Surviving a Remodel, Holiday Travels & What’s Next for Housing


Hi friends,

With no travel this past month, I’ve finally settled into a semi-normal routine with work, exercise, and healthy habits — semi being the key word, because our kitchen and main living areas are completely under construction. We’ve been living with dust, plastic-wrapped furniture, and the nonstop soundtrack of drills and hammers. Alex and I are basically quarantined to our offices, but I keep reminding myself: it’s going to be worth it!

A few things I’ve learned while living through my own remodel & being the key decision maker:

  • Be ready to make one million decisions, and fast — even when 4–6 guys are staring at you waiting for direction.
  • Delays are inevitable. Optimism helps, but realism wins.
  • Keep a notepad of ideas, questions, and tweaks so they don’t live in your brain at 3a.m.
  • Things won’t go exactly as planned, and that’s okay.
  • Communicate everything. Contractors aren’t mind readers.
  • Expect to second-guess some choices… and then get excited when the vision finally starts taking shape.

Despite the chaos, I’ve actually loved it. Seeing the creativity of each tradesperson and watching my ideas come to life has been incredibly fulfilling.

This week we’re off to Horseshoe Bay, Texas to see my mom’s new home there and spend Thanksgiving with family. Excited to experience what all this Texas buzz is about and have a little break from the construction zone.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday, enjoy the time with your loved ones, and eat lots of good food.

Kaylee

REAL TALK — Big-Picture National Housing Trends + A Look Ahead to 2026

CURRENT LISTINGS — Desert Modern Estate in the Ridges - New Price!

IN GOOD HEALTH — Why Creatine Isn't Just for Bodybuilders

THE MUSE Embracing the AI Revolution

LOCAL LOVE — Holiday Festivities to do in Las Vegas this Season

THE EDIT — 5 Things To Look For When Buying Antiques

Big-Picture NATIONAL Housing Trends + A Look Ahead to 2026

As we wrap up 2025, the national housing market is sending mixed—but surprisingly encouraging—signals. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s driving the market now and what to watch as we head into 2026.

Rates & Affordability

  • Interest rates ticked up slightly since October but remain near 3-year lows.
  • Affordability has improved—still challenging, but better than earlier this year.

Economic Backdrop

  • The stock market has been volatile since late October’s peak.
  • This has created both hesitation and renewed interest in real estate as a stability play.
  • The new NAR Buyer & Seller Report shows shifting demographics, new search patterns, and a continued rise in lifestyle-driven moves.

Market Activity

  • Seasonal slowdown is here, but underlying activity is holding strong:
    • +5% new listings year-over-year
    • Slight increase in pending sales
    • +3% rise in October closings compared to last year
  • Months Supply of Inventory is down from summer (when there was higher demand) but still above last year due to more listings.
  • Price reductions rose 20%, but mostly because inventory has grown—not due to distressed selling.

What to Watch in Early 2026

  • Fed policy will be the biggest driver: only two small cuts in 2025 so far.
  • Unemployment is inching up but still low historically.
  • Expect Q1 to be shaped by interest rate decisions, election-year volatility and pent-up supply and demand that’s been building since 2020

Thinking About Making a Move?

Let’s Talk Before the Market Shifts Again.

If you're considering buying, selling, or investing in 2026, the next 60–90 days are when strategy matters most. I can walk you through the data for your specific neighborhood, help you time the market intelligently, and make sure you’re positioned ahead of the curve—not reacting to it.

Reply to this email or text me anytime, I'd love to talk strategy with you.

Kaylee@LuxuryEstates.com | 720.837.3805 | The Austin Sherwood Group

11451 Opal Springs Way

SILVER RIDGE | THE RIDGES

Set on one of the community’s premier, private lots with no home directly behind, this designer-furnished home offers 4 beds & 4.5 baths with refined indoor-outdoor flow.

Expansive pocket doors open to a tranquil courtyard with fountain and a resort-style backyard featuring pool, water feature, fire wall & outdoor kitchen. The gourmet kitchen boasts Thermador appliances, quartz countertops & oversized island. The upstairs primary suite is a private retreat with fireplace, lounge, balcony, spa-inspired bath & custom closet.

Offered turn key, fully furnished by THE Interior Design LLC. Residents enjoy access to Club Ridges fitness, pools, tennis & pickleball.

Now Offered at $3,825,000!

Why creatine isn't just for bodybuilders

I started taking creatine recently, and I’m genuinely shocked at how quickly I’ve noticed the difference - stronger workouts, better muscle maintenance, and a surprising boost in mental energy/focus. And here’s the thing: creatine isn’t just for athletes. It’s one of the most researched, safest, and most effective supplements for everyday wellness.

