News

Couple standing by a bright window reviewing a document, representing homeowners trying to understand housing market changes related to tariffs and economic news

What Tariffs Mean for Homeowners and the Housing Market

If you’ve been watching the news lately—whether it’s about tariffs, trade talks, or global headlines—you’ve probably felt a wave of uncertainty. Market drops, economic forecasts, and talk of “reciprocal tariffs” can make everything feel a little shaky. But the truth is real estate doesn’t react the same way the stock market does. And your decisions […]

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Understanding the ups and downs of the real estate cycle

We all know that the economy has its ups and downs, and we’ve certainly seen that over the past several years. Like the broader economy, real estate is also a cyclical market. Here in Southwest Florida, real estate is a vital part of our economy and what keeps many people employed. As a buyer, investor, […]

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What is the impact of tourism on Southwest Florida’s rental market? 

The Sunshine State, specifically Southwest Florida, is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the nation. Tourists from across the country, and the world, flock to our beaches each and every year for some fun in the sun, nature, good food, golf, entertainment, shopping and more.  Many of these short-term visitors and seasonal snowbirds […]

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Empowering People, Enriching Communities: May – In Lee County, No Bad Deed Goes Unpunished   

Like many, I rarely considered the role the Lee County Clerk of Courts plays in our community. Typically, thoughts of community enrichment bring to mind the selfless acts of volunteers, the life-saving duties of first responders, or the educational contributions of teachers. The Clerk of Courts, known primarily for administrative tasks such as processing fees […]

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Common mistakes first-time home buyers make 

One of the most important, if not the most important purchase you’ll ever make in your life, is buying a home. The idea of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars of your hard-earned money can be an anxiety-ridden event. For first-time home buyers, the entire process can lead to cold sweats, shakes and outright physical […]

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Promoting local businesses: Empowering entrepreneurs and boosting Lee County’s economy 

Growing up, many of us learned the value of keeping money in the family. With a weekly allowance earned through a few chores, I quickly learned the art of budgeting. If I spent my allowance too soon but still wanted to join my friends for sunflower seeds and baseball cards, I had a simple solution: […]

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Mother and daughter, Christine Shipman and Laura Shipman

Worthington Realty adds new property manager and assistant property manager

Worthington Realty continues to meet the growing demands of the real estate industry in Southwest Florida with the addition of the mother and daughter team of Christine Shipman and Laura Shipman to the office staff, hired as the new property manager and assistant property manager, respectively. Christine Shipman brings nearly three decades of mortgage industry […]

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Empowering people, enriching communities: Education’s impact in Southwest Florida

In Southwest Florida, education is more than just learning; it’s the key to unlocking boundless potential. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Education empowers individuals to tap into their inner strengths, cultivating innovation […]

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From ‘For Sale’ to ‘Sold’. Maximizing your property’s ability to sell 

Amidst the ever-evolving real estate market, Southwest Florida homeowners are gearing up for strategic moves to make the most of current conditions. Before putting their homes up for sale, sellers must first know how to stand out.   Optimal timing, realistic pricing, value-added enhancements and effective marketing are critical elements to navigating Florida’s dynamic marketplace.  Understand […]

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Together in Fort Myers: Connections to Overcome Loneliness 

I started in real estate 16 years ago, co-founding a commercial real estate fund management company. In January 2021, after helping our company build over a billion dollars of real estate under management, I found myself struggling with depression and anxiety. I then made a life-altering decision and left the career and company I had […]

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