You work so hard. Here are tips to make your house a home

?It's been six months since we moved into our new home, and I've been really focused on spending more time here and making it a better environment for our family.

With everything happening in the world and the real estate industry, my home has become a special sanctuary for me—a place to rest, regroup, plan, and strategize.

Here are some tips I've picked up while setting up and personalizing our living space:

?1. Personalize Your Space: Make your home reflect your family's personality. Whether it's a fresh coat of paint, new cabinets, appliances, or something as simple as changing knobs, small changes can have a big impact. Sites like Pinterest are great for inspiration. Create the ideal space for you and your family.

2. Declutter: It's incredible how much stuff we accumulate. People love new homes and open houses because they're uncluttered. After almost 20 years in real estate, I've seen so many people unable to enjoy their space because of too much stuff. We had over 12 years of belongings and were determined not to bring that clutter into our new home. We took our time and got rid of everything that was broken, mismatched, or no longer fit our lifestyle.

3. Keep It Clean and Organized: Regular cleaning and decluttering can make your home more peaceful and inviting. Having a place for everything reduces stress. While unpacking, I deliberated about every item I brought into our new space. I also dedicated an hour each day and multiple hours on the weekends to organize. We've embraced a more minimalistic lifestyle, only keeping what we truly need. For instance, I take pictures of cute artwork from daycare and recycle the rest. What's something you can't wait to get rid of?

4. Add Greenery: Plants bring life to your space, improve air quality, and connect you with nature. Choose plants that fit your lifestyle and the light available in your home.

5. Create a Loving Atmosphere: Love, laughter, and good relationships are the most important ingredients in making a house a home. What's the point of a well-organized home if everyone fusses and argues? Allow your family time to create loving memories by having prayer time, eating meals together, entertaining loved ones, and having special traditions like pizza and movie nights.

How do you make your house a home? I'd love to hear from you.

If you've outgrown your current home or are ready to find a space where you can feel at home, call me.