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Meet The Team
John Mendez Publisher john.mendez@n2co.com 303-596-1685
Kim Ash Ad Manager ads.rpboulder@n2co.com
Dr. Felicia Santelli Writer drsantellifelicia@gmail.com
Emily Bossert Coaches Corner Emily.Bossert@milehimodern.com
Jon David Photographer EstateSnap jon@headsupheadshots.com
Elizabeth McCabe Writer Beth.McCabe@n2co.com
Charlesworth Writer jessica@rockymtnadus.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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STEWART MEET WARD
SLEDGEHAMMERS, STARTUPS & SILENT RETREATS:
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE • PHOTOS BY JON DAVID ESTATESNAP.ORG
“IN THE HEART OF EVERY GREAT REALTOR® IS A SERVANT.”
– STEWART WARD
Think real estate is easy? Think again. Just ask Stewart Ward, Associate Broker at Compass, who’s built a thriving business through grit, global perspective, and growth. There are no shortcuts to success. With twelve years under his belt as a licensed real estate professional—and many more flipping homes on the side—Stewart proves that success rarely comes easily.
From Tokyo Tech to Turning Houses
Before he found his calling as an agent, Stewart’s path took him across the globe.
“I always wanted to see the world,” he comments. After getting an English teaching certificate in California, he worked at a school in Thailand before moving to Japan. “I knew I had to become fluent in Japanese to land my first real job there.” “I studied Japanese full time, taught English to pay the rent, studied software and after a few years landed a job in investment banking technology at UBS in Tokyo.” He cut his teeth in fintech before transferring to New York and working in Manhattan.
“It was super boring compared to Tokyo,” says Stewart with a chuckle. “I had a team whose job was to audit new software for the trading floor of UBS in New York.” He applied for a job at a Silicon Valley startup, moved home to Miami, and worked remotely.
“That’s when I started flipping houses on the side and getting into real estate,” he reflects. “I try to stay open to the opportunities around me.”
“Eventually I was having more fun and making more money flipping houses than I was in corporate,” Stewart explains. “I was fortunate to have a successful exit from software right when the 2008 financial crisis hit so I took time off, reassessed, and eventually made the leap into real estate investment full-time.” He didn’t start on the retail side of real estate until 2013, after years of hands-on experience as an investor.
That leap wasn’t just about making money—it was about meaning. A partnership with an interior designer friend turned into a series of successful renovation projects in Florida. Stewart managed the research, finances, and contractors, while his partner handled the design. “It felt more like fun than work,” he reflects. “At least at first—until I realized wielding a sledgehammer wasn’t my calling.”
A Winding Road Home
Born and raised in Miami, Stewart’s early years were shaped by boarding school in New England and an English degree from CU Boulder, where he says with a laugh, “I mostly majored in having fun.” But Boulder left its mark. After living abroad for years he returned to Boulder in 2013 to start fresh.
Starting over wasn’t easy.
“I arrived in Boulder after 20 years away, not knowing a soul,” Stewart shares. “I underestimated how competitive the landscape was.” Fortunately, his perseverance paid off.
He got to work—literally knocking on doors. Fifty doors and one hundred contacts a week was the goal. He pushed through those tough early years with
determination and savings, building his business from the ground up. “By year five, I was doing ok but thinking about quitting,” he admits. “Then someone recommended Ninja Selling. That changed everything. It reoriented me.”
Now, Stewart runs a relationship-based business rooted in systems and intention. “I realized I could have the business I wanted if I implemented processes and followed my natural desire to do my best.”
More Than a Broker
Stewart is passionate about building community and delivering storied service. He’s part of several meaningful circles, including fellow fans of Phish, a co-working space full of amazing people, and a spiritual community that keeps him grounded. He meditates daily and takes part in a one-week silent retreat once a year. “It’s a great reset,” he says. “It gives me perspective and reminds me not to take life so seriously.” In today’s hustle and bustle, it’s paramount to take time to unplug and recharge.
