Quick Answer
Buying in Southwest Florida means looking past the list price. Before you write an offer, know the home's flood zone and insurance cost, its HOA and CDD fees, what the property taxes will be after the sale, and, for new construction, what the builder's contract really says. The Borg Group answers those questions for every buyer before they make an offer, not a week before closing.
Where should I start looking?
Every town here has its own personality. Naples is polished and walkable near the Gulf. Bonita Springs mixes a rejuvenated downtown with beach access. Estero is the heart of golf and new-construction communities. Fort Myers offers riverfront history and value, and Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals. Explore each one:
Want to see what homes are actually selling for? Our market reports are refreshed every morning with fresh MLS numbers.
What will this home really cost me to own?
The mortgage payment is only the beginning. Here's what we check on every home before our buyers make an offer:
- Flood zone and flood insurance. Look up any address in seconds with our free Flood Zone Lookup, then let us help you protect yourself with Addendum H.
- Homeowners insurance. Roof age, wind mitigation and the year built can swing your premium by thousands. See our homeowners insurance guide.
- HOA and CDD fees. Two homes at the same price can carry very different monthly costs. Learn how CDD fees work and how to evaluate an HOA before you buy.
- Property taxes after the sale. The seller's tax bill isn't yours. Taxes reset to market value when a home sells, and the Florida homestead exemption can lower yours if this is your primary home.
What does it cost to have The Borg Group represent me?
Since August 2024, every buyer signs a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, and it spells out exactly how the agent is paid. That compensation is negotiable, and in many Southwest Florida sales the seller or builder covers some or all of it as part of the deal. We go through the agreement line by line at your first consultation, so you know where you stand before we ever open a door. Read more about choosing a buyer's agent.
Buying new construction? Bring us to the first visit.
The friendly sales team in the model home works for the builder. Most builders require your agent to register you on your very first visit, so call us before you walk in. Mark brings 30+ years in sales and construction to every walkthrough, looking at the home the way a builder would. We negotiate incentives, lot premiums and upgrades, and we have a trusted real estate attorney who can review builder contracts. Start with new construction vs. resale and builder incentives and buydowns.
What happens after I call you?
- A real conversation. What you love, what you need, your timeline and the life you're picturing here.
- Your buyer consultation. We walk through the market, your budget and the buyer agreement, with no pressure.
- Financing in place. We connect you with trusted local lenders so your offer is ready to compete.
- A search built around you. New matches reach you the day they list, plus off-market and coming-soon homes we hear about.
- Showings with a builder's eye. In person or by live video if you're still up north.
- A winning, protected offer. Priced on real comps, with the right inspection and insurance protections built in.
- Under contract to closing. Dawn manages every deadline, inspection, appraisal and HOA approval, and you'll know exactly where things stand each week.