WE'RE BACK FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
Bob and I spent two weeks in Antarctica this month and to say it was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement. I did, however, manage to work besides distractions from playful penguins, aggressive seals, blowing whales, calving icebergs and majestic mountains. We couldn't help notice that even wildlife has very specific real estate requirements and honestly, they're not that different from ours!
PENGUINS: LOCATION, LOCATION
No surprise that penguins pretty much take up most of the prime real estate in Antarctica so they can be picky about what their perfect place looks like, and it's all about proximity. They insist on views, waterfront and steps/waddles to cold plunges. Oh, and as far away as possible from leopard seals!
SEALS: WATERFRONT, ONE LEVEL
Seals want almost the same thing as penguins but insist on single level living. They also want waterfront and expansive views, which are both pretty much givens there. A generous sunning patio is also at the top of their real estate needs. They have great taste!
WHALES: SPACE, PRIVACY
Whales need a lot of space to blow off all that steam. Humpback whales take hundreds of naps--short ones--a day so prefer a peaceful environment. They want wide open spaces, room to move, privacy, and deep water access. Clearly, luxury buyers!
AND THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG?
What we saw in Antarctica above the water was only a fraction of what lies beneath. Just like behind every closing, what you can't see, is preparation, strategy, negotiations, patience and hard work. And in Austin, the frozen market is finally breaking up and is moving.