Why you should consider it:

  • Muscle strength + tone: Supports lean muscle growth and helps you maintain it — especially if you’re lifting or doing any strength-based training.
  • Brain power: Creatine fuels ATP production, which your brain loves. Many people report better mental clarity, focus, and energy.
  • Healthy aging: As we get older, muscle mass naturally declines. Creatine helps slow that process down.
  • Neuroprotective benefits: Early research shows creatine may support long-term brain health and reduce factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (not a treatment, but extremely promising).
  • Daily performance: Ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle, even if you’re not “working out hard.”

How to use it:

Most people feel a difference with 3–5g daily, mixed into water or a smoothie. Look for creatine monohydrate, which is the gold standard in research. I've been using this creatine from Momentous. Small addition, big impact, I’m already a fan.

EMBRACING THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REVOLUTION

On The Optimism Gap in AI:

"The public is freaked out by it. Only 23% of US adults say AI will have a positive impact on how people do their jobs over the next 20 years.

And that gap should excite you—because that’s where life-changing opportunities are found. If everyone else underestimates the value of something, it becomes that much more valuable if you really commit to it.

Every revolution rewards the people who lean in while everyone else hesitates. AI happens to move ten times faster.

Which means a year of hesitation today costs you a decade tomorrow."

-Mark Manson

FESTIVE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN LAS VEGAS

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Each season, the insanely talented horticulture and engineering teams completely transform the 14,000–square-foot Botanical Gardens—and the holidays might just be the most magical of all. This year, you can hop aboard The Bellagio Express and wander through a Christopher Radko–inspired winter wonderland filled with sparkling details and festive charm.

11/15/25 - 1/3/26

Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark

Another holiday favorite in Vegas is Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark. It’s an immersive, twinkling world of lights with a storybook-style maze, larger-than-life displays, ice skating, and plenty of festive treats. Everywhere you turn feels like a scene out of a winter fairytale. It’s such a fun way to kick off the season—whether you’re going with friends, family, or on a cozy date night—and it instantly puts you in that warm, festive holiday mood.

11/21/25 - 12/28/25

Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau

For a chic, winter-in-the-desert moment, the Oasis Ice Rink at Fontainebleau is such a fun holiday stop. The outdoor rink is surrounded by glowing lights, luxe lounge vibes, seasonal cocktails, and that signature Fontainebleau sparkle. It feels festive without being over the top—just the right mix of elegant and playful. Whether you’re skating under the lights or cozying up by the fire pits, it’s a beautiful way to get into the holiday spirit right on the Strip.

11/24/25 - 1/4/26

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

A must-see holiday tradition in Vegas is the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. It’s a charming, family-friendly wonderland filled with millions of lights, whimsical displays, holiday rides, and that nostalgic, old-school Christmas magic you don’t find everywhere. Strolling through the decorated trees, sipping hot cocoa, and taking in all the sparkle instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. Plus, every visit supports a great cause, making it feel even more special.

11/29/25 - 12/31/25

5 Things I Always Look For When Buying Antiques

I’ve been really into collecting items that have character, charm, and a history of their own — pieces I can display around my home. But shopping for and investing in antiques can feel a little overwhelming, so here are a few things I like to look for:

  1. Natural patina - Aged brass, worn leather, speckled silver, rough stone, imperfect wood, and time-earned character add warmth and authenticity. Don’t shy away from imperfections - they’re often the best part.
  2. Unique silhouettes - Interesting shapes, unusual curves, oversized proportions, or architectural lines make a piece feel collected, not store-bought.
  3. Provenance or story - If the vendor knows where a piece came from (a specific decade, maker, region, or original owner) even better. It adds meaning and often increases value.
  4. Timeless materials - Marble, brass, iron, linen, stone, pottery, and solid hardwood stand the test of time. They age beautifully and mix well with modern decor.

My favorite spot to shop for antiques in Las Vegas is Grouse House Antiques! They go to the markets in France a few times a year to hand select every item that then then have shipped over to the states. It's run by a fabulous mom/daughter duo and they are amazing! A place you must check out!!

7945 W. Sahara Ave Suite 202, Las Vegas, NV 89117
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Kaylee Gallagher

I'm a real estate agent & investor, holistic health junkie and avid traveler. I love talking about smart real estate moves, interior design, health & wellness, and my travels near & far. Subscribe to my newsletter where I share a little of everything that makes up my world.

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