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Our latest market analysis revealed Florida as one of Massachusetts' key feeder markets. Whether escaping the winter weather every year for the sunny south or relocating for a lifestyle change, Florida is primed for growth and offers exceptional investment potential. Rick Smith, lives in both states and has a dual license offering his expertise in both the Cape Cod and Florida markets.
When did you get your license in Florida and what was your motivation?
I received my Florida license over a year ago after determining that I would be spending a little over six months every year in the Sunshine State. I was meeting so many people in Sarasota, especially on Longboat Key, while playing golf at the Longboat Key Club. They were interested in discussing the local real estate market and I felt compelled to get licensed in Florida.
Why Florida?
The best thing I discovered in the Florida resort communities is that everyone is where they are in life at a seasoned age. They are at a location they love, want to make friends, and develop lifelong interactions with people who have similar interests. The caliber of individuals one interacts with are from all walks of life and the experience has been truly outstanding.
How has having a dual license influenced your business?
Having dual licenses in Massachusetts and Florida is a wonderful success story for me because the American dream for so many has been to live and raise a family and turn to a sunny warm winter in the South when they become empty nesters. It beats staying where the snow falls for many winter months. With my knowledge of the markets in both the North and South, they look to me to help them understand and educate them through my real estate background and expertise in being creative and putting a transaction together for them.
Do you have any advice for those who are looking to relocate to Florida permanently or seasonally?
First, determine whether you want the East or West Coast. I can advise clients on the benefits and drawbacks of each cost and that usually is a huge time saver for home seekers. They are quite different and unique in their own ways and offer different lifestyles. I am happy to explain this most critical piece of the puzzle to future homeowners. The East Coast seems to be a faster pace and the west coast is a bit more laid back but there are so many differences that a conversation is the best way to go over everything.
What coast did you choose and why?
Longboat Key and Sarasota which are on the West Coast where I am located have, for the most part, calmer water on the Gulf of Mexico and this area has such a vibrant cultural experience for all like theatre, entertainment venues, opera, events, fabulous restaurants, boating, golf, tennis, pickleball, endless pristine beaches and so much more. The people that are here all are looking for the same thing: new friendships, involvement, feeling more healthy with activity than they have felt in decades, and enjoying life to its fullest.
What do you love most about your role as a real estate advisor?
For me, It's all about making new friends and opening up to new adventures through real estate in the later years of my life. It has been rewarding to transition between the two resort communities of Cape Cod in the summer and sunny Florida in the winter. I love it!
Rick Smith | 409 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 | 508-237-0945 | Rick.Smith@GibsonSIR.com
