Real Estate
Remembrances of homes past
Embracing the quirks and memories of childhood abodes
What are your earliest memories of your childhood home?
Two weeks ago I got the flu. I don’t recommend it.
From Wednesday night until Monday morning, I had a fever, chills, a chest cough and my skin felt like it was on fire. I also had an open house and dozens of phone calls, most of which I slept through.
I did a lot of sleeping over those five days, which led to dreaming and in turn, led to dreaming about – you guessed it – houses. Not just any houses, you understand, but the homes of my childhood.
Even as an adult, when you’re sick you want your Mommy; that’s just the way of things. So my dreams took me back to the first home I remember, a two-story, white Colonial on Richmond Lane in West Hartford, Conn. It sat proudly on a corner lot and had a breezeway between the kitchen and the two-car garage.
That breezeway was a multi-purpose area. It kept rain off groceries carried in from the car, it housed the tank for my pet turtle, it served as the summer cocktail lounge and it became famous for outdoor grilling and dining for my parents and their friends.
My house also had a center hall staircase. On Saturday nights I was allowed to sit at the top and listen to the laughter of adults in the living room below. Come bedtime, I would be invited to descend the stairs and say good night to the ladies in little black dresses holding cocktails of many colors and the gentlemen who fawned over them.
I don’t recall my room very clearly except that it had Hitchcock Classic twin beds for slumber parties with other little girls and a matching vanity, stool and tall mirror. It was there that I played dress-up with my best childhood friends, Brian and Steve, unbeknownst to Brian’s father and much to the fury of Steve’s.
I do, however, clearly remember the yard where we played badminton, grew sunflowers and lilacs, held kiddie birthday parties and watched icicles form on Birch trees in the New England winter. It was the essence of innocence in the ‘50s.
Nana and Grampa, my maternal grandparents, lived above the general store that my grandfather owned and ran in Augusta, Maine. Back then, Nana, who had once played piano for silent movies at the local cinema, still gave lessons to the neighborhood children.
During our frequent visits I would savor penny candy and drink Cream Soda from Grampa’s store, sleep on the jalousied porch, bathe in the Art Deco tub and spend hours reading dusty books and looking at the figurines on the shelves of the glass-front cabinets that lined the walls in the living and dining rooms.
In the morning, Nana would make “Tootoes” by plucking bits of rising dough from the bread she was soon to bake and quickly deep frying them in Crisco. Brown and crispy on the outside, warm on the inside and slathered with highly salted Dairy Butter, they were little bits of cholesterol-laced heaven.
By midday, we would hear the noon whistle that announced the lunch hour to the paper mill workers and at 5 p.m., Mom and Nana would be sitting at the kitchen table, catching up on local gossip, sipping wine from ruby red glasses and convincing themselves that Grampa, who frowned on that sort of thing, believed the glasses contained only “Co-cola.”
When Grampa retired, he leased the store and it became Fred’s Fish Market. The smell of fish gave the paper mill some competition, but we would often find fresh lobsters left on the back staircase that led from the store to Nana’s kitchen. Fred, it seemed, had a crush on my mother. We ate well.
My flu has now passed, but these lovely reveries remain. I didn’t know then how lucky my family was to own the homes that made my childhood special or that my future would involve helping so many others do the same.
I can only hope that half a century from now someone else will be sipping wine from a ruby red glass and enjoying fond memories of a home I helped their family purchase and enjoy.
Valerie M. Blake can be reached at Keller Williams Capital Properties, 202-246-8602 or at [email protected]. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
In 2025, tile is emerging as a pivotal element in interior design. No longer just traditional ceramic or porcelain, today’s tiles offer a unique blend of functionality and artistry, making them a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. This year, several tile trends are making significant waves, each bringing a distinct character to modern homes.
1. Textured Tiles. Texture plays a crucial role in adding depth and tactile beauty to spaces. In 2025, there’s a noticeable shift toward tiles that celebrate imperfection and handcrafted beauty. These tiles often feature organic finishes, subtle color variations, and unique patterns that make each piece distinct.
2. Warm Minimalist Colors. While minimalism is still popular, 2025 brings a warmer palette to this aesthetic. Neutral tones like beige, taupe, soft terracotta, and Pantone’s mocha mousse are replacing the cooler grays and whites of previous years. These colors impart a sense of coziness and serenity, making spaces feel more inviting while maintaining the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism.
3. Tile Drenching. Tile drenching involves extending the same tile from the floor up the walls, creating a seamless, cohesive look. This technique is particularly effective in smaller spaces like bathrooms or as backsplashes in kitchens with open shelving instead of upper cabinets, where it can make the area appear larger and more unified.
