Florida’s residents don’t need to stress about blizzards like people who live farther north. However, the warmer climate comes with its own cause for concern: Hurricanes.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season – which takes place from June 1 to November 30 – has an 85 percent chance of higher-than-average activity this year, thanks to La Nina conditions in the Pacific and high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

If you own property in South Florida, it’s wise to prepare for potential hurricanes if you haven’t already. Here are some must-know recommendations for protecting your home from hurricane damage, according to FloridaDisaster.org, NOAA, and the American Red Cross. Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list.   

 1. Secure all items that high winds could pick up and turn into projectiles.

This includes trash cans, lawn furniture, and any other objects that could get caught up in intense winds. Bring these items inside if possible and anchor them if it’s not safe to store them indoors (e.g., a gas grill).

2. Trim your trees.

Remove any branches and get rid of trees that could fall and cause structural damage during a storm.

3. Shield your windows and exterior doors.

Utilize storm shutters or plywood to safeguard your windows and doors against high winds and debris.

4. Minimize the effects of flooding.

This includes cleaning out downspouts, drains and gutters, as well as stockpiling sandbags and other protective items. You can also obtain a sump pump with battery backup as a proactive measure.

5. Review your insurance coverage.

Call your insurance company to review your home or renters insurance and ensure it covers repairs and replacements. You’ll need separate flood insurance; ask your insurance company or agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program to make sure you have a policy in place well in advance of any hurricanes since there’s a 30-day waiting period.    

6. Secure your roof.

In addition to assessing the condition of coverings like shingles, you should ensure your secondary water barrier, roof decking, wall-to-foundation and roof-to-wall connections, and gables are in fighting shape.

7. Consider purchasing a generator.

In case of power outages, you might want to obtain a whole home generator so that you’ll still have electricity.

Despite the potential impact of hurricanes, South Florida is still home to some of the hottest housing markets in the U.S. because of factors like steady economic growth, low median home sale prices, plenty of entertainment options, and tropical scenery.

If you want to explore Florida real estate, the Avalon Suncoast team can help you look for your dream house, condo, land or commercial property. Start now by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

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1. Consider how you’ll use the home.
Will it just be for family and friends, or do you plan to rent it as well? And realistically, how many times will you use it per year? A seasonal vacation home can be a rewarding purchase and even a very good investment but there are factors to consider. If you will only occupy your Southwest Florida vacation, second home, for only one or two months each year, you might find that it is better to simply rent a home. Spending $5,000 – $8,000 per year on a rental if you will only visit for two months may be better spent.
However, if you will spend more than two months in your Southwest Florida vacation home, or you want the freedom to visit anytime of the year on a whim, then purchase is the best route. Condos and single family homes in the area can be a very comfortable get-away and as an added benefit, you can keep your personal belonging there, without having to haul them back and forth each season.
Finally, if you will only use your Southwest Florida Vacation Home occasionally, you may consider using it as an income property. Our Property Management division needs rental properties for both seasonal and annual renters. Our sales team can help buy your vacation home in Southwest Florida and make it a valuable investment.

3. Talk to the locals. What do they love about the area? What’s changing? And what’s it like during the off season? When you visit to explore the area, talk to the people who live here. Ask the shop owners what they like and what they would change. Chat up people when you visit a local lounge, restaurant or public venue. You’ll find that the people who Live in Southwest Florida are happy and friendly and they may have moved here from an area near you.

4. Study local laws. If you plan to rent the home, local rules may restrict rental periods or cap the number of days you can rent each year. In general, county and municipal laws and regulations are simple and unrestrictive. They protect property owners quite well and are fair to renters. Condos can be somewhat more restrictive. Many have rules on whether a unit can be rented and on rental periods. They usually require an application to rent and have rules that apply only to renters, different from the rules for owners. Condos may also have age restrictions. Your Suncoasteam can help you through these rules when you buy your vacation home in Southwest Florida.

5. Calculate costs. Along with mortgage, insurance, property taxes and association or amenities fees, plan for wear and tear. (A good rule of thumb: Budget one and a half percent of home’s value on repairs annually.) And if you intend to rent, add the cost of a property manager. Suncoasteam’s Property Management division offers a discount on management fees to those who purchase a home with the assistance of our sales staff.

6. Talk to an accountant. This person can advise you on such issues as the tax implications of rental income and changes in federal tax laws that could impact deductions. A brief consultation with a tax expert or financial planner can often set your mid at ease when considering a large purchase such as Southwest Florida Vacation Home.

7. Test before you buy. Once you’ve settled on a spot, you may consider renting for a season. This will give you the opportunity to explore the area and you just may find a section a little away from your rental that you prefer. Or you may just fall in love with the complex or area and know you are making the right decision.

