COMO | The Home & Real Estate Issue

Congratulations on 15 years, Caryn!

Thank you for 15 years of shared goals, challenges, and triumphs! Your friendship, kindness, and unwavering support have made every moment memorable

Here’s to the countless memories we’ve created and the ones yet to come!

NOW OPEN IN COLUMBIA, MO!

Lombardo Homes offers quality, customization, and pricing transparency!

Lombardo Homes is known for their quality, luxury, and customization in homebuilding. Lombardo is also known for their pricing transparency. Unlike most homebuilders, Lombardo Homes doesn’t rely on allowances and estimates to build your home. Instead, Lombardo takes each client through their trademarked Discovery Event™, learning about each client’s needs, pricing them accordingly, and presenting the client with the final purchase price BEFORE they sign a contract. The only thing that will change a client’s purchase price are options a client may add throughout the homebuilding process. Lombardo Homes clients are in full control of their purchase price before and during the construction of their new home!

Lombardo Homes is building in desirable communities in Columbia and Ashland, plus offers build-on-your-lot opportunities throughout the greater Columbia area. Contact our team to learn more!

573-542-0605 | lhcolumbia@lombardohomes.com | lombardohomes.com

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Ranch and two-story homes from 2,600 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

Sales Office: 2871 Clopton Ct, Columbia, MO

COLUMBIA, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,100 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

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LIVE HEALTHY

Dive into today’s trending health and wellness topics with Live Healthy — a free monthly newsletter designed to make you laugh, cry and feel informed with expert advice and guest stories. Three articles, once a month, delivered straight to your inbox.

8 Surprising Facts About Menopause and Perimenopause

Women’s bodies go through many changes, often involving their monthly menstrual period. But when you experience menopause, the transformation is so significant that it’s called “the change of life.”

Menopause is the permanent stopping of menstruation — clinically defined as a woman not having a period for 12 consecutive months. While the thought of no more PMS, pads and tampons may sound amazing, it’s not that simple.

The process leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and life after (postmenopause) can be tricky — your mind and body can feel out of your control due to a roller coaster of hormonal changes. “There’s much more to menopause than suddenly stopping menstruation,” says Dr. Melissa Terry, MU Health Care OBGYN. “It’s important for younger women to learn about menopause to prepare mentally and physically before they get to that transition.” To help with that mental

preparation, Dr. Terry shared some facts about perimenopause and menopause that you may not (but should) know:

1. Menopause Can Occur Anytime

The average age of menopause in the United States is 52. But menopause can happen earlier for some people, whether naturally or for medical reasons:

• Early menopause occurs between ages 40 and 45. About 5% of women go through early menopause naturally.

• Premature menopause refers to menopause before age 40 — experienced by 1% of women.

Early or premature menopause can happen naturally. But other reasons menopause occurs early include:

• Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy or radiation to the pelvic area.

• Health conditions such as autoimmune diseases, HIV and AIDS, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Smoking, which can cause menopause to occur as much as two years before nonsmokers.

• Surgery, either to remove both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy)

Women who go through menopause earlier than average often experience more severe menopause symptoms. Because their bodies stop making estrogen at a younger age, they’re also more likely to have a lifelong higher risk of depression, heart disease and osteoporosis (loss of bone density).

2. The Transition to Menopause Takes Years

The symptoms people typically associate with “going through menopause,” such as hot flashes and moodiness, begin during perimenopause. The transition period before menopause normally takes four years but can last anywhere from two to eight years.

Your hormone levels, especially estrogen, can change randomly during that time. You may experience menopause symptoms that come and go, such as:

• Brain fog and problems with memory and focus, reported by 60% of women.

• Changing feelings about sex based on discomfort or lack of arousal.

• Hot flashes, or sudden feelings of warmth and sweating, experienced by 75% of women.

• Menstruation changes to both premenstrual symptoms and monthly cycle.

• Mood changes, including depression, anxiety, crying spells and irritability.

• Problems sleeping, often the result of hot flashes, anxiety and incontinence.

• Urinary problems such as incontinence.

“Not all women will experience menopausal symptoms the same way,” Dr. Terry says. “Every woman’s menopause story is different.”

3. Genetics Play a Role in the Timing of Menopause

If you’re wondering when you may naturally begin the transition to menopause, look no further than your own mother.

“If your mom went through menopause at age 51, for example, you would probably go through menopause right around that same time,” Dr. Terry says. “If you naturally go through menopause at 45, which is earlier than average, your mom may also have gone through it early. While it’s not an exact science, being mentally prepared for the timing is important.”

Free Wedding?

Did someone say

Kelly Hoover Lash Serum

A couple of issues ago, we announced our wild idea to give away an ENTIRE wedding everything from a dress to catering to floral to photography... you name it, we’ve got it! Even cotton candy and fireworks!

To catch you up to speed, in May we announced the winner of our wedding giveaway chosen unanimously by our team of vendors! Megan Henry & Hunter Murray have a beautiful daughter, Adalynn, who has a rare disease called Tay Sachs Disease, a genetic disorder in which there’s an absence of an enzyme that helps break down fatty substances, resulting in toxic levels in the brain and spinal cord. Over time this will lead to seizures, vision and hearing loss, muscle stiffness, and paralysis. There is no cure for Tay-Sachs Disease and life expectancy is 2 to 3 years.

Adalynn was accepted into a clinical trial in Massachusetts where Hunter, Megan, and baby Adalynn have been since January. The good news is that they are FINALLY HOME and Adalynn is responding very well to the treatments!

So now it’s wedding planning time and we can’t wait to absolutely spoil this very deserving family. But, we need your help!

While all the vendors involved are giving of their time, talent, and service for free, there are some hard costs associated that we will need to cover! Food, a dress for Megan at wholesale cost, floral, etc. We are seeking sponsorships to cover the cost of goods and every little bit helps!

We cannot wait to see Megan and Hunter smiling from ear to ear this August!!!!

What’s your CoMo?

No matter who you are, how long you have lived here, or what you do for fun, everyone has their own CoMo. This year, we’re featuring local residents and asking them what makes their CoMo. From favorite places to grab dinner to our best-kept secrets for visitors to explore, they will be sharing what makes our city extraordinary to them. Because, in the end, it’s those memorable places and experiences that make it your CoMo.

MATT M c CORMICK

What is your go to place to take a visitor in Columbia?

Downtown for the great shops, entertainment and restaurants. And we spend time on the trails, taking them to the river, Cooper’s Landing, and hiking at Rock Bridge State Park to the Devil’s Icebox.

What’s your fave pastime in Columbia?

Cheering on the MIZZOU Tigers at football games. It’s a great atmosphere, fun to see people, and spend time with family.

What do you think is Columbia’s best kept secret?

I’m not sure if it’s a secret, but our food scene is amazing. Whether it’s a food truck or a local restaurant, you can get any type of food and have fun experiencing new ones.

How would you describe Columbia in one word?

Matt McCormick is the President & CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

TOGETHER, WE CAN END ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

JOIN OUR LOCAL MOVEMENT

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than just a one day annual event. It is a local movement to promote continuous support, awareness, and funds to help end Alzheimer’s. Get your team started today and help make a better tomorrow for our entire community!

Start making a difference now at alz.org/greatermo

CARE AND SUPPORT

Want more information about Alzheimer’s? Call our 24/7 helpline at 800.272.3900. Want to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or about local care and support options? Visit alz.org/greatermo to see a list of all the education and support options we offer inperson and virtually.

ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE

Use your voice to advocate for change! Our elected officials need to know that our community cares about supporting local families dealing with this disease.

You can use your voice to take action in just moments by visiting alzimpact.org/actnow.

We’re back at Faurot Field!

Saturday, September 30th

TO REGISTER, VOLUNTEER, OR DONATE, SCAN THE QR CODE

OR CONTACT CHRIS COTTLE AT CCOTTLE@ALZ.ORG

Imust have missed this day in high school ... is is the class they need to be teaching in high school! Five years ago, coming out of a divorce and thinking about my next steps in life, with the help of my dad, I decided to build a house.

is started o as one of my proudest moments. It was one of the rst times I really felt like an adult. It was so exciting to have a fresh start and something that was completely mine. Making all the required selections from top to bottom — ooring, backsplash, door handles, you name it — then being able to watch the growth and development day to day, both of the house and me personally. It was a very fun and exciting time.

Fast forward to the house being complete and then I am the sole homeowner. Let me backtrack a little bit — I have two of the most incredibly supportive parents, so growing up I maybe led a bit of a sheltered life. From there, I married very young and had a husband that ran most of the household duties. I never really had to know how to run a household, and it was a position I was more than ne with.

All of a sudden it was time to grow up — and to grow up fast. ere are SO many stories I could share with you of this learning curve and experience. One of the most memorable stories I still hear about from family and friends happened after about year three as a homeowner. I came home from work on a cold winter day, and it was freezing in my house. I shared this news with my family and friends on our text threads and someone asked when was the last time I had changed my furnace lter. My what??!!

So, there was our answer: never. I didn’t even know that was a thing. en the hunt was on to nd said furnace lter. I was completely clueless. A friend asked

me to send a picture of my furnace and she would help locate the lter via the photo. I sent her a photo of my water heater. Lesson #1: Once I gured out what a furnace even looks like, I had to remove the lter. Which, of course, I did with a pair of kitchen tongs. I won’t even tell you what that three-year-old lter looked like ... no wonder it was freezing in my house! After a quick trip to Menards (and help from one of their friendly attendants) I was back in action.

at is just one story out of dozens of lessons I have learned over the last ve years. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves. It was the rst time I ever used a power tool; it was the rst time I was in charge of making all the decisions. I laughed and cried my way through it. I have grown so much as an independent female homeowner.

Heck, I even own a hammer now! But I still call my parents at least once a week with some kind of homeowning question. Cheers to growth and learning something new every day!

You won’t fi nd all the great articles from COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times writers in print. Check out these online exclusives:

How do you start a conversation with your kids about their online safety? We’ve got some tips and a great list of cyber safety resources.

The Montminy Gallery at the Boone County History & Culture Center has a new director/ curator. It’s a sort of homecoming for Betsy Roe.

Hiking With Ginger, a new blog highlighting local and area outdoor getaways, is a web exclusive at comomag.com.

The Girard Homes Way: Discover the luxury in custom homes by Girard Homes.

The first time I used a power tool!