Stewart views real estate as more than a profession— it’s a personal mirror. “The biggest challenges I face in this business are my own internal hang-ups— limiting beliefs, past failures, self-doubt. Real estate helps me face those and let them go.” Real estate has helped Stewart focus on the world around him and make a difference while at the same time improving his business a little every day.
This high performer also uses real estate as an avenue for giving back and helping people through stressful times. Stewart currently sits on the boards of Growing Gardens and Vinnyitsia Sister City Foundation and introduces people to causes he cares deeply about. “It’s a big part of what drives me.”
Life in Boulder
While Stewart’s roots are in Florida, Boulder is home. He shares his life with his partner Eva and their little dog, Roxy. Though he comes from a big, loud, Type A family—“You could probably hear us at the dinner table down the block,” he jokes—he values solitude and quiet time to recharge. “I’m an extroverted introvert.” It’s both worlds for him.
When he’s not hustling, Stewart is on the slopes. “I’m obsessed with skiing,” he says. “I’ve done it since I was a kid.” He’s also a fan of gravel biking and soaking in Colorado’s outdoorsy lifestyle.
What Experience Has Taught Him
What advice would Stewart give to an up-andcoming agent?
“Have systems drive your day. Systems answer the question “what’s the most important thing to do right now?” when you’re new and you might not have transactions to work on. You need systems for every part of your business, especially keeping in touch with people.”
And finally, the quote that guides him, “I strive to add value to people’s lives wherever I can.”
At the end of the day, Stewart doesn’t just see real estate as a career, he sees it as a way to serve others in his community and make a positive impact in their lives.
Stewart Ward stewart.ward@compass.com
(303) 704-7774
I REALIZED I COULD HAVE THE BUSINESS I WANTED IF I IMPLEMENTED PROCESSES AND FOLLOWED MY NATURAL DESIRE TO DO MY BEST.”
N 41st St, Longmont
Set upon a commanding 35-acre promontory just north of Boulder, this estate embodies both sanctuary and showcase — a place where architecture and landscape merge in reverence to Colorado’s Front Range.
Beyond its gated entrance, twin driveways wind through mature evergreens before revealing 9,618 square feet of living space, where six bedrooms and nine baths unfold across three meticulously crafted levels.
Inside, the home balances elegance with warmth. Leaded glass portals open to honeyhued oak floors, guiding visitors into rooms accented by custom stained-glass panels. The formal living room rises with vaulted ceilings and a dual-sided woodburning fireplace shared with the dining room, creating spaces equally suited for intimate gatherings or grand entertaining. A conservatory, with flagstone floors and sweeping mountain views, offers a serene transition to an adjacent guest suite with its own updated bath and laundry.
The kitchen serves as both a functional hub and work of art, defined by illuminated birch cabinetry, an eight-burner Viking range, and KitchenAid appointments. An Elkay double sink set beneath wide windows frames daily tasks with Flatiron views, while dual pantries, a coffee bar, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves satisfy both culinary and literary pursuits. The adjoining breakfast room blurs the line between indoors and out, flowing into a great room where French windows capture curated views and a wood-
burning fireplace adds warmth. A nearby library, finished in custom millwork and anchored by a Franklin stove, invites hours of reflection.
Down the hall, two additional guest bedrooms are thoughtfully appointed, one connected to a charming sitting room with direct access to the outdoors. Rounding out the main floor are an updated powder room, mudroom, and access to a heated two-car garage. Leisure and entertainment come alive in the refreshed media room, complete with a custom
game room transformed into a celebration of Colorado heritage through knotty pine millwork and painted columns by artist Molly Davis. French doors open to the pool terrace, where Flatiron views provide a gallery-like backdrop.
The upper level reflects sophistication at every turn. Cherry and mesquite herringbone floors gleam beneath LED lighting, establishing the foundation for an executive sanctuary. A breakroom kitchen and mural-adorned powder room add convenience, while the boardroom commands attention with exquisite cherry cabinetry and leaded glass doors. The executive office strikes a rare balance of gravitas and inspiration, its built-in millwork framing sweeping panoramas. A bi-level home office adds
versatility, while two additional guest bedrooms share a wellappointed bath. The crown jewel of this level, the primary suite, offers dual walk-in closets and an updated five-piece bath with soaking tub, creating a private retreat.
