Fort Myers has a year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s. The city is also Lee County’s center of government and the spring training home to the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. This means that single family homes in Fort Myers are in demand, especially single family homes for sale within proximity to Lee County’s approximately 50 golf courses or the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
In 2018 US News and World Report ranked Fort Myers as a top retirement destination. Approximately 1,000 people move to Lee County each month and many of those come to Fort Myers.
When purchasing a single family home in Fort Myers, either as a second home or investment, remember that your profit will be made on your purchase, so that your choice of Realtor is crucial. For example, an exclusive buyer agent, or EBA, will represent only you, while in many Florida real estate transactions the Realtor will represent the transaction (transactional agent) and not the buyer (exclusive buyer’s agent). Ask the agent if their agency lists property. If they do they have a relationship with the seller which can cause a conflict of interest for them.
Your exclusive buyer agent is the expert and professional looking out for your interests. A good buyer’s agent will help you navigate the various lenders, realtors, and inspectors and help insure a more enjoyable and successful buying experience, because even without a mortgage a home costs money. Understand Florida property taxes and how a Florida Homestead Exemption might benefit you. Ask your buyer’s agent for the name of a professional and reliable insurance agent and talk with them to understand the types of insurance that may be required in your area of Southwest Florida. Finally, even new homes require annual maintenance, or lawn and pool services. Consider these when determining your real estate budget.
Mike Badenoch, Exclusive Buyer Agent 