Photo by: Lana Eklund

President Erica Pefferman | Erica@comomag.com

EDITORIAL

Publisher | Erica Pefferman Erica@comomag.com

Editor-in-Chief | Kim Ambra Kim@comomag.com

Digital Editor | Jodie Jackson Jr Jodie@comomag.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Kate Morrow Kate@comomag.com

Senior Designer | Jordan Watts Jordan@comomag.com

MARKETING

Director of Account Services

Amanda Melton Amanda@comomag.com

Marketing Representative Sarah Hempelmann Sarah@comomag.com

Marketing Representative

Becky Roberts Becky@comomag.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lana Eklund, Ben Nickleson Photography

MARKETING

Director of Sales | Charles Bruce Charles@comomag.com

Director of Events | Scott Callahan Scott@comomag.com

OUR MISSION

To inspire, educate, and entertain the citizens of Columbia with quality, relevant content that reflects Columbia’s business environment, lifestyle, and community spirit.

CONTACT

The COMO Companies

404 Portland, Columbia, MO 65201 (573) 499-1830 | comomag.com @wearecomomag

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magazines are $5.95 an issue. Subscription rate is $39 for 12 issues for one year or $69 for 24 issues for two years. Subscribe at comomag.com or by phone.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Candice Ball, Alicia Belmore, Lauren Sable Freiman, Lydia Graves, Jodie Jackson Jr, Hoss Koetting, Michelle Terhune, Jennifer Truesdale, Dr. Brian Yearwood

Representing Voices from All Different Walks of Life.

We take pride in representing our community well and we couldn’t do what we do without our COMO Magazine advisory board. Thank You!

Beth Bramstedt

Associate Pastor Christian Fellowship Church

Kris Husted

Senior Content Editor NPR Midwest Newsroom

Heather Brown Strategic Partnership Officer Harry S Truman VA Hospital

Chris Cottle Walk Manager

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter

Amanda Jacobs Owner Jacobs Property Management

Sam Fleury Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications, Columbia College

Alex George Owner Skylark Bookshop Executive Director Unbound Book Festival Author

Chris Horn

Reinsurance Manager Shelter Insurance

Barbra Horrell Consultant Horrell Associates

Jeremiah Hunter Assistant Police Chief Commander Investigations Bureau Columbia Police Department

Darren Morton Program Director Turning Point

David Nivens

Chief Executive Officer Midwest Computech

Megan Steen Chief Operating Officer, Central Region Burrell Behavioral Health

Nathan Todd

Business Services Specialist First State Community Bank

Wende Wagner

Director of Philanthropy The Missouri Symphony

HOW

MU CAREER ACCELERATOR

Whether you're an employer looking to strengthen your workforce or an individual looking to advance in your career, the MU Career Accelerator is here to meet your needs.

BUILT FOR YOUR NEEDS

• Self-paced or synchronous options

• Online or in-person options

• Continuing education hours available

• Noncredit courses

• Bootcamps

• Certifications

• Invest in your employees with our customized plans

Hidden Houses

BY CANDICE BALL PHOTOS BY KATIE BARNES

Katie Barnes is in the business of making tiny ceramic cities. In addition to showing and selling them at art events, she also hides them throughout Columbia. If you’re lucky enough to nd one, it’s yours to keep — or you can re-hide it for another scavenger to nd.

Katie is passionate and proli c when it comes to what she makes, and her Instagram account, Snow Pond Ceramics, has a large, avid following. Katie loves what she does, and that love translates to her work.

GETTING STARTED

Katie got started with pottery on the wheel when she

was young and then got back into it years later. When she was home during the pandemic, she was inspired to start again.

“I felt a very strong desire to be creative with clay, and so my studio director said, ‘You know, I’ll just give you bags of clay, and you can drop them o at the garage and I’ll re them, hands-free,'” Katie recalls. “So I started playing with clay at the kitchen table with my kids, and they were building creatures, and I kind of shaped a tiny house, and we were all like, 'Oh, look, that’s so cute,' and it just kind of took o from there.”

FROM SCRAPS TO ART

Katie was then inspired to share what she does with her community.

“I’ve always been into hiding little things around. My kids would break the tail o a toy dinosaur, and then we’d hide it somewhere on a hike, in a tree,” she says.

She explains that when you make pottery, there’s a lot of excess material that normally would go to waste. Katie brainstormed ways to make use of that clay.

“I started making medium-sized angular houses, and then I realized, 'Gosh, I could make a lot of small houses out of the scraps of the medium-sized houses I have in front of me.'" And she did, eventually creating what she calls “an insane amount of tiny houses.”

THE HUNT IS ON

From there Katie started listing some of those houses on Etsy — where she has made almost 900 sales — but she still had a remarkable surplus. Ultimately, she thought she’d just leave one someplace, and then that idea caught on. Now, she’s frequently approached by people who are thankful that they have randomly stumbled onto one of her creations. Making her art interact with her community guides how she creates.

Katie won’t tell you exactly where to look for her tiny cities, but she will give up some clues

“I typically hide houses downtown — on windowsills, in trees, between bricks,” Katie says. “I also hide a few outside of the public library every few weeks and along popular hiking trails in the area. I sometimes post hints within my Instagram stories when I hide them, but not always.”

Katie says her inspiration comes from the desire to give joy to the community, and from her own creative impulses.

“I do think that creating these houses seems to bring people a lot of happiness in a very tiny package,” she says. “I like to use splashes of color here and there — doors, sunshine, rainbow raindrops — and lots of details to give my tiny houses a big personality.”

SNOWPOND CERAMICS etsy.com/shop/snowpondceramics

Katie Barnes’ Snow Pond

Ceramics creates big beauty in small places.

MAKE A DONATION

Providing basic resources for families in need, because we can all use a little help sometimes.

Donate diapers to those in need. Visit fc4c.org to help.

Paws in Heaven

At-home, end-of-life service for our beloved furry friends.

BY ALICIA BELMORE

While making end-of-life care decisions for a beloved pet is not something most want to think about, it is a reality that many will deal with. Paws in Heaven provides in-home pet euthanasia services, lending compassion and comfort — to both pet and human — during an immensely emotional experience.

In 2011, Angie Randazzo and her family were living in St Louis, when her father became terminally ill. Her family made the tough decision to keep him home - where he loved to be — and to begin hospice care. While it was a hard time, Angie says it was also a blessing to have him there at home, and the hospice team was kind and caring in the family's time of need.

Her own heart wrenching experience gave Angie — then a practicing veterinarian for about 17 years — the idea of o ering end-of-life service for pets in the home.

When Angie's family moved to Columbia in 2021, rather than continuing to practice veterinary medicine, she decided it was the right time to plan the launch of her new business. When her family was settled in, she was able to hit the ground running.

To get the word out about her new athome services, Angie contacted local pet care establishments to let them know about her business. Veterinary clinics, pet boarding facilities, and pet groomers were open to taking her cards and giving their customers information about Angie's services — for when their need for her arose.

In the beginning, Angie was able to care for around 10 clients per month; now she provides care to roughly 30 to 35 clients per month.

While it’s grown in capacity, Paws in Heaven is a small, simple operation — it's just Angie and her truck. About 90 percent of her services focus on at-home euthana-

sia, and around 10 percent is quality of life or hospice care for pets when the pet owner or family is not already established with a veterinarian. Many new clients are people or families that are new to the area.

“It’s like a double-edged sword; it is my business, but it is sad and such a hard time for people losing their pets,” she said. Angie explains that it feels like an honor and her calling to be able to come into peoples' homes, to sit with them, hold their hands, and walk them through a cherished pet's end-of-life experience. e emotional connection — typically with someone she hasn't met until arriving at their home — creates a special bond from "the amount of trust they show when they’ve only just met me.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

To learn more about Community Supported Agriculture and sign up for a weekly box of veggies, visit happyhollowfarm-mo. com/csa/details or scan the QR code below!

Great Schools Mean Great Communities

BY DR. BRIAN YEARWOOD

Nothing is more important to a community’s economic stability, real estate and housing markets, and unemployment rates than great public schools.

Great, strong public schools are essential to attracting and retaining a solid employment base, successful economic development, preparing our children to become future community leaders, and sustaining the quality of life we all appreciate.

In Columbia Public Schools, our vision is to be the best school district in the state. Our mission is to provide an excellent education for all students. Our purpose is to put our scholars rst. And we aim to accomplish these aspirations while also holding true to our values of trust, integrity, collaboration, transparency, empathy, and grace.

As the fth largest school district in Missouri, Columbia Public Schools is recognized at the state and national levels for many outstanding successes.

• e district is a model for its workforce development e orts, nationally recognized for innovation, for its e orts to remove achievement barriers for children, and for nancial transparency and budgeting excellence.

• Our district maintains unique partnerships with organizations in our community to create learning opportunities not o ered by any other districts in our state, including the Nature School and the Early College program.

• Our students exceed state and national averages on the ACT, excel in advanced placement courses with nearly 80 percent earning college credit, and our scholars graduate college-, career-, and life-ready. Columbia Public Schools is ranked among the top 10 percent of

school districts in America, according to Niche.

Communities with great public schools tend to attract families seeking quality education for their children. e presence of good schools creates a sense of desirability and livability within a community, which leads to increased demand and values within the real estate market.

Good public schools also provide stability to local real estate markets. e consistent demand generated by families seeking quality education ensures a steady stream of potential buyers. Even during economic downturns, homes located within highly rated school districts tend to hold their value better than those in areas with underperforming school districts.

is stability provides homeowners with a sense of security, making them more likely to invest in their properties and further contribute to the overall appeal of the community.

As families move into the area to take advantage of education opportunities, they often become active participants in the community. ese families tend to be engaged in civic activities, volunteering, and supporting local businesses, which helps create a vibrant and thriving community. e positive impact of an engaged citizenry is re ected in the maintenance and improvement of infrastructure, parks, and public spaces, further enhancing the desirability of the area, and increasing property values.

Areas with excellent public schools are also likely to attract high-quality professionals, including teachers and administrators. A well-regarded school district is a draw for educators seeking employment opportunities. e presence of talented

and dedicated professionals contributes to the success of the schools, which, in turn, further enhances the reputation of the community. e in ux of professionals not only bene ts the education system but also has a positive spillover e ect on the local economy, leading to an increase in job opportunities and economic growth.

Every community across Missouri, and the country for that matter, is working to build and maintain their local economies. Columbia is no di erent in this endeavor as the attraction of high-quality new businesses and industry brings new residents and homebuyers, jobs, and wealth to our community. Working to retain and expand business is important to ensure job growth, a stable real estate market, and the overall quality of our community.

Economic development is a competitive endeavor as communities compete to attract new businesses and the expansion of existing companies.

is competitive landscape requires communities to be prepared to lure quality new businesses and industries to our area and one key factor is the quality of its public schools. To this end, Columbia Public Schools maintains partnerships, regular communication, and active participation with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Columbia Board of Realtors, and the Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI).

