You've vacationed here.
You've watched Southwest Florida real estate online.
Maybe you've even caught yourself checking the weather back home and comparing it to Cape Coral.
Now you're seriously asking:
Could we actually move to Florida?
If so, don't begin by looking at hundreds of houses.
Begin by figuring out the life you're trying to create.
Step 1: Decide How You Want to Live
Do you want:
A boat behind your house?
A gated community?
Golf?
A pool?
New construction?
Walkability?
More land?
A lock-and-leave property?
A seasonal home?
A full-time residence?
These answers can completely change where you should search.
Step 2: Explore More Than One Community
Southwest Florida isn't one market or one lifestyle.
Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Bonita Springs, Estero and surrounding communities each offer something different.
The goal isn't finding the community everyone else says is best.
It's finding the community that's best for you.
Step 3: Understand Florida Ownership
Florida buyers should investigate more than the home's purchase price.
Important considerations can include insurance, flood zones, property taxes, HOA or condo fees, roofs, hurricane protection, pools, seawalls and other property-specific factors.
A knowledgeable local real estate professional can help you know which questions to ask before you make a decision.
Step 4: Visit Like a Future Resident
Don't spend your entire visit touring houses.
Drive the neighborhoods.
Go grocery shopping.
Have breakfast where locals eat.
Drive the route you'd take regularly.
Visit at different times of day.
If you're considering waterfront property, experience the boating lifestyle.
You're not just choosing a building.
You're choosing your everyday life.
Step 5: Build Your Property Wish List
Instead of saying:
"Send me everything under $700,000."
Try:
"We'd like a three-bedroom home with a pool, room for family to visit, boating nearby and restaurants within a reasonable drive."
Now we can actually help you.
Your Florida Move Doesn't Have to Happen All at Once
Some people move permanently.
Others buy a second home first.
Some become seasonal residents.
Others purchase something that family members can enjoy together.
There's more than one way to create your Florida life.
Start With The Forneris Group
Tell us what you're imagining — even if you're still a year or two away.
We'll help you explore communities, understand your options and start narrowing down what fits.
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CHRIS & MICHELLE FORNERIS