For the LOVE of Real Estate
To be in a career for as long as I have (this is year #45 for me) and still LOVE what you do is certainly a blessing. There are hundreds upon hundreds of reasons I find my work so satisfying. Meeting great people, helping first-time homebuyers, helping improve desperate situations, assisting sellers navigate staging and promotion; the list goes on and on. But there is one perk that towers above all others and keeps me coming back day after day with a big smile on my face- Facing the daily unknown.
Having the “unknown” play such a large role isn’t for everyone. For many, stability and routine can be just as rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, I am a planner. I start each day with a list of goals. Sometimes I put them on paper, sometimes they’re just a mental note, but there is always a plan. However, in the world of real estate, one phone call can derail everything, and one random text can change someone’s life. Sure, the unknown can be a problem, especially on an already busy day. However, over the years I have chosen to see the shift in focus as an opportunity to be embraced and explored. I have learned to LOVE the unexpected journeys.
Last March, my Realtor daughter Madison learned a house we had been eyeing was finally going to be put on the market. Like some of you, I often admire other homes based on location, decor and architecture and play the game of “what if” just for fun. But Madison’s call to us that day meant the house I had fallen in LOVE with from the minute I saw it had become a real possibility. Buying a house was not exactly in my plan for that day but my willingness to embrace the change in plans made it a reality. Fast forward to present day… we have found our new piece of paradise. Terra Ceia Island.
Over the years, I have listed and sold several properties on Terra Ceia Island and I have always known it is a charming place to live. But, it wasn’t until moving here that I really experienced the rich history, the culture, and the island vibe. The community has its own Facebook page to keep neighbors in touch with one another and up to date on special events. The mix of old homesteads, new houses, waterfront, acreage, big boats, kayaks, canoes, and pontoons really creates a wonderfully eclectic ambiance that is hard to resist.
Terra Ceia is also home to pelican rescues, manatee watchers, dolphin performances and breathtaking sunsets. There are golf cart parades, food trucks, church services at the park and so much more.
Our little slice of Florida never ceases to surprise me, even after 45 years! What a little gem we have here. From Terra Ceia to Parrish, From Palmetto to Ellenton, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka, the islands and beyond, this is a wonderfully special community. I hope each of you finds your real estate LOVE story right here in Manatee County! If you need a matchmaker, look for a Realtor! We’ll help you find your perfect place and hold your hand while you explore the unknown.
Happy Valentine’s Day!