Kat Shimer Realtor

10/12/2026

Naples Ranks Third for HOA Burdens | Take a look! 👀
As someone who’s called Naples home since childhood—and watched it transform over decades—I’ve seen firsthand how HOA dynamics shape our communities. A recent analysis ranked Naples third in the nation for HOA burden in 2025, with median dues coming in at $711 per month. That’s about 20% of the typical mortgage payment here. The study compared HOA fees with monthly principal and interest on a median-priced home (assuming a 30-year loan at roughly a 6% rate with 10% down), and Naples stood out—largely due to our abundance of condos and newer developments, where HOAs are the norm. Plus, recent changes in insurance, inspections, and reserve requirements have nudged association costs higher for many neighborhoods. Out of 300 metro areas, Naples was singled out because so many listings here include HOA dues above the national average. For buyers, sellers, and anyone considering a move, understanding these costs is essential to making a confident decision. As a second-generation real estate professional and lifelong Naples resident, I believe in giving my clients the clarity and local insight they need to navigate our unique real estate landscape.

10/11/2026

Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day | Take a look! 👀

10/11/2026

Florida home prices hold firm in August
August brought steady home prices across Florida, reflecting the resilience I’ve seen firsthand in our Southwest Florida market. Single-family homes reached a median of $415,000, while condos and townhomes hovered near $298,000. At the same time, sales pulled back slightly—down about 1.5% for single-family homes and nearly 2% for condos—marking the end of an 11-month growth streak, likely influenced by mortgage rates in the 6–7% range.

As someone who’s watched Naples and the surrounding communities evolve over decades, I’m always tuned in to these shifts and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and families considering a move. Having grown up immersed in both real estate and construction, I know how important it is to understand not just price trends, but also the factors behind them—like interest rates, local demand, and long-term value. For those navigating a transition, whether it’s finding the right neighborhood, downsizing, or selling a family home, my focus is on providing clarity and steady guidance through every market season.


http://www.the239group.com/agent-news/katrina-shimer/2084866-Florida-home-prices-hold-firm-in-August

10/11/2026

Find a home that fits your lifestyle, not just your needs

Call 239.398.4343 for a local's professional point of view.

10/10/2026

How much is your Home Worth?
Find out if it's time to sell your home
https://www.roomvu.com/estimates?branded-user=katrina-shimer&share=true&c=2026-09-23

10/10/2026

Florida Metros Lead in Vibrant HOA Communities Nationwide
As someone who has called Southwest Florida home since childhood—and spent decades immersed in our unique real estate landscape—I pay close attention to the details that can really shape your experience here. One factor that often surprises buyers (and sometimes even longtime residents) is how significant HOA fees can be in Florida’s metro areas. In fact, seven out of the top ten U.S. metros where HOA dues take up the biggest portion of mortgage payments are right here in Florida. Miami tops the list, with a median HOA fee of $617 per month, which accounts for 26.9% of the typical mortgage. Nearly 44% of homes on the market come with HOA fees attached.

Understanding these numbers is essential when weighing your options—especially if you’re relocating, downsizing, or planning for the future. Having grown up in a broker’s and contractor’s household, I always look beyond just price tags and curb appeal, helping my clients consider the true costs (and benefits) of each community. My goal is to make your transitions smoother and more informed, so you can feel confident in every decision.


http://www.the239group.com/agent-news/katrina-shimer/2090801-Florida-Metros-Lead-in-Vibrant-HOA-Communities-Nationwide

10/09/2026

Median Days on Market gives us an idea of how quickly listings are selling in 34104.

Call 239.398.4343 for a local's professional point of view.

10/09/2026

Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Sebring metro area
Having watched Southwest Florida evolve over decades, I always find it fascinating to track local market shifts. The typical U.S. home value has reached $369,678, which is a 1.3% increase from last year. While higher mortgage rates have cooled price growth in some places, there are areas still seeing remarkable appreciation—Venus, FL, for example, posted a 5.9% increase over the past year and an impressive 38.8% over five years. Trends like these matter, whether you’re planning a move, considering an investment, or just want to understand how property values are shifting across our region. Decades of living and working here have taught me how important it is to look beyond the headlines and focus on the neighborhoods and details that shape your real estate decisions.


http://www.the239group.com/agent-news/katrina-shimer/2084115-Cities-with-the-fastest-growing-home-prices-in-the-Sebring-m

10/08/2026

Kat was amazing to work with! Her communication was outstanding, and she was always prompt and relia...
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

10/08/2026

Guests on the way? Here's how to fake a clean home, fast!

We’ve all been there: guests are scheduled to arrive in 15 minutes, but you got caught up, and...