In Missouri and across the country, you can nd examples of what a lack of support for public schools can do to a community. Businesses leave, unemployment rises, real estate values fall, and community livability su ers. e historical impact of failing schools and the e ort it takes to reinvigorate a community once the damage has been done takes time and resources. is community recovery e ort takes away from progress and innovation.

If we are to remain on the path to excellence and maintain livability and vitality, we need our community’s support.

Dr. Brian Yearwood is the Superintendent of Columbia Public Schools

Custom Luxury

THE GIRARD HOMES WAY

Brothers head up business as third-generation owners.

BY JENNIFER TRUESDALE | PHOTOS BY LANA EKLUND

If your idea of a dream home is a new build brimming with modern features and luxury nishes that de es cookie-cutter styles, Girard Homes may be the builder for you. GH has been in business since 1983, becoming GH in 2016, and currently is in its third generation of ownership. Clients receive guidance at every step of the building process, from choosing a lot if they don’t already have one, to picking out the bathroom tile.

BUILDING IS IN THE BLOOD

At just 28, Zack Girard and his brother, Parker Girard, 27, co-own GH. e genesis for GH began with Zack and Parker’s grandfather, Howard Buescher, and their mother, Sue Girard, who went into business building homes in 1983 in Melbourne, Florida, where Zack and Parker grew up.

After graduating from high school in Melbourne, Zack Girard came to Columbia to attend Mizzou, where he earned a businessnance degree with an emphasis in real estate investing.

“I got my real estate license when I was 18,” Zack says, “and started working with a brokerage [ rm] here in town. And that’s how I got my feet wet with the local real estate market.”

at early career move would later position Zack to open Boulder Realty, an in-home brokerage rm within GH.

“My senior year [of college], I started talking to my mom about building a house here in town — just to kind of go through the building process and see what that looks like,” Zack explains. “I built the house and it worked out pretty well, and then we kind of kept going from there.”

Parker Girard followed Zack to Missouri a couple of years later to join the company. He works as a new home specialist who helps clients with all of the preliminary business — nding a lot, picking a oor plan, and navigating contracts. GH has built just more than 100 homes since opening.

“We’re going on our ninth year here in Columbia,” Zack said. “So it’s a family-owned and operated business.”

GH employs 10 full-time employees, including an in-house architect, and interior designer, Becky Erdel. GH also does home remodels, and 100 percent custom homes if you don’t nd a oorplan to your liking.

THE MODEL HOME BUSINESS MODEL

e home for sale at 1604 Morning Dove Court in the Old Hawthorne subdivision is one of GH’s model homes. And you can buy it fully furnished and decorated.

e 4,390-square-foot home with a walk-out lower oor features ve bedrooms, ve baths, and a three-car garage. e home follows e Flint oorplan, one of 12 luxury home oorplans readily available for clients to choose from. And because it’s a model home, it has regular open hours when anyone can pop by to take a look.

Most of the oorplans are available with a slab foundation or walkout and range in size from 1,740 to 4,557 square feet. e exterior of the homes features a modern aesthetic, with multiple roof peaks, and lots of texture — stucco, stone, wood, board, and batten siding. Some have a southern California vibe with a touch of mid-century modern air. e Morning Dove property has a white stucco exterior, with black stucco trim and black garage doors.

“ ere might be one other builder in town that has model homes that are open consistently, but it’s not as common in this area, but that’s how we kind of run our business,” Zack explains, adding that model homes help prospective clients get a feel for how they do things. “We sell them on a 12-month lease back. So we’ll actually sell the model home to a client, and then we’ll rent it back from them so that we can keep displaying it to other potential buyers.”

e home’s interior is elegantly appointed in classic black and white to match the exterior, with splashes of shimmering gold accents. And just like the exterior, the inside is brimming with interesting textures and nishes chosen by Becky, who has been with GH for three years.

CUSTOM LUXURY FINISHES

“Not only do I stage the [model homes], but I pick out everything,” she says, explaining her role as interior designer for GH. “I pick out all the nishes [for the] interior and exterior. And then I work with clients to help them pick out everything from the shingles on the roof to the toilets in the bathrooms. We help them with everything.”

Becky says clients appreciate the guidance because for as fun as it is to pick out bathroom tile and lighting xtures, it’s a big job and decision fatigue is bound to set in. With a professional designer guiding them through every step, clients feel con dent in the nishes they select.

And to top it all o , GH’s in-house drafter creates 3D renderings of the chosen oor plan, complete with nishes and furnishings — not unlike the 3D models that many popular HGTV shows rely on to help viewers understand the designer’s vision.

“ ey don’t have to worry about not being able to visualize their house,” Zack says about the design process. “Our whole idea is that we’re trying to make it easy on the client.”

When you walk into 1604 Morning Dove Ct., you will immediately notice the open-concept oor plan and how much natural light there is. To the right is a small dining room currently staged as an o ce, and two small bedrooms connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom are to the left. e bedrooms throughout are decorated in black, white, and gold. But it’s the textures Becky chose that make each room pop. e bed linens and pillows enjoy accents of embroidery, tassels, and pom poms. Large, abstract art pieces grab attention in every room. Sculptures and baubles ad interest with ripples, grooves, and ridges.

Just beyond the foyer is the great room inviting you to relax. In the great room, Becky had three drywall panels suspended from the ceiling, and each had lighting on top that illuminates the ceiling with warm ambience.

“You know, it’s a large space,” she explains.” I wanted to de ne this space without taking up oor space. So I did that

with all the ceiling details. So, it visually divides [the space] without taking up oor space.”

The real show-stopper on the main level is the enormous chef’s kitchen. It boasts a unique, curved island that seats eight. And small amenities make it luxurious: vertical power strips that pop up out of the island’s countertop; soft-close cabinet doors and drawers; and lights underneath the lower cabinets that give the whole room a homey glow. An enormous walk-in pantry rounds out the luxury kitchen.

Another show-stopping room on this level is what Becky staged as a relaxation room o the great room. e original oorplans indicate this space could be used as another bedroom, but she had a di erent vision for it. Four gorgeous square brown velvet club chairs invite guests to take a load o . Two built-in wine refrigerators and built-in storage make this a super unique room.

“[I wanted a room that was] dedicated to listening to music, reading a book, the conversations with friends having a glass of wine,” Becky explains. “And everybody that walks in wants to sit down and have a glass of wine there.”

Head downstairs and prepared to be wowed by a whole other huge living space. At the bottom of the stairs is an o ce/ craft room that is separated from the rest of the space by a glass wall and door. Sideby-side desks with upper cabinet storage and task lights inspire productivity, and two square bean bag chairs soften the workspace.

e rest of the lower oor includes a spacious living room, a full kitchen, and space for a pool table. Two more sunny bedrooms and a luxurious bath round out the lower oor, which walks out into a yard overlooking a wooded lot. Two covered patios, one on each level, make outdoor entertaining easy.

In addition to the property on Morning Dove, another model home can be toured at 140 N. Luna Lane. Zack says they have about 20 lots in the new phase of Old Hawthorne North that they’ll be building on this year.

“So that’s going to be a big focus for us this coming year,” Zack says. “But we build pretty much all over Boone County and even into some of the surrounding counties. We’ve got some jobs in Boonville and in the Fulton area.”

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

SHAUN HENRY ATKINS

JAKE BAUMGARTNER BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

THE DINING ROOM IS MAKING A COMEBACK

By Jake Baumgartner

Find more at baumgartners.com

Have you heard the latest buzz from design experts? The dining room is making a huge comeback! But you already knew that considering how the new normal of working from home (and even learning from home) resulted from the pandemic and had many of us finding functional uses for dining rooms and dining tables.

Even if the dining room is less of a formal family gathering and more of a work/living area, it doesn’t mean that space is any less essential for bringing the family or guests together. But can you have it both ways? The answer is “absolutely yes!”

Just look at today’s new dining room as a multidimensional space, whether gathering for meals or a spot to work from home; a virtual meeting spot or an art studio or homeschool classroom; and maybe even an extension of your home gym, a playroom, or a hybrid of any number of uses.

And here’s an expert tip on making that space a hybrid that works for everyone: swivel chairs can make it have more of a lounge feel; a bench (which might double as storage space) might be the easy, café- style spot for casual dining, socializing, and work; and stools can fit right in with the busy family or entertainment opportunity when you want to be both socialize and mobile.

The team at Baumgartner’s Furniture is perfectly equipped to help homeowners and families make the new-use, postpandemic dining room as practical and friendly as possible. And because many of us have added additional uses for our dining rooms and dining areas, we’ve seen the extra value of making sure there’s appropriate, just-right seating for each family member or guest. Stools, chairs, and benches add style and elegance while also providing extra functionality.

JAKE BAUMGARTNER

BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Jake essentially grew up in the furniture industry, as he is the fourth generation involved in Baumgartner’s Furniture. Working very closely with his father, Alan, Jake has been devoted to the stores full-time since 2004. His greatest enjoyment, however, still comes from working closely with the customers. He is married to Sarah, and they have two active boys, Noah and Laine. Jake received his degree in finance from Saint Louis University.

(573) 256-6288

BAUMGARTNERS.COM

Benches: Magnussen Home’s Calistoga Collection has a variety of styles, from benches with upholstered seats to benches with upholstered seat and back or wood benches with low backs; the Lawson Collection from Liberty Furniture Industries offers an array of counter benches and dining benches and shelter dining benches.

Chairs: Magnussen Home and Liberty Furniture are among the top choices for chairs, too, from Windsor back counter chairs or slat black side chairs to upholstered armchairs and ladderback chairs. With a multitude of styles and colors to choose from, there are selections to fit your space and use needs.

Stools: How about X Back counter chairs and bow back counter chairs? They’re the stools with some back support. The standard adjustable counter stool in a variety of styles, colors, and textures from Liberty Furniture, and console stools from Magnussen’s Paxton Place Collection might even double as easy- peasy seating for other rooms when the family size or guest count increases.

One more tip: It’s also important to choose a rug or floor covering to protect the floors from chairs sliding across them and that will clean up quickly if there is a dinner spill.

We don’t get so caught up in all the new uses of our dining areas that we forget that first and foremost, not matter how the dining room is transformed for hybrid uses, it is still the mealtime place to gather for meals: nutrition, family connections, and sharing life’s joys and challenges.

Today’s families need all the space they can get for homework, conference calls, arts and crafts, and work-from-home tasks. Gone are the days when our living spaces served only one, sometimes rigid purpose and, as is the case with dining areas, got only occasional use. These days, it’s almost the exact opposite.

Does your dining room double as an office or classroom when not in use for meals? Is it time to embrace the 2023 evolution of the dining area? If you have a dining room that isn’t getting the attention it deserves, maybe it is time to reinvent that room and put it to good use.