8. Work with an experienced Realtor. Pick someone who knows the community and who can recommend the other experts you’ll want to consult. Your Suncoasteam has decades of experience in Southwest Florida, and can help buy your vacation home without stress. Our team has helped buyers throughout Southwest Florida, from Naples to Tampa but our primary sales territory is Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. This area includes the cities and towns of Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Rotonda West, Englewood, North Port, Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Palmer Ranch, Taylor Ranch, West Villages, Sarasota National and more.

If you find that you wish to buy your vacation home in Southwest Florida, please don’t hesitate to call or email Your Suncoasteam, sales@avalonsuncoast.com or 941-235-7474 or visit our website: https://suncoasteam.com
Sources: Bankrate.com, Money magazine, HGTV, biggerpockets.com, Florida Realtors

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In Punta Gorda Isles, you will find that there are home prices for practically everyone’s budget. Located less than 3 miles from downtown Punta Gorda south of the Peace River bridge and about 4.5 miles from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda Isles is in close proximity to just about everything. Attractions such as Fisherman’s Village, Gilcrest Park, and restaurants including Captain’s Table, The Perfect Caper and River City Grill neighbor Punta Gorda Isles and play an important part of attracting other local businesses to the area.

Southwest Florida Gulf Coast living in Punta Gorda Isles offers a wide range of housing and location options depending on your taste. Some example of the locations offered are waterfront, overlooking the beautiful Peace River, and inland areas if waterfront living is not your cup of tea. Want to spend more time outdoors? Punta Gorda Isles offers many opportunities to stay active with its plentiful bike paths, clear, well maintained sidewalks as well as being located near most any business or park that you will need or want to visit. In addition, the houses located by the many canals, typically offer one to two boat docks and/or lifts for easy storage and entry of the boats. As you can see, PGI is a desirable place to live and enjoy the the Southwest Florida lifestyle.

For more information about Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Living or to view homes in the area, please contact Your Suncoasteam at 941-235-7474 or email: sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

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Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

Whether you are wanting to explore nature, enjoy animals, or just want to help out locally, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Punta Gorda, Florida right across from the solar-powered town of Babcock Ranch.  The pricing for admission is quite reasonable and all proceeds go to the sanctuary, it typically takes the average visitor about an hour and a half to look at all the animals and learn about them, so you certainly get your money’s worth.

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is a place where they take in animals that were abused or held in captivity, they rescue these animals and help them live wonderful lives. The animals will live at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives, and in addition, the sanctuary is a great place to bring your family to and have a day of fun learning about all the different animals and their unique stories.  All the people that work there are unpaid, as they are all much needed volunteers that help out, yet accept donations to help with costs associated with helping the animals.

There are picnic tables to sit at and enjoy nature and look at the animals, and you can also have a picnic,  you can bring food and enjoy it on a beautiful day in nature. Every animal has a sign that tells you their story and you can learn a good amount about all of the unique animals. The sanctuary is a self guided tour and you can follow the path or take your own path to look at all the animals and learn some information you may not know, and there are many cool stories to hear about.

Whether you are volunteering or just enjoying your day,  the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is not only a fun place to go, but it is also educational. You learn a lot, and overall it is a great place to bring kids. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for everyone of all ages to come enjoy a relaxing day and have fun!

For more information on excellent Punta Gorda living, please contact Your Suncoasteam.

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Fisherman’s Village Punta Gorda FL is an open-air mall that brings out the best of Southwest Florida lifestyle. Walking through Fisherman’s Village Punta Gorda FL is a pleasant experience with its tall roof for shade and a nice cool breeze. The shops and restaurants at Fisherman’s Village are a wonderful representation of the local businesses that play a key role in the economy of Punta Gorda. You will not find a chain store here. Instead, you will explore a variety of unique and quirky establishments. Fisherman’s Village contains a wide variety of  restaurants, dessert shops, novelty item stores, and even boat tours and marine supply stores. Fisherman’s Village most likely has something for you. 

Fisherman’s Village Marina is a full service facility with water, fuel and pump-out for transient boaters, as well as long term slip rentals and commercial vessels. Those who enjoy fishing can find a number of choices from individual charter boats, group fishings tours or boat rentals. If you just want to enjoy the harbor with friends, you can buy a ticket on the many scheduled tours from the marina. These include sunset sails, visits to the islands such as Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa, Boca Grand and more.

If you love fresh seafood, then the “Captain’s Table” restaurant located above Harpoon Harry’s is sure to satisfy your cravings. This fine dining establishment affords a panoramic view of beautiful Charlotte Harbor. For a less formal dining experience, you can visit Harpoon Harry’s or Scotties on the main concourse.

Whether you are a local in Punta Gorda, a visitor to our area, or just love the paradise-like weather of Southwest Florida, you’ll be sure to love Fisherman’s Village and all the amenities it offers.

If you are interested in Real Estate in Punta Gorda, FL, please explore our website.

For more info, contact:

James Mulligan
Suncoasteam Realty
21202 Olean Blvd, C-3
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Office: 941-235-7474
sales@avalonsuncoast.com

Jim Mulligan with help from Jesse Ialuna

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