Zori Levine
Meet The Team
Elizabeth McCabe Writer Beth.McCabe@n2co.com
Kim Ash Ad Manager ads.rpboulder@n2co.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.
Dr. Felicia
drsantellifelicia@gmail.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.
Offering a wide range of title services, including title searches, title insurance, and escrow services, their team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service for their clients. With a commitment to professionalism and attention to detail, they strive to ensure every transaction is handled smoothly and efficiently. elitetitlecolo.com
Santelli
Maria Bay Studio Owner & Lead Photographer
Preferred Partners
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
ARCHITECT/BUILDER
Rodwin Architecture
Scott Rodwin (303) 413-8556 929 Pearl St. Ste. 250, Boulder, CO 80302 RodwinArch.com
BANK/FINANCE
MidFirst Bank (303) 376-3820 www.midfirst.com
BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER
Casa Bay Photography (541) 213-5435 www.casabayphotography.com/
CUSTOM BUILDER
Wood Brothers Homes (303) 717-8207 www.woodbrothershomes.com
FLOORING
Family Carpet One (720) 378-8927 www.familycarpeton elongmont.com
HOME INSPECTION
Greenworks Inspections (855) 223-7599 greenworksinspections.com/ inspection-in-colorado/
Inspections Over Coffee
Bryan Zenner (720) 845-5282 InspectionsOverCoffee.com
Pillar To Post Home Inspectors
- The Rounds Team (303) 772-1997 roundsteam.pillartopost.com
HOME PREPARATION
SERVICES
HOMEStretch (720) 404-6485 www.home-stretch.com/ north-denver
MEDICAL SPA
Restor Medical Spa (720) 523-1373 www.restormedicalspa.com
MOVING COMPANY
The Good Move (720) 300-4130 www.thegoodmovellc.com
PAINTER
Paint EZ (720) 600-7030 paintEZ.com/boulder
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Properties Plus Colorado (303) 327-6583 LMaiocco@homesin colorado.com
RADON MITIGATION
Mile High Radon Control (720) 220-4063 www.milehighradoncontrol.com
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PAINTER
That 1 Painter Boulder (303) 589-1882 that1painter.com/ boulder-colorado/
TITLE COMPANY
Elite Title Company LLC (303) 834-3901 elitetitlecolo.com
TITLE INSURANCE
First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442
4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301
FirstAmColorado.com
WINDOW CLEANING
Shine (303) 554-9281 shine-windowcleaning.com/ location/boulder/
WINDOW SERVICES
KV Windows (720) 535-9629 kvwindowsinc.com
Feature your Property
IN BOULDER COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS
Do you have an outstanding Boulder County Home that you would like to feature in Boulder County Real Producers?
Feature your listing with a 2 to 3 page spread of the home with your photos, your contact information to highlight your listing to the TOP Realtors in Boulder County.
Please contact John Mendez at John.Mendez@ RealProducersmag.com or 303-596-1685 for additional information.
Zori
LEVINE
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
PHOTOS
REDEFINING REAL ESTATE IN BOULDER
Twenty-six offers.
That’s how many offers Zori’s out of town client was up against on a close-in mountain property. While other agents scrambled to figure out the value, she already knew. She had recently transacted 3 other homes in this immediate area, so that knowledge mixed with instinct, experience, and calm under pressure is exactly what makes Zori a REALTOR® to Know.
This trusted real estate professional has seen just about everything: homes that spark frenzies, buyers who snap up properties sight unseen, and big surprises, including a listing where all the sheetrock had to be ripped open to reveal what was causing the stench inside (think rats!). Through it all, Zori thrives on keeping her clients informed, in front and in the know.
From Reluctant Transplant to Boulder Believer Zori didn’t exactly land in Colorado by choice. “I moved to Boulder in 2012 for my husband’s job. I had never been here before, so I came thinking Boulder was going to be a hippie, composting, Kumbaya kind of place. I also pictured freezing cold snowy mountains,” she laughs. “East coasters think of Colorado as a winter ski destination. Who knew it is actually the sunshine state?”
But after three years, her husband’s job abruptly ended and neither of them wanted to leave.
