April came in strong—literally—with LASIK eye surgery on the very first day of the month. I’m thrilled to report it went perfectly, and I now have 20/20 vision! It still feels surreal to wake up and see the world clearly—no glasses, no contacts—just gratitude and a fresh outlook on everything.
With new vision and renewed energy, I kicked off the month with one of my favorite traditions: the Esplanade Open House Extravaganza, held the first weekend of every month. It’s always a blast connecting with potential buyers, neighbors, and curious visitors exploring all that Esplanade has to offer. Great energy, beautiful homes, and real conversations—it’s one of those events that reminds me why I love what I do.
Speaking of fun, I also got to soak up the Florida sunshine during a kayaking trip with my church’s youth group out on Longboat Key. Nothing beats paddling through crystal-clear waters surrounded by laughter, faith, and good company.
April was also about celebration. I finally got to meet up with my clients, Julia and Kamren, who closed on their first home back in March. We took photos, went out to dinner, and toasted to their journey. It was a moment of reflection—and a reminder that homeownership is more than a transaction; it’s a milestone worth celebrating.
One of the biggest wins this month? My clients Chad and Stacy closed on Antolino’s Pizza in North Port! This one had its share of twists and turns. It all began when my clients inquired about a completely different business listing I had. That deal didn’t pan out, but it sparked an ongoing conversation about their goals. Eventually, we found the perfect fit with Antolino’s. It wasn’t an easy road—seller financing, intense negotiations, and last-minute changes from attorneys right before closing—but we pulled it off. I couldn’t be more excited to see them take over this beloved local spot. North Port, go grab a slice and support some new small business owners! 🍕
On the residential side, I helped my client Jennifer close on the sale of her Florida home. She’s a licensed realtor in Pennsylvania who reached out after being ghosted by her original agent. We stepped in, listened, and got to work—photos done the next day, listed at her preferred price, and a long but focused campaign that ultimately led to a successful sale. The icing on the cake? Jennifer was so impressed, she told us to keep the referral fee—"You earned it," she said. That kind of trust and appreciation is what keeps me going.
And now… for the Airbnb saga. 😅
We had not one, but two groups of Airbnb guests who turned our peaceful retreat into party central—unauthorized gatherings, unregistered guests, and property damage galore. We’re talking a broken bed frame, a busted futon, and stained towels and sheets. It was a total fiasco. But thanks to thorough documentation (and a lot of patience), we were able to charge for damages and clean up the mess—both literally and figuratively. Let’s just say: lesson learned, and we’re very happy to have closed the door on those guests!
So, while April had its share of chaos, it also brought clarity, connection, and a whole lot of growth. From open houses and closed deals to kayak paddles and pizza parties, I’m heading into May feeling grounded, grateful, and more focused than ever (with perfect vision to match!).
Here’s to what’s next—hopefully with less furniture damage and even more wins. 🍕💥🏠
