Published May 6, 2026

5-6-2026 Back Home, Back to Work, and Back to Real Life in the Foothills

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Written by Victoria Merchant

A Colorado home over a lake hidden in a green forest.

Some weeks ask more from me than others, and this was one of them.



Work has been full, but in the middle of it all, Colorado gave us a couple of snow days. Not planned, not expected, just a pause. And with Tag coming off a 91-hour work week and long commutes, that pause felt really needed. It gave us a little time back, which honestly felt like a gift.



On a personal note, I hit a couple of milestones that I am really proud of. I increased my back squat to 150 pounds and managed to do two reps at my previous one rep max deadlift of 185. Those are the kinds of wins that don’t always look flashy from the outside, but they represent consistency, discipline, and sticking with something even when it would be easier not to.

I also finally gave our ladies' group a name, Summit Sisters Social Club, and got us set up on GroupMe so we can stay connected and organized. It is always fun watching something go from an idea to a real community. If you are local to the foothills and want to join us, I would love to have you. The more the merrier:
https://groupme.com/join_group/114694340/4zCnTZ0z


Real Estate This Week, From Instant Success to Six Months of Grit

This week in real estate perfectly captured both sides of what this business can look like.

On one end of the spectrum, I had a listing that went from Coming Soon to Pending without ever going Active. Buyers from California fell in love with the home through the marketing alone, the 3D walkthrough, aerial video, and photos. They submitted a strong offer, flew out the next day to see it in person, and loved it even more.

Zero days on market.

Moments like that are exciting, but they are also a reminder of how important presentation and strategy are when selling a home, especially here in the Colorado foothills. When everything aligns, the right buyer finds the right home quickly.

The best part? They are purchasing all of the seller’s furnishings. What could have been a complicated move for my seller turned into a simple, streamlined transition. Truly a win all around.

On the other end of the spectrum, I closed a transaction that has been in the works for six months. It was a very complex VA assumption that went right down to the wire. I can’t share the details, but it was one of those deals that requires patience, persistence, and a lot of problem-solving.

Those are the moments that don’t always get highlighted, but they are where experience and collaboration really matter. This one only made it to the finish line because everyone stayed patient and kept working together, especially the buyer’s agent on the other side, who showed a lot of professionalism throughout the process. Deals like this are never about one person; they are about steady communication, problem-solving as a team, and staying committed all the way through. That is the job.

If you are looking for a Realtor in Evergreen, Conifer, Pine, Morrison, Golden, Lakewood, Bailey, Littleton, or Arvada, this is exactly what you want: someone who can handle both the smooth and the complicated with equal care.


The Denver Foothills Market: What to Expect This Season

There is a lot of noise right now around the real estate market. Headlines about corrections, price cuts, and uncertainty can make it hard to know what is actually happening.

Here is how I see it.

The greater Denver metro and foothills market is balanced, not overly in favor of buyers or sellers, which is actually a sign of a healthy market.

The question I am getting the most right now is about inventory. Will we see more homes come on the market this season?

The short answer is yes, we likely will.

Seasonally, inventory tends to increase as we move through spring and into summer. More sellers list once the weather improves and they feel ready. On top of that, there are sellers who have been waiting on the sidelines due to interest rates who may decide that it is time to move forward regardless.

That said, I do not expect a flood of inventory.

Many homeowners are still holding onto very low interest rates and are not eager to sell unless they need to. That continues to limit how much inventory actually comes to market, especially in the foothills communities like Evergreen, Conifer, Pine, and Bailey.

What this means for buyers and sellers is pretty straightforward.

Buyers may start to see more options and a bit more negotiating power. Sellers will see more competition, which makes pricing and presentation even more important.

Homes that are priced well and show beautifully are still moving. Homes that miss the mark are sitting longer and often require price adjustments.

If you are thinking about moving to Colorado, selling a mountain home, or even downsizing a longtime family property, this is a market that rewards preparation and strategy.

In my opinion, if you are ready to make a move, it is worth having the conversation now. Waiting for perfect conditions rarely works. Making a well-informed decision that aligns with your life almost always does.


Categories

Behind the Scenes, Spring in Colorado, Personal Development, Emotional experiences in the profession, Life + Real Estate, Mentor stories, Real Estate Life & Business, Real Estate Market Insights, Real Estate Market Updates, Evergreen Colorado Lifestyle, Ladies Hike, Summit Sisters Social Club, Denver Foothills Market

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