I am so excited to share the first in a new series called Homeowner Spotlight! There are many things I love about my job and all the hats I wear, but by far one of the best things is being able to help my people find a place to call their own! Each client brings on a new adventure as I help them find something that meets their needs and makes them feel at home. I want to share some of those people and stories with you!
First up is Michael Hinckley. Michael was such an absolute joy to work with. He’s smart, funny, and very kind. He totally adores his puppy and takes such amazing care of her. One of his biggest priorities in purchasing a home was to make sure that she had a safe space to play. It was so much fun to look at the turn-of-the-century victorians with him in the downtown area. These homes have so much character and curb appeal, I frequently left drooling over them and considering a move to the Old North End. Overall, it was such a charming experience and joy to work with Michael and help him find a place to call home. … And he even tolerated me trying to hook him up with my single lady friends! He’s a catch, ladies!
Michael Hinkley
I was born and raised in Dallas and went to school in Arkansas before moving to here Colorado Springs two years ago. Both my parents have had a huge impact on me and my love for the outdoors. Even now we still go on backpacking trips together and our first one as a family was before I could even walk! I moved here primarily because of the great climbing in close proximity and because I love spruce trees (not the smartest reasons), but I was lucky enough to get a job in software and I've been working there (now from home) since I graduated college.
The Wish List
Location was a big one for me. I really liked the area I was renting in so I wanted to stay close. I also have a very energetic puppy and wanted her to have a big back yard to play in. I didn't realize it at the time, but the kitchen made a huge impact for me as well. My old place had almost no kitchen space and I had to crouch under the stairs to use the stove (#notideal). Now that I have a functional kitchen, I'm definitely cooking and baking a lot more!
SAYING YES
The house had a style I really liked while checking all of the boxes on my list. It is old and has some issues, but all of the issues are things I will be able to manage and may enjoy working on. Plus it had a good sized garage to work on my mediocre (maybe one day award winning!) woodworking projects.
Favorite Space
I built a small climbing wall to keep me busy while things were locked down because of COVID-19. It was a pain to move and I was afraid it might not fit, but we got it into the garage! Now I can climb in there year round and have some lawn chairs for when friends come over.
FAVORITE PROJECT
The most enjoyable project so far has been tree work. There were quite a few trees growing between my house and my neighbors that had branches scrapping against both of our roofs and a tree in the front yard was taking all the shade from a small Aspen, so I pruned it to help both trees thrive! The neighbors were thrilled with the work too and said thank you with some eggs from their chickens and ducks!
Future Plans
Now that I have the space and sunlight, I'd like to try growing some vegetables. Also, my driveway is way too long for me and I think I could extend my back patio, wrapping it around the side over the end of the driveway!
Family & Pets
I have an adorable pup and the backyard space has been great for her! The size makes fetch a little more interesting than what it used to be. My old place faced a dirt alley way and now my new house has a sidewalk and a street in the front. At first she was on full guard mode every time someone walked by, but now she is comfortable with the company.
Favorite Part
My favorite part of the whole house buying process was learning from Jessica why houses were priced the way they were around town. I thought it was so fascinating!
Working With Jessica
Jessica was very patient and helpful and she taught me a lot! She helped me figure out what I wanted or why I wanted certain things and steered me in the right direction. I could tell she would analyze my reactions to a house so she could narrow down exactly what I was looking for. She was always the perfect combination of enthusiastic and realistic about each house. Overall a joy to work with professionally and an awesome person in general.
Aww…. thank you, Michael! I really enjoyed working with you and helping you find the perfect place to call home. I can already picture that outdoor entertaining space you plan to create…. dangly lights, modern planter boxes…. so dreamy.
Photos by Megan Klackner