Everyone knows military families move regularly and, more times than not, it is difficult for a spouse to resume or find a career. I feel it is important to support those spouses whenever possible and, in this instance, I have focused on spouses who are involved with an interior design, decorating, or staging career. These choices are attractive due to their portability and relationship with real estate.
A quick Google search introduced me to three military spouses who work to maintain employment while managing this challenging lifestyle. Although I am positive there are many more spouses who are qualified and talented, I chose these ladies to feature strictly because I liked their website and design styles and the fact that they are each located in or near military dense cities.
Buy The Hour Interiors, located in Harker Heights, Texas, is operated by Sandee Payne, a Certified Interior Decorator. Her designs have been featured in many publications, but some of her most visible work was featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Using her years in the military as a guide, she also authored a book, That Military House: Move it, Organize it & Decorate it. The book was born from her husband’s many long deployments.
Bella Home Staging serves Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. Metro Area. Jennifer Farlin is a native Detroiter and mom of two boys. Her sense of style reflects attributes such as flexibility and budget savvy, which are regularly found in successful military families. I found her words to be entirely appropriate of our transient lifestyle: “Don’t wait until your kids are grown and out of the house or until you are in your 'permanent' home to decorate. Live in the moment and enjoy your home now—and have fun with it!”
Up to Date Interiors stems from the imagination of Kathy and is based out of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and operates in Onslow, Craven, New Hanover, and Cape Carteret counties. Her style leans toward crafting on a budget and DIY projects. Her website is appealing in a friendly way and her blog is entertaining and loaded with detailed photographs. I love her Christmas decorating series! For instance, she advises you to shop your house first to repurpose winter-themed items for holiday creations.
Another way to support military spouses is to browse through a resource that I have recently been introduced: The Rosie Network. “Rosies” are military spouses and veterans of our armed services who offer a service or product for sale. The website allows Rosie's free advertising and supports website visibility. Each Rosie is verified for military affiliation and eligibility, and each time someone hires a Rosie, military families benefit. I even noticed the real estate agent who helped us look for rentals was listed on this network.
And don't forget, veteran and military spouse-owned and operated MilitaryByOwner is an excellent option for real estate advertising support and many other real estate subjects related to military families.
