Yesterday was my 65th birthday.
I am blessed with a loving, wonderful family, 3 grown, independent children, all earning their own way, and my dear wife Laura of 38 years, who has been my partner in every adventure the whole time. We should have been the pioneers for the Hawaii Life television show as we moved to Maui in 1978 as newlyweds, with no jobs, a little money, and lots of ambition.
We have never been adverse to risk and bought a home in the country on 5 acres of pineapple fields with a tiny cottage and no trees, with no money and no jobs. Needless to say, closing that sale as a buyer required some serious sales skills. That is something I have never lacked.
Now I am rounding the bend to retirement. The problem is, I have never really had a job to retire from. For fun, read this story.
My son, Jeremy Stice, and my nephew, Tim Stice, are taking over the business and my clients from almost 40 years in the Maui real estate business, so I really don’t have to worry about my clients. Both Tim and Jeremy are brokers and could run their own companies now. There is not a lot more I can teach them and now we have role reversal setting in; they remember a lot more than I do, can move a lot faster, they can Twitter, Facebook, and do a whole bunch of other things that I either can’t do or just don’t care about anymore.
Why Should All of this Matter to You as a Retiree?
First of all, I am not finished yet and I speak your language, Geezer speak, for lack of a better word. I understand blood pressure medication, loosing your memory, creaky bones, and the physical issues of getting older.
I have also made so many mistakes along the way in my real estate career that I actually don’t have to repeat them again. Having to write some big checks for making mistakes tends to teach you well. Frankly, I know my limitations. I no longer take off on 20-foot waves, but maybe a 10-footer on occasion. Paddling the Moloka’i Hoe from Moloka’i to Oahu (on this year’s bucket list) is now a 12-man team with 6-man changes instead of a 9-man team and moving water changes.
Tracy with beige hat in front of Lana’i (2016)
The best part is, for real estate, I have learned to only work with clients who actually respect my experience and we can share some things in common. Time is a lot more important than money at this stage of my life and I want to work with quality people with integrity who won’t waste my time, because I can assure you, I won’t waste your time.
Let’s Get the Business Done & Go Play!
If you are looking for a retirement home, condo, or farm on Maui, call me. I speak Geezer pretty well and I can’t think of a better place to live the rest of my life. It is hard to beat friendly people, warm weather and water, and the outdoor activities, with world-class surfing, kite surfing, golf, cycling, canoe paddling, and year-round gardening with no winter freeze.
If I am off playing, for sure Jeremy and Tim will take care of you; after all, they have new brides and tons of ambition. I just watch for potholes in the road and help them out.
Aloha,
Tracy S. Stice
Tracy@HawaiiLife.com
Hawaii “REALTOR of the year 2016″ Hawaii Association of Realtors
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