|
For weeks I’ve been trying to come up with the perfect thought for this newsletter and found myself continually searching for something meaningful. When I first sat down to write Passover and Easter were upon us and I thought, what a great way to welcome in the new spring season by entitling my thoughts “A Second Chance.” This was a time when the Hebrews were saved from their captivity by the Egyptians and the angel of death passed over sparing their firstborn sons. For Christians, Christ’s resurrection was their second chance to realize there was life after apparent death and now there was the promise of an eternal life to come. While both holidays are rich in history today they are commonly seen as the welcoming of spring and one of hope.
To me, spring has always been a rebirth of sorts with flowers and trees coming back to life after a long harsh winter where it appeared they succumbed to the ravages of the snow and ice. People emerged from their homes after being cooped up most of the winter and everything just seemed more alive as the promise of summer with its warmer weather and outdoor activities was just around the corner. It was that euphoric feeling I wanted to capture, and one that has been on the faces of many we’ve seen this year who have decided to make Florida their permanent home in search of a better quality of life.
As much as I intended to embrace this theme, I found I was continually approached by many asking how to navigate a real estate market that seems more like a runaway train. What started as their euphoric journey to a new beginning has become anything but, as we are experiencing what has become a feeding frenzy. Wasn’t March supposed to come in like a lion, marking the beginning of spring, and exiting like a lamb? If that is the case, then April and May must be monsters and our “Spring” has more than sprung. Of course, I am referencing the real estate market and not the weather, as by all accounts our temperatures this season have been some of the most enjoyable we’ve experienced in a long time.
The real estate market on the other hand is something I don’t think anyone could have predicted. Low inventory levels combined with significant numbers of those looking to move to the area have created a unique market the likes most people have never seen. No longer is a full-price offer going to guarantee you’ll be the winning bid, in fact, most likely you’ll be looking from the outside in. Remember when a home that was on the market for ten days was considered a very new listing worth seeing? In today’s market, most people look at a home that has been on the market for ten days and wonder, “What’s wrong with the house?” Offers of $20,000, $30,000, $50,000 and moreover full price are now commonplace. Some are foregoing inspections and offering to compensate the seller on some of their closing costs. And did I mention “escalation clauses?” What is going on? For the seller, it’s almost like shooting fish in a barrel. Those who never thought of selling their homes are now thinking, “With the meteoric rise in offers, let’s put our house on the market.” Of course, that may be a double edge sword as once they sell their home they now jump into the tank with all the other buyers competing for the limited inventory on hand.
Others feel, “I’ll just wait for the housing market to crash, and then I’ll buy a home at a more reasonable price.” While I’d be as foolish as anyone to predict that will never happen again, after seeing what happened to the housing market in 2007 and 2008, I can tell you this is a very different market. Then we had much higher inventory levels and sub-prime mortgages were given to almost anyone who could sign their name. Today, most likely many would not be able to secure a loan under today’s lending guidelines. Then it was very much a speculative market driven by investors. Baby Boomers were supposed to be moving down for the next 20 or 30 years, so how could the sky ever fall? Unfortunately, we all found out, “Man makes plans and God laughs.”
What I’m seeing in the housing market today reminds me of the behavioral patterns of the panic hoarding we’ve seen when a major storm is in the forecast or during this pandemic. Fear of not having enough and grabbing as much as you can reach epidemic proportions as store shelves laid barren for weeks on end. I’m still trying to understand the rush on toilet paper, paper towels not to mention hand sanitizers! Since when did everyone become so obsessed with being germ-free? Go to a store today and the shelves are fully stocked once again, although I still have been challenged at times to find chicken wings! Panic shopping now seems to be a distant memory for some but now it has manifested itself in the housing market.
Having worked in the “concrete jungle” of New York City myself, I can understand why someone would want to move to Florida, but many states like Florida aren’t closing their doors to those looking to relocate for a better quality of life. For those waiting for the market to crash before they buy, you may be waiting for a while as this market is characterized by “end users, not investors. Inventory levels are much lower and you’ll be surprised by the number of cash buyers in the market. My advice is not to worry new listings are coming on the market every day. It may not be the home at the price you originally were after, but it is hard to put a price on the quality of life you will gain.
