As a loan officer living in Haddonfield, New Jersey for the last 3 years, this town has become my home. An Introduction to Haddonfield New Jersey.....
So, the Big Million Dollar Question...... What Makes a House a Home???? 
- Is it your furniture?
- The color of your home?
- Your neighborhood?
- Your big screen tv?
- Your collection of antiques?
For me, those can be nice, but it's the Memories that I cherish the most and what makes the House a Home for me. Ever see It's a Wonderful Life? I have moved so many times in my life, so many different houses. What made them all special was not the style or type of house, but the holidays shared between friends and family each year making it a home. Watching this movie makes me think of sharing those holidays with family. It's a tradition to watch this movie with my mom every Christmas. What is your favorite holiday and why?
I would have to say that Christmas is my favorite holiday. It's special in so many ways. From the giving aspect of it, to sharing it with friends & family, to traveling to relative's homes and spending it with them. Creating many memories that I will never forget.
Left : My mom, dad, sister, and myself.
Right : My niece and nephew, their 1st Christmas with us. Just such a joy spending it with little ones.
Then we have Thanksgiving on the left. Another special time to give thanks to the love ones in your life. Surrounded by great food and great people.
On the right, something that we each get to celebrate once a year, birthdays. No explanation needed here.
Halloween is a great time of year to be creative. Another event per se that can help give you a time line of living in your home. I can also be one scary pirate.
There are many other holidays throughout the year such as Easter, Independence Day (4th of July), Memorial Day (which is dear to my heart for 2 reasons..... I served 2 years in the Army & remembering the men and women that serve us now and those that gave their lives for our country), and several other holidays not mentioned.
My overall thoughts as stated, I have so many memories that I will cherish forever.
--Some of these include long trips to my grandparents home living in Wisconsin, traveling from New Jersey, from state to state and looking at all the Christmas decorations at night.
--The smell of homemade foods.
--And as mentioned, being with loved ones during these times.
--One other aspect of what makes a house a home for me? The ability to have different rooms in your home, that have different meaning and character. Possibly making a room into your office, that reflects your personality. Your bedroom, where you sleep, making it peaceful and relaxing. Maybe finishing your basement and making it a game room. A place where you can relax, watch sports, or relieve some stress. And so many other ideas.
A home is what you make of it. It just doesn't become a home when you sign those closing documents. From day one, never take for granted the time that you share with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.... sharing each day as your last, never looking back.... just always looking forward.
As I help many people make one of the biggest decisions in their lives, financing their house, it gives me great pleasure to understand their goals so I can put them in the best possible loan program. So they can relax and make it their home and not just a house. A place to grow... A place to create memories for life.....
Here is a list of other Blog Posts on this topic: What Makes a House a Home
;)
;)
Yay, I got here first!
Aaawwwwwww Jeff, this is great. I am having such fun reading all these home posts. I loved reading this one. You're a family man. It shows through in your writings. That movie was always one of my favorites. I have a VHS copy of it still. I need to upgrade to disc. =)