Making your last move effortless for over 20 years.
Hello, I’m Heather Harts’horn.
I am a MD Realtor and the owner of Home Shift MD, LLC, a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. As an environmental designer for over 35 years, I have specialized in working with individuals and families who want to conserve the family’s legacy while transitioning to a new home.
My Mission
To take the stress and pressure off your shoulders by helping to sort your possessions and making your sure your most prized memories do not get lost in the shuffle. Together, you and I will craft the most convenient and care-free move to your next destination. This is what HomeShift is all about.
In addition to working with individuals and their families, HomeShift also provides assistance and support to Estate Managers and Executors. For estate managers and bereaved families, all work can be performed with minimum oversight. I will attend to the liquidation of all personal and real property, or convert real property into an investment that can provide cash flow and tax benefits. Real Estate sales or rental property management are done under my Maryland Real Estate Sales license with Samson Properties in Middle River, Maryland.
About me.
I grew up in a household outside Boston which was filled with antiques inherited by my parents. Because both of my parents were Mayflower descendants, it became second nature for me to look for historical significance in the items they chose to keep. My mother fostered a profound appreciation for family history which has helped me navigate many of life’s difficult moments. Maya Angelou captured the significance of knowing one’s family history in her poem To Our Grandmothers:
“I come as one but stand as 10,000.”
It is my hope that in sharing this awareness with my clients will give them strength and grace as they move into the next phase of their lives with pride and happy anticipation.
My education.
My skills in recognizing value in art, furniture, oriental carpets, and other household items were further honed over time through ongoing studies in architecture, botany and art history.
I hold a master’s degree in Regional Planning from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon, an Associates in Building Construction from Dean Jr College in Franklin, MA and two certificates from the Sorbonne where I studied art history and French language. I spent three years in El Salvador where I served in the Peace Corps. I consider fluency in Spanish to be one of my most cherished accomplishments.
I have worn every hat in the world of housing, from design development to permitting, construction project management, property management and real estate sales. I have been a highly successful real estate investor since 1989.
Expertise that matters.
Learning to do this work began with my own family. My mother had inherited four estates by the time I was in graduate school. Her health required her to live on one level so I helped her pick out the things she wanted to take and created the kind of elegant environment I know she always thought she would spend her later years in.
I found that many people around me were childless and had no help to navigate through life’s changes. They had to leave familiar surroundings and make their way to a place that is secure and inviting. I had the idea to become a “Universal Daughter” to assist my friends and neighbors on their journey.
In this capacity I found myself doing work I truly love. I am a personal assistant, sounding board, keeper of the calendar, and finder of lost keys. I listen to your stories because as we work, I will better understand how and where the pieces fit. The goal we set together is to curate your collection of familiar items to bring with you to your new home.
I will work with movers to have your possessions professionally packed and ensure that the new home is completely accessible to expedite the move in. You may choose to have me help you unpack to be able to move around easily in new surroundings. I will remove the boxes, hang your clothes, and make your bed. The objective is to make you comfortable and safe as quickly as possible.
Professional interests & affiliations.
I am a loyal watcher of Antiques Roadshow since 2007 and a huge fan of Dr. Henry Louis Gates.
Why its worth mentioning: These two PBS productions exist for the purpose of helping us appreciate the world around us and the events that shaped our arrival here, at this moment to leave our mark in making the world a better place today and an even better place for the next seven generations.
NASMM: The National Association of Senior Move Managers
Why I belong: On the advice of my mentor Gail Meyer of Moving Matters LLC based in Los Angeles, I joined after completing their extensive requirements designed to better ensure successful businesses in this growing sector. I am glad I was guided to this site because of the informative trainings and insurance coverage designed especially for our industry.
Aging Life Care Association
Why I belong: Every client’s case is as unique as a thumbprint. There are so many needs that may come up in the process of a move that are beyond HomeShift’s expertise. When the unexpected appears, it’s essential to be affiliated with a reputable array of vetted professionals who are trained to deliver for the elder community. A client can feel there is always an answer from a qualified specialist without having to shop for service providers.
NAR/MAR National Association of Realtors/ Maryland Association of Realtors
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Why I belong: These associations ensure the highest ethical standards for all professionals in the real estate field. I am proud to hang my license in the office of Samson Properties in Middle River, Maryland serving the entire state. It has long been my dream to offer complete liquidation services for both personal and real property to Senior Move Management.
NAGLREP The National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals
Why I belong: This is my Community.
Congratulations to PBS on 50 great years!
Enduring thanks to Antiques Roadshow, Finding your Roots and Legacy List for informative and inspiring programming that brings together the generations and makes our society stronger.