Meet The Team
John Mendez Publisher john.mendez@n2co.com 303-596-1685
Kim Ash Ad Manager ads.rpboulder@n2co.com
Elizabeth McCabe Writer Beth.McCabe@n2co.com
Dr. Felicia Santelli Writer drsantellifelicia@gmail.com
Brian Stanley Photographer bwsstanley@hotmail.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.
DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
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BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY
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Former Registered Nurse
TozziMaia
Is HELPING OTHERS Through Real Estate
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
PHOTOS BY TIM GILLIES
TThere is nothing more exciting than welcoming a new life to the world. It’s a time of tears of joy, celebration, and new beginnings. Imagine doing that for your day job. For Maia Tozzi, that dream was a reality while working with mothers and their new bundles of joy.
Maia dedicated two decades to nursing, primarily working with new mothers and babies.
“I got to do the super fun stuff,” she recalls. “Being part of someone’s birth experience is an honor. It doesn’t get more rewarding than that.” However, after years in the medical field, Maia felt ready for a shift.
From California to Colorado Born in the Bay Area of California, Maia moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 2000 after graduating from nursing school. The mountains and active lifestyle drew her and her husband to the area.
Helping others has always been at the heart of Maia Tozzi’s career.
From working as a registered nurse for over 20 years to guiding clients through the real estate process, Maia’s passion for service shines through in every endeavor.
Wanting to stay in a serviceoriented industry while engaging her passion for homes and design, Maia transitioned into real estate in 2019. With her three sons growing older, the timing felt right.
She started her career at Live West Realty, where she gained invaluable mentorship and learned the ropes of real estate. A year and a half ago, she made the move to Compass, drawn to its national presence and cutting-edge technology.
“I feel lucky to be surrounded by top-notch agents in Boulder,” she
shares. “It makes a big difference to be part of a supportive, high-caliber group of agents.”
The Heart of Her Business: People
For Maia, real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about relationships. “Buying and selling a home can be overwhelming. What might be intuitive for agents isn’t for the average person,” she explains. “Being able to guide people through the process and ease their stress is incredibly rewarding.”
Her background in nursing has given her a unique ability to read between the lines and sense what clients may not be able to articulate. “A big part of the job is listening,” she says. “People don’t always verbalize their anxieties, but you can pick
up on them. Staying calm under pressure and being a grounding force makes all the difference.”
One of her most memorable transactions involved helping a former hospital colleague sell her home after the passing of her husband. “She relied on me to be her trusted guide when she wasn’t thinking clearly. Being that steady presence for her was truly rewarding.”
Authenticity and Connection
When asked about the secret to her success, Maia emphasizes staying true to herself. “I’m not a salesperson, and I don’t pretend to be. I see my role as more of a matchmaker,” she says. “If you know your market and listen to your clients, you can help them find homes they may not have even considered.”
Buying and selling a home can be overwhelming. What might be intuitive for agents isn’t for the average person. Being able to guide people through the process and ease their stress is incredibly
rewarding.”
With a 100% referral-based business, Maia thrives on building authentic connections. Whether it’s through hosting open houses, leading a running group, or meeting people on the trails, she enjoys fostering relationships.
“If personalities resonate, the business naturally follows,” she says. “At the end of the day, being someone that others trust is what truly matters.” She also makes the process as seamless as possible. “I try to keep it fun and enjoyable for people,” she smiles.
A Passion for Giving Back
Beyond real estate, Maia is passionate about building community. She fosters animals, donates to local causes, and leads a running group, which has become a way for newcomers to integrate into Boulder.
“Most who come to the group are new to the area,” she explains. “It’s a great way to connect people and help them feel at home.”
Family, Friends, and Fun Maia and her husband have
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, they share a love for the outdoors and the vibrant lifestyle Boulder offers.
Their three sons spent most of their lives growing up in Boulder, and have all attended Boulder Schools. The older two are off at college in Tennessee and Utah, while their youngest attends Boulder High.
