I thought should be able to easily answer this question, right? Jack and I work everyday with individuals and families to help them find their dream home so when asked, "What makes a House a Home?, I was first tempted to rattle off desirable house features like:
- it's located near good schools;
- it has a large yard;
- it an open floor plan;
- it's located in a desirable neighborhood;
- it on a quiet, safe street or
- it will have great resale value.
I realize that was the Clearwater Florida Real Estate agent in me thinking more about the long-term financial return on the purchase of a house - but it missed the boat on how a house becomes a home! I realized the question really asked was how does a house you buy in Clearwater or your home town begin to feel like YOUR Home!
My Heart tells Me People Make a House a Home in Clearwater or Anywhere:
I am the oldest of three children. My parents came to Florida from Guatemala to go to college and start their married life. Today is my Mother's birthday (Happy Birthday!) and I'd like to dedicate this article to her and all she taught me about creating a "home".
We moved almost every 2 years when I was growing up because my Dad was always working to provide us with a better life and as a mechanical engineer his work took us to different locations around the country. I shared this with you because by moving so much I learned that a house is a building but a home is where you make it!(maybe this is why we love working with families relocating - I know relocations :-))
For me I've learned it's less about the building and more about the people I share it with and the feelings I have when I'm "home"! I even moved before I began my senior year in high school. In my experience I found it's in all the little pleasures in my life and sharing them with those I love and who love me back...
A porch or dining area to gather and celebrate special days or just share the days events;
A safe place - a yard or space to run, romp and play;
A place to catch fireflies and show them to your Grandparents;
So in the final analysis for me - I would define a house as a building, a shelter or a dwelling that becomes a home when people fill it with love and memories.
It's that special place where we live, we laugh and we love - and are loved back!
On a final note, the first new home Jack and I ever bought (20 years ago) was a beautiful 3500 sq ft model home and 6 months after we moved in we had a house fire on Christmas day and lost everything (all photos, clothes, all material possessions) - isn't it funny how I just realized that we call them "house fires" - not "home fires" because while we lost the building and it's contents - we were all safe, we still had our family, we will always have our memories and we had our home in our hearts - until our house could be rebuilt.
We've enjoyed living and working the past 16 years in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area of Florida area and this helps me keep things in perspective this time every year when we hit "hurricane season" here in Clearwater, Florida. I know buildings can come and go but as long as we're safe and together we'll never be "home-less" because the rest can be rebuilt.
I'm curious, what makes a house a home for YOU?
So coming full circle, I think a house is a "noun" and a home is an "action verb"...For me it's, Living, laughing, running, playing, sharing, caring - people are the necessary ingredient in making a house a home.
So if you or someone you know is thinking of buying a home in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay Florida area - we hope you'll be comfortable referring them to us because you know that we are never focused on selling a particular house - we're here to help you find your dream home.
Read other articles from around the country about: What Makes a House a Home
Great post Cyndee!
My vote is, People, the memories had their by the people, the energy the people in the home have...so again the PEOPLE! Definetly people make a house a home.
All the best,
Beth
Beth Patnode, of Minnesota Home Staging Firm - I appreciate you taking time out to read my post and share. I hope you'll visit again soon.
I must admit the beauty of staging is it helps us make a "house" feel like a "home" to potential homeowners - how gratifying what you do must be! :-)
Ardell - I had a choice between Miami, Orlando and Tampa when we originally moved here with IBM in 1991 and found the Tampa Bay our favorite of course we didn't have out kids till 5 years later so maybe that would have made a difference - the best part is we get the beach everyday and are just a day drive (2hrs) to Disney - so for us it worked out best because we go to the beach much more than we go to Disney :-)
In the future - I'm always available for tours :-) How'd you end up in Seattle - right?
The house was getting homier and homier (or is that Homelier? haha) with every kid you added.. but the addition of the puppy made it officially a home...
I'm a dog owner... I feel that even when my dogs are just out for a walk, that the house has lost some of its Homey-ness...
also - you showed a BBQ - just the smell of BBQ helps me :) you can buy a cookie smelling candle - but there is no BBQ candle!
That was beautiful...and more so the tribute to "mom"
Happy Birthday Dear Mom
Happy Birthday to YOU!
Maggie - I always look at the glass as half full - so the good news it was like having a "garage sale" at full price - because in my closet I had several "sizes" - :-) can anyone relate? Anyway - I just focused on the good that could be found - I did see the flip side of how my step children felt "violated" that someone had broken in. I refused to let a stranger steal my joy & peace of mind.
I know you can relate to the whole insurance crisis here in Florida - I know what it is to have it when you need it - my greatest concern is we won't have it when we need it.
P.S. Your visits always brighten my day. Thanks for Mom's Birthday wish - unforunately she's spending it in the hospital today - my Dad had a procedure yesterday with some complications - so it really keeps you focused on "what IS important."
Cyndee.... very well done. I agree with what Sarah mentioned, about starting off with a description and then ending with emotions. That is basically what I based my post on, was about memories, tied in with emotions. And as a few others mentioned, sorry about the fire situation, but also glad that everyone else got out safe.
Peggy, how funny, I was leaving you a note as you posted to me...(LOL) thanks for the kind words. The best part is sharing it with everyone - your visits and support are really appreciated.
Family makes a house a home.......
Jakc
Hi Cyndee,
I loved this post, thanks for sharing. Moving every 2 years, I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like. No doubt you know how to make a house a home.
Nice job on this post. Good luck in the contest!
Katrina - thanks for stopping by!
Congratulations on being one of the winners! You have many great memories that will stay with you. Thank you for sharing them.
Yolanda
Cyndee~
Having read all your many comments, I am wondering if there is anything...anything at all to add to this...you have given us such a sweet picture..AH! the photos! Yes! They prove the point that a house is more than a house when those we love are there.