Authenticity Above All Else

The Little Things

I have always loved learning people's back stories.  I used to work in an elementary school office and was fascinated by all different the people, circumstances, opportunities, and experiences that came together to form families, communities.  I've found that when a client shares a detail about their life, it may seem small, but can be monumental in the end.  If you talk to anyone long enough, you will eventually get them to talk about something about which they feel passionate.  They will get a twinkle in their eye, and the pace of their speaking pattern will quicken.  Very often they will think this dream is out of reach ("I could never afford that house", "I'm too young to downsize"), when all it takes is putting together a good plan.  Yes, that house may not be feasible at this point, but here's what we can do now to put you in position to own it. We've also counseled people who fear a change in the size or status of their home will negatively impact thier social standing.  They may get all "twinkley-eyed" discussing dreams of a life filled with travel, but their large mortgage prohibits it.  We will always direct people towards "the light".  To take the steps that lead to their most authentic life.  

My First Step Towards Authenticity

When our three girls were very young, we lived in a tiny home and every square inch counted.  We even gave them the master bedroom (they needed the extra space to play Barbies far more than did we).  When I was buying a dining room set, though, I bought a super fancy one with white upholstered chairs.  It was off of Craiglslist, but was pristine.  The girls were not allowed to touch it, sit at it, and looking at it was even off-limits.  Super practical, right?!  One day in 2010, I was looking in Elle Decor magazine at this picture of Ellen Pompeo from Grey's Anatomy's home.  It was like being struck by lightening.  The beauty and utility of her farm table made me react physically.  I knew that I needed furniture that would support our family, become part of the fabric of our lives.  Nothing could be off limits to my children in their home.  Certainly not a table at which they were supposed to share with me the details of their lives.   I wanted the table to have dents and dings like our family, my marriage, our friendships.  To be real, like the Velveteen Rabbit.  That day, I put that table back from whence it came: good ole Craigslist.  I hunted for a farm table, then it quickly spread throughout our home.  An eclectic look for a well-loved home.  I can't overstate how impactful this step towards authenticity was for our family.  Every decision was now made through this lens: is this really us?  Anything that could not pass that litmus test was shown the door, not given space on our calendar, and bid adieu.  That farm table has had several different locations on our homes and will always have a huge space in my heart.  Following are some pictures of that special little home, filled only with things that we loved to the point that they were real.  Special offer: first person to contact me through this link with their home address with the location of the farm table spotted in the pics below will get a Starbucks giftcard sent to them!

Guiding Towards the Light

When meeting with a client for the first time, Dave and I always try to find out how someone wants to use their property.  If they are going to live in it, how do they want to live in it?  Must every square inch serve a purpose, or does open space feed their soul?  It is the beginning of a relationship, and we are always excited to delve into the details.

Real Estate Questions?  I've got Coffee . . . and Answers

There are two things I enjoy a great deal: discussing ways to help people meet their goals through real estate, and a warm cup of tea.  Green tea to be specific, matcha to be precise.  I realize that there are many more coffee drinkers out there, so I am trying to appeal to the masses with the coffee offer.  I am incredibly genuine in my invitation, though.  Let's start the conversation on how we can help you in the process of living your best life! Call us today at 773-510-9579.  I'll start the coffee!  Now to figure out how to make coffee . . .

Bridget Murphy