Saltwater pools have become increasingly popular in recent years, but what are the pros and cons of having one? Before browsing homes with swimming pools or installing a saltwater pool in your backyard, it may be important to refer to a pool building checklist and understand the maintenance requirements, health benefits, equipment needs, and costs associated with owning and maintaining one. Being able to weigh these factors can help you decide what kind of pool is right for you. Saltwater Pool Maintenance Saltwater pools require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly and safe f ..read more

For many potential homebuyers, it would be a dream come true to purchase a waterfront home. A body of water can provide peace, tranquility, and other benefits that an urban or suburban setting does not. However, certain rules, regulations, and laws govern owning a waterfront property, which are important to know before making such a large purchase. Here are some essential questions to ask before buying that dream waterfront house. What Are the Boundaries of My Waterfront Ownership? Property boundaries can depend on what body of water the home is next to. There are two different sets of proper ..read more

The beautiful southwestern Florida city of Cape Coral is widely known for being home to several of the best boating experiences in the United States. The boating options are endless, with over 400 miles of canals with direct access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico! You could spend entire days, weeks, or even months exploring the waters in and around Cape Coral. It's the ultimate home base for exploring pristine beaches and nearby islands, grabbing a bite to eat at a stunning waterfront restaurant, or even catching your own lunch or dinner, and homes with boat docks are the p ..read more

Those moving to St. Petersburg may want to know more about the schools in this beautiful Tampa suburb. "Sunshine City" is a favored destination for Florida newcomers, but which neighborhoods should they consider? Education is a popular way to choose between locations, and residents of all St. Petersburg neighborhoods have plenty of choices. Dozens of public schools are available in the city, including several local middle schools and five major high schools. The city of St. Petersburg also has many charter and private schools for students to consider. Plus, those who want a college education ..read more

Hi everyone, it’s Marcus Larrea with Palm Paradise Real Estate and I am so excited to tell you about all of the amazing social events and activities happening around Southwest Florida in the month of March, so that you can get the most out of your unique Southwest Florida Lifestyle! With multiple performances all throughout the month of March, head to The Laboratory Theatre of Florida in Fort Myers to catch their rendition of Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. This funny and frightening performance is a celebration of theatre and a world-renown show both on and off Br ..read more

Swimming pool heaters help people enjoy their pools during cool days and nights. They also appeal to anyone living in homes with heated pools who prefer warmer water throughout the season. When looking for the best pool heater, homeowners benefit from considering several options and comparing heat pumps vs. gas heaters. Both types of equipment have several pros and cons regarding efficiency, longevity, cost, and capacity. They also employ many different methods to heat water. Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters: How They Work A heat pump extracts warmth from the air rather than producing new heat. I ..read more

Most homeowners love the added safety, security, and privacy afforded by living in a gated community. But how does someone choose between living in a guard-gated or an unmanned gated community? There are advantages to both types of communities, so it usually comes down to personal preference. Some people appreciate the 24/7 presence of gate guards to keep out unwanted visitors. Others prefer the ease and comfort of modern unmanned systems. Here's a closer look at the differences between these two types of gated communities and the advantages of each when searching for gated community homes. 6 ..read more

Downtown Naples, nestled between the Gulf and Naples Bay, offers shopping, dining, art, culture, and more. The 3rd Street South and 5th Avenue South shopping districts are filled with specialty and antique shops, while Gallery Row offers many art galleries to explore. Naples Beach and Pier offer scenic views, swimming, fishing, and other outdoor fun. There are many great options for those moving to Naples who want to enjoy the amenities of a gated community. However, the following gated communities are closest to the downtown area. Esplanade by the Islands Located in the Willoughby Acres neig ..read more

What impacts do hurricanes have on home prices a year after the storm? And one month into 2023! Let’s take a look how the real estate market across Southwest Florida performed in January. Hi it’s Marcus Larrea, team lead at Palm Paradise Real Estate and as we close out the first month of 2023, the numbers for the Southwest Florida real estate market remain healthy. PalmParadiseRealEstate.com Single Family Stats for January 2023 Lee County Jan 2022Jan 2023% (+-) Closed Sales 1,127 844 -25.1% Closed Sales YTD 1,127 844 -25.1% Median Sale Price $400,000 $426,250 6.6% Average Sale Price $562,061 ..read more

Owning a home with a pool means long days spent lounging and splashing with friends and family. A pool can be a fantastic addition to a home, and custom-built pools come with the added luxury of being built to your specifications. These pools allow homeowners to choose everything from the materials and shape to added features like waterfalls and grottos. However, custom pools do tend to require more planning to get just right, and the costs associated with them increases the importance of budgeting. Before jumping into this project, keep reading to learn about everything to consider when buil ..read more