Fort Myers Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.fortmyersrealestate.com/blog/Copyright FortMyersRealEstate.com2023-01-27T05:11:25-07:00tag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:32197Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/getting-a-home-mortgage.jpg" alt="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" title="Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?" height="410" width="750" /> Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family. Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not want to end up in a litigation situation due to loan issues. What Has Happened to the Number of Mortgages? Due to the strict nature and requirements of the lending companies, the number of mortgages given out has significantly dropped. A report by the Housing Financial Policy Center at the Urban Institute showed that about 6.3 million fewer mortgages were given out between 2009 and 2015. The reasons behind this statistic are strict regulations and policies. These mortgages would have been granted if the lending standards where more reasonable. Mortgage companies rely on calculations to determine if a home buyer will become delinquent on their payment. They will not give you a loan if you are too much of a risk for them. Credit history has a huge impact on this decision since lenders can see how often you pay back your debts. The history they receive is extensive. This view into your financial past causes lenders to take less risk when lending to you for your mortgage. The Effect on the Economy The housing market is recovering at a slower pace than it should since less potential homebuyers are being offered loans. While the market is still recovering with positive trends, fewer buyers can create a strain on other economic factors like home goods or construction jobs. Bottom Line After the housing market boom and bust, mortgage lenders became stricter in their lending standards. It is not impossible to get a mortgage loan, but it can still be difficult for potential home buyers. Stay on top of your credit and make sure you and anyone else who is applying are in a good financial position so you can be approved for a loan. It is important to research different companies and their requirements to ensure success in getting a mortgage.2022-11-02T09:42:19-07:002022-11-02T09:42:20-07:00Sierra Systemtag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:32196Why You Should Consider Selling in the Winter<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/selling-in-the-winter-attracts-serious-buyers.jpg" alt="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" title="Selling In Winter Attracts Serious Buyers" height="410" width="750" /> The season you sell your home can have an impact on how much you get for your home and how quickly it sells. The season that has the most success in selling homes is spring. This is a good time of year for families moving to new school districts and is also more convenient weather for moving. Because of this trend, most people will recommend waiting to list your home until after the winter is over. Avoiding the winter is a huge misconception in the housing industry and can cause homeowners to miss out on opportunities. Selling in the winter can give you a few advantages. There will be fewer houses on the market since most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. This gives your home more attention. Potential buyers are always looking no matter the time of year. Keeping your house on the market in the winter might bring the right buyer to your door. Real estate agents also tend to be less busy during these months and commit more time to getting your home sold. Studies have shown winter buyers are buying because they need to move right away either for a relocation or personal situation. They will want to close quickly and allow for a much smoother sale. Bottom Line If you need to sell your home right away, or have some time but want to see what is out there, consider listing in the winter. Most homeowners who are going to sell will list their home in the spring, making for a competitive market. The winter allows buyers who are in a hurry to move consider your home and sell for more money than you would have in the spring.2022-11-02T09:42:19-07:002022-11-02T09:42:20-07:00Sierra Systemtag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:32195Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-your-dream-home.jpg" alt="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" title="Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home" height="410" width="750" /> It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first time home buyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the housing market. It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home. 1. Why am I Buying a Home? Regardless of the finances, it is important to think about what made you want to buy a home in the first place. Usually the reasons don’t have to do with money. Instead, home buyers are focused on how the house will impact their family in the future. A study done by the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard found there are four reasons people buy a home. Those reasons include schools for your children, a safe environment, more room for your family to grow, and control of your own space. These factors are the most common reasons people look to buy a new home. When you ask yourself why you are looking to purchase a home, do any of those factors come up? Spend time with your spouse or family members who are involved in this decision and determine why you want a home in the first place. Creating this list will help when searching for a home and can help your real estate agent find the best home for your needs. 2. What is the Trend with Home Values? Our current economy and housing market is strong. That means home values and mortgage rates are increasing. If you are looking to purchase a home but want to stay within a budget, it may be in your best interest to move quickly. It is forecasted for these trends to continue in an upward motion, causing home values to continue to increase. 