All Hallows Eve Filled with Spirit
I grew up in a family that downplayed Halloween for a variety of reasons. So now, I feel somewhat guilty, as I consider how much I enjoyed taking my kids trick or treating last night.
As a realtor, I have come to appreciate this holiday more than I did in the past. Unlike other holidays Halloween is essentially a “Neighborhood Holiday”. It relies on communities to make it work. In the purest sense it is about showing hospitality to strangers, but also showing a little community spirit.
I live in a neighborhood that seems to have spirit. A few weeks ago, I was “boo’ed” by an anonymous ghost who left goodies on my door step, with the instructions to spread the spirit to 2 people (who will boo 2 people, who will boo 2 people and on and on) as it grows and spreads through the community.
Last night, I felt this tremendous sense of pride in my neighborhood, as I saw the streets filled with children of all ages. Many houses decorated as if it were Christmas, people sitting on their porches, teens skipping through the streets singing songs, dressed in silly costumes. I saw many friends and neighbors who had moved away or live in other neighborhoods, but they come here to trick or treat here because their neighborhoods did not have the same spirit and energy. By the end of the night, I had said hello to many neighbors and had affirmation as to why I love to live where I live.
The interesting thing is that when buyers look at houses, this is one of the things they often can’t see or even get a feel for…community. They will judge the house on its merits alone, but may not get a sense for how their neighbors will affect their day to day life. This is where working with a neighborhood specialist and a realtor who has lived in the local area for years can be a benefit to buyers. When you first sit down with a realtor, describe what you want out of your neighborhood. Your realtor should be familiar with not just the houses, but also the communities. Don’t just consider the house, take a look at the neighborhood as well. Drive through the neighborhood at different times of the day (or year). What do you see? Kids on the playgrounds? Joggers? Dog walkers? Holiday Decorations?
Well, I’m off to Target, to buy discounted Halloween decorations. I have been inspired to decorate my house next year, and contribute to the community spirit that so many of my neighbors demonstrated last night.
If you have interest in living in a “Spirited” community, I currently have 2 homes on the market in my neighborhood, Brittany. Call me to arrange a showing.
As a realtor, I have come to appreciate this holiday more than I did in the past. Unlike other holidays Halloween is essentially a “Neighborhood Holiday”. It relies on communities to make it work. In the purest sense it is about showing hospitality to strangers, but also showing a little community spirit.
I live in a neighborhood that seems to have spirit. A few weeks ago, I was “boo’ed” by an anonymous ghost who left goodies on my door step, with the instructions to spread the spirit to 2 people (who will boo 2 people, who will boo 2 people and on and on) as it grows and spreads through the community.
Last night, I felt this tremendous sense of pride in my neighborhood, as I saw the streets filled with children of all ages. Many houses decorated as if it were Christmas, people sitting on their porches, teens skipping through the streets singing songs, dressed in silly costumes. I saw many friends and neighbors who had moved away or live in other neighborhoods, but they come here to trick or treat here because their neighborhoods did not have the same spirit and energy. By the end of the night, I had said hello to many neighbors and had affirmation as to why I love to live where I live.
The interesting thing is that when buyers look at houses, this is one of the things they often can’t see or even get a feel for…community. They will judge the house on its merits alone, but may not get a sense for how their neighbors will affect their day to day life. This is where working with a neighborhood specialist and a realtor who has lived in the local area for years can be a benefit to buyers. When you first sit down with a realtor, describe what you want out of your neighborhood. Your realtor should be familiar with not just the houses, but also the communities. Don’t just consider the house, take a look at the neighborhood as well. Drive through the neighborhood at different times of the day (or year). What do you see? Kids on the playgrounds? Joggers? Dog walkers? Holiday Decorations?
Well, I’m off to Target, to buy discounted Halloween decorations. I have been inspired to decorate my house next year, and contribute to the community spirit that so many of my neighbors demonstrated last night.
If you have interest in living in a “Spirited” community, I currently have 2 homes on the market in my neighborhood, Brittany. Call me to arrange a showing.
posted by kristinburns at 1:08 PM
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