Outdoors, the estate unfolds like a curated landscape of function and beauty. Walking trails meander through native grasses and aspen groves. A three-hole, nine-tee-box golf course integrates recreation with natural topography, while the 60×30 swimming pool reflects ever-changing skies. A pergola and hot tub forms intimate gathering spaces, complemented by terraced gardens that descend toward the tennis court. Horseshoe pits, a private pond, and a shaded fountain complete the experience, offering endless
opportunities for play, reflection, and connection to nature.
From its grand architecture to its thoughtful details, this Boulder estate is more than a residence — it is a complete lifestyle. Here, every element has been designed to inspire, offering both the serenity of a private retreat and the sophistication of a showcase property. It is a rare harmony of Colorado living, crafted for those who seek beauty, purpose, and permanence.
THE INNER GAME OF REAL ESTATE LEADERSHIP Staying Centered in Client Chaos
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind - you are the one who hears it.” ― Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
Every realtor knows what it feels like when a transaction starts unraveling.
A seller panics when the first week on the market brings no offers or interest..
A buyer unravels after the inspection report.
An agent on the other side lashes out, projecting their own emotions into the deal.
BY EMILY BOSSERT
In these moments, it seems as though chaos is knocking at your door. And the temptation is strong to react, to tighten, and to match the energy. But Michael Singer reminds us: you are not the voice of fear, doubt, or urgency. You are the awareness behind it.
And if you let it, that distinction will change everything.
Why This Matters for Your Growth
As an agent, the hats you wear are innumerable. One of the most important roles you play is leading people through their uncertainty.
Clients don’t need another person in the storm with them. They need someone who can see the bigger picture.
Negotiations don’t require louder and charged voices; they require calmer and clearer ones.
Referrals and repeat business don’t just come from results; they come from how clients feel in your presence.
This is the inner game of real estate leadership: refining yourself so you can influence and inspire others.
The Power of Witnessing
Singer calls this witness consciousness. The ability to step back and observe, rather than getting swept away. For you as an agent, this skill is what transforms chaos into clarity.
When a seller reacts emotionally about price, you anchor them in data and strategy instead of joining the spiral.
When a buyer panics, you listen actively, breathe, and present options without force.
When another agent brings tension, you respond with neutrality and professionalism, keeping the deal moving forward.
You become the steady center. And that steadiness builds trust, authority, and influence.
The Business Payoff
Remaining centered has incredible payoffs. It affords you peace of mind, and it’s a competitive advantage.
Clients follow centered leaders. When you stay steady, they lean into your guidance.
Deals close more smoothly. Less drama means fewer unnecessary delays or breakdowns.
Your reputation expands. Agents who embody clarity and confidence are remembered long after the transaction ends.
This is how personal proficiency translates directly into business growth.
How to Practice This Skill
1. Pause Before Responding One conscious breath before speaking can shift an entire conversation. Let yourself pause before you respond.
2. Ground Yourself Daily Meditation, journaling, or a mindful walk. Create rituals that train your nervous system to stay calm and centered
3. Detach From the Outcome Guide the process, but don’t force it. Remember, you are the guide. When you release control, your clarity sharpens.
Visualize Yourself as the Anchor
Imagine a hurricane swirling around you while you are in the eye of the storm. Remain still and clear. Then bring that image into your next client interaction.
Your Coaching Challenge
“If you want to be happy, you have to let go of the part of you that wants to create melodrama.”
― Michael A. Singer
Emily Bossert
BUSINESS
COACH
720 470 3198
This week, notice one moment when you feel yourself pulled into your client’s fear. Instead of reacting, pause. Breathe. Witness the chaos, but do not follow it. Respond from your center.