3. What About Current Mortgage Rates? The ticket price is not the only thing you should be concerned with when purchasing a home. Mortgage rates are always changing and can have a huge impact on your monthly payments. Current trends show mortgage rates are rising. This is something to consider if you are debating the right time to purchase a home, since the rates may be even higher down the road. Bottom Line You and your family are the only ones who can determine the right time to purchase your dream home. It is important to decide exactly why you want a new home for your family and decide on a budget that will be comfortable moving forward. This budget may affect the amount of time you have to search for a home, since home prices and mortgage rates are increasing. 2022-11-02T09:42:19-07:002022-11-02T09:42:20-07:00Sierra Systemtag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:32194Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/mortgage-rate-projections.jpg" alt="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " title="Will Increasing Mortgage Rates Impact Home Prices? " height="410" width="750" /> There has been some discussion recently on home prices in relation to mortgage rates. Some believe if there is a rapid rise of mortgage rates, home prices should decrease. Logically it makes the most sense for the price of the house to drop when interest rates are rising, but this is not always the case. This theory of home prices decreasing is typically discussed by future home buyers. As a buyer you would like to think if you are paying higher rates on your mortgage, you should be able to see a decrease in cost somewhere else. Unfortunately, these rates are rising because the economy is in better shape. As the economy succeeds, incomes rise, rates go up, as well as the price of the home. A recent study by the John Burns Real Estate Consulting found mortgage rates have very little impact on the cost of the home. The housing market and price increases are affected by things like job growth in the area and rising wages. Coincidentally, these same factors are causing the rise in the mortgage rates since people can afford to take out more. Bottom Line As the economy progresses and strengthens, mortgage rates and home prices will fluctuate. It is a misconception as rates increase, home prices will decrease. Advances in the economy have shown that rates and home prices are more likely to increase together.2022-11-02T09:42:19-07:002022-11-02T09:42:20-07:00Sierra Systemtag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33892Lee County Violent Crimes DropDespite the growth in population, Lee County is proud to say the total number of violent crimes have dropped this year. Additional 5,338 residents were recorded in 2013. According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office, violent crimes such as forcible sex offenses, aggravated assaults, robberies, and murders has declined by 1.45 percent compared to crime percentage during 2012. The number of violent crimes in 2012 reached a total of 1,241. In 2013, it went down to 1,223.
When it comes to property crimes, it had declined to almost 6%. During 2012, 8,854 burglaries and thefts were recorded. In 2013, there were only 8,361 property crimes. Even motor vehicle theft, murders, and residential burglaries have noticeably declined. In motor vehicle theft alone, there is a visible drop of 19 percent. However, there were slight increases in bicycle and vehicle part thefts.
Sheriff Mike Scott gladly stated that Lee County deputies have remained despite being involved in 5 fatal gunfights in 2013.2014-03-27T02:35:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:34-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33893Collier County Fair To Open Despite Preparation Issues<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/fair_463.jpg" alt="" width="263" height="261" />Although preparations were rushed due to various issues, the 38th annual Collier County Fair will still push through. The fair officially opened on March 13 and will continue until March 23. The 10-day Collier County fair is being held on Collier County Fairgrounds located off 751 39th Avenue N.E, just 10 miles east of Interstate-75.
The annual Collier fair opened last Thursday, 6 pm after just 3 days of hurried preparations. About 250 people worked together and help set up the event.
Chance Singletary, marketing and advertising director of Collier County Fair said that this year’s preparations were rushed because a lot of the ride operators contracted for the fair were still at the Lee County Fair. Fortunately, all that issues were finally sorted out and they were able to open the fair at the said date.
Last year, Collier County’s 37th annual fair broke record in terms of attendance with more than 61,000 people showing up during the 10-day fair.
This year, the committee is trying to set another record targeting about 65,000 attendance.
This year’s exhibits include new features like the show by Lady Houdini, bacon slabs on stick, and zero gravity rides. This amazing ride will lift riders up to 80 feet in the air. The zero gravity ride will also spin riders at an 80° angle. There is also a pendulum ride called ‘The Stinger” which lifts riders up to 100 feet and can rotate a full 360°.
People can also visit the north side of the fairgrounds for the daily performance provided by the Sea Lion Splash group, which include rescued sea lions trained by professional trainers Beccy Hughes and Brittany Serafin. The show does not only aim to entertain but it also educates people on how to take care of friendly animals in the wild.
Profits earned from the fair will go back to various charitable organizations supported by the county like the St. Mathew’s House and the Harry Chapin Food Bank.2014-03-16T21:55:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:36-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33894Rise In The Cost Of US Real Estate<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/up-arrow_367.jpg" alt="" width="241" height="267" />With the recent hit in the US real estate market, it is uplifting to see the prices start to rise again. In fact, they are rising quite quickly. While the winter has shown us a decline in US real estate sales, most analysts attribute this to the cold weather and anticipate a spike in sales come the warmer weather.
