Milhomme Realty Group, LLC | From the Broker's Desk

By Brenda Milhome A Tragedy That Should Never Have Happened The death of 14-year-old Kylie Toberman in Vandalia, Illinois, has devastated an entire community. According to multiple news outlets, Kylie was reported missing early Friday morning and later found deceased. A 43-year-old man with a long criminal history, identified as her step-uncle, has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicide (KMOV, 2025). This tragedy is heartbreaking on its face—but even more tragic when we recognize that this was not an unpredictable event. It was a system failure , decades in the making. The Warning Signs Were Always There Public records reported by news outlets show that the suspect’s criminal history dates back to 2000 , including dismissed charges of criminal sexual abuse involving a minor between the ages of 9 and 16 (Fox News, 2025). These charges were dropped in exchange for a plea to aggravated battery. For that plea? He rece...

Recently, I completed my Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) training — and while it was “just a certificate,” it felt like so much more. It felt like a call to action. A reminder. A responsibility. In that training, I kept thinking about something I’ve known my whole life but never had the words for until now: The person who hurts you is not an “animal.” Animals don’t torture their mates. People do. Domestic violence isn’t a moment. It isn’t a single argument. It isn’t “losing control.” It is a pattern. A strategy. A system of domination designed to break someone down so gradually that they begin to forget who they were before the fear took root. And the worst part? Most survivors don’t know which moment is going to be “the one.” The final blow. The final threat. The final snap in the abuser’s mind that changes everything.   That uncertainty — that walking-on-eggshells existence — is what destroys people long before the violence ever becomes visible. ...

Author’s Note The reflections shared here come from a lifetime of observations, experiences, studies, and quiet conversations that have shaped my understanding of trauma, relationships, safety, and healing. While elements may echo familiar patterns to some, this piece is not a portrait of any one individual, nor is it meant to recount specific events from any single relationship or period in time. Sometimes the quietest spaces hold the loudest truths. An empty classroom can feel haunting when you think about how many future adults are shaped in rooms just like it — long before they have the language to describe what they’re experiencing at home.

When I look at Lincoln — my sweet boy with those soft, trusting eyes — I’m reminded of the purest kind of love. He doesn’t worry about safety, loyalty, or whether he’ll be cared for tomorrow. He knows he is protected. And that’s what every animal should feel. But for so many pets, that isn’t the reality. And what most people don’t realize is this: **Animal abuse is rarely an isolated act. It’s a warning sign of deeper violence happening inside the home.** This connection is so strong and so consistent that psychologists, child-protective workers, animal-control officers, and domestic-violence advocates refer to it simply as The Link. What “The Link” Actually Means Decades of research show a powerful pattern: 57% of families investigated for child maltreatment also had a harmed animal. 48–71% of domestic-violence survivors say their abuser threatened or hurt their pets. Children who harm animals often come from homes where they themselves are ab...

A single flame can light countless hearts. For Mimi, for justice, for change. 💔 When I began this journey to advocate for Mimi’s Law , I hoped for awareness — but what I’ve witnessed instead is something even more substantial: unity. Across Connecticut, people are coming together to demand change after the tragic loss of 12-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia , whose life was taken far too soon. The heartbreak of her story has sparked not just one petition, but several — each driven by the same determination to ensure that no child is ever forgotten again. Recently, I came across another petition started by a fellow advocate, a father who courageously shared his own experience with the failures of our system. His story — and those of others — show that this isn’t just about one case or one child. It’s about all children who fall through the cracks when agencies, courts, and laws fail to protect them. Whether the message comes from New Britain, Hartford, or beyond, the goal re...

The story of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia has shaken Connecticut to its core. It is a tragedy that no one with a heart can ignore — a story of a child who slipped through every net designed to protect her. According to search warrants obtained by WFSB’s I-Team (Smink, 2025) , Mimi died in September 2024 — long before her body was discovered behind an abandoned property in New Britain nearly a year later. Investigators found that her mother and her mother’s boyfriend admitted to restraining and starving her. Despite multiple red flags, no one checked on Mimi after she was withdrawn from school under the guise of “homeschooling.” This devastating failure mirrors what many child advocates have warned about for years — a system too slow, too fragmented, and too trusting of paperwork over people. When a child is removed from public education, there must be follow-up, home visits, and accountability. There must be a real human safeguard between a vulnerable child and potential dange...

Twelve-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia of New Britain, Connecticut , should still be here. Instead, her life was stolen after months of abuse — while the very systems designed to protect her looked away.   Her mother gained custody by default, even after prior DCF involvement. When Mimi was withdrawn from school and marked as “homeschooled,” no one verified her safety. There were no welfare checks, no alarms raised — and for more than a year, her voice was lost to silence.   I created the “Mimi’s Law” petition because silence has consequences. Connecticut must close the deadly loopholes that allow children to disappear from the system’s view.   🕯️ What Mimi’s Law Calls For Mandatory in-person welfare checks for homeschooled children or those withdrawn from public schools. Custody order verification before any parent with a DCF record gains or resumes custody. Cross-agency alerts and data sharing between schools, law ...