I feel life gives us lessons we can either learn from or repeat. When we couldn’t get the products we wanted during the pandemic, we found we could be just as happy with something that served our needs almost as well. We didn’t get to visit our favorite restaurants or entertainment venues as much, but most of us found enjoyment in the simple pleasures of early morning walks or bike rides together, perhaps even watching a Hallmark movie or two together.
Spring is a wonderful time of year and this year it is even more special as not only are flowers and trees coming into full bloom but so are we as a community now that many of the restrictions that have governed much of our lives for the past year are being lifted. The lesson we learned from the “pause” the pandemic forced on us was to enjoy each other and the pleasures life gives us. If we’ve learned our lessons from the past we don’t need to panic every time we encounter something we’ve never experienced before. Spring is in full bloom this season and perhaps more bright and full of appreciation and hope than ever before.
-Gary Cardillo
|
Luck, Not only for the Irish
Do you ever find yourself looking forward to that “holiday” of the month with the same anticipation you did as a kid? For me, I think of those special days almost as the dessert after a wonderful home-cooked meal. When I think of those days I find they mean the same to me today as they did when I was a child, and perhaps are the only traditions that haven’t changed throughout the years. I think of the fun we had on Halloween trick or treating in our costumes, Thanksgiving where we played touch football games before gorging ourselves on turkey and all the side dishes until we couldn’t move, and what more needs to be said about the excitement of the holiday season and New Year! While each month brings us a unique joy in its own way, the ones I find that make us all seem to laugh and take life a little less seriously are St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, your religion, ethnic background, or political beliefs, on those days we proudly celebrate with revelry as if that was part of our ancestry.
Recently we had dinner with a couple who introduced Gail and me on a blind date 35 years ago. They are from New York where the husband has had a jewelry business in the heart of New York’s Diamond District for many years. We were dining outside in St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota and this couple was looking around like two kids entering Disney World, amazed at the number of people out and about enjoying the shops, restaurants, and beautiful evening weather. They had been to Florida many times before but this time was extra special as New York has been shut down to a large degree, and according to the husband, New York City has become a ghost town of sorts with rising crime rates and the closure of many businesses. However, despite the depressing news from New York, our conversations are always full of laughter as the husband has an uncanny sense of humor and like most wives, she just rolls her eyes.
While many have grown depressed being quarantined in their homes for months up north, the husband has maintained his sense of humor. He said, “You try to get creative, and when weather permits, you try to make the most of your time outdoors.” Being an avid tennis player who also enjoys the game of golf I asked, what other things he had tried. He replied, “Skeet shooting.” Detecting the puzzled look on my face he said, “I thought I’d give it a try….As a Jew we don’t hunt, we order in, but I figured it was something new and different. Unfortunately, birds were dropping from the trees and a plane fell out of the sky, but while I seemed to hit everything else, I couldn’t hit those clay pigeons.” I was so glad he hadn’t lost his sense of humor!
He continued by saying, “You guys don’t realize how lucky you are to live in Florida,” and for a couple who at first was very critical of our Governor opening up the state for business and schools the way he did, he said it is no wonder our Governor is the top real estate agent in New York as he is single-handedly spearheading the mass exodus out of the state.”
I found it amazing to see the change in perspective as years ago Florida was only seen as a place to retire, and now couples like our friends are giving serious consideration to possibly making the move themselves in the not too distant future, which we couldn’t be happier if they did. What I also found interesting is most of the husband’s Florida clients are in the Palm Beach area, which years ago seemed like the place they would eventually relocate, however, they shared with us how they wanted to get away from the stress, congestion, and the “personalities” they deal with daily and are finding southwest Florida provides everything they could want. I have to agree as I still find myself wondering in amazement that we live in a place people come to vacation.
As we were leaving the husband said, “Don’t forget St. Patrick’s Day is coming up.” I replied, “What side of your Jewish heritage emigrated from Ireland?” He replied, “I think it was the dog, but the only thing you need to remember is no one makes a better corned beef sandwich than a kosher deli.” As we walked away at the end of another perfect day, I had to admit he wasn’t wrong.
