Southwest Florida Real Estate and Community News

Miromar Outlets; Credit: Southwest Florida

Whether it’s a cross-country move or an upgrade to a new home in the same city, buying a new home is a huge financial decision.

Southwest Florida is popular with residents and investors for offering a spectacular year-round lifestyle, along with luxury accommodations and a low tax rate. Miromar Lakes and Estero are two communities in Southwest Florida that provide their residents with sunshine, waterfront views, and endless recreation—all within reach of some of the best luxury homes in the state. The neighborhoods, the weather, and the activities all make owning Estero or Miromar Lakes real estate desirable for the future.

Below are some of the best spots to eat, shop, and have fun in Southwest Florida.

WHERE TO EAT IN MIROMAR LAKES AND ESTERO

Homeowners and tourists of the Florida Gulf Coast tend to prefer a casual yet upscale dining experience—which is why many restaurants offer outdoor seating in the Florida sunshine. Those who purchase Estero homes for sale can look forward to enjoying some of the following fantastic restaurants alongside locals and savvy tourists: 

Connor’s Steak and Seafood:

• Connor’s Steak and Seafood in Fort Myers are located less than a mile outside Miromar Lakes and specialize in premium steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and comes highly-rated by diners on Yelp.

Tommy Bahama and Marlin Bar:

• In Estero, Tommy Bahama and Marlin Bar at Coconut Point serve food and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Menu options include coconut shrimp, tacos, and fresh seafood. Patrons can enjoy a walk-up bar or seating on the patio.

Angelina’s Ristorante:

• Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs is located just a half-mile south of Estero and is all about authentic Italian food. You can find specialties such as prime beef carpaccio, cacio e pepe, and veal agnolotti. Angelina’s is among the more elegant eateries in the Estero area and offers more than 600 wine pairings with a full bar and lounge. They also serve weekend brunch.

Angelina’s Ristorante; Credit: The News-Press

Llama’s House:

• For a more casual, but well-reviewed, restaurant option in Estero check out the Llama’s House. This Estero restaurant has been serving authentic Peruvian and South American cuisine since 2019.

Naples Flatbread and Bar:

• Naples Flatbread and Bar offers pizzas, panini, tacos, and salads. Its new self-serve, 54-tap tap wall has beer, spiked kombucha, mead, and cider.

WHERE TO SHOP IN MIROMAR LAKES AND ESTERO

Miromar Outlets in Estero is home to popular shops, outlet stores, and restaurants. Miromar Outlets also hosts live entertainment and special events, including options for kids such as art programs and wall climbing. Miromar Outlets has more than 100 stores with many popular clothing shops that suit all styles, tastes, and ages. The outlets feature specialty stores for sports fans, golfers, wine lovers, and beach bums.

Miromar Design Center; Credit: PropertyShark

Once you’ve closed on a luxury home in Southwest Florida, Miromar Design Center in Estero is the place to go for all your home furnishing needs. With 45 different furniture stores, Miromar Design Center is the perfect one-stop shop to furnish your new home or get some new pieces to stage your current one. Retailers here cover everything for every room of your home. Outdoor furnishings, bed, bath, dining, kitchen, office, and living room furniture are all available at the Miromar Design Center.

WHERE TO PLAY IN MIROMAR LAKES AND ESTERO

Residents of Miromar Lakes and Estero have access to a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year. Both Estero and Miromar Lakes are located near some of Florida’s most desirable beaches, including Fort Myers, Naples, and Barefoot Beach. Estero homeowners can spend their days playing in the surf, lounging on the beach, or getting a workout on the water. 

Golfers living in Estero or Miromar Lakes have superb access to scenic and challenging courses throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast. Local courses include Stoneybrook Golf Club, Spring Run Golf Club, Estero Country Club, and Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club. In addition to offering golf, these clubs each have a welcoming community with a year-round calendar of events. If you’ve recently moved to Southwest Florida and purchased an Estero or Miromar Lakes home for sale, joining one of these clubs is a good way to make new friends and get to know the community.

Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club; Credit: Florida Golf

By joining the Miromar Lakes Beach and Golf Club, you can enjoy sailing, kayaking, swimming, tennis, fishing, spa services, fantastic beaches, and bocce—along with golf in an exclusive, resort-style environment.

The Florida Gulf Coast University is also located in Estero, and the events, concerts, art, sports, and environment of a college campus infuse energy into the community. If you want to enjoy some history or explore your natural surroundings, you can check out Koreshan State Park, Mound Key Archeological State Park, or Estero Bay Preserve State Park. 

LOOKING AT MIROMAR LAKES OR ESTERO HOMES FOR SALE?

Homes for sale in Southwest Florida have seen a definite increase in listing prices over the past few years. In Estero, the median list price went from just $273,000 to $500,887 in two years. Beyond that, most Southwest Florida homes are selling for at or above list price.

Currently, the Southwest Florida real estate market is inundated with buyers—and there are far more buyers than there are homes for sale. With the high demand for houses and condos in Miromar Lakes, Estero, and the Florida coast as a whole, it could be more difficult to find the property you want at the price you can afford. But don’t be discouraged—an experienced Southwest Florida realtor will be able to support you in your hunt for the home of your dreams…regardless of current market conditions.

If you’re ready to start looking at homes for sale in Estero or Miromar Lakes, contact the trusted local real estate agents at The Guillette Group for expert guidance, the newest listings, and the best customer service in Southwest Florida.

While the majority of the United States spends the months from October to April bundled up, Southwest Florida communities like Naples, Fort Myers, and Estero enjoy nearly flawless weather. The winter months are relatively dry in Southwest Florida, and temperatures range from the upper seventies during the day to around sixty degrees at night. It's an ideal time to get out and discover all that the Sunshine State has to offer. Luxurious shopping, dining, and real estate can be found up and down the Gulf Coast, and the area is best enjoyed during the holiday season.

The balmy fall and winter climate also present the perfect time to visit your favorite local farmer's market. Though not widely known as farming communities, Collier County and Lee County are a lush corner of the state's agricultural scene. You're never too far from fresh, locally grown Florida produce, and it's much more than just citrus.

With a growing season that never ends, Floridians have access to an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as local sources for meat, dairy, and, of course, seafood. The real luxury is that much of this bounty is easily accessible at one of Southwest Florida's many farmer's markets. You’ll find that one of the region's most satisfying luxuries is supporting local producers, and eating their delicious produce.

Below are seven farmers' markets in Southwest Florida to check out this fall.

AVE MARIA FARMER’S MARKET

5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria Town Center, Ave Maria

Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

November 6, 2021—April 30, 2022

Originally founded in 2005 as one of Florida's newest master-planned developments, there’s a lot going on in Ave Maria. The community already claims two championship golf courses, Ave Maria University, an ever-expanding dining and retail district, and five distinct neighborhoods.

There are few better ways to meet your neighbors than with a seasonal farmer's market. Open to the public, the Ave Maria Farmer’s Market takes over the town square every Saturday from late fall into early spring. The market gets underway at 9:00 a.m., with live music starting at 11:00 a.m. and running until the market closes at 2:00 p.m.

Put on by SW Florida Markets, Ave Maria's market is always a well-attended event with a wide selection of fresh local produce, fresh seafood, local honey, and regionally produced candles, clothing, crafts, and jewelry.

BEACH BAPTIST FARMER’S MARKET 

130 Connecticut Street, Beach Baptist Church, Fort Myers Beach

Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Beach Baptist Farmer’s Market on Facebook

Since 2015, Shop Local Productions has managed the Wednesday / Friday Beach Baptist Farmers Market. They also oversee the Santini market (detailed below). For its part, the Beach Baptist market features more than 40 vendors ready to satisfy a big appetite or help you source the ingredients for dinner. Market highlights include fresh produce, locally sourced seafood, and a number of specialty foods and products, including Guatemalan Coffee, Cuban Sandwiches, CBD products, barbecue, jewelry, and beauty products.