People have been hesitant to start a construction project or move during the winter, but the rising prices of US homes demonstrate that people are more anxious to buy. The positive thing is the rise in the price of the houses that are being sold and bought. Some states have shown such drastic increases of about 22%. Only Mississippi showed any sign of declining real estate prices.
Real estate used to be an investment. Recently, people have not seen their investments paying out. In fact, some people, especially motivated seller or buyers, have lost significant money in recent years. Now, we can feel more confident knowing that US real estate is a secure and worthwhile investment again. US real estate market is now showing great signs of solid comeback in the industry. It may be a slow start but it shows promising prospects.2014-03-05T23:18:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:37-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33895Scammers Target Hotel Customers Through Late Night Calls<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/scam_sign_305.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="305" />Hotels and resorts in Southwest Florida are now increasing security features in order to protect their customers from scammers who attack hotel customers. Lots of cases have already been reported all over the country of con artists calling hotel customers during the night.
According to reports, the modus operandi involves scammers calling a customer in his/her hotel room during the night or when they think customers are already asleep. The con artist pretends to be a hotel employee and ask important information from the guest like credit card information. Scammers usually provide a lot of reasons to persuade guest to provide the information over the phone like computer crashes, processing problems, etc. The late night call is a strategy so scammers can coax crucial information while guests are probably sleepy, tired, or groggy.
Some hotels in Southwest Florida like the Best Western Naples Plaza Hotel already added security features like posting warning messages on the front desk to inform customers about the fraud. The hotels also directs outside calls into the hotel to the front desk first. If the customer confirms and wants to accept the call, they will transfer the call to the hotel room.
Hotels also imposed stricter rules like never revealing a customer’s name or a room number to someone unless the room owner previously notified the front desk that they are expecting someone.
So far, Collier County Sheriff’s Office has not received any report about customers being victimized by the scam although they already received reports from some hotels informing them that such scam is operating and some of their customers received such calls. 2014-03-02T23:03:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:39-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33896A Look Into What’s Happening This Week<img style="font-size: 12px; float: left; margin: 10px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/calendar_120.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="90" />Make this week an eventful one. There are exciting things to do all throughout the week. Starting on Monday, checkout Fenway South. A gourmand’s heaven with nourishment aplenty is available at a ranchers market at Jetblue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers. Then on Wednesday The Marco Players will perform "Flat 3A," a play by Michigan local Jeff Daniels, Wednesday through Sunday through March 2. The tender sentimental parody is at Marco Island Players Theater, 1055 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. On Thursday, Comic Lynne Koplitz commences her standup demonstrates that gone through Sunday. Then on Saturday, Naples Philharmonic musical artists perform a 45-moment Magic Carpet Concert for kids ages 3 through 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. A week of electrifying entertainment awaits you. It is time to let your hair down and be entertained. Check it out for a stress-free week.2014-02-25T23:45:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:40-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33897US Speaker of the House Bought A Home In Marco Island<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/sold_sign_on_house_map_3508.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="213" />One of the top news stories in Southwest Florida today is the purchase of a new home in Marco Island by U.S. House Speaker John Boehner. According to reports, House Speaker Boehner and his wife purchased a unit in Tampico condominium community on February 11, 2014 for a price of $835,000.
Tampico is located along Cape Marco Drive. It is a 14-story high-rise condo complex directly along the Gulf of Mexico beach. Square footage ranges from 2,060 square feet to 2,700 square feet. Units in the complex usually feature 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and upscale amenities that represent the island’s beachfront, luxury lifestyle.
Based on real estate website, the unit Boehner purchased is a 2,093 square feet unit. It has high ceilings and a balcony.
Michael Steel, John Boehner’s spokesman said that Boehner and his family have been vacationing in Marco Island for years now. Instead of continuously spending money on vacation rentals every year or whenever they want to take a break on the island, the family finally decided to buy a beachfront unit.