-Gary Cardillo
A Different Kind of New Years Resolution
Each December we reflect on our journey from the past year with all its twists and turns and with great optimism look forward to the opportunities and promise that lie ahead in the coming New Year. Typically we start by making some kind of promise or resolution to ourselves in the form of increased exercise or by embarking on something more “self-focused” to make us a new and better version of ourselves. However, I’m sure like you, it doesn’t take long before life gets in the way and our best intentions are often put on the back burner only to be reset each month until we run out of months and it becomes next year’s resolution once again. The exercise I wanted to do, the book I wanted to read, the one I wanted to write, the trip I wanted to take, or just the simple pleasure of playing more golf or tennis seems to always fall under the category of “Things to do tomorrow,” only tomorrow has already been filled with ”Things that can’t wait another day!”
This year has been different. In looking back over the past year, in particular, it has been one where I feel we’ve all had a blaring horn in our face the entire time. If it isn’t the political parties blaming each other for the divisiveness going on in the country, it is the round the clock media coverage each claiming the other is biased, while giving you their jaded view. Try having a conversation with someone before it turns into political dialogue and even if you agree it is typically emotionally filled. Add the Coronavirus to the mix, and the impact it has had on all of us, and you find yourself saying, “I’m so glad 2020 is over.”
While to some that may seem like a welcome relief, I thought, “How sad?” We just took one valuable year out of our lives and said, “Let’s throw it away.” I’ve gone through many trying periods in my life, but I never wanted to throw away an entire year, as despite the challenges and difficulties there were lessons learned that have benefitted me throughout my life.
People ask me all the time what my thoughts have been this past year and why I seem so calm as a result. My faith in God has been the main reason for me to remain somewhat at peace amid the media chaos however, I have always tended to look at things from a common-sense perspective. I don’t feel the need to be heard, or for my opinion to outweigh those of others. I find as I’ve gotten older there is more wisdom in listening than projecting an opinion and somewhere along the way common sense becomes even more clear despite what the media critics have to say.
Since Covid began I’ve seen it bring out the best and worst in some people. Some are doing their best to support those struggling through these challenging times by supporting their businesses, bringing food to those in need, or just staying in touch, letting them know there is someone who cares. Others haven’t been quite so gracious, never embodying the desire to share or step aside to help others. Some have become depressed from the lack of social interaction while others maintained their sense of humor. In a post I read the other day, a man by the name of Bernie posted, “I told my wife post Covid I will take her anywhere in the world. I’m holding up a map of the world in the kitchen and told her to throw a dart and wherever it lands, we would go…..Apparently we are going to spend two weeks behind the refrigerator!” For me, it has been a time to reflect on what is important in life and realize how fortunate we are.
Since this pandemic began we’ve seen a tremendous influx of people moving to Florida, finally realizing what we have been blessed with for so long, “water, warmth, and way of life,” a phrase I credit to a friend, public speaker, and respected Realtor Denny Grimes. Since January of last year, we were hearing stories of those looking to escape the inclement weather and high taxes in the north. However, when the pandemic hit it facilitated a mass movement of those looking to escape the densely populated areas and where commuting via mass transit was a way of life. With the realization, it was now possible to work remotely and transition from the rat race to a better quality of life, these “new Floridians” were about to discover what we have oftentimes taken for granted. As a Realtor, we are typically one of the first points of contact for those looking to relocate to our beautiful state. To see the look of almost disbelief on their faces that they have arrived at what many call “paradise,” and no longer have to make the dreaded journey back north in a few short weeks, has been one of my most gratifying experiences and one I find so hard to put into words. Before long they usually share with me how friendly everyone is, how people are always outside enjoying each other’s company, and how clean our highways and stores are kept, things we oftentimes take for granted. Isn’t it funny how those of us who lived in the north often say when returning from a trip back home say, “How did we ever want to live in that environment?
As I look at the changes I want to make in myself this year I’m often amazed at the wisdom and futuristic foresight that writers of the 1940’s and 1950’s such as Ayn Rand, (Atlas Shrugged), George Orwell (“Nineteen Eighty-Four), and Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451) documented in their writings. Many of the scenarios they envisioned we are living in today. For those who have read these books and other similar themed writings look at the tug of war and name-calling going on in our nation’s capital and the controlling influence of social media with little or no surprise. While others may feel they are on a runaway train they can do nothing about, my resolution is not to panic and assume the role of the victim, but to incorporate the lessons learned from these writings so I can take the emotion out of the “news of the day,” and interact with those I meet from a common-sense perspective and help preserve those special attributes that have made our community and those we share it with so special. Future generations are watching, as well as those moving to our communities. Hopefully the difference I make in myself will inspire others to do the same and instead of talking at each other we can speak with one another and enjoy this wonderful quality of life we’ve come to call home.
