My Journey South
When I was 5 years old, I stood on stage at my Kindergarten Graduation and was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer? “A missionary to Florida.” Even then, I knew where I belonged.
Like most little girls, I was my dad’s shadow. To this day, the smell inside any hardware store brings back a flood of happy memories. My dad has since passed—far sooner than I’d wish for anyone—but about four years ago, I finally made it to Florida. And along the way, I learned a few lessons worth sharing.
Why I Finally Made the Move
I grew up in Indiana, surrounded by cornfields and soybeans. After losing my dad, something shifted. I realized if I was ever going to fulfill that childhood dream of moving to Florida, now was the time. At the same moment, the company I was with made it clear the CFO role I was filling wasn’t going to officially be mine, COVID was ramping up, and our Indiana home was primed to sell. The timing just made sense.
Of course, moving during a hot market had its challenges. We lost our first eight offers and ended up paying $65,000 in appraisal differential to secure our home. But looking back, it was worth it—today, even after market fluctuations, our home is still valued above what we paid.
A Bit About Me
I’m a veteran, a proud Army medic who served during 9/11. After a knee injury ended my service, I shifted paths and eventually earned a Master’s in Accounting & Finance and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. For more than two decades, I’ve worked as a CFO helping startups and tech companies grow, and I’ve also built and sold a few businesses of my own.
Now, I’m channeling that same strategy and focus into real estate. My husband and I co-own a respected home inspection business here in Florida, which gives my clients an extra layer of protection and insight during the buying and selling process. Whether you work with him or another trusted inspector, I’ll make sure you’re covered.
Tips for Moving Cross-Country
When we moved two kids and four cats from Indiana to Florida, it was a whirlwind. Here are a few things that made it easier (and some I recommend avoiding):
- Planning is key. I’m a finance brain, so I make lists for my lists. If that’s not your strength, I can help. From packing timelines to staging checklists to kid- and pet-friendly hotel stops, planning ahead saves stress.
- Staging matters. Our Indiana agent (the amazing Mickey Peek) completely reworked our home before selling, and I was blown away at the difference it made. Photos, video, showings—staging impacts it all. I bring that same perspective to my clients now.
- Pack and label wisely. Don’t just throw things into boxes by room. Group them logically and label clearly. Trust me—future you will thank you when you’re exhausted and just need to find pajamas at midnight.
- Plan for meals. When everything is packed, cooking isn’t an option. Hotels with breakfast included and a few days of eating out made our move manageable. If you’ve got little kids, having an extra set of hands on closing day is a sanity-saver.
Wrapping Up
There are a million other tips I could share, but I’ll save those for next time. Moving across the country isn’t simple, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Follow along here on the blog as I share more about Florida living—local events, restaurants, businesses worth knowing, and the real estate insights you can use. Together, we’ll go beyond the front door and into what makes life in Florida so special.
