November 2026 Newsletter: the snowbird math, and a coastal Thanksgiving

Welcome to November! While our northern neighbors are scraping windshields and reaching for winter coats, Southwest Florida is rolling into its best stretch of the year: sunny days, comfortable evenings, and the start of season as our snowbird friends come back to town.

This month, we are doing the math on the question I hear every fall: rent the season, or buy the sunshine? Inside, you will find an honest breakdown of what three months in paradise costs as a renter versus an owner for 2026-27. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we have a coastal guide to the holiday: where to feast, where to volunteer, and how to celebrate, SWFL style.

Thank you for taking the time to read this month's newsletter and stay connected to our local market and community. If you ever have questions about buying, selling, or renting in Southwest Florida, I am only a call or text away at 612.209.6205.

Gina

📊 Cape Coral market snapshot: October 2026

October brought a steadier, more balanced market. The median sold price rose to $371,000, up 2.2 percent from a year ago, and homes moved faster: a median of 44 days on market, down 29 percent. Sellers held firm, with homes closing at 97.7 percent of their last list price. Activity cooled a little on both sides, with 442 closed sales, 387 homes going pending, and 756 new listings coming to market, and price per square foot eased slightly to $214. In short, well priced homes are still moving, and buyers have a bit more breathing room than they did last fall.

Figures: InfoSparks, Cape Coral, October 2026.

❄️ ☀️ Rent the season or buy the sunshine? The snowbird math for 2026-27

Every fall, the same question lands in my inbox: should we keep renting for the season, or is this the year we buy? With January through March rentals running $3,500 to $10,000 a month depending on where you land, and beachfront places running past that, the math deserves a real look. Here is an honest breakdown of what three months in paradise costs as a renter versus an owner, and the non-financial factors that usually tip the decision. Read the full article.

🦃 🌴 A coastal Thanksgiving: where to feast, volunteer, and celebrate in SWFL

Thanksgiving in Southwest Florida comes with palm trees instead of snow flurries, and honestly, it is wonderful. Whether you want someone else to cook, a way to give back, or a 5K to earn your pie, here is your guide to celebrating the holiday, coastal style. Read the full article.

Sunshine is still on the calendar. We have select November and December openings at our beautifully furnished beachfront condos (1 and 2 bedrooms) and at our waterfront pool home with a private pool in Cape Coral.

To fill those last dates, the first three direct bookings of 10 nights or longer for November or December 2026 receive 15% off the nightly rate. Must book by November 25. Reach out today and we will help you pick your dates.

Managed Rental Properties:

• Estero Beach & Tennis Club Modern Gulf View Condo
• Estero Beach & Tennis Club Cozy Gulf Condo
• Cape Coral Pool & Canal Home Boater's Paradise
• Caper Beach Club Beachfront Bliss!
• Estero Beach & Tennis Club Beach Sanctuary Condo
• Ben Mar Condominium Cozy Downtown Condo (available for mid- or long-term rental on Jun 1, 2026)

Contact me to book direct to get the discount.

Gina Robertson, Select Property Holdings LLC
REALTOR®, Domain Realty | Gina@Select-Properties.com | Cell: 612.209.6205 

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