An aerial view of a house beside the sea and a golf site.

Smooth Sailing to Vero Beach: How Ben Bryk and Vance Brinkerhoff Turned My Northeast Move into a Dream

A Grateful New Floridian December 21, 2025

Ah, the allure of Vero Beach, pristine beaches, endless sunshine, and that sweet escape from Northeast blizzards. But let’s be real. When I decided to pack up my life in the bustling Northeast and head south to this gem on Florida’s Treasure Coast, I had a laundry list of worries. Hurricanes? Sky-high insurance? Finding a home that didn’t feel like total culture shock? It all seemed daunting. That’s where Ben Bryk and Vance Brinkerhoff from Vero Premier Properties, a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, came in like superheroes in khakis. With over 35 years of combined experience in Vero Beach luxury real estate, these two didn’t just help me buy a house. They guided me through the entire relocation maze.

From the get-go, Ben and Vance understood my Northeast mindset. I was used to four seasons, mostly winter, efficient subways, and bagels that could make you weep with joy. Vero Beach is paradise, but it’s different. Think golf courses, barrier islands, and a vibe that’s more flip-flops than fast-paced. My top concern was the weather, especially those infamous Florida hurricanes. Ben, with his deep local knowledge, walked me through properties built to withstand storms, including elevated foundations, impact windows, and flood-zone savvy. He even connected me with insurance professionals who explained how to secure coverage without breaking the bank. No more guessing. I felt prepared, not panicked.

Then there was the cost crunch. Coming from high-tax New York, Florida’s no-income-tax perk was huge, but I still fretted over rising property values and HOA fees in upscale areas like Orchid Island or John’s Island. Vance, a top-producing Realtor® and community advocate, crunched the numbers with me. He highlighted hidden gems in neighborhoods that balanced luxury with affordability, using Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s network to uncover off-market listings. We avoided the pitfalls of overpaying in a tight market by perfectly timing the sale of my Northeast home with my Vero Beach purchase. Their app even allowed me to tour homes virtually from my snowy apartment. Genius.

Pests and lifestyle shifts? Yes, I was paranoid about gators and humidity ruining my outdoor dreams. Ben and Vance didn’t sugarcoat it. Instead, they matched me with homes in gated communities where pest control was built in and cultural perks were close at hand, like the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre. They also introduced me to local networks, think golf buddies and beach yoga groups, to ease the social transition. Vance’s passion for the area truly shone through. He’s not just selling homes, he’s building trust after decades in the business.

Logistics were my biggest nightmare. Shipping furniture across state lines, finding new doctors, and navigating traffic without a subway all felt overwhelming. Once again, these guys went above and beyond. They provided referrals for movers, healthcare providers, and even tips for enjoying Vero’s scenic A1A drive. Their team at Vero Premier Properties delivered white-glove service every step of the way, from private consultations to seamless closings. Now, I’m sipping coffee on my ocean-view patio with zero regrets.

If you’re considering a move from the Northeast to Vero Beach, don’t go it alone. Call Ben Bryk at 772-713-9455 or Vance Brinkerhoff at 772-913-3426, or download the Vero Premier Properties app for a head start. Trust me. These experts turn concerns into confidence. Vero Beach isn’t just a destination. With Ben and Vance, it’s home sweet sunny home.

Ben Bryk

About the Author - Ben Bryk

Lead Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is a very emotional experience, especially for those who have not done it very often. My experience in sales can help guide buyers with an analytical approach.

I am a top Vero Beach real estate agent, specializing in neighborhoods like Grand HarborVero Lake EstatesCitrus SpringsFort PierceNorth Hutchinson IslandJohn’s Island, and the surrounding areas.

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