Shedding Skins & Igniting Stride: A 2025 Review + Fire Horse Year Momentum

Today is February 17, 2026, the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, and I released this episode today on purpose.The Fire Horse comes once every 60 years. It brings passionate movement, bold momentum, and courageous action. After a year of shedding, reflecting, and doing deep inner work in the Snake year, we are finally ready to run.But before we gallop forward, I want to honor what 2025 actually asked of us, because it was hard. For me personally, and in the Utah real estate market.In this episode, I get honest about:What the Snake year revealed in me (overfunctioning, perfectionism, releasing what no longer aligned)What 2025 really looked like in Utah real estate (pricing was challenging - we were testing, adjusting, adapting)Why the Snake year market rewarded persistence and adaptability over perfectionWhat the Year of the FIRE Horse means for 2026, and why this year is differentI'm an Earth Horse (born 1978), and what it means to have my grounded nature ignited by Fire Horse energyPLUS practical real estate guidance for buyers and sellers in 2026:Why waiting for rates to drop could cost you $15,000-$25,000 on a $500K homeUtah has averaged 4% appreciation annually for 30 years - prices are going up, not downWhat's actually selling in 2026 (hint: presentation + adaptability wins)Why this is the year to act on clarity, not wait on fearThis episode is personal, reflective, and honest. It's for anyone who navigated a hard 2025 and is ready to step into 2026 with intention and courage.The shedding was necessary. The clarity was earned. Today, we move.CONNECT WITH COURTNEY:Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in 2026? Let's talk.📧 [email protected]📞 801.230.8278🌐 nielsenpropertygroup.com📍 Serving Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Utah (and beyond)If this episode resonated, please subscribe, rate, and review. Share it with someone who's ready to step into their Fire Horse year.Happy Year of the Fire Horse. Let's gallop forward, together. 🔥🐴#utahrealestate #firehorseyear #realestatepodcast #2026market #therealdealpodcast #eaglemountain #saratogasprings #homebuying #intentionalliving #lehiutah