Shawna Calvert's Blog Posts

Updated September 2026If you are trying to determine whether you can afford a home in Apollo Beach, the mortgage payment is only the starting point.The real cost depends on the home itself, its

What I wish snowbirds knew before they made an offer in Apollo BeachEvery October my phone starts doing the same thing.It is a 416 or a 613 or a 905 area code, and the person on the other end has

Discover the possibilities at 819 Golf and Sea Boulevard, an approximately 3.29-acre residential development parcel positioned in one of South Hillsborough County’s growing communities.Offered

All four are knowable before you write an offer. Most people ask them in the wrong order.I live in MiraBay and I boat these waterways. Most of what follows are questions I had to answer for myself

Spoiler: not far at all. Plus the three-airport perk hardly anyone knows about.If there’s one question I hear more than almost any other from people thinking about a move to Apollo Beach, it

Short answer: stand on US Highway 41 and look west, toward the water. That side is in a flood zone. Look east and you are generally out of one - a couple of streets and a few communities east of 41

Yes—starter homes are becoming easier to find than they were a few years ago.But for buyers in Tampa Bay, “more available” does not automatically mean “more affordable.;

A local buyer’s guide to boating access, canals, seawalls, CDDs, docks, boat lifts, flood insurance, elevation and the details that can make two Apollo Beach waterfront homes very different

YEP. THAT WAS ME.There are some things you probably shouldn't tell your Realtor until you know exactly who you're talking to.Kam learned that one sitting in the car with me.But I'm getting

2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Apollo Beach & South Shore HomeownersWhat Newcomers Really Need to KnowIf you're new to Florida or thinking about relocating to Apollo Beach, chances are'

Should I Buy a Home in Apollo Beach, Florida, Right Now?Updated August 1, 2026My short answer is yes, for the right buyer and the right property.Apollo Beach still offers something that is

Higher for Longer? Maybe. But I Think Buyers Are Asking the Wrong Question.Ever since the Fed met, my phone has been ringing with the same question."Should I wait for interest rates to come down?"I

If you are currently navigating a real estate transaction this summer, take a deep breath, pour a large iced coffee, or something stronger, and look at the calendar.It is not just your imagination.

Swedish Death Cleaning... Don't Panic, You're Not DyingWhen I first heard the term "Swedish Death Cleaning," I honestly thought, well, that's a little dramatic. It sounds like something out of a

Shawna Calvert | The Calvert Home Team at 27North RealtyApollo BEACH | TAMPA Bay Relocation Reality CheckWelcome toFlorida Time.The one thing nobody warns you about before you move here, and

By Shawna CalvertBuying your first home is exciting—but most buyers walk into the process without a clear strategy.And that’s where mistakes happen.After helping buyers all across the

Tampa Bay has quickly become one of the most desirable places in Florida to buy waterfront property. From luxury homes with private docks to boating communities offering direct Gulf access, buyers

Have you ever wondered what kind of luxury home would truly fit you — not just in square footage, but in personality, vibe, and lifestyle?Today, we’re pairing each birth month with a

HomeBlogListings509-294-6818Homeowner ResourcesHow to Save Thousands on Property Taxes with Florida's Homestead ExemptionA step-by-step guide for Hillsborough County homeowners — plus an often

When you’re buying a home or considering real estate as an investment, there’s one critical step that often happens quietly behind the scenes—but plays a major role in protecting

A Housing Trend People Aren’t Talking About — But ShouldIn today’s evolving housing market, homeowners are being introduced to new and creative ways to access their home equity.

If you purchased a home in Florida last year, this is an important reminder: now is the time to file for your Homestead Exemption. This one step can save you hundreds — sometimes thousands

By Gregg Calvert, Broker | 27North RealtyFor the first time in nearly three years, mortgage rates have dipped below the 6% mark. That’s more than a headline—it’s a meaningful

Most families assume that caring for children or dependents is just one of those unavoidable life expenses. 📚 School breaks, ⏰ after-school care, ☀️ summer programs, 👶 babysitters&mdash

What I Learned the Hard Way—So You Don’t Have ToWhen buyers tell me they want a waterfront home, they usually picture sunsets, dolphins, and walking out back to their boat. What they don

Apollo Beach, Florida, is a dream destination for boat lovers, offering stunning canals, private docks, and quick access to Tampa Bay. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, this charming town blends

So, you’re thinking about making the move to Florida? Welcome to sunshine, sandals, and a slower pace of life. But before you load up the moving truck and hit I-75 South, let’s talk

It’s July in Florida—aka full-blown summer mode. The fireworks have barely faded, the grills are still hot, and everywhere you look, it feels like paradise.But here’s the little

So, you’re thinking about retiring in Florida? Great choice — and if you ask the locals, Apollo Beach is one of the best-kept secrets on the Gulf Coast. It’s where small-town charm

What Newcomers Really Need to KnowIf you’re new to Florida or thinking about relocating to Apollo Beach, chances are you’ve heard about hurricane season. And yes — it sounds