“Returning east to the gray skies felt almost impossible. Here, the winters are filled with sunshine. You can be outside all the time. With no humidity and no bugs, it beats New York any day of the week.”
Once she tasted Colorado, nothing could compare, even her hustle and bustle days in the Big Apple.
Before real estate, Zori worked as a graphic and invitation designer for the rich and famous, but endless hours managing a small business drained her. “I couldn’t sit in front of a screen anymore,” she admits. This extrovert wanted to be out with people, not spending endless hours working with pixels.
Her husband had always nudged her toward real estate. “Back before the Internet, I’d read the tiny Sunday New York Times boxes on homes for sale,” she recalls. It was a sign of her true passion in her heart. In 2017, she followed her husband’s advice. She got her real estate license and never looked back.
Her very first transaction? A rental property she and her husband bought. “I learned so much from that experience, we did a small renovation then rented it.” Since then, Zori and her husband have purchased many other rental properties, some in need of renovations, two that were historic properties that required complete rehabilitation, and others that were turnkey. “My husband and I make a great team; he loves being involved in the structural renovations and I’m basically the property manager and designer.”
I’M DEFINITELY
A PEOPLE PERSON. REAL ESTATE IS NOT ABOUT LOOKING AT HOUSES.”
Master of Calm in the Chaos Zori thrives on the people side of real estate. “I’m definitely a people person. Real estate is not about looking at houses,” she laughs. “That’s not what real estate is all about. It’s all about maintaining calmness and keeping everyone together on the same page.” Expect Zori to put out fires to make sure that everyone comes out a winner. “The real estate community here is tight-knit and supportive. I’ve had mostly great experiences, and I feel really fortunate.”
Hands-On, All In Zori’s secret to success? Rolling up her sleeves. “I’m very hands-on. I make things as easy as possible for my clients. Yesterday, I was with the stager and window washer. Today, I’m meeting the photographer. I want to get properties looking perfect before they hit the market.”
For buyers, she keeps a sharp eye on the market in Boulder, staying on top of off-market properties and alerts. “If there’s something coming up, I want my clients to hear about it before anyone else.” Zori is a
very good listener and believes that getting to know her clients on a personal level is crucial to helping them make the right trade-offs when buying a home. Her strong local relationships with other agents also give her clients an edge. “Agents like working with other agents who are easy to communicate with and can get everyone to the closing table.” That’s Zori to a tee.
Rooted in Boulder Life
Beyond selling real estate, Zori manages her own rental properties and is deeply involved in a major renovation/new build of her future home. She also gives back to the community through the Boulder JCC and is involved also in the local elections. “I really believe local elections are super important,” she points out. “They affect our day-to-day lives more than most people realize.”
She’s also all about living outdoors. “I love hiking, walking, e-biking, and snowshoeing. I can walk downtown and to the trailheads right from my front door,” she shares. “That’s why I can’t imagine leaving Boulder.”
Zori’s husband, Josh, works remotely for an art investment company in New York. Together, they
have two daughters—one an artist and the other in college—and a beloved French bulldog, Boomer, who’s nearly 12. “My family is everything,” she shares. Her daughters have grown up watching her work, and she loves that they see how much passion she puts into it.
Connector of People
If there’s one thing that defines Zori, it’s connection. “I’m a connector of people—that’s what I do naturally.” Expect to find Zori connecting people professionally, socially, and with her trusted group of tradespeople. “I can call my tradespeople and they will be there for my clients that day or the next day.”
Zori’s passion is clear: she’s building community and protecting what makes Boulder special. “I’m passionate about this place and making sure Boulder continues to stay amazing.” With her expertise, she’s shaping the community, protecting its spirit, and making sure the city stays as remarkable as ever.
Zori Levine 646.263.6991. zori.levine@compass.com www.BoulderResidential.com
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS NAVIGATING COLORADO’S NEW ADU LAW AHEAD OF THE CURVE: PART 2
BY JESSICA CHARLESWORTH, FOUNDER & CEO OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADUS
HB24-1152 is not just a change in policy, it’s a change in how deals get done. Now that this law is in effect, many homes you’re already showing will be able to legally support a second unit. That means you could be helping clients get a home and a future income stream, or making room for aging parents, or creating space for adult kids.
