Hi, I’m Lesa!

There’s a saying that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. For Lesa Grant, the founder of Best Home Around, it was a series of unexpected detours, heartfelt discoveries, and a lifelong curiosity about what truly makes a house a home that brought her to this unique corner of the internet.

Lesa’s journey into the world of homes and real estate began in the most unassuming way: with an old, crumbling Victorian house she inherited from her great-aunt Margot. At the time, Lesa was fresh out of college with a liberal arts degree and dreams of working in publishing. Her life was focused on writing stories, not living them. When she received the news about her aunt’s passing and the inheritance, she was both surprised and bewildered. Aunt Margot had been something of an enigma—a globetrotting artist who only returned to her small Midwestern town to restore her beloved but aging home.

The Victorian was more than a house; it was a labyrinth of peeling wallpaper, creaking floors, and treasures hidden in plain sight. It was also a money pit. Lesa’s initial plan was simple: sell the house, split the proceeds with the family, and move on with her life. But something about the place spoke to her. “Stay,” it seemed to whisper, “and figure me out.”

A Crash Course in Home Repair (and Life)

Lesa decided to spend one summer fixing up the house before putting it on the market. That summer turned into two years. Armed with little more than YouTube tutorials and sheer determination, she threw herself into learning everything she could about home repair. She tackled plumbing disasters, patched up cracked plaster, and painstakingly restored the intricate crown molding Margot had lovingly crafted decades ago. Along the way, she discovered a surprising passion for bringing homes back to life.

But it wasn’t just the physical act of restoring the house that captivated Lesa. It was the stories buried within its walls. She uncovered love letters from the 1920s stuffed in a loose floorboard, vintage postcards from places Margot had visited, and even an old ledger detailing every improvement ever made to the home. Each discovery made Lesa wonder: how many other homes held secrets like these, and how many people were out there struggling to make sense of their own houses and the lives they contained?

The Real Estate Revelation

During her renovation journey, Lesa had to interact with real estate agents, contractors, home inspectors, and appraisers. What struck her was how little guidance was available for the average homeowner or buyer. Real estate jargon flew over her head, repair costs were often inflated, and it seemed like no one was willing to tell her the truth about what mattered when it came to homes.

When she finally sold the house, it fetched a far higher price than anyone had expected—thanks to her hard work and her knack for storytelling in the listing. Friends and family started coming to her for advice: “Should I renovate before selling?” “What’s the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent?” “Do you think I can afford this house?” Each question made her realize there was a gap she could fill. People didn’t just need practical advice; they needed someone who could make sense of the confusing and often emotional process of buying, selling, and maintaining a home.

From Passion to Purpose

Lesa started Best Home Around as a small blog in 2015, writing in her spare time while juggling a freelance editing career. At first, it was just a place to share tips she’d learned the hard way—like how to spot water damage in a home showing or the difference between vinyl and fiber cement siding. But what began as a side project quickly grew into a thriving community. Readers wrote to her with their own home stories, questions, and struggles. They wanted more than just tips; they wanted connection and understanding.

As the blog expanded, so did its focus. Lesa began covering topics like how to choose the right neighborhood, how to negotiate with contractors, and even the psychology of what makes a house feel like home. She collaborated with architects, interior designers, and other experts to bring her readers well-rounded, practical advice. But she never lost sight of her mission: to make the world of homes and real estate accessible, inspiring, and—most importantly—human.

A House Is Never Just a House

One of Lesa’s most popular blog series is called “The Heart of the Home,” where she explores the emotional side of homeownership. In one post, she shares the story of a single mother who turned a run-down bungalow into a haven for her children. In another, she interviews a couple who decided to downsize to a tiny house after retiring. Through these stories, Lesa reminds her readers that a home is more than square footage or market value; it’s a reflection of the people who live there.

She’s also not afraid to tackle the tough topics. Her posts on how to sell a home with unpermitted work, deal with bad neighbors, or navigate a foreclosure have garnered praise for their honesty and depth. Lesa knows that not every home story has a happy ending, but she believes every challenge comes with an opportunity to learn and grow.

Where She Is Today

Now based in Asheville, North Carolina, Lesa continues to run Best Home Around full-time. Her home office—a cozy space with shelves of design books, a large corkboard for brainstorming, and a window overlooking her garden—is where most of the blog magic happens. When she’s not writing or researching, you can find her exploring local flea markets for vintage finds, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

Lesa’s work has been featured in major publications like Real Simple and Better Homes & Gardens, and she’s often invited to speak at home improvement expos and real estate seminars. But what she values most are the emails and comments from readers who’ve found her blog helpful. “I finally feel like I understand what I’m doing,” one reader wrote. “Thank you for making this whole homeownership thing less scary.”

The Future of Best Home Around

Looking ahead, Lesa has big plans for the blog. She’s currently working on a book that combines practical advice with heartwarming stories from her readers. She’s also exploring the idea of starting a podcast to reach even more people. Her ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive resource for anyone navigating the world of homes and real estate, whether they’re buying their first house, downsizing after decades, or simply trying to fix a leaky faucet.

For Lesa, Best Home Around isn’t just a blog; it’s a way to give back. “Homes are such a fundamental part of our lives,” she says. “They’re where we laugh, cry, grow, and dream. If I can help even one person feel more confident and joyful in their home journey, then I’ve done my job.”

Join the Journey

Whether you’re here to learn how to spot a fixer-upper, get tips on making your house more energy-efficient, or simply read inspiring stories about what makes a house a home, Lesa invites you to explore Best Home Around. Like her, you might just discover that the journey to finding—or creating—your best home around is one of the most rewarding adventures of all.