BONITA SPRINGS FARMER’S MARKET

26795 S Bay Drive, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs

Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

October—April 2022

Bonita Spring Farmer’s Market on Facebook

Until this season, the Bonita Springs Farmers Market dealt exclusively with food. Located at The Promenade Shopping Center, the market offers a treasure trove of locally grown, caught, and crafted items. The fruits, vegetables, seafood, pastries, and jams are each worth a taste. Several vendors also offer prepared food and beverages—should you get hungry while perusing the market.

For the 2021-2022 season, Bonita Springs is inviting several local artists and craft vendors to expand the market's non-perishable offerings. This self-proclaimed green market is a rain or shine event, and thankfully, there's more of the latter than the former this time of year. It's also dog friendly, though your pup is expected to be kept on a short leash.

COCONUT POINT FARMER’S MARKET 

23106 Fashion Drive, Coconut Point Mall, Estero

Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

October—April 2022

Coconut Point Farmer’s Market on Facebook

Thursdays may not be what most think of as a prime time for farmer's markets, but with the weekend closing in, knocking out your meal prep purchases early is always a winning choice. One of the top Thursday markets is also one of the most strategically located. The Coconut Point Market sets up in the Panera Bread parking lot at Coconut Point Mall every Thursday from October to April. 

A sibling market to the Saturday Bonita Springs event, both are managed by the Local Roots Farmers Markets, which oversee a total of nine farmer’s markets. Like Bonita, Coconut Point features a vast selection of local produce, flowers, honey, and seafood. Unlike Bonita, it also features a wide selection of handcrafted items, including candles and soaps. Dogs are welcome, but the short-leash/good-manners rules apply.

FARMER’S MARKET AT MIROMAR OUTLETS

10801 Corkscrew Road, between Ford's Garage and Naples Flatbread, Estero

Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Open year-round

Farmer’s Market at Miromar Outlets on Facebook

The region between Fort Myers and Naples is a shopping mecca. And few places offer a better experience than the shops and stores of Miromar Outlets. Located in the geographical heart of the region, the Estero-based mall features more than 100 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues to keep the fun going from open to close.

Every Friday, in the parking lot between Ford's Garage and Naples Flatbread, that local fun includes the Outlet's farmers market. In addition to produce, the market brings in vendors selling bread and pastries, honey, pickles, and some outstanding international flavors, including empanadas, tamales, guacamole, and salsa. Patrons also have the opportunity to grab VIP savings discounts to their favorite Miromar Outlets stores.

KORESHAN STATE PARK FARMER’S MARKET

3800 Corkscrew Road, Koreshan State Park, Estero

Sundays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Open year-round

Koreshan State Park Farmer’s Market on Facebook

The Koreshan State Park Farmers Market in Estero is a unique gem in Southwest Florida. Unlike most markets that pop up in retail parking lots, Koreshan features prominently in one of Southwest Florida's most historic and popular state parks. 

Shut down in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Koreshan market—which had been going strong since 2015 — took an unexpected hiatus, with an uncertain return date. That return finally arrived in August 2021. The market has added more vendors to its roster over the intervening months and regained its status as a favorite spot for local residents.

While you will need to pay a park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle, it's well worth it. Beyond the market, which features local produce, honey, spices, and various booths of arts, crafts, and clothing, you have access to a living, breathing museum detailing what life was like in this part of Florida over 100 years ago.                 

SANTINI FARMER’S MARKET             

7205 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Mid-November—April 2022

Santini Farmer’s Market on Facebook

Shop Local Productions’ Santini Farmer’s Market (like its sibling market, Beach Baptist) is located in Fort Myers Beach and serves the Tuesday/Thursday crowd. The most established of Shop Local's three markets, Santini has been a staple on Estero Island for more than a decade. The twice-weekly market sets up in the Santini Marina Plaza and always features a healthy list of vendors. You'll never walk away empty-handed from this market, one of the first established in Southwest Florida.