Then reflect: What shifted? How did your client respond? How did you feel afterward?
Final Word
Singer reminds us: you are not the storm, you are not even the voice reacting to it. What you are is the awareness that can choose calm, clarity, and presence.
That awareness is your superpower as a real estate agent. It is what allows you to negotiate with confidence, rather than anxiety or fear. It’s what turns a transaction into a trusted relationship. It is what makes clients say, “I’ll never work with anyone else.”
This is the work of personal growth. This is the work of building a thriving and sustainable business. And it starts not with the chaos around you, but with the center you choose to cultivate within you.
Emily.Bossert@milehimodern.com milehimodern.com
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Areas of the Home to Focus on Updating Before Selling
BY MARISA CEPPI
Selling a home can feel overwhelming for a number of reasons. But, prioritizing making the right updates can significantly impact buyer interest and maximize your offers. In a competitive market, proper preparation is crucial. Focusing on key areas can enhance your home’s appeal and even increase its value by making a lasting impression on potential buyers. Breaking it down to these five areas of the home to focus your attention on makes the home prep process a little more digestible. Some improvements are low-cost and can be a simple DIY weekend project. Other projects may require a small investment, like refreshing the interior walls with a fresh coat of paint, but the payoff will be well worth the effort.
Main Entryway
The entryway is the first thing visitors will see when they walk into your home for an open house or in listing photos. Make sure that it’s welcoming, uncluttered, and updated. If you can only choose one space inside your home to spruce up, make it the entry.
• Lighten the wall color with a fresh coat of neutral paint
• Freshen up the staircase by painting the spindles, bannister, treads, or risers
• Replace flooring or carpet on the staircase
• Switch out light fixtures
Main Living Space
The living space can be a bigger time and money investment. But if we think about it, it’s where most families spend the majority of their time. Small updates can make a major difference to make the room pop.
• Choose a neutral wall color
• Paint the trim
• Whitewash red brick
• Update aging carpet
• Remove window treatments
• Consider staging instead of using personal furniture and belongings in photos
• Remove any family photos from the space
• Switch out light fixtures
Bathrooms
Buyers can fall in love with a bathroom or view it as a dingy space that’s on top of their list to tackle when they move in. Give the buyer a reason to love the house even more with a handful of swaps and small tasks in the main bathrooms.
• Paint the bathroom vanity
• Swap out vanity hardware
• Paint the walls
• Update mirrors and vanity lights
• Add a new towel bar, toilet paper holder, and towel ring
• Paint dated-colored tile to neutralize the space
• Remove or replace the shower curtain with a neutral color
• Deep clean the space
Kitchens
Kitchens tend to be the most expensive investment when renovating or updating a home. Renovating an entire kitchen can be pricey and time consuming, but small tweaks, like updating hardware, can make the room look new.
• Paint the walls
• Paint the cabinets in lieu of replacing with new ones
• Switch out cabinet pulls and faucet hardware
• Update light fixtures
• Add new flooring
• Update appliances
• Remove clutter/small appliances from countertops
Exteriors
Don’t forget the outdoors! Curb appeal is important and can be a dealbreaker to some buyers… It’s their first impression. Small updates here make all the difference.
• Paint exterior brick
• Paint accent items like shutters, the front
door, fascia boards, and garage doors
• Update sconces or other outdoor light fixtures
• Clean up the landscape including trimming bushes, pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, and laying fresh mulch
• Pressure wash sidewalks and the driveway
Real Estate Lit A Real Spark!
If you’ve ever met Nancy Blanchard, you know she’s not the type to sit still. She’s lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, and even Brussels, Belgium. She’s raised two kids, wrangled corporate boardrooms, traveled the world, and navigated some of life’s most trying transitions. But ask her today what truly lights her up, and the answer is simple: helping people find their dream home.
Nancy is now a Broker Associate and REALTOR® with Slifer, Smith and Frampton, but she didn’t get here the easy way. Her first career—25 years in corporate marketing—was brutal. Long hours, endless travel, and a lack of gratitude wore her down. “My corporate job almost killed me,” she admits. The grind chewed her up and gave nothing back. Think boardrooms, demanding deadlines, and plenty of paperwork.
