Live Your Best Beach Life (With Income) | Thicken the Plot

Thicken the Plot

Data, Insights and Storytelling for Informed
Real Estate Decisions

Live Your Best Beach Life

(With Income)

Good afternoon, Friends,

I hope your 2025 is off to a great start – and hopefully it’s not too late to say this – Happy New Year! (But holy moly, it’s almost February – time flies!) We set the tone for the year with this epic, content-rich issue and I hope to give you some great weekend reading! (Take your time, it's worth it.)

First, pardon my dust as we’re consolidating our blog, newsletter and podcast behind the Thicken the Plot name. My goal here is quality over quantity (or both!) and to provide you with great data, insights, and storytelling that help you make better real estate decisions. Think of it as part information, part entertainment, and all valuable towards enhancing your life in the tropics.

Also: We’re working with some incredible brand partners / sponsors for our blog and podcast this year that tie into the tropical lifestyle I am dedicating my career to, so stay tuned for a really fun 2025 – collaborating with exceptional entrepreneurs, their businesses, and personal stories of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. These businesses and their leaders are part of what make our local communities in South Florida and The Bahamas so uniquely special, enhancing our quality of life (and real estate values) – I can’t wait to share their stories with you!

Second, I title this issue Live Your Best Beach Life (With Income) because it focuses on what we’re working on daily with passion and expertise within the sales side of our business: living in paradise while (i) offsetting the cost of ownership through rental management programs or (ii) value creation through renovations or rebuilds (including ground-up homes where applicable).You’re going to learn about some incredible communities throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale and The Bahamas in the coming months (or on demand if you schedule a presentation with me!).  Whatever I've curated for you, I either know ownership directly and/or they are managed by some of the most well-established organizations on the planet.

Third, this all sets the stage for the year and where I see the greatest blend of upside for my clients in South Florida and The Bahamas — offsetting the cost of ownership, finding opportunities for income, and/or uncovering untapped value while living the dream or investing in a tropical paradise. I strongly believe that South Florida and The Bahamas are currently poised for long-term, fundamental tailwinds benefiting primary residents, second-home owners, and investors. And, yes, the winds change — so I would never advise a client to buy just to try and time a “perfect market cycle” or something else shortsighted. Instead, I focus on identifying the right opportunities at a good entry basis in certain communities where micro and macro trends are in our favor for long-term value (i.e., good weather, tax and business-friendly policies, and exceptional lifestyle offerings in top-tier locations).

Disclaimer: Nothing in life is guaranteed — not even you enjoying this article (although it’s likely you will). So, please do your own homework and analysis. I’m here to provide relevant real estate information and my professional opinion at an advanced level on tropical opportunities as a part of your team — not investment advice (nor predictions, but I really do think you’re going to enjoy this article and my service).

Highlights from this issue include:

• A preview of Fort Lauderdale Beach and Bahamas buildings and communities that offer options to offset the cost of ownership.
• A December, Q4, and Year-End 2024 market report with a focus on “harbor to lighthouse” in Greater Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. Is it actually a tale of two markets or have things picked up?
• Around the Globe with E&V featuring incredible properties and luxury advisors in Montana and Ontario, Canada.
• Featured existing, new development, and land opportunities.
• Three exciting options for life on the water in the tropics.
• Additional insights, including thoughts on the capital markets to start the year.

In closing and to a great 2025:

1. To my clients and prospective clients – I will continue to provide exceptional value and service to you and yours – thank you for your trust.
2. To my brand partners and collaborators – thank you for your support, sharing your stories, and your work to build and bring success to our communities.
3. And to my fellow real estate advisors and referral partners – thank you for our collaborations and desire to work together for the best outcomes for our clients and each community that we love and serve.

With Gratitude,
Jennie

While active across the spectrum, my two preferred social channels are Instagram and YouTube. If you're up for it, I appreciate a follow there. Thanks so much!

From Harbor to Lighthouse

I've Got You Covered

Let’s get 2025 started with a fun message from yours truly about the markets of Greater Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach that I’m working daily to find opportunities and maximize value for you.

Live Your Best Beach Life

Fort Lauderdale Condo-Hotels

The first part of our series this year on opportunities that can offset the cost of ownership focuses around the “condo-hotels” (or similar function, just labeled something different) on Fort Lauderdale Beach. These offerings range from premium (W, Hilton) to luxury (Ritz, Conrad) to ultra-luxury (Pier Sixty-Six, Four Seasons). I have a keen understanding of the pros / cons, management offerings, and property specifics that make each community special. Enjoy the preview above, the full episode is in the works, and don’t hesitate to schedule an Opportunities presentation with me in the meantime.

And, below, enjoy a Paradise POV (point of view) of a fun South Florida Wednesday that could be you and your family – fishing, dockside lunch, coming home to the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale Beach, an evening winter walk – just living the life!

