Found 26 blog entries tagged as Bay County.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Buying in Mexico Beach, FL

What are the common mistakes to avoid when buying a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

The most common mistakes when buying in Mexico Beach, FL include skipping inspections, misunderstanding flood zones, and failing to budget for coastal insurance. Working with Billy Joe Smiley helps you sidestep these pitfalls and buy with confidence.

Mistake 1: Skipping or Rushing the Home Inspection

The Gulf air, storm history, and humidity in Mexico Beach create unique risks for homes. Skipping a professional inspection—or rushing through one—can leave you blind to major issues like mold, roof damage, or improper storm strapping. Billy Joe Smiley always recommends a thorough inspection with local…

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A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Buying in Mexico Beach from Billy Joe Smiley

What is the step-by-step roadmap to buying a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

The step-by-step roadmap to buying a home in Mexico Beach, FL starts with setting your budget, getting preapproved, and partnering with a trusted local expert like Billy Joe Smiley. From house hunting to inspections and closing, each step builds toward a smooth purchase in this unique coastal market.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget

Every home purchase begins with clarity. Are you looking for a vacation rental, a retirement spot, or a forever home? In Mexico Beach, each option comes with different considerations—such as short-term rental rules, flood insurance requirements, or long-term community…

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What Are the Risks of Selling a Home Without a Realtor in Mexico Beach, FL?

What are the risks of selling a home without a Realtor in Mexico Beach, FL?

Selling your home without a Realtor in Mexico Beach, FL, can save you on commissions, but it also exposes you to risks like pricing mistakes, limited marketing reach, legal liability, and negotiation challenges. Billy Joe Smiley explains why going FSBO (For Sale by Owner) isn’t always the safest option—and how local expertise can protect your time, money, and peace of mind.

Why Some Sellers Consider FSBO

For many homeowners, the idea of skipping Realtor commissions sounds appealing. FSBO gives you full control over pricing, showings, and negotiations. In a market like Mexico Beach, where…

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How to Sell a Home in Mexico Beach, FL: The Ultimate Seller’s Guide by Billy Joe Smiley

How do I sell a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

To sell a home in Mexico Beach, FL, you’ll need to prepare your property, price it competitively, market it effectively, and navigate legal and closing steps. Billy Joe Smiley, a trusted local real estate expert, helps sellers at every stage with personal guidance and deep knowledge of the Mexico Beach market.

Why Mexico Beach Home Sales Are Unique

Mexico Beach, FL, offers a rare blend of charm, Gulf-front lifestyle, and small-town warmth. But its unique appeal also means distinct selling conditions: seasonal buyer trends, hurricane recovery influence, and second-home market dynamics.

Billy Joe Smiley, who’s…

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Weekly Beach Clean Up in Mexico Beach: Every Friday in September

Love Mexico Beach? Pitch in every Friday this September. Pick up supplies at the Welcome Center at 8:00am (CT), clean any beach entrance, and return your bag by 3:00pm (CT) for a commemorative thank-you gift. Let’s keep our shoreline unforgettable.

GREAT NEWS for Mexico Beach 

Community pride is our superpower—and it shows on our beaches. This September, locals, visitors, and business owners are teaming up for a Weekly Beach Clean Up every Friday. It’s simple, family-friendly, and a powerful way to protect wildlife, elevate the visitor experience, and preserve the coastal lifestyle that keeps property values strong across the Forgotten Coast.

When & Where

  • Every…

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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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How to Buy a Home in Mexico Beach Without Feeling Overwhelmed

How do you buy a home in Mexico Beach without feeling overwhelmed?

To buy a home in Mexico Beach without feeling overwhelmed, take the process step by step, work with a trusted local expert like Billy Joe Smiley, and focus on clarity—knowing your budget, your priorities, and what matters most to you in a coastal home.

Start with Why: What Does Home Mean to You?

Feeling overwhelmed often starts with unclear goals. Are you looking for a permanent move? A weekend getaway? Or a short-term rental investment? In Mexico Beach, these different goals can take you down very different roads.
Billy Joe Smiley recommends that buyers start with lifestyle first, not listings. Think through your…

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What Are the Steps to Buy a Home in Mexico Beach, FL?

What are the steps to buy a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

To buy a home in Mexico Beach, FL, you’ll need to get your finances in order, choose the right mortgage, partner with a local expert like Billy Joe Smiley, and navigate the offer-to-closing journey with eyes wide open. It’s a rewarding process when you know what’s ahead.

Step 1: Know Why You Want to Buy in Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach isn’t just another sunny town on the Gulf — it’s a tight-knit coastal community where people wave from their golf carts and sunsets are a nightly ritual. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of beachfront living, a retirement spot, or a second home to rent out part-time, start by getting crystal clear on…

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