Why Real Estate May Find a Match With the 2026 Colors of the Year

Why Real Estate May Find a Match With the 2026 Colors of the Year: Neutrals make a comeback as beige tones dominate the new year.

Coastal Design Shopping in SW Florida

When I purchased my first condo in Fort Myers, asking at the community pool where to go for coastal themed home decor, the answer was unanimous- Wilford and Lee! It continues to be my "go to" store for unique coastal theme client gifts.

Origins & founding

• The business was incorporated under the name Wilford & Lee, Inc. on January 11, 1988 in Florida. It was founded by two middle-school best friends with the goal of providing coastal home decor in Southwest Florida.  
• The headquarters/principal address is in Fort Myers, Florida.  

Business growth & locations

Starting with one store location, they expanded to four locations around      Southwest Florida including Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Sanibel Island.

Positioning & product focus

Wilford & Lee positions itself as a coastal-home-accent store: offering furniture, lighting, wall décor, seasonal home accessories (for Christmas, Halloween, etc.) and home furnishings with coastal / beachy / transitional style.  

• Because they focus on high-design home décor, their customers may view it more as a destination specialty store rather than a bargain mass-market chain.

Where to Shop When Visiting SW Florida

 The History of Bealls, Florida

Early Years: 1910s–1930s

• In April 1915, 22-year-old Robert M. Beall Sr. opened a dry-goods store in Bradenton, Florida (then called Bradentown) named “The Dollar Limit”, where nothing sold for more than one dollar.  
• He invested his savings in merchandise; famously, he used empty wooden packing crates (that the goods arrived in) upside-down as display tables.  
• In 1920, the store was renamed to “V-Dollar Limit” (or Five Dollar Limit) as the pricing model shifted.  
• The 1920s Florida land boom helped the business, but the Depression hit hard: Beall lost the business to the bank, though he stayed on as manager and later repurchased it after clearing his debts.

Growth & Expansion: 1940s–1980s

• In 1946, Robert’s son, E.R. Beall, joined the business, and the company changed its name to “Bealls Department Store” to reflect its broader clothing and home-goods offerings.  
• The company rode the post-WWII Florida growth wave: more people, more housing, more retail demand. By the 1950s and 1960s the chain expanded to multiple locations in Florida.  
• By 1980, the third generation, Robert M. Beall II, became president. By 1981 the chain had ~23 stores; the next year, seven new stores boosted the square footage significantly.  
• Strategy: the company emphasized self-financing expansion, modest debt, and adapting the store format.  

Modernization & Diversification: 1990s–2000s

• The company recognized the need to evolve: in 1998 they launched their website, and around this era they also initiated initiatives like their own design studio for private labels.  
• The business diversified into different retail models: for example the off-price/Outlet format under the same parent company appeared.  
• The company remained family-owned, headquartered in Bradenton, Florida. In 2015 they celebrated 100 years.  

National Name Rights, Rebranding & Today (2010s–2020s)

• In 2020, the company acquired the national rights to the “Bealls” name from another company (Stage Stores, Inc.) which allowed them to unify and expand the brand more broadly.  
• On April 4, 2023, the company announced a major rebranding:
  
• Its 600+ “Bealls Outlet” and “Burkes Outlet” stores in 23 states would become “bealls” (lowercase) to simplify branding.  
• The core Florida chain (non-outlet) would be renamed “Bealls Florida” to reflect its Florida home base, lifestyle messaging (“Live Life Local”), and to align with its e-commerce brand.  
• 
  
• As of 2023–2025, Bealls Florida operates more than 70 stores in Florida serving clothing, shoes, home décor and more.  
• The company remains privately held, family-run (fourth generation in leadership) and headquartered in Bradenton, Florida.  

What they carry

Apparel & footwear for the whole family

• Women’s clothing: dresses, swimwear, petite & plus sizes, sweaters, jackets, jeans, pajamas.  
• Men’s clothing: including big & tall sizes, swimwear, jackets, jeans, pajamas.  
• Juniors, girls, boys, toddlers & baby clothes.  
• Shoes for men, women and kids.  

Home goods & décor

• Bedding, bath, decorative items for the home. Their site says “home” is one of their product categories.  
• Home furnishings aimed at the “Florida lifestyle” and families.  

Specialty & lifestyle items

• Swimwear / beachwear – given their Florida base, plenty of swim and resort-type items.  
• Accessories & additional items (bags, perhaps jewelry, etc) though less spelled out in detail on the site.
• Exclusive brands / items unique to Bealls Florida, per store description.  

• Product selection is geared to both “Florida families and visiting guests” (i.e., tourists) with an active/outdoor lifestyle.  

Florida Home Sales Up, Prices Leveling in Sept.

Florida Home Sales Up, Prices Leveling in Sept.

Types of HOA Associations in Forida

 

In Florida, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) come in several forms, each with different legal structures, powers, and responsibilities. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main types of associations and their key differences:

🏡 1. Homeowners Association (HOA)

Governing Law: Florida Statute Chapter 720

Applies to:

Single-family home communities or subdivisions.

Key Points:

Owns and maintains common areas (e.g., parks, entrances, roads if private).

Enforces community rules and architectural standards (paint colors, landscaping, fences, etc.).

Homeowners own their lot and home outright, including the land underneath.

Membership is mandatory for property owners in the community.

Board is elected by members and must hold regular meetings, budgets, and reports.

Can place liens or foreclose on properties for unpaid assessments.

Example:

A gated community of single-family homes with a clubhouse and private roads.

🏢 2. Condominium Association

Governing Law: Florida Statute Chapter 718

Applies to:

Condominiums — multi-unit buildings where owners have an individual unit but share ownership of common elements.

