Gara Ann Martin
Living on Marco since 1969
Realtor for 49 Years on Marco
Married to Jim Martin since 1973
How did you get into Real Estate?
I was a teacher (Everglades City, teaching 2 nd grade), but everyone was always talking about Real Estate and I wanted to be a part of the conversation. So, I went to Real Estate School to educate myself. I honestly didn’t even know what a mortgage was at the time, and now it’s pretty much my life after 49 years working in the business on Marco!
The Real Estate market is hot right now, where do you see it going?
I think we are seeing a shift now, there is not quite as much of a frenzy to buy and we are seeing some price reductions which did not happen last year. More and more people are coming here to live, not just vacation and they are paying cash - so they are here to stay. I don’t see it falling out like it did in 2007-2008, it’s a different scenario. That said, it can't keep going up and up forever – a shift is necessary.
People could call you the OG of Marco, give us a reason?
When we first got here the only way on the island was a hand-cranked bridge from Goodland- I remember the Marco bridge going up in December of 1969 – it was exciting- and still is- you cannot ever get sick of that view coming onto the island.
Raising a family on the island- what was the best part?
You knew everyone, and everyone cared- you just felt safe. I walk every day early- in the dark and never have any fears - we just started locking our doors! It has been an amazing community, I always felt like ‘it takes a village’ – Marco Island was our village.
Any hidden gems you want to share?
We love going to Crabby Lady on Goodland to see our son (Gator Nate) play music and enjoy a fresh catch!
What’s your favorite thing to do on Marco - a dream day?
Go for a boat ride - just being on the water and enjoying the views – you have to see this place from the water!
You retreat to the mountains in the summer- why?
Jim and I have been going to visit family in the blue ridge mountains for years before we got a place and my husband loves to ride his motorcycle up there (more exciting than flat Florida roads)! We have found there are a lot of Collier County people up there so we feel at home.
What’s one thing people may not know about you?
That I moved to an Army base on in San Juan, Puerto Rico to teach right out of school (Mizzou) and didn’t know a soul- I’m always up for an adventure.
What is most important in your business?
A true knowledge of the market. Maybe more important to me has been building relationships and delivering genuine personal service. Some of my clients have become my best friends, more like family, and I value that more than anything.