Core Metaphors

• Train Car — Each property type you own or may add.
• Ticket — Level of readiness: single ride, monthly pass, annual pass.
• Timetable — Seasonal, financial, or life-event triggers.
• Station Board — A decision point: renovate, refinance, sell, insure.
• Map-to-Plan™ — Your subway map for property, finance, lifestyle.

Financial Language

• Baseline / Maintenance / Enhancements — Three levels of home costs and projects.
• Resilience & Shock Readiness — Ability to handle surprise expenses.
• Housing Format Fit — Matching financial + behavioral preferences to housing type.
• Asset vs. Utility — Home as wealth-builder vs. home as lifestyle.

Scoring Scales

1–5 Scale = Importance or priority (1 = not important, 5 = very important)

1–10 Scale = Stress, confidence, or satisfaction (1 = low, 10 = high)

Annual Maintenance Timetable

• Spring: Gutters, roof check, HVAC tune-up, exterior paint touch-ups.
• Summer: Pest inspection, landscaping, deck/patio maintenance.
• Fall: Heating check, chimney/fireplace cleaning, insulation gaps.
• Winter: Freeze protection, storm prep, generator test.

Top 10 Hidden Home Costs

1. Rising insurance premiums
2. Energy/utility spikes
3. HOA or condo assessments
4. Roof or foundation repairs
5. Water intrusion / drainage fixes
6. Appliance replacement
7. Landscaping/tree removal
8. Driveway/paving costs
9. Aging plumbing/electrical systems
10. Climate adaptation upgrades

Red Flags by Housing Type

• Single-Family: Full responsibility, unpredictable costs, more DIY.
• Condo/HOA: Monthly fees, special assessments, rule restrictions.
• Rental: Limited control, rent escalation, less customization.
• 55+ Community: Fees + rules, high convenience, built-in social structure.

Emergency Preparedness Snapshot

• Insurance policy & deductible knowledge
• Key contractor contacts (plumber, electrician, roofer)
• Generator or backup power plan
• Flood/fire evacuation plan
• Emergency repair fund (3–6 months housing costs)