Lasbury-Tracy Family History Spans 100 Years – Editor’s Note: We spoke with Bart Tracy, the owner of Lasbury-Tracy Realty. Learn more at LTRhomes.com or call 941-474-5585.
Bart, tell us a little about your business?
Our tagline, Family Owned Since 1951, sums up our business. Most of our 20 agents are long-term Englewood residents with diverse backgrounds. That includes former attorneys, appraisers, brokers, contractors, and cowgirls. We are a full-service real estate company committed to our customers’ needs, and our knowledge of this area is a major asset!
What’s the history of your family in our community?
I was raised in a real estate family where it was not uncommon to receive a vacant lot for your high school graduation gift. My great grandfather, JE Bartlett, started buying land here in 1916. Three of his daughters ended up in the real estate business. Leah Bartlett Lasbury, started our company on Dearborn Street in 1951. At that time, it was difficult for a woman broker to be successful, so she named her company Lee Lasbury Real Estate, so everyone thought she was a man. My grandmother, her sister, Lois Bartlett Tracy was a successful artist who built the Artist Acres Art Colony. The third daughter was Ruth Bartlett who managed JE’s large estate for many years.
What are your two sons Nathan and Austin doing these days?
Nathan is an electrical engineer working in Louisiana with his next assignment in Peru early next year. Austin graduated from Lemon Bay High School last year and has been on a six-month tour of the U.S. in his little camper. I’m hoping he heads back this way to take over the real estate company someday, but it’s just as likely he’ll end up being a surf instructor in Rincon, Puerto Rico.
Can Englewood retain its small-town sensibilities in the face of rapid growth?
I certainly hope so. I am a little worried about all the growth off River Road, but how do you decide who gets to be the last person allowed to relocate here? My heart was broken when they plowed down Whisky Corners in 1990. (Note: The former drinking and dancing spot created in the late 1920’s sat on the land now occupied by Merchants Crossing).
Bart, what do you love about your work and what drives you crazy sometimes?
I love making deals, flipping houses and helping people find their dream home. Conversely, I’ve missed too many family dinners and vacations. I remind myself daily that our customers work too so the best time to house hunt is after hours. It’s a small price to pay for having this much fun making a living!