4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tiles. Environmental consciousness is increasingly influencing consumer choices, leading to a rise in sustainable tile options. Manufacturers are now offering tiles made from recycled materials using low-impact production processes and eco-friendly substances, such as glass and plastic. These tiles not only decrease environmental footprints but also align with reducing waste and conserving resources.
5. Large-Format Tiles. Large-format tiles (think 24” x 48”) are gaining traction due to their ability to create a seamless and expansive look. Fewer grout lines result in a cleaner appearance and easier maintenance, making spaces feel more open and less cluttered. These tiles are particularly favored in showers, where simplicity and continuity are desired, and yesterday’s plastic surrounds are rejected. Available in various materials and finishes, large-format tiles offer versatility, a sleek look, and faster installation.
6. Cement Tiles. Cement tiles are celebrated for their bold patterns, vibrant colors, and artisanal charm. Although they require sealing, they are known for their durability and handcrafted look. Unlike ceramic tiles, cement tiles are not fired; instead, they are cured at room temperature, which makes them more environmentally friendly. Their unique patterns can make a statement in any room, serving as a focal point that brings a touch of vintage elegance or contemporary flair, depending on the chosen motif.
7. Terracotta Tiles. Terracotta tiles are making a stylish comeback, bringing warmth, a rustic look, and a touch of Mediterranean elegance to modern interiors. Made from clay and fired at low temperatures, these tiles boast an earthy, organic appeal that supports the ongoing trend of incorporating natural elements in the home. When properly sealed, they are resistant to stains and moisture, and their ability to age gracefully and develop a patina over time adds character and depth, giving spaces a cozy feel.
8. Peel and Stick Tiles. Peel and stick tiles are gaining popularity as a versatile and budget-friendly option for quick home makeovers. Perfect for renters and DIY enthusiasts, these tiles offer a hassle-free installation process that requires no grout, mortar, or professional help. You simply peel off the adhesive backing and stick them onto a clean, smooth surface—rendering them ideal for backsplashes, accent walls, and even flooring. They are low-maintenance, easy to clean, and a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Tile Stickers. Tile stickers are a fun and cost-effective trend, offering an easy way to update your tiles without the need for a complete renovation. Meant to be applied directly over existing tiles, these often removable, adhesive decals are perfect for renters or homeowners looking for a temporary method of personalization. Heat-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean, tile stickers are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for endless customization.
10. Smart Tiles. As smart home technology advances, Smart Tiles are now incorporating technological features seamlessly. Innovations include pressure-sensitive LED lighting, temperature control of heated floors, and interaction with home automation systems. Look for future advancements that will allow for both convenience and comfort, enabling homeowners to integrate modern technology without compromising on style.
So, whether you’re renovating a single room, designing an entire home, or decorating with your landlord in mind, these 2025 trends offer many options to create spaces that resonate with your personal style and reflect a harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Real Estate
It’s not right, but it’s okay, I’m gonna spring clean this house anyway!
New season a perfect time to create a serene, inviting home environment
Spring is right around the corner. During this season, spring represents a time for renewal, a fresh start, new beginnings, along with a sense of energy and optimism for the future. One of the best ways to get this feeling going is also inside and around the home. Now that the temps are a bit warmer, and the sun sets a little later, give yourself the gift of a spring refresh. Here are some tips to re-energize, declutter, “move the energy” in the room, and create a serene and inviting home environment. If that alone isn’t reason enough, some people in the area may be deciding to put their homes on the market this year too.
Enhance Curb Appeal: There is never a second chance to make a first impression! Does the yard need tidying up? Does the front door need a fresh new coat of paint? Want to make it pop? Plant some shrubs or put some new flowers in the windowsills? Clean those windows. Tidy up the entryway, buy a new credenza for catching mail, keys, gloves, hats, etc. Mop the floors, get all that road salt off the tiles.
Deep Clean the Kitchen and Bathrooms: These rooms are key selling points. Clean the oven, refrigerator, and stove in the kitchen. In bathrooms, clean grout lines, remove soap scum, and make sure faucets and showerheads are free from water stains.
Neutralize the Space: This is more for those who want to sell their home. It becomes easier for a potential buyer to “see themselves” in a property the less they see YOU in the property. Put some photos away, declutter, take down anything that is very specific to you for any showings or open houses. I used to tell my clients, “Make it look like a Hampton Inn!” (clean, organized, presentable, not exactly shouting political affiliations and humor that may or may not play well to all audiences.) Just think, “NEUTRAL!”
Fix Minor Repairs: Take care of any small repairs such as leaky faucets, broken door handles, or cracked tiles. These little fixes show that the home has been well-maintained. They also help build that “can do” muscle! If you don’t know a handyman/person you can always find how to videos on YouTube.
