The End of An Era
I’ve been thinking a lot about “eras” lately—how we define them, how we hold onto them, and what it takes to let them go. When Mark and I decided to sell Oakdale—his old home—it suddenly hit me that we’d be closing the door on a very specific chapter of our lives. And not just any chapter, but that transitional, chaotic, confusing, and sometimes exhilarating time when we first met.
Two People, Two Worlds
When Mark and I first crossed paths, I was newly divorced with two little ones—ages four and two—in tow. I was juggling a life that barely felt like mine: 70+ hour work weeks, a million emotional puzzle pieces left from a marriage that had ended, and this persistent feeling that there had to be more to life than survival mode. That was me to right juggling and surviving. Trying to hang on like Hell.
Meanwhile, Mark was in the process of expanding his real estate brokerage. He had his own heartbreaks and baggage—ending a long-term relationship, restructuring parts of his business, figuring out his place in the world again. We were in two separate orbits that just happened to collide at the exact right moment.
First Impressions
I still laugh thinking about the day I walked into Landmark Realty to meet him. I was desperate to find a new brokerage because, let’s be real, much of the real estate world can feel like a used-car lot. There I was, expecting just another sales pitch, and the first thing that slipped out of my mouth was:
“You’re taller than I thought you’d be.”
Mark raised an eyebrow, probably wondering what kind of lunatic had just stepped into his office. “How tall was I supposed to be?” he asked, totally deadpan. I had no answer. And that was our starting point—a weird, funny, unfiltered first impression.
Yet from the very beginning, Mark has had this uncanny ability to understand my quirks and extend grace for the absurdities that sometimes fly out of my mouth. It felt like a glimpse of the safe and accepting space he’d eventually come to represent in my life.
Breaking Away From “Shady”
Looking back, one of the reasons Mark and I clicked so well is that neither of us fit the usual stereotype of a “shady real estate agent.” Don’t get me wrong—there are some wonderful people in this industry—but we’ve both seen how cutthroat and superficial it can be. I was trying to run my business with integrity, but the environment I was in at the time was toxic. Let’s just say I wasn’t a good fit with the person running that show.
Meeting Mark felt like finding an oasis in a desert of nonsense. He was honest. He cared about details. He understood that people’s homes are more than just transactions. Our immediate friendship was grounded in that shared belief, which quickly evolved into something more.
From My Broker & Me to Just “Us”
In those early days, we started a little online segment called My Broker and Me, where we’d talk about real estate tips, market trends, and random banter. Watching old episodes now is both cringey and heartwarming. Sometimes Mark would outsmart me with a witty one-liner, and I’d just stare at him on camera, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Yet, beneath all the fun, we were forming a deep connection.
Before long, it wasn’t just My Broker and Me. It was “us.” We spent more time together, blending our lives, our ambitions, and all those rough edges from our pasts. Blending families, finances, and schedules is never simple. There were arguments, misunderstandings, and plenty of nights we questioned if we were crazy for even trying. But we kept choosing each other.
Becoming Whole
As we grew closer, many of my own insecurities began surfacing—leftovers from failed relationships, divorce, and the identity crisis of being a single mom. I used to think I should just accept whatever came my way, that I didn’t deserve better. Mark showed me differently. He challenged me to see my worth, to want more for myself—and for us.
That shift in mindset changed everything: how I parent, how I run my business, and how I share space in a relationship. We both had to confront our own limiting beliefs, the stories we told ourselves about who we were and what we deserved. The more we let go of those old stories, the deeper our bond became.
The House That Wasn’t
Fast-forward a few years, and we found ourselves considering building a new home in Brownstown. If you’ve read my previous blog—“When the Hardest Part Really Is the Hardest Part”—you know it didn’t work out for a bunch of reasons.
Recently, we drove by that lot. On most weekends, we love driving around, exploring new places, and talking about everything from the week’s chaos to our future dreams. I honestly can’t remember the last time we turned on the radio, because we’re always caught up in conversation—Mark’s hand on my knee, my hand on his. That’s exactly how it went the other day when we passed the Brownstown lot. We looked at each other and realized how much had changed since we first considered building there. The realization that we’d grown—both as individuals and as a couple—hit us hard.
Selling Oakdale
Which brings us to Oakdale—Mark’s old home. It’s the place he’s known for years, back when he was single, back when our relationship was just a glimmer in the distance. Now, we’re selling it. And while on the surface it’s just a piece of property, on an emotional level, it’s so much more. It represents the end of an era in the most profound way.
For me, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come—separately and together. It’s like closing the last door on our former lives, letting go of baggage, heartbreak, and the self-doubt that once held us back. It’s liberating and terrifying all at once.
Reflecting on the Journey
Sometimes I think about how different my life would be if I hadn’t walked into Landmark Realty that day, or if Mark hadn’t taken a chance on me—both professionally and personally. I remember those lonely nights after my divorce, questioning every decision, and how each step—no matter how painful—led me here.
“Here” is a place of partnership, laughter, and endless conversations in the car. It’s also a place of letting go: letting go of Oakdale, letting go of old stories about who we are, and welcoming the unknown of wherever we call home next and our family!
Moving Forward
Even though Oakdale is officially in our rearview mirror, we’re beyond thrilled to be building our dream home—though it looks different than we ever imagined. This new adventure feels like the perfect next step for who we are today. If you’d like more backstory on how we got here, check out my previous blog: When the Hardest Part Really Is the Hardest Part
Here’s to closing out one era with gratitude while stepping into another with hope and excitement. Because sometimes, letting go is exactly what makes room for the future you never knew you always wanted. I can personally attest to that. Next time we chat I have some pretty exciting news to share...
Talk to you then...
Cassie
