Jenny’s Listing Win: The One That Almost Got Away
May kicked off with a big win—I finally closed on a listing I’d been holding since last year at 3832 Shimmering Oaks with my client Jenny. Her story? A masterclass in persistence and partnership. Jenny’s original agent pulled a Houdini, disappearing for weeks and then questioning her pricing like she didn’t know what she was doing—spoiler alert: she’s a licensed realtor in Pennsylvania. After the ghosting drama, Jenny found us, and we jumped in headfirst, listing at her price and scheduling photos the very next day. The listing paused when her new build got delayed (because, of course), but when she was ready again last October, we hit the market with a strategic price drop—and bam! Sold within a month. Jenny was so impressed she insisted we keep her referral fee. Honestly, clients like her make this whole rollercoaster worthwhile.
Investor Deal: Persistence Pays Off at 441 Rubens Drive E
Speaking of deals, I snagged an investor for my listing at 441 Rubens Drive E in Nokomis—under contract after hitting the market back in February. Yes, things are slow and prices are dropping faster than my patience in a traffic jam, but persistence and a solid investor network got this one done. Representing both sides means I get to flex my negotiation skills and keep everything smooth as butter. If you want an agent who connects the dots (and the dollars), you know who to call.
New Buyer Tours: Palmetto’s Hot New Communities
On the buyer front, I reunited with my clients Elizabeth and Shai, whom I met over a year ago. After playing the long game, they are finally ready to jump in. We toured three new construction communities in Palmetto:
- Trevesta is a vibrant, master-planned community in Palmetto, FL, developed by M/I Homes and designed for modern living with a focus on quality and energy efficiency. Offering a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, residences range from approximately 1,519 to 2,112 square feet with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms, starting in the mid-$300,000s. Residents enjoy a host of amenities including a clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, playground, and scenic walking trails. Trevesta’s prime location near I-75 provides easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, and the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. M/I Homes is well-regarded for their superior construction standards and energy-efficient designs, offering a variety of thoughtfully designed floor plans and a comprehensive warranty program that delivers lasting peace of mind. Explore Trevesta by M/I Homes
- Heron Glen is a new single-family home community in Palmetto, FL, developed by KB Home and designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles through personalized floor plans and energy-efficient construction. Homes range from approximately 1,346 to 2,544 square feet with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms, starting in the low $300,000s. The community features modern design elements and is conveniently located near local schools, shopping, dining, and the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. KB Home is known for its unique, customer-focused approach to homebuilding, working closely with buyers to create homes that reflect individual preferences while ensuring energy efficiency and long-term value. Discover Heron Glen by KB Hom
- Pepper Grove is a charming single-family home community in Palmetto, FL, developed by KB Home and designed to offer customizable living spaces that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Homes range from approximately 1,272 to 2,385 square feet with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms, starting in the low $300,000s. The community features large homesites and planned amenities, including a cabana and pool, all while being conveniently located near downtown Bradenton and the Gulf Coast beaches. KB Home is recognized for its commitment to personalization, energy efficiency, and quality construction, giving buyers the opportunity to design a home that perfectly fits their needs and budget. Explore Pepper Grove by KB Home
Pelican Cove Condo Tour: Old Florida Charm
I took my stepdad and uncle condo shopping in Pelican Cove. Picture this: scenic waterfront views, that old Florida charm, and just enough water access to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos without leaving town.
Marketing Experiments: New Lead Sources in the Lab
I also kicked off testing two new lead sources for buyers and sellers—because who doesn’t love a little experiment in marketing? I’ll let you know if they turn out to be gold mines or just shiny distractions.
Esplanade Open House Extravaganza: Bigger, Better, Busier and new listing opportunities!
The Esplanade Open House Extravaganza bounced back with even more energy this month—traffic was up, leads were flowing, and I added fresh buyers and listings right in the neighborhood. I also hit two listing appointments, including one of the original model homes with the AC connected to the garage from when it was a sales office. Check out the website!
Airbnb Adventures: Termites, Couches, and Water Balloons
Now, onto Airbnb adventures (or misadventures). We battled a termite swarm that made us call in the big guns—a professional exterminator. Oh, and remember that broken couch from the wild party? I channeled my inner carpenter and built a brand-new one myself. Bonus: the old couch now lives in the water heater closet (yes, it fits—don’t ask how). We also tightened up our inventory after some linens mysteriously disappeared or arrived with “character” stains. And here’s a fun one—a weird exterior spot on the rental was collecting at least two cups of rainwater behind super-thick paint. It was like squeezing a water balloon every time we pressed it. Nature finds a way. Check out our Airbnbs!
Recreation & Family Time: Because All Work and No Play…
Before my dad’s birthday celebration on May 4th, I got to work building a new outdoor dining set, sunbed, and grill—because apparently, adulting means creating an outdoor space to pretend you’re on vacation in your own backyard. Now we’ve got the perfect setup for family dinners and board games.
Some friends and I spent the day on Captain Bam’s Jungle Float at Coquina Beach—imagine a big diving platform with trampolines on it, in the middle of the bay. Family-friendly and surprisingly relaxing; if you’re visiting, add this to your “must do” list. Captain Bam’s Jungle Float
I hung out with my church’s young adult group for a pool party, then caught the sunset at Venice Beach, topped off with a meal at TJ Carney’s Irish pub on E Venice Ave.
Toward the month’s end, we went full explorer mode, camping, snorkeling and tubing in Key Largo and paragliding and jetskiing in Key West, plus celebrating my buddy Gabe’s birthday with snorkeling at Ginnie Springs and Devil’s Den—both stunning natural springs perfect for underwater adventures.
To cap it all off, my dad orchestrated a surprise visit from his fiancée’s daughter and her husband. We spent a long weekend hitting the big cat habitat, the motemarine aquarium, and indulging in multiple trips to our favorite ice cream spot, Subzero. Because, priorities.
Ready for June? I’m hoping for more sold signs, less termite drama, and maybe even a peaceful float or two. Stay tuned!