You'll find many of the same staples here as you will at the Beach Baptist market, although Santini does boast an emphasis on its fresh fruits and vegetables, with a sizable stationary produce stand. Baked goods also feature heavily, with some of the best vendors in Fort Myers and Naples showing up to impress attendees' taste buds.

EXPLORING HOMES FOR SALES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA?

Contact The Guillette Group today to start your real estate journey in Southwest Florida. Whether you’re in the market for something new, or you’re looking to sell your home, let The Guillette Group's years of experience guide your search for luxury real estate in Collier County or Lee County.

Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club is a luxury community located between Naples and Fort Myers, FL. Despite the development being located within the city of Estero, Miromar Lakes is large enough to merit its own zip code, which adds to the community’s exclusive appeal.

With a home in Miromar Lakes Beach as your base, you can easily enjoy the larger Estero community, as well as a long list of shopping, dining, and natural attractions. Founded in 1894, Estero was originally a small, 300-acre fishing village created by followers of religious eccentric Cyrus Teed. Estero has since grown into a charming, seaside community, which has retained its small-town charm, while also offering every service and amenity of its larger neighbors. The coastline has a long history as a citrus region and is also home to Florida Gulf Coast University.

Below are ten reasons you’ll love Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club: 

1.  IT’S FLORIDA’S MOST AWARD-WINNING RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY

The only community in Southwest Florida to offer waterfront living, white-sand beaches, and championship golf course in one place, Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club has racked up awards for its quality of life. Winner of Community of the Year and Best Clubhouse by the National Association of Home Builders, this dreamy community offers a wide range of residential choices in a five-star, resort-style setting.

The CEO and president of Miromar Development, Margaret Antonier, sought to create a residential setting similar to the relaxed, yet elegant lifestyle found on the Italian and French Rivieras. You’ll truly enjoy being home thanks to the vibrant social activities, thoughtful amenities, and attention to detail throughout the community. There’s no reason to choose between sailing or golf at Miromar—you can do both on the same day. 

2.  RESIDENTS ENJOY RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES

While you may need to spend the day in your home office, work and daily chores are infinitely more enjoyable when you can gaze out your window at the sparkling Lake Como in Miromar. When work is done, and it’s time to play—there is a myriad of choices for Miromar Lakes residents:

• Go water-skiing, swimming, sailing, or kayaking in the afternoon.
• Go fishing on the 700-acre freshwater Lake Como. 
• Tee off on the Arthur Hills championship golf course or practice your serve at the tennis courts. 
• Sink into a sumptuous spa treatment at the European-style wellness center. 
• Zone out as you dive into a juicy novel or take a siesta in a beachside cabana, lined up on three miles of private white-sand beach. 
• Stroll along The Marina on the Peninsula, where you can play bocce ball or join an outdoor yoga or tai chi class. 
• Attend a poolside cookout or beach party.
• Try a paddle-fit lesson. 
• Enjoy an evening of wine tasting and pairings. 

Whether you’re working from home, enjoying retirement, or entertaining your kids and grandkids, there’s no shortage of activities for all ages and interests. In addition to entertaining yourself, there are approximately 300 events per year within the Miromar Lakes community, from themed dinners to cooking classes, to sand-castle contests. Think Martini Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and daily happy hours. There are kayak eco-tours, holiday celebrations, as well as a long list of options available to residents every day (powerboat rentals, paddle boarding, etc.) 

3.  NEED SOMETHING? RING THE CONCIERGE

Need service at your home or on your boat? Contact the friendly, professional concierge, and they will clean and fuel your boat, open your home to allow package delivery when you are out of town, and arrange for dog-walking, home repair, and grocery-shopping service. You’ll feel like a VIP every day.