She was constantly traveling, managing teams, putting out fires, and sacrificing
BY ELIZABETH MCCABE • PHOTOS BY JON DAVID ESTATESNAP.ORG
family time just to hit another meaningless quarterly goal. Fulfillment was nonexistent. But Nancy has never been the type to sit quietly in a box someone else built for her. She was meant for more.
Buried in that chaos was a spark. While leading marketing for McStain Neighborhoods during the 2008 housing downturn, Nancy felt something shift. Even in crisis, she loved the housing world.
“Working as the head of marketing cemented my love for the industry,” she explains.
Real estate tapped into a part of her that corporate life never touched. She kept hearing the same inner voice: “You need to be back in real estate.”
So, in 2020, just before the pandemic shut down the world, Nancy heeded that quiet voice. She made the leap to real
estate. She walked away from corporate “security,” earned her license, and began rewriting her future. After all, life is too short to roll the dice on happiness.
Meaningful Moments
From her very first transaction, Nancy knew she’d found her calling. “My first transaction was with new homebuyers in Colorado,” she recalls fondly. “I couldn’t come to the closing table with them because they wanted as few people as possible in the room. So I brought them a gift and champagne at their property.”
What happened next caught her off guard. “They were crying,” she points out. “They were so happy and appreciative of my help with the process. It wasn’t even their first home, just their first home in Colorado.” That moment ignited a spark for her and a fire in her soul. She knew without hesitation or reservation that she had made the right choice.
“Having so much happiness in one moment was such a beautiful feeling,” she gushes. “I’ve never had that in the corporate world - ever.”
Or take the example of the elderly gentleman. After losing his beloved wife of many years, he mustered up the courage to sell his home. “He was the loveliest man,” says Nancy. “So thoughtful. Very appreciative.” However, he was nervous. It’s a good thing Nancy was his agent. She went above and beyond to help him.
“I met contractors at the house for him, made lists for him, and scheduled appointments,” she shares. Downsizing wasn’t easy, but Nancy made it easier. “I was honored that he chose me to help him,” she smiles. “He was such a humble and grateful person.” The gratitude made real estate rewarding, a stark contrast to the corporate grind, where work was “expected” rather than appreciated. But a heartfelt thank-you and words of appreciation make all the difference in the world.
Simply put, Nancy has a knack for being more than a REALTOR®. Don’t let the title fool you. Sometimes she’s a coach, sometimes a personal assistant, but always a trusted advocate. “I’ve been the rock in stressful situations my whole life,” she says. “I don’t get riled up. My clients can lean on me, no matter what.”
Beyond the Sale
Nancy’s impact doesn’t stop when the ink dries. She serves as a Director on the BOLO Board, where policy and advocacy shape Colorado’s real estate future. And her service extends far beyond housing. As a former board member of Mother House (now Haven), she supported women escaping abuse. Helping mothers reclaim safety, independence, and hope is nothing short of priceless.
When not working, Nancy treasures time with her family. At home, Nancy and her husband Dana have two children. Anna, 22, is a recent University of Utah graduate and aspiring outdoor rescuer. “I have all the admiration in
HAVING SO MUCH HAPPINESS IN ONE MOMENT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FEELING.
I’VE NEVER HAD THAT IN THE CORPORATE WORLD - EVER.
the world for her. She’s a real go-getter,” says Nancy. (She must follow in her mother’s footsteps.)
Jackson, 20, is carving his own path after high school, taking a year off to figure out his future. “I have great respect for that,” says Nancy.
Their household would not be complete without Milo, the family dog, who keeps everyone entertained. “We love him to death,” she says. In the past, they’ve had cats, dogs, and lizards. “We’ve always had a pet.” Life is sweeter with a four-legged friend.
