NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT BLOG

Welcome to Paradise. I always tell people that if you can name your most important 'want' in a home, it'll become super easy to locate or, build.  However, I do always mention that people relocating to Florida tend to spend way more time outside than they did "up north" so, we need to focus on the outdoor space.  It's important no matter what stage of life you are in. Kitchens are also more used today than ever before, and the kitchens today often will be a part family room with a tv and sitting area.  Inset cabinets can blow the kitchen budget but again, if you can determine the most important component of your particular kitchen for your particular family it will make the process easier and more budget friendly. Of course the more specific you can be the better!  For example, if you need a kitchen which has ample room for a toddler to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and practice his Oopa Loopa dance, on a stage, it makes all other decision fair

Welcome to Paradise. When I first moved here, I fell in love with Marina Life.  Having a water view, with the action of boats coming and going, was peaceful and exciting at the same time.  The traffic downtown was a small price to pay for that view and, I found a home with it's own dedicated dock so couldn't have been happier.  After I identified this little slice of paradise, I revisited it on a Saturday and suddenly realized my new home was directly across from the racing fuel pump that every turbine powered boat in South West Florida utilizes.  This revelation made me admit that this was a little more action (and noise) than I wanted.  So the search was begun again, for a marina community with plenty of boats, lots of action and the ability to hear birds chirping.   Knowing that was a tall order I didn't think I had a chance at finding it, ever. Then I found Pelican Cove. This hidden gem is on the mainland, just south of downtown (no traffic headaches) and has an a

Welcome to Paradise. I spend all of my professional life selling homes in Southwest Florida, and have noticed a trend in recent years to get away from the classic tile roof homes.  Our family built a multi-story Court Yard home with a parapet wall.  That's not for everyone. Last week, I sold a Paul Rudolph original which is always exciting if you are a real estate geek (guilty).  And today I am holding open a "Coastal Contemporary" Masterpiece. The only design I have yet to see in Florida is The Salt Box.  I grew up on the same street as John and John Quincy Adams and since tomorrow is Independence Day thought it's about time someone built this in Florida.