Reorganize Rooms: Consider rearranging furniture to create an open, welcoming flow. If needed, remove oversized pieces to make rooms feel larger. This can also help the “vibe” in any home. I used show homes to clients that were smaller, but smartly furnished, and they could really feel the difference. An extra 150 square feet in an empty hallway isn’t doing anyone much good, but if you put some nice artwork up, and tone down the size of bulky furniture in the main living areas, it can begin to look like a crisp $100 bill.
Stage the Home: If you’re selling, consider staging the home, either with your own furniture or with rented pieces. Well-placed furniture and decor can highlight your home’s best features.
Freshen Up with Scents: Let’s be honest. Open those windows and air that bit*h out! Find your favorite candle company and invest in a few nice smells. I always wanted a nice candle burning during an open house. It helped the vibe!
Whether you are staying put or planning on making moves, a spring re-fresh, clean up, maintenance moment, or general tidy up/tidy down is going to make YOU feel, in the words of Whitney Houston, “like a million-dollar bill! (OH OH OH OH!).”
Editor’s note: Playing anything by our beloved Whitney Houston is guaranteed to get any person, place, or home out of whatever current funk state it is in! If your house isn’t singing, “You Give Good Love to Me” … now you know what to do!
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. He can be reached at (703) 587-0597 or [email protected].
The real estate industry is undergoing a seismic shift, mirroring the rapid digitization happening across all sectors. From shopping to banking to healthcare, consumers now expect seamless online experiences – and home buying is no exception.
Today’s buyers demand instant access, immersive digital experiences, and data-driven insights before ever setting foot inside a property.
Rise of the Digital-First Home Buyer
Gone are the days when buyers had to physically visit dozens of homes to narrow down their options. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, prospective homeowners can now tour properties from anywhere in the world, analyze market data in real time, and make more informed decisions – all with just a few clicks.
• Key innovations fueling the digital home-buying experience include:
3D Virtual Tours – High-resolution, interactive walkthroughs allow buyers to experience a property as if they were there in person.
• Drone Videos – Aerial footage provides a comprehensive view of a home’s location, neighborhood, and surrounding environment.
- Virtual Staging – AI-powered tools showcase how a vacant space could look with furniture, helping buyers visualize its potential.
- AI-Powered Market Insights – Smart analytics help buyers compare property values, neighborhood trends, and future appreciation potential.
An example of real estate’s digital transformation is GayRealEstate.com, a platform dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers with trusted, equality-focused real estate professionals. Recognizing the demand for more inclusive, data-driven, and digital-first real estate solutions, the platform has introduced a groundbreaking tool:
Destination Comparison Tool at GayRelocation.com
For LGBTQ+ buyers, relocating isn’t just about affordability – it’s about finding a safe, welcoming community with the right balance of quality of life, job opportunities, and LGBTQ+ resources. That’s why GayRealEstate.com developed GayRelocation.com, an innovative tool that allows users to compare multiple cities based on:
- Affordability – Housing costs, rent, and cost of living comparisons.
- LGBTQ+ Resources – LGBTQ+ community centers, pride events, & inclusivity scores.
- Job Market – Employment opportunities and industry growth trends.
- Quality of Life – Healthcare access, schools, crime rates, and entertainment options.
This tool removes uncertainty and streamlines the relocation process, ensuring buyers can find a city where they’ll thrive before they even begin their home search.
Future of Digital-First Home Buying
As technology continues to evolve, expect even more innovations in real estate, such as AI-driven property recommendations, blockchain-powered transactions, and even virtual reality (VR) home tours that replicate a real-world experience.
Just as color TVs became a household staple in the 1960s, personal robots will soon be as common as a refrigerator or a smartphone. These AI-driven assistants will manage everything from security and home automation to grocery shopping and even providing companionship.
Imagine touring a home and asking the built-in AI assistant about energy efficiency, property history, or neighborhood details – all in real time. As smart home technology advances, homebuyers will prioritize properties that seamlessly integrate AI, automation, and digital-first conveniences, making the home-buying process more intuitive than ever. The future isn’t just about finding a home – it’s about finding a smarter way to live.
The trend is clear: home buying is becoming faster, more accessible, and more informed than ever before. For buyers, this means greater convenience, less guesswork, and smarter decisions. For real estate professionals, embracing digital-first solutions isn’t optional—it’s the future of the industry.
Are you ready to find your dream home the digital way? Explore GayRealEstate.com and use the Destination Comparison tool at GayRelocation.com to make your next move with confidence.
Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at 303-378-5526 or [email protected].
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