This section covers the practical side: how to explain ADUs without overwhelming clients, what details to look for in a listing, and how to use this knowledge to build trust and close smarter deals.
Recap: Know the Law and Boundaries
• One ADU allowed by right on every single-family lot in qualifying municipalities.
• No owner-occupancy rules.
• Parking limits: At most, one additional space - and only under certain conditions.
• Administrative approvals only: No public hearing delays.
• Design standards: ADUs must meet the same standards as the primary residence - nothing stricter.
• HOA restrictions preempted by state law.
Municipal flexibility: Cities may regulate setbacks, height, lot coverage, and maximum size (typically 800–1,000 SF), as long as rules align with those applied to the primary home.
Professionals who can explain where the law draws the line, and how local jurisdictions are implementing it, will stand out.
Three Client Profiles, Three Opportunities
1. The Buyer Focused on Flexibility
Position ADU-ready homes as multipurpose solutions: rental income, space for parents or adult kids, or long-term flexibility. Look for alley access, walkout basements, or detached garages as ADU potential sites.
2. The Seller Looking to Differentiate Encourage feasibility studies before listing. Market the home as ADUready with rental projections or builder estimates. This creates urgency and attracts flexibilityfocused buyers. Make sure to enter the information into the MLS.
3. The Long-Term Investor
With owner-occupancy rules lifted, ADUs are viable for investors. Highlight buy-and-hold opportunities, house hacking, and local incentives. Connect them with builders and lenders who understand the process.
Clients will expect you to simplify execution. At Rocky Mountain ADUs, we step into that role alongside you. We provide feasibility
studies, connect agents with t rusted architects and builders, and guide homeowners through zoning and permitting. For our partners, we act as a resource to make you the go-to expert in your market, offering co-branded workshops, educational materials, and direct support on client questions. For your clients, we provide clear pricing guidance, vetted construction teams, and turnkey project management. By aligning with Rocky Mountain ADUs, you gain both credibility and confidence to lead in this new space. Start building a trusted network:
• ADU consultants and architects for feasibility analysis
• Design-build firms familiar with compliance and permitting
• Lenders offering ADU-friendly products
• Municipal contacts in planning and zoning
• ADUs are no longer hypothetical. Your job is to help clients take the first step confidently.
Marketing Smarter with ADUs
• Update MLS listings with “ADU potential.”
• Create educational content: videos, posts, and guides.
• Host workshops with local builders or city planners.
• Turn ADU readiness into a brand differentiator—especially above median price points.
Key Resources
Colorado General Assembly Bill Page: HB24-1152 https://leg.colorado.gov/ bills/hb24-1152
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA): Toolkits, funding, and local guidance https://dlg.colorado.gov/ accessory-dwelling-unit-toolkit
Rocky Mountain ADUs: Free ADU education, zoning support, and build partners https://rockymtnadus.com/
Final Thought
Markets change. Leaders adapt. Professionals who understand HB241152, and use it to educate, empower, and connect, will define the next chapter of Colorado real estate.
ADUs are not a trend. They are a structural change. The smart move is to integrate them into your client strategy now, before the rest of the market catches up.
Jessica Charlesworth
720-807-5445
303-579-8317 Cell jessica@rockymtnadus.com rockymtnadus.com
STAR WARS: SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 AT 4:00 P.M. GRACE COMMONS
A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away… join the Boulder Symphony for an epic evening celebrating the unforgettable music of Star Wars! Experience the thrill of John Williams’ and Michael Giacchino’s most iconic scores live in concert, including music from The Mandalorian and Rogue One, as well as classics from the Original Trilogy, Prequels, and the Sequels. Whether you’re a lifelong Jedi or a young Padawan, this is the ultimate musical journey through the galaxy.
Costumes encouraged — the Force will be strong with this one!
As proud partners with Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot, and Sunbelt, we deliver not only exceptional service but also unmatched peace of mind. Enjoy a three-year craftsmanship guarantee and the lifetime limited warranty offered by Sherwin-Williams on their
The Conecto:
Heather Schwartz
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE
PHOTOS BY MARIA BAY,
Some careers you tolerate. Others you celebrate. That’s the difference between punching a clock and building a legacy. For Heather Schwartz, real estate is a full-throttle passion. Idle is not in her vocabulary. This self-starter wakes up ready to chase opportunities, open doors, and make the so-called impossible happen.
