Expert Resources & Guides

Blog & Resources

Expert guides and resources to help you on your homeownership journey in Florida. Learn about rent-to-own, taxes, financing, and everything you need to know about buying a home.

Latest Articles

15 articles
How Does Rent-to-Own Work? A Complete Guide
Rent to Own
Learn what's involved in renting a house to own it, and what to watch out for. Key takeaways, contract types, pros and cons, scams to avoid, and how to find rent-to-own homes.
16 min
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Southwest Florida Rent-to-Own Homes: Flexible Path to Ownership & Local Options
Rent to Own
LaBelle and Lehigh Acres rent-to-own homes let you move into the neighborhood you want now while building equity toward ownership. New construction, $0 down options, and a clear path with M.J. Newell Homes.
10 min
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Living in Lehigh Acres: A Commuter’s Guide to Fort Myers
Communities
See why Lehigh Acres is the smart commuter base for Fort Myers. Drive times, costs, schools, and new-construction advantages in one guide.
7 min
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Rent-to-Own Myths in Florida: You Don’t Need Perfect Credit
Rent to Own
Debunk the biggest rent-to-own myths in Florida. Learn how our 12-month pathway, credit-friendly approvals, and transparent costs help you become a homeowner faster.
7 min
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Turn Your Tax Refund into a Down Payment in Florida
Taxes & Finance
Step-by-step playbook to convert your IRS refund into a down payment for a new construction home in LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, or Fort Myers.
8 min
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Earn $100 for Every Friend You Refer: M.J. Newell Homes Referral Program
Company
Learn how to earn $100 for every friend or family member you refer to M.J. Newell Homes. Help others achieve homeownership while earning rewards. Simple referral program with instant rewards.
6 min
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Section 8 Housing Voucher Program: Use Your Government Benefits to Buy Your Own Home with M.J. Newell Homes
Home Buying Guide
Learn how to use your Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to buy your own home with M.J. Newell Homes. We're partners with AffordableHousing.com and accept Section 8 vouchers for our new construction homes in LaBelle and Lehigh Acres, Florida.
9 min
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Why Buying a Home in 2026 is Your Most Critical Financial Move
Home Buying Guide
Discover why buying a home in 2026 is the best financial decision you can make. Learn how real estate builds wealth, hedges against inflation, and secures your future with M.J. Newell Homes in LaBelle, Clewiston, and Lehigh Acres.
16 min
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Florida Tax Changes 2026: Using Your Tax Refund to Buy Your Dream Home in LaBelle
Taxes & Finance
Complete guide to 2026 tax changes in Florida and how to use your tax refund as a down payment for a new home in LaBelle, Fort Myers, Clewiston, and Lehigh Acres. Turn your tax return into homeownership with M.J. Newell Homes.
17 min
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Rent to Own vs Traditional Mortgage: Which is Better for You?
Rent to Own
Comprehensive comparison of rent-to-own and traditional mortgage options. Learn the pros, cons, costs, requirements, and when each option makes sense for homebuyers.
12 min
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First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Complete Checklist 2025
Home Buying Guide
Complete step-by-step guide for first-time home buyers. Comprehensive checklist covering pre-approval, house hunting, financing, inspections, closing, and moving. Essential tips for first-time buyers.
12 min
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Property Tax Exemption in Florida: Homestead Exemption Explained
Taxes & Finance
Complete guide to Florida Homestead Exemption. Learn how to apply, eligibility requirements, benefits, Save Our Homes cap, and portability. Save thousands on property taxes.
12 min
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Home Buying Taxes in Florida: Complete Guide for 2025
Taxes & Finance
Complete guide to taxes when buying a home in Florida. Learn about property taxes, homestead exemption, transfer taxes, and all tax implications of homeownership in Florida.
11 min
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The Ultimate Guide to Rent-to-Own in Florida: Your Path to Homeownership
Rent to Own
Learn everything you need to know about rent-to-own programs in Florida. Complete guide with requirements, process, benefits, and how to get started with M.J. Newell Homes.
13 min
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MJ Newell Homes & Standard Land Development Deliver Hurricane Ian Relief to Fort Myers
Community
After Hurricane Ian, MJ Newell Homes and parent company Standard Land Development coordinated distribution of water, food, and essentials at Family Dollar in Fort Myers. Photo courtesy Standard Land Development.
4 min
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