Debra Myers, Realtor

09/10/2026

🏡 Florida Amendment 3: Are you for it or against it? And why?
Florida Realtors has launched its “Vote Yes on 3” campaign, but rather than simply telling people how to vote, I think this is a great opportunity for us to actually understand what Amendment 3 would do and hear perspectives from BOTH sides.

Here’s the basic breakdown:

✅ The homestead exemption for non-school property taxes would increase to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with future adjustments for inflation.

✅ The annual assessment increase cap on non-homestead properties would drop from 10% to 5%. This includes rental properties, second homes and commercial real estate.

✅ The expanded exemption would apply only to non-school property taxes, so school funding would not be affected by this particular exemption.

✅ Counties and municipalities would have guidelines on how property tax revenue can be used, including public safety, infrastructure, natural resources, government operations and other specified expenses.

Why might someone support it?

Supporters believe Florida homeowners need meaningful property tax relief, especially with the rising costs of insurance, utilities, groceries and everyday living. A lower assessment cap on rental and commercial properties could also make future property tax increases more predictable for owners.

Why might someone oppose it?

The other side of the discussion is how reducing property tax revenue could affect counties and cities. Some may be concerned about whether local governments would have enough revenue to maintain services, whether budgets would need to be reduced, or whether the lost revenue could eventually be made up through other taxes or fees.

And that is the conversation I want to have.

👇 Are you FOR Amendment 3 or AGAINST it? More importantly, WHY?

If you support it, what do you see as the biggest benefit?

If you oppose it, what is your biggest concern?

Please keep the conversation respectful. I genuinely want to hear from both sides because hearing WHY someone feels differently can help all of us become more educated voters.

Sometimes the best way to understand an issue isn't just hearing the argument we agree with. It's listening to the other side too. 🏡🇺🇸

The campaign explains the proposed property tax changes and encourages Floridians to support Amendment 3 in the November election.

08/12/2026

🏡 **Florida Realtors® Recap: When Divorce Complicates a Home Sale**

Divorce and real estate can become complicated very quickly, especially when it comes to homestead rights, signatures, deeds, and who may be entitled to proceeds from the sale.

Here are a few important reminders for Florida REALTORS®:

🔑 **Separated does not mean divorced.** Even if a spouse moved out years ago, they may still need to be involved in the transaction.

📄 **One name on the deed does not always tell the whole story.** A spouse may still have certain homestead rights or may need to sign documents.

⏰ **Timing matters.** A deed signed while a divorce is still pending may not accomplish what the parties intended, which can create issues when the property is later sold or refinanced.

⚖️ **Old divorce agreements can come back into play.** A marital settlement agreement or court order from years ago may contain requirements regarding the property, a future sale, refinancing, or how proceeds must be divided.

🚩 **Recognize the red flags** When divorce is involved, getting the title company or a qualified real estate attorney involved early can help prevent surprises and closing delays.

The takeaway? **Ask the right questions early.** A little extra due diligence at the beginning of the transaction can save everyone a major headache at the closing table.

A pending or completed divorce can affect who must sign real estate documents, whether a sale can proceed and how the proceeds are handled. Agents should involve a title professional or attorney early rather than interpret divorce documents themselves.

08/06/2026

This is encouraging news for Florida homeowners, buyers, sellers, and everyone working in real estate.��Florida’s share of homeowners insurance lawsuits has fallen significantly. In 2020, Florida accounted for more than 79% of the nation’s property insurance lawsuits. By 2025, that number had dropped to approximately 41%.��While 41% is still disproportionately high, cutting that number nearly in half is meaningful progress.��Since Florida’s insurance reforms were passed in 2022 and 2023, at least 20 new insurance carriers have entered the state, and several existing companies have announced rate decreases. A stronger and more competitive insurance market could mean more choices for homeowners, greater predictability for buyers and fewer insurance-related delays at closing.��Of course, this does not mean premiums will suddenly decrease for everyone. Insurance rates and coverage will continue to depend on the home’s age, condition, location and level of risk.��As a REALTOR®, I see firsthand how insurance availability and affordability can affect a buyer’s ability to purchase a home and a seller’s ability to close. We still have work to do, but this is certainly a step in the right direction for Florida homeowners and our real estate market.��Have you noticed any changes in your homeowners insurance rates or coverage options?

Florida’s share of property insurance lawsuits has fallen sharply, a sign of market stability that could mean more coverage options and fewer closing delays.

07/27/2026

🏡 Thinking about renovating before you sell? You may not need to.
One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is spending a lot of money on renovations before putting their home on the market because they think they have to.

The reality is, not every project adds enough value to justify the cost.

Today's buyers are often more interested in a home that has been well cared for than one with the latest design trends. A clean home, fresh paint, great curb appeal, and taking care of maintenance items can go much further than a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel.

