Projects, Progress, and Purpose: Our November–December Update
- Michele Correa
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
What We’re Up To
November and December went by in a blur as I’m sure it did for most of you. Actually 2025 did! These past two months have been full of progress, lessons, and meaningful moments—both in our projects and in life—and they’ve reinforced why we continue to build with intention, integrity, and long-term vision.
What We’ve Been Working On
It’s been a very active construction season, and our team has been juggling a lot of moving parts.
Flip Project
We’ve taken this one off the market for now. There are several items that need to be corrected properly, along with additional permits required. While it’s never fun to hit pause, doing things right and safely always comes first. This project has given us about 5 flip projects worth of education in one flip!
Dollhouse Project
The proper foundation is in, instead of the previous two by fours on grass. The upper unit is finished with the exception of one new window that is on order. The main unit is underway and will now become a large three-bedroom unit instead of a cramped and awkward two-bedroom unit, improving both livability and long-term value.
This project has been frustrating and a major test of patience. It is good to see the finish line in sight. We will also sleep at night knowing we have fixed it safely and correctly instead of taking shortcuts and using bandaids.
Infill Developments
One infill is fully framed, with mechanical almost complete.
Two have foundations in and framing has started
One is ready for demolition
Two more are currently in permitting
This work reinforces the importance of missing middle housing. By using land thoughtfully and intentionally, we’re able to create well-designed, livable homes that people can truly afford in the neighbourhoods where housing is needed most. Each of these infill projects, add 8 homes to the neighbourhood in a mixture of 3 bedroom up/down townhome style homes and 2 bedroom basement suite style homes. These projects help increase housing supply, reduce sprawl, and strengthen existing communities, while also creating strong long-term assets for our investment partners and ourselves.
Financing Reality Check
Construction financing continues to be slow and challenging, often taking far longer than expected. To keep projects moving forward and on track, we’ve worked with private lenders as an interim solution while waiting for financing to complete. Flexibility and strong relationships have mattered more than ever this year.
This has also created opportunities for those who want to be the bank and put their money to work for them, which I share more about below.
U.S. Expansion
Our planned U.S. expansion for 2025 was intentionally put on hold due to the volume of Canadian projects underway and a very full travel and construction schedule.
That said, we’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead. Our focus will be on luxury short-term rentals in the U.S., giving us diversification across both market and investment strategy.
This expansion is something we’re very passionate about and actively preparing for. The plan is to have a mix of styles from the bigger family styles with “all the things” such as a pool, hot tub, pickleball court, fire pit, outdoor games, movie rooms, games rooms etc., to the calmer mountain wellness retreat styles with the focus on relaxation and calm. I tried my hand at the new Chatgpt craze of creating images, the results are below ;). If this is something that interests you to vacation at or partially own (and pay for your vacations) reach out!
Community Matters
One of the highlights of the season was our annual Ugly Sweater Christmas party. We welcomed over 80 investors into our home, and it was everything we love about this community. Laughter, great conversations, shared stories, and some very creative sweaters. It is always such a fun evening as we celebrate our wins and lessons of the year, and deepen our relationships. Thank you for being part of something that feels like more than investing. It’s community.
Our Corporate Retreat in Asia
Doug and I spent 23 days in Asia on a corporate retreat. Makenzie was able to join us for 2 of the weeks.
We used this time to review our business honestly and thoughtfully, where we stood in 2025, what went right, what we need to tweak, plan for 2026 and beyond, and research luxury short- term rentals firsthand. It was great having 2 of our business advisors alongside us too to offer their thoughts and insight. We also made space for life, joy, and learning. I love to learn about people and different cultures everywhere we go.
Some highlights included a private pool overlooking the ocean in Bali, our first butler experience, touring Singapore with a local who shared deep insights into the country’s history and city planning, meeting Charlie the baby elephant at an ethical sanctuary, receiving blessings from a Hindu priest in a local temple, meaningful conversations about business and life, and a lot of laughter.
