Full Circle with The Christi Reece Group

Living in Western Colorado’s dry climate might make you think mold isn’t something you need to worry about—but that’s a common misconception. 

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, REALTOR® Christina Sadler sits down with Seth Washburn of 1-800 Water to uncover what homeowners, buyers, and sellers need to know about mold and water damage. From hidden leaks and musty smells to swamp coolers, new construction, and common mold treatment mistakes, this conversation breaks down the warning signs that are easy to overlook—and the steps you can take to protect your home.

In this episode, we discuss:
- Why mold can grow even in Western Colorado’s dry climate
- The hidden places water damage and mold can develop
- Warning signs every homeowner should look for
- How swamp coolers and excess moisture can contribute to mold
- What home inspections can—and can’t—tell you about mold
- Why bleach isn’t always the answer to a mold problem
- When it’s time to call a water damage or mold remediation professional

Whether you’re buying a home, preparing to sell, or simply protecting the investment you already have, understanding moisture and mold can help you catch potential problems before they become bigger headaches.

Watch now and learn what could be hiding behind the walls, under the sinks, or above the ceiling of your home.

What does it take to build a community people actually want to come home to? On this episode of Fresh Foundations, we sat down with Heather Crider of BOA Builders to find out.

BOA Builders has been a family-owned name in the Grand Valley since 1982. In this episode we dig into that story, then head to Orchard Mesa and Chipeta Hollows, Grand Junction's new 55+ lock-and-leave community of 88 homes. Think resort-style amenities (pool, pickleball, fitness center, golf simulator, dog park) right next to Chipeta Golf Course.

We also get into:
-The website: interactive floor plans where you add upgrades like fireplaces, wet bars, and wood beams and watch the price update in real time.
-The design: single-level, courtyard-style homes with statement lighting, wood beams, and thoughtful details like wider shower entries
-The build: all-electric, ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready homes, and what that means for your utility bills.
-What's next for BOA Builders after Chipeta Hollows.

Whether you're thinking about downsizing, building new, or just love a good Grand Valley development story, this one's for you.

The Christi Reece Group provides ReFreshing Real Estate services in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and surrounding areas of Mesa County. Contact us at [email protected], 970-589-7700, or visit us at our offices at 1601 Riverfront Dr, Suite 103 in Grand Junction, CO.

What does it take to go from growing up in project housing to becoming a leader at Colorado Mesa University?

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, Christi Reece sits down with Dr. Roberto Montoya, Senior Vice President of Student Services at Colorado Mesa University, for a deeply personal conversation about his journey from poverty in Albuquerque to leadership in higher education—and the people and opportunities that helped shape his path.

Roberto shares how his mother’s determination, his family’s educational legacy, and one unexpected opportunity to visit CMU as a prospective student changed the trajectory of his life. He reflects on arriving at Mesa State in the 1990s, feeling like he didn’t belong, nearly leaving, and ultimately discovering that CMU was exactly where he needed to be.

Today, Montoya has returned to CMU in a leadership role, helping create opportunities for students who may be navigating college as first-generation, rural, low-income, or adult learners. He discusses the importance of affordability, belonging, education, career pathways, and making sure students have the support they need to change not only their own lives, but the lives of future generations.

The conversation also explores Montoya's winding career through business, government, education, and higher education—and how every chapter ultimately prepared him for the work he is doing today.

From project housing to CMU leadership, this is a story about opportunity, perseverance, education, and coming full circle.

Condo financing is changing, and if you own a condo, are thinking about buying one, or plan to sell in the next few years, these changes could matter more than you think.

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, REALTOR® Dylan Warner with The Christi Reece Group sits down with local lender Rick Reynolds of Fairway Mortgage to break down the latest changes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and what they could mean for condo buyers, sellers, and HOAs.

From full project reviews and HOA reserves to deferred maintenance, insurance, investor concentration, and upcoming reserve requirements, Dylan and Rick explain what’s changing—and what condo owners should be paying attention to now.

They also discuss why some of these changes could create new opportunities for buyers, why HOA involvement is becoming increasingly important, and what sellers can do today to prepare for a future sale.

If you own a condo or are considering buying one, this is a conversation worth hearing before you make your next move.

In this episode of Fresh Foundations, we sit down with Dave Hancock of Mag 7 Construction & Development and Kim Ferrans, New Construction/Development Realtor®, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to build custom in today's market.

