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Dec. 14, 2025

Getting Your Bonita Springs Home Ready to Sell Starts With What You Own

Eliminate donate trash before selling your Bonita Springs home

Clutter is not neutral when you are trying to sell

Even if you are not ready to sell your home you might not realize how much you have accumulated over the years. Some of it is sentimental. Some of it is important. And some of it quietly migrated into a drawer one day and never left.

When you prepare a home for the Bonita Springs market you are not just cleaning. You are creating space. Buyers notice clear counters tidy closets and rooms that feel calm. In a luxury market clutter works against you because it distracts from architecture light and flow. Less visual noise makes it easier for a buyer to imagine their own life in the home.

Downsizing is easier when you stay ahead of your stuff

Staying on top of household contents makes everything easier. Easier to move. Easier to downsize. Easier to maintain your home. It also makes a future sale far less stressful.

We have helped many people sell homes and we have also helped adult children who live out of the area sell their parents’ homes. One thing comes up again and again. The amount of work and emotional distress created when someone suddenly becomes ill or passes away and a lifetime of belongings must be dealt with quickly.

Organizing while you are healthy gives you control. It is also a quiet act of generosity toward your family especially if you have lived in your home for a long time.

What we see as listing agents in Bonita Springs

As listing agents we recommend simplifying early so you are not rushing right before photos showings or inspections. This does not mean stripping a home of personality. It means editing so the home lives and shows like the luxury asset it is.

If you want a clear step by step overview of how to prepare price and sell a home locally start with this Bonita Springs seller roadmap. Pricing a home well takes local knowledge and real data. Here is how a Bonita Springs REALTOR® since 1998 approaches it.

If decluttering feels overwhelming this Bonita Springs listing prep decluttering checklist pairs well with the January reset below especially if you want to work in stages instead of all at once.

If you are thinking about representation and want to understand what a strong plan looks like from the beginning read about how to choose a listing agent with a real plan.

Linda Davis and 365 Days of Eliminating Crap

I help run a Facebook group that was left to a few members by someone who passed away herself. The group is called 365 Days of Eliminating Crap. The name makes people smile but the idea behind it is serious.

Linda Davis was a wonderful human being and a Realtor who understood that staying on top of household contents is not about being ruthless. It is about being realistic. This approach supports a calmer home now and a smoother transition later whether that transition is downsizing relocating or selling.

January reset list for a calmer home

This list is intentionally simple. No moral judgment. No perfection required. Do it in any order. Skip days. Circle back. The goal is progress not punishment.

JANUARY RESET
365 Days of Eliminating Crap

January 1
One junk drawer

January 2
Expired food from the refrigerator

January 3
One pantry shelf

January 4
Extra mugs or water bottles

January 5
Socks with no match or holes

January 6
Old pajamas or lounge wear

January 7
One handbag or tote

January 8
Makeup past its prime

January 9
Bathroom drawer or cabinet

January 10
Half used products you dislike

January 11
One stack of paper

January 12
Old manuals or warranty papers

January 13
Kitchen gadgets you never use

January 14
Decorative items you dust but do not love

January 15
Shoes that hurt or go unworn

January 16
One section of your closet

January 17
Old workout clothes

January 18
Towels that are thin or stained

January 19
Chargers cords and mystery cables

January 20
Reusable shopping bags

January 21
Candles you dislike the scent of

January 22
One storage bin or box

January 23
Holiday décor you skipped this year

January 24
Books you will not reread

January 25
Old planners or notebooks

January 26
Framed photos you no longer connect with

January 27
Pet items not used

January 28
One nightstand drawer

January 29
One flat surface cleared completely

January 30
One piece of furniture you pile things on

January 31
One sentimental item kept from guilt not joy

If you need help you do not have to do it alone

If this process feels like too much we can refer professional organizers who understand how to work efficiently and discreetly. Sometimes that support is what turns good intentions into real progress.

If selling is on your horizon this year or even a few years out staying organized protects both your time and your home’s value. When you are ready we are here.

Want a quick estimate of your home’s value in today’s Bonita Springs market

Get Your Home Value

Fast. Private. No pressure.

Posted in For The Home, Seller Tips
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Dec. 12, 2025

Bonita Springs December Market Highlights

Bonita Springs beach club communities and waterfront

Bonita Springs December Market Highlights

You would have to see downtown Bonita Springs to believe it. The holiday stroll grows every year and the décor feels more refined and more over the top at the same time. When you come in from Bonita Beach Road and pass Oak Creek the blue Bonita Springs sign glows like it knows something you do not. Spoiler. It does. Local businesses are in full competition mode and the lights are next level. Crowds roll in around seven and linger under the trees like winter never existed.

You can see the photos and videos from the holiday lights around Downtown Bonita Springs here. If you have friends up north you might want to send them the link with a gentle reminder that you are not shoveling snow.

Continue reading and watch the videos

Downtown calendar at Riverside Park

Riverside Park has an active calendar this season. New events keep landing on the schedule and the energy downtown is strong. Right after Christmas a two day block party will close part of Old 41 and turn it into one long holiday street party. Food. Music. People who forgot where they put their winter coat.

You can see the current event schedule and future dates on the Riverside Park calendar for 2025 to 2026 here.

View the Downtown events calendar

Bonita Springs and Estero market report

The newest Bonita Springs and Estero market report is out. You may have seen national headlines that sound dramatic because drama sells ads. Those stories usually blend entire counties together and skip the neighborhood level details that matter to you. Our towns are a collection of micro markets. One street has a waiting list while the next street has three For Sale signs.

Snowbirds are in town and real estate is moving at a steady pace. The current report breaks down closed sales inventory levels and price ranges so you can see what is happening in the neighborhoods that interest you most.

Read the December market report

If you like to plan ahead you will also find a detailed 2026 outlook that covers trends for buyers and sellers in both Bonita Springs and Estero.

Read the 2026 outlook

Featured homes and opportunities

We have several new listings coming soon in bundled golf communities a 55 plus neighborhood and a few vacant parcels. If you are thinking about a winter move or a future relocation this is a good time to start watching the inventory.

One current opportunity is in Carriage Homes at Woods Edge. This condo offers nearly 2000 square feet of living space with bike to beach distance and a quiet tucked away setting. Listed at 389K.