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to come together as a community to acknowledge a difficult topic that touches countless lives. For many, conversations about suicide feel uncomfortable or even taboo. Yet, silence can reinforce stigma and leave people struggling in isolation. By talking openly and compassionately, we create space for hope and healing. The Power of Conversation Myths often surround suicide—for example, that talking about it might “plant the idea.” Research consistently shows the opposite: open, supportive conversations can reduce risk and help people feel less alone. Asking direct but caring questions shows that you’re listening and willing to help. Why Stigma Persists Mental health conditions are common, but stigma continues to keep people from seeking help. Fear of judgment, cultural misunderstandings, and lack of awareness all play a role. Breaking that silence helps normalize the fact that it’s okay to struggle—and it’s okay to ask for support....

When most people hear the word eviction , they think of losing a place to live. But the reality is far deeper than just four walls and a roof—it’s about stability, dignity, and opportunity. For single mothers and their children, especially in low-income neighborhoods, eviction isn’t just an event—it’s a ripple effect that touches every part of life. Families who experience eviction are more likely to face long-term housing insecurity, job instability, and declines in both physical and mental health (Desmond & Kimbro, 2015). Children often suffer academically, struggling with disrupted schooling and the loss of community connections (Johnson, 2022). What’s more troubling is the disproportionate impact . Research has shown that women, particularly single mothers, are disproportionately affected by eviction due to systemic inequalities in income, access to housing, and discriminatory rental practices (Hepburn et al., 2020). Without strong legal protections or affordable housing op...

They say real estate is all about location — but I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s also about timing, details, and the choices you make when nobody’s watching. That quick decision to repaint before listing? It can be the difference between “meh” offers and a bidding war. The lender you choose? That can save (or cost) you thousands over the life of a loan. Even something as simple as the way you stage a living room can create an emotional hook that keeps buyers thinking about your property instead of the dozen others they toured that day. I’ve seen homes sit for months because of one overlooked repair — and I’ve seen deals close in days because the seller nailed the presentation. In real estate, small decisions aren’t small. They’re leverage. So, whether you’re buying your first home or selling your fifth, treat every choice like it matters — because it does. And if you’re not sure which way to go? That’s what I’m here for. Let’s make your next move your best move. Looking for ex...

  When most people think about real estate, they picture square footage, price tags, and the rush of signing closing papers. But the truth is, buying or selling a home is rarely just a transaction — it’s a life chapter. Every front porch tells a story. Every kitchen has witnessed conversations, laughter, and maybe even a few tears. And every backyard has hosted both quiet moments and milestone celebrations. That’s why I approach my work as more than finding a house — it’s about matching people with spaces that reflect who they are and where they’re going. Whether you’re upsizing for a growing family, downsizing for a simpler lifestyle, or relocating for a fresh start, the process should feel personal. My role is to help you navigate not only the logistics, but also the emotions, with honesty and clarity. And in between listings and closings? I love sharing the behind-the-scenes moments — like discovering a home with an unexpectedly perfect reading nook, or hearing the sto...

  Vernon friends, neighbors, and future clients — let’s talk real estate reality. The latest InfoSparks data tells us exactly where our market stands. Looking at the median sales price —the point where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less—we get a true read on Vernon’s housing heartbeat. Each data point is a 12-month rolling average. Data from SmartMLS, August 8, 2025. Vernon’s Price Story Upward Momentum – Vernon’s median sales price has climbed steadily since early 2024, closing in on the $350K mark. Outpacing the MLS – Vernon’s prices are tracking closely with overall MLS trends, showing healthy local demand. Why Median Matters – It filters out extreme highs and lows, giving a balanced picture of what most homes are really selling for here. What This Means for You For Sellers: If you’ve been waiting to list, you’re in a sweet spot—buyers are active, and values are strong. Pricing your home r...

  🏡 Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your Home in Connecticut? The real estate market is always changing—and so are the needs of homeowners. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s a good time to sell, you’re not alone. With low inventory in many CT towns and high buyer demand, sellers who are prepared can still benefit from strong offers. But timing the market is only one part of the equation. ✅ Are you curious what your home is worth today? ✅ Do you want to explore selling without pressure or obligation? ✅ Are you downsizing, relocating, or just exploring your options? At Milhomme Realty Group , we specialize in helping Connecticut homeowners make informed, confident decisions. Whether you’re ready to list or just gathering information, I’m here to guide you. Ready to get started or just have questions? 📅 Schedule your FREE Home Valuation Call: 👉 calendly.com/milhommerealtygroup/free-home-valuation-call #MilhommeRealtyGroup #CTRealEstate #CTRealtor #HomeValue #FreeHomeValu...

  Should I Sell My House Before the Holidays? Date: August 5, 2025 As the leaves start to change and pumpkin spice fills the air, many homeowners find themselves asking the same question: “Should I wait until after the holidays to sell my home?” It’s a fair question—and the answer might surprise you. 🎯 Timing Can Be Your Secret Advantage While spring is traditionally seen as the hottest real estate season, the fall market has some serious benefits. Buyers in the fall and early winter are usually more serious and motivated —they're relocating for jobs, looking to settle before year-end, or finally ready after a summer of browsing. 🏡 Less Competition = More Attention Here’s the truth: most sellers do wait until the new year to list. That means your home could stand out more in a less crowded market. Serious buyers will have fewer listings to choose from, increasing the chances your home makes their shortlist. 🧣 Cozy Curb Appeal The cooler seasons make it easier to ...