If you've been thinking about making the move to waterfront living, I am here to help you.  

Whether you live across the country or just up the highway, you may not be aware of all of the wonderful things that await you in the beautiful coastal oasis that is Punta Gorda!

Or if you do know of Punta Gorda's many charms,  you may not feel like it is doable for any number of reasons. Well, you may be surprised to find that you may be able to buy a waterfront home, with little or no money down, that you can qualify for loans, even if you have things like student loan debt, and even if you think you don't make enough! 

I am here to answer all of your questions about getting into your new home, and how to make your dreams of home ownership come true. 

HI, I’M LISA HINKLEY. I am a realtor, based in Punta Gorda, Florida.  I help people live their best life, on the water. 

10 great reasons to buy a home in punta Gorda Florida

Punta Gorda, and Florida in general, has no state income tax.  for those of you in California, that is up to  13.5% more of your income that stays in your pocket! 


A beautiful historic city with a vibrant downtown, shops, restaurants, art galleries, live entertainment, arts, crafts and farmer's markets, and more!

There are 267 days of sunshine on average each year, and some amazing sunsets too. The average winter temperature is 77 degrees and the average low is 55. 

The Charlotte Harbor Estuary has 219 miles of shoreline, and Punta Gorda alone, has 165 miles of man-made canals, where you can keep a boat in your backyard.  (more on the waterfront shortly....)

There are are may species of fish to catch between the Punta Gorda canal system,  Charlotte Harbor, the inter-coastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, all of which are easily and quickly accessible from Punta Gorda.i Species include Tarpon, Kingfish, Cobia, Snook, Trout and Redfish.

And, while you are out there, don't be surprised to see manatee or dolphins swimming alongside your boat. 

Speaking of boats, there at least a dozen yacht and boat clubs in and around  Charlotte Harbor. 

Along the nearby barrier islands are some of the best beaches in the US. 

For baseball fans, this is spring training haven.  Port Charlotte is home to the Tampa Bay Rays training facility, Northport to Atlanta Braves, and nearby Fort Myers to the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. 



There are 10 golf courses in in Punta Gorda and another 39 golf courses within 20 miles. 

Ready to call Punta Gorda Home?

Creative ways to find money for your downpayment

One of the biggest deterrents for first-time buyers is that they believe they cannot afford the downpayment. 

Most people think they will need 10% or even 20% down, just to get into the game.  If that is what you've been thinking, I have good news for you....you might not!

Each buyer's financial situation is unique. You may qualify for a grant, or other downpayment assistance or get your PMI waived, putting that home well within reach. 

There are many ways to get your downpayment together, such as creating a savings plan, using your tax return, borrowing from your family or against your retirement account. 

And if you have lower credit score than you'd like, there are ways to improve that too. 

Check out my article on The Right Way to Finance Your First Home. 

I became a real estate agent because I truly love the process, and I enjoy helping other people achieve their dreams. 

Let me guide you smoothly through the process, from start to finish. From determining where you will live and  how you can afford it, to picking a home and making a winning offer. Then I will guide you through the complicated 'under contract' phase, until the day when you are handed the keys to your new home!

I have no interest in "pushing" you into a home, just to make a sale.  I get my satisfaction out of helping my clients do what they thought was not possible. For me the ultimate reward is handing over the  keys to my clients and watch them begin their journey as new homeowners. 

about lisa hinkley

Helping happy people live the Harbor Life

I have spent most of my life on or near the water. Although I have lived most of my life in San Diego,  have also spent several years in Florida, including key West and Punta Gorda.  Always near the water. My husband and  had our first date on his sailboat in the San Diego Bay, and spent many a summer on our boat with our kids sailing to far-off places.  Now we live the laid-back lifestyle with our center console in our Punta Gorda backyard!

I have always been drawn to real estate, and am fascinated by all aspects, from construction to interior design. My husband and I have bought and sold a dozen homes over the years, in both California and Florida. After a co-founding and operating a top-30 national craft brewery for 15 years,  I decided it was time  do what I really love, and turn my passion for real estate into a career.

Having been both a buyer and a seller myself, so many times,  I deeply understand my clients' concerns and needs when it comes to buying and selling a home. I am also VERY familiar with the daunting process of moving, as. have done it many times.   i can help make the process of moving, whether from your first home to a bigger one, or downsizing to a smaller home after the kids are gone.

Wherever I am I immerse myself in my community, and. care about my home, my neighbors and everything that surrounds us.  I am especially familiar with boat life and the surrounding waterways.  I help my clients find a place that best suits the life they want to live, in the place they want to live it.  

When I am not helping my clients live The Harbor Life, I can be found, painting in my art studio, kayaking and paddle boarding among the mangrove  or out on our boat with with my family and our little Pug, Lulu. 






Taking that first step to buy a home can be scary and daunting. Let me show you how!You’ll learn how to incorporate my strategies with your own desires to find a home that is the right fit for your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget. 

Sign up for my Series: 

"How to find the perfect home
for you and your budget"

* indicates required