FOUR DWARF TREES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

By Jacob Porter

In several landscape projects we work on, we come across or design in bed spaces that are too big to fill out with shrubs, but not quite big enough to add a typical ornamental or shade tree. Many times these areas are located near the house where larger trees will not fit the space. These area areas where we like to use a dwarf variety of tree that can help add height and interest to the space without concern of outgrowing the area. The trees mentioned below are just a few of the options available that you should keep in mind.

• Japanese Maple ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’

This variety of Japanese Maple only grows to a height of 4-6 feet with a similar spread. This is an upright maple with green leaves that transition to an orange/red color in the fall. This tree is best suited for areas that get morning sun and afternoon shade. The “Mikawa Yatsubusa” is better used as a specimen tree where it can stand out from the rest of the plantings.

• Redbud ‘Little Woody’

This redbud is an excellent plant to add to your landscape if you are looking for additional spring color. “Little Woody” redbud can get up to 10-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. It offers great early spring color with the purple blooms as well as interesting yellow foliage in the fall. The vase shaped growth of this tree can add fullness to the landscape along with

JACOB PORTER ROST LANDSCAPING

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Jacob comes from the small town of California, Missouri. With his plant science degree from MU and six years with Rost, he enjoys creating exciting outdoor spaces for his clients. Watching these creations come to life is only one highlight of being a designer for Rost. When he is not designing, he loves spending time with his wife and kids, tournament bass fishing, and doing a little bit of woodworking.

(573) 445-4465

ROSTLANDSCAPING.COM

shade and privacy to any lower floor window or door if desired.

•

Crabapple ‘Tina’

The “Tina” crabapple has been a favorite of mine for a couple of years. It’s short growth habit allows us to use it more places than a typical crabapple. This tree only has mature height of 6 feet, but has a wider spread near 10 feet. This makes it an excellent choice to use near the house where there is a large space to fill, but will not grow up into the roof and gutters. The white and pink blooms in the spring and the fruit in the fall give this tree color through most of the year. This tree can be used a singular specimen or in a cluster to add a mass of color.

•

Ginkgo ‘Tschi Tschi’

Ginkgo trees are known for having a unique fan-like leaf that no other plant replicates. “Tschi Tschi” is a dwarf variety that still has that same feature, but in a compact form. This variety of Ginkgo could be considered a dwarf tree or a shrub. It has a multistem growth habit that is compact and only grows to 5-6 feet tall and wide. The yellow leaves in the fall make this an excellent

choices to achieve late year color. This Ginkgo stands out when it is planted as a specimen in the landscape.

The next time you have a challenging area and are not sure what to plant, give one of these trees a try.

Find more at rostlandscaping.com

AROUND YOUR HOUSE… WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

By Shaun Henry Find more at AtkinsInc.com

Summer is upon us. Kids are out of school, Memorial Day has passed, and the swimming pools are open. Barbecues every weekend, basking in the sun, camping trips, fishing, and maybe even a float trip down the Niangua this year. I plan to enjoy as much of it as I can this summer and I hope you do, too.

Here are some reminders of things to pay attention to around your home this summer to help maintain or even improve upon the value of your home and your summer experience:

Irrigation: It has been dry this past winter and spring. Drought stress showing up in April and May is unheard of! You might be thinking of an easier way to water. A new inground irrigation system may be the answer.

If you have a system already, but it isn’t quite doing the job, check the coverage of each sprinkler head and make adjustments as needed. Effectively managing the runtime for each sprinkler zone based on the plant needs in that area can make a huge difference to your lawn and landscape.

Borers: There are all sorts of tree-boring insects, but most of them are beetle larvae which build tunnels in stems, trunks, and sometimes roots. Borers can damage the tree aesthetically and terminally in some situations. These pests often attack weakened trees, so good practices from proper planting and watering to pruning and fertility can reduce chances of infestation and damage.

Because the tunnels are typically behind the bark, these pests can be very difficult to identify. Often damage shows up in the crown of the tree with thinning branches and foliage or even dieback. Because borer damage can kill the tree in a short period of time, you may have to consider chemical control measures for the more valuable trees on your property.

Keep an eye out for exit holes in your tree bark, increased amount of woodpecker activity and/or the thinning of your tree’s canopy. Healthy trees on your property certainly add value.

SHAUN HENRY ATKINS

A Columbia native, Shaun Henry found a home at Atkins in 2000 when he started his career as a turf technician. Shaun holds a commercial applicator’s license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture and is a member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Mid-America Green Industry Council, and the Missouri Green Industry Alliance. Shaun strongly believes in the importance of a great customer experience where the Atkins staff knows their clients and anticipates their needs accordingly.

Shaun is an MU alumnus and has a degree in plant science.

573-874-5100

Pest management around your home: Outside the house, ticks, and chiggers can be bad. Manage the vegetation and mow frequently to help limit their hiding places. In the house, crickets will hang out in a cool, dark place during the daytime and emerge in the evening to do their chirping and feeding. Wasps can be beneficial in that they feed on other insects and flies but tend to become more of a nuisance late in the summer as they move to our outdoor areas to scavenge for crumbs and water. Knocking a wasp nest down repeatedly will typically result in the wasps abandoning the nest and setting up shop elsewhere

We also see a lot of critters moving inside like ants, spiders, pill bugs, and millipedes. Treating the exterior of your home can help to protect it from this sort of invasion. We have some images of some of our common pests on our website, but we’re always happy to inspect in person, too!

Turf care: Disease and insect pressures increase this time of year. Brown patch, a fungus that thrives in most all tall fescue lawns as the evening temperatures stay above 65 degrees, is one of the top issues we see. Good management practices to reduce fungal pressure include mowing as high as possible and as often as possible, reducing

traffic on the lawn when hot and dry, watering deep and less often, core aerating, and overseeding in the fall.

Most cultivars of fescue are susceptible to this disease and likely to occur at some level this summer. Just because you have an active fungal disease in your lawn does not necessarily mean that you are going to lose it, however if you couple disease damages with heat and drought stress you certainly can lose some of the grass.

We also want to remind you that if you have had issues with white grubs in the past, you are more likely to have a recurring issue this season (damage usually appears in late July through early September) and you may want to treat your turf as a preventative measure in the month of June.

Columbia has seen epic growth. I’ve seen it firsthand from living here all of my life. Maintaining your property or finding a new one in Columbia will be a good investment. With so many amazing things Columbia has going for it, there’s no wonder so many people want to move here.

Good luck with everything this summer, be sure to slow down every now and again, enjoy the people you are close to, and make some great memories. If ever you need help with anything, Atkins is here to help. It’s what we do!

ASK A CERTIFIED COLOR CONSULTANT: BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR PAINT CHOICES

By Jaclyn Rogers Find more at aipaintingplus.com

Color is often the first thing that makes the first impression. How lasting can that impression be? When you see the golden arches of McDonald’s or the iconic green sign for Starbucks, your mind might even “translate” the color and trick you to think that you’re smelling hot French fries or your favorite cappuccino or latte.

That clearly illustrates the importance of color in making a first impression. And it’s a vital connection that Ai Painting Plus understands. When you select Ai Painting Plus to professionally handle your painting needs, you now have the additional option of benefitting from the expert advice of a certified Psychological Color Expert.

I received that certification in December via the online “decorologist” program founded and taught by award-winning paint color guru Kristie Barnett. In short, a Psychological Color Expert has demonstrated mastery in specifying interior paint in residential applications. What does that mean for homeowners making paint selections or for homeowners who are ready to sell and want to make their living spaces even more attractive to prospective buyers?

• Color can expand or contract space, as well as draw the eye across rooms and into adjoining rooms.

• Establishing purposeful color design throughout a home creates a sense of cohesion, while giving every space its own personality.

JACLYN ROGERS

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Jaclyn Rogers, sales representative at Ai Painting Plus, sees paint as more valuable than simply being an accent in a home. “We are painting joy into people’s homes,” she says. Jaclyn is certified as a Psychological Color Expert, which means she has demonstrated mastery in specifying interior paint in residential applications.

• The right paint color and placement can make homes look more expensive by accentuating the positive and deemphasizing unfortunate architecture and dated finishes.

• The wrong color can create disharmony with hard surfaces and furnishings, while poor color combinations and placement can date a home to a specific decade. After all, it just takes a few gallons of paint to add value to a home.

• Real estate professionals know that the right on-trend colors can bring multiple offers in the first week, while the wrong dated colors can result in a property that languishes on the market for many months. (The latest trends show off-whites, light beiges, and light grays as good colors for selling homes, while in 2022, green and earthy tones dominated the color scene.)

At Ai Painting Plus, we see paint as more valuable than simply being an accent in a home. Our mission is to “Paint Joy Into People’s Homes,” and one important step in that process is to create emotional connections to our home’s spaces and to be sure the chosen colors complement

and blend with immovable features the upholstery, carpet, floors, countertops, and other elements that you’re not going to change. If you have dark furniture, for instance, the right colors can brighten things up and make your space even more welcoming.

That’s why it’s important to compare paint colors in the most accurate way possible because the painted walls will work with, or against, those immovable features. Elevated ceilings, slanted walls, and specific architectural features are to be considered when selecting paint colors, and that’s why partnering with a certified Psychological Color Expert is a valuable investment. Because they are printed, those paint color cards at the hardware store are typically a shade brighter than the actual color. As a certified color expert, I will paint a 12-by-12 drywall board with the client’s selections and bring them to the client’s home to show what the color and shade looks like against the curtains, floors, and other features.

This affordable service is just as valuable for a $250,000 home as it is for a home with a seven-figure asking price. We charge a set fee that includes the one-on-one consulting service as well as a second visit to review the painted wall boards.

Home Sweet Habitat

Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity has built 171 affordable homes for Columbia families. This year, it’s an all-out blitz.

BY MICHELLE TERHUNE

Homeownership. It’s part and parcel of the American dream. Yet, barriers to owning a home are a nightmare to many people, including some families living in Columbia.

Since 1988, Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity has helped Columbians buy a ordable new homes to raise their families in, accommodate those with physical disabilities, and build a stronger community. Habitat has built 171 homes, and has come a long way since building the rst. In fact, this year, it’s in for a blitz.

IF WE BUILD IT FAST, THEY CAN MOVE IN FASTER

Blitz Home Builders is a nonpro t organization composed of volunteers from across the country. e organization works with local groups like Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity to plan, organize, and execute the building of several homes in a short period of time. e 2023 site for the organization’s annual homebuilding e ort? Columbia.

