Welcome to My World: A Passion for History, Homes, and Endurance
Hello, and welcome to my corner of the internet! My name is Chris Hubel, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey with you. From historic homes to personal growth, endurance running to real estate, my life is a tapestry of passions and experiences that drive me every day. A Historic Homeowner in Pontiac’s Franklin Boulevard District At 36 years old, I have the privilege of calling a 1900-built colonial in Pontiac’s Historic Franklin Boulevard District my home. This house is more than just a place to live; it’s a living piece of history that reflects the charm and craftsmanship of a bygone era. While much of its old-world beauty has been hidden over the years, I am dedicated to restoring it to its former glory. The process of bringing out its historic essence has deepened my love for architecture, design, and the stories that these homes hold. A Passion for Historic Homes My appreciation for history doesn’t stop at my own home. I’ve built my career as a real estate professional specializing in historic properties. Through my company, History Loves Company, I connect buyers and sellers who share my enthusiasm for historic homes. Every home has a story, and helping others discover and preserve those stories is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. My Roots and Real Estate Journey I wasn’t always in real estate. For over a decade, I worked in retail management at Cycletherapy, a bike shop in Waterford, Michigan. There, I honed my business skills and developed a strong work ethic. But everything changed after I purchased my first home in the Franklin Boulevard Historic District. That experience ignited a passion for real estate that has only grown stronger over time. Since earning my real estate license in 2017, I’ve achieved over $25 million in sales, helping clients across metro Detroit find their dream homes. My mission is to expand History Loves Company into a nationally recognized team, making it the premier historic home brokerage in the country. Endurance Runner and Hybrid Athlete Running has been a cornerstone of my life, offering me both a physical outlet and a mental reset. As an endurance runner, I’ve completed half marathons, trail races, and more, constantly challenging myself to push boundaries. I’m currently gearing up for a monumental 2025 running season, aiming for a sub-2:55 time at the Bayshore Marathon in May and a sub-2:45 finish at the Indy Monumental Marathon in November. Balancing running with strength training, I follow a hybrid athlete approach, focusing on overall fitness and injury prevention. Whether it’s early-morning runs or sessions at the gym after dropping my son off at school, staying active is a key part of who I am. A Story of Recovery and Resilience Perhaps my proudest accomplishment is my recovery journey. I’m a recovering alcoholic, and sobriety has been a life-changing gift. Through perseverance and self-discovery, I’ve learned to channel my energy into building a meaningful life. Running, family, and my work in real estate have all played vital roles in keeping me grounded and focused. Family, Hockey, and Historic Detroit When I’m not working or running, I’m spending time with my son, Kit, or cheering for my favorite hockey team, the Detroit Red Wings. As a season ticket holder, I relish the thrill of game nights and the community spirit that hockey brings. Living and working in metro Detroit, I’m deeply connected to the area’s rich history. From the stately homes of the Boston Edison Historic District to the vibrant cultural landmarks along Woodward Avenue, Detroit’s past is a constant source of inspiration. Content Creation and Storytelling In addition to real estate, I’m passionate about creating content that celebrates historic homes and communities. My YouTube channel, History Loves Company, combines storytelling with stunning visuals to bring these properties to life. Whether it’s a rundown Victorian with massive potential or a haunted Detroit mansion, I aim to captivate viewers and spark their curiosity. I’m also launching Pontiac Pulse, a platform dedicated to highlighting the city I call home. This initiative will showcase local businesses, historic landmarks, and community stories, fostering a deeper connection to Pontiac’s heritage. Looking Ahead The future is bright and busy! From expanding my real estate business to training for my next marathon, every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute. I’m grateful for the journey that’s brought me here and excited for what’s to come. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Whether you’re a fellow historic home enthusiast, an endurance athlete, or someone looking for inspiration, I hope my story resonates with you. Let’s connect and discover the incredible stories waiting to be told—both in homes and in life. Welcome to History Loves Company!
