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Ana Baldner | Living the Florida Lifestyle Blog

Wednesday, June 18, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

The Step-by-Step Process of Buying a home

Buying a second home on Florida’s beautiful Space Coast—from Satellite Beach to Cocoa Beach and beyond—is an exciting journey. But for many buyers, especially those purchasing a vacation or investment property for the first time, the process can feel overwhelming.

To help you navigate with confidence, here’s a detailed guide to the typical steps involved in buying a second home in this sought-after coastal region.

1. Assess Your Goals and Budget
Before jumping into listings, get clear on:

Why you want a second home: Vacation, rental income, retirement?



How much you can afford: Consider down payment, mortgage options, taxes, insurance, and upkeep



Your timeline: When do you want to start using the home, and how often?


Having a clear plan will help shape your search and financing options.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Even if you’re paying cash, mortgage pre-approval is an important step if you plan to finance:


It he! ...

Wednesday, June 11, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

Why So Many Remote Workers Are Moving to Florida (And Why It Might Be Right for You)

The remote work revolution didn’t just change how people work—it changed where they live. And over the last few years, a growing number of remote professionals have chosen to leave big cities behind and make Florida their new home base.

From lower taxes to year-round sunshine, here’s why Florida—and especially the Space Coast—is attracting tech workers, creatives, and digital entrepreneurs from all over the country.

1. Sunshine, Lifestyle, and Mental Health
Let’s be honest—sunshine matters when you’re working from home. No one wants to spend 40 hours a week staring out a window at snowbanks or gray skies. Florida offers:

Over 230 days of sunshine per year



Easy access to beaches, state parks, and outdoor recreation



A laid-back, health-conscious lifestyle that’s great for mental clarity


Remote workers in Florida are swapping commuter stress for beach walks, paddleboarding, and backyard yoga—without g. ...

Wednesday, June 4, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

Can You Use a VA Loan to Buy a Home in Cocoa Beach?

 Yes—And Here’s Why Many Military Families Are Doing It

If you’re an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family considering homeownership along Florida’s Space Coast, you might be wondering: Can I use my VA loan benefit to buy in Cocoa Beach? The answer is yes—and Cocoa Beach is quickly becoming a favorite spot for military buyers looking for sunshine, space launches, and a smart investment.

Here’s what you need to know if you're thinking about using a VA loan to buy a home near the beach.

Why Cocoa Beach Appeals to Military Buyers
Cocoa Beach is just 25–30 minutes from Patrick Space Force Base. That makes it ideal for military families stationed nearby or veterans retiring in the area.
Other perks:

No state income tax (hello, bigger take-home pay and retirement checks)



A laid-back beach lifestyle without the South Florida crowds



Strong property appreciation and rental demand



A community. ...

Wednesday, May 28, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

Buying a Beachside Duplex in Cocoa Beach: Smart Strategy or Too Much Work?

If you've been scanning the Cocoa Beach real estate market with an eye for investment, you may have noticed a few beachside duplexes pop up on the MLS. For buyers looking to combine personal use with rental income, these properties offer an intriguing opportunity—but are they worth the extra effort?

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key considerations of owning a duplex east of A1A in Cocoa Beach.

What Makes Beachside Duplexes So Appealing?
Cocoa Beach duplexes, especially those located east of A1A, are rare—and increasingly valuable. These properties typically include two separate living units, often with private entrances, parking, and outdoor spaces.
Here’s what makes them so attractive:

Live in one side, rent the other. Offset your mortgage while enjoying your own beach retreat.



Double rental income. Use both units for short-term or seasonal rentals and maximize ROI.



Multigenerational potential. Ideal for families who want separat. ...

Wednesday, May 21, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

Why Empty Nesters Are Choosing Cocoa Beach for Their Second Home

For many empty nesters, the question isn't if they'll buy a second home—it's where. After years of raising kids and building careers, you're finally ready for a slower pace, more sunshine, and a place that feels like a reward for all your hard work. And while Florida is packed with coastal towns, more and more empty nesters are discovering Cocoa Beach as the ideal spot for their next chapter.

Here’s why Cocoa Beach checks all the boxes for second-home seekers in this stage of life.

1. It’s Laid-Back but Never Boring
Cocoa Beach offers that small-town beach vibe without sacrificing convenience or entertainment. For empty nesters who want to relax without slowing down, this place is a gem.

Stroll the beach at sunrise without crowds



Grab lunch at a local seafood shack with no need for reservations



Explore the Banana River by kayak or join a local golf league



Watch rocket launches from your balcony (seriously!)


It’s the kind of pl. ...