Mel Smith - Mel Sells SWFL Real Estate

05/29/2026

Here are some reasons you shouldn’t buy this condo…

You might get too used to having a resort-style pool, fitness center with studio, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball, clubhouse theater, coffee lounge, and easy low-maintenance living right outside your door.

You might also get a little too comfortable with over 2,200 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, western sunset views, an oversized 2-car garage, upgraded finishes, smart home features, a designer kitchen, and a move-in ready space that does not come with a long renovation list.

And at $439,900, this Fort Myers condo in Arborwood delivers the kind of lifestyle, location, and value buyers are actively looking for.

Minutes from Fort Myers Beach, RSW Airport, JetBlue Park, downtown Fort Myers, shopping, dining, local breweries, brunch spots, and public golf courses, this is the kind of Southwest Florida lifestyle that is easy to want and hard to replace.

If you want more reasons not to miss out on this condo, visit us at the open house:

Open House
May 31, 2026
11 AM to 1 PM

12027 Hawthorn Lake Dr #202
Fort Myers, FL 33913
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,284 Sq. Ft.
Now Offered at $439,900

Do not wait until someone else sees what makes this one such a strong move-in ready opportunity.

Mel Smith Tyler Kinney with Royal Shell Real Estate

05/12/2026

In honor of the last day of Nurses Week, here’s a Fort Myers story that honestly made me stop and think about how many lives has touched over the years.

Long before Lee Health became one of the largest healthcare systems in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers relied on a tiny four-room hospital built from reclaimed courthouse wood. No modern technology. No air conditioning. Just nurses, doctors, and a community determined to care for one another no matter what.

What really stayed with me while researching this story were the people behind it. Nurses making bandages by hand. Doctors treating patients without plumbing or modern equipment. Residents fundraising together because they believed Fort Myers deserved better healthcare.

And what’s crazy is… pretty much my entire family was born at Lee Memorial Hospital. I know so many Southwest Florida families can probably say the same thing. It’s more than just a hospital here. It’s part of family stories, milestones, and generations of memories.

This week’s Fort Myers Rising dives into the incredible history behind Lee Memorial Hospital and how it grew alongside Fort Myers itself.

Special thanks and research credits to nurse , local historian and her Historical Old Fort Myers Photos page, , , 100 Years of Caring Lee Memorial Health System by Glenn Miller, and The Story of Fort Myers by Karl Grismer.

Click the link in bio to join the Insider’s List for more Fort Myers history, historic homes Florida, Fort Myers homes for sale, hidden gems, and behind-the-scenes local stories.

Comment below if you or your family were also born at Lee Memorial. I have a feeling a lot of Southwest Florida families share that connection. ❤️

05/07/2026

Think every home sale profit gets taxed? Not always 👀

A lot of homeowners assume a big profit automatically means a huge tax bill. But when it comes to selling a primary residence, there are important real estate rules that can make a major difference.

In this example, a married couple lived in their home for 20 years and sold it with a $500,000 gain… and may owe no taxes on that profit.

Why? Because they lived in the home as their primary residence and met the 2-out-of-5-year rule.

They must have owned and lived in the home for at least 2 out of the last 5 years before the sale.

This is one of the biggest real estate advantages many homeowners don’t even realize exists.

Whether you’re planning to sell a home, buy property, invest in real estate, or simply understand the Southwest Florida real estate market better, knowing these details matters.

Real estate is not just about buying and selling homes. It’s understanding the rules, strategies, and opportunities that can impact what you actually keep.

For more practical tips, insider real estate secrets, homeowner advice, and Southwest Florida real estate insights, join my FREE Insiders List. Link in bio.

05/05/2026

This….TURN UP THE VOLUME! 👂

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

Most people drive right past McGregor Boulevard without realizing they’re passing something a lot deeper than just beautiful homes…

Riverside Park has a history that goes all the way back to 1911, with early rules and plans that still shape how the neighborhood feels today. And there’s a detail about York Manor most people have no idea started right here too…

It looks peaceful, timeless, almost untouched… but the story behind it? That’s the part nobody talks about.

Old Florida charm is one thing, but the history layered into this area hits different once you know it.

Have you ever driven through a place and wondered what stories those streets could tell?

Click the link in bio to join the Insider’s List for more Fort Myers history, historic homes Florida, Fort Myers homes for sale, hidden gems, and behind-the-scenes local stories.

With appreciation to local historian and for helping preserve and share the stories that make Fort Myers so special.

Southwest Florida Historical Society

05/01/2026

If Fort Myers isn’t on your radar this May… you’re missing the rhythm of the city while it’s happening.

Art Walk takes over downtown, Music Walk turns street into a live stage, the Farmers Market is packed with energy and local flavor, the Spring Tea Party brings charm and connection, and True Tours reveals the hidden stories of the River District.

Want to stay in the loop on Fort Myers events and local updates? Join my FREE Insiders List and never miss out. Link in bio.

04/30/2026

Property fraud can happen quietly, and many homeowners don’t realize it until there’s already a problem. 👀A deed, mortgage, or other official record could be filed in your name without you knowing. That’s why setting up property fraud alerts is a smart step for anyone who owns real estate.Lee County offers a free Property Fraud Alert service that can notify you when certain official records are recorded under your name. If something looks suspicious or was not initiated by you, that early notice can give you valuable time to respond.Own property in Lee County? Sign up at www.leeclerk.org/fraudalertOwn property outside Lee County? Check your county’s alert service at bit.ly/ClerkAlertsReal estate protection is not just about insurance, inspections, or maintenance. It is also about staying informed.Save this post and share it with a property owner who needs to know this.