“Real estate is something that I love,” Heather says with unmistakable energy. “I love it when new developments are going up. I love finding the right community for the right clients.”
And that’s exactly what she does. Whether it’s selling million-dollar Marshall fire rebuilds or helping a young single mom find the perfect new build where she and her kids can thrive near schools and sports fields, Heather thrives on matching people with possibilities.
From Florida to Colorado
Born in South Florida, Heather got her start in Human Resources in the cruise industry and quickly transitioned to the tech scene when she moved to Colorado. Her grandparents were active in the commercial real estate scene and she was exposed to the industry from an early age. Little did she know that her real estate roots would come full circle after retiring from Human Resources.
When she made the move to Colorado to earn her MBA, she wasn’t planning to fall in love with the Centennial State and everything it had to offer.
“I never went back to Florida,” she smiles. Instead, she spent 25 years as a powerhouse recruiter in Boulder’s tech scene, the go-to for startups fueled by venture capital. She was known for spotting top talent and making connections that fueled innovation.
How did she shift gears to real estate? “I was ready for a new chapter,” Heather explains. “Friends trusted me, whether it was helping them buy another rental property for their portfolio or helping their kids buy their first home.” With her ability to connect with others, real estate was the perfect fit.
Her own background in property ownership, including investment homes and rentals with her husband, made real estate a logical next step. “I didn’t pick the best time to get my license,” she laughs. “Rates were high and sales were down. But it gave me time to take continuing education classes, study the market, and really learn.” That discipline paid off with numerous transactions for buyers and sellers in her first year and a half.
When it comes to soaring in real estate, it’s all about connections. Prior to becoming a real estate professional, Heather spent decades serving the community in volunteer roles. Others
I love it when new developments are going up. I love finding the right community for the right clients.”
noticed. She built her life here with 25 years rooted in Boulder, raising kids, volunteering, and serving as treasurer for the PTO. She was also active in the JCC, the Boulder Valley School District accountability committee, and was a faithful marching band and soccer mom. Her interactions with others paid off.
Those deep community ties give her a distinct advantage today. Knowing neighborhoods, understanding taxes and metro districts, and having HR connections from years in recruiting help her guide clients. Her unique mix of professional insight and community engagement makes her a trusted voice in Boulder real estate.
Overcoming Obstacles
Heather’s career launched with some of the most emotional deals possible: Marshall Fire rebuilds. A close friend of 20 years lost their home, and Heather guided them through the painful process of selling and starting over.
Her very first listing—a $1.3 million fire rebuild—was a trial by fire of its own. “I walked in and thought, I need to stage this. I was brand-new and learning fast. I got lucky. The house sold fast to a relocating family from Steamboat right before school started.”
That pressure-cooker start forged Heather’s confidence and her reputation. She doesn’t flinch under pressure. She delivers.
One secret to her success? “I’ve had very successful mentors in real estate along the way, who have walked me through.” With the support of seasoned mentors like Ardee Imerman and Janet Borchert at WK Real Estate, along with the entire WK team, Heather has made a name for herself in real estate. She landed on the Wright Kingdom Team. “I picked local because I believed in everything local in Colorado.”
Another secret to success is her years of experience. As she says, “With age comes wisdom.” With the passage of time, she has learned to trust her instincts, network relentlessly, and always stay involved. Her LinkedIn network, built over years in recruiting, is a powerful asset, and she still taps
into HR circles to help relocating employees find the right fit.
“Having those connections to the tech industry has set me apart,” she says. Her net worth is her network.
Active Interests
When she’s not closing deals, Heather is on the move. She plays tennis in a women’s league, hikes with her two yellow labs, plays pickleball, and enjoys mahjong. She also leads women’s hikes through the JCC, combining her love for community with her love for the outdoors. She likes to relax and recharge in nature.
At home, Heather and her husband—a talented finance executive—team up on investment properties, with him crunching numbers and cap rates while she scouts opportunities. Together, they’ve raised two amazing collegeage kids who are blazing their own trails in the world.
