A foundation, a few walls, a roof, and maybe a small yard. In some parts of the country you can still live the American “white picket” dream for under $100,000. In other parts of this great nation, that same pile of bricks can come at a cost that means you will not be able to afford college for your kids, or pay for a regular date out for movie and popcorn

With a basic human need for shelter and a growing population we depend on the folks of real estate to create new and affordable housing opportunities. Having spent the summer working with a company that is forward thinking about its business and sincere about its community involvement, I’ve learned, buying or selling a home is more than just an exchange of value for an assembled pile of bricks and wood.

As my preparation continues to represent Village Real Estate, and the Village Fund at the Nashville Food Crawl in two short weeks I reflect on what being a real estate professional really means.

Experience, the human experience is the most meaningful part of our lives. I say this because everything is an experience! Many experiences like an outing to a country concert, a BBQ or trip to see the high school football game are perishable. However, others like owning a house do not perish. Further, a home provides a setting for experience. The dream of a house provides a lustful imaginative experience. And the loss of a home gives us a woeful forlorn experience.

As a Realtor I get to help people find their experience. I also am challenged with the task of helping them sell their experience while helping them understand we are selling a home, not memories.I understand this may seem vague. However, what is not vague is the look of a mother’s face as she tours a home. While most people may look for a large yard or a basement, her largest qualification of a home is if she can fit her grandmother’s dining room table. Not because it is a family heirloom, but because she most clearly can remember her oldest son sitting at it before he was taken to soon while serving our incredible nation.

The look in her eyes as her budget in a new city won’t allow for this table to go her home…

It’s the thankfulness in a client’s voice as you push into the night to write yet another contract to get them a home in a neighborhood they love. It is the sight of a family growing happily in a home that you sold. It is that new pool in the yard because you were able to save them enough money. It is the joy of making a new connection in this world.

That is why I love my job. That is why I wear the Realtor pin with honor.

America is thriving. Even if you side with the slogans like “Make America Great Again”, you cannot deny that this country is still the greatest on earth. We have a military at home and abroad that stays awake all night, so that we don’t have to. We have folks who work all day and night to keep our streets free of crime. I can firmly say I love the United States of America. I love my job and I love the American dream that I can help others achieve