So while we were getting through the Christmas of 2011, trying to recover from the recent robbery, my focus was down South. I had been on a one year quest to find the perfect spot for a Florida vacation home. It was time to plan for the future. An affordable, and the timing was perfect, home for Lori and I to enjoy as we began at some point to retire. A winter escape to the sun and warm waters of the Florida Gulf Coast. Nestled between Tampa and Sarasota, the undeveloped area around the town of Bradenton lured me in. The development I narrowed my search down to was a decent size, but not too big. It had two championship golf courses, Olympic size pool area, tennis courts, gym, beautiful clubhouse and restaurant and a beautiful hidden pool just a short walk from the condo I wanted to buy. There were single homes, town homes, garden condos and three story condos. Here we go!
April of 2012, I boarded a plane to Tampa on a Thursday. My plan was to drive to Bradenton, then spend one day with an agent that I hired on Friday. Donna Rogers was a middle aged stunner with a heavy…HEAVY…Boston accent. She lived in the development with her husband for several years and knew her way around. We would visit three garden style condo homes in the same general area in Tara Golf and Country Club. I already knew the one that I wanted. Donna saved that Condo for last. 1500 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, large living and dining area and great kitchen. Also one car garage and custom Lanai that looked out on to the beautiful 4th hole over a large pond on the Golf course. A perfect location and view. I wanted it. The owner had passed and had only one heir, her son in California. It was Friday afternoon and we wrote a real low ball offer. The home was only up on the market for 10 days. Donna thought that I was nuts! I told them I needed an answer by 12 pm Saturday morning.
I parted ways with Donna and proceeded to the Bradenton waterfront for a great dinner and to call Lor to fill her in on the day. Back at my hotel room, I couldn’t sleep. It was nerve wracking. The next morning I got the call from Donna…11:30 am. He countered. Ok, here’s mine. Last offer, answer by 12. I’m moving on to the runner up property if they decline. It was a fabulous price. Fingers crossed. Gotta play hard ball sometimes. 11:59… You got it! We finished the agreement of sale that afternoon and Sunday morning I was on the next flight to Philly. Mission accomplished. I’ll be back in 30 days to settle. Can’t wait!
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