Dave shares the story behind Mag 7 Construction & Development's rebrand from Porter Homes, what's changed, what's stayed the same, and where the company is headed next. He and Kim break down what "custom build" actually means, walk through a realistic timeline from breaking ground to move-in day, and dig into what makes representing a builder different from representing a buyer. Kim also gives a look at what her role as a New Construction/Development Realtor® involves day to day, plus a preview of Soaring Eagle Subdivision for anyone considering their next custom build.

Whether you're just starting to explore building a custom home or you're deep into the process already, this episode is packed with insight from two people who live and breathe new construction on the Western Slope.

The Christi Reece Group provides ReFreshing Real Estate services in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and surrounding areas of Mesa County. Contact us at [email protected], 970-589-7700, or visit us at our offices at 1601 Riverfront Dr, Suite 103 in Grand Junction, CO.

What really goes into commercial real estate after the “For Lease or For Sale” sign goes up? In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of CRG’s Commercial Real Estate and Property Management division to explore the people, services, and strategy that keep commercial properties running smoothly.

From leasing and property management to working with owners, tenants, and investors, we’re breaking down what this side of the real estate business actually looks like—and why having the right team behind a property can make all the difference.

Tune in for an inside look at what CRG’s commercial division does, who they serve, and the work that happens behind the buildings you see every day.

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, we break down the home buying process from the first conversation with a lender and REALTOR® all the way through inspections, appraisal, closing, and getting the keys.

We’re covering what first-time buyers often get wrong, including the myth that you need 20% down, how pre-qualification works, what to expect from an appraisal, and why budgeting for repairs and maintenance matters.

We’ll also talk about the due diligence steps that can help protect your investment, including home inspections, radon testing, and sewer scopes, plus what actually happens during the final walkthrough and closing.

And because buying a home today looks different than it did a few years ago, we’ll explain written buyer agreements, agent compensation, and why homeowners insurance should be part of your conversation before you fall in love with a property.

If you're considering buying your first home in Grand Junction or the Grand Valley, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode:

• How to build your home-buying team
• Getting pre-qualified and understanding your budget
• FHA vs. conventional loans
• How much you really need for a down payment
• What happens when a home doesn’t appraise
• Inspections, radon tests & sewer scopes
• Understanding closing costs
• The final walkthrough
• Buyer agreements and REALTOR® compensation
• Homeowners insurance considerations
• Finding the right part of the Grand Valley for your lifestyle

Have questions about buying your first home? Contact The Christi Reece Group—we’re here to help you understand the process and make confident decisions along the way.

Radon. Roofs. Foundation cracks. Crawl spaces nobody wants to enter. We're breaking down the home inspection — what it covers, what it misses, and how to read the report without spiraling. REALTOR® Karen Sadler sits down with Jeremy Robinson, of Igneous Inspections for a Deep Dive on home inspections. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious what's happening under your own house, this one's worth the listen!

The Christi Reece Group provides ReFreshing Real Estate services in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and surrounding areas of Mesa County. Contact us at [email protected], 970-589-7700, or visit us at our offices at 1601 Riverfront Dr, Suite 103 in Grand Junction, CO.

Mesa County covers 3,300 square miles — and Sheriff Todd Rowell is responsible for all of it.

In this episode, we sit down with the man behind the badge. Rowell walks us through growing up on the Western Slope in a small coal-mining town, his years in the Marine Corps, and the decision to come back to Western Colorado and start at the bottom as a patrol deputy in 2000.

From there, it's 26 years of climbing: patrol, professional standards, court services, undersheriff, and finally sheriff. Two Life Saving Medals along the way. Today he also leads the County Sheriffs of Colorado — giving Mesa County a louder voice at the Capitol.

We also get into how the office actually runs day to day: 911 dispatch, investigations, the detention facility, search and rescue, emergency management, and wildland fire.

It's an honest look at public safety in the Grand Valley, straight from the top.

You’ve got real estate questions. We’ve got an expert. 🎙️

Welcome back to The Inner Circle, where we sit down with local real estate experts to get straight answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and homeowners are actually asking.

In this episode, we’re putting REALTORS® Doug & Lindsey Yochem in the hot seat. 🔥 From navigating today’s market to what clients should know before making their next move, we’re getting into the questions that matter most.

Real conversations and expert insight from the people who live and work in Western Colorado real estate.