My Thought Process as a Realtor and Real Estate Investor
By Paige Kovari | Palm Beach County Realtor
People ask me all the time: “Where would you buy if it were your own money?” It’s a fair question.
As both a Realtor and a real estate investor, I don’t just analyze markets for clients — I make investment decisions with my own capital. Recently, I chose to purchase an investment property in Fort Pierce. Was it because I believe it’s guaranteed to become the next hot market? No — no one can promise that. Instead, it came down to the same process I encourage every investor to follow: understand the market, evaluate the numbers, and buy for the long term.
I Follow the Fundamentals
When I evaluate a market, I ask myself several questions: Is there public and private investment? Is the city improving infrastructure? Is there employment growth? Is the downtown becoming more active? Is the waterfront being improved? Is there room for appreciation without depending on speculation? Does the property make sense as a rental if values stay flat?
Fort Pierce checked many of those boxes.
A Historic Downtown That Continues to Improve
Downtown Fort Pierce has become one of the Treasure Coast’s most enjoyable waterfront districts, with restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, the Sunrise Theatre, farmers markets, a marina, waterfront parks, fishing, and boutique shopping. The city has continued investing in beautification, streetscape improvements, and redevelopment through the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency.
King’s Landing
One of the largest redevelopment projects is King’s Landing, a mixed-use waterfront development planned near downtown, with a long-term vision that includes a boutique hotel, restaurants, retail, residential housing, public gathering spaces, and improved pedestrian connections. Like many large developments, the project has experienced delays and amendments, but city planning documents continue to identify it as a major redevelopment priority.
The Waterfront is a Major Asset
Residents enjoy the Indian River Lagoon, Fort Pierce Inlet, South Hutchinson Island, public marinas, boat ramps, beaches, fishing, diving, and waterfront dining — natural amenities that are permanent features of the community.
The Port of fort Pierce Area
The city continues to identify the Port and surrounding employment areas as important parts of its long-term economic strategy, including port-related development, downtown improvements, and infrastructure projects.
I Bought for Cash Flow First
Here’s something that may surprise people: I did not buy my property because I expect appreciation. I bought it because the numbers worked today. One of the principles I teach in my book I Sell Income™ is simple — never depend on appreciation to make a deal work. If appreciation happens, that’s wonderful. If it doesn’t, I still want an investment that produces income and supports my long-term goals. That philosophy removes much of the speculation from investing.
Room to Improve
Fort Pierce still has neighborhoods that need continued investment — that’s true of many cities. At the same time, the city continues working on redevelopment initiatives, downtown improvements, roadway projects, business incentives, and community revitalization efforts through its Community Redevelopment Agency. Markets rarely transform overnight; change happens one project, one business, and one neighborhood at a time.
Why I Felt Comfortable Investing
My decision came down to a combination of factors: the purchase price relative to my investment criteria, the property’s rental potential, the waterfront location and nearby amenities, ongoing public investment in downtown, redevelopment efforts already underway, and the city’s long-term planning initiatives. Most importantly, the deal worked without requiring future appreciation — a standard I try to apply to every investment.
My Perspective
I don’t believe investors should buy based on hype. I also don’t believe you should dismiss a market simply because it isn’t fully developed. Fort Pierce may not be the right fit for every investor, but after reviewing the numbers and understanding the community’s long-term potential, I felt it deserved a place in my portfolio.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest mistakes investors make is trying to find the “next big thing.” Instead, I believe it’s better to focus on buying quality properties that produce income, fit your budget, and align with your long-term goals. That’s the same advice I give my clients — and it’s the approach I follow with my own investments.
Thinking About Investing on the Treasure Coast?
Whether you’re looking in Fort Pierce, Palm Beach County, or elsewhere along Florida’s east coast, I’d be happy to help you evaluate opportunities based on numbers, not emotion.
Paige Kovari REALTOR®
Dalton Wade Real Estate Group
📞 561-323-5748
Palm Beach County REALTOR®
dalton wade real estate group
Helping clients buy, sell, invest, and build wealth through real estate across Palm Beach County and surrounding communities.
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