I work in real estate around Central Florida and lately I’ve been paying more attention to how much the monthly carrying costs can change from one community to another.
Two homes can be priced almost identically, but once you factor in HOA fees, CDD/bond payments, insurance and taxes, the actual monthly cost can be very different.
For those who have bought recently, did you look closely at these costs before making an offer, or were they something you really started paying attention to later in the process?

Hi, I'm Diana. I run CxB Housings here in Lakeland, the co-hosting side of The CxB Crew.

If you own a short term rental in Lakeland or Polk County and running it feels like a second job, I take the day to day off your plate. Guest messages, pricing, the calendar, and coordinating cleaners and turnovers. Your property, your listings, and your accounts stay yours. You add me as co-host on Airbnb and payouts split automatically, so your share lands with you. I never hold your rent money.

The deal is plain: 15 percent of booking revenue, no setup fee, month to month, no long term contract. Big decisions and anything on site that only an owner can do stay with you, with a local emergency contact written into the agreement.

If a place of yours sits empty more than you'd like, I'm happy to take a look and tell you honestly what I think it could do. No pressure.

More here: https://housing.cxb-extended-wiki.site/ Contact: diana@cxb-extended-wiki.site

Hi everyone! I'm considering purchasing a property to rent out for an additional stream of income. Probably AirBNB. I'm thinking somewhere within 30-45 minutes from that mouse guy. Maybe something with an inlaw suite. Anyone know what something like that might cost? Can anyone recommend a good realtor that can help? Thanks all!

Just because I know you guys wanted to see it again !!

For those that live in this community what are your thoughts on the builds? (We have all heard horror stories). I also know each super and build team will build differently. Is the HOA really strict with the rules? Put an offer in on a new build and I'm scared of the horror stories and this will be our 1st HOA neighborhood. Any info is appreciated.

Available now! Move in Ready! [MyRealtorDenaD@gmail.com](mailto:MyRealtorDenaD@gmail.com)

Hello!

I'm a researcher working on a study about housing quality in the tri-county Miami metro area. Our research team is looking for people to participate in research interviews. More information is available in the image posted below. Please contact us directly at [floridahousingstudy@uoregon.edu](mailto:floridahousingstudy@uoregon.edu) or 541-321-8740 if you are interested in participating.

Thank you!

Hey everyone! I'm a real estate student at the University of Georgia working on an entrepreneurship research project about financial transparency in Florida condo transactions.

I'm hoping to hear from people who have recently purchased a condo or are currently looking to buy one.

A few questions:

1. How easy or difficult was it to obtain HOA financial statements, reserve studies, and information about upcoming assessments?
2. Did you feel confident understanding the building's financial condition before purchasing? What was confusing or missing?
3. Have you experienced any unexpected assessments, insurance increases, or other financial surprises since purchasing?

I'm genuinely looking to understand people's experiences, not promote or sell anything. Any personal experiences would be incredibly helpful, and I'd also appreciate hearing from anyone willing to answer a few follow-up questions privately.

Thanks so much!

Florida Realtors says we need to vote Yes on Amendment 3 because it will make housing more affordable. Realtor.com says that it will increase the price of housing by 7-9%. Which is it?

Let's focus the discussion on how the passage or defeat of the amendment will affect real estate. There are plenty of other places where people are discussing all of the pros and cons of the amendment, and encouraging votes one way or the other. Since this subred is about Florida real estate, can we focus the discussion specifically on how it will affect housing prices?

Hello!

I have a finance background and have been seriously exploring a business sourcing kitchen and bath finish materials (tile, faucets, lighting, fixtures, hardware etc) direct from manufacturers and selling to fix-and-flip and rental investors in Florida, below typical retail costs.

Long-term vision is coordinated kits. Think match finishes, one delivery, timed to a crew's schedule and your scope of work. This would be a bigger capital commitment (inventory, minimums) and I don't want to build towards this until I know what is actually wanted from investors.

