Happy 2026 to past and current clients, friends, and family,

 

Wow, what a full and exciting year this has been, both personally and professionally. As many of you know, my life has shifted in some wonderful ways. With three children married, living across the western hemisphere, and grandchildren now part of our lives, I made a meaningful change to my career beginning in 2024.While I’m still very much “in the business,” my role has evolved. I continue working closely with my longtime full-time employee turned business partner, Kate Leach, but I’ve intentionally stepped away from the nonstop, reactive pace that today’s always-on cell-phone model demands. That change has allowed me to focus on what I do best for my clients: strategy, perspective, and trusted advice.

 

Professionally

• I represented clients with property sales in Fort Wayne, the lakes areas, Washington, DC, Maryland, Fort Myers, Chicago, San Antonio, and Vietnam — reflecting my role as a global real estate advisor.
• At the close of 2025, 5 of the top 2% of agents in the combined Northeast Indiana MLS and Kosciusko County MLS were agents I recruited, trained, and/or mentored. 
• In addition to client advisory work, I now offer consulting and mentoring support to agents.
• Kate and I continue to also operate Indiana Talent Attraction, Inc., and this year we assisted in recruiting 3 senior executives to Fort Wayne from New York City, Chicago, and Indianapolis, along with numerous nurses from outside Indiana and the US.

Personally

• We welcomed our second grandchild, a beautiful baby girl in Seattle, Mei Margaret.
• Mark and I have had the time of our lives cheering on Indiana University football at nearly every game this season (I’m writing this on the way home from the Rose Bowl!).
• After 26 years away — and far too many years working too much — I’m playing tennis again, and loving it.
• And in October, Mark and I took the trip of a lifetime to Africa, an experience we’ll never forget.

Below are a few highlights from the past year — and as a small New Year’s gift, I’m also sharing my Top 10 Tried-and-True Lifestyle Improvement Tips for 2026.

My Top 10 Lifestyle Improvement Tips for 2026

(Not necessarily real-estate related — just some wisdom I have gained reaching my 6th decade of life)

1. Start with a physiatrist for musculoskeletal pain.
   A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, trained to treat pain without surgery, focusing on movement and function. It can be a smart first step before seeing a surgeon, yet it is way under the radar.
2. Ask your eye doctor about monovision.
   Mark and I have never needed to wear readers nor had LASIK surgery. We’ve used the monovision method of wearing contacts since our 40s — one daily contact, with great near and far vision. It took me about three weeks to adjust; Mark was instant.
3. Look into bio-identical hormones — for both men and women.
   I’ve been on them for about 15 years and believe they’ve been very beneficial. Read about the 2025 findings about the prevention of breast cancer related to hormones, too.
4. Order groceries online.
   Instacart or Shipt is truly life-changing-specially when you are not feeling well,  super busy, or the weather is terrible. Help your parents this way and order for them if they can’t do electronics easily.
5. Prioritize safety in your car choice.
   I’m a big Volvo fan. My XC40 protected me in a serious rear-end collision in 2022.  I am on my 6th Volvo now for their safety features and quiet luxury.
6. Once kids are grown, rethink the big family house. A condo “home base” can free up time, energy, and capital for travel and experiences. We rented extra sleeping space for Christmas this year — it worked beautifully.
7. Plan ahead for your 80s — most people wait until it’s a crisis.
   Simplifying, reducing home maintenance, and prioritizing community, social connection, and better nutrition can make an enormous difference at this stage of life. Taking care of yourself in this phase can be a full-time job in itself.
8. Once retired, consider getting out of harsh northern winters. Warmer climates often support mobility, health, and overall quality of life. And it is much, much safer.
9. Keep your estate documents current — and help your family do the same. Review your will every year or so and be sure you have a current health care directive in place. While you’re at it, confirm that your parents and your children have done the same. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give the people you love — clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
10. Consult with me: a trusted, proven real estate advisor — just as you would a financial advisor, or a physician, or any other subject matter expert. Real estate decisions are major lifestyle and financial decisions. An expert’s perspective before action can save you from making big mistakes and optimize your decision.