The Heather Difference
What makes Heather stand out isn’t just her résumé; it’s her mindset. She doesn’t force transactions. She doesn’t chase quick wins. She builds relationships that last, bringing together her recruiting skills, community roots, and real estate savvy to create outcomes that fit.
The result? A REALTOR® who’s just getting started but already making waves. Heather isn’t here to tolerate real estate. She’s here to celebrate it. And she’s just getting warmed up.
Heather Schwartz Broker Associate 303.594.5233
hschwartz@wkre.com
HeatherSchwartz.wkre.com
Boulder Symphony Music Academy offers private music lessons in south Boulder for all instruments-including voice, piano, drums, and guitar for students of all ages!
Now is your opportunity to begin your musical journey with musicians from the Boulder Symphony1 Our teachers are the best in the front range, including degrees from the University of Colorado, Juilliard, Cleveland Institute of Music, and many others.
Table Mesa Dr. Suite l-300 Boulder. CO 80305 720-328-8286 | bouldersymphony.org/lessons
THE HEALING POWER OF GRATITUDE
BY DR. FELICIA SANTELLI
Thanksgiving is a chance to embrace the spirit of gratitude that characterizes the holiday. As we enjoy turkey and stuffing and spending time with family and friends, it is important to think of the bounty we enjoy and give thanks because we recognize that all we have is a blessing.
Gratitude transforms how we interact with the world. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. The following parable illustrates this:
“A man rode his old bicycle through the city, feeling dissatisfied. He noticed a shiny new car driving past and thought, ‘If only I had a car like that instead of this bicycle.’
Inside the car, the driver was stressed about loan payments. Seeing the cyclist, he thought. ‘I wish I could be carefree like that cyclist, without these financial burdens.’
At a nearby bus stop, a person waited. Watching the car and cyclist pass by, he thought, ‘I wish I had a bicycle or a car. It would be much more convenient than waiting for this bus.’
Down the road, a person in a wheelchair observed the cyclist, the car and the bus stop commuter. She thought, ‘How I wish I could stand and walk, even just to wait at a bus stop, ride a bicycle or drive a car.’
Finally, in a hospital room overlooking the street, a terminally ill patient lay in bed gazing out the window. He thought, ‘I’d give anything to be out there,
even in a wheelchair, just to feel the sun and breathe fresh air again.’
Each person longed for what the other had, forming a chain where the simplest blessings of one were the deepest wishes of the other. The moral here is we should avoid looking at what we lack and focus on and appreciate what we have.
Gratitude isn’t a habit—it’s about changing our mindset and when our minds become healthy, the body follows.
Have you noticed that depressed people tend to look for things to be depressed about? Everywhere they see more reasons to be depressed. The same principle seems to apply to those with anxiety and other emotional struggles.
When we’re hurting, our thoughts and emotions are drawn to the source of pain like iron chips to a magnet. We dwell on our weaknesses. Choosing to be thankful draws our thoughts and emotions away from our distress and focuses on our blessings.
The healing power of gratitude is not about the absence of challenges or difficulties.
Gratitude is good for our health. People who spend time experiencing gratitude report more feelings of physical and mental well-being. Gratitude can improve one’s outlook on life.
Appreciating what you have can make you feel more optimistic, satisfied. You experience less frustration, envy, and regret. There is even evidence to suggest that gratitude helps to diminish the chance of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after an upsetting experience.
Researcher Alex Kolb found that feelings of gratitude activated brain regions associated with dopamine, a ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. It reinforces the cycle of once we start seeing things to be grateful for, the brain starts looking for more things.
The more we practice gratitude, the more we will find to be grateful for. The choices we make build momentum for the positive or negative. It’s a decision to consciously acknowledge the things in our lives that are good, enjoyable, and beneficial. No matter how trying your circumstances, there’s always something to notice and appreciate.
It has been shown that gratitude can lower stress levels which benefits mental and physical health and strengthens the immune system. It can encourage behavior that supports immune function, and it can help lower chronic inflammation.
Many symptoms, diseases and disorders are found in our society, with the lack of sleep being a main issue. However, it has been found that those who reflected on what they were thankful for before going to bed experienced better sleep quality and duration.