When she’s not helping clients, Maia enjoys hiking, trail running, and spending time with family and friends. “I have an amazing group of girlfriends who get me out on some pretty fun mountain adventures,” she says. “I also love being outside, relaxing in my yard, and traveling.”
What’s Next?
Maia sees no plans to stop. She wants to continue to grow her business at a sustainable pace and serve her clients. Since this can become a consuming profession, she would love to eventually create a team of agents that operate in a similar way with high ethics and moral integrity, so she can maintain a good life/work balance. “I want to create a business where I can slowly become more handsoff into retirement while still staying involved,” she shares. “I see myself being part of real estate for years to come.”
With her dedication to service, authenticity, and community, Maia Tozzi is not just a REALTOR® to know—she’s a trusted guide, a matchmaker, and an advocate, helping people find not just houses, but homes.
Maia Tozzi
720-757-9927
Maia@MaiaTozzi.com www.MaiaTozzi.com
Best in Show
A MASTERPIECE OF ELEGANCE & MODERN LUXURY: 5800 ST VRAIN ROAD
Tucked away on five expansive acres in Longmont, Colorado, 5800 St Vrain Road redefines luxury living. This completely remodeled plantationstyle estate is an impeccable fusion of timeless sophistication and contemporary elegance, making it a rare gem in the world of luxury real estate. For the discerning buyer seeking a retreat that combines grandeur with comfort, this home offers unparalleled design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle.
Upon arrival, guests are immediately captivated by the stately curb appeal of the estate, which leads into a grand
foyer with a dramatic staircase. The design throughout exudes refined elegance, beginning with the primary suite—an expansive retreat bathed in natural light through walls of windows. This sanctuary offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while an adjoining sun/exercise room seamlessly connects to the rooftop deck, providing an elevated perspective of the breathtaking Colorado scenery. Two additional bedrooms, each featuring tastefully appointed en-suite bathrooms, are complemented by a serene seating area and a staircase that leads to a finished attic space. This versatile
room offers a wealth of possibilities, from an extra bedroom to an inspiring home office or private studio.
Designed with modern living in mind, the open-concept floor plan effortlessly flows between the state-of-the-art kitchen and an expansive patio, creating a perfect space for both intimate gatherings and grand entertaining. Top-tier appliances, custom cabinetry, and elegant finishes make the kitchen a chef’s dream. Sliding glass doors create a seamless transition to the outdoors, where residents can enjoy the stunning Colorado weather year-round. The
Butler’s Pantry, paired with a large family/rec room, provides ample space for both daily living and social events.
A unique feature of this estate is the expansive wing that offers additional bedrooms, bathrooms, a private kitchen, and exclusive deck space. This self-contained area, with its own private entrance and access to a three-car garage, provides the perfect setting for multi-generational living, guest accommodations, or even the opportunity for a separate rental suite. The possibilities are endless, making this estate truly versatile.
Outside, the meticulously curated grounds are nothing short of extraordinary. A charming gazebo, a dazzling pool with an integrated lighting system, an outdoor fireplace, and an oversized chess set create an ambiance of elegance and leisure. Lush flower beds and a tranquil pond further enhance the property, inviting serenity at every turn. The property’s strategic
position offers stunning views of the Colorado Front Range, with glorious sunsets as the backdrop to each evening.
No detail has been spared in the recent updates to the home, including new electrical, HVAC, windows, doors,
and plumbing—ensuring that every aspect of this home is as modern as it is luxurious. Located just minutes from Boulder, Longmont, and Lyons, and less than an hour from Denver International Airport, this estate offers both seclusion and convenience.
8 Tips To Make Your Listing Picture Perfect
When a home is properly staged, it should highlight the function and beauty of the property so that buyers can more easily imagine themselves living there. Staging is just as important for in-person home tours as it is for online property photos. More than 90% of home buyers search for homes online, and 85% of buyers say it’s the photos that are the most important factor in deciding which homes to view, according to research from the National Association of REALTORS®.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PREP A HOME FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT.
