On Monday, my friend Tonya accompanied her mother, Bonnie, to the closing for the sale of the lake home that has been in their family since the 1960’s. In the mid 90’s, Bonnie and her husband made Killdeer Trail on East Battle Lake their year  round home. It remained Bonnie’s residence for a few years  after her husband’s death until it became clear it was just too  much for her to keep up with. During the signing of the  paperwork, Tonya held her mother’s hand like the wonderful  daughter she’s been from the start of this life event. It was  evident they were both working very hard to keep their  emotions in check, but we all got through it.

In 1963, my family moved to 17^th St South in Fargo. My sisters, my brother and I attended Lewis and Clark Elementary School, we watched as Fargo South High School was being built, and eventually we all graduated from that same high school. We became adults never having experienced a move any of us remember and my Dad still lives in “the family home”!

Although some families do remain in a home for 50 years, it’s not as common as in times past. Five to seven years in a home is the national average now. As in most things in life however, it’s not the quantity, but the quality that matters. Your family home is wherever you make it, no matter how many times you start over.

Yesterday was a bitter-sweet day for Bonnie and Tonya and I can only hope I was able to help them through this transaction with grace and compassion. The day is coming when my siblings and I will sell our family home too. I know it won’t be easy, but my experiences with my fabulous clients can only help.

If I can help you with your next family home, give me a call.