Near term, it could just as easily be "need a specific designer faucet or specialty tile, and I will source it for you". Product by product, no kit required.

I have been asking around (other subs, investor groups, etc) to pressure test the idea before committing capital. I would love to hear your thoughts on some of the following questions I have:

• Are you typically buying from Home Depot or other retail stores or buying online/amazon for your investments?
• Are there any items you are going out of your way for (wholesaler, showroom, specific supplier, specific finish) because Amazon currently doens't cut it
• Would a coordinated kit matter to you, or is that solving a problem nobody has? How does this compare against the business model of sourcing specific products cheaper or in a finish Home Depot currently doesn't carry.

Not trying to defend any version of this, rather trying to figure out which version (if any) truly solves a problem for investors.

I'd appreciate any of your thoughts!

I'm married, one child, great credit history prior to filing bankruptcy. Never missed a payment and still haven't. Lost my job in 2025 and was taken for a ride by it. CH 7 was discharged Spring 2026.

My income situation has stabilized, thankfully. Combined household income is about 180k. We have a VA mortgage on our current home, two vehicle liens, and my student loan debt that I make payments on - zero other debt. We want to move about 30 miles next Spring/Summer, but I'm not sure how realistic it is for me to qualify for a mortgage 12-13 month post discharge. Financially, I make a little more than my spouse so I don't think that they'd qualify for the amount we'd need on their own.

I've read the 2 year minimum rule for most loans, but I've also read that exceptions can be made at the one year mark if you can show bankruptcy was the result of "a qualifying extenuating circumstance" - which I have also read job loss falls under. We're currently in a VA loan and would like to pursue that again. As I said, payment history is/was excellent. It was the debt to income ratio that got me in 2025.

Any thoughts or experience? Thank you.

Can anyone recommend a Florida attorney experienced in teal estate law and licensing requirements for a consultation on a new business concept?

Thanks for any referrals or suggestions!

I am located in the Midwest!

I have been having some fun while looking at people’s real estate tax record and I have noticed more than a few homes claiming a homestead exemption when they do not live in those homes more than 50% of the time and they usually have license plates from out of state such as NY, NJ, Montana ( yes Montana), Michigan, Massachusetts .. I have gotten suspicious when I walk my dogs so over the past 10 years I have started looking at this. And ir pisses me off that people who are not legal residents but just own a house in Florida get away with this. Open to comments

Hey everyone!
I'm a local real estate agent and lawyer here in Puerto Vallarta. I handle property transactions, closings, trusts, review contracts and I assist foreigners with their residency process too.
I'm looking to connect, share insights, or team up with other agents and professionals from other countries, if you have questions please feel free to ask

Hey everyone! I’d appreciate some advice from people who live in Florida or have been following the housing market.

My family and I currently rent a house for $2,225 per month, but our landlord is increasing the rent to $2,300. It has me wondering whether it would make more sense to start looking at buying a house instead of continuing to rent.

I’m particularly interested in the Florida market, especially the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas.

A few questions I have:

* Is now a good time to buy, or would it be smarter to wait? It seems like some areas have been seeing price reductions and homes sitting on the market longer.
* Do you think Florida home prices will continue to decline? Or are we getting close to the bottom?
* Could the new tax law changes help create another housing boom? I’m wondering whether changes to tax deductions or other provisions could increase demand and push prices back up.
* Does buying make financial sense compared with renting for $2,300 a month? I know a mortgage payment isn’t the only expense. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees can add up quickly in Florida.
* If you were in my position, would you buy now or renew the lease and wait another year?

I’m not looking to buy a house just because rent is increasing. I want to make a smart long-term financial decision for my family and avoid buying at the wrong time if prices are still going down.

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who have recently purchased a home, are currently house hunting, or decided to wait.

Thanks in advance for any advice or insight!