There are many things in life we have little or no control over. But with gratitude, it is a matter of making a choice, consistently and genuinely. When we choose gratitude we find hope, and courage to strengthen us. When we take time to be thankful, we feel joy and contentment. Negative emotions like anger, greed, jealousy and even fear tend to lose their grip.
A mental health professional for many years who counseled hundreds of people with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship problems and other serious challenges emphasizes a treatment in the practice of gratitude in a program of health and wellness. It could be the antidote for many toxic things that come into our lives.
Wouldn’t it be affective if a doctor would ‘prescribe’ a gratitude practice? It’s completely free and can affect all aspects of our life, not just physical health. In our modern medical practice, the focus is on targeting symptoms, often with medication. It’s not wrong, but it’s not the whole picture either. Many medical practitioners tend to overlook the powerful influence of the mind on the body. “The mind tells the body what to do”.
St. Augustine
“Science is still discovering the scope of gratitude’s impact”, says Robert Emmons, a gratitude researcher.
When we practice feeling and sustaining elevated emotions such as gratitude, we teach our body to heal itself – with its own inner pharmacy of chemicals.
Just as the elevated emotions of love, joy, and gratitude have corresponding chemicals that signal – and up-regulate – our genes; those negative emotions can feed the body and signal – or down-regulate – our genes, as well. That’s why it’s essential to be intentional about the messages we send our bodies through our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
When you change your mind, you change your life.
A neuroscience expert and researcher, New York Times bestselling author, and meditation lover, Dr. Joe Dispenza has helped thousands rewire the way they think, feel, and heal. “Your thoughts can make you sick,” reads one of his most popular quotes. “But your thoughts can also make you well.”
Let’s remember that every day is a gift. Instead of taking each day for granted, rushing into everything we need to do, distracting ourselves, and forgetting to feel wonder at the gifts we have, why not create a morning ritual of appreciating the gifts we have.
Quotes about gratitude emphasize the
transformative power of appreciation and thankfulness. They show how gratitude can shift perspective, enhance joy, and even attract positive experiences into one’s life. Quotes like “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life” and “What separates wealth from poverty is gratitude” illustrate this kind of impact.
According to Dr. Joe Dispenza, “gratitude is the ultimate state of receiving” because it signals to the quantum field, or universe, that you already have the desired manifestation, thereby attracting it into your experience. …”
“There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy”. Ralph H. Blum
When we nourish and sustain gratitude, and give others the opportunity to do the same, we can touch –and change – so many lives. We can heal ourselves. We can heal others. We can, one person at a time, change the world.
HAPPY BE ‘GRATEFUL DAY’! OR HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
REFERENCES:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/ opinion/there-is-no-downside-togratitude-so-fill-your-plate-thisthanksgiving-5763030
https://www.theepochtimes. com/health/ritual-to-greet-theday-5678605
https://www.theepochtimes.com/ health/gratitude-an-alternativemedicine-for-anger-anddepression-5719710
https://www.theepochtimes.com/ bright/the-healing-power-ofgratitude-4849833
https://healthmatters.nyp.org/isgratitude-good-for-your-health/ https://drjoedispenza.com/drjoes-blog/the-transformationalpower-of-gratitude
Lauren Cotlar
at Compass
Hunger is cruel. It doesn’t care that it’s Friday afternoon or that a child has two long days before the next school meal. Empty cupboards, growling stomachs, and restless nights are the weekend reality for too many kids. That’s why every Friday morning you’ll find REALTOR® Lauren Cotlar surrounded by pallets of food with Food For Thought. She helps pack approximately 2500 bags of food each week so kids don’t have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
One morning, while she was out helping deliver food to
the schools, she struck up a conversation with a fellow volunteer. His children attended one of the schools benefiting from the program.
“What do you do?” he asked her.
“I’m a REALTOR®,” she said.
The conversation then turned to helping the man get his finances in check and finding a plan to achieve homeownership for himself, his wife, and their four children. “We looked into the City of Denver’s affordable housing programs,” says Lauren, who came to the rescue in September 2024.
“We ended up finding them a new build farther east,” she shares.
He, his wife, and their four children just celebrated their first home anniversary. Lauren recently did a “pop by” visit to drop off some goodies, and the family’s little girl grabbed her hand, proudly showing off her room. “That was the coolest experience,” Lauren reflects, her face lighting up at the memory. That’s what real estate is all about to her – making a difference.
