January Real Estate Update – Optimism, Sobriety & A Hot Start to Real Estate!

We are two weeks into 2025, and I am filled with optimism and excitement for what’s ahead. On a personal note, I have surpassed an entire year of not drinking alcohol. I’ve had a few people ask me what the biggest changes have been that I’ve noticed. I have given it some thought and will share my experience with you. First, you should know what my habits were. I drank a glass or two of wine a night. Sometimes, I’d skip a few days, but mostly not. On weekends, I’d drink half a bottle to a bottle sometimes. Sometimes, I’d drink more. I was a habitual, “casual” drinker. I’d been this way since I was 19. It was part of my social fabric. Sometimes, I’d take a month off; sometimes, I’d feel a deep shame about my drinking. Another drink would usually cure that feeling…briefly. It was New Year’s Day 2024. I decided I was done. I was sick of the pattern. A year later, here’s what I am most grateful for:

• I wake up every day clear-headed. There is no vague sense of self-loathing for what I did or said the night before. No headache, no fatigue.
• I have lost over twenty pounds and have never been in better shape. Even when I was sixteen, running track and field, I’d smoke cigarettes. I’m healthier at 44.
• I face all my issues “raw.” There’s no balm of alcohol to throw a haze on things.
• I play way more. I’m sillier, funnier, and more curious.
• I’m a better mother. My kids get a Mom with plenty of patience and energy.
• I’m smarter. I read over 60 books last year and have discovered a stronger appetite for learning.
• I’m totally authentic. I never realized the weakening compound effect of alcohol. It was like Groundhog Day. Now, if something doesn’t feel right, I have the clarity to recognize it and make a change.

If you are sober-curious, I recommend reading The Naked Mind by Annie Grace. She does a good job of disconnecting the links in our minds between fun and alcohol, as well as stress relief and alcohol.

Back to business. January is off to a hot little start! Listings are coming on the market, and they are selling. It’s too soon to forecast what’s ahead, but with the interest rates likely to drop, I expect it will contribute to a strong, balanced spring market. If you want to sell and move up, this year is the time to consider it. You’ll likely get good value on the lower-priced home, and you should be able to negotiate a little on the higher-priced home. Our team continues to invest in our clients, and we’re always happy to pull out all the stops when it comes to selling your home. This sounds like a cheesy sales plug, but I mean it. We are driven to provide top-notch service, beautiful marketing, and great strategies to get you moving, and we’re constantly improving. I’ll be back to Santa Monica next month to strategize and plan for the next quarter with my coaching group.

I am excited to announce that Carmen White is joining our team as a licensed agent. Carmen has been a client of mine for years. She has a background in law enforcement, which means she has a cool head and strong leadership skills. She’s also extremely personable and intelligent. I feel so lucky to have her on our side, and you will too!

Finally, if you’re looking for an interesting read, consider the NBG book club pick for this month: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. At first glance, it seems like a productivity book, but as you dive in, you’ll soon realize it’s quite a bit deeper than that. It will really make you consider how you’re living your life. Our book club is meeting on the 28th at Ground Press Coffee in Airdrie at 6:30 pm, so if you’re keen to read it and join us, please consider yourself welcome!