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By Jon J. Rose, REALTOR® | September 24, 2026 A lower property tax bill is an easy promise to understand. Keeping the fire station staffed, the roads maintained, and the stormwater system working after that revenue disappears is the harder question. On November 3, Florida voters will decide Amendment 3. It would expand the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes to $150,000 of assessed value in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for qualifying Floridians who established perma

Navigating the real estate market in Southwest Florida requires a clear understanding of the financial benefits available to homeowners. One of the most significant advantages is the homestead exemption. This exemption can reduce property taxes and protect your primary residence from certain creditors. In this guide, I will explain the key aspects of the homestead exemption, how to apply, and what it means for buyers and sellers in this region. What Is the Homestead Exemption

Restraint, control, and the underestimated power of refusing to join someone else's chaos Some conversations are difficult. Others arrive already on fire. The voice gets louder. The accusations get broader. Facts begin disappearing. Someone interrupts, talks over you, repeats the same point for the fourth time—and suddenly what began as a discussion about a problem has become a contest over who gets to control the room. That's usually where people make their first mistake. Th

14610 Laguna Drive | Water’s Edge at Peppertree Pointe | Fort Myers, Florida Virtual tour of 14610 Laguna Dr, Fort Myers, Florida, 33908 14610 laguna Dr. Ft. Myers: JUST LISTED! JJ Rose - LPT 239-502-6679 #realestate #ftmyershomes There are two ways to shop for real estate. The first is pretty straightforward: How many bedrooms? How many bathrooms? How many square feet? What’s the price? Perfectly reasonable. It’s also a little like choosing a restaurant based exclusively on

After protests, doubt, political debate and an $18.7 million transformation, Cape Coral’s most controversial park has entered a new chapter. Few public projects in recent Cape Coral history have generated the kind of raw emotion surrounding the redevelopment of Jaycee Park. To some residents, this was a long-overdue investment in one of the city’s most valuable waterfront spaces. To others, it was an unnecessary reinvention of a beloved neighborhood park—planned too aggressiv

Naples, Florida, stands as a beacon of luxury living on the Gulf Coast. Its pristine beaches, upscale amenities, and vibrant cultural scene make it a prime destination for discerning buyers. I have explored the market extensively and will share insights into the luxury real estate landscape here. This guide aims to provide clear, practical information for those interested in navigating this exclusive market. Exploring Naples Luxury Property Options Naples offers a diverse ran

Estero, Florida, has become a prime destination for homebuyers seeking a blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a welcoming community. The real estate market here offers a diverse range of properties, from luxury waterfront estates to charming single-family homes. In this post, I will guide you through the top homes in Estero, highlighting key neighborhoods, market trends, and factors that make this area stand out. Exploring estero property listings: Neighborhoods and

Here’s a brief, human version that doesn’t pretend buying is automatically better: 🏠 RENTING vs. BUYING IN SWFL — Which is actually right for YOU? Here’s the truth: buying isn't always the better decision. Renting may make sense if you want flexibility, aren't sure where you'll be in a few years, or simply don't want the costs and responsibilities of ownership. Buying may make sense if you're planning to stay, want more control over your home, and are financially prepared fo

Everybody wants to buy the finished product—the waterfront home, the new construction, the commercial building or the neighborhood everyone is suddenly talking about. Smart land investors often arrive earlier. They buy the dirt. A dry lot is generally an undeveloped parcel without navigable waterfront frontage. It may not produce an impressive photograph or immediate rental income, but it can represent something increasingly difficult to manufacture: a finite piece of propert

Fort Myers, Florida, isn’t one real estate market. Drive 15 minutes in almost any direction and the lifestyle, housing stock, commute, dining options—and even how long a home typically sits on the market—can change dramatically. That makes Days on Market (DOM) one of the more interesting numbers to watch. But DOM doesn’t tell us which ZIP code is “best.” A longer marketing time can mean more negotiating leverage for buyers. A shorter DOM can indicate stronger demand. And in l

