7-2-2025 From Donuts to Double Headers: A Week in the Life

Life Outside the Lockbox

Let’s start with the big win of the week: we survived our first community-wide garage sale. And not only that—we actually thrived. We had seven families participate, over 40 cars stop by our booth just off the exit, and even more followed the maze of lovingly zip-tied signage. At one point, I was out there battling the wind like it was a boss fight, armed with bungee cords, string, staples, and hot pink duct tape, while Saturday morning traffic roared past. You know the kind: people fleeing the city heat in search of cool mountain air, paddleboards strapped to Subarus, coffee in hand, dogs hanging out of windows. It was exhilarating, chaotic, and mildly terrifying… but the signs stayed up.

On Friday night at 10 p.m., Adam and I were out placing directional signs like some kind of last-minute garage sale ninjas. By morning, it was go time. Bridger, Tag, and I posted up in the driveway while Sterling set up a lemonade stand with all the confidence in the world and tried to charge $5 per cup. Five dollars. I admire the hustle, but we finally negotiated him down to $1, the first of many deals made that day.

The weather? Perfect. Someone upstairs must like me, because it didn’t rain a single drop—despite it raining basically every day since. We made a few hundred bucks, cleared out some clutter, met some great neighbors, and I even sold a few more items on Marketplace after the fact. Oh, and I met James, the donut guy at the trout farm off Shaffer’s Crossing. Nicest guy ever, and let me tell you, those donuts are dangerously good. Do yourself a favor and go find him.

Bridger also had a baseball doubleheader, and while they didn’t take home the win, that second game was so close. It was one of those nail-biters that remind you why youth sports are so fun to watch. Meanwhile, Sterling continues to mount a very passionate protest against his summer reading program. He keeps reminding me, in full theatrical delivery, that this is his only time to relax. The drama is strong with this one.

Real Estate Life: Offers, Inspections, and a Shifting Market

Real estate lately has been full tilt. I had a smooth inspection for one buyer, met another, and put together an offer on an adorable home in Fairplay, and just wrapped a photo shoot for a new listing in Alma. On top of that, Adam and I got word that a couple we met at an open house—who interviewed other agents—decided to work with us. Always such a great feeling when that happens.

They’re first-time buyers with a strong investment mindset, and we’re helping them search for an assumable VA loan. If you’re wondering what that is and why it could save you a ton of money, reach out. I love nerding out about this stuff. Working with first-timers always reminds me how much I’ve learned in the last six years. Real estate is so layered, especially in the mountains. From septic systems to fire mitigation to private roads, these homes are not your average suburbia specials.

Buyers need to know they have more power right now. There’s room to negotiate, so don’t be afraid to make an offer. The worst case is that the seller says no. The best case? You strike a deal that makes everyone happy.

Sellers, on the other hand, need to know that you can’t price for today—you have to price for next week. Every day, more listings hit the market, and every day, you stand out a little less. Pricing ahead of the curve is the only way to stay in the game.

The market isn’t bad, but it is tricky. It’s moving, but buyers are being selective, and sellers are having to adapt. That’s why, especially in the foothills and mountains, having an agent who understands the quirks of this market is critical. These aren’t cookie-cutter homes—they’re custom, complicated, and occasionally come with their own herd of elk.

All in all, it’s been a wild ride lately, with a little slowdown in Cabo (thank goodness), and then back at it. If you’re buying, selling, or even just curious about what all this means for your property, you know where to find me.