In September, Blitz and local Habitat volunteers will build four new houses in just 10 days — from Sept. 18 to Sept. 29. e new builds will be constructed at the Boone Prairie subdivision being developed by Show-Me Central Habitat. e 50-acre subdivision o Brown Station Road in north Columbia will someday feature 143 Habitat homes, representing 143 families that can realize the dream of homeownership and plant their roots rmly in Columbia soil.

“For generations, home buying was the most attainable way for families to build wealth,” says Austin View, executive director of Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity. “ e a ordable housing crisis has made that dream out of reach for many. We are one of the only organizations building new homes for under $200,000 in Columbia.”

In fact, according to realtor.com, the current median listing price of a home in Columbia is $315,000, well up over last year. As housing prices continue to increase, more and more residents are left behind. Habitat provides a path for as many families as possible. And once a family buys a home, it creates space for other Columbia families who need housing under the federal Section 8 housing voucher plan that is designed to assist low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals with housing costs.

Austin says that every new a ordable housing unit created frees up Section 8 housing for someone else who needs it. Of the last 10 accepted Habitat applicants, four were on Section 8 vouchers, freeing up thousands of those dollars for others every year.

THESE HOMES ARE EARNED

ere are a lot of myths surrounding Habitat homes, including a belief that the homes are given away for free. On the contrary, applicants must meet income guidelines, generally have a minimum credit score of 600, pass a criminal background check, and demonstrate a need for the home. en, the real work begins.

Habitat provides a 30-year interest-free mortgage, but homeowners pay principal, taxes, insurance, and maintenance back to Habitat. What’s paid for in maintenance is kept in a savings account to be used by the homeowner for repairs down the road. e principal paid on the mortgages is placed in Habitat’s “Fund for Humanity” and is used for future builds.

And then, there’s the sweat equity. Families are required to provide 250 hours of work on their home or other Habitat builds as part of the deal. Although there are some exceptions for applicants who are disabled, Habitat families average 275 sweat equity hours. A family’s new home is generally ready in six to nine months.

A drone shot from last year’s Blitz Build for Lubbock Habitat for Humanity in Lubbock, Texas, showing what this amazing group can do in a matter of hours.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO BUILD A VILLAGE

Habitat employs a full-time construction manager. Currently, the manager is overseeing 14 houses in various stages of construction.

“His job is to plan work, order materials, manage volunteers, and decide when it is appropriate to hire contractors,” Austin says. “For electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, we always hire licensed professionals. For other jobs, we make the decisions based on our budget and our volunteer pool.”

Not surprisingly, volunteers are critical to Habitat’s ability to build homes, and they don’t need to have building experience. Although Habitat welcomes groups that want to spend a day or two working on a house, volunteers working on regular schedules provide the bulk of the labor the e ort depends on most. Moreover, volunteers are needed to drive a box truck to pick up donations around Columbia and to sta the Habitat ReStore.

Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity

MISSION

Seeking to put God’s love in action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope.

FOUNDED 1988

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• John Mullette, president

• Desmond Peters, vice president

• Stacey Newbold, secretary

“Good volunteers are always in short supply,” Austin says. “We currently have roles available for regular volunteers and group volunteer slots.”

Austin believes the Blitz Build will be an “inspiring event,” and Habitat is counting on a large team of local volunteers to work alongside the Blitz volunteers converging on Columbia.

And of course, the nonpro t organization relies on donations to carry out its mission. People can donate cash or make Habitat a bene ciary of their will or other estate planning tools. Companies can become sponsors. And any business or individual can donate items to the Habitat ReStore, which the organization sells to help fund its mission of building a ordable homes.

“We believe that strong families make strong communities,” says Austin. “Many of our families are rst-generation homebuyers. e stability and strength that homeownership provides allow them to climb the economic ladder.”

• Chris Widmer, treasurer

• Ray Anderson

• Velma Dykstra

• Phebe Lamar

• Phil Lessley

• Greg Lockard

• Tom Luether

• Mike Ruesler

• Freddy Spencer

• Austin View, executive director

SHOW-ME CENTRAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 1305 Business Loop 70 East 573-499-1202

showmehabitat.org

1. Jazmyn Drake from the Chamber of Commerce at the jobsite on EPIC Build Day. 2. The Mizzou football team, coaches, and staff spent a day in April at construction site helping prepare for the Blitz Build. They signed their names and wrote blessings on the studs for the future families that will live in these homes.

3. Habitat partner family, Angela and her two sons, who will be moving into her new home in June.

THE GIVING CHEF

Gaby Weir Vera nourishes young minds at Windsor Street Montessori School.

BY LYDIA GRAVES | PHOTOS BY BEN NICKLESON

Once there was a chef who loved inspiring change. But, even more, she loved making food for others, whipping up the great power of nourishment. Every day the chef went about her journey teaching and giving her kitchen wisdom as kids gathered and greeted her. ey ate and learned. Together, they planted seeds of knowledge — and actual seeds — to sprout and thrive. e chef cooked with the delights from this garden, instructing her young audience about the connections among the Earth, plants, culture, history, and health.

She poured from her cup of kindness and compassion. e kids grew.

And the chef was happy.

THE SPROUT

Chef Gaby Weir Vera is a local food activist working to improve our understanding of cuisine, from how it is grown and prepared to how it fuels our health. Motivated by giving, aiding, and teaching others, her magnetic personality has heaping measures of compassion and charisma.

One of the driving forces behind the concept of giving and teaching is a vivid memory of the young chef cooking with her grandma. Gaby can still picture her grandmother’s hands over her small ones, holding a dull, used-for-all-kitchenpurposes paring knife. Gaby can still feel the chicken leg as they cut.

Eight-year-old Gaby learned how to quarter a chicken that day, a reminiscence that cooks up the rice, chicken, and vegetable recipe of arroz con pollo. It was the rst recipe she ever made alongside her grandma — and one that she now prepares without even thinking. Instead, she can “feel” it.

Although Gaby’s grandmother is no longer with her, she lives on through that recipe. Every time she makes it, Gaby experiences the visceral memory of that rst time. e priceless memory, among others, stirs her desire to love others through food.

“She helped me realize that I love the process of feeding people and nurturing people because she nurtured me,” Gaby says. “Because she shared that with me.”

CHOOSING SUSTAINABILITY

Chef Gaby’s love language is food. She provides delicious sustenance to her friends, family, and students, and she’s equally generous with her teaching. For instance, Gaby taught the kitchen sta at Beet Box how to make arepas for their Sunday brunch service last fall.

“I remember when she gave my entire school samples of arepas. I just felt so proud when that happened because [she’s] my stepmom,” says 13-year-old Cyrus Holzhauser, one of Gaby’s two children.

Gaby’s unmistakable commitment to her craft and her mission to enhance food education is especially apparent when it comes to kids. She is an ardent activist in that environment. Educating and feeding young minds are the important ingredients for her recipe to bloom as the chef at Windsor Street Montessori School, a post she’s held for six years.

Gaby acts as a private chef to the children in the Montessori program. Planning the meals consists of considering what the kids nd appetizing, and understanding limitations and familiarities. Of course, she must also follow federal school lunch nutrition guidelines. e icing on the cake, so to speak, is a meal plan that features luscious, fresh veggies that are locally sourced and sustainable.

How popular are Chef Gaby’s creations? Even the kids sing her praises, says Kristen Schulte, education director at the nonpro t Missouri River Relief. Her tiny tot attends the school.

“My daughter is 3 years old, and we just nished an extensive home remodel,” Kristen says. “We were talking about throwing a party, and I asked my daughter what kind of food we should have, and she said, ‘Chef Gaby food.’ I was a little surprised because most toddlers would say something like pizza or cheeseburgers but not this kiddo. Every day we see the ways that Chef Gaby has impacted her standard for fresh, avorful food.”

Chef Gaby is giving and inspired to give. rough her daily, thoughtfully planned meals, she teaches the kids various aspects of food.

“Introducing a lesson, telling a story, and having a conversation about it” are vital parts of Gaby’s approach.

For instance, hoecakes were featured for a recent lunch. All students were given handouts with the subtitle, “Lunch with

an origin story based on resilience.” Gaby worked with a friend who designed the engaging handout that listed historical facts, research, and the recipe, thoughtfully adorned with illustrations. As a result, the lunch was also a feast of questions, discussions, and insight.

INSPIRING KIDS’ KITCHEN CONFIDENCE

e children are not only taught but also involved in daily tasks. In partnership with the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and Lincoln University/Extension, Windsor Street Montessori School and Chef Gaby began a program titled e Edible Schoolyard in which the kids are growing their own garden of food. Veggies including arugula, bok choy, collard greens, kale, and lettuce are planted and, once ready to harvest, the students will take on that task, also getting involved in the processes of cleaning, prepping, and cooking the plants.

“I make a huge e ort to make sure that they can connect the dots. So, I want them to see if they participate in growing a vegetable, or if they help participate in harvesting an herb, I make that food very obvious on their plate,” Gaby explains. “So they can see. And then with that connection, not only are they connected to their work, but they’re also connected to the whole thing.”

And at the end of the meal, a couple of the kids are even invited to help wash the dishes. e idea of a chore as something special

has even led to many kids going home to their parents asking to help with doing the dishes. Understanding and accomplishing these simple tasks — the children are condent in the kitchen and understand each step in the process — has astounded parents, Gaby notes.

“ e kids get hands-on experience prepping ingredients and serving meals,” says WSMS parent Caroline Dohack. “My 5-year-old has — very rudimentary, but still — knife skills thanks to Gaby.”

Gaby’s childhood was surrounded by food and a ection. She grew up in the Andes region of Venezuela frequenting her mother and stepfather’s restaurant. She was obsessed with the cuisine and “always very hungry,” Gaby recalls.

School lunches there were “fantastic,” she says, with succulent fresh foods, fruits, and juices. Eating local, sustainable food was a reality for her region.

BUDDING

At age 15, Gaby experienced substantial culture shock. Moving to the United States was not only a transition geographically; there was an unappetizing transition from bold, vibrant, colorful foods to a square tray with dividers — and a brown lunch.

at memory was like yeast for her passion for teaching.

“You know, in the past six years, I’ve been very intentional about, ‘I don’t want any of

these kids to ever experience a tray’ because I feel like those trays communicate something big,” Gaby stresses. “ at’s like we have to keep food separate; that things cannot touch. And so, what does that tell a kid?”

e chef nurtures and loves with every meal. She expresses love with a local sourdough tartine with honey, freshly made ricotta, a variety of fruits, and veggies. Or by including the kids to prepare and serve hallacas, a traditional dish from her country. In taking careful consideration with each meal she provides to the young minds, Gaby shows each individual that their experience is thoughtfully planned and nurtured.

She has the same intentional, nurturing approach to preparing fresh food at home. Her daughter, Erika, did not know what tater tots were until she was 12.