View Carriage Homes at Woods Edge

We also have a vacant waterfront home site on Little Hickory Bay on the Collier County side of Bonita Springs. This property is ideal for a custom home with wide water views and easy access to the Gulf. Offered at 1.199M.

View the Little Hickory Bay homesite

Your home value

If you would like to keep an eye on your property value or you are considering a sale in the next year you can watch real time activity around your address. Many of our clients use this tool long before they are ready to move so they feel informed instead of rushed when the time comes.

Check your home value

Posted in Market Reports
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Dec. 10, 2025

Holiday Lights in Downtown Bonita Springs Stroll

Holiday Lights in Downtown Bonita Springs

You have to see Downtown Bonita Springs during the holidays to believe it. Every year the city adds more to the holiday stroll and the festive decor. It starts when you enter downtown on Old 41 from Bonita Beach Road at Oak Creek. The blue lighted Bonita Springs sign glows at the arch and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

Businesses along Old 41 decorate for a contest so the holiday energy stretches all the way past Rosemary Drive. The biggest concentration of lights sits in the corridor around Riverside Park. The Liles Hotel the artist cottages the banyan tree and Depot Park are decorated at a level that pulls everyone outside. If you go between seven and eight in the evening you see steady groups of people walking taking photos and enjoying the scenery.

A few nights ago a car parked in front of the park stole the show. It was fully decorated and had a working train set running in a loop on top of the SUV. It circled the roof while everyone stopped to watch. The whole scene felt like a holiday movie set.

Videos From the Holiday Stroll

Here are a couple of videos so you can see some of the action.

Posted in Around Town
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Dec. 9, 2025

Bonita Springs Estero December 2025 Market Report

Bonita Springs Estero Price Sold Dec 2025

December 2025 Market Report Bonita Springs Estero

The numbers this month look busy at first glance. They always do. Bonita Springs and Estero are two small towns with hundreds of micro markets tucked into them. One street has a waiting list while the next street has three For Sale signs. New construction behaves one way. Older neighborhoods behave another way. Some associations are quiet with no listings at all while others give buyers real choices. That is the reason the story behind the numbers matters more than the numbers on their own.

Inventory and micro markets

Total inventory in Bonita Springs and Estero shows a steady rise yet the experience on the ground is not uniform. We still see pockets where homes are under contract within a few days. Buyers use escalation clauses. Sellers receive multiple offers when condition and pricing line up. It is local. Hyper local. A home in San Carlos Estates lives in a different market than a home in Hawthorne. A first floor condo moves differently than a second floor condo without an elevator. Condition matters. Renovation level matters. Proper pricing always decides the outcome.

Bonita Springs Estero Historical Sales December 2025

How buyers are paying

Financing trends show a predictable split. Cash remains strong in the sub one million range. Conventional financing follows close behind. FHA and VA are still present yet they function best in neighborhoods that allow them. Foreclosures and short sales are almost gone. Equity sales dominate the landscape. That is good news for both buyers and sellers because it reflects stability.

Contracts and inventory reality

Closed sales remain healthy. Pending and pending with contingencies continue to move in a normal pattern for this season. Withdrawn listings remind us that price and presentation must be right the first time. Inventory and absorption rates tell a second story. A big number for the entire city does not mean a buyer has endless choices. It only means someone somewhere has choices. Another buyer in another neighborhood might have fewer choices.

Why representation and strategy matter

This is why professional representation matters. A knowledgeable listing agent understands how to position a property so the seller does not leave money on the table. A skilled buyer’s agent knows which neighborhoods support escalation clauses and which neighborhoods do not. They know where homes sell fast and where they sit. They know where a home search must be focused and where patience pays off.

Bonita Springs Estero Property Funding Source December 2025

Long term trends

The graphs below show the long term trends so you can see how December 2025 sits against the last decade. You will notice the normal seasonal rise and the normal seasonal settling. The market has shifted into a pattern that rewards good condition and fair pricing. Homes that check those boxes still move at a healthy pace. Homes that skip those steps sit longer.

What this means for your address

Bonita Springs and Estero are small. Hyper local. Every neighborhood has its own pulse. If you want the real picture for your street or your building reach out and I will give you the numbers that matter for your exact address without the noise.

If you are thinking about selling you can read the Home Seller’s Guide and request a personalized property valuation so you know where your home fits inside these numbers.

Posted in Market Reports
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Dec. 3, 2025

Bonita Springs and Estero Real Estate Outlook 2026

Bonita Springs and Estero Real Estate Outlook 2026 beach landscape

Bonita Springs - Estero Real Estate Outlook 2026

Every few years the real estate market in Bonita Springs and Estero shifts gears. We had the quiet years, the average years and the wild years. Many buyers remember the seasons when they refreshed their computers and phones again and again because they felt certain a new listing would disappear before they could write an offer. Now we enter a steadier phase. Steady works for buyers. Steady works for sellers. Steady keeps the whole process civil.

As we wrap up the end of the year we move into a phase where seasonal residents and visitors come to town just as the savvy buyers who depended on financing have wrapped up their purchases. The summer and fall of 2025 offered opportunities for home buyers who used financing to shop at a calmer pace while cash buyers summered up north. Depending upon the neighborhood and inventory some of those buyers even negotiated concessions. For example some golf communities may have extra inventory during the slower summer months. The luxury market maintained a steady speed. Real estate stays hyper local in Southwest Florida so the numbers can change from street to street and from neighborhood to neighborhood.

I study this market constantly. I watch who moves in. I watch who moves out. I follow the homes that linger and the homes that fly. I track the numbers and I read the behavior. Based on everything I see this is what 2026 looks like as we enter the new year.

Population and Migration

People continue to move here. They want sun and water and a quieter life where they can still get to good restaurants and enjoy a strong sense of community. Bonita Springs and Estero keep attracting new residents so demand stays healthy. Growth supports stability so the market stays predictable.

Local Economy and Income

The local economy is steady yet still based on second home ownership and resort vacation lifestyle. Healthcare expands and both the Lee Health and Naples Community Hospital systems grow. Professional services grow as more commercial property is developed and as mixed use construction at Midtown moves forward. Construction stays active across both Lee and Collier Counties. People have income so people have buying power.

