I believe I have mentioned we moved recently? We downsized—packed up years of life, taped up the boxes, moved them across town, and unpacked them again. Just in time, of course, to unpack the fall decorations… and then pack them right back up so the Christmas boxes could take their place.
But Christmas decorating is the moment everything slows down for me. There’s something about opening those storage bins and rediscovering the pieces that have quietly traveled through the years with us. The sweet crafts the kids made, the ornaments that always get the best branch, and, in our home, one sweet little lamb.
When my oldest daughter was about three, she decided our Nativity scene needed another animal—her own soft, well-loved lamb. She tucked it right beside the manger, proud as could be. And for forty Christmases now, that tiny lamb has come out of the box and taken its place, carrying the same quiet sweetness it did the very first year. I sent her a picture of it this week, and she told me she still remembers exactly how soft it felt.
These are the things that turn a house into a home: the stories, the small traditions, the quiet threads of memory that weave through the years. A house shelters you, but it’s the stories inside our hearts that make it home.
As Ray and I walk with you through your own season of moving—we are truly honored to be even a small line in your story, especially at this time of year when hearts tend to look back with gratitude.
Stats and Data for December (really more info this month)
This month, while the rest of the country is shoveling snow and defrosting windshields, I thought we’d lean into one of the questions I get the most this
time of year — right as friends and relatives visit, step outside into 78-degree sunshine, and ask: “So what does it really cost to live here?”
Two big topics always pop up:
1. “Can you still get homeowners insurance in Florida?”
2. “Why are condo fees so high?”
Let’s unwrap both — consider it my little holiday gift of clarity.
Homeowners Insurance: The Good, the Bad, and the Totally Insurable
First, the big one: Yes, you can still get homeowners insurance in Florida.
Despite the headlines, no — the insurance companies have not all packed up and sailed off into the Gulf.
But… is it expensive?
That depends. (Doesn’t everything?)
Insurance pricing is a cocktail of factors, and every home comes with its own recipe:
Age of the home
Roof condition
Hurricane protection (think shutters, impact windows, tie-downs)
Flood zone
Elevation above floodplain
Construction year and building-code standards
Here’s the shorthand:
Newer homes (roughly the last 10 years), built to current wind codes, with hurricane shutters and a newer roof = very reasonable insurance rates compared to older coastal properties.
Older homes near the Gulf with aging roofs and no storm protection = expect higher premiums.
Charming? Absolutely.
Affordable? Potentially — but you want to know the numbers upfront.
Pro tip while home shopping:
Always ask the current owner what they pay for insurance.
It won’t guarantee your rate, but it gives you a starting frame of reference.
And good news: many flood-insurance policies are transferable, which can make a huge difference in keeping costs manageable.
Condo Fees: The Naughty, the Nice, and the Necessary
Condo fees are the #1 question every buyer asks — usually right after taking their first slow walk toward the pool under the swaying palm trees.
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all number.
Fees vary wildly depending on lifestyle, amenities, and location.
Here’s the quick guide:
If you want…
A high-rise, luxury building, concierge, gym, resort-style pools, and a Gulf view you can brag about to every northern friend you’ve ever had →
Expect fees in the thousands per month.
If you want…
A modest low-rise with a pool, basic amenities, and the association maintaining the building →
Think a few hundred dollars a month.
Averages (realistic expectations, not marketing fluff):
Sarasota (off the Keys): Around $700/month
Siesta Key / Lido / Longboat: Often $1,000+ per month
Venice: Generally $600+ per month
Punta Gorda: Often $600+ per month, depending on age and waterfront access
Fees go up as amenities, insurance, reserves, and building safety requirements go up — but they also cover a lot of the headaches of homeownership. That’s part of the trade-off.
Bottom Line (and a little Christmas bow on top):
Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast is fantastic — especially in December when the only ice we deal with is floating in a cocktail. But like any great destination, it comes with details worth understanding.
Insurance and condo fees aren’t scary once you know what drives them, and asking the right questions early makes the whole process smoother and far less surprising.
If you ever want to run numbers, compare buildings, or just talk through options, Ray and I are always happy to help — preferably on a warm winter day with a breeze off the Gulf.
HOHOHO!This made laugh so hard because I read it right after I experienced it. HOHOHO!
Ray and I hope your Christmas season is filled with joy, laughter, and merry memory making moments!
