Found 207 blog entries tagged as real estate.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Luxury Living on St. George Island

What should I know about luxury living on St. George Island that most people don’t?

Luxury living on St. George Island blends quiet coastal charm, elite real estate, and an insider’s way of life. From gated communities to private airstrips and preserved nature, there’s more to this island than first meets the eye.

You may already know St. George Island, FL as a quiet escape along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. But if you're exploring how to buy a home here—or simply picturing yourself living the island life—there’s a lot more happening behind the dunes than most people realize.

1. The Island Hosts One of the Most Exclusive Gated Communities on the Gulf Coast

St. George…

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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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Trusted Advice From Billy Joe Smiley: Buying Your First Home in Port St. Joe, FL

What’s Billy Joe Smiley’s trusted advice for buying your first home in Port St. Joe, FL?

To buy your first home in Port St. Joe, FL, lean on trusted local guidance from Billy Joe Smiley. He’ll walk you through financing, inspections, local neighborhoods, and real estate timelines—so you can buy with confidence.

Start With Confidence—You’ve Got the Right Guide

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. But in a place like Port St. Joe, it doesn't have to be. This is a town where the pace is slower, the community is close-knit, and your real estate agent actually knows your name.

Billy Joe Smiley has been guiding first-time buyers in the Port St. Joe real…

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What's the Best time to buy a home on Cape San Blas?

The best time to buy a home on Cape San Blas depends on your goals-winter offers better deals while spring and summer gives you more listings.  Billy Joe Smiley helps you navigate the local rhythm to make the right move year-round.

Locals Know:  Timing Matters on the Coast

Buying a home on Cape San Blas isn't just about budget-it's about timing.  Out here on the coast, the real estate tide rises and falls with the seasons.  Knowing when to buy a home isn't a guessing game-it's local knowledge.  And that's where I can help.

 

What Each Season Brings For Buyers

Let's break it down:

  • **Winter (Dec-Feb):**Fewer buyers.  Sellers may be more flexible.  You could score a better…

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Why More High-End Buyers Are Investing in St. George Island Real Estate in 2025

Why are more high-end buyers investing in St. George Island real estate in 2025?

Because St. George Island offers luxury, privacy, and timeless Gulf-front beauty, high-net-worth buyers are choosing this quiet Florida gem for second homes and investment properties. With expert guidance from Billy Joe Smiley, navigating the upscale St. George Island market becomes a personal and rewarding experience.

If you're looking to buy a home and want something far from the usual crowded coastlines, St. George Island, FL should be on your radar. This barrier island along Florida’s Forgotten Coast is seeing a noticeable uptick in interest—particularly from high-end buyers…

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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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Can I Buy a Home on Cape San Blas Without a Realtor? Billy Joe Smiley Explains

Can I buy a home on Cape San Blas without a Realtor?

Sure you can. But just because you can doesn’t always mean you should—especially here on the coast. Buying a home on Cape San Blas without a Realtor might save you a step, but it could cost you more than you think.

Picture This: You, the Beach, and a Real Estate Contract

Let’s be real. Buying a home on Cape San Blas isn’t like buying a home just anywhere. Our little slice of Florida comes with its own rhythm, and its own rules. Whether you're eyeing a stilted cottage near Indian Pass or a bayfront lot tucked behind the dunes, there’s more to the deal than meets the eye.

If you’re thinking you might want to…

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How to Sell My Home in Port St. Joe, FL: Billy Joe Smiley’s Expert Guide

How do I sell my home in Port St. Joe, FL?

To sell your home in Port St. Joe, FL, start by pricing it right, making it shine from the street, and teaming up with a neighbor who knows every nook and cranny — like Billy Joe Smiley.

Understanding the Port St. Joe Real Estate Market

This isn’t just any beach town. Port St. Joe’s got its own rhythm — calm mornings on St. Joseph Bay, Saturday strolls down Reid Avenue, and that unmistakable salty air that keeps drawing folks in. Median home prices here hit around $425K as of early 2025, and homes in Windmark Beach, Barefoot Cottages, and the Downtown area are seeing steady interest. Why? Because people aren’t just buying…

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504 Sea Grove Way: The Gulf View Home That Has It All

You know that moment when you round a corner—and everything just clicks into place? That’s 504 Sea Grove Way. Sitting just steps from the beach and pool in Windmark Beach, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath retreat offers a rare mix of panoramic Gulf views, smart design, and local charm. The kind of place that makes you want to put your phone down... and stay awhile.

✨ Inside Feels Like Vacation, Every Day

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the light. Plantation shutters let the sun in just right, while electric blinds offer shade when you want it. The kitchen? It’s a cook’s dream, with quartz countertops, a custom backsplash, and premium LG stainless appliances that mean business. Fresh paint,…

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Demystifying Florida Flood Zones

Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Flood Zones, Flood Insurance, and Risk in Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, and St. George Island

Floods rank among the most common—and costly—natural disasters worldwide. For homeowners, prospective buyers, and even renters, understanding Florida flood zones is crucial not only for safety but also for navigating the complexities of insurance, building requirements, and long-term property investment. Yet, the system of flood zones in the United States is notoriously intricate, with a mélange of letters, numbers, and acronyms such as FEMA, AE, VE, and COBRA overlaying maps and policies. In this article, we’ll unravel these terms, clarify their real-world impact, and…

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