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:
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 abuilding, 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.
Thesa - thank you - it was fun and actually quite thought provoking. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up on features and it's a reminder what's really important!
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.
I once had an opportunity to live in Tampa, but opted for Lake Mary outside of Orlando. I think we needed a guided tour. The kids were young, so we opted to be close to Disney.
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?
Danny, thank you for visiting - we were blessed to have "great" insurance - so at least we were made whole after the hassle - it's one of the reason's I'm such an advocate for good homeowner's insurance which we don't have accessible in Clearwater, Florida today. Hope to see you back soon :-)
Hi, Cyndee! What a sweet post! I love how you started out analyzing and ended up with emotions, because that's what home is about! I'm sorry about your house fire, I can't imagine that. You got all the important stuff out -- your family. I'm very relieved -- as were you, I'm sure! :o)
Cyndee, awesome post. My aunt and uncle lost a home in a house fire. I know how devistating it can be. It is nice to know intimate things about each other on the activerain.
Cyndee what a great job you did on this post. You captured the essence of home. What a tragic thing to have suffered that fire. I cannot imagine losing all my belongings. Of course, your family was safe and that's what truly matters. I enjoyed seeing the pictures you shared! Happy Birthday to your Mom!!
Wow!! I just saw Ines' post just like this! I love it!! I need to copy and paste what I put on there as it really touched me because I lived in my first house SOO LONG and had so many "firsts" there and "memories" as well. I'll never forget THAT HOUSE!! I moved in as a new bride and moved out as a wife, woman and mother of 2 precious boys!!
Sarah - high praise from our "professional blogger" - thank you my friend. I don't share my feelings as easily or as eloquently as you - I always enjoy your visits from WV. :-)
Don - my view of the world is probably a little "skewed" since I'm still in the throws to motherhood with a 5 and 10 year old. So our life tends to be a little more kid-centric. Please come hit the beach here & visit me again soon
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!
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."
Susie - Sharing wiht you is always the highlight of my day! Thanks for taking time to visit - you should write your answer to the burning question - you've got until midnight today- Your writing always moves my just like Sarah's it's straight from the heart (and you may even get points :-))
David - you crack me up!! I'm new to the whole "dog mom" thing - but you're right she's added a whole new dimension to our home. Loved your comments and your post.
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.
Colleen - thanks for the kudos - it was a great challenge - you guys don't have an easy job picking the tops. Really sparked some inspiring posts - I've enjoyed reading everyones.
Cyndee, excellent job on this one. I especially love the first photo with no people in it and the second photo with the three kids in it. Kind of tells the whole story, doesn't it. Kudos to you!
Teri - thank you for the kind words - I have really loved seeing everyones take on this - they all were so good - glad I'm not judging. Loved yours too!
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.
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.
Lynda - thank you for taking time to read my post - yes I think it really helped me relate to people because I had to learn to make new friends all the time. I have to say being in one place 16 years has been really special :-)
Lisa - thanks for visiting - just getting to share my story and have new friends like you visit means I'm already a "winner" - look forward to more sharing at your cyber-place and mine.
Wow Paula - you just made me blush all over - thank you for such an meaninful compliment - I'm touched. I appreciate our friendship and your support - I say like attracts like me friend :-) See you soon.
What a moving post Cyndee! It's refreshing to hear your interest in giving someone a "home" versus just a "house". Thank you for sharing your story with us all. You hit the nail on the head when you said your home is what you make of it. For me, when I picture home, I see James and I in the kitchen, talking and making dinner with our little dog laying on the side watching. That is our home and it doesn't have too much to do with the structure, it is what's inside!
Kim - thank you for caring enough to persevere to the bottom to leave me a comment - it means alot to me and I want you to know how much I enjoy getting to know you and see you being successful on Active Rain too!
Cyndee - Congrats on getting honorable mention on this post! I was hoping for you to win, I think it was rigged...just kidding! LOL Great post, you have a wonderful family, it's comes through in your writing and your photos. CONGRATULATIONS!! ;-)
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.
JaneAnne - i'm just flattered you'd take the time to read it and even leave a comment - theyre all special. I'm still working on my first 'green' post - getting educated and accumulating lots of good info. Congrats on being so close to 200!
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Now Being a full-time 
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". 
;)
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