A Christmas to Remember
As we celebrate the holidays and the start of the New Year, like most, I look back over this past year and feel I just got off a roller coaster ride. For some, it has been exhilarating, for others, the ride couldn’t have ended soon enough. I’m not sure I’ve seen a year like this where there were such polarizing views, and not just in politics. Many landmark businesses went out while others flourished. Depending which side of the political aisle you stand, it was either a year of great accomplishment or one of unprecedented strife, discourse and divide. Friendships suffered while some were forged. Many became depressed and prayed for this year to end while others enjoyed the unexpected gift they received in taking a step back to savor the quality of family time that was lost during the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The pandemic provided somewhat of an awakening to those living in big cities and commuting via mass transit. It also created a paradigm shift for employers who only thought working under management’s watchful eye in a corporate setting resulted in the greatest level of productivity. Both soon found out there wasn’t a drop off in productivity and in some cases it increased which has fostered a reevaluation in business strategies and the attainment of a better quality of life.
There is the old adage, “Man makes plans and God laughs,” and just when we thought we had it figured out that we work thirty or forty years, retire and move to Florida, many found out there is now a way to do both.
In writing these newsletters my wife frequently asks, “Why do you refer to your childhood so often,” and my answer is, “because that was a time when life seemed more innocent and enjoyment of those simple pleasures left an indelible mark on me.” We weren’t preoccupied with the pressures of everyday life and the constant need to chase something to satisfy our innate desire for peace and pleasure. Of course Gail was quick to remind me as a teenager my biggest concerns would have been passing my high school and college tests or which team I was going to get picked to play on with my friends. I have to admit she was right, but I still think that was a very special time in life for most of us that we are trying to recapture.
In our business we constantly hear from those looking to make the move to Florida, “I’ve had the big home, the fancy cars and membership to the country club, but I want to simplify things and enjoy then next chapter of my life. Isn’t it ironic how life goes full circle? We marvel at the inquisitiveness of a child, but in our later years we find enjoyment in many of the same things we did as children. However, while this year has been one full of challenges of one kind or another I recall something very profound a dear friend of mine shared with me about how adults and children perceive many of the same scenarios differently. His name is Bob DeStefano and he was at one time the longest tenured golf professional in the country and was recognized by the PGA for his contribution to junior golf and for the junior golf program he created at Gardiner’s Bay Country Club located on Shelter Island, New York. Bob said, “You know the difference between children and adults? Adults will come into the pro shop and talk about all the bad shots during their round, but children will always talk about the one good one they had.” I’ve often thought about Bob’s analogy and wondered how some children have coped with the events from this past year and what their thoughts were for the New Year. I thought who better than to reach out to a couple of families we know who have had to adjust to the changes brought on by the pandemic with young children.
Hailey, Lily, Avra and Olivia are four young ladies aged 5 through 8 who are wise beyond their years. Hailey and Lily just moved to Florida while Avra and Oliva moved from Florida out of state. Both families have had to adjust work schedules to accommodate on line learning or home schooling as part of their daily routine. For most kids my age, if you got a day off from school you were thrilled, but to think ten months of not having to go to school would have been a dream come true! The difference for these girls was the social interaction and school environment that was sorely missed. Eight year old Olivia summed it up best when she said, “I like being at school but we don’t get to go to the gym or cafeteria with all the other kids, we pretty much see just the kids in my class.”. Five year old Hailey said she didn’t like learning at home and loves going to school. In fact all four girls missed the interaction with their classmates and the biggest negative during this time was wearing masks and not going out to eat very often.
When asked if they like to give gifts or receive them, while they all loved the surprise of receiving them, giving gifts and making them whenever possible brought all of them great joy. Avra shared a story of making a gift for a boy in her class who had autism. Olivia shared a story of their neighborhood sponsoring a family and how she was in the process of helping get warm clothes for a 10 year old boy.
