Found 228 blog entries tagged as Gulf county.

Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Home on Cape San Blas, FL?


You may owe capital gains tax when selling Cape San Blas real estate if your profit exceeds IRS exemption limits. Primary residences often qualify for exclusions, while second homes and investment properties may face higher tax liabilities. Billy Joe Smiley helps you understand how these rules affect your bottom line so you can plan wisely.

What Is Capital Gains Tax?

Capital gains tax is the tax you pay on profit from selling property. If you bought your Cape San Blas home for $400,000 and sold it for $700,000, your gain is $300,000 before exemptions and deductions.

Federal Exemptions for Primary Residences

If the home was your primary residence for at least two of the…

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Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a Home in Port St. Joe, FL
By Billy Joe Smiley

What mistakes should you avoid when buying a home in Port St. Joe, FL?

When buying a home in Port St. Joe, FL, common mistakes include skipping inspections, underestimating insurance costs, and rushing into neighborhoods without local insight. Billy Joe Smiley helps buyers avoid these pitfalls with practical, trusted advice.

Why Mistakes Cost More in Coastal Markets

Buying on the Gulf Coast isn’t the same as buying inland. Salt air, flood zones, and seasonal demand make Port St. Joe unique. The wrong step here can cost you thousands—or worse, saddle you with a home that doesn’t fit your needs. Billy Joe Smiley’s years of local experience mean he’s seen it…

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Billy Joe Smiley Answers: Can I Afford a Home in Port St. Joe, FL in 2025?

Can you afford a home in Port St. Joe, FL in 2025?

Yes, you may be able to afford a home in Port St. Joe, FL in 2025, depending on your budget, financing options, and lifestyle needs. Billy Joe Smiley helps buyers assess true affordability by looking beyond the listing price and considering insurance, taxes, and hidden costs unique to Gulf Coast living.

Why Affordability Looks Different in 2025

The Port St. Joe real estate market has grown steadily over the past decade. In 2025, median home prices in Gulf County hover around $357,000–$410,000 for single-family homes.

Waterfront and walkable downtown locations command higher prices, while neighborhoods like Oak…

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Forgotten Coast Halloween Happenings 2025: Spooky Fun for the Whole Family

Spooky season is here — and the Forgotten Coast is ready to celebrate! From haunted trails and hayrides to trunk-or-treats, dog parades, and costume contests, Gulf County is packed with frightful fun and family-friendly festivities. Whether you’re local to Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, or Mexico Beach, there’s something happening this Halloween weekend for everyone to enjoy.

Haunted Trails, Trunk-or-Treats & Festivals

Get ready for ghosts, goblins, and plenty of candy as communities across the Forgotten Coast come alive with Halloween spirit!

Oct 23 – 25 | WHS Haunted Trail & Hayride – Wewahitchka

482 Gary Rowell Rd | $10 Trail | $5 Hayride
Presented by WHS Project…

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Prime Commercial Opportunity on Cape San Blas: 143 Acklins Island Dr

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this property is your chance to make it happen. 143 Acklins Island Dr presents a rare investment opportunity — a 0.618-acre corner parcel in the X Flood Zone with excellent visibility, strong traffic exposure, and immediate income potential.

Experience, Expertise & Location: The Foundation of Smart Investment

Real estate success on the Cape isn’t just about buying property — it’s about understanding location, visibility, and long-term growth potential. As one of the most traveled corridors on Cape San Blas, Acklins Island Dr is ideally situated for both residents and visitors exploring the…

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A Home That Invites You In

Welcome to your new address! 
305 20th Street is the kind of home that immediately captures your attention with its well-manicured lawn, mature landscaping, and charming curb appeal. Inside, the open-concept layout connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas—perfect for entertaining friends or enjoying quiet family nights.

The kitchen’s functional design makes meal prep easy, while natural light filters throughout the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Every detail has been thoughtfully maintained, making this home truly move-in ready.

Flexible Bonus Space for How You Live

One of the standout features of this home is the 420-sq-ft bonus room—a versatile space that can serve as your home office,…

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What’s It Like Living Near the Beach on Cape San Blas? A Local Buyer’s Guide

What’s it like living near the beach on Cape San Blas?

Living near the beach on Cape San Blas means salty breezes, walkable sand, and a slower pace of life. Billy Joe Smiley shares what day-to-day living really feels like on this barrier peninsula.

More Than Just a Vacation Spot

When you buy home on Cape San Blas, you’re not just buying property—you’re buying a lifestyle. Yes, the views are stunning, but it’s the small things—the quiet mornings, the neighborly waves—that make living here feel special.

The Everyday Perks

Here’s what you can expect living beachside:

• Sunrise over the Bay, sunset over the Gulf—without leaving your porch.
• Fresh seafood…

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Why Are People Moving to Cape San Blas? Billy Joe Smiley Breaks It Down

Why are people moving to Cape San Blas?

People are moving to Cape San Blas for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, strong sense of community, and access to both Gulf-front and bayfront living. Billy Joe Smiley shares why this barrier peninsula is drawing more buyers each year.

A Slice of Paradise That’s Still Under the Radar

Cape San Blas isn’t Miami or Destin—it’s quieter, more personal, and more about the lifestyle than the scene. Folks are drawn here for the natural beauty, the family-friendly pace, and the chance to own property where the Gulf is just steps away.

Lifestyle: Slower, Simpler, Sweeter

Imagine waking up to a Gulf sunrise, walking barefoot down to…

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The Great Monarch Migration Comes to Port St. Joe 

A 3,000-Mile Journey of Beauty and Survival

Every fall, the Monarch butterfly makes one of the most remarkable migrations in the natural world—traveling more than 3,000 miles south from the United States and Canada to Mexico. These small yet mighty creatures depend on safe havens along the way, and right here on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, we have an incredible opportunity to play a role in their journey.

This October, the Port St. Joe Garden Club is inviting the community to learn more about this amazing phenomenon and discover practical ways to support pollinators in our own backyards.

Event Details: Learn, Connect, and Take Action

Thursday, October 16th
5–7 PM Eastern Time…

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How to Sell Your Home As-Is on Cape San Blas, FL

How do I sell my home as-is on Cape San Blas, FL?

To sell your home as-is on Cape San Blas, set the right price, disclose known issues, and market to the right buyers. Working with a trusted local expert like Billy Joe Smiley ensures you reach cash-ready buyers while staying compliant with Florida laws.

What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean

Selling as-is doesn’t mean hiding problems or skipping disclosures. It simply means you’re selling the home in its current condition, without making repairs or updates before closing.

On Cape San Blas, where salt air and hurricanes take their toll, as-is listings are common. Buyers here often expect:
- Weather-worn siding or decks
- Older roofs or HVAC systems
…

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