Real estate for first responders and military families in Southwest Florida
Blue Line Realty of SWFL was founded in 2021 by a family that has lived this work. Broker/owner Mike Hollow is a retired law enforcement officer. His son retired from the U.S. Army after two combat deployments, and one of his daughters works in EMS today. Broker/owner Kim Stempel's husband is also a retired law enforcement officer. Mike and Kim have each been licensed for 14 years. We help police officers, deputies, corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, active-duty service members, veterans and their families buy and sell homes in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Babcock Ranch and across Southwest Florida.
Why first responders and military families work with us
- We work around your schedule. We do showings after shift and on days off, and signings can be done remotely or with a mobile notary. We can also plan around a deployment or PCS (moving orders) timeline.
- We know the programs. We work with lenders who close VA loans and Florida Hometown Heroes loans regularly, and we spot the builder "hero" incentives that most buyers miss.
- We look past the listing. Before you make an offer, we check the flood zone, insurance cost, HOA rules and your commute to the station, hospital or base.
Programs that can lower your cost
- VA home loans. Eligible veterans, active-duty members and many Guard and Reserve members can buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Veterans with a service-connected disability are generally exempt from the VA funding fee.
- Florida Hometown Heroes. Down payment and closing cost help for income-eligible, full-time Florida workers. It covers law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, healthcare workers, teachers, and active military and veterans. The help is generally 5% of the loan as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payment. It's funded in rounds that can run out, so ask us for the current status before you apply.
- HUD Good Neighbor Next Door. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and teachers can buy certain HUD homes at 50% off the list price if they live in the home for three years. These homes are listed for only seven days, so we watch for Lee County listings for you.
- Florida property tax exemptions. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more get an extra $5,000 off their home's taxable value. Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled from service can be exempt from homestead property taxes entirely. Florida first responders totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty can get the same relief. We'll point you to the Lee County Property Appraiser to file.
- Builder hero incentives. Some builders offer extra savings for heroes, such as Park Square Homes' Hometown Hero program at Townwalk in Babcock Ranch.
Selling or relocating
If you got PCS orders, are retiring, or need to move fast, we'll price your home with our Pricing Strategy Advisor training, manage the sale while you're away, and connect you with a trusted agent at your next location.
Frequently asked questions
Who does Blue Line Realty of SWFL help through its first responder and military focus?
Police officers, deputies, corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, active-duty military, Guard and Reserve members, veterans and their families anywhere in Southwest Florida.
Can veterans buy a home in Fort Myers with no money down?
Yes. An eligible veteran or service member can use a VA loan to buy with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. We connect you with lenders who close VA loans in Lee County regularly.
What is the Florida Hometown Heroes program?
It's a state program from Florida Housing that helps income-eligible, full-time Florida workers in eligible jobs with down payment and closing costs. Those jobs include first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and active military and veterans. Funding comes in rounds, so call us for the current status.
What is Good Neighbor Next Door?
It's a HUD program that sells certain homes to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and teachers at 50% off the list price, if they live in the home for three years.
Do disabled veterans and first responders get property tax breaks in Florida?
Yes. Florida offers homestead exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and full relief for veterans and first responders who are totally and permanently disabled. The Lee County Property Appraiser decides who qualifies.
Call 239-355-2370 or email info@bluelinerealtyswfl.com. Our office is at 2572 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.