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My Sourdough Journey: What Two Years of Bread Has Taught Me About Patience, Persistence, and Trusting the Process

About two years ago, I decided to learn how to make real sourdough bread. Not the kind with shortcuts or commercial yeast, but the kind that requires commitment — a living starter, daily care, and a whole lot of patience. That first year was… humbling. No matter how carefully I followed recipes or how many videos I watched, my loaves kept coming out dense, gummy, and disappointing. I tried adjusting hydration, fermentation times, temperatures — you name it. Some days the dough barely rose at all. Other days it looked promising until it hit the oven and fell flat. I questioned whether I just wasn’t “good at this,” and more than once I considered giving up entirely. But I didn’t. I kept showing up. Everything finally changed when I was given a piece of incredibly mature starter — over 150 years old. It felt almost sacred, like being handed a piece of history. That starter was strong, active, and alive in a way mine had never been, and working with it transformed my entire experience. For...
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What to Look for When Buying Your First Home

  What to Look for When Buying Your First Home Buying your first home is exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little overwhelming. It’s more than just choosing a house you love — it’s about finding a space that supports your life, your finances, and your future. As someone who’s helped many first-time buyers in Cleveland, I always encourage people to look beyond the surface and think strategically about their decision. 1. A Comfortable and Realistic Budget Before falling in love with a home, make sure it fits your financial picture. Look at your monthly payment, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs together. A home should give you stability and peace of mind, not financial stress. Staying within a comfortable budget also gives you flexibility for future goals, travel, or savings. I use the term “house poor”. Yes it is nice to have a home, but you should still be able to decorate it however you want, and still live the life you want to.  2. Location and Lifestyle Location ma...
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Understanding the Home Buying Process in Cleveland — And the Programs That Can Help

  Understanding the Home Buying Process in Cleveland — And the Programs That Can Help Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in life, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. The good news is that with the right guidance — and the many programs available here in Cleveland — homeownership is more achievable than many people realize. Step 1: Getting Prepared The process begins with understanding your finances. This includes reviewing your credit, determining a comfortable monthly payment, and getting pre-approved by a lender. Pre-approval not only gives you a clear budget but also strengthens your offer when you’re ready to buy. Step 2: Finding the Right Home Once your budget is set, we focus on finding a home that fits your lifestyle, goals, and future plans. In Cleveland, buyers have access to a wide range of neighborhoods and price points, making it a great market for both first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners. Step 3: Making an Offer and Ins...
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Location: Cleveland, OH, USA
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Navigating Cleveland’s Real Estate Market in 2026: Trends and Hot Spots

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Navigating Cleveland’s Real Estate Market in 2026: Trends and Hot Spots As we kick off 2026, Cleveland’s real estate scene is buzzing with optimism. Once overshadowed by bigger coastal cities, the Rock and Roll Capital is emerging as a hidden gem for buyers and investors alike. With its affordable housing, revitalized neighborhoods, and lower climate risks compared to flood-prone or wildfire-heavy areas, Cleveland is poised for growth in a market that’s stabilizing nationwide. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a young professional, or an investor eyeing rental properties, understanding the current trends and popular areas can help you make savvy decisions. Let’s dive in. Current Market Trends: Stability and Steady Growth The Cleveland housing market is showing signs of heating up in 2026, driven by factors like improved affordability and increased inventory. According to recent reports, the median home sale price in Cleveland hit around $131,000 last month, marking a 5.3% increase...
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Welcome!

Welcome! Hi, I’m Dorian Williams, and I’m so glad you’re here. This blog is a space I’ve created to share my journey in real estate, personal growth, business, and life — the wins, the challenges, the lessons, and everything in between. My hope is that through these posts, you’ll find guidance, motivation, and real-world insight you can actually use. I began my real estate career in 2020, but my passion for helping people started long before that. With a background in Social Work, I’ve always been drawn to understanding people’s needs, supporting their goals, and walking with them through important life transitions. Real estate became the perfect intersection of those passions — combining service, strategy, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Since entering the industry, I’ve learned that buying or selling a home is rarely just about property. It’s about security. It’s about family. It’s about dreams, growth, and sometimes starting over. My mission is to guide ...
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