Real Estate Company Blog

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...

For much of the past two years, rising mortgage rates have been blamed for nearly every shift in the housing market. In Southwest Florida, though, the surge in inventory tells a more complicated story. While interest rates matter, they are not the primary reason more homes are sitting on the market heading into 2026. The real drivers are a mix of insurance shocks, condo pressure, seller psychology, and post-boom reality finally catching up with pricing. The Real Reason Inventory Is Rising in Southwest Florida (It’s Not Just Rates) Southwest Florida is not crashing—but it is resetting. And understanding why inventory is climbing helps buyers, sellers, and investors make smarter decisions in the months ahead. Rates Matter — But They’re Not the Whole Story Mortgage rates staying above historic lows have clearly slowed buyer activity. However, rates alone don’t explain why listings are stacking up in places like Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, and parts of Naples. If rate...

Polk County has become one of the most closely watched foreclosure markets in Florida—and for good reason. Over the past few years, Polk County and the broader Lakeland–Winter Haven area have consistently ranked near the top for foreclosure activity. This is happening even as the national housing market remains far from a 2008-style collapse. The result is a market that feels stable in some neighborhoods but stressed in others, particularly where homeowners are being squeezed by rising insurance premiums, HOA fees, property taxes, and higher monthly carrying costs. Polk County, Florida Foreclosures: What’s Happening, Why It’s Rising, and What It Means in 2026 This breakdown explains what’s driving the increase in Polk County foreclosures, how it compares to the rest of Florida and the U.S., and what buyers, sellers, and investors should realistically expect heading into 2026. Quick Snapshot: Polk County Foreclosures vs. the Bigger Picture Foreclosures are rising across the country, but...

Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island: Weather, Crowds, and Prices by Month Anna Maria Island sits like a precious gem along Florida's Gulf Coast, offering seven miles of pristine beaches, charming coastal villages, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling theme parks and crowded resort towns elsewhere in the state. But knowing when to visit Anna Maria Island can mean the difference between a perfect beach vacation and a disappointing trip marked by crowds, rain, or sticker shock at rental prices. This comprehensive month-by-month guide breaks down everything you need to know about the best time to visit Anna Maria Island , including weather patterns, crowd levels, accommodation pricing, hurricane season realities, and insider tips for finding those coveted shoulder season deals that deliver maximum value without sacrificing your vacation experience. Anna Maria Island Overview: Understanding This Gulf Coast Paradise Before diving into timing specifics, un...

North vs South Hutchinson Island: Which Side Is Better for You to Buy a Vacation Home? Hutchinson Island isn’t one uniform market. It’s a long barrier island split into two broad areas most buyers compare: - South Hutchinson Island (Martin County) — generally tied to Stuart and Jensen Beach access - North Hutchinson Island (St. Lucie County) — generally tied to Fort Pierce access (and continues north) If you’re buying a vacation home , “better” depends on your priorities: quiet vs convenience , amenities vs nature , and how often you’ll drive in/out . Who Each Side Fits Best South Hutchinson (Martin County) is usually better if you want: - A quieter, more residential feel - Lower visual density (many buyers prefer a less “built up” look) - Easy access to Stuart/Jensen Beach dining and shopping - A “weekend reset” vibe more than a “stay busy” vibe North Hutchinson (St. Lucie County) is usually better if you want: - More parks and public access options - Faster access to Fort Pierc...

Foreclosure Homes in Sarasota, Florida: What Buyers, Sellers, and Investors Need to Know in 2026 Sarasota, Florida is known for its beaches, cultural scene, and strong real estate appeal—but behind the lifestyle headlines, foreclosure activity is quietly becoming an important part of the local housing conversation. While Sarasota is not experiencing a housing crash, foreclosure homes are increasing compared to the historically low levels seen from 2020 through 2022. For buyers and investors, this creates selective opportunity. For homeowners, it signals growing pressure tied to rising ownership costs rather than falling demand. This guide breaks down what’s really happening with foreclosure homes in Sarasota, why activity is rising, where foreclosures are showing up, and what it means for the market heading into 2026. Sarasota Foreclosure Market Snapshot (2026) Foreclosures in Sarasota remain below long-term crisis levels, but they are clearly trending higher year over year. The increa...