Reach Out to Perch

Can’t wait to hear from you! Give me the details… promise not to share them.

Another FYI

Everyone is welcome here. Meaning, I don't care what color or gender or religion you are, or the dyadic/non-dyadic nature of your personal relationships. Oooo, actually I care that those things about you are honored if it plays into how we strategize for your home, but I don't exclude anyone (or judge) based on those things. And I really enjoy working with people who respect other people's decisions and their work. I prize clear communication -- I aim for that in my client relationships and in the way that I advocate on your behalf out in the world.

FAQ’s

Q: Do you take a commission when you refer clients to a housing professional? (I.e., is that contractor paying you a kickback for referring them business?)

 A: No. My mission is to put homeowners in the driver’s seat. I may make a suggestion for a certain provider as a way to meet your particular needs. When I do, I have vetted that provider (ex: architect, tile pro, broker) for the qualities I see as important for you. I can just as easily advocate for clients with the pro the neighbor recommended. My aim is to teach you as a homeowner to be a savvy consumers of home.

Q: You’re a project manager?

A: Nope. I have managed our development business’ high-end residential renovations, and I can do that for others. But the real value of Perch is in the analysis of a homeowner’s property and goals in order to make the right decision. Whether the decision is Should I Stay or Should I Go? or What-Who-When?, my advice coaches people into the right mindset for a satisfying result.

Q: OK, so your projects are beautiful and I would like mine to look like that. Are you a designer?

A: No and yes. I design for our development projects, and many have been kind enough to admire them (and buy them). More about that story here. I do have lots of experience finding that sweet spot between design and value – and the where/why/how to look for in those finishes. Much like my advice about how to choose other things, like contractors or homes, I can highlight the nuances that shortcut through the opacity of the overwhelming decision-making process. But I would much rather introduce you to an interior designer (and architect, and builder) that will be a great fit with my Expert Finder or White Glove packages.

Q: What, then -- what??? are you?

A: I'm your copilot. I'm helping you utilize the info you have (from pros, your goals, your finances) and putting it into perspective with industry-specific skills and experience for you to make the BEST DECISION FOR YOU. Not the best decision for your banker, builder, architect, agent, designer. We need 'em, we love 'em, but they're not in your shoes and it's not their job to connect all those dots. They don’t want to delve into the areas they don’t cover — and that’s the problem. There are gaps between these experts’ areas. This endeavor of creating a home doesn’t have an instruction manual. I am here to help you make sense of it and choose your best option.

Q: What if there are more decision-makers than just me and my spouse/partner? We have adult offspring coming back to the nest and/or adult parents looking at the next phase of life. Is your advice only for that typical family?

A: I actually have many clients that particularly appreciate my help in offering a space for their multi-generational households to work together in creating a home that really serves everyone there. We talk about some topics that can be tough to bring up on your own -- What does that next phase look like? -- How do we want to live together? -- Who has what financial stake in it, and what decision-making power does that give them? -- How will we honor homes or spaces that hold memories while not allowing that to blind us to possibilities in new spaces? -- How will we make sure we don't make any foolish financial moves?

Q: Can you give me a name of a contractor for my kitchen renovation? [or architect or designer?]

A: I can’t unless you’re already “in the nest” with a Perch package or service. Connecting people to great-fit pros in those fields is my bread and butter. Plus: if I don’t know your project and what you need, I can’t make a proper recommendation. And even more: those pros need to know that the people I send them are a good fit, too. They’ll stop answering my calls with too many misses. My relationship with them is what my clients are thinking of when they say, “Yes, please come to that appointment — everything goes better when you’re there.” Whether that’s asking jargon-laden questions and translating, or the feeling that contractors answer faster with my name attached — an important part of my business is fusing those connections.