Bonita Springs and Estero are a quiet luxury area where people have means but tend to be more low key and less label focused. Stability in our job base helps keep the real estate market balanced which is exactly the tone heading into 2026.

Inventory and Absorption

Inventory continues to grow which gives buyers options they did not have a few years ago. Sellers now compete for attention which is normal in a balanced market. Days on market rise because buyers take their time. Sellers who price with accuracy reach the finish line. Sellers who price for old markets wait for reality to arrive.

Home Prices

Prices show moderation not collapse. Homes that show well and land in the right price range sell. Homes that reach for unrealistic numbers sit. The 2026 market rewards serious buyers and smart sellers. Mistakes cost time and money so precision matters.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates shape buyer confidence even when the buyer pays cash. When rates settle buyers relax because they sense stability in the wider market. If rates hold steady or drop a bit during 2026 more buyers step forward which helps absorption and supports pricing at many levels.

Insurance

Florida insurance finally shows signs of stability. Private carriers return and Citizens shrinks. Prices flatten enough for many owners to breathe again. None of this is perfect although the direction matters.

Florida lawmakers also discuss a potential increase to the homestead exemption. One proposal adds another one hundred thousand dollars for homeowners who carry active property insurance. The plan targets people who walked away from their policies when premiums climbed. Years of soft oversight and rising costs pushed many owners of older homes to self insure and plan for repairs out of pocket. Homes built before newer codes often fell into the fifty percent rule which created a trap for owners who wanted to improve older homes. Lawmakers now want to pull owners back into the insured group by offering property tax relief to people who stay covered.

If this becomes law it will influence how buyers evaluate carrying costs and how sellers position older homes that fall into these categories.

New Construction

New construction inside Bonita Springs is limited because we are nearly built out. What does exist matters. Along the Imperial River you will find Aurora which brings new options for waterfront living.

On the east side you will see Vivid Shores which Pulte and Stock will develop. This will give buyers new single family choices in an area that wants fresh inventory. Details continue to roll out as the project advances.

Also approved is Revana Lakes and they are already moving earth on that community.

Builders stay measured in this cycle. They release carefully and they offer incentives when needed. These projects will not flood the market. They will provide quality options for buyers who want new homes in a city where land is limited.

One of the challenges when explaining to home sellers how they compete with developers and builders is the collection of hidden incentives. New home sales feature the newest in luxury design and appointment plus the latest building codes, newest roofs and updated systems. Add to that the incentivized title insurance, in house mortgage options, points buy down programs and design credits which are a loose way to say price discount. Instead of reducing the base price the developer pays fees or awards a buyer credit to place toward design selections.

Rentals

Seasonal rentals remain strong. Peak season holds so investors stay interested. The long term rental market shows softer moments although nothing alarming. Investors who choose the right locations perform well. Investors who chase the wrong product learn quickly.

Our team does not specifically handle rentals although we work with referral partners and a few real estate clients with short term rental businesses like AirBnB and VRBO. We can provide introductions if you need trusted guidance in that space.

Demographics

Many buyers here are retired or almost retired. They want comfort and convenience and sunshine. They choose gated communities that match their lifestyle and they stay for the long term. A steady demographic brings market stability which helps both buyers and sellers.

Demographic data show that from 2024 through at least 2027 about 4.1 to 4.2 million Americans reach age 65 each year which equals roughly 11 200 to 11 400 people turning 65 per day. Peak 65 is the term used to describe this wave of new retirees.

Carrying Costs

Carrying costs shape buyer decisions. Insurance, taxes, HOA fees and special assessments all matter. Many communities now move roofs onto scheduled replacement plans to meet insurance underwriting best practices. Buyers look at the full picture and run the math.

Home sellers need to understand this because homes with reasonable monthly expenses attract stronger offers. Homes with inflated overhead slow down. Clarity and honesty on systems, reserves and insurance costs win in 2026.

Most notably Florida lawmakers advance constitutional proposals that could reduce or even eliminate some non school property taxes on homesteaded real estate. The intent is to deliver long term tax relief for Florida homeowners starting as early as 2027 if voters approve the measures. Buyers and sellers both need to watch these proposals because they influence how people plan ownership and length of stay.

Climate and Risk

Storms are part of Florida life. Buyers today are educated and practical. They ask questions about roofs, windows and flood zones then they proceed with informed decisions. As long as the region avoids a major hit confidence holds and the market stays steady. The year 2025 produced a mild storm season with no direct hits on our immediate area.

What This Means For Sellers

Sellers must be accurate. Presentation matters. Price matters. Condition matters. Buyers reward homes that respect these rules. The homes for sale that do not follow these rules sit and gather dust. The 2026 market does not tolerate fantasy pricing so realism and attention to market value are important.

What This Means For Buyers

Buyers in 2026 have room to think in some circumstances. Buyers can compare homes and weigh options. Buyers can negotiate in some situations although not in all. Inventory gives freedom which leads to better long term decisions. A steady market supports patient and thoughtful buyers. Read also, 12 Tips For Home Buyers.

If You Are Both

If you need to sell and then buy you are in a sweet spot. You list your home in a stable environment then you shop without chaos. It is a reasonable real estate market which feels like a refreshing change. Read also, Bonita Springs Home Seller Guide.

Bottom Line

Bonita Springs and Estero move into 2026 with a stable outlook on home sales. Demand for real estate both mainstream and luxury holds steady. Supply has improved and stabilized. Prices find balance. It is a smart market for smart buyers and a fair market for sellers who understand the current landscape.

There will still be new construction and there will still be resale homes that will come and go from the market while less motivated sellers hold onto prior year pricing. The advantage belongs to people who prepare early and move with clarity. Here is a short list to help you start 2026 in strong shape:

  • Whether buying or selling, interview and select your agent early so you have one professional guiding you from first ideas through closing.
  • Expect that agent to schedule a strategy appointment, explain your local market and prepare you so your independent searches are focused and realistic.
  • If you are a buyer, talk with a lender months in advance so your pre approval, comfort level and logistics are ready before you find the right house.
  • If you need to move funds, loop in your financial planner early to understand tax exposure and whether those moves support your bigger financial plan.
  • Obtain a current proof of funds or pre approval letter and keep it on file so you can write offers quickly when the right home appears.
  • Once you are financially and logistically ready, start casually tracking listings and sales in your target neighborhoods so you recognize value when it shows up.
  • Enter the market upstream in calm waters. Be prepared, informed and well supported instead of scrambling in peak rapids conditions after you have already fallen in love with a property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the outlook for Bonita Springs and Estero real estate in 2026?