Values: Key Takeaways

Greator Fort Lauderdale $1M+ Market

This Special Edition covers December, Q4, and Year-End 2024. Where is the Greater Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach luxury market heading in 2025? Is the market hot or not? Is it a great time to buy or sell? What were the most notable sales and exciting new opportunities? Enjoy my Key Takeaways on (i) the luxury single-family home market (video one below) and (ii) the luxury condo and townhouse market (video two below). It’s truly a tale of two markets — cryptic, I know, but you’ll have to watch the videos to find out what I mean. Don't miss these!

Around the Globe with E&V

Bozeman, Montana and Toronto, Ontatio

I have a not-so-secret, secret—I love Engel & Völkers. The global luxury network and its focus on luxury lifestyles are unmatched. I produce this series each month because I believe in the power of the brand, the need for a worldwide network in today's era, and the incredible advisors and properties they represent are truly among the best on the planet. This month, I had the privilege of speaking with PollyAnna Snyder of E&V Bozeman and Anita Springate-Renaud of E&V Toronto Central. Click the link here to read my interview with these outstanding real estate professionals and tour two world-class properties they are marketing for their clients — a picturesque Montana ranch for the ages (above) and a serene lakeside retreat straight out of a Canadian dream scene (below).

From the Islands

Albany, Briland Club and Montage Cay

The Bahamas is my co-favorite place on Earth (surprised?). And Albany, Briland Club, and Montage Cay are three-of-a-kind when it comes to top-tier options in this tropical paradise. What I love about each of these communities (got a few hours?) is that they all share the following: they are at the top of the food chain in their respective island communities (western New Providence, Harbour Island, and The Abacos, respectively); they each have a distinctive personality and vibe that cater to nearly every type of buyer; they offer a range of price points and property types; and they provide opportunities to offset the cost of ownership through rental management programs with some of the best organizations in the business. We’re working on a featured episode spotlighting these communities, but don’t wait — schedule an Opportunities presentation with me today to find the perfect fit for you and your crew.**

Albany (top); Briland Club (above); Montage Cay (below)

Foundations

New Developments and Land

Featured Land Deal. This month we are featuring an incredible land opportunity for my E&V Bahamas colleagues, The Jupp Team and Sarah Gardner, and this world-class beachfront property they are marketing in the gorgeous Eleuthera (known as the Island of Freedom – how beautiful!). This rare sea-to-sea property is 32.45 acres and is a canvas for a visionary developer (or preservationist!). Click here to review an interview we had together late last year and for more on this incredible opportunity (including the mesmerizing property video).

Featured New Development. Also, there’s no hiding my love for the new Pier Sixty-Six (with similar parent company developers to Albany in The Bahamas – so no surprise they are both awesome communities! How about dock to dock ownership, anyone...?). Between the Resort Residences and Azul and Indigo condominium buildings, there are very unique offerings and ways to approach owning in this amenity-rich community that I’d love to discuss further with you. Only limited opportunities remain, so let’s talk about how best to select the right unit, understand the comps in the market, negotiate the best terms with an advocate on your behalf, and build-out the vision of your dreams.

Featured Property - Jen's Top Ten

615 Royal Plaza Drive, Fort Lauderdale

I love this property. So much, that I came up with ten reasons for you to buy it and feel the need to include it in every newsletter. 😂 Tell me what's your favorite out of the top ten for a prize!

Looking for something else? Learn about and find more opportunities throughout my curated selection of Featured Communities in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

On The Water

Yachting, Boating and Fishing

Motor yacht SAINT is on her way back from the lower Caribbean. Who wants to go for a spin? Book your South Florida or Bahamas charter through me to get the friends & family treatment. Enjoy the video – warning – you might just love it.

Is it time to level up your fishing game? (Click play above to see what I mean.) HammerCatch officially launched earlier in January out of the exceptionally reimagined Pier Sixty-Six. Connect with me to get set up with ownership and plan your trip for: i) sport fishing with the absolute best local crew, ii) catching dinner for the family, or iii) cruising with your mates or ladies (don’t forget to order their custom basket of goodies—I recommend the premium bubbly). And if you love your experience on the HammerCat, you can even buy the boat! (Well, not that boat, but you get my point.) That powder blue sure would look stunning outside a couple of properties I can think of…

My friend and E&V colleague also sells boats (and some really nice ones, at that). He happens to be selling an awesome 2023 HCB Sueños with Quad Mercury 600 HP outboard engines with less than 300hrs with a transferrable engine warranty until 2029. This boat is a special “Fishing Platform” with numerous upgrades throughout. And the beautiful Jet Stream Blue hull with tan / cream topside upholstery is sure to be a showstopper and look great behind a South Florida or Bahamas house / club marina. Connect with me on pricing and I’ll put you in touch.

