The Cory Lauer Group Podcast

After showing 25 to 30 homes in the last week and a half, I started paying close attention to how buyers react the instant they walk through the front door. That reaction happens fast, usually within the first 60 seconds, and it sets the tone for the entire showing before anyone reaches the kitchen. In this video, I walk through the four things a buyer notices the moment they step inside, and the simple fixes that keep that first impression working in your favor. Watch my video to see what your buyers are reacting to without even realizing it.

A half-million dollars used to go a long way in Naples. These days, what $500,000 buys in Collier County depends almost entirely on one thing: how close to the beach you want to be. In this video, I break down five recent sales, from the heart of Naples to Ave Maria and Marco Island, so you can see exactly what your budget gets at each spot and what you trade off along the way. Watch my video to find the sweet spot between location, space, and price.

Does it feel like everything in Southwest Florida costs a fortune? The reality at the $500,000 price point is more interesting than you'd think, especially when you see the difference between being six miles from the beach and thirty. In this video, I walk through five recently sold homes across five Lee County neighborhoods and show you exactly what a half-million dollars buys depending on where you look. Watch my video to see which area fits your budget and your lifestyle.

HOAs get a bad rap. You hear stories about overzealous rules and fines over mailbox colors, and a lot of people write them off completely. But the reality is, for many buyers here in Southwest Florida, a gated community offers some serious benefits that are easy to overlook. I put together the top five reasons you might want to consider purchasing in an HOA, from security and uniformity to amenities and the social side of community living. I also break down the cost differences, because there is a wide range, and help you figure out if it is actually the right fit. Watch my video for the full breakdown.

Why are people still buying in Florida when so many headlines say the market is shifting? The answer goes a lot deeper than beaches and no state income tax. I break down five reasons buyers keep choosing Florida, from strong international buyer demand and long-term investment activity to a tourism economy that quietly saves every household in the state thousands in taxes every year. These are the numbers most people are not hearing, and if you are thinking about buying or selling in Southwest Florida, they should matter to you. Check out my video to see what’s really driving demand in our market right now.

Where in the country are people moving, and who's actually buying homes in Florida right now? I came across some data recently that surprised even me, and I've been selling real estate here in Southwest Florida for a long time. International home purchases in Florida jumped 51% from 2024 to 2025, with Canadians alone spending $1.9 billion, and the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area accounting for about 10% of all international purchases statewide. In this video, I’m breaking down the top five states people are moving to, the five they're leaving, which countries are buying the most in Florida, and what it all means for buyers and sellers in our market right now. Watch my video to learn more.

Are you about to buy land you can’t actually build on? It happens more often than most buyers expect, especially here in Southwest Florida. Today, I’ll break down the difference between uplands and wetlands, so you know exactly what you’re looking at. I’ll also go over how permits, timelines, and mitigation costs can affect your plans before you commit. Take a minute to watch so you don’t run into surprises later.

Insurance is one of the biggest questions people ask when moving to Southwest Florida. With rising premiums and recent storms, it’s understandable that many buyers are unsure what to expect. Today, I’ll explain how insurance works here and what factors influence the cost of coverage. You’ll also hear a few strategies that may help reduce insurance expenses. Check out my latest video to learn more.

Are you about to submit an offer, but worried it won’t get accepted? If you’re only thinking about price, you might be missing the bigger picture. Today, I’m sharing the formula I’ve used for 25 years to help clients win without automatically bidding higher. You’ll learn how earnest money, contingencies, and communication can strengthen your position. Before you send that offer, watch this first.

Are you letting outdated timing advice hold you back from selling your home? In 2026, relying on the “best season” isn't enough; the real guide is your neighborhood's data. I’ll walk you through the three things that actually move the needle: competition, buyer behavior, and pricing. You’ll learn how to choose a listing window based on the local market signals that give you a better chance for multiple offers. If you’re serious about selling your home this year, check out my latest video for the full breakdown.