ABOUT ME…
DUE TO HISTORICALLY LOW INVENTORY AND INTEREST RATES, REAL ESTATE IN MOST TAMPA NEIGHBORHOODS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND ACROSS ALL PRICE POINTS. Experts predict desirability and strong demand continuing into 2021. Last year I sold in Beach Park, Sunset Park and Hyde Park; all three neighborhoods are in high demand and continue to be.
THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE REAL ESTATE GAME SIGNIFICANTLY AS FAR AS CUSTOMER DEMANDS ARE CONCERNED IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. People want more square footage for a home office, bonus room and/or a loft for home virtual schooling. In addition to this, direct water access is desirable to avoid public boating restrictions, along with a pool or the ability to add a pool. After HOA and community pools were closed during the pandemic, people want more peace of mind. We’re also seeing the demand for more land as people are spending more time at home and outside. Homes that meet these criteria tend to represent the luxury market and continue to be in high demand.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE…
MALIO’S IS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB DINNER. I love the dim lighting, atmosphere and gorgeous location by the Riverwalk that overlooks my beautiful alma mater, University of Tampa. Malio’s was a big part of my life growing up. I remember when it was located on Dale Mabry and bringing Christmas presents to our servers when I was little. I keep it old-school when I eat here. My favorites are the shrimp Theresa, French onion soup, petit filet and loaded baked potato. It tastes the same as it did 30 years ago, and I love the nostalgia this place and their food brings to me. Malio’s will always hold a special place in my heart.
OXFORD EXCHANGE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY GO-TO PLACE FOR BRUNCH. I love their Super Simple Sandwich and chicken paillard. Graze is another weekend brunch favorite of mine. Try the chicken salad tartine (chicken salad on a croissant waffle). It’s fantastic.
THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT IN YBOR CITY, FOUNDED IN 1905 AND FLORIDA’S OLDEST RESTAURANT, IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO BRING GUESTS. Sitting at the bar that’s more than 100 years old makes me feel like I’m somehow part of its history. My grandfather worked for Hav-A-Tampa Cigar in Ybor City while attending University of Tampa before being drafted, and my great grandmother also worked for Hav-A-Tampa rolling cigars in Ybor City for 30 years. There’s so much history in Ybor City and I love to share it with visiting guests, along with a visit to Tampa Theatre! I also enjoy taking out-of-towners to M.Bird at Armature Works. The vibe is great, and I love being by the water looking at our beautiful city skyline, day or night.
LOVE THAT! IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOUTIQUES CLOSE TO MY BALLAST POINT NEIGHBORHOOD. Angie has the most beautiful crystals, along with super unique gifts and clothing. Lufka is another local favorite — Tampa’s first zero-waste store offering eco-friendly, luxurious and refillable bath, body and home products. I’m obsessed with their face masks and candles. Stop in and meet Kelly at her new location on Bay to Bay. She is so knowledgeable and passionate about what she does and will even customize products for your specific skin-type needs. [Editor’s note: Lufka also has a location in Seminole Heights.]
REAL ESTATE IS VERY FAST-PACED AND EVER CHANGING SO I TAKE WELLNESS SERIOUSLY TO KEEP MYSELF AT THE TOP OF MY GAME. For me, being outside in nature is essential for reducing stress, along with regular yoga. I’m a member at Kodawari yoga studio, and every class leaves me feeling like I’m getting in a workout, therapy session, chiropractic care and church all in one — great for a busy multi-tasking professional! Yoga helps my mind, body and spirit to stay balanced and in alignment through all the curveballs that life throws my way. I also see Dr. Sandi at Nirvana Acupuncture & Medical Center for acupuncture and cupping therapy. She is a shamanic healer, and her healing hands have been nothing short of a miracle for me.
I LIKE TO BE NEAR WATER AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE SO I WALK BAYSHORE SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. I also enjoy taking short strolls to Ballast Point Pier with my cat, Gaspy, when I need a quick break to reset. I absolutely love the cobblestone streets, gorgeous trees and horse stables in my beautiful Ballast Point neighborhood.
THE FLORIDAN PALACE HOTEL IS ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE GEMS IN TAMPA! You feel like you’re in another world when you step into the historic 1927 hotel. There is so much history here, from the list of celebrity guests who have stayed, to Trafficante’s alleged mafia plot to assassinate Kennedy, to The Sapphire Lounge (better known as the “surefire” room back in the day). The Floridan was Tampa’s favorite spot for entertainment during Florida’s booming heyday in the roaring ’20s! The old-world charm and décor in The Sapphire Lounge with the piano player is one of my favorite places to go on weekends during the holiday season. Say hi to Kelly at the lobby bar; she is my favorite bartender of all time and quite the Tampa history buff. Have lunch in the Crystal dining room, where you will be left in awe by the grand architectural detail and the many restored original features.