Apart from Boehner, there are other prominent names in national politics that have been reported to buy properties in Southwest Florida. The brother of Vice President Joe Biden, James Biden Sr., bought a home in Keewaydin Island last year. 2014-02-23T22:40:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:42-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33898Spot Has A New Place To Play In Bonita Springs<img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/storehttp://cmsimg.news-press.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A4&Date=20140205&Category=NEWS0110&ArtNo=302050022&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0&Bonita-Springs-City-Council-approves-360K-dog-park-plan" alt="Bonita Springs dog park" width="250" height="308" />If you are a dog lover living around Bonita Springs then here is a little good news for you. The city council has approved of a new dog park to be built at the north of East Terry Street and Matheson Avenue, and construction could begin as early as June.
The site was once a trailer park and plans are to devote $360,035 towards reconstructing it and making it usable as a beautiful dog park. Most of the allocated expenses that will be incurred are for the vinyl coated chain link fence that is supposed to appear natural.
There will be a reserve fund of $46,961. The funding will be set aside to treat any instances of soil contamination that may be pre-existing in the area. Current design plans envision the park to cover six and a half acres of an 18-acre land site, with separate sections for small, medium, and large sized dogs. There will be gopher tortoises sharing about 10 acres of this area.
The park will also be designed so that it is easy to use by bicyclists and pedestrians. Other features of the park will include a spot where you can give your pooch a bath, a picnic spot, and an asphalt path for cyclists and pedestrians. Funding for the park is set to come out of the park impact fees, and the annual maintenance cost is estimated to be around $15,000, which would come out of the operating fund. In the near future dog lovers will have fun playing with their beloved pets in Bonita Springs.<br /><br />Related Links <a href="https://www.fortmyersrealestate.com/bonita-springs" title="Bonita Springs Listings" target="_blank"> Bonita Springs Listings </a> <a href="https://www.fortmyersrealestate.com/bonita-springs-homes" title="Bonita Springs Homes" target="_blank"> Bonita Springs Homes </a> <a href="https://www.fortmyersrealestate.com/bonita-springs-condos" title="Bonita Springs Condos" target="_blank"> Bonita Springs Condos </a> 2014-02-17T01:15:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:44-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33899Bring Your Own Device to Lee Schools<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Students with Ipad" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/students_with_ipad_455.jpg" alt="Students learn on Ipad" width="315" height="140" />Almost everyone across the globe has his or her own cellphone. Now a plethora of gadgets is being used for various purposes. Tablets, android phones, laptops, and many more are ubiquitous in the market. even schools in Lee County are planning to integrate lesson plans with students using mobile devices. This is seen possible with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy.
The Lee County School Board recently approved a policy to implement BYOD in Lee Schools. Some school district in Naples has already allowed the usage of mobile devices in schools. However, in Lee County BYOD Policy will not exactly be the same. It was even stated that there would not be much change for both students and the teaching staff in the near future. There will still be several meetings to talk about how the BYOD program would be implemented. However, it is clear that the student will be fully responsible of their devices.
Actually, in January, a workshop on BYOD program took place. Information about the district’s wireless infrastructure was discussed. It allowed board members to ask questions about it and other concerns about the wording of the policy. It was also stated that parents did not voice their opinions during the discussion regarding BYOD. With the imminent and radical change of technologies nowadays, sooner or later our educational system has to adapt. 2014-02-12T23:43:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:46-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33900Make A Good Impression For Your Home With A Quality Front Door<img style="font-size: 12px; float: left; margin: 10px;" title="Front Door" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_3021095_re-sized_300.jpg" alt="Front Door of House in Florida." width="300" height="200" />Many people and homebuilders will prefer good-quality door and lockset when it comes to the entrance of the home. Marketing studies shows that the first impression on your front door can boost the impression of people especially homebuyers on your whole house. This idea is applicable in your home but does not mean that you need to buy expensive front doors and locksets.
Making sure to buy a good-quality front door and a first-rate lockset that you can afford will do. Most pre-war homes are built with lockset and beautiful doors. If you still have yours at home, then a good carpenter can repair and restore your front door and a locksmith can repair that balky lockset.
If your door is uninteresting or irreparable, then you might consider buying a new one. There are many choices for door designs but most of them falls under three categories, which are wood, steel and fiberglass. Each category of door has its own strength and drawbacks. The differences in price for the variations of these doors are also not that great so just choose that door that suits your taste and need.
