As another year comes to a close, I always appreciate the chance to pause and reconnect. This annual Christmas letter is one small way for me to reach out to friends, past clients, and people I’ve crossed paths with over the years. These relationships truly matter to me, and I would love to hear how you are doing. A quick call, text, or email is always welcome.
If you’ve run into me at all this year, there is a good chance the conversation turned to Indiana University football. What an unbelievable run for the Hoosiers. Following the momentum from the historic 2024 season, IU 2025 undefeated and ranked number one in the country. Watching QB Fernando Mendoza win the Heisman and listening to his acceptance speech was truly amazing. It has been incredible to witness the discipline, determination, and culture that Coach Cignetti has brought to Bloomington.
As a graduate and former player, the pride runs deep. I share it with every former Hoosier who wore the jersey, and I have flt the joy from so many people cheering them on. There is a lot of hope and prayers being sent their way for a National Championship, and I am right there with everyone believing it could happen.
Family Highlights
Amy
Amy completed her third year serving at Christ Church in Oak Brook in First Impressions and Children’s Ministry. She celebrated her 30-year Hope College reunion during homecoming weekend this fall and is currently serving as National Charity League (NCL) President. One of the highlights of her year was joining Abigail, Micah, and a group of college students on a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico.
Micah
Micah continued his tradition of epic summer camping trips with close friends, this year exploring New Zealand. He also completed a second year interning at Christ Church. After four years of Hope College football, his final season came to an end in the second round of the playoffs. He has had an incredible group of loyal fans, including my mom RaRa, her friend Jane, Amy’s parents, and our Indianapolis family, who traveled often to support him. Micah will graduate next year with two degrees, one in business and one in biblical studies, and we could not be more proud.
Abigail
Abigail is in her third year at the District 86 Transition Center where she is building priceless life and job skills. She works two jobs during the school day and recently added a third at Curated by Amy Scott, a unique home décor shop in Clarendon Hills. She continues taking guitar lessons at the Clarendon Hills Music Academy and also joined the college-age mission trip to Tijuana this past summer. We are also celebrating Abigail’s 21st birthday this year! Watching her confidence and independence grow has been one of the great joys of the past few years.
Noah
Miami University of Ohio has been a great fit for Noah. He completed his first semester and is home for Christmas break. We enjoyed a fall family trip for Parents Weekend that included plenty of football and tailgating. Noah is the third of our children to graduate from Hinsdale Central High School, which we celebrated with a pool party surrounded by family and friends. He worked as a lifeguard this year and stays involved in many student activities at school.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a junior at Hinsdale Central High School and stays busy playing volleyball and lacrosse. Her summer was full of meaningful experiences, including her second mission trip to Tijuana to help build homes and a weeklong youth group trip to Arkansas spent houseboating. She is currently working toward earning her driver’s license and making steady progress.
Meaningful Moves
2025 was filled with memorable moves, both personally and professionally. I want to share a couple of stories that reminded me why I value this work so much.
Ten years ago, a job change brought a family from Florida to Clarendon Hills. What started as a relocation quickly turned into a lasting friendship. Over the years, we coached our kids’ basketball teams together, camped through Indian Guides, gathered for Bible studies in the “man cave,” and celebrated many milestones. Our wives built close friendships through church and community and even trained for the Chicago Marathon.
This year, it was time for their family to downsize and prepare their home for the market. Helping a family more than once is always meaningful, but this one was especially personal. That home was where my own family’s journey in Clarendon Hills began. Being trusted to help sell it again felt like a full-circle moment. The home had been lovingly cared for and updated, and now a young couple has moved in to begin their own chapter.
Another meaningful move involved a woman named Bobbie. After the passing of her husband, Bobbie felt called to return to Clarendon Hills from South Carolina. She had a very specific goal: a home within a particular condominium complex and within a set budget. With limited inventory, it was not an easy task.
At the same time, I was preparing to list a larger penthouse unit in that same complex for a long-time client. Through relationships, timing, and creative planning, an opportunity came together. We identified buyers in the building, Brian and Denise, who were ready to upsize. Their move created the opening Bobbie needed to purchase their smaller unit without competing in the broader market.
In the end, three clients reached their goals. My investor transitioned from the penthouse, Brian and Denise moved into a home that fit their next season, and Bobbie was able to return to Clarendon Hills and begin a new chapter. We even captured this story on video, a reminder that real estate is about people, timing, and trust.
Closing Thoughts
As I look back on 2025, I am grateful for the people behind the moments. Whether we worked together, shared a conversation on the sidelines, caught up over coffee, or simply stayed connected, I truly value that relationship.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being part of my story. I hope this Christmas season brings you rest, joy, and time with the people you love. I would genuinely enjoy hearing how you are doing and what the year ahead holds for you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a healthy, hope-filled year ahead.
Warmly,
Mike