From the River to the Race – and a New Season of Service

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I still vividly remember my first introduction to this Valley—floating the Arkansas from Granite to the Gorge and camping on midriver gravel bars. That connection to the land and water brought us back every year until we finally decided to make Chaffee County our permanent home.

After retiring from school administration in Missouri, I spent five wonderful years back in the classroom teaching math at Buena Vista High School. But my desire to serve eventually led me to a new challenge: running for Chaffee County Commissioner.

The campaign was a masterclass in community and connection. What began as simple meals shared in neighbors' homes grew into a robust team of supporters across all 11 precincts. From installing scores of signs and knocking on hundreds of doors to hosting 150-person events and managing a $50,000 community-funded campaign, the process was humbling. Whether it was through radio spots, parades, or "Postcards to Every Home," I didn't just learn about the county—I learned about the people who make it special.

A New Chapter in Familiar Territory

After the election, a close confidant gave me some sage advice: "Don’t be a sore loser OR a sore winner." I took that to heart. We ran the best race possible, with absolutely no regrets. While the outcome led me down a different path, my commitment to this county never wavered.

Instead of moving on to "greener pastures," I chose to reinvest here. I have resurrected my Real Estate Broker’s license and joined a local firm with deep roots. In a remarkable twist of fate, the firm's owner and I share the exact same birthday, and our predecessors even sold real estate together decades ago in the Midwest. It felt like a sign that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Service You Can Count On

They say "overnight success" takes five years, but with the current market and the skills I’ve honed, I am hitting the ground running. The same skills I used to navigate the campaign—negotiation, legal compliance, collaboration, and tireless attention to detail—are exactly what I bring to my real estate clients.

As we look toward the new year, I would be honored to serve you once again. Please keep me in mind if you or someone you know is considering a real estate adjustment. Whether it is a first-time home purchase, a complex 1031 exchange, land development, or a simple market analysis, I bring decades of transaction experience and a deep love for this Valley to the table.

Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and for being part of this incredible journey.

Warmly,

Tom McCracken

719/398-3187

Website:TomMcCrackenBroker.com

Email: tom@brokersofcolorado.com

Email: tsmccrackenllc@gmail.com

My Blog: https://mrmccrackensblog.blogspot.com/ 

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REAL Brokers of Colorado

tom@brokersofcolorado.com

www.TomMcCrackenBroker.com

Colorado Broker # 100109143

Cell: 719/398-3187

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All information contained in this email, including property details, market data, and transactional insights, is provided for informational purposes only and is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, withdrawal without notice, and changes in price or terms and conditions. While I strive for accuracy, I am a licensed Colorado real estate agent, not an attorney, financial advisor, or tax consultant.

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Your real estate decisions should be made in consultation with appropriate professional advisors.