1. Consider the background. Appropriately displayed art on walls or above a fireplace can add color to the
background and enhance the property’s online photos. Also, be sure to tidy up those bookshelves! Overstuffed shelves with various books and decor can create a visual nightmare. Organize them by coordinating the books or magazines by colored sleeve or by height. To add visual interest, group nicely tiered stacks and display them upright with a few decor items between or on one end. But always remember: Less is best!
2. Clean the light fixtures. Clean lamps, chandeliers, and light fixtures throughout the home. Change out lampshades that may be yellowing on the inside, and be sure to replace any burnt-out light bulbs as well. Lamps are an important source of light that helps to show off all the features of a room.
3. Dust.
Photographs can easily pick up tiny dust particles when light reflects from the camera flash. Make sure rooms are well-dusted and vacuumed after staging is completed and before photographing the property.
4. Careful with the props.
While the perfect accessory can enhance the feel of a room, props that are
distract home buyers and portray a photo that is “too staged.” The setting should be clean and simple and not overdone. Pretty white orchids, simple greenery, or even a fur throw are easy and inexpensive props and add just enough accent without overdoing it.
5. Avoid common photo blunders. First impressions count the most when buyers are viewing hundreds of photos
Watch the lighting in the room. When taking pictures, make sure the sun isn’t filtering in. It’s best to snap at dusk or on overcast days. This gives a living space more balanced light.
Chris
Fitness Professional CHOATE
PIVOTED DURING
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
PHOTOS BY BRIAN STANLEY
THE PANDEMIC
Former fitness coach turned REALTOR®, Chris Choate is dedicated to helping clients reach their home goals and live a better life, one step at a time.
“Every day I spread the good word of growth mindset,” said Chris. “Whether it means I’m helping a buyer or seller with their next move or pushing the envelope for the local Boulder fitness enthusiast.”
A Change in Direction
As the pandemic hit in 2020, Chris faced a significant shift in his career. He had been working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for Colorado Athletic Club-Boulder under the Welbridge
TO RISE IN REAL ESTATE
Corporation in Denver, clocking over 10,000 training sessions. With the onset of COVID-19, his business faced challenges.
“I recognized the impact COVID-19 had on fitness and ceiling within the fitness business,” he says. “So I decided to go back to real estate where I felt I had more control over my future and success.” Chris had started real estate in California in 2007, initially in the Sacramento/Davis area then in Monterey, Carmel, and his hometown, Salinas.
He didn’t entirely give up training, however. “I had to do some virtual training during the pandemic, juggling two kids
and three naps a day,” he laughs, recalling the challenges. With an eight-month-old and a threeyear-old at home, it wasn’t easy.
In December 2020, Chris entered the Denver real estate scene, precipitated by hiring friends of friends to sell his townhome.
“They were awesome and gave me hands-on experience of seeing the process happen,” he says. Little did he know that real estate was the perfect fit for a career that would skyrocket him to success.
Transitioning from personal training to real estate wasn’t easy, yet Chris embraced it wholeheartedly. “My primary,
“I love who I work with. A lot of real estate agents hop around because the ‘grass is greener.’ But the grass is green where I water it.”
personal ‘why’ is being a great husband and father,” he explains.
Chris acknowledges the challenges of establishing a client base in a new field. However, his extroverted personality and extensive network from his personal training career in Boulder have played a crucial role in his success. He values the support of his wife, Rachael and acknowledges the supportive culture at his brokerage, where he leads an accountability group, works with internal coaches, and finds encouragement from colleagues.
“I love who I work with,” he smiles. “A lot of real estate agents hop around because the ‘grass is greener.’ But the grass is green where I water it,” he reflects. “I’m going to continue to water my grass and remove the weeds.”
