Dream, Search and Pursue at a Live South Real Estate Show

Although retirement was more than ten years away, six years ago Vincent and Darylee Buszko decided they just couldn’t retire in New Jersey. Cold weather and the busy, never-stop atmosphere of the Northeast prompted their decision to attend a Live South Real Estate Show. Their search had begun. They attended two real estate shows and had collected enough information to begin touring.

“The Live South Real Estate Show is the perfect place to gather information and narrow your choices,” Darylee says. “There are so many places-it’s hard to know where to start. We knew we didn’t want Florida. We were looking at North Carolina, the Aiken, SC, area and Tennessee. We toured four communities a day. Three years ago, we had narrowed our search to coastal NC. We decided we were not coming back to New Jersey without purchasing a homesite. We toured seven properties in one day. Rivers Edge in Shallotte, NC, was the first place we went and the last place we came back to. Our decision was made. Vincent liked the golf and I liked the beach. The place is so nice and quiet. We couldn’t be happier.”

The next phase was the home. They had collected photos of what they liked from magazines. PlanView Design in Shallotte, NC, designed the home and the Buszkos were able to walk through the house virtually with 3-D software prior to construction. They interviewed three builders and chose Barker & Canady (in the building business since 1989).

“We felt so comfortable with Joe, and with project manager Jim Calverley, that we came down only twice during the six-month building process. We talked with Jim about two or three times a day on the phone and received weekly email updates with photos,” says Vincent.

The Buszkos had built their NJ home 12 years ago. Living only two miles away, they were intimately involved in the process. With their home in Rivers Edge, the situation was different. Darylee told Barker & Canady, “We trust you. Just build us a house.” She adds, “Barker & Canady made a lot of recommendations and built a beautiful home for us to retire to.”

The 2,800-square-foot open floor plan connects all of the living areas. The kitchen’s functional design is perfectly complemented by the stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and tile backsplash. Just off the kitchen is a lovely sunroom that captures the afternoon sunlight and opens to a back porch. French doors with transoms give the home a very airy feel.

The Buszkos felt it was a great time to build. After the building boom, prices on building supplies went down. Vincent says, “If you bought at the top of the boom, I don’t think you’ll ever get all of your money back. Building now is just a smart investment. I don’t think we’ll have any trouble seeing appreciation down the road.”

When asked if the current economic environment had changed their plans for retirement, the Buszkos responded, “Not really. As long as we live within our means, we’ll be able to retire as planned. But we can’t really imagine not working. We’re busy all the time, making the most of every moment. Yes, we want to slow down, but still remain very active.”

Both only 55 years young, the Buszkos will still live in New Jersey as they continue to work. They will come down several times a year to enjoy the area and their welcoming, comfortable new home.

Their advice to others considering a move: “You have to consider your quality of life. If the time is right, do it. Better deals come along every day. You never know what tomorrow brings. So, you need to live today-within your means, of course.”