5-23-2025 Sleeveless Shirts, Pie Talk & the Calm Before the Real Estate Storm

Personal Life: Lazy Nights, Middle School Milestones & Pie-Deep Conversations

At home, it was another easy breezy week—which I’m learning to really appreciate. Tag and Bridger disappeared into the wilderness from Thursday through Sunday on a 20-mile backpacking trip. Classic father-son bonding, Colorado-style. Tag is in his element out there, and Bridger getting into the outdoors brings him a level of joy that’s hard to describe and new info to me. He told me he loves being in nature which I am ashamed I didn’t know about him until now.

Sterling, our indoor enthusiast, and I held down the fort with a series of lazy, lovely evenings. We didn’t do much—and that was kind of the point. I conquered a small laundry mountain and changed all the beds, which felt mildly heroic. Sterling had a baseball game and hit a double (!!!), which made him beam. He’s towering over most of his teammates these days. If he ever decides to really throw his weight behind that swing, we’re going to need a new outfield fence.

Monday night was Bridger’s baseball banquet. I went in expecting a short, sweet end-of-season celebration. What I got was a full-blown production. Itwas longer, fancier, and far more heartfelt than I anticipated—and I loved it. Many of the top athletes were also top students, which made me all kinds of proud. And in classic Bridger fashion, he decided rather than roll up the sleeves of his dress shirt…he’d just cut them off. Problem solved. Sleeveless formal wear: bold move, son.

Bridger graduates middle school this month and heads to Conifer High in the fall. I’ve been reflecting a lot on how I want tobe more present in this next chapter. I didn’t really get to know his friends or get involved as much as I wanted to these past few years, and that’s something I plan to change. I’ve already pitched him on a dinner night with his closest crew—where I’ll get to meet them, ask a few very casual questions, and maybe bribe them with dessert. He’s actually into it, which I’m taking as a win.

Another highlight this week? Interviewing Amy, the culinary magician behind Coffee Bean and Bakery, as part of a local business spotlight series Adam and I are working on. Our town may be small, but it’s full of gems, and Coffee Bean is one of my absolute favorites. Amy’s got a culinary background, a zest for change, and next-level mini pies (which I’ve gifted to teachers every holiday season). Starting next week, they’ll be offering housemade gelato. I nearly cried tears of joy. Amy’s energy is my energy—always experimenting, always evolving, always making something delicious out of the everyday.

Real Estate Life: The Energy’s Building (and So Is the Calendar)
This week felt like one of those quiet mornings before a summer thunderstorm—calm, still, but charged with energy just beneath the surface. A client who once said, “Maybe next year,” has now decided that now is the time to list. Another is inching closer to pulling the trigger. A third just messaged me ready to map out a timeline. It’s not a full-on flurry yet, but my gut says it’s coming.

The market is still acting a little…well, weird. But not dead. In fact, mortgage applications are up 18% from this time last year, which is a solid sign that buyers are out there—just more discerning. If you’ve got what people want and price it realistically, you’re going to get movement.

While the phones haven’t been ringing off the hook yet, I’ve been using this time to build momentum in other ways—like planning events that serve our community and help people make smart decisions. First up, Adam and I are putting together a “Next Steps: Curb the Overwhelm” seminar for boomers who are staring down a mountain of stuff, memories, and maintenance and wondering, “Now what?” It’s happening July 29th at the Evergreen Library, and we’ll have a CPA, an estate sale expert, and yours truly to walk folks through the emotional, logistical, and financial side of making smart next moves.

We’re also organizing a community-wide garage sale day at the end of June. Personally, I love a good yard sale—but I’ve never hosted one because I’m always convinced no one will show up. (I’m great at marketing your home but apparently not my old mixing bowls.) So the plan is to team up with a bunch of neighbors to create buzz, boost traffic, and make it fun.

This season is shaping up to be a mix of service, strategy, and (hopefully) some solid sales—and I’m here for it.

Economic News
Last week’s economic news was a bit of a mixed bag, like trail mix—you’ve got your sweet wins, a few salty setbacks, and the occasional surprise almond.

Housing starts nudged up 1.6% in April, which is good news for future homebuyers, even though single-family construction cooled a bit. Multifamily building, on the other hand, is on the rise—so if you’ve been dreaming of a condo with less lawn and more view, you’re not alone. Inflation made a modest return, rising 0.2% for the month, but year-over-year numbers continue to slow, and egg prices dropped over 12%, so your breakfast budget just got a break.

Consumer sentiment dipped slightly—possibly due to tariff worries—but with inflation close to the Fed’s target, interest rates are likely to stay put for now. Permits pulled back a bit, signaling some hesitation, but overall housing activity remains solid.

All eyes now turn to this week’s reports on existing and new home sales, plus jobless claims. As always, if you have questions (or need help finding that perfect trail mix of a home), I’m here for you. And if you know someone who could use some honest guidance, referrals are the heartbeat of my business!

Final Thought:
This was a week of gentle rhythms: no big revelations, no dramatic closings—but so much to savor. The people we love, the work we’re building, the ways we show up (even in cutoff dress shirts)—they all shape the life we’re living. Sometimes the best growth starts in the quiet.

Quote of the Week