In many cases, it's the major systems: like the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, that give buyers more confidence than expensive cosmetic upgrades.

Every home is different, which is why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Before you spend thousands of dollars on renovations, it's worth having a conversation about what will actually help your home sell and what may not be worth the investment.

My goal is to help my sellers put their money where it makes the biggest impact, not spend more than they need to.

If you're thinking about selling your home, let's talk before you start renovating. It could save you a lot of time, money, and stress. 🏡

Costly upgrades may not pay off in a price-sensitive market. Agents can help sellers focus on safety, insurance and financing issues while using cleaning, maintenance and strategic pricing to address dated features.

07/21/2026

🏡 Florida Just Hit Another Big Milestone!
Did you know Florida now has one of the largest economies in the world? That's pretty incredible when you stop and think about it.
So why does that matter if you're buying or selling a home?

A strong economy usually means more businesses are investing here, more jobs are being created, and more people are choosing to call Florida home. When that happens, there continues to be demand for housing and opportunities for homeowners and buyers alike.

Now, that doesn't mean home prices are going to jump overnight. Our market has become much more balanced, which is actually good news for both buyers and sellers. But Florida continues to be a place where people want to live, work, retire, and invest.

I've lived in Florida for over 20 years, and one thing I've learned is that our state continues to grow because of everything it has to offer—from our climate and outdoor lifestyle to our business opportunities and beautiful communities.

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, selling your current one, or investing in real estate, it's always helpful to look at the bigger picture. A strong economy is one of the reasons I continue to believe in the long-term strength of Florida real estate.

What do you think is the biggest reason so many people continue to move to Florida? 🌴

The state's $1.8 trillion economy is now the world’s 14th largest after surpassing Australia and Mexico, according to the Florida Chamber Foundation. The foundation said Florida’s economy grew 6.3% over the past year, moving the state closer to its goal of ranking among the world’s 10 largest ...

07/14/2026

**🏡 Thinking about buying a home but waiting for interest rates to drop?**

You're not alone—but waiting may not be the best strategy.

Today's market offers buyers more choices, more negotiating power, and opportunities that weren't available when homes were selling in a matter of hours. The right home at the right price can often outweigh waiting for the "perfect" interest rate. And remember, you can always refinance later if rates come down.

Every buyer's situation is different, which is why having someone help you look at the whole picture, not just the interest rate, is so important.

If you're wondering whether now is the right time to buy, let's talk. What questions do you have about today's market?

Mortgage rates matter, but they are not the only number shaping affordability. Real estate professionals can help buyers review seller concessions, buydowns, loan options, down payment programs and home choices that may make a purchase work now.

07/05/2026

07/01/2026

🏡 FHA Buyers, You'll Want to Read This!
There are some important FHA changes that could make the home buying process smoother. From fewer appraisal field reviews in certain situations to updates that may simplify closings and provide more flexibility for financing, these changes could mean more opportunities and fewer hurdles for buyers.
If you're thinking about buying a home with an FHA loan, let's talk about whether these updates could benefit you. Are you planning to buy your first home this year?

FHA policy changes could give some buyers more flexibility on repairs, appraisals and financing, while keeping property condition, repair costs and lender timelines central to the transaction.

06/25/2026

If you have owned your home for a long time, this is an article you may want to read before deciding when to sell.

With home values rising over the years, more sellers are finding that capital gains could become part of the conversation. It is not based simply on your sale price, and things like your original purchase price, improvements you have made, and certain selling costs can matter.

The important thing is to start gathering your records early and speak with a tax professional before putting your home on the market. Planning ahead can make a big difference.

If you are thinking about selling and have questions about the process, reach out to me. Have you kept receipts and records for the improvements you have made to your home?

Rising values may leave some longtime owners with taxable gains, making early conversations about timing, records and next steps more important.

06/12/2026

Here’s a Facebook recap in your voice:

For buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines, this may be a good time to take another look at the market.

Home prices are starting to stabilize, and mortgage rates have eased enough that monthly payments may feel a little more manageable than they have over the last few years.

That does not mean every home is suddenly a bargain, but it does mean buyers may have a clearer path than they did when bidding wars were everywhere and homes were flying off the market.

One of the biggest takeaways is that buyers should know their numbers before they start looking. Talk with a lender, understand your budget, and make sure you are factoring in the full cost of owning a home, not just the purchase price.

There may also be more room to negotiate on homes that have been sitting on the market a little longer, which is why having the right Realtor on your side matters.

If you have been thinking about buying but were waiting for the market to calm down, let’s talk. I would be happy to help you look at your options and see what makes sense for you.

The median home price has stabilized, and mortgage rates have eased enough that monthly payments are more manageable than they've been in years. Realtors can use that shift to restart conversations with buyers who went quiet and help them find negotiating leverage on listings that have been sitting.