Arlene A Smith Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate

09/26/2026

🏡 WHAT COSTS SURPRISE FLORIDA HOMEBUYERS THE MOST?

The price on the listing gets all the attention… but it’s not always the number that matters most. 😉

Especially if you’re relocating to Florida, there are a few costs that can make you say, “Wait…how much is THAT?” 🌴

Insurance is a big one. Homeowners insurance can vary dramatically depending on the home’s age, roof, construction, updates and location. Flood insurance may also come into play depending on the property and financing.

Then we have HOA and CDD fees. Two homes with the exact same price tag can have VERY different monthly costs depending on the community. And trust us—those numbers matter!

Don’t forget the everyday Florida stuff either: inspections, pest control, landscaping, pool care and ongoing maintenance. 🏊‍♀️☀️

Buying a second home? Add in things like home-watch services and hurricane preparation while you’re away.

Here’s the takeaway:
💡 Don’t just compare purchase prices. Compare the TOTAL cost of owning the home.

A house that looks more expensive on paper could actually cost less to own and vice versa.

That’s where having a local Realtor who knows the communities, fees and Florida-specific expenses can make a BIG difference.

Nicole Hargreaves & The Hargreaves Team help buyers throughout Venice and surrounding Southwest Florida communities look beyond the listing price and understand the bigger picture before making an offer.

Because surprises are great on birthdays… not on your closing statement. 😉🌴

Nicole Mowers Hargreaves
📞 941-220-8075
📧 [email protected]
Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate
The Hargreaves Team | Venice & Sarasota Real Estate Experts

To SHARE contact info:
☎️ https://bit.ly/3PSWzKi

To SAVE contact info:
▶️ https://lnkd.in/eKi-zFWK

Zillow Reviews:
▶️ https://bit.ly/4tDubxU

Google Reviews: (with over 300 5 Star reviews)
▶️ https://lnkd.in/ewRGYimP

Find out your home's current value:
▶️ https://hmbt.co/E8HAy4

09/26/2026

✨🏡 UNDER CONTRACT! 🏡✨
📍 134 Sevilla Place | Nokomis, FL 34275
Another one UNDER CONTRACT! 🎉💙

Huge congratulations to our amazing clients! We’re so grateful they trusted The Hargreaves Team to guide them through this exciting chapter. 🥂

Thinking about making a move? Buying, selling, or just curious what your home could do in today’s market? 👀

Let’s talk! Your next chapter could be closer than you think. 🌴✨

📲 Send us a message — let’s make it happen!

Arlene A Smith Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate
☎️: 941-303-9902
📧: [email protected]
Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate
The Hargreaves Team | Venice & Sarasota Real Estate Experts

Nicole Mowers Hargreaves
📞 941-220-8075
📧 [email protected]
Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate
The Hargreaves Team | Venice & Sarasota Real Estate Experts

To SHARE contact info:
☎️ https://bit.ly/3PSWzKi

To SAVE contact info:
▶️ https://lnkd.in/eKi-zFWK

Zillow Reviews:
▶️ https://bit.ly/4tDubxU

Google Reviews: (with over 300 5 Star reviews)
▶️ https://lnkd.in/ewRGYimP

Find out your home's current value:
▶️ https://hmbt.co/E8HAy4

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

Visit participating businesses for 10% off, this weekend only!
https://www.facebook.com/share/19UQwCKtzp/

09/25/2026

Mark your calendar for a night of live reggae on the waterfront.

Join us at Reggae Nights on the Island as Collé Kharis performs alongside Mighty Mystic, The Rhythm-Inya, and Cariies. It's the perfect evening to enjoy live music, support local vendors, and spend time with friends and family.

📅 October 3, 2026
📍 Maxine Barritt Park (near Sharky's on the Pier)
🕔 3PM to 10PM
🎟️ FREE EVENT

09/24/2026

🏡 HOW MUCH MONEY DO I REALLY NEED TO BUY A HOME IN FLORIDA?

Ahhh…the down payment. The number everyone thinks about first. But here’s the little surprise nobody loves hearing: that’s not the only money you’ll need. 😉

Your down payment will depend on your loan program, but you’ll also want to plan for:

💰 Closing costs — lender fees, title costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, escrow funding and other transaction expenses.

🔎 Inspections — In Florida, that could mean a general home inspection PLUS roof, wind mitigation, four-point, pool or other property-specific inspections.

🌴 The “after I get the keys” costs — Furniture? Window treatments? Repairs? Improvements? And don’t forget HOA or CDD fees, homeowners insurance and possibly flood insurance.

Because buying the house and being able to comfortably OWN the house are two different things.

Our advice? Know your comfortable TOTAL budget before you fall madly in love with the kitchen, pool and lanai. Trust us…Florida homes can be very convincing. 😂

Nicole Hargreaves & The Hargreaves Team help Venice-area buyers understand the property and community costs they should investigate, while working alongside their lender and other professionals for financing-specific guidance.

The goal isn’t just to get you into a home. It’s to help you feel good about owning it after closing day, too. 🏡💙

Nicole Mowers Hargreaves
📞 941-220-8075
📧 [email protected]
Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate
The Hargreaves Team | Venice & Sarasota Real Estate Experts

To SHARE contact info:
☎️ https://bit.ly/3PSWzKi

To SAVE contact info:
▶️ https://lnkd.in/eKi-zFWK

Zillow Reviews:
▶️ https://bit.ly/4tDubxU

Google Reviews: (with over 300 5 Star reviews)
▶️ https://lnkd.in/ewRGYimP

Find out your home's current value:
▶️ https://hmbt.co/E8HAy4