FLOWERING

By holding sustainable values, the Chef also shows the Earth — and food — that she cares. Sustainable cooking is a consuming passion that Gaby has continued to demonstrate to her students.

“When I think of my cooking, people always assume, ‘Like, okay, so you cook Venezuelan food or something?’ I think that my cuisine is just sustainable, and it involves all aspects like the story of my origin, where I come from, my roots,” Gaby says. “I’m very uid in my cooking and there’s always new experiences. e one thing that never changes is the fact that I’m very sustainable in my cooking.”

Chef Gaby has gathered broad experience with the concept of sustainable eating and cooking. She never hesitates to use an ingredient to its complete potential; nothing goes to waste. Peels and pads from fruits are fermented to become vinegars. Bones, especially from local meats, are stewed into stocks.

“I see food as having the potential to be an avenue for many things: one being an educational tool, an opportunity for us to have conversations or see ourselves through a representation, and also just a thing that can really positively impact our environment,” she continues. “You know, if we’re more thoughtful about it, we can think about the impact that food can have — not just what it does to the atmosphere but also our relationship with ourselves and just long term, which is what drove me to working with kids — it’s the long-term impact.”

e children she teaches are in on the idea as well. Windsor Street Montessori operates a compost that heavily relies on student contributions — whether bringing out the paper napkins, layering the compost with kitchen scraps, or turning the pile to encourage movement and air.

e idea of a homestead is keenly present in the schoolyard. (Perhaps not surprisingly, the school also collects rainwater for watering plants, and — of course — the kids use reusable silverware.)

RIPENING

A variety of crops are sprouting within the school and beyond — in minds and in literal gardens. Chef Gaby is an activist empowering many with the possibilities and

craft of food, a delectable avenue for her expressions of passion, loss, resurrection, a ection, and healing.

It is her language — “food is like justice”— and it is powerful.

e chef was happy to give. She found comfort in teaching and feeding the gment of her younger self sitting among all the other children. She smiled at all the lessons the kids learned, knowing they will carry the new knowledge with them. ey hold a home and passion for nourishment after discovering the bright, enchanting, and loving world in which food holds answers — rather than daunting questions. It was all because the chef gave.

And the chef was happy.

A Place for Everything

Helping clients find peace at home.

BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN

Abby Hake, owner

With so many moving parts, endless todo lists, places to be, and tasks to complete, life can certainly be chaotic and stressful. Easing that chaos lls Abby Hake with passion and excitement. As the owner of e Tidy Home, a company that helps clients organize their home and o ce, Abby is selling a feeling of peace and relaxation.

“I am 100 percent selling a feeling,” Abby says. “ ere’s so much to stress about in life, and being overwhelmed by the stu in your home shouldn’t be one of them. Home organizers are selling the peace of mind, the control to the chaos in the home.”

PEACE, NOT PERFECTION

As we spent more time at home during the COVID pandemic, home organization became a trend, as people spent long hours at home, checking projects o their wish lists, and creating spaces that brought them joy. Social media accounts showcased picture-perfect closets, breathtaking pantries, and impeccably organized garages adorned with handy hanging systems and bins galore.

“We have this social media side of organization which is so pretty to look at, and the in uence has been so huge,”

Abby says. “People love to look at it. Maybe it’s satisfying because it’s so pretty, but it’s also just good for mental health when it feels less chaotic.”

While Abby says it is easy to shell out an in nite sum of money to purchase acrylic bins and other organizing systems and accessories, her approach as an organizer is to deliver a sustainable solution to her clients.

“It has to be realistic for the client,” Abby says. “I don’t want to go into someone’s home and create something that will be pretty for an Instagram picture, but be a wreck in a week. My goal is to never have to deal with this room again. I set clients up with systems to maintain, that are sustainable and realistic for the people living there.”

When she rst enters a space, Abby says she likes to “walk and talk.” Her process includes learning what a client likes and dislikes about a space, how they want to use it, and how they want it to feel.

“ at frames what I’ll do,” Abby says. “Some people want to get rid of nothing, some want to store everything. Some want to get rid of stu , but don’t know what’s there.”

at’s when Abby’s gears begin to turn, thinking through the storage solutions that will best serve the client’s lifestyle and needs.

“I think it’s impossible to be organized without storage bins,” Abby says.

“ rough trial and error, we’ll gure out how to store things, load it into bins and tubs and label it. I like to talk to people and say, ‘ is is my thought process, will this work for you?,’ then make pivots or changes to better serve the client and the space.”

ORGANIZATION, NOT MINIMALISM

While minimalism is a big trend on social media, Abby says her philosophy is not minimalism, unless that is a focus for a client.

“If you’re not going to use something, I don’t think it should be in your home,” Abby says. “You should love everything in your home and it should have a purpose, but I don’t want to pressure anyone into getting rid of anything if that’s not their goal.”

Abby says she frequently gets calls from parents who have grown tired of reminding kids and teens to keep their spaces clean and organized. By implementing storage systems and solutions, she gives everything a designated home, so cleanup becomes faster and easier.

“ e systems make it possible for them to have a tidier room,” Abby says. “Most people want organization, they just don’t know how to get there, and that’s where people like me come in.”

FINDING THE PERFECT PLACE

While Abby helps nd a place for everything in a home or o ce, often clients also

want to declutter and purge. In addition to her organizing services, Abby helps clients with online resale. She will post items to sites like Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark, handle communication with potential buyers, arrange meetups, and package items for shipping to buyers.

She’s also passionate about supporting others in Columbia by passing along unused, unneeded, and unwanted items to those in need.

“ ere are a lot of great organizations to donate to in Columbia that are local,” Abby says. “Tags of Hope is a closet that is set up in a church where foster kids and families can shop and get things free, and I have a contact who distributes things to foster families or kids aging out of the foster care system.” Other “amazing places,” she says, are Love Columbia, Upscale Resale, the Humane Society, City of Refuge, and Cinderella’s Closet.

Abby says she happily takes on the task of donating items to local organizations, and she will also provide clients with a receipt from the organization for tax ling purposes.

“I’m passionate about organization, but the fact that I also get to do this is next level,” Abby says. “I love to pass things along to people who really need them.”

While she has continuously gained new clients since launching e Tidy Home in January 2022, Abby says she is focused on continued growth for a business that brings her such personal ful llment.

“I get such a high and such a good feeling from helping people,” Abby says, repeating her guiding philosophy. “I just want people to enjoy their homes. ere are so many things in life to be stressed about, and I don’t want their home to be something people are stressed about.”

Estate Sales 101:

How to stage a successful estate sale.

BY JENNIFER TRUESDALE

What do you think of when you think of an estate sale? Perhaps a palatial home packed with untold treasures? Does it make you automatically assume that the sale is the result of someone’s death?

ere are many reasons why someone might choose to hold an estate sale, and as many reasons to shop them. Aloma DeVaux, owner of Aloma’s Antiques & Estate Sales, and Nicole Forshee, co-owner of CoMo Estate Sales, take us inside the world of estate sales and how to navigate the steps of holding a sale.

UNDERSTANDING THE ESTATE SALE

An estate sale is the selling of one’s entire inventory of personal property. It is held in the home where the inventory resides. It is true that a signi cant number of estate sales occur after someone has died – when parents die, the selling of a household’s items often falls to a surviving child, for example. But living estate sales are a thing, too, occurring when someone is downsizing to move into a retirement home, or moving due to a job change. Estate sales are not garage sales, but they also aren't marketed to just the most a uent shoppers available; if you think you’ll only nd high-priced items at estate sales, think again.

“You can shop at an estate sale and get gently-used things for your home for a fraction of the cost of retail,” Nicole says. “For example, if you want a new couch for your living room, and you watch our sales and our pictures, you can get a beautiful couch for $200 to $400 as

Pro Tips

• Ample parking at the place of the sale is strictly required.

• Don’t try to haggle at estate sales like you would at a garage sale.

• Don’t throw anything away before having it appraised.

• Before having a sale, focus only on the stuff you want to keep and what you’ll do with it. The estate sale company will take care of everything else.

• Look for companies that offer free consults, are communicative, and show compassion.

• Do your homework; ask around or read reviews of an estate sale company before committing.

• Find estate sales in your area at estatesales.net.

Photos provided by Aloma’s Antiques & Estate Services and Como Estate Sales

opposed to buying retail for $800 to $1,000. Shopping our sales helps people get the things they need at a good price.”

Nicole co-owns CoMo Estate Sales with Shari Margheim and Dawn Nichols; the three met 10 years ago while working together at a di erent estate sale company. ey decided to team up and strike out on their own, opening their business in July 2018.

Some estate sale companies also do auctions, though neither Aloma’s nor CoMo Estate Sales o er an auction service.

“I believe an estate sale can be a great alternative to an auction,” Nicole explains. “At our estate sales, we price almost everything individually so you're buying exactly what you want. If an auction groups a number of items together and sells them in lots, as a buyer, you may leave with extra items you don't necessarily want or need. We also feel we are able to make more money for our client when we price and sell their things individually.”

“We typically just do one [sale] a week, because we like to give our undivided attention to that particular sale going on," Nicole says, adding that her team runs 40 to 45 sales per year. Similarly, Aloma does just one to two sales per month.

Nicole says most estate sale companies will o er a free meeting to see if they can be of service; they’ll do a walk-through of the home to get a basic idea of the volume and worth of all the stu . You don’t have to have a house full of antique crystal, china, or silver to hold an estate sale, but you do have to have enough items of value in good condition for it to be worth your time, and the company’s time. e company will appraise the value of the items and has at its disposal expert resources in niche items and collectibles that it can call on if it encounters unusual items.

e team will present the client with a contract for the terms of the sale. Every item is individually priced, and the estate sale company makes a commission on each piece sold. e company will tag each item, and stage each room of the house with what is to be sold.

Depending on the number of items that need to be sold, an estate sale usually lasts two to three days, with everything sold at full price on the rst day; whatever remains on the second day is sold at a deep discount — but if the original prices were good, don’t expect that cool piece to still be there for half-o tomorrow.

If anything remains after the sale ends, the client decides if the items should be kept, donated, or hauled o . During the sale — which is open to the public — people ll the home and go from room to room to hunt for treasures.

WHO SHOPS ESTATE SALES?

Successful estate sale companies have loyal, repeat customers.

“I would say [estate sales] are very popular,” says Aloma, whose business is based in Auxvasse and serves the mid-Missouri area. “Most people who come to our sales are collectors and ippers. We have a lot of regular customers.” Aloma even knows people who shop estate sales full-time.

“We have various reasons why the same shoppers show up week after week for our sales,” Nicole adds.

