Growing up in Florida was quite an adventure for me.  I could not get enough of the amazing beauty that Mother Nature gave the south and spent countless hours just taking it in, or rather climbing every tree in or around the property searching for birds’ nests – or more specifically the contents.  For me, Florida represents close knit families and communities, Sunday dinners enjoyed around the family table, canopy roads that go on forever, chasing lightning bugs, long walks along the sandy beaches, and crickets chirping the night away.

To me, Florida is all things sunny, southern, and moving along about as slow as a slug moves in a slow-motion sort of way.  It is a hidden paradise that lots of folks are discovering for themselves and relocating to claim their own share of our sunny little haven.  As a native, I think to myself, come on down, kick off your shoes, and join us if you remember to preserve the charm enjoyed by those of us who were raised here.  As a REALTOR, I am a bit more open to progress as I know with change comes growth and there is never anything terribly wrong with stretching the parameters and boundaries a little to make room for one more.

As a REALTOR & AUTHOR who grew up in the business of everything real estate, construction, historical, and landscape design, finding my home in sunny Southwest Florida where almost all the plants survive the winter months, I am thrilled to call Arcadia my home (away from home) of Monticello, Florida. Although there are lots of differences between the two, there are many similarities as well especially in terms of the families that are native to this quaint community along the Peace River.

Perhaps one of the reasons I find this spot on the map so appealing is that it still has the small-town charm I remember from my younger years living in North Florida.  If you listen carefully, you can hear the locals as they are often referred, sharing stories of yesteryear which warms my heart as I can relate to stories in kind back home.

Working with any of my customers coming from afar is a joy for me as I enjoy sharing the southern charm and aspects that are perhaps a little odd to them, however, will certainly grow on them the more they become a part of the community enjoying the events that are a part of our culture.  Much like the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Plaza is a major event for New Yorkers; or Pioneer Days celebrated in Wisconsin; or Calgary’s Stampede which focuses on agricultural events and rodeo entertainment.  Events that those who resided in or once lived abroad found comfort in and something that no doubt they look forward to annually. 

Welcome to Florida!