FAQ

Is now a good time to invest in Florida real estate for a primary residence or second home?

  • Florida living has always been a dream—sunshine year-round, miles of coastline, world-class golf, dining, and endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. And right now, the timing to make that dream a reality couldn’t be better.

    After years of rapid price growth, Florida home prices have corrected, creating a rare window of opportunity. Buyers today are able to secure properties at values not seen in several years, giving you more home—and more lifestyle—for your money.

    Owning a home or second home in Florida comes with lasting benefits:

    • Lifestyle Upgrade – Enjoy the warm climate, outdoor living, and vibrant communities Florida is famous for.

    • Tax Advantages – Florida has no state income tax, a benefit that adds up quickly for homeowners and second-home buyers.

    • Wealth Preservation – Buying after a correction means you’re purchasing at more realistic values, positioning yourself for long-term appreciation.

    • Year-Round Enjoyment – Whether it’s your primary home or a seasonal retreat, you’ll always have a personal escape in one of the most desirable states in the country.

    With values reset and inventory available, it’s a buyer’s market for those ready to act. Waiting for “the perfect time” often means missing the moment—right now, Florida offers the chance to step into the lifestyle you’ve always wanted at a more favorable price point.

  • Florida’s real estate market is in a sweet spot right now. After a period of rapid price growth, the market has corrected, creating buying opportunities at values we haven’t seen in years. Savvy investors can step in at these adjusted prices and lock in assets before the next cycle of appreciation begins.

    At the same time, demand for vacation rentals continues to be strong. Florida continues to attract millions of visitors annually—drawn by its beaches, theme parks, warm climate, and vibrant culture. Travelers are increasingly opting for vacation rentals over hotels, seeking space, privacy, and authentic local experiences. This shift in consumer preference has kept occupancy levels high and rental rates strong, even as the market adjusts on the sales side.

    By purchasing now, investors can:

    • Capitalize on discounted property values while competition is lower.

    • Leverage strong rental demand to generate consistent cash flow.

    • Position themselves for long-term appreciation as Florida’s population growth and tourism industry continue their upward trajectory.

    In short: prices have come down, but rental demand is still healthy—and that gap is where opportunity lives. For those looking to combine lifestyle, cash flow, and long-term growth, Florida real estate is a rare win on all fronts.

  • In Florida, there isn’t a single “best place” to buy real estate—it’s completely dependent on what matters most to you as a buyer. The state offers something for everyone, but the right choice comes down to your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.

    For some, the best place is along Florida’s beautiful beaches, where you can enjoy oceanfront living and nightly sunsets. Others may prefer golf course communities, where world-class courses, clubhouses, and a strong sense of community are part of everyday life. Retirees might seek out age-restricted retirement communities, designed with social activities, amenities, and convenience in mind.

    Many buyers also weigh investment potential—choosing properties in areas with strong vacation rental demand so they can generate income when not using the home themselves. For frequent travelers, proximity to major airports may be the deciding factor, making weekend getaways or family visits quick and convenient. And for boating enthusiasts, waterfront properties with direct access to the Intracoastal or Gulf create the ultimate lifestyle advantage.

    The truth is, Florida’s diversity is its greatest strength. What feels like the perfect place for one buyer may not appeal to another. The “best” location is always subjective—it’s the one that best matches your lifestyle, whether that’s toes in the sand, days on the boat, tee times on the course, or simply a warm and welcoming community to call home.

  • Yes, Florida’s vacation rental market is competitive—but the opportunity is still there for a property to cover its own expenses through rental income. The key is not just buying any home, but buying the right home and setting it up the right way.

    That’s where working with an expert like Aaron makes all the difference. With deep experience in Florida real estate and short-term rentals, Aaron helps clients:

    • Identify the right property in the right area—targeting neighborhoods and communities where demand is strongest and returns are most reliable.

    • Make the right improvements—strategic updates and design choices that maximize guest appeal and nightly rates.

    • Set up the property for rentals—from furnishing and stocking to optimizing for online listings and guest experience.

    • Build the right team—connecting owners with trusted managers, cleaners, and maintenance providers to keep everything running smoothly.

