Eric English - Real Estate Advisor

Yesterday, my oldest graduated from high school.

Pretty surreal.

I cried last week during graduation Sunday at church, and I know there’s more to come.

All tears of joy.

I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet that I have a grown child now.

After his graduation rehearsal earlier this week, Nolan and I were laughing about how different things are now compared to when I graduated. Back then, most of us just showed up in a gown and called it a day. Now everybody has ribbons, cords, scholarships, and awards for something. Times have definitely changed.

But somewhere in the middle of all the celebration, I caught myself thinking about who I was at 18.

Honestly? Very different than Nolan.

At his age, I couldn’t wait to move out, push limits, and figure life out the hard way. Nolan has a steadiness to him I definitely didn’t have back then. He’s thoughtful, grounded in his faith, hardworking, and somehow already feels more mature than I was at that age.

As a parent, there’s something strange about looking at your kid in a cap and gown while simultaneously picturing yourself at that same age in your own life.

Part of you still sees them as your little kid.

And part of you realizes they’re becoming an adult right in front of you.

God is at work in his life.

and I see Nolan starting to take ownership of his faith story.

Really proud of you, Nolan. Excited to watch this next chapter unfold.

Like most men, I used to fear vulnerability.

Then 8 years ago, I met Jeff.

Jeff began to show me how to overcome this.

We first met during a leadership event Jeff created at Summit Church in Orlando. As soon as I found out he led a men’s Bible study group.

I immediately got involved.

Early on in our connection, I knew Jeff was different than most ministers I’d met in the past. 

- His love for Jesus was contagious
- He had years of business experience
- He was passionate about teaching men

Now, he’s a brother. 

We’ve cried together. I’ve shared stuff with him that few people know. With wisdom and empathy, Jeff can usually relate to my struggles with stuff he’s walked through. If not, he’s the best listener.

He has the gift of making you feel like you’re the only one in the room.

Jeff’s spent an equal amount of his career in ministry and the marketplace, and that’s given me a better understanding of how to live out my faith right where God’s placed me.

After 20+ years of heart issues and multiple surgeries, Jeff still shows up. His faith never wavers, and that’s encouraged me to rely on my faith, family, and friends through difficulty.

Talking sports & politics is necessary for dudes. but,

a brother to check in with emotionally and spiritually is even more vital.

- He invited me to walk with him during the most difficult time of his marriage
- We’ve cried together about our kids
- He’s given me wisdom through my addictions

Learning to be vulnerable is difficult. It’s unnatural. Our wives and girlfriends have a place here, but we need a trusted group of men to help us unpack these messy areas of life.

Fellas, if you’re reading this and you STILL don’t feel like you have any supportive MEN to confide in?

Go find them.

Join a Men’s Group.

Join a Church.

Go on a retreat if you have to.

Believe me, they’re out there, you just have to find them. Someone to trust with our dark secrets, hangups and embarrassing regrets.

Jeff taught me what this looks like,

and I’ll forever be grateful for our brotherhood.

Why do big developments in Orlando like The Villages, Del Web, get most of the attention?

Because they’re a one-stop shop. 

Golf, restaurants, shopping, community events, entertainment all within a few miles. 

And you wonder why Florida is the #1 state for retirement!

Obvious.

All that said, working in real estate for 4 years now, I see so many hidden gems and amazing neighborhoods often overlooked, or outshined by the popularity of these well known communities.

One of those places, is Tavares.

While The Villages and Del Webb have their list of perks, they’re actually missing something crucial (and special).

We call it Old Florida.

* Unhurried
* Live oaks
* Dock fishing
* Wildlife

An appreciation for quiet evenings watching the sunset while still being close enough to all things “Orlando”.

Sharing a coffee or a glass of wine with neighbors is more important than attending the next big party at the square.

I love that Central Florida gives us options for retirement.

If you lean toward vintage Florida, this little gem in Lake County might be for you.

That’s Tavares.

Check out my latest listing in this underrated area (in comments), and send me a DM if you need any help exploring all that Florida has to offer for you and your family.

I know, for me…?

I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.