While this was a year of change for all of us I was amazed at not only how well these girls were coping but the appreciation they had for what was going on in the world around them; which is quite a testimony to the parents they have. All four girls hoped everyone would be healthy and safe for the new year but were very aware of others not having the same good fortune. I was also surprised by the balance they wanted both inside and out of the home. Equally amazing to me was their responses were all inclusive of others, and not focused on the things they missed during this time. I honestly felt, this is a life lesson we could all learn.
Of course no interview with young children could end without asking if they had an opportunity to meet Santa. I had remarked a couple of times to Gail how sad I felt seeing Santa sitting by himself at a mall without the excitement of children all around. Olivia replied by saying she and Avra did get to meet Santa but unlike past years where they were able to sit on his lap, this year they were sitting behind plexiglass, but she added, “We still did get to tell him what we wanted.” Hailey, whose personality is bigger than her, said she and Lily haven’t had an opportunity to meet Santa yet, but I’m sure when she gets finished with him, he’ll be ready for a long winter’s nap!
The lessons I learned from these girls was that they seemed to take their challenges more in stride but had a greater compassion for others who weren’t coping quite as well. While they enjoyed getting out and seeing their classmates they were apart from for so long, they savored their life at home, and the loving environment their parents created. It was their hope for the New Year that others could enjoy the same where everyone could be happy and healthy. And that is our wish for you.May the holidays and New Year bring you much joy and happiness.
-Gary and Gail Cardillo
Thanksgiving from a Different Perspective
With summer long gone and the last vestiges of fall colors still on the trees, my friends and I embarked on our daily walk through the woods. No longer did we have to avoid the hot summer sun and stay in the protective shadows cast by the pine trees and giant oaks, we could now explore paths we hadn’t taken in months, and the sights were amazing. The colors that fell across the tranquil ponds were like a painting too beautiful to describe. Deer grazed by water’s edge, squirrels were gathering up acorns and rabbits scampered through the leaves without a care in the world. With each one of our furry friends there to greet us each day, it was a sight we came accustomed to and one we called home.
Feeling adventurous we decided to take a different path this day and before we knew it our surroundings had changed dramatically. No longer were we in the warm embrace of the forest, we were in a concrete jungle. There were horns honking, people yelling at each other and yard signs all over the place. As I stepped off the curb one of my friends pulled me out of the path of a speeding car where the driver yelled at me to watch where I was going. Visibly shaken my friends and I felt it was much safer to stay on the sidewalk where we came upon a small group of stores. There were carts full of fresh cut flowers, fruits and vegetables on display which gave us a sense of being home, until one of my friends decided to sample some of the fruits causing the store owner to chase us down the block with broom in hand.
At first we thought the ruckus we created caused people to stop and stare at us. We started to gloat, feeling somewhat like celebrities as we strutted down the sidewalk. However, our fame was short lived when we came upon a butcher shop and to our horror was a picture in the window none of us will soon forget.
“Do you see what I see?” asked one of my friends.
“See what you see,” I replied, “Did you read the caption below?”
My friend froze in his tracks as he read, “Come in for your fresh killed turkeys.”
“Do you think that happened to Tom last year and he wound up on someone’s dinner table?”
“That would explain why we haven’t seen him,” I replied, “I thought he just moved.”
As we contemplated our fate a tall shadow appeared over us in the form of a mustachioed butcher with cleaver in hand.
“Run for it” I yelled, as we sprinted back to our home in the woods.
“I used to look forward to this time of year,” another of my friends said, as he tried to catch his breath, “but why do they call it Thanksgiving?”
I replied, “For our sake I hope it is because it is only one day out of the year!”
With this being a year we won’t soon forget, we hope this Thanksgiving will be a time to reflect on the things we can be thankful for and appreciate the friendships and family we have along with the blessings we oftentimes take for granted.
We send our wishes to you and your family for a very Happy Thanksgiving.
-Your Friend the Turkey, Gary and Gail
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- …
- 13
- Next Page »
While most people would like to talk about themselves, Gary and Gail have always put their clients first, and their diverse backgrounds have provided their clients an unparalleled level of service and knowledge throughout the past years.