Leaving Home to Help Others Find Theirs
How my journey from Argentina to the U.S. shaped my passion for helping others find home
By Luli Mattos Butler
Home has always meant everything to me. But I truly didn’t understand it until I left mine behind
Nobody would have ever imagined that I—the youngest of five siblings and an aunt to three nephews, the one who loves being around family and understands how important they are in my life—would be the first to move away from home… not just to another city in Argentina, but to another country.
Everything started at the end of 2019, when I decided I wanted a change in my life. I wanted to leave home to explore new countries, experience new things, and meet new people. That’s when I found the Au Pair program—a program that offered everything I was looking for: the opportunity to travel, continue working with kids, and fully immerse myself in a completely different culture. And what could be better than doing that while living with an American family?
And just for the record… it wasn’t a small family. They had five kids—just like my family!
A Journey That Changed Everything
From the very first time I spoke with them, I knew they were the right family—and I wasn’t wrong. That first conversation made me realize how similar they were to my own family: a full home, and a deep love for spending time together with family and friends. So we matched and decided to give it a try—but then COVID happened, and my trip was delayed.
A year later, I finally made it to the U.S. to live with them in Millsboro, Delaware.
I spent two amazing years with them—an experience I will always recommend. It was challenging, sometimes chaotic, but full of joy, laughter, and love. Every situation pushed me a little further out of my comfort zone. It helped me grow, understand a new culture, and become stronger and braver.
During the five years I’ve lived in the U.S., I’ve met so many people and built meaningful friendships—some of which have become family. They are the people I rely on, the ones who support me when I need it, and the ones who are always there to simply enjoy life together—whether that’s drinking mate, listening to music, playing games, or going camping.
“Sometimes, leaving home is what teaches you how to truly find it.”
If there is something that led me to pursue my real estate license, it was my desire to help others—families, individuals, and even those relocating from far away—find a place they can truly call home.
I know what it means to relocate, to step out of your comfort zone and move to a completely new place where you don’t know anyone and everything feels unfamiliar. I know what it feels like to start over—because I’ve done it myself.
I moved from Argentina to Delaware, from Delaware to Florida, and then from Florida to Maryland.
Was it easy? Definitely not.
The challenge wasn’t just packing and unpacking—it was stepping into the unknown. The uncertainty of not knowing if I would like it, if I would make friends, or even if I would find a job. Thankfully, I had a friend who opened her home to me and welcomed me for as long as I needed.
After several months living in Maryland, I met the person who is now my husband—the one who encouraged me to pursue a career in real estate. He saw in me the passion for helping others and inspired me to turn that into something bigger.
Starting Over in a New Place
Today, my goal is to help people experience a smooth and seamless process when finding their first home—or their next one. To guide them not only through the logistics of buying or selling, but through the emotions that come with it. Because saying goodbye to a home is never easy—but it also opens the door to new beginnings.
I truly believe that wherever we go, we have the ability to turn a house into a home.
Why This Matters to You?
Every house—just like every city—has its own story to tell. And that’s what I want for my clients: a place where they can create memories, build their lives with love, and find peace at the end of each day.
What Home Means to Me?
Whether you’re relocating, buying your first home, or starting a new chapter, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.