From dream to reality: Kristen & Dan’s ADU
Turning an underused space into family living, and a smart retirement move
The big question: Sell or Stay?
Kristen, a dental hygienist, and Dan, a dentist and USC School of Dentistry faculty member, were rethinking their retirement plan. Selling their California home seemed tempting, but with rising interest rates and soaring prices, they realized they’d get less house for more money. That’s when they began looking for ways to create value right where they were.
A friend’s tip about building an ADU sparked an idea: convert their cluttered garage into a livable unit for family or rental income. But they’d never done major construction before and didn’t know where to start.
“We didn’t know how to find an architect or contractor, it felt foreign and scary. We just saw a money pit waiting to happen.”
Finding Realm
Through online research and a video by Ryan O’Connell, they discovered Realm. From the very first meeting, Realm advisor Andy made the process feel achievable. He walked them through design possibilities, answered questions they didn’t know to ask, and explained each step from permits to move-in.
Receiving guidance at every step
Realm connected Kristen and Dan with three vetted contractors. When one vendor’s approach didn’t feel right, Andy helped them assess pros and cons until they landed on the right fit: Preferred Home Builders. A pivotal moment came when their designer, Nir Cohen, sketched out the ADU right there at their kitchen table.
“Seeing the layout in real time made it feel possible. Suddenly it wasn’t an unknown — it was tangible.”
Overcoming obstacles
Realm’s support went far beyond introductions. When financing questions came up, Andy helped them navigate mortgage options and even guided them through securing a $40,000 CalHFA grant. Later, when small contractor challenges arose, Realm stepped in to resolve them quickly, keeping the project on track.hen their designer, Nir Cohen, sketched out the ADU right there at their kitchen table.
From empty garage to family home
Construction began in February and wrapped in mid-August, just in time for their daughter, son-in-law, and newborn grandchild to move in days after final inspection.
“Without Realm, we wouldn’t have felt comfortable starting this. They were our umbrella, protecting us from costly mistakes.”
The Results
Their once-overlooked garage is now a beautiful living space, their property value has climbed, and they have family close by while building toward long-term financial goals.
“We almost wish we had another property so we could do this all over again, and we’d use Realm again in a heartbeat.”
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