7-17-2025 From Sweden to Madeira: A Little Work, A Lot of Life

Personal Life: Family, Pizza, and a Return to Paradise

Have you ever traveled somewhere and thought, I could live here… if only no one else found out about it first? That is exactly how I feel about Madeira. But let’s rewind a bit.

We started last week in Stockholm for my sister’s wedding. It was a beautiful celebration, thoughtfully planned, full of love, laughter, and that rare kind of family connection you don’t realize how much you miss until you’re sitting across the table from people you haven’t seen in years.

Speaking of tables, let’s talk about the pizza. After the wedding ceremony and before the party kicked off, we went out for dinner. Not just any dinner, hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had. Yes, even better than Italy’s. It’s all about the sauce and maybe just a little about the dough. This one was absolute perfection. I’m still thinking about it, which says a lot because I’m now surrounded by fresh seafood, incredible produce, and plenty of other local treats here in Portugal, but definitely not pizza.

From Sweden, we hopped over to Madeira. After a delayed flight and a late-night arrival, stepping off that plane brought an instant wave of happiness. There’s just something about this island. It’s not easy to get here, it’s gotten expensive, and yet it’s worth it every time.

We’ve got a big group this trip, 13 of us in total, with family flying in and Tag’s aunt and uncle already living here. Trying to coordinate activities for a group this size is a little like herding cats, but all I really want is to rent a scooter and head off to explore more of this island’s hidden corners. That is still on my to-do list for the week.

If you’ve ever traveled with a big family group, how do you keep everyone happy without losing your own sense of adventure? Asking for… well, me.

Real Estate Life: Back Home, Things Are Moving

Even while exploring cobblestone streets and eyeing scooters, my Colorado real estate brain doesn’t fully turn off. Back home, showings have picked up on several of my listings, which is fantastic news. After a slow stretch, momentum feels good.

One of my buyers just had an appraisal come in higher than the purchase price, which means they’ve already built in a little extra equity before they even close. Wins like that remind me why I love this work. Helping people make smart, confident moves in a shifting market is always satisfying.

Speaking of planning ahead, if you or someone you know is starting to think about the next chapter — downsizing, right-sizing, or just figuring out how to get the most from your current home — I’m hosting a free seminar on July 29th at the Evergreen Library. We’ll have experts covering reverse mortgages, title questions, estate sales, avoiding scams targeting retirees, and of course, the current state of the housing market. It is designed specifically for baby boomers and empty nesters who want to feel more confident in their next steps. There will be snacks, plenty of time for Q and A, and it will be a great opportunity to get solid information in a relaxed, friendly setting.

You can RSVP or request a recording here: https://forms.gle/q4GEJXy83Ff7Gu5L8 

I’m excited for another week here, scooter pending, and then it’s back to Colorado, back to clients, and back to the rhythm of real estate life.

What’s keeping you motivated through these summer months? Does it work? Travel? Or something you’re dreaming about for the future?