4.  YOU CAN HIT THE BEACH EVERY DAY

If you’re seeking property in Estero or Miromar Lakes, you’re at least partly in it for the beach. As a Miromar Lakes resident, you’ll have private access to three miles of white-sand beach, plus access to the Beach Clubhouse on the water’s edge. The clubhouse provides gourmet dining, wine tastings, billiards, cards, and even film screenings in a 50-seat theater. 

After a day on the beach, gather with friends at the Blue Water Beach Grill for evening cocktails and a sunset dinner overlooking Lake Como. Still out on the water? Dock your boat right at the Mediterranean-style, open-air pavilion and sit down to a meal of contemporary favorites and tropical drinks, served in a relaxed resort atmosphere. 

5.  HONE YOUR GAME AT THE MIROMAR TENNIS CLUB

Take your tennis game up a notch on the Miromar Tennis Club’s seven lighted Har-Tru tennis courts. Center court boasts an enviable waterside setting, and there are regular clinics held for every level of player (as well as weekly round robins to enjoy a bit of friendly competition.) 

6.  IT’S EASY TO SLIP AWAY TO THE SPA

Could there be anything more dreamy than having daily access to a full-service spa, right in your own backyard? Such is life when you choose one of the many luxury homes in Miromar Lakes. Slip away for a massage, facial, or salt-glow scrub, have your nails and hair done at the beauty salon, or just take a few moments to yourself in the private Zen garden, cozy in a plush Miromar Spa robe. 

Prefer to get your heart rate up before your spa session? Visit the fitness center, available to all residents, with top-of-the-line Cybex weight machines and cardio equipment, as well as aerobics, yoga, and Pilates studios. 

7.  CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF IN YOUR BACKYARD 

Many of the upscale waterfront communities near Estero are golf-centric—often at the expense of other activities. At Miromar Lakes, you’ll enjoy fantastic fairways, to be sure, but there are countless other experiences to round out your days.

If golf is your game, you’ll love the convenient access to one of Southwest Florida’s Arthur Hills Signature Championship golf course. This exclusive members-only country club experience includes access to a private clubhouse, assorted dining options, PGA instruction, men’s and women’s leagues, and more. 

8.  SHOPPING ABOUNDS

Outfit yourself in style and at great prices each season at the Miromar Outlets, an open-air setting with more than 140 stores and several dining options. Save up to 70% off original listed prices at Saks OFF 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, and more.

9.  YOU’RE SURROUNDED BY NATURE 

Known as a nature lover’s destination along the Florida Gulf Coast, Estero offers many natural attractions to residents and tourists. Explore the artifacts at Mound Key Archaeological State Park, where you can see ancient shell mounds thought to be ceremonial centers of the Calusa Indians. Learn about the Koreshan Unity religious colony at the Koreshan State Historic Site, (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and keep an eye out for bobcats, gray foxes, and alligators. Take a gardening class or kayak along the Estero River at the Happehatchee Center’s nature sanctuary. 

10.  THERE’S GREAT DINING NEARBY 

Fancy yourself a foodie? With Naples to the south and Fort Myers to the north, it’s easy to enjoy a decadent meal within a short drive. Celebrate a birthday or milestone at Ocean Prime on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples—next door to world-class galleries and theaters. Choose from an impressive array of seafood and prime cuts of steak, complemented by signature cocktails and a Wine Spectator-honored wine list. At Angelina's in nearby Bonita Springs, dig into prime beef carpaccio, homemade veal agnolotti, or American red snapper piccatta.

BONUS! 

One more reason a Miromar Lakes luxury home should be in your future: the community’s vast selection of neighborhoods and residential styles. From grand estate homes with mile-long waterfront views and custom floor plans—to unassuming, Italian-style homes with private boat docks—there’s something for every luxury style and taste. There are full-floor residences in eye-catching buildings on Lake Como or award-winning coach homes with lake and golf course views. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a community with such depth and variety has its very own zip code.

If you’re ready to make the move to Miromar Lakes, contact The Guillette Group—local experts in Estero beach luxury real estate. From the white-sand beach to the exclusive club, spa, and championship golf course, Miromar Lakes is Floridian coastal living at its most luxurious. 