Flippers are buyers who are buying inventory for their eBay or Etsy shops and antique mall booths. Collectors of all things show up, too, from ne china to Star Wars memorabilia. Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t fall into either of these categories; you don’t have to be any kind of “high roller” to pop into an estate sale and take a look around. Estate sale shopping is not unlike antiquing, and it’s a pleasurable hobby for many.

Aloma moved to Auxvasse in 2019 from the San Diego area for family reasons, where she had previously owned an antique store before going into estate sales. She found a fascination with antiques at an early age, going to thrift stores with her mother, grandmother, and aunt. She loved nding cool, old stu ; and she loved the smells and the nostalgia. ese days, it's

about the thrill of the hunt for Aloma, a ipper herself with her own eBay store.

“ ere’s just something about antiques, I’m obsessed with them,” Aloma says with a laugh. It's clear how much she enjoys staging the home with all of the “cool, old stu ,” and making it organized and appealing.

“We come in and prepare the home, we set up tables, we make everything look nice,” Aloma explains. “We don’t want it to look junky or like a yard sale. We do full price the rst day, second day is 50 percent o . If we have a third day we go as far as 75 percent o .”

Like, Aloma, Nicole also is enthusiastic about the staging process.

“At CoMo Estate Sales, we set up every sale to mimic a boutique-style shopping experience,” Nicole explains. ”We take a lot of pride in the presentation and staging of items throughout the home. When people walk in, we want them to be wowed by the way everything looks.”

MAKING THE MONEY

In addition to the commission on items sold, some companies may charge an advertising fee to get your sale out there, and some companies may have you pay for labor, as well, to sta the sale.

e fee structure for CoMo Estate Sales is 50/50 between the client and the company on items less than $100. For example, if a vintage lamp sells for $80, both parties get $40. On items that sell for more than $100, the company’s commission shrinks to 25 percent, leaving the other 75 percent to the client. CoMo Estate Sales pays its crew from the commission.

“ e client is making money, and we’re making money — but we’re here to make you money rst — and the stu isn’t going to a land ll. It’s being repurposed, rehomed, reloved,” Aloma says.

And, if the house itself is for sale, an estate sale is a great way to advertise it.

Congratulations to The Horak Group RE/MAX Boone Realty

Susan Horak and The Horak Group team want to thank their amazing clients, customers, and staff for consistently making the Horak Group the number one choice for buyers and sellers in our market year after year for the majority of our 37 years. It has been our privilege to help our community with their housing needs and when starting or adding to their investment portfolios. We humbly recognize that without our great clients we could not achieve the goals that we do. We hope that the quality of our service reflects the appreciation we have for the trust and confidence you have shown us.

COOKIN' WITH HOSS

BY HOSS KOETTING

Hello, and welcome to the inaugural “Cookin’ with Hoss” column! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jim Koetting, aka “Hoss,” and I have been involved with the Columbia restaurant scene since 1980, starting as a cook at a bar; gradually working my up through the ranks as kitchen manager, manager, chef, and general manager at the old Boone Tavern; and, ultimately owner of Hoss’s Market.

With this column, I'm hoping to share some of my favorite recipes along with the “whys” behind the techniques and some of the history and cultural background behind the recipes. Some may incorporate many ingredients, but most will be fairly approachable, straightforward recipes that are avorful. I believe that cooking should be enjoyable and not an onerous task that is met with trepidation.

With Father's Day coming up, I’m sure many dads will be manning the grill to feed the family. In order for the meal to come o without a hitch, the rst step is to try to develop a plan that will allow the end result to be delicious and satisfactory without the production becoming an “Iron Chef” style experience.

Menu selection is crucial: It should be tasty, relatively easy, and hopefully, economical. One of my favorite meals that meet the rst two criteria is kabobs. ere are two keys to making this a sure re hit. e rst key is to make sure you have at stainless-steel skewers so you can turn the kabobs without the food spinning around on a imsy bamboo stick (these are available at restaurant supply stores and ner kitchen departments). e second vital step is to make sure you practice mise en place — a French term referring to having all the ingredients necessary for the dish prepared and ready to combine before cooking — or “meez” in chef-speak, ready to go.

e signature for the kabobs is the mixture that the protein is marinated in. e options are many, and the time will vary with what the main acidic ingredient is, as well as the type of protein. Soy sauce and citrus juices will denature, or “cook” protein — the technique used in ceviche — so shorter marinating times are required. Meats can soak longer in vinegar-based marinades, thereby absorbing more of the avors.

GRILLED BEEF & SHRIMP KABOBS

Yields 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 lbs beef (my favorite is strip loin, but if you want to go crazy tenderloin can be used or to save a little use top sirloin), cut in 1-½ inch cubes.

• 1 1/2 lbs. large shrimp (15 ct to the pound or large). ese can be shell-on (tastier but messier) or peeled and deveined

• ½ cup cheap Italian salad dressing

• ¼ cup beer

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp. granulated onion

• 1 tsp. granulated garlic

• 1 tbsp. Hoss’s steak seasoning

• 1 tbsp. freshly ground pepper

• 2 tbsp. hot sauce (optional)

• Veggies: these can include, but are not limited to, bell peppers, red or yellow onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, and cooked and peeled new potatoes.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all ingredients together. (If using sirloin, pierce all over with a fork or a Jaccard tenderizer).

2. Place beef in a stainless or other non-reactive container, or Ziploc, and marinate for three hours to overnight. Shrimp can be marinated for an hour.

3. You can skewer a variety of items together or you can have dedicated skewers with each having only one item.

4. Grill over moderately hot coals until medium rare.

Jim “Hoss” Koetting is a retired restaurateur/chef who enjoys gardening, good food, good bourbon, and good friends.

Buying or selling a home?

High interest rates and low inventory are big factors in the decision-making.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

Increasing home prices, continued sagging home inventory numbers, and 6 percent and higher mortgage interest rates are prime, decisive factors for buyers and sellers in the Columbia and Boone County markets. e complex and shifting home sales picture mirrors, in many ways, the national numbers that show a signi cant increase in home values and lower inventory among almost all price ranges compared to pre-COVID pandemic statistics. Even a crystal ball wouldn’t be much help to gure out whether it’s the best or even a good time to buy or sell a home.

“I don’t see property values here taking a tumble backward where we’re taking $30,000 to $50,000 o [listing prices] any time soon,” says Shannon Drewing, Realtor with House of Brokers. “I think something is going to have to give on the interest rate front at some point just to bring more buyers back in some of the price ranges.”

According to the Columbia Board of REALTORS (CBOR), the average single-family home sale price in Boone County in 2019 was $223,521. In April 2023, the average was $350,046 — a 57 percent increase.

Brian Toohey, chief executive o cer at CBOR, says lack of inventory is driving market prices as much as any factor, and it’s the main thing prospective buyers and sellers should ask: “What is the amount of inventory in my price range?”

ere was a massive, nationwide drop in home inventory (45 percent and higher) during the height of the COVID pandemic. at generally seemed like a boon for sellers because home values or at least asking prices increased or, in many cases, skyrocketed. Buyers were willing to pay above the asking price and, in some cases, substantially more. Some of those trends are continuing and began even before the pandemic.

“Inventory was already a problem before the pandemic,” Brian explains. “ e pandemic exacerbated inventory problems.”

He believes the market is still adjusting to changes resulting from a lack of inventory. Sales have been down 14 out of the last 15 months, but prices continue to increase month over month.

e industry bases sales forecasts on the number of months of inventory available in di erent price ranges. In 2018, some price ranges — those over $350,000 — had as much as six months of inventory. Currently, the under $350,000 price range has barely two months of inventory, meaning the supply is much less than the demand.

Brian says a lack of building in the last 10 years means that inventory “will remain a problem for a while.”

With lack of inventory and high interest rates, the picture leans in favor of sellers.

A 57% increase.

The average single-family home sale price in

Boone County in 2019 was $223,521. In April 2023, the average was $350,046.

“Inventory was already a problem before the pandemic. The pandemic exacerbated inventory problems.”

BRIAN TOOHEY, chief executive officer at CBOR

“With so many people sitting at 3 percent or less xed 30-year mortgage rate, they have little incentive to move, which is reducing the amount of churn in the market,” he adds. “ is will continue an increase in prices and make a ordability more di cult.”

Price increases apply to both new construction and existing homes.

“New construction homes are more expensive, and some of that is due to the di culty of building new homes in lower price ranges because of smaller pro t margins,” Brian says.

A January New York Times real estate forecast was headlined, ‘Buying or selling a home? Welcome to the year of disappointment.’ Brian isn’t ready to latch on to the high level of pessimism, and neither is Shannon, who o ers the perspective that because of dealing with in ation, higher interest rates, less inventory of homes for sale, and increasing home prices, both buyers and sellers are now savvier about when to pull the trigger on a sales contract.

Buyers and sellers have had time to look at the market, they’ve found a plethora of resources online, and they’ve been paying attention to the economic news and factors that have caused price hikes for all other purchases, from the gas pump to the grocery store — and beyond.

“ at has made the process easier for both buyer and seller,” Shannon says. “I kind of hope it stays that way, especially on the buying standpoint. You don’t have many buyers entering the market now who aren’t aware there’s a lot of competition and there’s a shortage.”

e Times observed that there’s been a thaw in the market as homeowners who’ve waited to sell are listing their properties now, and buyers seem resigned to accepting higher interest rates to borrow money. e impasse between buyers deciding not to pay over the listing price and sellers unwilling to lower their prices is still part of the picture, however.

“Markets around the country are currently mixed. Some larger markets that had huge price increases the last four years are seeing prices decline for now,” Brian says. Locally, there have been shifts upward in home prices and about half of home sales in the rst quarter of 2023 were made at or above the asking price.

During the rst quarter of 2023, homes listed under $400,000 saw a 5 percent increase in both the median and average price in March, accounting for 78 percent of the total sales in March. Homes listed above $400,000 saw the median price dip 6 percent and the average price slid down 10 percent, but only accounted for 22 percent of sales for March.

First quarter 2023 home sales in Boone County were down 20 percent compared to the rst three

First Quarter

During the first quarter of 2023, HOMES LISTED UNDER $400,000 saw a 5 percent increase in both the median and average price in March, accounting for 78 percent of the total sales in March. HOMES LISTED

ABOVE $400,000

saw the median price dip 6 percent and the average price slid down 10 percent, but only accounted for 22 percent of sales for March.

months of 2022; however, during the rst quarter of 2022, interest rates ranged from 3.4 to 4.86 percent for a 30-year xed rate mortgage. e median price increased by 4 percent, and the average price increased by 6 percent.

“ e market is changing weekly and monthly,” Shannon adds. One of the more predictable facets of the local market is in southwest Columbia — “that dream pocket neighborhood,” she says — where homes rarely go on the market.

