Spring Is Stirring on the Forgotten Coast

There is a particular quality to late March on the Forgotten Coast that is hard to put into words and impossible to fake. The light changes. The water shifts from its winter pewter to something closer to jade. Gulf breezes show up warmer than they have any right to be for this time of year, and the streets in Port St. Joe start to fill with people who look like they are exactly where they want to be. That feeling is real. And this week, the market reflected some of it.

For the week of March 23 through March 29, 2026, the Forgotten Coast posted 15 residential closings across all four major areas, with 17 additional homes under contract

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Billy Joe Smiley’s Expert Advice: How to Buy a Home on St. George Island Without Regrets

How can you buy a home on St. George Island without regrets?

You can buy a home on St. George Island without regrets by setting clear goals, understanding local market dynamics, and working with an experienced agent like Billy Joe Smiley, who ensures every step of the process is informed and confident.

Buying a home is always a big decision, but buying St. George Island real estate carries its own set of unique considerations. From waterfront regulations to neighborhood culture, making the right choice means having the right guidance. Billy Joe Smiley has helped countless buyers avoid common mistakes and make smart, lasting investments here.

Define…

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396 Sea Grove Way, Port St. Joe, FL: Coastal Living in WindMark Beach with Bay Views, Gulf Views & a Private In-Law Suite

If you’ve been searching for a home in Port St. Joe, Florida that blends location, flexibility, and coastal lifestyle, 396 Sea Grove Way deserves your attention. Located in the highly desirable WindMark Beach community, this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers bay views, Gulf views, a private in-law suite, and convenient access to some of the best amenities along Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Whether you are looking for a full-time residence, second home, vacation property, or investment opportunity, this home offers the kind of layout and setting that buyers are actively seeking in today’s market.

A Prime…

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Billy Joe Smiley’s FSBO Tips for Homeowners on Cape San Blas

What FSBO tips actually help you sell your home on Cape San Blas? 

If you’re searching “Sell Home” tips for a do-it-yourself sale on Cape San Blas, focus on three levers you control: pricing, presentation, and precision. These practical steps from Billy Joe Smiley help you move from ‘for sale’ to ‘sold’ without wasting time or money. 

Price With Precision (and Purpose) 

Start with a hyper-local CMA. Segment comps by view tier, micro-neighborhood, and rental potential. Price in a narrow band that attracts your best buyer. Investors care about cap rate and seasonality; second-home buyers care about view corridors and maintenance. If your home will be shown during…

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Selling Without an Agent? What You Must Disclose in Mexico Beach, FL


If I list my Mexico Beach home for sale without an agent, what must I disclose?


If you sell your home without an agent in Mexico Beach, FL, you must disclose known property defects, flood risks, HOA obligations, and other material facts required by Florida law. Billy Joe Smiley explains what FSBO sellers need to disclose to stay compliant and avoid legal issues.

Why Disclosures Matter

Florida law requires sellers to disclose all known material defects. This protects buyers from hidden issues and protects sellers from lawsuits after closing. Whether you use an agent or sell FSBO, disclosures are non-negotiable.

Key Required Disclosures in Florida

As a FSBO seller…

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Forgotten Coast Real Estate Market Report
March 16–22, 2026

Published March 23, 2026  ·  By BJ Smiley, Port Realty Group

March is doing what March always does down here, teasing spring without fully committing to it. The light changes first. That particular gold that settles over the Gulf in the late afternoon starts arriving a little earlier, and you can feel something shift in the air. People are driving slower on Cape San Blas Road. A few more trucks are parked at the boat ramp. And if you've been watching the market the way we have, you can feel a similar kind of energy starting to stir there too.

The week of March 16–22 brought 11 residential closings across the Forgotten Coast, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, St. Joe Beach, Mexico…

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Build Your Coastal Dream at 466 Pineda St | Port St. Joe, Florida Homesite Opportunity

Live the Coastal Lifestyle in Port St. Joe, FL

If you’ve been searching for the perfect place to build along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this homesite at 466 Pineda St, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 delivers an incredible opportunity to bring your vision to life.

Positioned in an established area just minutes from downtown Port St. Joe, this 0.258-acre homesite (approx. 75’ x 150’) offers the flexibility, location, and value today’s buyers are looking for.

Whether you're planning a primary residence, second home, or investment property, this lot checks all the right boxes.

Property Highlights That Matter

âś” Water & sewer tap fees already paid
âś” Electric pole in…

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Selling a Home Without an Agent on Cape San Blas: Legal & Ethical Considerations

Is it a good idea to list your Cape San Blas home for sale without an agent?

Short answer: it depends on your risk tolerance, time, and expertise. If you’re searching “Sell Home” advice specific to Cape San Blas, know that FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can work, but you’ll shoulder pricing, marketing, showings, contracts, and compliance yourself. Partnering with Billy Joe Smiley can help you compare true net proceeds and avoid legal missteps while keeping you in control.

Cape San Blas Is a Unique Market

Buyers are often out-of-area and shopping online before they ever step foot on Cape San Blas. They’re comparing Gulf-front and bay-view lifestyles, walkability to…

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What’s the Fastest Way to Sell a Waterfront Home on St. George Island? Billy Joe Smiley Shares Tips

What’s the fastest way to sell a St. George Island waterfront home?

Selling a waterfront home on St. George Island requires a tailored approach to stand out in a competitive market. Billy Joe Smiley shares proven strategies to help you attract buyers quickly and close faster.

Understand What Waterfront Buyers Want

Waterfront buyers on St. George Island are seeking more than just a home. They’re looking for a lifestyle.
- Panoramic water views, private docks, and boating access are major selling points.
- Vacation rental potential is also a top priority for many buyers seeking investment opportunities.


Price Strategically for Maximum…

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Forgotten Coast Real Estate Market Report  |  March 9–15, 2026

Weekly residential & land market update • Port St. Joe • Cape San Blas • Mexico Beach • St. Joe Beach • St. George Island

Spring is starting to stir on the Forgotten Coast, and the market is moving with it. Quietly and selectively, but moving. The week of March 9 through 15 brought ten residential sales and four land closings across the coast, with activity spread wider than you might expect given the broader inventory picture. More telling than the sales count this week is what is sitting under contract: eleven residential properties and four land parcels have buyers locked in and heading toward the closing table. That pipeline matters.

Picture yourself standing at…

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