The Case for Short, Focused Workouts—Especially After 50 “I don't have time to work out.” I've said it. You've probably said it. But I've learned something as I've gotten older: I rarely regret finding the time to exercise. Scratch that -- NEVER**.** You don't necessarily need two hours at the gym. You don't need a perfect workout. And you certainly don't need to train like you're preparing for the Olympics. What you need is consistency, intensity appropriate for your fitnes

TEXT 'PICO' to (239) 893-6203 for a copy of the Recipe and a free Home Valuation Consult Pico de Gallo Ingredients: 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced 1/4 C Scallion, finely diced 1/4 C red onion, minced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped Juice of 1/2 lime ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste Pinch of black pepper 1 t good Olive Oil 2 small garlic cloves, minced (optional) Directions: Combine everything in a bowl. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes so the flavors blend, then taste and adjust the lime

Published August 27, 2026 There are moments when the sky seems to mirror what is happening within us. Tonight, as the full Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, much of the Americas will witness a dramatic partial lunar eclipse. At its peak—about 12:12 a.m. Eastern time on August 28—roughly 96% of the Moon will be covered. Astronomically, it is the elegant result of the Sun, Earth, and Moon moving into alignment. In tropical astrology, the full Moon falls in Pisces, a sign trad

Cape Coral, Florida, offers a dynamic real estate market with diverse options for buyers and sellers. The city’s unique canal system, abundant waterfront properties, and growing community make it a prime location for investment and living. I will guide you through the top properties available, highlight key neighborhoods, and provide practical advice for navigating this market confidently. Overview of Cape Coral Property Listings Cape Coral is known for its extensive canal ne

Some losses feel strangely personal, even when the person we are mourning never knew our name. Dolly Parton did not sit at our kitchen tables, attend our family gatherings or call to ask how we were doing. Yet for decades, she was present in our lives. She came into our homes over radio waves, appeared on our television screens and filled movie theaters with laughter, music and warmth. Her songs played during road trips, weddings, breakups and ordinary afternoons. Her movies

“Cape Coral is beautiful, but there’s nothing to do.” Really? That depends. If your definition of fun requires a velvet rope, a subway ride and a DJ who refuses to acknowledge the existence of music before 2024, Cape Coral may not be your spiritual homeland. But if you like waterfront sunsets, funky pizza bars, live music, trivia nights, run clubs, kayaking, tiki cruises, pop-up events and slightly chaotic evenings that begin with “Let’s just grab one drink,” the Cape may sur

If Florida had a front porch—a place where neighbors wave, sunsets become evening entertainment, and nobody looks twice when you arrive at lunch by boat—it might look a lot like Punta Gorda. Nestled where the Peace River meets Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda delivers a relaxed waterfront lifestyle without losing its personality. It is historic but never stuffy, active without feeling hectic, and polished without trying too hard. In other words, Punta Gorda knows exactly what it

Moving to Southwest Florida sounds simple—until you realize how many completely different versions of Florida exist within an hour of one another. One buyer imagines walking to dinner beneath swaying palms. Another wants a boat behind the house. Someone else dreams of new construction, quiet streets and room for a pool. Then there is the buyer who wants the beach—right up until they discover what island traffic, insurance and salt air can mean in everyday life. The real quest

Real estate is often reduced to a collection of numbers. Average prices. Days on market. Interest rates. Inventory. Price reductions. Closed sales. These measurements matter—but they are not the market itself. They are simply evidence of thousands of individual decisions: a family choosing to move closer to their grandchildren, a retiree searching for simplicity, a seller releasing a home filled with memories, or a buyer wondering whether today is the right moment to begin ag

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Southwest Florida real estate? Visit www.JonRoseSellsFL.com for local market insights, featured homes, new construction opportunities, waterfront properties, open houses, and practical guidance for buyers and sellers throughout Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. As a Cape Coral real estate specialist with LPT Realty, Jon J. Rose helps homeowners understand wha