I read a quote by Michell C. Clark that felt like it was written just for me:

“You’re overthinking because you really care what happens next, you don’t want to fail, and you don’t want to let people down. But no amount of planning, worrying, or over-analyzing can give you control over what happens next. Breathe. Loosen your grip. Experience life as it comes.”

I’m definitely an overthinker.
I care deeply. I want to get it right.
And when I feel like I’ve said or done something silly—or worse, offensive—I replay it over and over.
If I make a mistake during a real estate transaction, I carry it. I analyze it. I beat myself up.
Until I can finally face the now… and move through it.

But here’s what I’m learning:
Overthinking is a sign of caring.
It’s not weakness—it’s sensitivity.
And while it’s okay to care, it’s also okay to let go.

We don’t need to control life—we need to allow it because vulnerability is courage!
The present moment is where peace lives.

In real estate, things go wrong.
Deals fall apart. Miscommunications happen.
But the best agents—and the best people—learn to breathe through it.
To respond with grace.
To forgive themselves and move forward.

So, if you’re like me—if you care deeply, think too much, and sometimes hold on too tightly—just remember:
You’re doing your best.
You’re learning.
You’re growing.

Loosen your grip.
You’re doing just fine.

Respect, Real Estate, and Reframing the Narrative

I came across a meme recently that struck a chord. It said something like:

“It’s okay to have an opinion. It’s okay to disagree with someone’s opinion.
It’s not okay to humiliate them because they don’t think the same way you do.
Show some respect. Society needs more of that.”

It stayed with me; not just because of the truth in it, but because of how relevant it is to real estate.

We live in a time where social media amplifies negativity. Opinions become judgments. Neighborhoods get labeled. Areas are dismissed as “scary” or “unsafe” based on hearsay, headlines, or outdated perceptions.

But here’s the thing: every neighborhood is someone’s home.
Every street holds stories. Every block has beauty, struggle, resilience, and life.

When we approach real estate with judgment, we miss the opportunity to see what’s real. We miss the chance to connect with people, understand their choices, and honor their experiences.

The energy of respect and compassion vibrates far higher than fear or criticism (David Hawkins). And as Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga (authors of The Courage to be Disliked and The Courage to be Happy) remind us, we are free to choose how we respond to the world—and how we treat others within it.

In my work, I’ve learned that the best agents aren’t just market experts. They’re listeners, learners, and bridge-builders. They don’t just sell homes; they help people feel seen, heard, and respected.

So, whether you’re buying, selling, or simply observing, I invite you to look deeper. Ask questions. Be curious. And above all, be kind.

Because real estate isn’t just about property.
It’s about people.
And people deserve respect.

Lessons from the 17th Floor: Integrity, Intuition, and the Unexpected

Early in my career, I sold a high-rise condo—my first time working in a building like that. My client was also new to high-rise living. We were both excited, a little green, and relying on the listing agent’s guidance. When we asked about the cost of cleaning the windows (17 floors up), she confidently said, “a few hundred dollars.”

That sounded reasonable. But after closing, my client discovered the actual cost was several thousand dollars.

It was a wake-up call.

I learned that when a client is considering a service, something unfamiliar, it’s not enough to rely on hearsay. You reach out to the professionals. You get real numbers. You follow through.

That same transaction taught me another lesson—one that shaped how I approach business today.

After closing, my client received notice that the HOA dues were increasing significantly. He was upset. He wrote me a letter. I went to my managing broker, who brushed it off. But my client didn’t. He demanded that everyone involved—me, my broker, the listing agent and her broker, and the HOA management company—pay the difference for one year’s dues. Over $1,500 each.

We sat in a conference room, stunned. He was one of my best friends. The other people involved couldn’t believe he expected me to pay.

But I remembered what he told me:
“Friendship is Friendship. Business is Business.”

And he was right.

I urged everyone to pay their fair share. We did. And my client was most impressed—not by the money, but by the integrity. I was young, but I was pragmatic. I wanted him to be satisfied. I wanted to do what was right.

That experience taught me that real estate isn’t just about contracts and closings. It’s about accountability, intuition, and courage. It’s about showing up—even when it’s uncomfortable. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength.

And as I’ve grown in this business, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, ask better questions, and always advocate for my clients—even when it costs me something.

Because in the end, it’s not just about selling homes; it’s about building trust.
It’s about doing the right thing.  It’s about being the kind of agent—and person—you’d want by your side.

The Truth About Home Prices—and What Really Matters

We live in a world where headlines scream about market crashes, interest rates, and housing bubbles. It’s easy to get swept up in the noise. But here’s the truth: the only time the price of a home truly matters is when you buy it and when you sell it.

Everything in between? That’s life. That’s living.

The real estate market will always fluctuate. The economy will shift. Algorithms will push fear-based content. But your home is not a stock. It’s a sanctuary. It’s where you rest, grow, heal, and connect. It’s where your life unfolds.

When we focus too much on price, we miss the deeper value of homeownership: stability, security, and sovereignty. A home gives you a place to anchor your energy, to create your own rhythm, and to choose how you want to live.

So yes, be wise when you buy. Be strategic when you sell. But in between? Live. Love. Be present. Your home is more than a number—it’s a reflection of your journey.