1-14-26 Birthdays, Contracts, and Korean BBQ

A Week in Life and Real Estate in the Colorado Foothills

If January is any indication, 2026 came out of the gate wearing trail runners and a puffer jacket. Between estate planning seminars, CrossFit wins, client momentum in Evergreen and Littleton, and a Korean BBQ birthday dinner that involved octopus, life in the Colorado foothills has been full in the best way.

This week’s recap is split into two parts. First, a slice of real life in the foothills. Second, a pulse check on the real estate market in Evergreen, Conifer, Pine, Morrison, Golden, Lakewood, Bailey, Littleton, and Arvada. If you are thinking about moving to Colorado, downsizing, or buying or selling a mountain home, this one’s for you.

Personal Life in the Foothills, Birthday Candles, Vet Visits, and Trail Time

This week started with a little heart squeeze. Two kittens headed to the vet, and one came back with a small heart murmur. The good news, the vet is optimistic. The plan is monitoring, patience, and an increase in high-quality snuggles. Not the worst prescription.

January 10 was my mom’s birthday. I will not publicly share the number of candles involved, but I will say this: family milestones matter more and more every year. Life in the foothills has a way of reminding you to slow down and celebrate the people who make it home.

Sundays have settled into a rhythm I really love. A non-denominational church service in Lakewood in the morning, followed by our ladies' walk at 1 p.m. What I appreciate most is how inclusive it is and how different religions and perspectives are woven into the message. It feels welcoming, grounded, and very human.

We recently moved the walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make it easier for friends coming from Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, and Golden. Fresh faces, trail recommendations, and big sky views make it one of my favorite parts of the week.

We also celebrated Adam’s birthday with Korean BBQ. The kids lobbied hard for octopus because they love seafood. I had mixed feelings after watching that octopus documentary, you know the one, but we went for it. The restaurant was all-you-can-eat, with solid options and fewer traditional side dishes than you’d see in Korea, but they had kimchi, so balance was restored. Verdict from Bridger and Sterling, full approval.

Movies remain a family staple. We watched Anaconda, which was intentionally funny and absolutely a comedy. Campy, dramatic, and perfect for a night when your brain is done after showings in Littleton or a drive back from Conifer.

CrossFit continues to be a steady anchor. Handstand walks felt smoother, my shoulders are stronger, and my ankle is almost healed after a recent sprain. Just one ankle, not both. I also found a chiropractor close to home to help with mild scoliosis. Small, consistent wins add up, just like preparing a home properly before it hits the market.

On the travel front, Adam is off to Sweden until the 27th for his birthday. Sterling and I head out next week for my sister’s Ph.D. graduation. The subject is extremely academic and very impressive. The summary I received was in Swedish, so I’m packing enthusiasm, applause, and snacks.

At home, Tag is deep into a puzzle with zero normal-shaped pieces. It’s serious business. I am providing moral support, tea, and occasionally handing him pieces that are absolutely not edge pieces.

Real Estate in the Colorado Foothills, Clarity, Momentum, and Smart Moves

On the real estate side, estate planning seminars were the unexpected highlight of the week. The Zoom version was fine. The in-person seminar in Longmont was excellent. Clear explanations, thoughtful attorneys, and answers to the questions clients actually ask when it comes to Colorado mountain homes and long-term planning.

A few key takeaways worth sharing if you own or are considering buying in Evergreen, Conifer, or Bailey:

• You can place a property with a mortgage into a trust, which can help avoid probate.
  
  
• Beneficiaries on life insurance and bank accounts can help assets transfer outside of probate. There was discussion around the 86,000-dollar probate threshold and how beneficiary designations factor in. I am confirming details with an attorney and will share more once I have clarity.
  
  
• Tag and I realized we are about fifteen years overdue for a will update. If your estate plan was created when flip phones were still cool, it may be time for a refresh.
  
  

There is also a promising builder connection brewing. Lunch with Gretchen turned into a podcast invitation with NoCo Custom Homes, a builder who typically works in the Fort Collins area and is now exploring Evergreen and Conifer. Builders who understand mountain terrain, wells, septic systems, fire mitigation, and access are invaluable out here. This is the kind of expertise that matters when you are building in the foothills, and I will share more once that episode goes live.

The half-built home listing in Conifer, Colorado, had a strong showing from a serious buyer. The biggest win, the lender is open to a construction loan for the new buyer. That matters because many renovation loans require a property to be close to completion. The buyer is doing thoughtful due diligence and interviewing contractors to take over the build. If you are considering buying a partially built home in Conifer, Evergreen, Morrison, or Bailey, there are financing paths available with the right team.

Past sellers, your settlement statements are on the way for tax season. If you need a CPA referral who understands rental income, mountain properties, or 1031 exchanges, I am happy to connect you.

Market-wise, Evergreen, Conifer, Pine, Morrison, Golden, Lakewood, Bailey, Littleton, and Arvada all feel steady and sane. Pricing correctly matters. Buyers have options. Sellers who prepare their homes well are seeing good results. Interest rates appear to be hovering in the upper fives, which feels far more balanced than the seven and eight-percent flirtation we saw recently. Think consistent, not chaotic.

One new service note, I now offer an hourly option for limited services like contract review. That said, buying in the Colorado foothills is complex. Wells, septic, easements, insurance, wildlife corridors, and fire mitigation are not things you want to learn about after closing. A buyer’s agent protects your interests and spots issues you did not know to ask about. I learned that lesson personally when I bought in another state without one.

Client win of the week, a repeat buyer secured a great price reduction on a home that had only been on the market for nine days. We are under contract and closing in about two and a half weeks. Preparation and decisiveness still matter in a balanced market.

Saturday included showings in Littleton and Castle Rock with Sterling in tow. He was a champ. If you need to bring kids along to a showing, I get it. Snacks help. A lot.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in the Foothills This Season?

Sellers, focus on hyper-local pricing, pre-inspections for well and septic when applicable, and staging that highlights light and views. Fire mitigation and defensible space are real selling points in Evergreen, Conifer, Bailey, and Pine.

Buyers, work with a lender who understands mountain properties, including construction and renovation loans. Walk lots, check winter access, test internet speeds, and budget for snow removal. Your future self will thank you.

If you are searching phrases like moving to Colorado, best realtor in Evergreen, realtors in Conifer, how to sell a home, Colorado mountain homes, or what is the current real estate market in Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Arvada, or Morrison, I’m here to help you find the right trail, the right neighborhood, and the right timing.