A good love story often begins with an unlikely pairing, and that was exactly the case with Stephanie and Candido (Andy) Bueno. The two met in 2018, on the dating app, Plenty of Fish, even though both say they are not the type to usually try dating apps. Both were looking for love and true commitment and after just one phone call, they knew they were each other’s soul mate.
“We talked on the phone for 10 hours,” Stephanie said of their first conversation. “We instantly clicked on that phone conversation. Two days later we went on a dinner date and it just grew from there.”
After just a matter of months, they moved in together to close the gap of living a one hour commute apart. Three years later, Andy was ready to pop the question, but he wanted to do it properly and make the moment memorable.
“I’m sort of old school so I flew her out to Seattle to meet my parents and I took her to the Space Needle and on top of the space needle I proposed to her,” Andy said. “Now every time we see it on television we remember our moment.”
The two were married later that same year in December 2021, in a small ceremony on the beach with family members by their side.
As time went on, the two grew even closer, as Stephanie went into real estate in 2019 and a few years later, Andy followed suit, getting his own real estate license. The Buenos are a powerhouse real estate team; Stephanie is known for her client charisma while Andy uses his military eye for detail to ensure that every property is thoroughly inspected and up to snuff before a sale.
“I go out and view properties and talk to clients for door openings and inspections,” Andy said. “I was a drill instructor and spent 28 years in the Marine Corps, so I have the attention to detail and I can really pick out things that might have been missed previously.”
Stephanie's professional qualities include listening to clients and executing their goals, understanding their vision and delivering results that exceed expectations while making the experience fun and enjoyable and stress free.
In addition to providing real estate services, the Buenos are also property investors, owning two condos on Okaloosa Island. Andy also serves as the president of the condo development’s HOA association and helps oversee renovation projects within the property.
Together, the Buenos offer nearly unmatched realty expertise and precision and can literally be in two places at once. And when it comes to their personal life, the pair say that they have found a new closeness now that they work together.
“Now we can talk about more things in life together and we can do more together,” Andy said. “It opens more lines of communication and thoughts, now that we have the business aspect of it. That’s what I really love about it.”
When it comes to advice for couples working together, the Buenos say it all comes down to good communication and humility.
“Patience is number one,” Andy said. “It is paramount that on both sides, you know when to just be quiet and listen. When you meet those friction points you have to take a step back and take a look at the problem, because she may have a different perspective than I do, a better point of view than I do. When business is involved, you have to take your trust in each other to a different level because if clients see you not trusting each other they may lose their trust in you.”
At home, the Buenos like to spend time with their German shepherd and visit their grown children who all live here on the Emerald Coast.
“Our biggest hobby is time together,” Andy said. “My hobby is spending time with my family and doing whatever they want to do.”
“It’s just really important for us to spend time with our family while we can,” Stephanie added. “We divide up our time to make sure all of our family members get our love and attention.”
Whenever possible, the Buenos also like to volunteer their time to participate in community clean-up events with Keep Okaloosa Beautiful, a local organization that helps keep our communities clean and educates everyone on how to reduce litter and improve recycling efforts.
The Buenos' Tips on Purchasing Investment Properties:
As seasoned property investors, the Buenos offer valuable insights into navigating the investment property market.
1. Know Your Numbers
Understand the current market trends, rental demand, and property values. Evaluate your potential cash flow and return on investment.
2. Know Your Financing Options
Understand the financing options available to you, including conventional mortgages, private lenders, or alternative financing methods.
3. Choose a Location Wisely
If you’re looking for properties for short-term rental, choose locations with high demand. Alternatively, seek areas with strong future development potential. Look for up-and-coming neighborhoods or regions where new infrastructure is being built, as these can appreciate significantly over time.
4. Diversify Your Portfolio
Invest in different types of properties such as condos, single-family homes and townhomes. If you plan to retire in one of the properties, choose one that aligns with your personal desires and lifestyle.
5. Plan for Market Fluctuations
Focus on the long-term potential of your investments, and don’t be swayed by short-term market swings.
"When business is involved, you have to take your trust in each other to a different level," Andy Bueno.