As for Nancy, her “happy place” is outdoors. Whether hiking trails here in Colorado, snorkeling in the ocean with her husband, or golfing with her women’s league, being outside fuels her soul. She’s also a history buff, fascinated by European castles and daily life in centuries past. And when she’s not adventuring? She’s in the kitchen cooking with veggies from her garden, hosting friends, or knitting her latest project. “Yarn makes me happy,” she laughs,
“especially going into yarn shops and seeing all of the colors and textures.”
The Nancy Difference
At the end of the day, Nancy is more than a real estate professional. She’s a traveler, a Mom, a history lover, a hiker, a cook, and above all, a steady guide for her clients. Whether it’s raking your leaves before a showing, walking you through a 22-page Colorado contract, or simply being the calm presence you need, Nancy delivers with every detail.
She genuinely loves what she does, as evident by the smile on her face, the light in her eyes, and the joy in her heart. Goodbye, boardroom. Hello, closing table! She traded deadlines for dream homes and couldn’t be happier doing what she loves.
Nancy Blanchard
Broker Associate, Realtor® Director, BOLO
Slifer Front Range
nblanchard@sliferfrontrange.com
m: 303.517.2925
SliferFrontRange.com
WHO ARE YOU, REALLY?
BY DR. FELICIA SANTELLI
October, the month we think of Halloween. We have been seeing the display of costumes for more than a month. Children (and adults) have been planning on who they wish to be. Why are we so enthralled and excited about being someone else? Why is it so important to be that pretty princess, or the strong Superman, Spiderman, or some evil or scary character? Why do we love to hide behind a mask?
In the early 20th century costumes were geared toward spooky themes that were meant to scare off ghosts or spirits. Teens and youth wore disguises to hide their identities as they committed tricks and pranks. In some cities it became a problem that they considered banning the holiday.
Today Halloween costumes have become a multi-billion-dollar business and the traditions have changed dramatically. We no longer ward off evil spirits. The costumes of today serve the purpose of self-expression and acting out our favorite character or creature.
People enjoy dressing up as someone else for a variety of reasons, including fun, escapism, and the ability to explore different aspects of their identity. Costumes can provide a sense of freedom, allowing individuals to express hidden parts of themselves or step outside their everyday roles.
Many love dressing up. Whether it’s at three years old and want to be Sleeping Beauty, or forty going to a costume party dressed as Big Bird! It is leaving behind our everyday life and having a feeling of liberation from the person we are.
But why is it fascinating for adults to dress up? Some say there is a psychology to it.
There is a phrase attributed to Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. It means that you don’t
have to live anybody else’s life but your own. You have your unique talents and qualities; you have to discover them and use them to create something special.
If clothes make the man, can a blue polyester suit make you Superman? This is the fascination of costumes in a nutshell. But does dressing up really make us a different person? Or does it just change our wrapping?
It is important to realize that we do not need to put on a costume to switch roles. We switch roles several times every day. In the morning we might be a spouse and parent, at work we switch to employer role before becoming a child when our mom calls at lunch break. Different situations require us to fit into different roles. It comes very natural for us to think and behave differently according to these roles. We might be a stern boss, yet an indulging parent. It’s obvious that we talk to our twoyear-old daughter in a very different manner than to our investors.
It is natural for us to play different roles depending on the situation we are in. But can a costume be one of those situations? Will we change our role because of one layer of Polyester fabric? Let’s look at the psychology behind clothes.
For instance: If we see a person wearing a suit, we might think of him as a serious successful person. If he was wearing a Hobbit costume, our judgement will be different. Clothes not only change our opinion about someone, but also our behavior. Researchers found that people are more attentive when seeing a doctor’s coat.
What does all this have to do with the Superman costume? Well, we probably have strong associations about people in dark suits. We also have an opinion about Superman and
his suit. These associations might have to do with strength, confidence, and a certain sense of justice.
Different costumes help make it easier to experience feeling powerful, adventurous, beautiful, or sometimes sensual. The costume isn’t what matters, it’s the feeling we get when we step into these costumes.
