Colorado
Front Range & Beyond
Buyer representation, seller strategy, relocation and investment guidance led by Mark Pepper.
Explore Colorado →
Colorado & Florida Real Estate
Where do you want to be?
Colorado
Explore Colorado Real Estate
Mountains, Front Range & beyond →
Florida
Explore Florida Real Estate
Coastal living & Florida communities →
One standard of service. Two exceptional markets.
Planning a PCS? Explore military relocation support →Real Estate Markets
Choose Your Market
One brand, one standard of service, tailored to two distinct real estate markets.
Florida
Florida Real Estate
Buyer and seller representation with experienced guidance for Florida transactions.
Explore Florida →Client Experiences
Community Reviews
Read what clients say about working with Mark Pepper.
Selected excerpts from client reviews of Mark Pepper.
For Buyers
Buy with clarity and confidence.
From the first search through financing, appraisal, inspections and closing, Merritt & Mitten helps buyers understand how the pieces fit together.
Request a Buyer ConsultationProperty SearchColorado and Florida market guidance.
Offer StrategyPricing, terms and negotiation support.
Financing InsightCoordination with the mortgage provider you choose.
For Sellers
Position the property. Protect the outcome.
Strategic pricing, professional presentation, thoughtful marketing and a clear understanding of buyer financing help reduce surprises and strengthen negotiations.
Request a Seller ConsultationPricing StrategyMarket-informed recommendations without chasing the listing.
MarketingPremium presentation built around the Merritt & Mitten brand.
Transaction ManagementProactive communication from listing through closing.
Military Relocation · Colorado & Florida
New orders.
A place to call home.
A permanent change of station (PCS) comes with a lot to coordinate. Whether you’re heading to Colorado, settling in Florida, or preparing to sell before your next move, let’s build a plan around your family’s needs.
Every member of the Merritt & Mitten team has a military connection. That shared connection shapes the care, communication, and attention we bring to your move.
Mark served in the Army’s 1st Ranger Battalion from 1996 to 1999. Lexi is an Army spouse who has moved with her family from San Diego to Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. Our whole team is here to help you feel at home in your next chapter.
Let’s work through the details.
Your timing
Talk through your reporting date, home search, or sale so we can map out the next steps together.
Your next community
Explore Colorado or Florida locations around the commute, home features, and everyday routines that matter to you.
A move from a distance
Discuss virtual walkthroughs, questions about a property, and ways to stay involved when you can’t be there in person.
A familiar point of contact for an unfamiliar place.
Mark Pepper leads our real estate brokerage in Colorado and Florida. Our team helps buyers and sellers plan their move, understand their choices, and stay informed through closing.
Real estate brokerage services are provided through Merritt & Mitten. Mortgage applications are handled separately through the identified mortgage provider. You are free to choose your lender independently.
View mortgage provider details →Merritt & Mitten Team
Local real estate guidance in both markets.
Every member of our team has a military connection. We bring that shared perspective to serving you in Colorado and Florida.
Hannah Gallagher
Broker Associate | REALTOR® • Florida
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Hi, I’m Hannah, a trusted real estate professional and dedicated advocate throughout your home journey.
My passion for real estate comes from a genuine love for helping people through some of life’s biggest milestones. With a strong background in customer service and leadership, I’ve built my career around communication, attention to detail, and always putting my clients first.
Early in my professional journey, I was encouraged to pursue real estate and was given the opportunity to turn that belief into a lifelong career. Since then, I’ve focused on building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and results.
My goal is to make every buying or selling experience as smooth, stress-free, and rewarding as possible. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading to your dream space, or investing in property, I’m here to guide you with confidence, transparency, and care.
To me, real estate is about more than transactions—it’s about helping you find a place where your next chapter begins.
I would be honored to be part of your journey.
Alexis (Lexi) Vandel
Broker Associate | REALTOR® • Florida
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Hi, I’m Lexi!
I’m an Army wife, mommy to three amazing kids, and your local REALTOR® here in Florida. My husband and I have been doing military life for almost 10 years now, so when I say I understand the stress of PCS moves, I really mean it!
We’ve moved from San Diego to Georgia, North Carolina, and now Florida. I know firsthand what it’s like to pack up your life, start over somewhere new, and try to make a house feel like home again. And honestly? Moving is A LOT.
That’s why I’m here—to take some of the load off you so you can enjoy the process and maybe, just maybe, have a little fun along the way.
Outside of real estate, I’m your girl for all things holistic living, functional medicine, natural wellness, sourdough, and finding ways to live a healthier (but realistic) lifestyle. I love chatting about all the crunchy stuff, so if you want to talk real estate AND your favorite natural remedies, we’ll probably get along just fine!
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a home, or making another PCS move, I’m here to make the process feel less overwhelming and a whole lot more enjoyable. I’ll be in your corner, helping you navigate the details, answering all the questions, and making sure you never feel like you’re doing it alone.
Because buying or selling a home should be exciting—not stressful. And if we can laugh a little along the way? Even better!
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, I’d love to help you find the place that feels like home!
Sophia Hudgeons
Transaction Coordinator
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I’m excited to be part of the team as a Transaction Coordinator. I enjoy staying organized, keeping track of the details, and helping make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. I take pride in being dependable, staying one step ahead, and making sure things are taken care of.
