Selling that condo was never the plan. But if there’s one thing I want you to take from this episode, it’s that your financial decisions are allowed to evolve right along with your life. Here’s the full story — the numbers, the mindset shifts, and what’s coming next.
The Condo That Represented Everything
Three weeks after my divorce finalized, back in December 2022, I bought a one-bedroom, oceanfront condo in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. In cash.
That condo was never just a condo. It was proof to myself that I could leave a marriage, rebuild my life, and create something that felt 100% mine. I’m Puerto Rican, born and raised in New Jersey, but I spent every summer on the island as a kid. Owning property there wasn’t about vacation. It was about reclaiming my connection to my homeland and saying, I belong here too.
“The condo was never just a condo. It was proof I could rebuild my life on my own terms.”
What Changed
Since 2022, a lot has shifted. I became a mom. I got remarried. My priorities, my time, and my capacity all changed. A one-bed, one-bath condo on the 13th floor — the kind of place where you’re climbing 13 flights of stairs every time the power goes out — just doesn’t work for a family of three.
On top of that, the building itself had its share of problems: HOA drama, deferred maintenance, and the reality that condos in Puerto Rico aren’t always the best long-term rental play, especially in an elevated building with unreliable power.
So my husband and I sat with the question I want you to ask yourself too: does this still make sense for the life I’m actually living now?
Let’s Talk Numbers
I bought the condo in 2022 for $188,000, in cash. I sold it about three and a half years later for $240,000, walking away with roughly $225,000 after realtor fees and closing costs.
That’s the capital that’s now funding my next chapter.
What’s Next: A Flip and a Bigger Condo
Part of the proceeds are going toward a fixer-upper here in Florida that my husband and I are flipping together. He comes from a family of guys who know how to build things, and we’re finally putting that skill set to use in a new business.
The rest is going toward a down payment on a bigger, two-bedroom condo in Puerto Rico for our family — and this time, I’m financing it instead of paying cash.
“I’m not leaving Puerto Rico real estate. I’m just leveling up how I participate in it.”
Reframing My Relationship With Debt
I started my personal finance journey obsessed with being debt-free at all costs. I’ve had to reframe that. Debt and leverage, used strategically, let you preserve cash and access to liquid assets instead of hoarding money to buy everything outright.
There’s still such a thing as bad debt — credit card debt that doesn’t build anything for you falls into that bucket. But debt used strategically is a tool, not a threat.
The Real Lesson: Alignment Over Accumulation
You are allowed to change your mind. I could never have imagined in 2022 that my life would look this different, or that I’d seriously consider selling that condo. But wealth building isn’t just about getting as much as you need to feel comfortable. It’s about alignment — how does this asset actually fit the life you want to live right now?
“Wealth isn’t just about accumulation. It’s about alignment.”
That condo I prayed for became the thing that now gets to fund my next adventure. And I’m so excited about that.
Key Takeaways
- Your financial decisions should evolve as your life does.
- Selling an asset isn’t automatically a bad move — rich people reposition capital all the time.
- Debt and leverage, used strategically, can help you acquire more assets than paying cash for everything.
- Cash gives you flexibility and control; a mortgage can be the smarter move when you want to preserve liquidity.
- You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your money moves.
Resources Mentioned
Free Puerto Rico Real Estate Guide
Money Tools (credit cards, points, business cards)
Rich Mommy Retreat, Nov 2–5, Costa Rica
Listen to This Episode
Catch the full conversation of Yo Quiero Dinero, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.
🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | iHeartRadio
💰 Ready to Get Your Money Right?
Book a free money strategy call with Jannese and let’s map out exactly what your next financial move looks like. Book your call here →
Stay Poderosa 💎
📥 Grab Your Free Financial Independence Guide
Not sure where to start with your finances? Download the free guide at yoquierodineropodcast.com and get started today.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.
Money stress is real — and sometimes you need more than a podcast to work through it. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist online, on your schedule. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/yoquierodineropodcast.
This episode is also sponsored by Headspace.
Building wealth starts with a clear head. Headspace is the meditation and mindfulness app that helps you manage stress, sleep better, and show up as your best self. Try Headspace free for 30 days at headspace.com/yoquierodineropodcast.