The outlook for 2026 is stable. Demand stays healthy due to continued migration, steady income and a strong second home and resort lifestyle base. Inventory improves so buyers have more choices. Prices moderate instead of collapse which creates a fair market for informed buyers and realistic sellers.

Are home prices expected to fall sharply in 2026?

The data and daily activity point to moderation not a sharp drop. Well presented homes that are priced correctly for their segment sell. Overpriced listings or homes that ignore condition and carrying costs tend to sit. The market rewards precision and punishes guesswork.

Is 2026 a good time to buy in Bonita Springs and Estero?

For buyers who prepare early 2026 is a healthy time to buy. You gain more selection than in the peak frenzy years and you gain more time to think. If you secure pre approval, understand your numbers and study your preferred neighborhoods you can move with confidence when the right home appears.

What should sellers do now to get ready for 2026?

Sellers should study recent closed sales, freshen presentation and get a realistic price opinion from a local expert who studies this market every day. That means accurate pricing, strong presentation, solid condition and clear disclosure of carrying costs. Buyers have choices now and they reward the homes that respect these rules. Listings that cling to old pricing or ignore condition and cost realities will sit while better prepared homes move.

How will insurance and tax changes affect the market?

Improving insurance options and potential property tax relief for insured homesteaded owners can improve buyer confidence and long term affordability. Buyers in 2026 will look closely at total monthly costs so homes with clear and reasonable carrying costs will have a real advantage over homes with unknown or inflated expenses.

Posted in Market Reports
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Nov. 27, 2025

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Cheesecake

Father Son and Holy Cheesecake Bonita Springs

Meanwhile in Bonita Springs, Florida: Cheesecake-Palooza 2025

It started out simple enough. Novel, even. A few weeks ago, I decided I would make Jerry’s world-famous award-winning cheesecake (the one that won a pie baking contest). It is at this point, royalty. A cheesecake with medals deserves a grand introduction.

Last week, I hit the store with the recipe in hand and bought triple the ingredients. I planned to make not one, not two, but several cheesecakes, because we have two large springform pans and a whole collection of mini ones. I would spread cheesecake love far and wide. I even had the proper bakery boxes. This was going to be a professional operation. I calculated everything carefully and assumed, something one should never do, that I had all the equipment I needed. And I mostly did. Common sense, however, must have been in the only aisle I did not walk down at Publix.

What unfolded next reminded me of my move into this little 1950s bunker of a home. Long story short, I rented out my house to a family whose home took water during Hurricane Milton, why not? They needed a place, I was staying with Jerry. After he passed, I moved out so the house could be sold and I ended up here. My first week, I got hungry and thought I would make spaghetti... only to discover I did not own a pot big enough to boil it. So like a college freshman, I boiled full-length spaghetti in a nonstick skillet. The next day Amazon delivered a gorgeous pot set, but the trauma lingers.

Father son and holy cheesecake

Flash forward to cheesecake-palooza 2025. I discovered I had no mixer, so I ordered one. It was supposed to arrive the next day. It did not. It apparently went on a sightseeing tour of the lower 48 states before wandering home the day before Thanksgiving. A friend kindly dropped her mixer at the Bonita Springs Historical Society as backup, but mine finally arrived, so I thought I slid into home plate feeling victorious.

It was a foul ball. The mixer was small. It claimed to have three speeds, printed right on the dial, but all three were exactly the same speed. A cute orange color, though, because obviously accessorizing correctly is the priority here.

I changed out of my work dress and into thin pajamas because this house, built as a Cold War bomb shelter, retains heat like a clay oven. I set up stations for cheesecake number one and cheesecake number two. Jerry always mixed his in a stainless-steel pan with a handle, so I dug out a new one from the Amazon pot set and went old-school, just like Jer.

Time to prep the pans. Turns out, my parchment paper was too narrow. Issue number one. I overlapped pieces, put on black rubber cooking gloves, buttered the pan, scattered graham cracker crumbs and salvaged the situation. Score one for Team Griffith. I are smart.

The first ingredients went in and the mixer did its best. It was clearly on the struggle bus. Not a KitchenAid by any stretch. Three settings, all the same speed meant all hat, no cattle. I just prayed to get one cheesecake out of her.

Then the recipe called for a cup and a half of sugar. That is when I learned in real time I do not own a proper measuring cup or measuring spoons. I had a tiny cup I thought was a third cup but was actually a quarter. It is my official, designated oatmeal scooper. Fine. Six scoops. Moving on.

Cornstarch was next, a third cup. I could eyeball it, but one of the pans does not have much room to rise. Brow furrowed, I asked ChatGPT to help me improvise. Chatty Cathy, as we call her, will later be revealed to be a pathological liar.

Then came the lemon juice. I bought the same green bottle Jerry used. I tried to open it. I could not. Not even a little. I may be older now and have been through a bit of something, but I am convinced the government is trying to starve out the older population by making food packaging impossible to open.

I tried everything. I wedged it in the outside door and leaned full body weight on it. Nothing. So at 4:30 p.m., in pajamas, messy bun and slide shoes, I ran outside looking for a man human or any human to open the bottle. Normally there are a thousand e-bikers and enough passing cars to flag someone down. Not today. No neighbors. No seasonal folks. Kyle across the street, who is always puttering around, was nowhere. Not a soul. Did I miss the rapture?

Back inside, I grabbed Kleenex for grip because the bottle was now clammy and moist. Sorry, not sorry if you hate that word. If I suffered so will you. As Brandon Rainwater says, we in this together. Seriously, he is so funny, go follow him. I was about to start knocking on doors when I gave it one more Kleenex-twist and it finally broke open.

Back inside, flustered, hair in a messy bun, pajamas and all, I dumped the lemon juice in using a teaspoon because I do not have the right tools. Later I realized it was supposed to be tablespoons. Close counts in horseshoes and my new coined phrase, blind baking.

