Homes come in a host of shapes and sizes. There are tiny abodes and large baronial estates; compact condos and roomy townhouses; spacious apartments and functional flats. Each has its own style, ...

Kristin Trom of Coto de Caza, Calif., is not the type of person who frightens easily. The mother of two teenagers, a one-time contractor and now an attorney, she’s used to dealing with difficult ...