Baby on the Way, Room on My Mind

Dana and I are thrilled to share that we're expecting a baby boy this October!

The moment we found out, I started seeing our home differently. That second bedroom? I'm mentally measuring it for a crib. The closets? Suddenly they feel smaller. The lead paint? It's no longer just a disclosure form—it's about my son's safety. I've spent years helping clients navigate these exact feelings, but now I'm living it.

A growing family doesn't care about interest rates or market timing. When you need more room, you need it. Period. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm doing the same mental gymnastics my clients do. Could we make this work? What if we rearrange everything? And then reality hits: babies come with a shocking amount of stuff, and they grow into toddlers who need room to move.

Our home was built before 1978, so I've become obsessed with lead paint remediation. I've always explained Massachusetts lead paint laws to clients, but now I'm the one calling contractors, comparing encapsulation versus full removal, and calculating costs. This isn't paperwork anymore. It's about protecting my son.

Here's what I know: if we decide to sell, I'd approach it the same way I advise my clients. I'd get a pre-listing inspection to identify any issues before buyers do. I'd make the necessary repairs and strategic upgrades. I'd invest in professional staging and marketing to showcase the home at its absolute best. And I'd price it right from day one to attract serious buyers and maximize our return. Because when you're moving to accommodate your growing family, every dollar matters. You want to walk away with the most equity possible to put toward your next chapter.

Most people move because they have to, not because they want to. Life happens—growing families, job changes, aging parents—and real estate decisions follow. The market doesn't always cooperate. Rates might be higher than we'd like. Inventory might be tight. But when necessity drives the decision, you figure it out. You adjust, get creative, and make it work.

We're fortunate to have time to plan. But knowing our son arrives in October has given me a window into what my clients experience: that mix of excitement and anxiety, dreams and reality. If anything, this experience is making me a better agent. I'm listening differently. I'm asking better questions. I'm more patient when clients change their minds about what they need.

And when a client tells me they're not sure if they're ready to move but know they'll need to eventually? I get it. Because that's exactly where Dana and I are right now.

So here's to October, to our growing family, and to all the parents navigating real estate decisions while preparing for life's next chapter. I'm joining your ranks soon, and I have a feeling the lessons ahead will be the most valuable education I've ever received.