Cheesecake one assembled, into the oven it went. “Alexa, set a timer for forty-five minutes.” Technically it takes an hour, but since this was my first time with this oven, I planned to monitor early. On to cheesecake two.

At ingredient number two, the sugar, I discovered I was half a cup short. I had bought the Dixie Crystals shaker can, which you cannot see inside and the listed weight is useless. Shrinkflation strikes again. I FaceTimed my son, certain he had sugar, but he ignored the call from his beloved mother. Noted. I could have been lying on the floor with a broken hip. I refused to go out in pajamas and pay eighteen dollars for sugar at the corner store. Then I remembered the sugar packets in my office pantry for real estate client baskets. I grabbed fistfuls.

“How many packets equal half a cup?” I asked ChatGPT. She said four. Lies. Asked again. She said seven. More lies. Meanwhile, I was ripping open packets two at a time like a raccoon attacking a dumpster at midnight. Around sixteen packets in, I lost count. Also, shrinkflation has hit sugar packets too. We learned a lot today. When I get measuring spoons I am measuring how many sugar packs it takes for a teaspoon. I hope someone from Big Sugar is ready for the fury.

The little orange mixer, now on cheesecake two, was working like a rented mule. It smelled like warm plastic and electrical woes. I think I smelled smoke. Cheesecake one had been aerated because the mixer had a burst of early enthusiasm, cheesecake two was thick and slow. Cheesecake one rose like a balloon, threatening to spill over. Cheesecake two sat quietly like it was hungover from New Year’s Eve.

I then realized I had preheated the oven hotter than necessary and forgot to turn it down. Gotta get those walls nice and hot, you know. So both cheesecakes baked for thirty minutes at the surface temperature of Mercury. Alexa was juggling multiple timers. Every time I asked how much time was left, she recited timer number one, timer number two and so on and I was too tired to do time math.

Cheesecake one needed ten more minutes, so I added a third timer. I have made this cheesecake dozens of times, but today everything unraveled and I was too tired to understand how or why.

I monitored for the crack that signals doneness. Thirty minutes after removing them, I realized they were not done, so back in they went for another half hour. Who am I? What is the secret to life? Am I in a simulation? Watching me bake would be like watching a teenage girl change a tire for the first time.

I eyeballed ingredients, used condiment packets, nearly started an electrical fire and I know Sanford is looking down, shaking his head, saying his favorite phrase, “You are a terrible person.” Always said with love and always while laughing at the dumb predicaments I manage to get myself into. At this point I am over an hour late to a stuffing party where I will see the Colonel in the dining room with a candle stick. In my mind, every time we talk about the Colonel it is like a game of clue. Arrested development.

At this point, the only next step was to drag them to church and leave them at the altar. After cooling slightly, I tossed them in the fridge, sighed and gave them the Sign of the Cross while apologizing for my behavior.

Morning came. Cup of coffee in hand, I cracked the fridge door to peek. They looked okay, but dry. Nobody would know but me, I hope. Fruit garnish would disguise the crime scene.

Time for slicing. The top-secret cheesecake-slicing method is dental floss. Fresh floss if you really like whoever you are giving it to, just a joke, calm down. The final drama, I could not locate unflavored floss. Mint floss it is... dipped in boiling water to melt the wax and the mint off. Fingers crossed. I do not even own a needle and thread in this place.

The moment of truth came early. At eight a.m., my alarm went off for medication that has to be taken with food. Yes, I had cheesecake for breakfast and yes I took my meds with it and it was actually good. Probably not my best in history, but given the long road to get there, I was surprised it was not awful.

Shooting for not awful is not usually my goal, but my goals have been radically different these last few years.

If you have read this far, Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for you reading. Many of you are clients and I am grateful that you chose me to help you buy and sell real estate. I am grateful for many things, but most importantly for the altruistic living donor who gave me a kidney so I could live to make these cheesecakes in a little house built in 1950.

P.S. Jerry donated the recipe to the Bonita Springs Historical Society cookbook, still in publication. Proceeds help maintain the historic McSwain home circa 1915 and the last green space in Downtown Bonita Springs. You can print this story as “101 things what not to do” to accompany the recipe.

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Posted in Around Town
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Nov. 15, 2025

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Report November 2025

Bonita Springs November 2025 home sales by price range

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Report November 2025

November 2025 delivered a steady and confident month for Bonita Springs home sales. A total of 111 properties changed hands which lines up with the stable pattern we have seen since the post surge years of 2020 and 2021. This is not a market chasing headlines. It is a mature coastal market where serious buyers and sellers make measured decisions.

Sales Volume And Long Term Trend

Historical Bonita Springs home sales chart

The historic sales chart shows that Bonita Springs has moved out of the frenzy phase and into a more predictable rhythm. Monthly closings now move within a narrower band which is typical for an area that attracts repeat buyers second home owners and long term investors. The 111 closings in November sit comfortably in that range which supports a view of stability rather than volatility.

Activity remains broad across product types. Single family homes attached villas and condos continue to trade in every price segment from entry level to true luxury. The consistency of sales across different community styles is a positive sign for both value preservation and future resale.

Which Price Ranges Saw The Most Activity

The core of the market remains in the mid ranges. The 400,000 to 600,000 segment recorded 35 closings which represented about 31.5 percent of November sales. The 200,000 to 400,000 range followed with 23 closings. Above that the 600,000 to 800,000 group recorded 20 closings which reflects strong demand from buyers who want newer homes or updated properties with minimal work.

At the top of the chart the luxury tier remained active. Twenty sales closed over 1,000,000 which confirms that high net worth buyers are still committing real capital to this market. These are buyers who focus on location quality of construction and long term demand rather than short term noise. Their presence supports pricing throughout Bonita Springs including well located mid range communities.

At the lower end of the chart there was only one closing under 200,000. That was a condo in Morton Grove on Little John Court that sold for 180,000. This price point has grown rare which underscores how far values have moved over the last decade especially for properties with reasonable commutes to beaches shopping and medical services.

High And Low Sales For November 2025

The Morton Grove condo defined the entry point for November with its 180,000 closing which is now more exception than rule in Bonita Springs. For buyers this illustrates how important timing and preparation have become for any search at or near this level.