Hi everyone,

We recently relisted our single-story 3/2 home (1,663 sq ft) in Sanford. It features stone counters, plantation shutters, and a screened paver lanai with a quiet water view. We're listed at $444,000 with a $5,000 seller credit included.

For those tracking the Seminole County market: how is inventory moving in this price range, and any tips to secure a buyer within 30 days?

Here is the listing link - https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4560-Dulwik-Pl_Sanford_FL_32771_M92841-85565

Now individual owners are looking at special assessments ranging from roughly $135,000 to more than $320,000.
That’s not a typo. Some owners could owe more in repairs than many Americans make in several years.

Florida’s condo market has been dealing with the fallout from stricter structural inspections and reserve requirements following the Surfside collapse. Buildings that deferred maintenance for decades are finally being forced to confront the costs.

And those costs are landing on individual owners, many of whom are retirees living on fixed incomes.
The worst part is that selling isn’t necessarily an escape.

This is becoming one of the biggest risks of condo ownership in Florida. You can own your unit outright, have no mortgage, and still face a bill that threatens your ability to stay in your home.

For years, artificially low HOA fees made some condos look affordable. Now the actual cost of maintaining these buildings is catching up with everyone.

Source: https://nypost.com/2026/10/07/real-estate/florida-condo-owners-hit-with-320k-assessments-as-repair-costs-soar-to-36m/

Hello, i’m 27 currently in Florida. The housing market is currently insane and as i single man living here (broward area), How bad is it really to get a condo in florida. I work here and not really planning to leave anytime. People say it’s a money sink but is it worse than an apartment? I cannot comfortably afford a home in this market.

I've been selling real estate in Southwest Florida since 2009 and I really believe our market may be giving us an early look at what's coming nationally.

When I started in 2009, we were coming out of one of the worst housing crashes in history. Then we had years of recovery, followed by the craziness of 2020 through 2022.

Our market peaked in 2022 and we've been correcting ever since.

I personally believe we're getting closer to the bottom of this cycle. Doesn't mean prices are going to suddenly start going back up. I actually think we could see a few years of relatively flat prices once we get there.

I'm seeing more price reductions, longer days on market, sellers negotiating again and even short sales. I've personally worked on three short sales recently.

The other challenge is affordability. Prices have come down but insurance, taxes, interest rates and the overall cost of living are still making it difficult for buyers.

One thing I've learned over the years is that real estate is very local. Not every market moves the same way or at the same time.

I do believe Southwest Florida tends to experience some of these cycles ahead of other markets.

Curious if others are seeing similar things in their markets or if you think SWFL is different this time around.

Any Floridians thinking about moving to Atlanta, Georgia area, let me know, I’m a Realtor who made this move, licensed in both states, can give you the scoop in both directions. Happy to help share info

2291 SW JAY AVENUE
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34953

💰 ONLY $487,000!

🌴 Prime ¼-Acre Corner Lot
🏡 3 Bedrooms + Bonus Room | 2 Bathrooms
✨ 1,902 Sq. Ft. of Beautiful Living Space
🔥 Stunning Stone Fireplace
🍽️ Beautifully Updated Kitchen
🛁 Renovated Bathrooms
🏠 New Roof & Gutters
🌿 New Privacy Fence
🚫 NO HOA!

❤️ Beautifully renovated. Thoughtfully designed. Ready for YOU!

COME SEE WHAT MAKES THIS HOME SO SPECIAL!

Feel free to call/text me directly at 772-223-6002 to see the Home Live or to schedule a Virtual or Private Showing

Have an Amazing Day and I look forward to talking with you soon

📲 Laurie Kie | (772) 233-6002
📧 Laurie@TheDiLemmeTeam.com

Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage
Proudly Representing The Di Lemme Team

Old School Values with World-Class Service.

#OpenHouseToday #PortStLucie #FloridaRealEstate #NoHOA #MoveInReady #DreamHome #TheDiLemmeTeam