And yes, I may have wondered where my butler bringing me tea was when I got home.
Christmas and Gratitude
Christmas was a wonderful celebration filled with cherished traditions, a few new ones, and meaningful time with friends and family. It was a lovely relaxing break including walks, good food, good books, and even a couple of naps. Moments like these are always a reminder of why we do what we do and the freedom we are intentionally building.
Key Lessons from This Year
As we close out the year, a few lessons stand out clearly:
Clarity over complexity.
As an investor, I’ve learned that clarity matters far more than complexity. Understanding exactly how a deal works is more valuable than how sophisticated it sounds. Also, getting clear on what moves the needle forward and not getting stuck in the busyness is key.
Systems protect relationships.
Clear expectations, good communication, and putting things in writing are a must, it saves time, money, and unnecessary stress. Strong systems don’t just protect projects, they protect people.
Not every lesson comes from a win.
Some of the most valuable learning has come from challenges, delays, and moments that required patience, pivoting, and recalibration. Those experiences sharpen judgment in ways success alone never could.
Action beats perfection.
I’ve learned that due diligence is always a snapshot in time. You gather enough information, make a decision, and move forward knowing you can’t predict the future.
Integrity over speed, always.
Doing things the right way may take longer, but it’s how long-term wealth and trust are built. This principle hasn’t changed, no matter how many deals I’ve done.
I’m deeply grateful for investors and partners who value transparency, education, and purpose alongside returns. Real estate is a team sport, and I don’t take that lightly.
What I'm Listening To
This book was especially meaningful during our time in Asia. It tells the story of building a world-class brand rooted in service, culture, and long-term thinking.
While in Bali, we stayed at a Four Seasons resort, and the philosophy from the book was evident everywhere. You could feel it in how the property was run and, most importantly, in the people. Many of the staff we spoke with had been with the company for 10 to 20 years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
Their genuine smiles, attention to detail, and desire to help weren’t scripted. They came from feeling respected, valued, and proud of where they work. It was a powerful reminder that when people are treated well, excellence follows. A lesson that applies just as much to business and investing as it does to hospitality.
Top 5 Takeaways:
1. Culture is not a slogan. It’s built through daily actions, consistency, and leadership that genuinely cares about people.
2. Take the long view. Sustainable success comes from prioritizing reputation, relationships, and quality over short-term wins.
3. People first, always. When team members feel respected and supported, they naturally deliver exceptional experiences.
4. Excellence is in the details. Small, thoughtful touches compound into trust, loyalty, and a premium experience.
5. Leadership sets the tone. The values of the organization must be lived from the top down—anything else eventually shows.
Listening to this while experiencing the brand firsthand reinforced something I deeply believe: when you build with integrity and intention, the results speak for themselves.
A Resource We Love
If you enjoy reflection and intentional planning, I highly recommend this free tool:
It’s a downloadable PDF designed to help you reflect on 2025 and intentionally design your ideal 2026. The questions are thoughtful and grounding and a great way to start the year with clarity.
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Want to Partner With Us
There are currently two ways to work with us more closely.
You can be the bank through private lending, secured by real estate, while earning returns and helping projects move forward.
Or you may be interested in investing alongside us in luxury short-term rentals as we expand into this space.
If either resonates, simply reply to this email or reach out. We’d love to have a conversation.
Thank you for being part of our investor community. Your trust, support, and shared belief in purposeful real estate mean more than I can express.
Here’s to building wealth with integrity and creating the freedom to live life on your terms.
Invest with Purpose. Build Wealth.
Create the Freedom to Live Life on Your Terms.
Let's Stay Connected
What are you working on this month? What are your goals for the year? I’d love to hear — just hit reply and share what you’re building, learning, or celebrating.
If you’re ready to explore hands-free, purposeful investing — from private lending to infill developments and luxury short-term rentals — reach out to us at michele@correaequitypartners.com.
Let’s talk about your goals and see how we can help you invest with purpose.
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