Thanksgiving Reflections:
Helping the Sweet Family Find “Home”
– Twice
This time of year always slows me down in the best way. Between showings, inspections, and paperwork, Thanksgiving nudges me to pause and take stock of what—and who—I’m grateful for.
At the top of that list this year? Zach and Katie Sweet.
Two years ago, Zach and Katie moved back to Rushville after Zach retired from the military. After years of sacrifice, long stretches away from home, and all the uncertainty that comes with service, they were finally ready to put down roots in the place that had always felt like “home base.”
They didn’t come back alone. At the time, they were already raising two boys; since then, their family has grown by two more—four busy, energetic boys who fill every room with noise, laughter, and Legos underfoot.
On top of that, Zach launched his own business, Sweet’s Land Clearing & Forestry. He’s not just good at what he does—he genuinely loves it. The kind of love that gets you up early, keeps you working late, and still leaves you excited for the next project.
When they first moved back, there wasn’t much time to spare. They needed a home fast. Under normal circumstances, I never recommend buying a home sight unseen. But this was a unique situation, and after a lot of conversations, photos, and video, they took a leap of faith.
We found them a house in Rushville, and they said “yes” to it without ever stepping inside first. It was the right decision at the time—a landing spot, a place to catch their breath and start this new chapter in Indiana.
But life has a way of expanding.
Two more boys.
A thriving business. Growing dreams.
Before long, that first home was overflowing with little feet and big equipment. The Sweets realized they needed more—more space for four boys to run, more room for Zach’s business, and more quiet, open sky. They wanted to be out in the county, where the days feel a little slower and the stars a little brighter.
That next step didn’t happen overnight.
It took time.
It took creativity.
It took patience.
We walked through options. We talked through “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” We navigated a tricky market. And then, finally, the right place appeared.
A stunning property in northern Rush County—a beautiful historic barn-turned-custom home that just fit them. It had room for their large, active family and the kind of space Zach needed to support his business without sacrificing family time. It offered what so many people long for after years of hustle and sacrifice: room to breathe.
Watching them step into that dream home was one of those moments I’ll carry with me for a long time.
Because for Zach, it’s not just about a house. It’s about being back home in Indiana after serving his country. It’s about waking up where his kids can grow up rooted in the same kind of community he came from. It’s about building something lasting—for his family, his business, and his future.
And for me, it’s about more than a closing.
I’m thankful I had the chance to help the Sweets find a home when they first came back—and then to walk alongside them again when it was time to level up into their forever place. Somewhere along the way, they stopped being just clients and became friends.
That’s the part of this job I’m most grateful for.
Thank you, Zach and Katie, for trusting me not once, but twice. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your story—from the fast, sight-unseen move back to Rushville to the dream home in the county that finally gives your family and your business space to grow.
This Thanksgiving, when I think about what “home” really means, I’ll be thinking of families like yours—who work hard, serve deeply, love fiercely, and pour so much into our communities.
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. 🦃
And if you’re reading this and wondering what “home” could look like for your next chapter, I’d be honored to help you find it too.
Nathan
