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HŌM in Europe
- Connor Holt
- 19 minutes ago
- 7 min read
This past week, Tobin and I found ourselves walking historic streets, tasting new foods, soaking in culture, and spending time with people I love in a way that felt both grounding and inspiring. We traveled through Germany, Switzerland, and France, but the true purpose of the trip was deeply personal. We came to visit my parents, who are currently serving an eighteen month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
For me, seeing them here, surrounded by people they are serving and lifting every day, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my year. It is one thing to hear about senior missions from home. It is something entirely different to stand beside your parents in a foreign country and see the lives they touch. Their dedication brought a feeling of purpose and peace that stayed with me throughout the trip.
I am currently on a plane back to the New York City and will hop on a plane later today to return home to Utah. Tobin will continue on for a few days in Switzerland and then in Greece before returning home.
At the bottom of the post you will be able to find more pictures from this trip.
During our time in Europe, we had the rare chance to slow down, step away from the daily pace of real estate, and think about the bigger picture. Those conversations became the spark for something new that we are ready to share with the HŌM community.
How This Trip Inspired a New Idea
While we were here, we talked a lot about what it takes for senior couples to put their lives on pause and serve a mission. There is so much spiritual joy in the decision, but there are also very real and practical concerns. We watched my parents navigate some of that before they left, and it opened our eyes to how much support couples truly need. The Church gives senior couples a very generic sheet of information to all the couples, but that sheet doesn't necessarily apply to you and your situation for where you will be going to serve in the world.
Many faithful couples want to serve, but questions about real estate, money, insurance, cars, or even cell phones become roadblocks. Some feel overwhelmed. Some feel alone in the planning process. Some delay their mission because they are unsure how to handle everything back home.
Standing beside my parents in Europe, seeing their growth and happiness, made one thing incredibly clear.
We want more couples to experience this without fear or uncertainty.
Which is why we are officially launching something new.
Introducing HŌM Missionary Services
HŌM Missionary Services is designed to help senior couples prepare for a mission with confidence, clarity, and support so they can serve with full hearts. It is a program built from real stories, real challenges, and real solutions.
When you join this program, you receive personalized guidance through the entire preparation process, from real estate decisions to financial planning to the small but important details that missionaries often overlook. You also receive hands-on support during your mission and when you return home.
Below is a deeper look at the support HŌM Missionary Services provides.
1. Real Estate Planning Built Around Your Mission Timeline
Your home is one of your biggest assets, and deciding what to do with it is usually the hardest step. Every couple is different, and there is no one size fits all answer. We walk you through the options below in detail so you can feel at peace with your decision.
Option 1 - Sell Before Leaving
Some couples choose to simplify their life before serving. Selling your home while still stateside gives you:
Access to your equity
A clean financial slate
No property responsibilities during your mission
A chance to plan for a new chapter afterward
You can serve without worrying about maintenance, insurance, or unexpected emergencies.
Option 2 - Rent Your Home While You Serve
If you want to keep your property, renting is an excellent option. With HŌM, you receive full support through the rental process including:
Understanding Utah rental laws
Preparing the home for tenants
Helping you understand your home's rental value and the fair monthly price it can earn in the current market
Connecting you with vetted renters who are reliable and qualified
And most importantly, HŌM will serve as your property managers while you are away
We will watch over your property, handle tenant coordination, oversee maintenance, and ensure your home stays in great condition while you serve. This option allows you to keep your home and still build long term wealth.
Option 3. Sell and Purchase Again
This option is especially helpful for couples whose mission timing overlaps with strong market conditions. Everything depends on how the market is performing at the time you receive your call.
For some couples, the market may be better to sell their home now and then wait to purchase again when they return from their mission. This approach can give them access to equity and offer a clean, simple path for their time away.
For others, the market may be more favorable to purchase a new home before they leave. Many senior couples are ready to downsize or move into something easier to maintain. In this situation, they can sell their current home, purchase a new and more suitable home before departing, and let HŌM take care of everything while they serve.
We will help:
Move and settle your belongings into the new home
Organize furniture and storage
Maintain the property while you serve
Ensure everything is ready and welcoming when you return
Whether the timing favors selling now and buying later, or selling now and buying before you leave, HŌM will guide you through the smartest path for your personal and financial goals.
2. Financial Planning for Mission Support
The decision to serve is spiritual, but the preparation is often financial. We help you review all practical options in a simple, transparent way.
HELOC or 2nd Mortgage
Access your equity without selling. Use only what you need during your mission.
Retirement and Investment Portfolios
We help you think through dividends, withdrawals, taxes, and sustainability.
Selling Assets to Fund a Mission
Some couples prefer to sell secondary properties or unused assets. We walk through the pros and cons.
Real Estate Based Financial Strategies
Downsizing, rental income, or equity leverage can play a major role. We help you plan intelligently and prayerfully.
3. What to Do About Vehicles While Serving
If your mission assignment is outside the United States, your cars must be planned for correctly.
We help you choose between:
selling
storing
or transferring temporary use to family
We guide you through value, insurance adjustments, and the most cost effective option.
4. Phone Plans and Technology for Missionaries
This topic surprises most couples with how complicated it can feel. This was something that my parents struggled with for a week or two before they left. My Dad didn't want to lose his phone number, so what was he to do? Both my parents still have their phone numbers, as well as a mission phone that works there in Europe. Where as, my family now uses WhatsApp to communicate with my parents and together at home in the United States.
We help you explore:
Pausing phone plans
Switching carriers
International eSIMs
Keeping a US number active
Local SIM cards in your mission country
WiFi calling solutions
This alone saves stress and unnecessary cost.
5. Insurance Planning While Abroad
Health, auto, and home insurance all change when you leave the United States.
We walk you through:
what must stay active
what can be paused
international health coverage
proper car storage insurance
homeowners and rental policy adjustments
No guessing. No surprises.
6. A Complete Mission Preparation Checklist
This checklist was created with real senior missionaries who have served around the world.
It includes:
passport timing
visa preparation
medical steps
legal paperwork
emergency contacts
packing lists
what to do with mail, bills, and subscriptions
how to prepare your family for your absence
It is everything you need to leave with confidence.
7. A Team to Support You from Start to Finish
HŌM Missionary Services is designed to give you:
a personal plan
a dedicated support team
ongoing communication while you serve
and a soft landing when you return home
With HŌM behind you, you will never feel alone in the process.
Why We Created HŌM Missionary Services
Seeing my parents serve their mission has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. Alongside both Tobin and I serving missions in the West Indies and Chile. My parents' example helped me realize how many couples want to serve but feel overwhelmed by the preparation process.
At HŌM, we believe in strengthening families, supporting faith, and creating community centered solutions.
HŌM Missionary Services is our way of helping senior couples step into their mission with complete peace of mind.
If You or Your Parents Are Thinking About Serving a Mission
We would love to meet with you, talk about your goals, and help you build a plan that makes your mission simple, joyful, and inspired.
Serving a mission should not feel stressful. It should feel divine.
With HŌM behind you, you will have a team who understands your faith, your needs, and your goals. We will take care of everything back home so you can focus fully on serving.
We are ready to bring our services to you while you bring yours to the Lord.
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