At the other extreme a luxury home on Bonita Beach closed at 9,700,000. This type of property offers direct Gulf influence and immediate proximity to the shoreline near the stretch by Doc’s Beach House and the public beach access points. Sales at this level reinforce the strength of Bonita Beach as a true luxury waterfront address. Buyers who choose this location rarely view it as a short term hold. They view it as a long term asset with lifestyle benefits that are difficult to duplicate elsewhere in Southwest Florida.

When the lowest sale in a month is a Morton Grove condo and the highest sale is a nearly eight figure Gulf front home you see the full span of what Bonita Springs offers. Townhomes and condos inland. Golf and country club communities. Bay and Gulf front estates. The market serves a wide spectrum yet still behaves in a disciplined way.

How Buyers Funded Their Purchases

Bonita Springs home sales by funding source

November funding sources tell an important story about confidence. Cash buyers represented 54 of the 111 closings which is about 48.6 percent of the market. Conventional financing accounted for 48 closings which placed it almost equal to cash. VA and FHA loans appeared in smaller numbers with three closings each. There were also a few owner financed and other transactions.

A market where nearly half of sales close in cash tends to experience fewer contract failures and smoother timelines. That helps both buyers and sellers. Sellers gain certainty once a property goes under contract. Buyers who use financing benefit from appraisals and underwriting that are operating in a data rich environment supported by steady closed sales.

What This Means For Buyers And Sellers

For buyers the November numbers describe a market that rewards preparation and clarity. Inventory is available in most price ranges yet entry pricing is limited and the best located homes still draw quick attention. Buyers who know their numbers and who understand their target communities move faster and with more confidence.

For sellers the data shows a backdrop of stability. Luxury properties continue to close at strong prices. Well maintained homes in the 400,000 to 800,000 range remain the backbone of activity. Properties that are priced in line with recent sales and that present well against current competition continue to move at a reasonable pace.

If you are considering a sale or purchase and want a detailed look at your specific community you can start your home search here or reach out for a custom market report tailored to your property type and price range. For those focused on higher end property you can review current opportunities on the Bonita Springs luxury homes and condos page which highlights many of the areas that feed the upper tier of this report.

Bonita Springs Market Report November 2025 FAQ

How many homes sold in Bonita Springs in November 2025

There were 111 closed residential sales in Bonita Springs in November 2025 across condos villas and single family homes.

Which price range saw the most Bonita Springs home sales in November 2025

The 400,000 to 600,000 range recorded the highest number of sales with 35 closings which made it the core segment of the market for the month.

What was the least expensive home sale in Bonita Springs in November 2025

The most affordable closing in November 2025 was a condo in Morton Grove on Little John Court which sold for 180,000.

What was the most expensive Bonita Springs home sale in November 2025

The highest sale in November 2025 was a luxury home on Bonita Beach that closed for 9,700,000 reflecting ongoing strength in Gulf front property.

How many Bonita Springs home buyers paid cash in November 2025

Cash buyers accounted for 54 of the 111 November closings which is about 48.6 percent of the market and indicates strong liquidity among buyers.

What does the November 2025 data suggest for Bonita Springs sellers

The data suggests a stable market where realistic pricing and strong presentation still produce successful sales especially for properties in the 400,000 to 800,000 range and for well located luxury homes.

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Oct. 11, 2025

The Funeral March: Caring for Plants in Southwest Florida

The Funeral March

Caring For Plants in Southwest Florida My daughter pulled into the driveway and I thought she was getting one of the kids out of the car. She was unloading the most wounded members of her household and it was her plants. Cue Chopin’s Funeral March. Not one. Not two. Not three. Four dead men walking.

First in the parade was a fiddle-leaf fig I had potted and given to her years ago. She bought it in a tiny container without realizing it would need a bigger home one day. I said if you buy a pot this big (making a circle with my arms) I will repot her and she will live her best life. Well that was a lie. She did not live her best life. She nearly finished a life.

She arrived with a half dozen leaves and one was hanging by a thread. The air conditioner kicked on and that last leaf fluttered like it was thinking about letting go. She also delivered a spent orchid. Some decorative house plant that looked like it came from Publix. A snake plant on its last leg. I did not know you could kill a snake plant. Yet here we are.

I let the fiddle fig sit in my living room for a day. I thought she needed a break. She probably did not know what to do in the quiet without three kids and the usual hoopla. I gave her a day to decompress. I looked at her like a middle aged woman friend. She wanted quiet. She wanted to be left alone. She wanted peace.

After a day I took her out back with the happy plants. I have a feeling they looked at her and said we feel you girl. I set her down and studied her. I snapped a photo and a short video and posted on social. TikTok chimed in. Chop it back. Turn it into a hat rack. Repot right away. Do this. Do that. Everyone had advice. None of it was right for this plant. She needed a hot minute. By the way she looked it would not have been a chardy. It would have been store brand whisky.

I gave her breathing room then I gave her what every woman wants. Someone who listens and talks to her. A bite to eat when she is grumpy. A nice drink after. At lunch I took my too healthy, farro wheat and bok choy bowl outside. We had a little chat. We discussed what she needed. She did not need to be chopped back to a hat rack. She needed time to collect herself.

I started with a little food at mild strength. A little conversation over lunch. A deep drink. Now we watch. She sits with friends on the north side of the house in bright light without direct sun. Enough light to return to photosynthesize without burning. I will give her a week and check for nodes. With the worst leaves gone she can work on her core before she worries about her hair.

Next Step In Her Care

Here is my favorite Southwest Florida helper. While she rests the next step of her care is protecting her roots and soil temperature. You can read more about local yard care and soil health in this landscaping guide for Bonita Springs homeowners.

Coconut Cloth Circles

If you do not know them yet you will love them here in the Bonita Springs area. They are circular pieces of coconut fiber with a slit and a center opening. You slip one around the trunk. It shades the soil and slows evaporation. It keeps roots cooler and happier. My yard is river sand between two rivers. Pick up a handful and it runs through your fingers like an hourglass. I had a bougainvillea out front on the south side that struggled. I could not keep it hydrated. I added coconut cloth. The ground stayed cooler and moist. It perked up fast.

I use coconut cloth on potted plants too. I keep a few in large terracotta pots like wild lime for giant swallowtail butterflies. The cloth holds water and protects roots. Plants do not wilt. Roots do not bake. Summers here are murder so anything in full sun needs help. If you turn your back for a day you can lose a plant. Coconut cloth buys you time and it looks tidy.