*Header image courtesy of Miromar.com

Are you preparing to sell your home in the Fort Myers or Naples areas of Florida? You’ve chosen an excellent time, as the Naples real estate market is currently quite competitive with more prospective buyers in the market than there are listings. To take advantage of a market where the average Naples home is selling above list price and is taken off the market in 10 days or less, you need to adequately prep your home, so it stands out to buyers. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare your property so you can achieve selling success.

CREATE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and buyers will usually form an opinion of your home before they even step through the front door. To make sure this impression is favorable, have your house power washed and tidy the lawn, trees, and bushes. Show your pride in ownership by repainting or replacing the front and garage doors. Fix any cracks in the walkway, and boost your curb appeal by placing a colorful welcome mat and by arranging potted plants and flowers along the front areas.

DEPERSONALIZE AND DECLUTTER

When potential buyers enter houses for sale in Naples, they need to be able to envision how they would use the space as their own. This is difficult if your walls are covered with family photos and your countertops are cluttered with papers! One of the first steps when prepping a Naples home for listing is to take down and store any items that are highly unique or personalized. Next, remove any excess items that you won’t need immediate access to - this includes off-season clothing, small kitchen appliances, books and papers, and anything else that is unnecessarily taking up space. Not only will decluttering help buyers picture themselves living in your home, but it will also make your house look larger and better cared for.

HAVE IT STAGED

Once you’ve decluttered and depersonalized, consider hiring a professional stager to come into your home. They’ll arrange furnishings and decor to make your home shine and will also bring rooms back to their intended use. For example, if you’ve currently set up a guest room as a gym, the stager will turn it back into a bedroom so potential buyers can see the space as it was intended. Staged Naples homes sell quicker, and for more money than their non-staged competitors, so this process is well worth the investment. If you choose not to have your home professionally staged, you can still experience some of the benefits by staging it yourself or having it virtually staged to appeal to those who are home-shopping online.

PRICE IT COMPETITIVELY

A common mistake of sellers in a competitive market is to overprice their homes - Don’t do that with your Naples real estate. Though it’s possible your home will sell for above your list price, the best way to drive ideal buyers to your listing is to price it fairly. To do this, work with an experienced local real estate agent who can perform a comparative market analysis and look at what similar homes have recently sold for in the area. A fair price shows that you respect both the value of your home — and your buyers — and is the most reliable way to encourage offers.

HAVE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS TAKEN

Many of those who are in the market for Naples real estate will first look online. To make your home stand out in listings, as well as on landing pages and in social media ads, you need to have professional images. Not only can good images lead to further interest and in-person showings of your home, but professional photos can also appeal to out-of-town buyers who are making many of their buying decisions before they travel to see a home in person.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Once your home is listed and you’ve booked a few in-person showings, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your home so it makes the best possible impression. Turn every light on in your house to make it appear bright and friendly. Strategically arrange mirrors to reflect open areas, creating the illusion of extra space. Fully open all your shades and blinds to let in the maximum amount of natural light. To appeal to all the senses of those touring your home, consider rubbing some vanilla on your lightbulbs to create a pleasant aroma or have scented candles in each main room of your house. Finally, play some soothing music at a low volume so buyers can instantly feel relaxed as they view your home, picturing their lives if they lived in it.  

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

The best way to ensure your Naples property has been properly prepared for the market is to work with an experienced local real estate agent. Your agent can help you price your home, direct you to other professionals such as stagers, contractors, and photographers, and ensure your home is ready for its first in-person showing. Your agent can also help you sift through offers and be by your side should you decide to encourage a bidding war on your property. Once you sell your home, your agent can also help you find new houses in Naples that better fit your current lifestyle and family situation.

Ready to take advantage of the current market and list your house among other Naples homes for sale? Reach out to one of the experienced agents at The Guillette Group for expert guidance throughout the entire listing and selling process.