By Carrie Stevenson
When homebuyers begin the process of searching for their new property, there is a lot to consider. Some experts say it’s all about location, location, location. Most buyers go into it with the budget, neighborhood and schools in mind. But for Florida Lifestyle Realty broker Jackie Griffin, there is a more holistic way to approach the process. She asks her buyers one question: what lifestyle do you want?
“The reality is, I can find you a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house anywhere in the country,” Griffin explains. “But my job is to tap into what clients haven’t really thought about yet. If you like to take walks – what are the sidewalks like, are they well-lit at night? How close are you to restaurants and shops? For biking, what are the nearby parks and trails like? If you’ve always dreamed of having a home along the water and a boat – let’s go over the cost of maintaining a seawall and boat dock.” The proximity to recreation, shopping, and dining, along with the practicalities to consider for waterfront living, are all areas Griffin focuses on for her buyers.
With so many new people moving to the Space Coast in the last several years, Griffin wants to make sure they have a good understanding of life in the Sunshine State, where the rivers and ocean are often steps away. “I want to ensure that people can truly love their lives in their new homes, that the place they choose fits their lifestyle,” she says. “In Brevard County, we really have the best of all worlds. We’re halfway between the Florida-Georgia line and the Florida Keys. If you can tell me what it is you want, I can find it for you in your price range in this area.”
The group at Florida Lifestyle Realty works to cultivate a highly personalized, boutique approach to real estate brokerage services. With nine agents supported by six administrative staff members, clients have someone supporting them at every step in the process. “We are very much a team,” Griffin says. “Moving can be so stressful. We really do everything we can to streamline and simplify the process, to stay on top of lenders and work behind the scenes seven days a week. Whether buying, selling or renting property, we always want to make it a pleasant experience.” ◆