If you want to try the exact products here are my links to what I use. Coconut cloth circles. Expanding garden hose.

The Expando Hose

This hose is a sanity saver. It starts small and light. Turn on the water and walk. The hose stretches as you go so you are not dragging a heavy snake. When you walk back and shut it off the water empties and the hose shrinks. I hang mine on simple extension cord hooks on the wall. No reel. No wrestling.

Check Back Next Week

We will check back in a week. Maybe I will add a coconut cloth once my order arrives. The ones on hand are for big trees and this pot needs a smaller size. If your plants struggle here try coconut cloth. It also keeps potting soil less tempting for little hands. My daughter worries the kids will dig. You can fit the cloth and tuck the edges so the dirt does not call their name.

Happy gardening.

One More Thing

If you have old flower pots you are not using and you had a few plant expiries like my daughter please consider donating them. The Bonita Springs Historical Society has a small plant program at the McSwain Home and Gardens. We are growing Moringa from our tree along with a few useful herbs. Pots help these young plants look better and stay upright in summer wind. If you have extras we would be grateful.

Plant Rehab Tip

Protect the roots. Mulch helps yet the insider move for our sun is a coconut cloth circle under the mulch. It shades the soil and slows evaporation so the plant gets a steady drink and less heat stress.

This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your price stays the same.

Posted in Around Town, Things To Do
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Oct. 8, 2025

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Report – October 2025

Bonita Springs Market Report October 2025

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Report October 2025

The Bonita Springs real estate market is stable and no dramatic shifts are anticipated. Inventory is balanced in some neighborhoods but every neighborhood has a different market especially the luxury segment. Of the 14% of closed sales over $1,000,000 an estimated 95% were cash. The luxury market is not only vibrant it is liquid.

What price range is selling

Buyers are active across all price points but the most movement this September came from the 200,000 to 400,000 range at 25.6% of all sales. The 400,000 to 600,000 range followed at 22.3%.

Bonita Springs property sales by price range September 2025
Price ranges that sold in September 2025

If you follow the upper tier market and want a deeper view of luxury you will see steady activity in golf waterfront and estate homes. The Blueprint for Luxury outlines how buyers approach premium property decisions here.

How homes were purchased

Many people say cash remains king. We are actually down to 62% cash sales. Bonita Springs usually runs higher. The slower pace of August and September brought more opportunity for financing buyers and they used the off season window to purchase.

How Bonita Springs property sales were funded Fall 2025
How recent purchases were funded

Historical perspective

The long term chart tells a stabilizing story. Sales volume looks stable going into the fall of 2025 and it will ramp up as we enter tourist season. Winter residents snowbirds and vacationers will return for long weekends and holidays. Demand should stay consistent especially for premium properties that are priced properly and in good condition.

Bonita Springs historical property sales through September 2025
Historical sales trend through September 2025

On the ground

Recent showings underline the value of real numbers not headlines. I toured a spotless four bedroom three bath home with newer construction and storm compliance. The buyers had read that the market was slow. Neighborhood data on my phone showed four months of inventory. That is a seller market by definition. Not every neighborhood performs the same. Some are balanced and some lean to sellers. Timing price point and condition matter.

What it means for you

Whether you are buying or selling understanding the numbers makes the difference. Buyers benefit from clarity on where negotiation makes sense. Sellers benefit from pricing that aligns with today’s inventory and demand. If you are considering listing review the Home Seller Guide for practical steps on pricing preparation and timing.

Looking ahead

The market is warming up with calls from buyers and sellers. Seasonal residents are securing winter homes and new listings are lining up for the next 30 to 60 days. Festival season is underway in Downtown Bonita Springs. If you plan to sell in 2026 remember that January February and March deliver the strongest exposure. Easter falls early on April 4 and activity usually shifts after that. Plan now. Get photos before holiday decor travel or company arrives so you can launch the day after Christmas with perfect presentation.

For customized guidance contact Chris at 239-273-7430.

Posted in Bonita Springs Real Estate, Market Reports
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Oct. 1, 2025

Heart Home: Preserving the McSwain Home in Downtown Bonita Springs

Heart Home

Did you ever have a home you missed?

Everyone has a heart home — the one that lingers in memory long after the keys have changed hands. Maybe it was your first home when you were starting out or the house where you grew up.

McSwain Home & Garden InteriorI’ve lived in many homes throughout my life, but the one that captured my heart wasn’t mine at all. I’ve never lived in it but now it’s become one of the most important homes of my real estate career. It is a vintage cottage on Old 41 Road in downtown Bonita Springs — the McSwain Home, built in 1915. Back then, Old 41 was the original Tamiami Trail, the main road connecting communities from Tampa to Miami. For those who don’t know, “Tamiami” = Ta (Tampa) to Miami. History is cool. When the Trail was later rerouted to bypass downtown, the heart of Bonita Springs was bypassed too. For years, the area quieted down. Many bleak economic decades followed. People had little reason to visit and downtown nearly faded from memory. In fact, it was generally avoided.

Today, downtown Bonita Springs has been revitalized with new infrastructure, restaurants, festivals and events in the park. The real threat right now is the preservation of culture and history. To balance our new modern downtown we need culture, history and diversity. A thriving downtown needs more than dining tables, cocktails and concert stages. We need living reminders of our story. We’ve preserved the great banyan tree, the Liles Hotel and Wonder Gardens and now it’s time to help preserve the McSwain Home and Gardens. This green property is another crown jewel, a historic anchor and one of the most important attractions downtown.

The original family raised several children in this tiny home. Picture Bonita Springs in 1915: no air conditioning, no modern conveniences, no hurricane-proof windows. Mosquitoes, dust, torrential summer rains and the wildness of Florida were part of daily life. Were the families who lived there brave or crazy? Maybe both. The resilience of the McSwain’s and the other pioneer families is why Bonita Springs exists today. They were legends for being pioneers in this harsh environment and didn’t even know it.