What's Caught My Eye

Around Town & In The News

Bahamas. I love me some jazz and grooving to it. I also love Baha Mar in Nassau (New Providence). Checkout the Grand Opening of Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at the property. Hope to see you on the dance floor!

Broward. In Fort Lauderdale, our harbor is marked by the return of the iconic Pier Sixty-Six and incredible new developments. Also scheduled to open this year are the new convention center and hotel. Imagine arriving home on your boat/yacht – returning from The Bahamas back to Fort Lauderdale – could this be the unveiling of one of the most iconic port harbor entries in the world?

Miami-Dade. My favorite sport over the last number of years has been padel (the courts of Albany being my favorite, especially the indoor court in the Summer!). There are quite a few centers now opening throughout South Florida, which is amazing! Checkout the latest opening in Miami.

Palm Beach. The old PBIR (racetrack in Palm Beach) is on the market and for sale. This was one of the fun places to go in the tri-county area, but fell on hard times and had a reputation as a slow track for racing enthusiasts. Could we see a revival and rebuild with the wealth boom in the area?

The Cost of Capital

Real Estate and Capital Markets

Bloomberg writes US Economy on Solid Footing Set to Back Fed’s Interest-Rate Hold. WSJ adds that A Fed Newcomer Wants to Go Slow on Rate Cuts. And, this week, the Fed officially declined to lower rates and telegraphed they may be in a holding pattern for the foreseeable future.

No surprise – "higher for longer" – and if the new predictions are right about the economy finding an even higher gear under the current US Administration, we’re going to have to get used to this rate range in the near to mid-term.

Expect to continue to see a tale of two real estate markets where great-to-trophy assets that are well-located and amenity rich continue to hit record prices in South Florida and The Bahamas. But this news could be headwinds for older inventory and buyers who may rely on high-LTV financing to close deals – continuing to add to the softness we see in certain markets and property types (like certain beachside condos that also face other questions). As I said in the Key Takeaways episodes above, deals are getting done, but it’s taking pricing concessions (sometimes major ones) from sellers for anything less than 1st or 2nd tier quality.

But, what if you want to borrow because you have more efficient uses for your capital? Or if you really want that special property, but it’s a tad bit out of your all cash budget? I spoke to my friend and trusted collaborator, Brandon Espinosa of Point Mortgage Corp, and he commented that his company and other lenders are open for business when it comes to jumbo and other non-conforming loans:

“South Florida’s jumbo loan market continues to outperform other national markets, offering exclusive opportunities for affluent buyers to invest in luxury real estate. As “Your Fave Lender”, I specialize in delivering tailored solutions with competitive rates to meet your unique financial goals (such as allowing you to deploy your capital for more entrepreneurial uses). As Jennie says, now’s a great time to find deals in a strong buyer’s market – and I can help make closing your next high-value property a seamless reality.”

My Takeaways:

- A price gap will likely continue to widen between quality tiers of residential assets, fueled by the expense and access to financing.

- As a buyer, it’s a unique time to make strong deals in a high inventory market (especially for luxury condos) and an opportunity to create value for yourself on the way into the transaction with sellers who are motivated and developers who need to hit certain milestones.

REIMAGINE

Fort Laderdale Beach SFHs

As a preview of another upcoming series and focus for my sales and REIMAGINE business, I see tremendous opportunity in the single family home (SFH) communities located on Fort Lauderdale Beach (which is an island, by the way!). I’m talking Harbor Inlet; Bermuda Riviera; Dolphin Isles; Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; Lauderdale Beach; Sea Ranch Lakes; and a very select few others, in addition to a couple of communities that I love back towards the mainland (like Bay Colony, The Landings, and the Seven Isles / Las Olas Isles / Nurmi Isles / Riviera Isles / Idlewyld combined area).

You might have heard that since 2020 prices for SFHs have skyrocketed in South Florida, especially in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade. I am betting my career that Fort Lauderdale is going to go through a similar evolution over the next decade+ because of its own vibe and pros, but also as a value play compared to those other two counties. And (guess what!?), yes, we’re working on a feature episode on these communities, as well!

Every day I am hunting for my own REIMAGINE projects on Fort Lauderdale Beach, but I’m also passing along opportunities to my clients. If you want to be on the inside of this list, I don’t expect anything from you (although a thank you or glass of wine is always appreciated), shoot me a note about looking at some of the deals I’m seeing where there’s an opportunity to create value in a Fort Lauderdale Beach single family home.

Connect

With Jennie and TPH

Woah, baby – what a start to the year and we are off to the races for real estate opportunities and enjoying life in the tropics! January – you were great. February, you’re up next and please don’t disappoint us!

To my friends, clients, prospective clients, collaborators and referral partners – thanks for diving deep together on the luxury real estate market! Let's get some deals done, and until next time!

Respectfully,
Jennie