In real estate, not every deal goes the distance—and sometimes, that’s a good thing.
Recently, I had the pleasure of showing my clients several beautiful units in Emerald Pointe, one of Punta Gorda’s most desirable gated, waterfront communities. With its resort-style feel and unbeatable amenities, it’s easy to see why they fell in love.
Emerald Pointe offers a wide variety of residences, including villas, townhomes, and condos—many with lanais or balconies overlooking the scenic Peace River. It’s a boater’s dream with a private marina, boat docks, a ramp, and even RV and dry storage. The community features three pools (including a heated one), four clay tennis courts, a hard tennis/pickleball court, racquetball, shuffleboard, and a putting green. A two-story clubhouse anchors the social scene, complete with a seasonal restaurant, fitness center, game room, and on-site management. Add in 24-hour manned security, a packed calendar of social clubs and gatherings, and pet-friendly policies, and it’s no surprise this place stands out.
After touring several condos, my clients zeroed in on a charming one-bedroom unit listed at $129,000. We started negotiations with a $100,000 offer. The seller came back at $115,000. After a bit more discussion, we landed at $107,000 with a verbal agreement in place. I sent over the contract, and everything seemed set.
Then came the unexpected call: the seller had accepted another offer—without giving us a chance to finalize ours.
Frustrating? Definitely. But as I told my clients, this might be a blessing in disguise.
While Emerald Pointe is a fantastic community, the condo market—especially in older buildings—is shifting. Prices have been softening, and there’s a major building inspection scheduled in the coming months. That inspection could lead to new special assessments, which would be a surprise hit to the wallet for any new buyer. These are the kinds of things you don’t always see on the surface but can drastically change the affordability and value of a home.
This experience was a reminder of how important it is to look beyond the listing price. When buying in a community like Emerald Pointe—or anywhere with an HOA—it’s crucial to understand the full financial picture: upcoming inspections, reserves, association health, flood insurance, and the history of assessments.
My clients are back on the hunt, now even more informed and focused. Sometimes a missed deal clears the path for the right one.
If you're thinking about buying in a condo community, make sure you're getting more than just a view—get the full story. I can help.
