Need a 2012 resolution idea? Start preserving, sharing your stories now as a gift to the future

Dec28 by Houstory Publishing

The Home History Book™ archival journal is primarily designed for users to fill in the “current” history of what is happening in their home. No research required — just tell your story. In other words, it will be a first-person account — invaluable information for future home historians and homeowners.

The Home History Book™ archival journal Deluxe Mahogany: Built to last

Simply fill in one of the book’s 10 repeating “Our Home’s Stories” sections as often as you like (we recommend once every few years) with photos and information. Essentially, it’s a baby book for the home … that stays with the home. And because it stays behind — even as owners come and go — it allows future owners a glimpse into what happened in the home before they lived within its walls.

Whether you decide to purchase a Home History Book archival journal or not, please start preserving and sharing your home’s stories now. Just keep them safe and accessible! Think of the value these memories will have for those who may live in your home just 10 or 20 years from now.

It is our passion to inspire home genealogy. After all, the more you know of a home’s history, the more likely you are to take care of it. In other words, we hope our product encourages stewardship — both in terms of the environment (caring for what you have, as opposed to simply throwing it away and starting over) and cultural stewardship (protecting stories for generations to come).

For more information — including free research materials that will help you discover your home’s beginning history (before you lived there) — visit www.homehistorybook.com.

Trying to sell your house? Home staging may be crucial

Dec15 by Houstory Publishing

In this economy, homeowners need all the help they can get to sell their properties. One way to help accomplish the task: home staging, according to a recent piece in the Washington Post.

Bring emotion back to the selling process by helping people see what the home could be used for -- with a little imagination. A Home History Book™ archival journal can help do just that. Preserve your stories now, share them later.

Basic staging “brings some emotion back to the (selling) process, which helps bump the price up,” said Washington, D.C. broker Bill Sawyer of William Sawyer & Co. Realtors in the article.

Essentially, it’s helping potential buyers to use their imaginations as to what a home could look like with a little effort. So, the next time you have a holiday party, or landscape the backyard, make sure to document it so you can show it off later. It may just pay off.

Houstory partners with nonprofit providing transitional housing for women, children

Dec7 by Houstory Publishing

Houstory is committed to building a company that is not only profitable, but responsible, sustainable and community-minded.

With these values in mind, Houstory created the “Houstory Helps” Program. In the future, Houstory will choose various charities to highlight, all of which share and value the importance of a home — some home — for all.

Lydia Place provides a multi-faceted, six-month transitional housing program that supports women and their children.

For now, with every purchase of a Home History Book, Houstory Publishing, LLC, will donate a portion of its proceeds to Lydia Place in Bellingham, Wash. Working with Lydia Place, a multi-faceted, six-month transitional housing program that supports women and their children, is a natural fit for Houstory Publishing, a company that celebrates and recognizes the importance of “home.”

Founded in 1989, Lydia Place provides:

• Six month transitional housing • Twelve month follow-up program • Individual goal-setting and case management • Weekly monitoring of individual goals • Life skills training • Individual budget assistance • Therapeutic Children’s Program • Education and/or employment support and advocacy • Community resource referrals • Advocacy and accompaniment services

For more information, please visit the Lydia Place Web site.