Finding Purpose and Passion in Real Estate
Chris sees real estate as a foundational wealth builder, a platform where he can utilize his extroverted nature to connect with people and help them achieve their goals. “I love talking to people, networking, and getting to know their stories,” he explains. “It’s about building relationships, like any relationship business, where I help clients accomplish their goals.”
His passion for helping buyers and sellers is palpable.
“Handing over the keys to someone’s first home is an incredible feeling. Seeing the smile on their face when I tell them about the direct deposit hitting their account. Those are my ‘whys’ in real estate,” Chris shares enthusiastically.
His mantra in real estate is simple – build relationships, build community, and build generational wealth.
Community Involvement
When not selling homes, Chris is dedicated to bettering the community. He volunteers for the Parent Teacher Organization and actively participates in beautification efforts at his kid’s school, organizing trash pickup days that are known to the adults as the Lafayette Elementary Campus Beautification Project.
“To the kids, we are the Trash Pandas,” he says. Additionally, he donates yearly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, supporting the Rocky Mountain Chapter’s annual silent auction/gala and knowing that every dollar makes a difference.
Chris is also passionate about fitness coaching, ensuring that the Boulder County community remains a healthy place.
Anything that he can do to help people achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle fuels his fire.
A Balanced Life
Outside of real estate, Chris is a devoted family man. He and his wife enjoy hiking, camping, and skiing/snowboarding in the beautiful Colorado mountains, often taking their children, 8-year-old Aria and 5-yearold Charlie, along for outdoor adventures. Chris is a longtime coach at Easton Training Center in Boulder and spends quality time fostering his children’s interests in music and sports.
“My daughter has the musical bug, and we like performing songs together,” says Chris, who has played the guitar since he was ten. He and Rachael also stay busy with their kids’ soccer and martial arts schedules as well as swim lessons, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It is important to us that we can gather around the dinner table every night,” he shares.
“It’s essential to have that family time amidst our busy
schedules.” Their evening dinner kicks off with “peaks and pits,” where they share the highs and lows of their day.
Living with Impact
From personal trainer to Top Producer, Chris found a career where he has maximized his impact. Instead of coaching clients on building lean muscle, he is coaching them to their real estate goals. With his heart for others and dedication to his clients, Chris is living with impact. He is truly a REALTOR® on the Move!
“MOM GUILT”
BY DR. FELICIA SANTELLI
As I was considering what to write about for Mother’s Day month, my daughter mentioned something that her generation has been discussing. She called it “The mom guilt’ or ‘parent guilt’. It seems to be a topic that concerns many parents no matter the age of their children.
This triggered feelings that I had many years after my children were grown and parents themselves. Some of my actions still bothered me. I had asked my ‘children’ if they remembered certain incidents (that were prominent in my mind) and they didn’t. I was concerned I had left an indelible negative life altering trauma in their psyche, and they had no recollection! I traumatized myself worrying for years that I ‘ruined’ my kids for life! When I did bring it up after so many years, I said I was sorry and asked for forgiveness. They laughed and said ‘Okay’ but ‘I’m fine. No problem, mom”!
loving, fun, or interested enough; we’re not offering our children the life, family, and opportunities that we should... and the list goes on.
In short, ‘mom guilt’ is what you feel when you criticize yourself because you didn’t live up to an expectation that you set for yourself as a parent.
Melissa Young, Psychologist, explains it this way:
“You lost your cool with your toddler who’s refusing their vegetables again. Your baby has a forehead bruise, even though you only turned your back for a minute. Everyone’s getting entirely too much screen time. Your boss is on your case…again… because you had to take even more time off with a sick kid. Oh, and your relationship with your partner? More like roommates these days!
And there it is! The ‘mom guilt’. The incessant voice in the back of your head saying you’re doing it wrong. That you’re not the parent, the partner, the professional you should be.”
Today, it’s commonly called “mom guilt” but it could be any parent or caregiver. If you’re feeling guilty for not being everyone’s everything at every moment of every day, you’ve got the ‘mom guilt’. It is the feeling of not being a good enough mother and it can come in many forms: We’re not spending enough time with our children; we’re not patient,
And, yes, ‘mom guilt’ is completely normal. But normal should not be confused with healthy.