Key Points:

Owners hold title to their individual unit and a shared interest in the building and land.

The association maintains exterior walls, roof, hallways, pools, etc.

Monthly condo fees cover maintenance, insurance, and reserves.

The board has broad powers to manage shared property.

Subject to more state regulation and financial reporting than HOAs.

Disputes often go through the Division of Florida Condominiums for mediation.

Example:

A high-rise condo in Naples with shared pool, gym, and parking garage.

🏘️ 3. Cooperative Association (Co-op)

Governing Law: Florida Statute Chapter 719

Applies to:

Buildings or communities where a corporation owns the property, and residents own shares in the corporation rather than the real estate itself.

Key Points:

Owners receive a proprietary lease to occupy their unit.

The co-op association owns the entire property.

More common in older buildings or certain 55+ communities.

Approval processes for sales and rentals are often stricter than in condos.

Financing can be trickier because buyers purchase shares, not real estate.

Example:

A waterfront retirement community in Fort Myers operated as a co-op.

🏖️ 4. Community Development District (CDD)

Governing Law: Florida Statute Chapter 190

Applies to:

Large master-planned communities or developments with public infrastructure (roads, sewers, amenities).

Key Points:

CDDs are quasi-governmental entities, not traditional HOAs.

Funded by assessments on property tax bills.

Oversees long-term infrastructure maintenance and community improvements.

Often coexists with an HOA — the CDD maintains infrastructure, while the HOA manages community rules.

Example:

A large planned development like Ave Maria, with both a CDD and an HOA.

Work with a REALTOR who is e-PRO Certified

Buying or Selling? Work with a Realtor who is e-PRO certified! Technology is changing real estate- and with my e-PRO certification, I use the latest digital tools to market your home effectively, reach more buyers, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Let's make your next move seamless, smart, and successful.

Contact me to get started,  connie@floridarealtygroup.net   C-239-319-9577

 

Why Real Estate May Find a Match With the 2026 Colors of the Year

Picking an interior paint color? Experts say, go neutral

Paint companies are dialing down bold choices for 2026, favoring beige-toned and earth-inspired hues for home improvements. For example, Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams announced Universal Khaki as their joint 2026 Color of the Year, and Dutch Boy Paints chose Melodious Ivory, a creamy beige. Appeal to buyers by embracing similarly muted, elegant tones for the new year.

Why Real Estate May Find a Match With the 2026 Colors of the Year: Neutrals make a comeback as beige tones dominate the new year.

Fort Myers Condo for Sale 13761 Julias Way #328 Fort Myers, FL 33919

Coveted 2nd floor end unit 2 bdrm/2 bath, with den, laundry room, garage and 2 screened lanais condo for sale in Fort Myers. Close to all the beaches, dining, nightlife, and shopping. For more information:

Visit my website at https://www.constanceclarkrealtor.com

 

Not all agents are alike- SRS Designation

 

Beachside Bliss in Bonita Springs!

This immaculate studio condo- located directly across from Bonita Beach- is the perfect getaway for sunshine & beach lovers. 

Situated in Building #3 of the Beach & Tennis Club, this property offers prime access to the Gulf and everything Bonita Springs has to offer. 

Proven income-producing property now on the market for only $335,900- just in time for the seasonal buyers market.

To learn more, contact me at connie@floridarealtygroup.net or visit www.constanceclarkrealtor.com.

Getting Financially Prepared For the Home-Buying Journey

 Understanding Hard vs. Soft Credit Inquiries in Home Buying

When applying for a mortgage or getting pre-approved for a home loan, credit checks play a key role in determining eligibility and interest rates.  It is important to understand the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries to make informed decisions during the home-buying process.

Hard Credit Inquiry

A hard inquiry occurs when a lender or financial institution checks a buyer’s credit report to make a lending decision. This typically happens during:

• Mortgage applications
• Credit card or loan applications
• Refinancing requests

Impact:
Hard inquiries can lower a credit score, usually by a few points, and remain on the report for up to two years. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period for the same type of loan (like a mortgage) are often treated as one, minimizing the impact.

Purpose in Real Estate:
Hard inquiries are essential for final mortgage approval. They give lenders a full picture of a buyer’s creditworthiness, helping determine loan terms and interest rates.

Soft Credit Inquiry

A soft inquiry happens when credit is checked for informational or pre-qualification purposes, not for a lending decision. Examples include:

• Checking personal credit scores
• Pre-approval or rate shopping
• Background checks by employers or landlords

Impact:
Soft inquiries do not affect credit scores and are only visible to the individual, not to lenders.

Purpose in Real Estate:
Soft inquiries are useful for early stages of home buying. Buyers should get pre-qualified through a soft check to understand their potential loan options without impacting their credit.

Key Takeaway

• Soft Inquiry: No credit score impact; ideal for pre-qualification.
• Hard Inquiry:  Credit score impact; required for final loan approval.

 

Hi there- I'm Constance "Connie" Clark, your Southwest Florida Realtor, and I'm so excited to welcome you to my new blog!

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, selling your current one, or just dreaming about life under the palms, this is the place for you.

Here, I'll be sharing real estate tips, local insights, community highlights, market updates, and a few fun stories from life in paradise.

My goal is simple- to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way while discovering what makes our corner of Florida so special.

So grab your coffee (or your beach chair) and follow along as we explore homes, neighborhoods, and the lifestyle that makes Southwest Florida living truly one of a kind.

Thanks for stopping by-I can't wait to share this journey with you.

Constance (Connie) Clark, REALTOR®   

www.constanceclarkrealtor.com