Finding Her Path
A Boulder native, Lauren studied advertising at the University of Colorado, drawn to the strategy of what motivates people. “I liked the strategy side – digging into who the consumer is and what their desires are.”
At the age of 22, Lauren moved to Boston where she worked first as an account manager for a market research company then at MIT in the Work-Life Center within their Human Resources department. In this role, she helped with programming and ran events for staff, faculty and postdocs focused around various life stages, such as buying your first home, parenting, and caring for an aging family member.
After 4 years, the frigid winters in Boston got the best of her.
“Being from Colorado, I thought I could handle it,” she jokes. “I didn’t think it was going to be a problem, but the winters out there are different. They were brutal, so I went to Austin, where it was good and warm.” That’s where she worked at UT Austin for the Engineering School in event and program management.
“It was a group that created an engineering curriculum for high school students to grow their interest in engineering where they could get college credit,” she says. The only problem? “I didn’t have a real connection to the engineering side of it.” She was craving work that had more heart.
“I’d always thought about real estate,” she admits. “I was a little intimidated by it. I felt like I wasn’t ‘sales-y’ or competitive enough. But my mom kept reminding me that’s not what it’s about. It’s about helping the clients.”
So in 2021, Lauren moved back to Colorado, got her real estate license, and jumped in with her mom, veteran REALTOR® Marcia Cotlar.
“I finally decided to take the plunge,” says Lauren. Her Mom has made a name for herself over the past 30 years. “I am fortunate enough to not only learn from
and work with her, but to build on her business.”
Reinventing the Family Business
While her mom brings three decades of experience, Lauren brings fresh fire. She’s leaning into branding, social media, and data-driven tools to connect with a new generation of buyers and sellers. “My mom will check in every once in a while asking, ‘You like what you’re doing, right? You’re not just doing it for me?” Lauren laughs. “And I tell her, ‘Yes. I really do love it.’”
She particularly loves working with first-time buyers, who are overwhelmed by terms like “appraisals” or think they need to “waive an inspection”. Lauren breaks it down, educates them, and makes the process feel possible. She’s especially passionate about empowering women with her bold message: Houses before spouses.
“You don’t have to wait for a partner,” she says. “You can build stability and wealth on your own terms.”
Real Estate, Real Life
Lauren’s not your buttonedup, cookie-cutter REALTOR®. She’s the one running on coffee, teaching a Lagree class at dawn, negotiating a contract by noon, and rallying neighbors for a coat drive by night. Balance? Forget it. For Lauren, it’s more about work and life together.
She thrives on mixing her worlds beautifully. One minute she’s coaching a first-time buyer through the terror of writing their first offer, the next she’s sweating it out on the Red Rocks stairs with friends and clients who’ve become her people. And when summer hits, you’ll find her out at the Boulder Reservoir—
You don’t have to wait for a partner. You can build stability and wealth on your own terms.”
Real estate is about real life, rather than square footage and comps. It’s a beautiful thing. The life where kids tug your hand to show you their new bedroom. The life where financial independence means you hold the keys. The life where your REALTOR® might also be the person cheering you on at a stair climb or handing you a beer at happy hour.
That same spirit extends to how Lauren gives back. Beyond Food for Thought, she supports other nonprofits too. For holiday gifts, she chooses Bridge House Brownies, made by Community Table Kitchen—a program that helps adults experiencing homelessness gain housing, jobs, and stability. It’s one more way she makes a difference, one brownie at a time.
At the end of the day, Lauren’s why is simple but fierce: to fulfill, and help others fulfill, a freedomfilled, connection-rich life that’s unapologetically theirs. From packing food for kids to putting keys in hands, she’s a difference maker. She’s showing that small things done with love can truly make a difference.
lauren.cotlar@compass.com 303.908.0051 www.compass.com/ agents/lauren-cotlar
waterskiing at sunrise or squeezing in one last lap at sunset before diving back into contracts and client calls.
That’s why she throws monthly happy hours. And it’s why she’s not afraid to weave philanthropy into business, encouraging clients and colleagues alike to show up on Friday mornings to pack food for hungry kids.
TOP 100 STANDINGS
