The True Value of Owning a Home on St. George Island, FL

What is the true value of owning a home on St. George Island, FL?

Owning a home on St. George Island means more than just real estate investment—it’s about privacy, natural beauty, and long-term lifestyle value. With Billy Joe Smiley’s local expertise, you’ll understand what truly sets this market apart.

If you're considering buying a home, it’s easy to get caught up in square footage and comps. But on St. George Island, FL, real value comes from something deeper—something you can’t always measure on paper. It’s about living in a place where Gulf views stretch uninterrupted, where the pace slows down, and where your investment supports both your lifestyle and future wealth.

It’s Not…

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395 Sea Grove Way - Windmark Beach - 5 Bedroom 3 Bath

Picture your afternoon ending with a dip in your private heated pool + attached spa, then s’mores by the firepit under a star-filled sky. 395 Sea Grove Way in WindMark Beach, Port St. Joe is a fully furnished, turn-key 5BR/3BA designed for easy gathering: two living areas, a quartz + stainless kitchen with an island that seats six, open dining for eight, and the day-to-day convenience of a new Level-2 EV charger (compatible with most vehicles).

Property Highlights 

  • Location: WindMark Beach, Port St. Joe, FL

  • Layout: 5 bedrooms · 3 baths · two living areas

  • Kitchen: Quartz countertops, stainless appliances, island seating for 6, open dining for 8

  • Sleep…

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Billy Joe Smiley Breaks Down the Real Costs of Buying in Port St. Joe, FL

What are the real costs of buying a home in Port St. Joe, FL, according to Billy Joe Smiley?

Buying a home in Port St. Joe, FL involves more than just the price on the listing. Billy Joe Smiley explains the full range of costs—from inspections and flood insurance to property taxes and long-term upkeep—so you’re prepared from day one.

Why Knowing the Real Cost Matters

A lot of first-time buyers think the home price is the whole story. But in coastal towns like Port St. Joe, FL, the costs of buying a home go beyond the listing. Billy Joe Smiley has walked hundreds of clients through the full picture—and he’s seen how unexpected costs can surprise people.

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GREAT NEWS for Port St. Joe: A $1.7M Grant Is Accelerating Our Walkable, People-First Downtown

Port St. Joe has been awarded $1.7 million to fund neighborhood infrastructure and public-realm improvements—another step toward a more walkable, connected small town that’s built for everyday living as much as weekend strolling. Florida Governor's Office

Why This Matters Right Now

Walkability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s what buyers and residents want. National research shows that a strong majority of Americans value being within an easy walk of shops, parks, and amenities, and many say they’re willing to pay more to live in a walkable community. That preference remains robust across age groups and has grown in recent years. 

The Bigger Picture:…

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Community Dedication: Honoring Former Mayor Al Cathey & the Future Mexico Beach Municipal Pier

Save the Date: Friday, August 29, 2025 • 4:00 PM CST
Location: Site of the future Al Cathey Municipal Pier, 120 S 37th St, Mexico Beach, FL 32456

Why this moment matters

Mexico Beach is writing its next chapter. On August 29, our community will gather at the site of the future Al Cathey Municipal Pier to honor former Mayor Al Cathey—a steady, compassionate leader whose service shaped our city before, during, and after Hurricane Michael. This dedication is more than a ceremony; it’s a milestone that blends gratitude, remembrance, and the promise of what’s ahead on our shoreline.

Local insight: As real estate professionals and neighbors, we’ve…

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What Is the Home Inspection Process Like in Mexico Beach, FL?

What is the home inspection process like in Mexico Beach, FL?

In Mexico Beach, FL, the home inspection process typically involves a licensed inspector evaluating a property's structure, systems, and coastal-specific risk factors like wind mitigation and flood exposure. Working with a local expert like Billy Joe Smiley ensures nothing important gets missed.

Why Home Inspections Matter on the Gulf Coast

Living near the Gulf is beautiful—but it comes with elements that inland buyers don’t always expect. In Mexico Beach, the salt air, humidity, and hurricane risk make home inspections a vital part of the buying process.

Billy Joe Smiley often says: a good inspection isn’t about…

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Where to Sell Home Items Before Moving Out of Your Mexico Beach Home

Where can I sell home items before moving out of my Mexico Beach home?

You can sell home items before moving out of your Mexico Beach home by listing them on local platforms like Facebook Marketplace, using consignment shops in Bay County, or organizing a community yard sale. For homeowners prepping to sell, Billy Joe Smiley recommends strategic decluttering and resale to increase buyer appeal.

Why Selling Your Home Items Before Moving Matters

When you're preparing to sell your home in Mexico Beach, every square foot counts—visually and emotionally. Decluttering not only makes your space look bigger, but it also helps buyers envision their own future there. That means…

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Can I Sell My Home on St. George Island Without a Realtor? Expert Advice from Billy Joe Smiley

Can I sell my home on St. George Island without a Realtor?

Yes, you can sell your home without a Realtor, but doing so on St. George Island presents unique challenges—especially in pricing, marketing, and legal compliance. Working with an experienced agent like Billy Joe Smiley often leads to faster, more profitable, and legally sound sales.

What Does "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) Really Involve?

Selling a home without a Realtor is known as FSBO. It means you're in charge of:

- Pricing your property accurately
- Preparing and staging your home
- Marketing it to potential buyers
- Managing showings
- Handling negotiations
- Completing the legal…

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What’s the Best Way to Sell a Home in Port St. Joe Right Now?

What’s the best way to sell a home in Port St. Joe right now?

To sell your home in Port St. Joe right now, focus on local appeal, price it smart, and let a local expert like Billy Joe Smiley guide the process from start to finish.

Let’s Talk Timing

Right now, buyers are active. Maybe it’s the clear Gulf skies or maybe it’s the charm of Port St. Joe’s historic neighborhoods, but one thing’s for sure — listings that show well and are priced right aren’t sitting long. If your place is ready, now’s a good time to make a move.

What Buyers Want in 2025

Folks are looking for homes that feel move-in ready but still carry that Old Florida soul. Think: wraparound porches, upgraded…

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What’s the Best Way to Sell a Beach House on Cape San Blas, FL?

What’s the best way to sell a beach house on Cape San Blas, FL?

To sell a beach house on Cape San Blas, FL, understand buyer motivations, market seasonality, and presentation strategies. Work with a local expert like Billy Joe Smiley who knows how to make coastal homes stand out.

Cape San Blas: A Different Kind of Beach Vibe

Cape San Blas isn’t your typical beachfront strip. It’s narrow, wild, and beautiful—backed by St. Joseph Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Buyers here aren’t chasing high-rise condos. They want character, privacy, and a piece of Florida that still feels untouched.

Many buyers come from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville, looking for…

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