A Day in the Life of a Historic Home Realtor
Good morning, everyone! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into the world of vintage charm and timeless architecture, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in my life as a historic home realtor. From stepping inside Detroit’s architectural gems to the behind-the-scenes work that helps preserve history, it’s a whirlwind journey filled with passion, purpose, and a touch of adventure. Starting the Day: New Listing on Mark Twain Our first stop of the day took us to Mark Twain Street in Detroit, where I placed a sign for a brand-new listing. This neighborhood is a treasure trove of early 20th-century homes, each with its own story and character. The process of preparing a home for sale is always exciting, and placing that sign is one step closer to connecting this beautiful home with the right buyer. First Historic Home Tour: Warrington Drive Next, we headed to a stunning property on Warrington Drive. Built in the 1920s, this home perfectly encapsulates Detroit’s historic charm. From its original woodwork and stained glass windows to its elegant curb appeal, it’s a dream for anyone who loves vintage architecture. Walking through, I couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship of the original fireplace and the seamless integration of modern updates in the kitchen. Balancing preservation and functionality is key when showcasing historic homes, and this property strikes that perfect harmony. Second Stop: La Salle Blvd Our second home tour brought us to a property on La Salle Blvd. Built in the 1930s, this home features a fascinating blend of Art Deco and Colonial Revival styles. While the exterior suggests it may need some TLC, homes like this offer incredible potential for buyers who share a passion for restoration. Stay tuned, as we’ll be diving deeper into this property in an upcoming video. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and ring the bell to get notified when that tour goes live! Back to the Office: Listing Prep for 16515 Mark Twain After the tours, it was time to tackle some office work. Today’s focus was on preparing the listing for 16515 Mark Twain. Crafting the perfect description and selecting the best photos is essential to highlight the home’s unique features. For historic homes, it’s not just about showcasing the property — it’s about telling its story and helping buyers envision themselves as part of its legacy. Balancing Work and Family After a productive day, it’s time to pick up my son, Kit, from school and enjoy some family time. Balancing work and home life can be challenging, but it’s these moments that make it all worthwhile. Watch the Full Video If you’d like to join me on this journey, check out the video below: Watch on YouTube: A Day in the Life of a Historic Home Realtor From exploring Detroit’s historic neighborhoods to showcasing beautiful homes with rich legacies, every day in real estate brings something new. If you’re a fan of timeless architecture and the stories behind it, make sure to subscribe to my channel for more tours, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Remember, every home has a story — let’s discover yours together! Until next time, Chris
Unveiling the Hidden History of 46094 Woodward Avenue: Pontiac’s Mysterious Historic Gem
Step Inside Pontiac’s Best-Kept Secret In the heart of Pontiac, Michigan, nestled along the iconic Woodward Avenue, lies a historic treasure that has captured the curiosity of many — 46094 Woodward Avenue. This isn’t just any old house; it’s a fascinating relic of a bygone era, now stripped down to its bones, revealing untold secrets and unique architectural features that have been hidden away for decades. A Glimpse Into the Past Built during a time when craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount, 46094 Woodward Avenue has weathered the test of time. As we step inside, we’re immediately struck by the raw beauty of its exposed framework. The layers of history are evident in the remnants of old wallpaper, the aged wood beams, and the faint outlines of what once were grand archways and intricate molding. This home, now a blank canvas, offers us a rare glimpse into the construction techniques of the early 20th century. It’s a chance to see how homes were built during Pontiac’s golden age — a time when the city was thriving, and the automotive boom was shaping its future. Architectural Details That Tell a Story One of the most exciting aspects of exploring a property like this is uncovering its hidden features. As we made our way through the house, we discovered unique architectural elements that had been concealed for decades. From the original fireplace mantle, now exposed in all its glory, to the vintage tile work peeking through layers of plaster, each detail tells a story of the home’s past. The house boasts high ceilings, large windows designed to let in ample natural light, and a layout that reflects the social dynamics of the era. The nooks and crannies of this home are filled with character — it’s easy to imagine the families who once gathered in the parlor, or the sounds of footsteps echoing down the narrow hallways. Potential Brimming Beneath the Surface For anyone with a passion for restoration, 46094 Woodward Avenue is a dream come true. With the home stripped down to its skeleton, the possibilities for renovation are endless. Whether you’re envisioning a restored family home, a creative workspace, or even a unique rental property, this house offers a rare opportunity to blend the old with the new. The exposed beams and open floor plan make it easy to see the potential for a modern redesign while preserving the historic character that makes this property so special. Imagine bringing this gem back to life, highlighting its vintage features while updating it for 21st-century living. The potential here is limitless, and it’s a project that’s sure to attract history buffs and real estate enthusiasts alike. Exploring the Mystery But what makes this house truly intriguing are the mysteries it holds. As we peeled back the layers, we found clues to its past — faded photographs, old newspaper clippings, and even a hidden compartment in the basement that hints at a secret life during Prohibition. Could this have been a safe haven for bootleggers? Or perhaps a speakeasy where the city’s elite gathered in secret? The questions are as captivating as the property itself. Each discovery adds to the mystique of this home, making it a captivating project for anyone interested in uncovering and preserving the stories of the past. Join Us for the Exclusive Tour If you’re as fascinated by historic homes as we are, you won’t want to miss our exclusive video tour of 46094 Woodward Avenue. We take you inside every room, showcasing the unique features and sharing the untold stories that make this property so compelling. Whether you’re looking for restoration inspiration or simply love exploring vintage architecture, this tour is a must-watch. Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on our latest historic home tours and restoration tips. At History Loves Company, we believe every home has a story — and we’re here to help you discover yours. Ready to take the tour? Click [here] to watch the video now!
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