    When all these pieces come together, a Florida property can do more than provide a place in the sun—it can also generate the rental income needed to offset its expenses entirely.

    Even in a competitive market, success comes down to strategy and execution. With the right property, the right setup, and the right team in place, your Florida home can pay for itself while you enjoy all the benefits of ownership.

  • In today’s market, the smartest buyers know that the best value doesn’t always come from the most expensive zip code or the move-in-ready home. The real opportunity lies in finding properties in areas where values remain reasonable but rental demand is still strong. These are the neighborhoods where your dollar stretches further, yet guests are still eager to book.

    Even more, some of the best deals are hidden in plain sight—homes priced below market value simply because they need cosmetic updates or light improvements. With a fresh coat of paint, updated furnishings, or modern finishes, these properties can quickly be transformed into high-performing vacation rentals.

    That’s where Aaron and April bring real value. With Aaron’s investment expertise and April’s design and property setup experience, along with their trusted network of contractors and vendors, updating a home becomes seamless. Buyers can step into a project with confidence, knowing they’ll have the right team to execute it.

    The payoff is twofold:

    • You’re baking in instant equity by improving a property that was purchased below market value.

    • You’re also keeping carrying costs lower while setting up a rental that performs at its peak.

    In short, with the right guidance, you don’t just buy a property—you create value. By targeting the right area and making smart improvements, you can maximize returns, build equity, and set yourself up for long-term success in Florida’s rental market.

  • It’s important to remember that owning a rental property doesn’t come with any guarantees. There is no certainty that a property will always cover its own expenses or produce positive cash flow. Many variables outside of an owner’s control—such as natural disasters, changes in politics or regulations, shifts in the broader economy, or unexpected repairs—can impact performance.

    Like any type of investing, real estate carries risk. However, you can improve your chances of success by making thoughtful decisions upfront and surrounding yourself with the right team of professionals. From choosing the right property and location, to setting it up properly for rentals, to having reliable management in place, each step helps better position you for long-term success—even though guarantees will never exist.

Can I purchase a house and rent it enough to have it pay its own expenses, even with all of the competition that exists in Florida markets?

I’m interested in learning more, but I might not be ready to buy a second home or investment property just yet. How should I get started?

  • Buying a home or investment property is a big decision—and it should always be on your timeline, not someone else’s. That’s why Aaron May takes a zero-pressure approach. Whether you’re ready to buy today or you’re simply gathering information for a purchase a few years down the road, Aaron is here as a resource—not a salesman.

    Aaron is more than happy to play the long game, providing:

    • Data and insights that help you understand the market.

    • Rental and expense projections so you can evaluate the numbers clearly.

    • Options and information to help you educate yourself and feel confident.

    There are no high-pressure sales tactics—just helpful information backed by authoritative data and years of experience in Florida real estate and vacation rentals. Aaron’s goal is not to push you into a property you’re not ready for—it’s to give you the tools and knowledge you need so that, when the timing is right, you’re fully prepared to make the best decision for yourself.

    With Aaron, the approach never changes: whether you’re ready to move forward now or years from now, you’ll always get patience, expertise, and genuine guidance.

Where should I eat in Florida?

  • Listen, there is no debate here. Lobster Lady in Cape Coral, Florida is it. I won’t even write a wordy sales pitch. Just trust me, go to Lobster Lady, order the Seared Ahu Tuna, the Hot Lobster Dip, the Swordfish (Dirty Style), and the Buffalo Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese. You’ll thank me later!

Aaron May is the expert when it comes to vacation rental properties. He guided me through the entire process—from acquisition to renting to the successful exit—on a property that delivered ultra-high returns on my investment. I truly appreciate his professionalism and his deep expertise in the short-term rental investing space. I highly recommend Aaron and look forward to working with him on many future deals. - Cam Quinn, Repeat Client

- Cam Quinn, Repeat Client

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Whether you’re searching for a dream vacation home, looking to maximize your returns with an investment property, or simply need an experienced advisor to guide you, I’m here to help you make confident real estate decisions.

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