A Mother’s Touch

By Nicole Foster, Broker/REALTOR and mother of four

When we reflect on the many ways our mothers have shaped the lives we lead today, we often think of the values they instilled, the traditions they passed down, and the unwavering love and support they've provided through every chapter of our journey. Their influence is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are – guiding our choices, shaping our character, and grounding us in a sense of home. But beyond these emotional and moral legacies, there’s another powerful, and often overlooked, area where their impact is felt: the homes we choose to live in as adults. 

From the type of neighborhood that we gravitate toward to the style of kitchen we dream of, our mothers’ tastes, habits, and even their approach to homemaking can significantly influence our housing decisions and how we define what "home" truly means.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of real estate transactions where parents play a pivotal role in helping their adult children enter the housing market. This trend highlights how parents, often seeking to support the next generation, are bridging the gap in ways that make homeownership more accessible. Parents are stepping in with a variety of creative solutions, from gifting equity in their own homes to co-signing loans when allowed or providing financial assistance for down payments. In some cases, parents even take on the primary mortgage responsibility themselves, purchasing a home as a non-owner-occupied primary residence and offering a lease-to-own option to their children. This kind of support not only facilitates homeownership at an earlier age than would typically be possible, but it also plays a crucial role in making housing more affordable – often turning what would be an unattainable goal into a tangible reality for many first-time homebuyers.

The type of financial guidance that your mother has provided you along the way also helps to position you as a borrower. Understanding how to save money for a down payment and other closing costs as well as the critical importance of establishing and managing responsible credit are all lessons best learned at a young age. Parents who add their children as authorized users to one of their own credit cards can help kids to get a jump start on building their own credit prior to turning eighteen but once they are old enough letting kids have their cell phone in their own name can help kids to establish the necessary credit they need to have without the risk of getting into credit card debt.

A study that was recently published by REALTOR.com shows that the vast majority of respondents would prefer to live within proximity to their mothers, given the option. Many buyers set their geographic search for properties within a certain range of their mothers when searching for their new home to rent or purchase when possible. More and more young families are welcoming mom to join them in their new community, so they can be close to new grandchildren and play an active role in their day to day lives, or to help provide support.

Mothers often leave a lasting imprint on the way we shape and style our homes, influencing not only our decorative choices but also our overall sense of comfort and aesthetic. Whether consciously or not, many of the decisions we make when designing our living spaces are rooted in the memories of the homes we grew up in—homes shaped largely by our mothers' tastes, values, and personal touches. From heirloom furniture passed down through generations to beloved paintings, cherished family photographs, or a favorite book collection neatly arranged on a shelf, remnants of our childhood homes quietly weave their way into our present-day surroundings. These familiar items serve as both emotional anchors and stylistic inspiration, reminding us not only of where we came from but also of the enduring influence our mothers continue to have in our lives.

Whether your mother was someone who eagerly embraced every design trend—constantly refreshing furniture, swapping out wallpaper, or updating color palettes—or you grew up in a timeless, traditional home where the décor remained largely unchanged, her influence likely runs deeper than you realize. The way your childhood home looked, felt, and functioned can leave a lasting impression, subtly shaping your own tastes in interior design and home aesthetics. From the cozy familiarity of a vintage floral sofa to a deep-seated aversion to bold wall colors, the environment your mother curated often becomes the invisible blueprint for what you’re naturally drawn to – or steer clear of – when it comes time to make your own house a home.

Nicole Foster is a Windham parent and real estate Broker with 20 years of experience working with buyers, sellers and investors. <