My name is Sonja, and I am a mother, former (potential future) wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, leader, writer, mentor, former actress, runner, nurturer and light carrier. Professionally, I have been in real estate for over 30 years, including property management, real estate agent and real estate appraisal instructor. My predominant role has been as a certified real estate appraiser for the last 17 years, currently as an appraiser manager.

My hope is to bring life and laughter through motivational and entertaining writings, based upon my life as a 50 plus year-old woman in corporate America and an entrepreneur. My point of view is often oddly influenced by or inspired by some real estate concept which crystalizes the real state of affairs in my mind.

The precipice for this virtual, yet intimate space is that this is where I can just be, write and allow my truth to bubble over and hopefully inspire someone else. My story is not unique. I admit that I was a chronic, toxic nurturer. I gave and gave way too much, too often and oftentimes more than was even needed or desired. But, I see now that I had wrapped my self-definition and worth in who I was in relation to others. The result was resentment and frustration. Eventually it all started to unravel - beginning with the breakup of a long-term relationship, my youngest daughter gaining proven independence, my enforcing necessary distance and boundaries in friend and family relationships and finally my 15-year-old dog crossed the rainbow bridge in January 2023. Even numerous plants, all besides one very stubborn plant which requires little care, died. It became jarringly clear that ALL I had left to pour into, to love on, support, pamper, spoil and nurture to greatness was ME! One small piece of that endeavor is my writing which I placed on the back burner or just never followed through with…until now. Pencils up!

All of the “ I should have, could have” goals no longer had excuses. It was time for a gut rehabilitation.

 In real estate terms, a gut rehab is when a property is stripped to its core for complete renovation. This involves removing systems, plumbing, windows, walls, flooring and leaving only the structural frame in place. Ultimately the renovated property will lower its effective age - increasing the remaining economic life. (I know, we will get into those terms another time). Suffice it to say, the process expands life.

 The Real State of Affairs is an entertainment lifestyle blog geared towards those interested in relationships, travel, family, fitness, wellness, real estate and all things expanding life. As I lean into living my authentic life, I hope I can encourage you to step outside of your fears and live out loud, no…even louder than that. These blog posts will not be a diary, but I will share anecdotes as I remind myself, and hopefully inspire others to be fully authentic and face the real state of affairs of your life. Join me.