When it comes to your lockset, there are many manufacturers. Choose locksets that are produced by proven and trusted hardware and lumber dealers. Do not be tempted by cheaper lockset that looks the same because they may not last and feel the same. Remember, there are no second chances when it comes to what visitors perceive when visiting your home. As many have said, a good quality and notable front door imprints a lasting impression. 2014-02-06T00:44:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:48-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33901The Allure Of Luxury Kitchen Of Upscale Homes In Southwest Florida<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Upgraded Kitchen" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/kitchen_interior_301.jpg" alt="Luxury Kitchen in Southwest Florida" width="301" height="200" />Southwest Florida is famous for its warm, tropical weather, lush preserves, lakes, and of course, the amazing beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. But aside from these factors, a lot of people are flocking in this region during vacations and buying homes because of the great residential communities and well-designed homes. Southwest Florida is home to some of the most luxurious and upscale properties in the country.
According to news, these luxury homes also have some of the most luxurious and stylish kitchens. One of the most expensive condo units listed in the market has a total living space of 6,900 square feet. It has a very large terrace covering a total of 4,000 square feet.
But the terrace is not the only feature that has been attracting clients. Very elegant, modern and has a luxury finish is what many homebuyers are opting for. It features well-furnished cabinetry, storage, and modern appliances. The whole design makes the kitchen looks perfectly sleek, neat, and uncluttered. Even the table at the dining area is very elegant and luxurious which is made of bronze and was imported from Belgium.
Other properties feature extreme but amazing kitchens with granite tile flooring, LED crystal lighting, modern cabinetry, and even a glittering chandelier. The materials used are not only chosen for their aesthetic value but for their functionality and durability.
When buying homes, kitchen is one of the main features that buyers really inspect and give importance to. These prestigious homes in Southwest Florida do not only boast spacious living space and amazing2014-02-04T22:40:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:50-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33902Skyscraper Condominiums In Downtown Fort Myers Are Selling Fast AgainIn 2006, all was going downhill when it comes to real estate. Many properties were foreclosed – pushing the real estate business on its knees. As was experienced, many homeowners were forced to sell their homes and many developers have been pushed to have most of their developed properties foreclosed or put on the market – even when no one was buying at that time.
Now, the beginning of the year 2014 shows signs of a comeback for real estate companies and investors. Lee County real estate sales have risen up again. With prices rebounding, it shows a promising outcome for those in the real estate business. A lot of homebuyers and investors are buying properties all over the county.
The most recent example is the rise of the 32-story Oasis. This skyscraper condominium was finished in 2008 – just 2 years after the downfall of the real estate business. The high-rise condo has 420 units with panoramic view of the Caloosahatchee River and Downtown Fort Myers. Due to the economic crash, the Bank of America foreclosed Oasis back in 2010. Later on, one of the towers was by a company associated with developer The Related Group. Then the other tower – along with rights to build the 3 permitted towers – was bought by an investment group that rents out the condo units.
Currently, the Oasis – as one of the casualties of the real estate crash - is now almost sold out. There are only 37 unsold units left and it is selling fast. This bodes well for the real estate in Downtown Fort Myers but according to authorities, a new downtown tower is not yet in the picture. With a rejuvenated downtown, real estate prices will continue increase especially with the existing supply being sold at an exceedingly fast pace.
The real estate boost even shows positive signs for nearby properties. Just across State Road 80, the Billy’s Creek Condominium project and Rock Lake motel are currently on the market and many investors are showing great interests for these combined properties. Hotel developers are setting their sights on the property. However, a new condo tower would unlikely materialize unless prevailing prices will show signs of profitability.
There are great possibilities of large investors coming back to Fort Myers. The positive signs being shown by the real estate market encourage investors to set their sights on various properties on the market. In a year or two, there will be a lot of changes in the skyline of Downtown Fort Myers with newer structures on the rise. 2014-02-03T22:48:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:52-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33903ArtFest Fort Myers to Feature Glowing SculpturesThe wire sculptures, crafted by Michael Gard are surely one of the main attractions at Art Fest in Fort Myers. They certainly draw a lot of attention, given the fact that they actually light up. His dancers float freely in thin air, illuminating the night with their graceful lights.
Gard began his wire creations as a 17 year old in London. Created on accident, while bending wire around a rock, he became curious with his accidental creation. He then decided to expand upon it and create different, more sophisticated works of wire art. Gard feels that his niche is pretty secure considering not a lot of people make wire art. He also mentioned that it was an easier and cheaper material to work with.
The light was a new development. Gard explained that because of the thinness of the wire, when the light reflects on it, it makes the figure look as if it’s made out of light. This makes for a completely unique wire creation, setting himself apart even amongst other wire artists.