A source of significant guilt and even shame for moms is the belief that they didn’t succeed in meeting their children’s
needs. It is difficult to forgive themselves for parenting
The guilt can crush them.
‘Mom guilt’
thoughts and can lead to anxious or depressed feelings.
And then, there’s the ‘helicopter’ parenting which is often referred to as the over part in over-parenting. It involves excessive levels of involvement and control by parents (mostly moms) in their children’s lives. A motivation for this parenting style is driven by worry that their child might come to harm or not flourish. This can reduce the child’s natural ability to succeed and can cause anxiety in the child.
Now moms monitor to some degree with cell phones, social media, etc., but where do we draw the line before it is considered ‘invasion of privacy’ or ‘helicopter’? It becomes very confusing and self-examining.
And today there is a rising number of children of all ages who feel the need for therapy, which is another reason moms think, “Where did I go wrong?”
Have any of these thoughts crossed your mind: Working late and ordering takeout? I should be making my family a nutritious dinner. Stay-at-home parent? I should be contributing to our family’s financial picture. Going on a child-free vacation? I shouldn’t be looking forward to time away from my kids. Snapped at your partner about not cleaning the toilet? I should be more appreciative of their contributions. And I should be taking better care of our home. Dozens of unread texts from friends and family? My loved ones need me. I should be making more time for them.
All those ‘shoulds’ add up, creating a storm of internal turmoil. This is how guilt affects moms. As guilt builds, so does stress. And stress impacts the physical and mental well-being.”
In response to stress, the body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones. That psyches you up and sends the body into fight-of-flight mode. That’s useful if you need to decide whether to fight off a bear
or run for your life. But left unchecked long-term, living in a perpetual stress response cycle keeps the body from relaxing and appreciating the moment. It can leave you on edge, tense and wanting to lash out which makes one feel guilty (again). Plus, stress can have long-term ramifications.
Now we have the guilt and stress which doesn’t give the nervous system the downtime it needs. And when one experiences constant stress responses, it can lead to disease and mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, an increased blood pressure and other problems.
Therefore, relieving oneself of the guilt is not a luxury, but a necessity.
The stresses of parenthood or caregiving can leave one feeling like there is no space for one’s own needs, which creates more stress, and then more guilt. It becomes a vicious cycle.
Some suggestions moms can try:
Self-care: Find 10 minutes to do something just for you; like taking a relaxing Epsom salt bath, going for a walk; reading a book for pleasure; calling a friend; anything to take time for YOU, to nourish your own soul. As you feel more fulfilled, the less guilty you will feel.
Breathing: Regular meditation practice helps the body and mind to disengage from the flight-or-fight mode.
‘Mom guilt’ is natural, but that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it. Take time for yourself and keep expectations reasonable. You don’t have to be a superhero. You just need to do your best and chances are, you’re doing a darn good job.
‘Mom guilt’ doesn’t serve you, and it doesn’t serve your child or your family. Be authentic and be human but forgive yourself for the things in your past that were the best you could do at that moment. Hindsight really is 20/20, but looking back doesn’t serve us. You are enough! I promise.
I am a grandmother of grown children and yet I remember and can relate to many of the feelings mentioned above. But, trust me, we are all resilient human beings. We moms are the ones who keep maintaining the guilt. Our children have long forgotten.
ENJOY MOTHER’S DAY! WE HAVE ALL EARNED IT!
https://parentingadhdandautism.com/2017/11/ pap-018-mom-guilt-self-compassion/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mom-guilt https://www.news-medical.net/health/ What-is-Helicopter-Parenting-and-Whyis-it-Bad.aspx#:~:text=Helicopter%20 parenting%20is%20often%20referred,to%20 harm%20or%20not%20flourish.
TOP 100 STANDINGS
