Karen Behdar
This time of year always invites reflection. The energy shifts. The Yamim Noraim holidays approach. Kids go back to school, routines return, and many of us start asking deeper questions, not just about what we want for the year ahead, but about where we’re heading. In our families, in our work, and yes… even in our homes.
As a real estate broker, I’ve always believed that a home is never just a transaction. It’s a reflection of who we are, and often, who we’re becoming.
As Rosh Hashana approaches, it’s a good time to ask: Is my home still working for the life I’m living? Or is it time for a change?
For some people, that means realizing they’ve outgrown their space – emotionally, physically, or both. For others, it’s about anchoring down, committing to a community, or finally turning that “maybe next year” into a concrete plan.
We don’t always give ourselves permission to reassess our housing goals unless something forces it, like a rent hike, a job change, or family expansion. But Rosh Hashanah gives us a different kind of nudge. It invites us to take stock and move forward with intention.
The Real Estate Version of Teshuva
In the spirit of teshuva: returning, re-aligning, and reimagining, it’s worth asking questions such as: Does my home support the kind of life I want to build? Am I where I want to be? Is it time to start planning a move or making this space feel more like my own?
Not every answer leads to packing boxes. Sometimes, it leads to painting a wall, fixing a long-overdue repair, or finally hosting that Shabbat dinner you’ve been meaning to. But when you start thinking about your home with intention, things shift. It becomes less about market timing and more about life alignment.
Owning as a Form of Stability
We live in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. For many of the families I work with, owning a home isn’t just about square footage, it’s about security. It’s about feeling grounded, having control over your space, and knowing that the place where you’re making memories is truly yours.
Especially in Brooklyn, where generations of family members often live just a few blocks apart, owning a home is about more than just square footage. It’s about roots. It’s about building something that lasts for your family, your community, and the future. It’s not just a property. It’s a place in the story.
You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
Here’s what I always tell clients: You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to start asking the right questions.
If you’re feeling the pull toward something different, like a bigger space, a new neighborhood, a backyard instead of a fire escape, it might be time to explore it.
Start by having a conversation. Get clarity on your finances. Walk through a few open houses just to see how you feel. The path to a new home doesn’t begin with a signed contract. It begins with curiosity.
Rosh Hashanah is all about possibility. It’s about hope and direction, even if the details aren’t fully formed yet.
This Rosh Hashanah, while you’re setting intentions for the year ahead, it’s worth thinking about your home too: what’s working, what’s not, and what you might be ready for?
- What would make my home feel more like the life I want to live?
- Where do I want to grow next?
- And what would it feel like to start moving toward that?
From all of us at The Behfar Team, we wish you a sweet, joyful, and peaceful New Year, full of clarity, connection, and comfort in every corner of your home.