Introducing The 55-Plus Real Estate Agent of the Year for 2021

Happy Spring! We at Explore55Plus are so excited to recognize Tricia Fornash as our best 55-plus real estate agent of the year for 2021. Tricia began working in real estate back in 2013 after dedicating nearly 20 years of her life to the hospitality industry. Prior to her career in the real estate profession, Tricia worked closely with hotel renovations for Hyatt-Marriott conversions before making the decision to relocate to Orlando, Florida.

Fun Hospitality Fact: Hotels often remodel one floor of the property at a time in an effort to still occupy other hotel floors without drastically affecting sales.

Who Is Explore55Plus’ Best Real Estate Agent of 2021?

Get to know our best real estate agent of 2021! Who is our top 55-plus agent? And where is she originally from?

Tricia Fornash is originally from a small town in Kentucky called Corinth, which she says consists of exactly 282 people. Located halfway between Lexington and Cincinnati, she says she grew up on nearly 600 acres, participating in fun physical activities like basketball and four-wheeling — the Kentucky version of a Florida golf cart. Though she enjoyed the small-town feeling of knowing all the members of her community, Tricia wanted to experience what life is like with more culture and diversity. Plus, she couldn’t wait to get away from the cold!

Explore55Plus agent Tricia Fornash actually started preparing to launch her real estate career before moving to Central Florida in 2013. She spent weeks studying from home, then passed the course and then passed the state test upon arriving in sunny Florida. Initially, Tricia considered going into timeshare but ultimately decided to work for a builder who later encouraged her to transition into specializing in the 55-plus communities because of her background in hospitality. The resort lifestyle, clubhouses and all the amenities made the perfect mix, and in 2014 she began specializing in the Trilogy Orlando 55-plus community. Now she’s expanded her skill set to include all active adult communities throughout Central Florida.

More About Our Top 55-Plus Real Estate Agent of the Year 2021

Find out more fun facts about Explore55Plus Agent of the Year 2021 Tricia Fornash:

• What Is Your Favorite Meal? Wilted lettuce – After growing a tobacco plant in Kentucky, people would plant leaf lettuce and eat them with radishes, green onions, crumbled bacon, vinegar, some sugar and a dressing from the hot bacon grease
• What Is Your Favorite Sport? Kentucky Basketball
• What Are Your Dogs’ Names? Cooper & Bandit
• What Is Your Favorite Fast Food? McDonald’s – A plain double cheeseburger, fries and a coke with extra ice
• Where Is Your Dream Vacation? Fiji
• What Is Your Dream Car? Porsche
• Vacation Home or Boat? Vacation Home
• Would You Go Skydiving? Yes, I want to
• Would You Rather Read a Book or Play Games? Play Games
• What Is Your Favorite Movie? “Remember the Titans”
• What Is Your Go-To Coffee Order? Peppermint White Mocha

What Makes Up the Best Agents in Your Area?

The best agents in your area know not only what luxury and affordable retirement communities are available in Central Florida, but also the ins and outs of these active adult communities — such as community amenities, HOA regulations and proximity to local shops, hospitals and attractions like Disney World and Universal.

One of Tricia’s favorite client stories from 2021 is when she was touring a second 55-plus community with a funny couple. They were in the clubhouse and very interested, and then a lady interrupted because she recognized one of her client’s voices. It turns out this woman was from her home state of Virginia and neither had kept in contact with each other. The synchronicity of this moment was enough to stop this couple’s search and become neighbors with a long-lost friend from home and concentrate on finding a house in that adult community.

What Is a Senior Real Estate Specialist?

A senior real estate specialist is a licensed real estate agent in Florida who specializes in finding 55+ communities in Florida with homes for sale. At Explore55Plus, we specialize in both existing and new construction 55+ communities located near Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

“I think there are so many great aspects of living in a 55-and-over community. I personally live in one myself. The lifestyle and the activities are great,” says Tricia, Explore55Plus’ 55-plus real estate agent of the year.

Tricia shared with us that one of the most common misconceptions about living in a 55-plus active adult community is that it’s like being in a nursing home with everybody on walkers or scooters. She says that’s not the case at all, and it’s really more about people enjoying their retirement with activities that encourage being social and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 55+ communities change people’s lives because it encourages them to work out, go out to restaurants and try out new hobbies.

She says it’s rewarding to see clients call her in six months to tell her how much they’re really loving the community. Tricia feels that helping people find a place to call home is one of the best parts of being a real estate agent.

How to Find Active Adult (55+) Homes in Central Florida

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest 55-and-over communities in Central Florida or new construction in 55 plus communities, our real estate experts at Explore55Plus are trained to help you find the best active adult (55+) homes in Central Florida that meet your lifestyle.

Our tip at Explore55Plus is to find an active adult community with amenities that encompass all your favorite activities. For example, if you’re like Tricia and like to play basketball, work out at the gym and catch a sunset by a trail on the water, there’s a 55-plus home in Central Florida with your name soon to be on it.