Unconsciously, we take these associations and apply them to ourselves when wearing a Superman suit. As a result, we shift our role, away from everyday guy to superhero. That blue polyester suit can really make us feel like Superman — even though only to a limited extent. It will not give us incredible strength or the ability to fly, but we might adopt some of Superman’s confidence feeling powerful, strong, and fearless.
There is a thrill, excitement, and creativeness that goes into playing dress up, that everyone seems to enjoy. That’s why, when Halloween rolls around, people love to go to costume parties.
Most of us feel we lead unglamorous lives. We go to work; we pay the bills; we take care of our families; and we maintain the house. Dressing up even to go out to dinner changes the pattern.
But …I have to ask a question…if you like yourself best when you’re dressed up as somebody else, then who are you?
When you play yourself- you become free to do what you love, your life is happier, and you will be using your own superpower. And to be yourself- you have to accept your weaknesses, love your strengths, and work on what you don’t like about yourself.
Those who are most resilient and successful are authentic. They embrace every ounce of who they are. And because they own their faults, not just their successes – and they own the traits they dislike as much as the ones they love – they show up fully and confidently. In fact, there is really very little anyone can do to make you hide or pretend to be something you aren’t when you “own” all aspects of who you are.
To own it, means to accept it. Learn and grow from it. Embrace it as a part of your story. It makes you uniquely you.
Meanwhile, if you are tempted to live anyone else’s life, remember- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” This quote encourages authenticity and self-acceptance. The most beautiful aspect of each person is the uniqueness of their being. It means we each possess unique qualities, talents, and experiences that make us special and irreplaceable. Instead of trying to imitate others, one should embrace their individuality and strive to be the best version of themselves.
Marianne Williamson is best known for a quote from her book “A Return to Love”: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?”
That thought is used to inspire individuals to embrace their true potential and live authentically.
Living authentically means aligning your actions with your true beliefs, desires, and values, and is beneficial for both mental and physical well-being. It promotes inner harmony leading to increased happiness, deeper connections, and a greater sense of health and well-being.
It’s great to dress-up and have fun but remember ‘be yourself because everyone else is taken!!’
Happy Halloween!
References: https://medium.com/@susannekrausedx/thepsychology-of-dressing-up-58b50f3c6f9a https://childrenstheatre.org/2023/10/26/ahistory-of-the-halloween-costume/ https://thisibelieve.org/essay/71883/ https://electricliterature.com/dressing-up-asother-people-helped-me-learn-to-tellmy-own-story/ https://thisibelieve.org/essay/51792/ https://valorieburton.com/be-yourselfeveryone-else-is-taken/
AHEAD OF THE CURVE:
WHAT EVERY AGENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT COLORADO’S ADU LAW
Part 1: HB24-1152 Explained for Real Estate Professionals
BY JESSICA CHARLESWORTH, FOUNDER & CEO OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADUS
Colorado’s zoning rules are changing in a big way. With the passing of House Bill 241152 (HB24-1152), single-family lots in most Front Range cities will soon allow something that used to be difficult to get approved: Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs. These are secondary homes on the same property, like backyard cottages, converted garages, or basement apartments. They’re also commonly called granny flats, in-law suites, casitas, or carriage houses. Whatever you call them, they’re about to become a normal part of what buyers and sellers look for.
ADUs offer more than extra space. They create passive income opportunities, multigenerational living solutions, longterm flexibility, and added property value.
If you’re a real estate professional, this isn’t just something to keep an eye onit’s something to talk about now. Buyers are going to ask about it. Investors will start running numbers. Sellers may want to build before they list. This is your chance to stay ahead of the curve and help your clients think differently about what their property can do.
The Law, in Plain Terms
Here’s what HB24-1152 requires from cities that fall under metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) with more than 1,000 people:
ADUs must be allowed by right on all single-family lots. No special permissions or zoning exceptions needed.
No added red tape: Cities can’t impose arbitrary restrictions like design reviews or special hearings just because it’s an ADU.
