In 2021, at the age of 36, Jannese Torres experienced significant financial success through her blog and podcast, which allowed her to quit her 9-to-5 job and achieve financial freedom. This newfound freedom prompted her to consider other goals, such as owning a home in Puerto Rico, where her family is from. Having previously owned property with her ex-husband, purchasing a home in Puerto Rico would be her first solo real estate investment and make her the first in her immediate family to own property on the island.
Torres set her sights on the eastern coastal city of Luquillo in Puerto Rico, a popular location known for its proximity to the capital, its appeal to surfers and beach lovers, and its close proximity to the El Yunque rainforest. Due to concerns about hurricanes and flooding, she focused her search on condos and apartments rather than single-family homes. Conducting her search remotely from Florida, Torres worked with a local real estate agent who arranged property viewings, and she relied on virtual tours to help her make decisions.
Navigating the unique banking, legal, and regulatory environment in Puerto Rico proved challenging for Torres, as traditional U.S.-based lenders were not an option for financing a property on the island. With the goal of being a cash buyer, Torres paused her search in January 2022 to save up enough funds to purchase a property outright. After resuming her search in November of the same year, she found a seller who was ready to part with an oceanfront condo that she fell in love with, ultimately closing on the property within nine days.
Torres’ oceanfront condo in Puerto Rico boasts stunning views, a serene balcony overlooking the water, and amenities such as 24/7 security, a private pool, and assigned parking. The condo came furnished, providing a welcoming and cozy space for Torres to enjoy. She pays monthly homeowners association fees and utilities, along with an annual property insurance policy, to maintain the property. Additionally, she has turned her condo into a short-term rental on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to generate income that covers her expenses and even turns a profit.
Beyond the financial benefits, Torres’ investment in a property in Puerto Rico holds deep emotional significance for her. It represents a tangible achievement of her dream, becoming the first person in her immediate family to own property on the island. The condo has become a gathering place for her family, with her parents and loved ones enjoying visits and vacations there. This investment not only provides financial returns but also serves as a source of personal pride and accomplishment for Torres, highlighting the rewards of taking a chance and believing in oneself.
Torres’ experience demonstrates the power of financial independence and investing in oneself to achieve dreams and goals. By leveraging her podcast and blog income to purchase a property in Puerto Rico, she not only secured a valuable asset but also created a meaningful connection to her family’s roots and shared a slice of paradise with her loved ones. This journey serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their aspirations and take calculated risks to attain financial and personal fulfillment.