And when they do? “ e extraordinary ones are drawing out buyers with very generous o ers,” she answers. “We’re not seeing that in other areas.”

How does Brian answer the question, “Is now a good time to buy or sell?”

“ at depends on the price range,” he says. “It’s a good time to buy above $350,000, but a harder time for sellers” because inventory in those price ranges is increasing. In the range below $350,000, Brian says, “it’s very di cult for buyers and inventory still remains extremely tight.”

Currently in Columbia, the least expensive home listed inside the Columbia Public School district boundaries is a manufactured home for $39,000, though it’s probably “impossible to nance,” Shannon says. She noted there’s a home on Boyd Lane listed for $79,500, and the next least expensive is $84,900.

“Right now, there are a few homes under $100,000, but we haven’t been seeing many of those,” she says adding that most homes in that price range probably need updating and will be di cult to conform to loan terms. ose properties are “great investment opportunities” and have probably been rentals, Shannon says.

ere are simply more buyers than sellers in many price ranges, meaning sellers can set the table, so to speak.

“As a result, when you have a $250,000 home, you may have 10 buyers willing to put in an o er at that price point, and probably eight of them are going to give it their best o er,” she says, which means “favorable terms over asking price” and, perhaps, a waiver on appraisal value.

at higher price will be used on the next comparable study, which is good news for neighboring homeowners who may be tempted to sell.

But there needs to be relief in interest rates, in ation, and prices. Brian has a measure of optimism even if the bumpy ride continues a little longer. For starters, in ation is continuing to decline.

“Buyers seem to be adjusting to higher rates for now, but we’ll probably continue to see shrinking sales and price increases, but at smaller amounts than we’ve seen so far this year,” he adds. “If mortgage rates drop below 6 percent, we could see sales and prices jump.” CBT

You don’t have many buyers entering the market now who aren’t aware there’s a lot of competition and there’s a shortage.”

SHANNON DREWING, realtor with House of Brokers

The bank of never working a day

Your business is your passion. Sure, there are days that aren’t as great as others, but you keep pushing forward. You deserve a bank that backs your passion – one that asks “What’s next?” instead of “What for?” Our bankers are here to do our part to make your dream a reality. Whether you’re just getting started or if you want to take it to the next level, we’re the bank of making it happen. We’re The Bank of Missouri.

Let’s

How about a

Building

BY MICHELLE TERHUNE

AVERAGE COST OF:

New Build: $150/sq ft

Buying an Existing Home: $120/sq ft

Renovating a Home: ~$100/sq ft

According to Forbes Magazine.

It appears that a lot of us are fascinated by home renovation. e popularity of television shows like Fixer Upper, Home Town, Property Brothers, House Hunters Renovation, Love It or List It, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and several others attest to the attraction. It all began with Bob Vila and is Old House on PBS in 1979. Now on its third host, the show is still growing strong after a remarkable 44 years.

What makes us so captivated by watching people we don’t know transform their homes from something they have into something they want?

Perhaps it’s because home renos are like fairy tales. Ugly ducklings become beautiful swans. e beast turns back into a handsome prince because the beautiful girl loves him. You get the idea.

Or maybe it’s just because far more people can a ord to redecorate, refresh, redesign, renovate, and refurbish than to build a brand-spanking new home.

If a do-over can give you the dream — and at a lower cost — then it’s a good option. Even in Columbia, where new homes continue to rise from holes in the ground at a rapid pace, making do with what you have by making it phenomenally better may be the way to go.

A REMODEL MAKES DOLLARS AND SENSE

“More times than not, a remodel is always going to save you money, even if you’re making signi cant alterations, like taking down walls or installing new ooring,” says Alissa Welschmeyer, founder of Olive Tree Home Interiors in Columbia. “Most remodels leave a majority of the house intact and therefore save you the cost you would spend on a new build.”

According to Forbes Magazine, the average cost of a new build in the United States is $150 per square foot. e average cost of buying an existing home is $120 per square foot. And renovating your home is about $100 per square foot. ose

di erences may not sound far apart until you do the math. e di erence between building a 2,000-squarefoot home and remodeling one is $100,000. Remodeling rather than buying an existing home saves you $40,000, not counting moving and other expenses.

Alissa says the decision to remodel versus build or buy is largely based on budget. For some of her clients, it’s also based on increasing the value of the home and recouping the investment quickly. She says most remodels will add double or triple the budget to the value of the home while new builds put homeowners in the hole for two or three years in most cases.

Cost and value are realities everyone is forced to deal with. But for some clients, the remodel is all about their pure love for their home.

“If the remodel is for a ve-yearold home where the owner has decided they don’t like some things, then they may not add the value they are putting into it,” she says. “But if they say, ‘I love this house. It’s my forever house. I don’t care,’ then we jump right into the remodel.”

Some people have a family connection to their home or memories they don't want to leave behind, Alissa says

“ ere are several neighborhoods in Columbia with beautiful older homes," she continues. " ey’re the perfect homes to get in there and renovate to make them better spaces for today while keeping the original craftsmanship.”

Even those who don’t live in those areas of town love their houses, their neighbors, their neighborhoods, and their schools. For them, moving isn’t a likely option. Choosing to redo what they already have works better, but they need to know what they’re getting into. Alissa makes sure they understand.

PROGRESS IS MESSY

Alissa earned a bachelor’s degree from Mizzou in architectural studies — interior design. She moved to

“It almost always starts as one space, but then we usually end up doing more, as it’s less expensive and less trouble to do it all at once. I always say that if you can afford to do the entire project at once, do it. You’re going to save so much money and headache.”

ALISSA WELSCHMEYER founder of Olive Tree Home Interiors

Kansas City for several years after graduation where she fell in love with kitchen and bath design while working for a custom cabinet company. When Alissa and her husband moved back to Columbia, she started thinking bigger.

Alissa is a certi ed kitchen and bath designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Lest you think she’s only a Joanna Gaines designer to Chip’s contracting, you should know that Alissa is also a licensed and insured contractor. She hires subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and others to perform work under her direction and according to her plans.

Her breadth of experience and expertise gave Alissa the condence to launch Olive Tree, a design-build rm, in 2019. e rm o ers contracting services, interior design, or both, depending on what her clients need.

As someone who has lived through both remodels and a new build, Alissa understands that before there is beauty, there is mess.

Even a simple job will take a year from initial consult through completion. A larger design-build project could take nearly two, but still less time than a new build from start to nish. Alissa’s process is designed to ensure that clients know what to expect.

e rst contact is a one- or two-hour “design power session” to talk, ask questions, and get to know whether Alissa and the client are a good t.

“By the time we’re done with their project, I’ll know their family, their friends, and how their space integrates into their daily life. I’ll know how they host, how they prepare meals, and how they use their leisure time," she explains. "I’ll know everything about somebody so that rst meeting is when we can see if we are a good t — because we’re going to be spending a lot of time together."

If that goes well, Alissa creates a custom proposal for the client in two parts. First is the design proposal. Once the project is designed, she proceeds to the building proposal that will include all the costs for the build through completion.

“It almost always starts as one space,” Alissa says. “But then we usually end up doing more, as it’s less expensive and less trouble to do it all at once. I always say that if you can a ord to do the entire project at once, do it. You’re going to save so much money and headache.”

Alissa says the scope of a project also has a lot to do with how clients can function during a remodel when they can’t use their homes as usual. Temporary kitchens and bathrooms, wet surfaces they can’t touch, oors they can’t walk on, and stairs they can’t use can make living through a remodel rather inconvenient.

“ ere are so many stressors that you don’t even think about,” Alissa says. “And I try, in my rst meeting, to ask if they’re prepared for it. is is going to be dirty. is is going to be rough. I really try to show them how it’s going to be because it can be challenging at times.”

Although there are cost savings to doing the entire remodel at one time, and you only live through the mess once, some clients want or need to tackle a project in two phases. at isn’t a problem for Alissa who wants her clients to end up with the home they love.

GREAT DESIGN DOESN’T HAVE TO START FROM SCRATCH

People tend to see a house as it is, not its potential. A room is a bedroom so it can’t be anything else. Or the kitchen sink is here so the footprint of the kitchen must stay the same. Someone like Alissa can see how space can work better for a client by looking past the current walls and space functions. Her philosophy of great design is a combination of factors.

“It’s knowing everything that’s out there, so I don’t need to show my client 24,000 samples of tile. ey want to see 10. But those 10 samples are ones I know you will like based on what I know about you and your life,” Alissa says. “It’s also keeping up on trends but more importantly, knowing when to pull in trends for a particular client. ere is no right or wrong. It's about factoring in trends, plus your design style, plus your family life, and mixing it all together to create harmony.”

Redesigning and renovating a home isn’t just for making good television. Home do-overs are for recreating spaces that match real life.

“I am an interior designer, and I had a remodeling client this year where we found carpet in the basement that was patterned and colored to look like hardwood.”

ALISSA

WELSCHMEYER

Founder, Olive Tree Home Interiors

“I’ve de nitely shown a house while the tenants didn’t get out of bed.

Scheduled appointment, several knocks and yells later and they just slept right through it. I also had an appraiser show up early to his appointment to my seller vacuuming in her bra and underwear. Needless to say, the home appraised.”

BROOKE SYDENSTRICKER MCCARTY

Broker-Owner at Weichert, Realtors - First Tier and Owner of McCarty Property Investments

“I was inspecting a house that was supposedly vacant. It was scheduled with the listing agent. We always knock on the front door loudly, before entering, even for a vacant house. en I went in and started the

inspection. I always go to the kitchen rst to lay down a brochure and business card before checking out the rest of the house. e next thing I know, this tall, dark headed, hairy guy with a towel around his waist comes barreling out of a bathroom. He had been showering and did not hear me knock. We scared the crap out of each other! It turned out that the seller had let his friend stay in the house with a sleeping bag. Moral of the story is, be prepared for anything, when you’re a ASHI inspector!”

MELANIE SPRADLING

Spradling Home Inspections, LLC

“I saw the most elite lazy susan! I have yet to see another with more levels.”

MAIZIE BROWN

Weichert, Realtors-First Tier

“Had one of our agents that had to supervise a large pot belly pig that was in the dining room in a kennel during showings so it wouldn’t bite anyone!”

JESSICA KEMPF

Weichert, Realtors-First Tier

“Marijuana left out in plain sight on the co ee table. Snakes — one huge pet, and two on di erent patios. A video camera on a stand pointing at the bed. Satanic pentagram on a wall.... too many to list!”

NICCI GARMON Columbia Real Estate

What are some of the craziest/funniest things you’ve seen on the job?

WE ASKED LOCAL REALTORS & HOME INSPECTORS