My First...

There is something special about a 'first'... your first date, a first kiss, a babies first steps. All an occasion for joy and celebration. As agents, we are lucky enough to be a part of a huge 'first' for several of our clients.. their first home! 

Each month we will sit down with someone near and dear to chat about a few of their 'firsts'. This month we chatted with the talented Danay Guenther!

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?

I have many wonderful memories of home both with my Mom and my Dad. I have to say, though, that "home is where the dog is." When I first got my childhood dog, my Mom and I lived in an apartment complex that didn't allow pets, so my little dog lived with my grandmother. When we moved into a garage apartment and were able to bring my dog with us, that really felt like home.

When was your first time moving out of your parents home?

My Mom and I were roomies until I got married. My husband worked at a Southside apartment complex at the time, so we moved into an apartment there. Free rent was fantastic and oh so helpful, and I worked close by so we were able to eat lunch together at home every day. I'll always cherish my initial memories of that apartment, eating leftover black pepper chicken from the best Wok N Roll in town (Parental Home Rd and Beach Blvd for life!) that we re-heated in our only pan, sitting on our only armchair (I sat on the cushioned arm). Times were simple and amazing. While I love our home now, there's something special about a place where a family begins their life together.

When was your first big trip away from home?

I had some fun adventures through childhood and early adulthood, but the first time travel felt like a really big trip away from home was when some friends and I traveled to Seattle and Vancouver. It's still the farthest distance from home I've ever been. I'm a Jacksonville native and up until that moment I'd only really traveled north or south. Traveling west was something brand new, and I loved it! We went at the perfect time, too, because the tulips were in bloom, and they were everywhere! The colors on the west coast seemed more vibrant, Seattleites on their way home from work carried the most beautiful flowers wrapped in brown paper, and there was a booth at Pike Place Market that sold every type of pasta imaginable. It was heaven! Also, there was a museum dedicated to music AND science fiction. I felt like I'd found a new home! Next, we took a day trip to Vancouver and scaled the Capilano suspension bridge, which was terrifying and awesome at the same time. There was a huge stuffed bear we lovingly named "Cappy" and we had a blast. One day soon I hope to return to the west coast and continue my adventures.

What is your DREAM first home? T

The house my husband and I bought last year really is my dream first home. I had only ever rented apartments before, so buying a house was a really big deal for me. Yes it needs some updates, no the kitchen doesn't have an island (nor room for one), no the garage doesn't exactly fit 2 cars, etc...but we love it so much! Our main thought for the biggest purchase of our lives was a yard for our dog (yes really, don't make fun of me) and she loves her yard, and we love sitting on the deck watching her explore her domain. Our house is absolutely perfect for us, and we wouldn't change a thing. Ok that's not true, we need to work on some landscaping, the garage's paint is peeling, and so on. But I love the prospect of my husband and I making our home our own, together (and not just wishing and hoping the landlord would do it). We are so happy and comfortable here in our first house, our dream home.