Owning a home is more than just putting down roots—it's an investment in your future and your family. In Florida, where many homeowners are retirees or planning to pass property to the next

If you’re relocating to Florida — especially to beautiful Apollo Beach — one of the first financial questions that might come to mind is, “What will my property taxes look

Apollo Beach isn’t just a dot on the map — it’s a lifestyle. Sunsets on the water, golf cart rides to the local café, friendly neighbors, and every type of home you can

#MakeTheMove | Relocating to Apollo Beach, FLDreaming of sandy toes, waterfront views, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks? Apollo Beach might just be your paradise found. Nestled along Florida

This is it, friends—the final weekend to catch the manatees at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center before it closes for the season on April 15!🆓 Free Parking & Admission🚶‍♀️

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home in Apollo Beach, Florida, just waiting for mortgage rates to drop, you might want to take another look. Right now, the market is actually offering

🧱 How New U.S. Tariffs Could Affect the Housing Market 🏡By Shawna Calvert, Align Right Realty SouthshoreIf you’ve been keeping an eye on the news 📰, you’ve probably heard the

I’m honored to share that I’ve been named one of Florida’s Top Real Estate Professionals for 2025 by Newsweek and Statista — a recognition that means the world to me because

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to fix everything. But here’s the deal: not all updates add value — and some

In a shifting real estate landscape where some metro areas are seeing declining home prices, homeowners looking to sell must adapt their strategy to attract buyers and secure the best possible

The Federal Reserve will soon announce its latest decision on interest rates, with experts expecting no immediate change. Inflation remains stubbornly high at 2.8%, still above the Fed's 2% target,

If you're a Florida homeowner or thinking about making the move to the Sunshine State, Florida's Amendment 5 is an important change that could save you money and offer added flexibility. Passed in

Mortgage Rates Fall for Sixth Straight Week: What This Means for Homebuyers in Apollo Beach and BeyondMortgage rates have taken a welcome dip, dropping for the sixth consecutive week and sparking

Buying your first home is exciting, but choosing the right loan can feel overwhelming. The two most common mortgage options are FHA loans and conventional loans—each with pros and cons

Interest Rates Drop in Tampa: What It Means for Buyers and SellersThe recent drop in mortgage interest rates has sparked excitement across the country, and Tampa Bay is no exception. With lower

Hurricane season may still be months away, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that preparing early is always the best strategy—especially in Florida. After an intense 2024

If you’ve been in real estate long enough, you’ve undoubtedly encountered a seller who is convinced that their home’s Zestimate is the gospel truth. Zillow’s price estimates

When buying a home in Florida, one of the first financial commitments you’ll make is the earnest money deposit. This deposit shows the seller that you’re serious about purchasing their

The Tampa Bay area housing market, like much of the country, is experiencing a unique moment in real estate history. With newly built homes flooding the market at levels not seen since 2009,

When it comes to selling your home, pricing isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy. With so many buyers searching online on platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, understanding how

In the real estate industry, it’s common for agents to present closing gifts as a token of appreciation. However, my approach is a little different. Instead of a physical gift, I believe the

If you own a home in Florida, you might have heard of the "Save Our Homes" cap, which limits the increase of your home's taxable value each year. But what happens when you decide to move to a new

Selling your home? In a slowed market- if your property scored a tour request, remember that first impressions matter! Use these tips to make your home shine during showings: Brighten Up: Turn on

Tampa Bay is a treasure trove of fun, excitement, and unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, entertaining out-of-town guests, or

In today's buyer's market, presenting your home at its best is essential to attract potential buyers. Here are some straightforward steps to ensure your property stands out:Maximize Natural Light:

When buying a home, excitement often takes center stage. However, one crucial step in the process deserves serious attention: the home inspection. Skipping this step can lead to costly surprises

Nestled along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, Apollo Beach is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty, community spirit, and modern convenience. Whether you’re a

You may have heard recent news about a major settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and how it could reshape real estate transactions. But what does this mean for you as a

When you’re buying a home, you have countless decisions to make, including who to work with as your real estate agent. While it’s common to hire a buyer’s agent, there are

If you live in Florida, especially in a master-planned community, you may have noticed a unique line item on your property tax bill labeled “CDD.” Let’s break down what this means,

If you own a primary residence in Florida, you’ve likely heard of the homestead exemption. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit you? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you

Attracting Foreign Buyers for High-End Luxury Homes in FloridaFlorida’s luxury real estate market offers an appealing investment opportunity for foreign buyers. With its beautiful weather,

Welcome, fellow real estate enthusiasts, to a whimsical journey into the peculiar world of burying St. Joseph! In the realm of home-selling folklore, this age-old tradition has gained quite the

A Quick Guide to Preparing Your Home for ShowingsThe Ultimate GoalTo make your home stand out above every other property on the market.When potential buyers tour your home, they will be accompanied

Once the boxes are unpacked, the questions change.Everything I get asked about actually living down here - the areas, what they cost, what nobody warns you about - is on Relocating to Paradise.How I