Sometimes Real Estate Is About So Much More Than a House
Every once in a while, a real estate transaction comes along that reminds me exactly why I love what I do.
This one brought me right back to where my own story began.
I grew up on Milwaukee’s South Side. But my family’s roots in that neighborhood go back MUCH further than that.
In fact, my family once owned a FARM on South Layton Boulevard, also known as South 27th Street. And I’m not talking about a little backyard garden. I’m talking horses, crops, a barn, the whole deal! That was when that part of Milwaukee was actually WEST Milwaukee.
That’s how long my family has been part of this community.
Where my family once farmed, generations of Milwaukee families have since built their lives.
And now, all these years later, I found myself helping another family purchase a home on the South Side, with a dream of helping others rebuild their lives.
Talk about a full-circle moment.
Let Me Introduce You to Praxedes and Carmen
One of my very best friends, Niki Schaumberg, serves as treasurer on the board of an organization called Casa Segura de Dios.
Niki knew about my South Side roots, my familiarity with the neighborhoods, and how much that part of Milwaukee means to me.
So when Praxedes and Carmen began looking for their first home, Niki contacted me to see if I could help them find the right property.
But this wasn’t going to be just ANY first home.
Praxedes and Carmen were looking for a place where they could establish their own home while also helping make a much bigger dream a reality.
They purchased a duplex with the intention of using the property as part of the mission of Casa Segura de Dios.
A place that could eventually become a source of stability, healing, and hope for others.
And I had the privilege of helping them take that first step.
When Praxedes and Carmen celebrated the purchase of their first home, I gave them a card with four little words written on it.
“Lo hicimos juntos.”
We did it together.
Because that’s exactly what happened.
Praxedes and Carmen had a dream. Niki helped bring us together. And I had the privilege of helping them find the home that could make the next chapter possible.
Four little words that mean so much more than simply buying a house.
And I couldn’t be happier to have been part of their story.
Why This Matters So Much
I have watched Milwaukee’s South Side change over the years.
It’s a community filled with hardworking families, beautiful architecture, incredible cultural traditions, and generations of people who have called it home.
But like so many urban neighborhoods, it has also faced challenges. Poverty, addiction, and families struggling to find their footing have affected people and neighborhoods I care deeply about.
And here’s what I love about Praxedes and Carmen.
They’re not looking at those challenges and turning away.
They’re looking at their community and asking, “How can we help?”
Through Casa Segura de Dios, they’re working to create a faith-centered recovery community focused on helping people overcome addiction, rebuild relationships, find purpose, and move forward with their lives.
Their vision is rooted in faith, compassion, and the belief that someone’s past doesn’t have to determine their future.
This isn’t simply about offering someone a roof over their head.
It’s about offering someone a chance to write a different chapter of their story.
A House Can Change More Than One Life
As a Realtor, I spend a lot of time talking about home values, neighborhoods, inspections, and interest rates.
Those things matter. Of course they do.
But sometimes, a property’s greatest value has absolutely nothing to do with its price tag.
Sometimes it’s about the family finally getting the keys to their first home.
Sometimes it’s about a neighborhood gaining people who are deeply invested in making it stronger.
And sometimes it’s about a duplex that represents the beginning of something much bigger.
For Praxedes and Carmen, this purchase is a milestone. For Casa Segura de Dios, it’s a meaningful step toward their vision of creating a transformational home.
And for me?
It’s a reminder that the neighborhood where my family’s story began generations ago is still a place where new stories are being written.
I can’t help thinking that somewhere, my ancestors would be smiling.
Here’s Where YOU Come In!
Casa Segura de Dios is inviting our community to learn more about its mission and help turn this vision into reality.
They’re hosting an open house, and I would LOVE to see people come out and support what they’re building.
Casa Segura de Dios Community Open House
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: City Wide Facility Solutions
272 N. 12th Street
Milwaukee, WI
RSVP to Nancy Aliota
Text: 414-520-6237
Email: aliotamessage@gmail.com
When you RSVP, please include the names of everyone attending, along with your address, phone number, and email address.
You can also learn more about the organization at www.casaseguradedios.org.
Can’t Attend but Still Want to Make a Difference?
Praxedes, Carmen, and everyone involved with Casa Segura de Dios are building something extraordinary. And YOU can be part of it!
Whether it’s a donation, attending the open house, or simply sharing their story, every bit of support helps move their mission forward.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO CASA SEGURA DE DIOS
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about this extraordinary couple and the people working alongside them.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to change the entire world to make a difference.
Sometimes you just have to start with one house.