Opinionated Fat Guy

So it seems that real estate is back at the forefront of my mind over the last two weeks.

This week, I made an offer on a condo in South Beach.  It’s a cute 563 sq. foot,  one bedroom and one bathroom, centrally located and near Flamingo Park which means plenty of parking (which can sometimes be an issue in SoBe) and its in a small 8-unit building.  Its pretty close to what my ‘ideal’ apartment is.  The price is amazing, the unit is great, and I’m happy with it’s location.  HOWEVER, considering that this is the 3rd condo I made an offer on and the umpteenth one I’ve seen and pursued in my year-long search I am trying not to get too excited. Though I cant help but be excited by the idea of finally having a place where I can put up all the art I have stored over the years, the knick-knacks that I love, and the furniture design that makes me smile…also it would be nice for my boyfriend and I to not have to spend his weekends in Miami in a hotel.  So, all that being said, please feel free to keep your fingers crossed, light a candle or say a prayer.

 It isn’t only me who has property on the mind.  My parents have been pursuing a vacation home in Northern Georgia.  So I flew up with my mom last Sunday to Atlanta, and we made the 85 mile drive to the town of Ellijay and saw a slew of rustic cabins in the woods.  There are several pretty stunning properties- and if you like rural country living you’d love this place.  Still, even a city slicker like me who loves steel and concrete was rather impressed by the beauty and tranquility of the place.  Still, my mom is easily swayed-and to make matters worse- she asks everyone what they think. So, I think she’s finally picked the ‘one’ she loves…though she initially thought it was another.  She still has to negotiate the price and all, but I’m hoping it works out.  

It has some gorgeous architectural details and I think she’ll love spending time there and that it will do well in a vacation rental program. My younger brother and his wife will totally love it and I can see them heading up there fairly often.  I think even I could be convinced of going up there for a weekend of writing or brainstorming or- something that my boyfriend taught me to do…layback in a lounge chair and do nothing.  

So there it is, there is a rather good chance that both my parents and I will have new homes in the next month or two. For them a place to escape the realities of city life and find harbor among the stillness of the woods and for me, my own space in the midst of the sun, sand, and partying madness of the American riviera.