Estero & Southwest Florida Real Estate Blog
Local news, new developments, community guides and selling advice for Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples and the rest of Southwest Florida, written by broker Sal DiBenedetto. New articles every Tuesday and Friday.
- What the Village of Estero Is Building: RiverPark, SportsPark, the Rail Trail and Road Projects (2026-2027)
A guide to the Village of Estero’s public projects for 2026 and 2027: Estero RiverPark, the SportsPark, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, Corkscrew Road widening, stormwater and septic-to-sewer work, and the FY 2026-27 budget and tax rate. - New Businesses Opening in Estero, FL: Stores, Medical, Entertainment and More (2026-2027)A roundup of the new stores, medical centers, entertainment venues, grocery stores, hotels and mixed-use projects opening or under construction in Estero, Florida for 2026 and 2027.
- New Restaurants in Estero, FL (2026): What Just Opened and What Is Coming NextEvery new restaurant that opened in Estero, Florida in late 2025 and 2026, what is coming next (Whataburger, Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A), recent closings, and where the next wave of dining is headed.
- Kingston vs. Verdana Village vs. The Place vs. Corkscrew Shores: Comparing Estero’s Corkscrew Road CommunitiesA side-by-side comparison of the master-planned communities along Corkscrew Road in Estero: Kingston, Verdana Village, The Place at Corkscrew and Corkscrew Shores, plus what Corkscrew Grove means for the corridor.
- Kingston Estero Grand Opening: Builders, Prices, Amenities and a Buyer ChecklistKingston’s model homes open October 17, 2026. A builder-by-builder look at Lennar, Pulte, Neal Communities and Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Kingston, with prices, amenities, roads, schools, the Audubon settlement and what to ask before you buy.
- Florida Flood Disclosure for Home Sellers: What Southwest Florida Sellers Need to KnowWhat Florida’s 2025 flood disclosure law requires sellers to share, when to share it and how to fill it out after Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.
- Who Pays the Buyer’s Agent in Florida After the 2024 Commission Changes?How buyer’s agent compensation works in Florida after the 2024 NAR settlement, what sellers typically offer and how to negotiate it.
- Flat Fee MLS vs. For Sale By Owner in Florida: Which Is Better for You?Flat fee MLS vs. for sale by owner in Florida: costs, exposure, risk and which option nets sellers more in Southwest Florida.
- How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Fort Myers, FL? (2026 Guide)Every cost of selling a house in Fort Myers in 2026: commissions, doc stamps, title insurance, HOA fees, repairs and how to keep more.
- Upcoming Estero Developments 2026–2027: Woodfield, Summercrest, High 5 and MoreA roundup of new Estero developments for 2026 and 2027: Woodfield Estero, Summercrest, Lumio Estero, the sports park and High 5, RiverPark and the BERT rail trail.
- The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay: South Tower Open, North Tower Topped OutThe Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay: 224 residences in two 22-story towers at 5000 Coconut Road. South Tower open, North Tower opening 2027.
- Verdana Village 2026 Update: East Village, New Amenities and What’s NextVerdana Village in Estero is about 80% complete. West Village amenities are open, East Village is next, and Publix and Lee Health are inside the community.
- Corkscrew Grove Villages: What Collier County’s Approval Means for EsteroCollier County approved Corkscrew Grove East Village in April 2026 for up to 4,502 homes. What was approved, the timeline and what it means for Estero.
- Kingston in Estero: What to Know About the 10,000-Home Community on Corkscrew RoadKingston is a Cameratta Companies community on east Corkscrew Road planned for up to about 10,000 homes. Builders, prices, amenities and the 2026 timeline.
- Corkscrew Grove East Village Coming SoonUpdate (September 2026): Collier County approved Corkscrew Grove East Village in April 2026. Read our latest article, Corkscrew Grove Villages: What Collier County’s Approval Means for Estero. Corkscrew Grove East… Read more: Corkscrew Grove East Village Coming Soon
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Have a local story or business we should cover? Write for us or contact Sal at 239-256-5005.