Posts

New Bern, North Carolina

Image
New Bern, North Carolina: Real Estate, Neighborhoods, Cost of Living New Bern is a historic riverfront city in Eastern North Carolina, located where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet. It attracts buyers who want a slower pace than major metros, a strong local community, and water access without the pricing pressure of larger coastal markets. Quick Answer: Is New Bern a Good Place to Live or Buy a Home? Yes—New Bern can be a strong choice for buyers who prioritize lifestyle, water access, and affordability compared with larger coastal cities. The trade-offs are real: flood risk management (insurance, elevation, location selection) and being realistic about local job/income dynamics versus bigger North Carolina metros. New Bern Fast Facts (What Matters to Buyers) These numbers help you compare New Bern to other relocation and real estate options: MetricNew Bern, NCPopulation34,218Owner-occupied housing rate60.1%Median household income$48,668Median gross rent$1,111Median value of owner-occ...

What Is a Florida Homestead Exemption?

Image
What Is a Florida Homestead Exemption? (2026 Guide for Homeowners, Buyers, and Sellers) Florida’s Homestead Exemption is one of the most important tax benefits available to primary-residence homeowners. If you qualify, it can reduce the taxable value of your home—often saving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars per year—and it also unlocks Florida’s powerful Save Our Homes assessment cap, which can protect you from rapid property tax increases over time. This guide explains what the Florida Homestead Exemption is, how it works, who qualifies, how to apply, common mistakes, and how portability can help when you move. Quick Answer: What Does Florida Homestead Exemption Do? The Florida Homestead Exemption can reduce your property’s taxable value by up to: - $25,000 off the first portion of your assessed value (applies to all property taxes, including school taxes) - An additional $25,000 (applies to non-school taxes only) Maximum potential exemption: $50,000 total reduction (...

Buying Property in Ambergris Caye as a Foreigner

Image
Buying Property in Ambergris Caye as a Foreigner: Rules, Risks, and Reality Buying property in Ambergris Caye as a foreigner is far more straightforward than many people expect, which is one of the main reasons the island continues to attract North American, European, and international buyers. Belize allows foreigners to own real estate outright, with the same property rights as locals, and Ambergris Caye offers a rare mix of Caribbean lifestyle, English-speaking legal systems, and relatively simple transactions. That said, “easy” does not mean risk-free. Understanding how ownership works, what you’re actually buying, and where deals commonly go wrong is essential before committing capital. Can Foreigners Own Property in Ambergris Caye? Yes—foreigners can legally own property in Belize with full fee-simple ownership, and there are no restrictions on nationality, residency, or purchase quantity. You do not need to be a resident, citizen, or part of a retirement program to buy. Property ...

Why Naples Sellers Are Still Pricing Like It’s 2021

Image
Why Naples Sellers Are Still Pricing Like It’s 2021—and What Happens When Reality Hits The real estate market in Naples has changed dramatically since the frenzy of 2021–2022, yet many sellers are still pricing their homes as if nothing has shifted. This disconnect between seller expectations and buyer reality is one of the biggest forces shaping Naples real estate heading into 2026. Understanding why this is happening—and what typically follows—matters whether you’re selling, buying, or simply watching the market. The Psychology Behind 2021 Pricing Many Naples homeowners anchor their expectations to peak-sale stories: neighbors who sold in days, bidding wars with cash buyers, waived inspections, and prices that jumped quarter after quarter. Those experiences leave a lasting impression. Psychologically, sellers struggle to “give back” paper gains, even when market conditions no longer support them. There’s also a powerful emotional factor at play. For long-term owners—especially reti...

10 Red Flags to Watch for When Touring Homes (That Buyers Often Miss)

Image
Touring homes is exciting. You’re picturing furniture, imagining holidays, and mentally rearranging walls before you even leave the driveway. That’s exactly why buyers miss warning signs. The most expensive home-buying mistakes don’t happen at the inspection — they happen during the tour , when emotions override observation. This guide breaks down the red flags buyers commonly overlook , how to spot them early, and when they should make you pause, negotiate, or walk away. Red Flags When Touring Homes Red flags when touring homes are visible warning signs that may indicate structural issues, hidden repair costs, poor layout functionality, or long-term resale problems — often missed because buyers focus on staging, décor, or price. Why Home Tours Matter So Much Most buyers decide whether a home is “right” within minutes of a tour, but the smartest buyers slow down, observe details, and look past cosmetic appeal to catch red flags before making an offer. Why Buyers Miss Red Flags During ...

Real Estate Agent Network For Anyone in Real Estate

Image
Who Should Sign Up | AgentsGather.com AgentsGather.com Built for Every Real Estate Professional From agents to architects, investors to inspectors — one network connecting the entire real estate ecosystem. ◈ Agents & Brokers The heart of real estate ↓ Residential & Commercial Agents International Real Estate Specialists Luxury Property Experts Celebrity Real Estate Advisors Historic Property Specialists Foreclosure & Short Sale Experts Vacation & Resort Specialists Healthcare & Senior Housing Consultants ◇ Investors & Advisors Capital meets opportunity ↓ Real Estate Investors & Portfolio Managers REIT Managers & Analysts High-Net-Worth Adv...

Why Some Panhandle Vacation Rentals Are Sitting Empty in 2026

Image
The Florida Panhandle still has the beaches, the fishing, and the brand. So why are some vacation rentals in Destin, 30A, Panama City Beach, Navarre, and Pensacola sitting empty for weeks at a time—especially outside peak summer? In 2026, the short-term rental market is no longer “list it and print money.” It’s a performance business. And many owners are discovering that occupancy now depends on pricing discipline, property quality, operating costs, and demand timing more than hype. Below is a deep, practical breakdown of what’s causing vacancy, what types of properties are most exposed, and what owners can do to stabilize bookings. What “Empty” Really Means: A Shift From Boom Demand to Normal Demand During the post-2020 travel surge, demand masked a lot of problems. Mediocre properties still booked. High fees didn’t stop guests. Overpriced nightly rates got paid. That environment is gone. In 2026, travelers comparison-shop aggressively, and the market punishes anything that feels over...