The Home You Own

She’s alive. Her political career is dead. We went to her estate sale.

Prada bags and Stuart Weitzman boots were on offer. But who owned them first? Nobody knew.

6 min
At an estate sale for a former congresswoman, high-end shoes sit on display on the stovetop. (Cara Taylor for The Washington Post)
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Muriel Thomas tried on the studded, black leather Stuart Weitzman knee-high boots. They fit.

“They’re actually so gorgeous,” she said Thursday morning, sitting on a chair surrounded by racks of designer clothes for sale. And, at $200, they were a good deal for a brand that can sell for close to a thousand dollars.

More from The Home You Own

The Home You Own is here to help you make sense of the home you live in.

DIYs you can actually do yourself: Don’t be intimidated by those home projects. Consider which renovations add the most value to your home (including the kitchen and bathroom), what you can actually get done in a weekend, and everything in between.

Your home + climate change: Whether you’re trying to prepare your home for an electric vehicle or want to start composting, we’re here to help you live more sustainably.

Plants and pets: Your furry friends and greenery add more life to your spaces. For your green thumb, find tips for saving money on houseplants and how to keep your plants alive longer. Pets can make a house a home, but stopping your cats from scratching the furniture isn’t always easy.

Keeping your home clean and organized: We breakdown the essential cleaning supplies you need, and point out the 11 germy spots that are often overlooked. Plus, hear hacks from professional organizers on maximizing counter space,

Maintaining your home: Necessary home maintenance can save your thousands in the long run. From gutter cleaning and preparing your fireplace for winter, to what to do if your basement floods.

Contact us: Looking to buy your first home? Do you have questions about home improvement or homeownership? We’re here to help with your next home project.