Outside of work, I love going to the beach and spending time with my family. I’m looking forward to getting to know our clients and being part of making their real estate experience a great one.
Merritt & Mitten(337) 278-0388sophia@merrittmitten.com
Mark Pepper
Broker/Owner • Colorado & Florida
CO IR100100707 • FL BK3569283
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Mark is a proud military veteran who takes pride in the level of customer service he provides to all his clients. Known for being in the “Peace of Mind Business,” Mark is not satisfied with the typical home-buying process, as his main goal is always to provide his clients with a truly exceptional experience.
With over 18 years in the financial services industry, Mark uses his vast industry knowledge to create maximum value when guiding clients through complex financial decisions. His strong negotiating skills ensure best-case scenarios for all who work with him.
Prior to working in the financial industry, Mark was honored to serve in the 1st Ranger Battalion during his time in the Army from 1996 to 1999. His time serving his country cemented a love of travel, adventure, and volunteerism. Current and past licenses and certifications include FINRA Series 6 and Series 63 investment broker licenses, a Certificate in Commercial Credit from Moody’s Analytics, Group I Insurance Agent, mortgage broker licenses in multiple states, and the Certified Veteran Loan Specialist designation from the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.
Mark spends most of his free time traveling abroad with his family or enjoying all the beauty the Florida area has to offer. You can find him camping, hiking, fishing, and golfing the local courses with friends, family, and current and past clients.
Mortgage Guidance
Clarity before your next move.
Explore financing separately from your real estate representation. Mortgage services are available only where the loan originator and mortgage company are authorized, and are subject to program requirements.
Mortgage application provider
Edge Home Finance, LLC
Company NMLS #891464
The application link opens Mark Pepper’s page on Edge Home Finance’s website. Mortgage applications and related information are handled there, under that provider’s policies. Confirm availability for your property’s state before applying.
Purchase Financing
Learn how loan types, upfront costs, and your budget fit together. Available programs depend on your circumstances, the property, and the provider.
Explore Mortgage Basics →Refinance Review
Discuss your goals and compare the costs and trade-offs before deciding whether refinancing makes sense for you.
Contact Mark About Financing →Get Pre-Approved
Continue to Mark’s page at Edge Home Finance to begin the application process.
Get Pre-Approved at Edge Home Finance (opens a new tab)Real estate and mortgage services are provided through separate companies and are subject to applicable licensing and program requirements.
You may choose any mortgage provider. Using Merritt & Mitten for real estate services does not require you to use the linked provider. An application or pre-approval is not a commitment to lend; financing is subject to verification, underwriting, and applicable requirements.
Homebuyer Resources
Understand your options.
A starting point for your questions, with consumer resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These guides explain loan categories; they are not offers of credit or promises that a program is available to you.
Conventional loans
Conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by a federal housing program. Compare qualification requirements, mortgage insurance, and total costs with other loan types.
Read the CFPB conventional loan guide ↗FHA loans
FHA-insured loans have their own eligibility rules and mortgage insurance costs. Ask a lender to explain those costs and compare an FHA option with other financing you may qualify for.
Read the CFPB FHA loan guide ↗VA loans
VA-backed financing may be available to eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. Eligibility for a VA benefit and approval for a mortgage are separate questions. Ask about eligibility documentation, fees, and lender requirements.
Explore the CFPB VA loan overview ↗USDA loans
USDA programs serve eligible borrowers and properties in qualifying rural areas. Income and property requirements matter; ask the provider to check both before treating a home as eligible.
Explore the CFPB USDA loan overview ↗First-time buyers
Start with a budget that includes closing costs, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and moving expenses. Review your finances and gather the documents your chosen lender requests before comparing homes and loan options.
Use the CFPB buyer preparation guide ↗Down payment assistance
State, local, and nonprofit programs may offer assistance. Availability and qualifications vary. Ask whether assistance must be repaid, whether funds remain available, and whether your lender participates.
Read about assistance programs ↗Mortgage FAQs
Do I have to use your mortgage provider? No. Your choice of lender is independent of your choice of real estate brokerage.
What should I compare? Look beyond the interest rate to closing costs, mortgage insurance, loan features, and the total payment. Ask each lender to explain its Loan Estimate.
Explore loan comparison basics ↗Homebuying guides
Work through your budget, compare mortgage offers, and prepare for closing at your own pace. The CFPB toolkit provides worksheets and questions to take to your real estate and mortgage professionals.
Open the CFPB Home Loan Toolkit (PDF) ↗Start a Conversation
How can we help?
Call, text, or email the team about your market and your next move.
Merritt & Mitten · Mark Pepper, Broker/Owner
Call: 719-351-2242
Email: mark@merrittmitten.com
Mortgage: Get Pre-Approved
Speak directly with Mark
Let’s talk about your next move.
Call or text for help buying or selling in Colorado or Florida.
Merritt & Mitten · Mark Pepper, Broker/Owner
Request a call by email →Your email app opens with space for your callback number and preferred times. The team will confirm a time with you.
Ready to finance? Get Pre-Approved →