Keeping Up With The Joneses

I am on social media a lot. More than I probably should be.

A lot of business is promoted on social media channels. Heck, you feel like you have to become somewhat of a (haphazard) social media influencer to stay in front of people. In our fragmented, busy world, it's hard enough to remember to text my family members back about Sunday dinner let alone remind my family and friends that a) I'm still alive, and b) my kids are growing, and c) did you know I am in real estate?

Social media has enabled us to keep in touch with people who live far from us, and has made loneliness less severe for so many. However, I would say we all can likely agree about the challenges that social media brings to the table for our world. I won't argue with that.

Especially that we keep up with the Joneses on social media. 

Today, that attitude has turned our simple, lovely, comfortable homes into something that is in constant need of updating, improvement, modernization, and more. We see so many beautiful images of homes that people have lovingly remodeled in their gleaming glory, with pristine white countertops and cabinets and not a fingerprint, dog booger, or greasy toddler handprint in sight. 

It's easy to think that hey, if I updated my home, I am bound to be happier. Right? RIGHT?!

But whatever happened to simply living in--and enjoying--our homes just the way they are, through the seasons of life, which seem to be no less enjoyable just because a home is still cosmetically rooted in the 1990s (or 80s, or 50s, or other so-called "ugly" decade)? Isn't it about the people that fill these spaces? The joy and memories that are made? 

Yes, a beautifully updated or brand new home gets a lot of attention when an owner goes to sell it. This is certainly not a knock on a lovely remodel that brings light and joy to a home. But don't let that detract from you enjoying the home you have today or feel "less than" because your home isn't someone's idea of Pinterest or Instagram worthy right now. 

Live your life, and love your home. 

Jennifer Schurter is a Real Estate Agent and expert marketer serving the Greater Portland, Oregon Metro Area and Willamette Valley of Oregon. If you're looking to get started on the journey to buy a home, sell a home, or invest in real estate assets, you may reach Jennifer at jen@jenschurter.com.