March was one of those months that reminded me why I love what I do—filled with big ambitions, a few twists, and the kind of hustle that makes the wins extra rewarding.
I kicked off the month by attending a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) workshop to support one of my nonprofit clients. Her dream is to open a community resource center on a beautiful 5-acre property out east in Myakka. The grant application process is lengthy—final decisions won’t be made until the end of the year—and one of the conditions is that no purchase contracts can be signed before approval. That meant we had to get creative. Our goal? Find a seller willing to lease the property for a year with an option to buy later—a true unicorn deal.
For weeks, I networked, emailed, and negotiated, reaching out to every agent I could to see if their sellers would be open to this kind of arrangement. A week before the grant deadline, we finally found someone willing to work with us. We negotiated terms, even brought in an attorney to draft the agreement, only for the seller’s wife to back out the day before the April 4th deadline. It was a tough pill to swallow after so much time and effort, but we’re not giving up. The search continues, and I’m committed to helping her make this vision a reality.
A highlight of the month was helping my first-time homebuyers finally close on their dream home. We started this journey back in 2022 when they were originally looking to rent. Over the years, we navigated some tough situations—including walking away from a home after inspections revealed major issues. But that decision led us to something even better. Their new home checks every box, and I couldn’t be happier for them. It was a true testament to patience, perseverance, and trust.
On the commercial side, I had the unique experience of attending my very first pizza shop inspection as I assist clients in purchasing Antolino’s Pizza in North Port. Commercial transactions have their own rhythm, and we’re currently working on finalizing the lease with the landlord before closing later this month.
Another major moment this month: we got my multi-million dollar listing under contract just a couple of weeks ago for full list price with a cash offer. Everything seemed perfect—until the buyers backed out. The sticking point? The HOA only allows the seller’s son to play golf nine times per busy season, and despite our best efforts to obtain a special exception, the HOA wouldn’t budge. It was a frustrating and unexpected turn, but we’re moving forward with the listing and are actively pursuing new buyers.
Amid all the action, I got to celebrate my birthday with a little friendly competition at the Commercial Real Estate Alliance’s Sporting Clays Event—and to top it off, our team took first place! Definitely a memorable way to ring in another year.
The month was also packed with residential activity. I met with a past client to guide him through the process of setting up his home as an Airbnb, and I handled numerous listing photo shoots. I showed properties in Sun City Center, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, and held multiple open houses in both Lakewood Ranch and Venice. I also had a listing appointment for a stunning multi-million dollar home in Saint Pete that I'm really excited about.
Of course, continuing education and training are always on the agenda—I made it a point to attend multiple office meetings and workshops to stay sharp and informed.
While March came with its fair share of ups and downs, it also brought growth, connections, and exciting new opportunities. I'm grateful for the trust my clients place in me and proud to be part of their journeys—whether it’s securing funding for a nonprofit dream, buying a beloved local pizza joint, or helping first-time buyers unlock the door to their future.
Here’s to the next chapter—and more wins to come.