For years I overlooked the little home, caught up in my own life, raising a family and working in real estate. That changed when I joined the Bonita Springs Historical Society board. Around the same time that I was nominated for the board, I faced stage 5 kidney failure. It was such an odd time in my life. There are no handbooks on what to do in these sorts of situations, so I just started digging myself out of the hole. By grace, I received a transplant from an altruistic living donor. For a spell I attended board meetings by Zoom while I was temporarily in Tampa for medical care. When I returned to Bonita Springs, I found myself recuperating in the gardens at the McSwain Home, planting seedlings, pulling weeds and watering orchids as part of my healing journey. Much of what you see in the gardens was started from seeds and cuttings. My grandchildren toddled beside me with little watering cans, splashing more on themselves than the flowers but learning that even the smallest hands could help something grow. We’d order sandwiches from Downtown Coffee and Wine and it felt like our second home by proxy — a place where community, history and family all converged.

The main landscaping had been designed and installed by Jacque James, our current president. She and her parents have worked tirelessly in the soil, too. Volunteers and friends pitch in when available. Moto, a longtime friend, helped with the heavy lifting when I couldn’t. He learned that when "we" were going to do something it meant that I was pointing and he was doing it. I went through a subsequent surgery six months later to remove my native kidneys so I started my therapy again in the gardens. Leonorrre, a neighbor, selflessly stops by to water our wilted plants on her way home from school. (I have her name spelled that way in my contacts because she trills her R’s in the most brilliant way). Orchids have been donated in memory of loved ones, grafted into the trees so that the memory of their beauty lives on.

The grounds have now come into their own. We’ve grown into a food forest where visitors can wander under shade trees and in season pick a tree-ripe banana. Moringa seedlings, known worldwide as a “miracle tree,” are nurtured here as part of our garden and sometimes available for sale to support the property. Every plant in this landscape is a reminder that history isn’t just preserved in photos or books. History is alive, growing and rooted in this God-forsaken sandy soil. It’s a testament and proves that every home in Bonita Springs has the ability to produce life, edible food and a butterfly garden.

Here’s the dilemma as I see it. We, collectively the McSwain Home, has really been at a deficit for corporate sponsors and resident donors. There are passionate people who would likely help if they only understood the need. Here’s the truth most people don’t realize: The McSwain Home and the Bonita Springs Historical Society who care for her, is not funded by the City of Bonita Springs. Every orchid, every garden, every exhibit exists only because people like you support this home and property. The Bonita Springs Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. We need community support to keep history alive and protected. We need your support.

Recently, Vicki Qi of Posh Porch raised her hand to support us, she is donating a spectacular pumpkin display that will be installed on the McSwain Home steps for Halloween. She simply couldn't stand to have the McSwain porch not be shown the love it deserves this fall. It’s more than a seasonal decoration. It’s a shining example of how businesses can join hands with history to create something beautiful for the community. This will make Halloween extra special downtown and for the Halloween Walk and Trick or Treat night. We need more of those partnerships: local restaurants, real estate offices, banks, civic groups and any business that wants to be known for helping keep Bonita’s history alive.

So, this is something to noodle on: As we head into the end of the year, please consider including the McSwain Home and the Bonita Springs Historical Society in your year-end giving. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your contributions are tax-deductible and they directly preserve one of the oldest historic homes and green spaces in downtown Bonita Springs. If you’ve not planned giving for next year is it possible next year? Maybe even annually?

Another way to help is through estate planning. Some of our strongest legacies will be built by people who decide that part of their story should live on through the preservation of this home. A bequest, trust or planned gift ensures that the McSwain Home continues to tell Bonita’s story long after we are gone.

Without volunteers, donations and memberships, this 115-year-old home cannot survive. We need sponsors for exhibits – such as the 9/11 exhibit which is available for on-site set up at any local business for the 25th remembrance in 2026. We need families to join the membership, we need people to attend events and lend a hand with their talent whether it is event planning or grant applications. Most importantly, we need local businesses to step up as partners. We are small but mighty and have persevered on a shoestring budget. We are great stewards of this organization and I promise you this: This board can turn a penny into copper wire. Imagine what can be accomplished with corporate support. The McSwain Home is right here in the community you run your businesses in, please show her some love.

This home is wildly important and I want people to know about it and care about it. I’ve sold hundreds of homes in my career, but this is the one I fought the hardest to save. Who better than a Realtor to understand the value of a home — not in dollars, but in legacy.

Volunteers with even a small contribution of time are always appreciated. Many hands make for easy lifting, from checking names at an event, to stringing popcorn for Christmas trees, to writing a check that keeps the water on so the gardens stay beautiful in dry winters. We’d love a new well, but that expense isn’t in the budget. The trip charge for the simple estimate isn’t even a good stewardship of funds at this point. Anyone know a generous well driller willing to collaborate?

The McSwain Home has carried Bonita Springs for 115 years. Now it’s our turn to carry her. She doesn’t need a few people doing everything. She needs many people doing a little something. One day, a hundred years from now, children will walk through the door of the McSwain Home and ask what kept it standing all of this time. Let the answer be us. Let the answer be that this generation valued history enough to protect it. Let them know we were the ones who said Bonita Springs deserves roots as well as growth.

You may not know this but on Saturdays Byron and Linda Liles — pioneer family stock themselves — are docents giving free tours at the McSwain Home. The doors are open. Visitors are invited, free of charge, to tour the property and not only have one of the best first-hand history lessons from Mr. Liles himself but also hear a great story or two about “cowboy land” and what it was like to grow up in the fields and scrub that is now bustling downtown Bonita Springs. You can even pick up a copy of his book or a souvenir to remember your visit. Maybe your best souvenir could be a membership to keep or even one to give away this Christmas. They are inexpensive and one size fits all.

The board of directors, the Liles family and many volunteers continue their good works to tend to this delightful, historical estate but it would be a such a blessing to have help from the public and local businesses. As Realtors, bankers, shop owners and restaurateurs, we all rely on Bonita Springs’ story to bring people here. Preserving this home is preserving what makes Bonita Springs special.

This home and its history is for all of us. Maybe, if you spend time here, it will become your heart home too.

To become immediately involved reach out to Chris Griffith directly 239-273-7430 or email our executive director Rae Goldstein raegoldstein@bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org for strategic partnerships, grants, volunteer and donor/donor matching programs. The Bonita Springs Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Learn more at www.BonitaSpringsHistory.org

Posted in Around Town, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Things To Do
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