Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Hilda Campbell
Buying and Selling
So often the two words house and home are used interchangeably, but they are different. The definition of house according to dictionary.com is, “a building in which people live; residence for human beings; a household." A home on the other hand is defined as, “the place in which one’s domestic affections are centered." Clearly, two different things.
A few years ago I was privy to a conversation in which a man was trying to convince his elderly, widowed father it was time to sell his home and move to a retirement residence. After almost 50 years of living in his house, the elderly man did not want to leave. In trying to convince his father, the son said, “but dad it’s just a house, it’s just bricks and mortar." While I agreed this elderly man should probably not be on his own. I couldn’t have disagreed more with the statement.
It is true the house was just bricks and mortar, but this man would be leaving behind the first and only house he had ever owned. This was the place he and his wife raised three children, entertained countless friends, held bridge parties, celebrated the holidays and birthdays, made a backyard skating rink every winter and even hosted a wedding reception. In other words, this was home. This was the place 50 years of memories were made, both happy and sad. This house was on a street where the neighbours knew each other and helped each other out when necessary. This was a house that had become a home.
What comes to mind when you think of home? Is it the house you are living in now? The house you spent your childhood? Maybe your parents’ house? For me, home is the place friends and family gather to enjoy each others company or a home cooked meal. It is the place you curl up on the sofa with a good book, your dog at your feet. The place where you cozy up to a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night. The place where memories are made.
As a real estate agent, I am aware that selling a house can be emotional. Often times it is exciting because a family is moving to a larger home or a neighbourhood they have dreamed of living in. Other times it can be stressful. A marriage may be ending or a senior may need to downsize or go into care. Whatever the situation, a house is more than bricks and mortar. It is a home and I feel privileged when someone entrusts the sale of their “home” to me.
As a real estate agent I sell houses, but it is the occupants of the house that make it a home.
When you’re ready to buy or sell in the Burlington or Oakville area, or for general real estate advice, please contact me. I can help!
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