Municipalities still have some authority: They may regulate reasonable setbacks, lot coverage, height, and square footage (commonly 800–1,000 SF), but these standards must be consistent with what’s required of the main home.
HOAs can’t block ADUs with stricter rules or bans.
Administrative approval only: No planning commission meetings, no public hearings.
Parking limits: At most, one additional off-street space may be required, and only in limited cases.
State incentives will be available to help keep these projects affordable and accessible.
For clients who own a single-family home in a covered area, there is now a clear path to add an ADU without unnecessary roadblocks.
Why This Matters in Your Market
This is more than a zoning change, it’s a structural shift in how property is valued, marketed, and financed.
Buyers Gain Flexibility and Future Value
ADU-ready lots open doors for multigenerational households, caregivers, and rental income. Properties with expansion potential will stand out, especially in a tightening affordability market.
Sellers Gain a New Value Proposition
No owner-occupancy requirements.
Highlighting ADU feasibility differentiates listings and can command premium pricing. Sellers can maximize their assets by conducting a feasibility study before listing, giving buyers confidence and increasing perceived value.
Investors Gain Predictability
With owner-occupancy rules lifted and administrative permitting in place, investors can reliably evaluate cash flow from both primary and secondary units. This creates strong opportunities for buy-and-hold strategies.
Affordability Gains Ground
ADUs create density without largescale development. They’re faster to build, lower cost per square foot, and generally rent below market for similar-sized apartments. Paired with incentives, they offer a viable solution to housing shortages without disrupting neighborhood character.
What to Watch
Every municipality will adopt its own implementation strategy within the state framework. Expect pre-approved ADU plans, permitting guides, and technical resources in the months ahead.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) has an ADU Toolkit for professionals. This IS a valuable resource for guiding clients and navigating local rules. https://dlg.colorado.gov/accessorydwelling-unit-toolkit
Bottom Line
HB24-1152 creates a rare alignment between housing policy and real market opportunity. Agents who master ADU regulations and bring them into client conversations will have a distinct edge.
In Part 2, we’ll turn this policy into strategy: how to evaluate a property’s ADU potential, how to market ADUready homes, and how to build a referral network of designers, builders, and lenders ready to meet demand.
For those prepared to lead, HB24-1152 isn’t a challenge, it’s a growth strategy.
About the Author
Jessica Charlesworth is the Founder & CEO of Rocky Mountain ADUs and a former
real estate agent with 8Z Real Estate in Boulder. As a fifth-generation Coloradan, she has deep roots in the community and a strong connection to the people and places that make Colorado unique. Her background in real estate gives her a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities agents face in today’s market. Jessica loves building Rocky Mountain ADUs because it allows her to combine her passion for housing, community, and education - helping families create flexible living solutions while giving professionals the tools to thrive in this new era of Colorado real estate. Through the Rocky Mountain ADUs Partner Program, agents can choose a cobranded approach where we collaborate on education and marketing, or a referral pathway where you hand clients to us and we handle the rest. Either way, we make it easy for our partners to expand their value and impact.
Appendix: Colorado MPOs
HB24-1152 applies to municipalities within MPOs (metropolitan planning organizations) with populations over 1,000. That means agents in these areas must understand local ADU regulations:
Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) – Metro Denver: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, and southwest Weld counties. DRCOG Website
North Front Range MPO (NFRMPO) – Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and surrounding areas in Larimer and Weld counties. NFRMPO Website
Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) –Colorado Springs and El Paso County. PPACG Website
Pueblo Area Council of Governments (PACOG) – Pueblo city and Pueblo County. PACOG Website
Grand Valley MPO (GVMPO) –Grand Junction and Mesa County. GVMPO Website
Why This Matters for Agents
If you work in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Grand Junction, this law impacts your business. Agents who understand ADU rules today will lead tomorrow’s conversations with buyers, sellers, and investors.
Jessica Charlesworth
720-807-5445
303-579-8317 Cell jessica@rockymtnadus.com rockymtnadus.com