There will be over 200 other artists selling their work at the festival. With this many artists on display, it should attract a very healthy number of people to attend. 2014-02-03T01:24:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:54-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33904Things to do in Southwest Florida This WeekendThere is plenty to do this season in Fort Myers, Florida. Between the fairs, shows and other community events, there is plenty to keep a person busy almost every day. Here are just a few of the events taking place this weekend:
Wings of Freedom
The Wings of Freedom air show set to take place at Page Field this weekend is highly anticipated. There will be dozens of planes on display. Attendees are highly encouraged to sign up for ground tours, or even schedule a flight in one of these majestic, war hero aircrafts. The Event lasts from Friday, January 31st until Sunday, February 2nd.
Florida Sportsman Expo
This Saturday, February 1st is the Florida Sportsman Expo. There will be vendors as well as a myriad of hunting, fishing, angling, boating and other outdoor activities explained. It is all taking place at the Lee Civic Center in Fort Myers.2014-01-31T05:37:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:55-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33905Equity Realty's Deep Water Well Project<br /><br />
Water – the most abundant resource on the planet. We take it for granted. It keeps us healthy, cleans our food, clothes, and our bodies.
In Africa it is said, "Water is life". However, in Africa many people have little access to clean water. They have to walk miles to a community well. Often, the water is tainted and unclean. And unclean water can lead to sickness, infections, blindness and even death. In Africa alone, 345 million people lack access to safe water (<a href="http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/">http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/</a>). That represents the entire population of the US. Imagine not being able to provide clean water for your family.
At Equity Realty, we have partnered with <a href="http://www.worldvision.org/">World Vision</a> to combat the inequity in Africa. The irony is there is plenty of clean water but it is deep below the ground. Equity Realty will be donating $15,000 to World vision to pay for the drilling of a <a href="http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=11022&item=154">deep water well</a>.
The need is so great and this donation is nothing when contrasted with the need. However, together we can make a difference for one village, one family, one child.
I want to thank our staff, agents and especially our customers. Thank you for your continued support and your contribution to making this possible.
Tim Ryan - Broker & Owner
<br /><br />2013-12-16T03:40:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:57-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33906Save Money, Live Happy - 3 Tips For Giving You A Financial Cushion<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/house_with_money_and_graph_510_01.jpg" alt="" width="310" height="220" />If you’re in the process of looking for a new home, or have owned a home before, you know just how valuable good saving habits can be. Putting your excess cash away responsibly can put you in a position to give yourself the best in a new home, condo, or apartment, and the money can be put toward anything – a higher down payment or monthly payment so you pay it off quickly, furnishings, rent or utilities, the list goes on and on. Plus, the comfort of your savings is invaluable when things around the home inevitably break or fail.
But despite the fact that recent economic upturns have given more and more people the opportunity to save money, reports still show that just 24% of Americans have a decent savings cushion. To get you back on track to being financially secure, here are some tips for getting the most out of your savings – because one day, they might just save you.
Make it automatic
It’s tough to look at a paycheck and physically transfer a chunk of it to savings. It’s far too tempting to look at it and say “Maybe next month.” By setting up your bank account to automatically transfer a set amount every month into a secure savings account, you won’t even have to think twice about the process – it’ll just be there when you need it.
Create a solid budget
The biggest problem nearly everyone faces with spending is that they don’t really know how much they’re spending. Without a budget, you won’t know exactly how much you can spend at the grocery store or on bills and still have some left for a movie with friends or dinner out. But when you create a detailed list of expenditures that tracks how much money you use, you’ll be more connected with your money than ever before.
Don’t pay for a checking account
Having a checking account that charges you monthly to use it is taking money right out of your pocket – but it doesn’t have to be that way. While many banks have eliminated free checking accounts, plenty still offer them, and they are a good way of subtly saving a little money every month without you even noticing it.2013-07-17T23:43:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:58-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33907North Fort Myers Named Top-15 Retirement HotspotsAccording to a recent RealityTrac report, North Fort Myers has been identified as one of the top-15 retirement hotspots in the country, as well as being an ideal place for real estate investors to focus on for long-term value creation. <img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_72119572_478.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="312" />
RealityTrac analyzed factors such as the percentage of residents who were above the retirement age, rental capitalization rates, and home appreciation. With numerous popular communities available throughout the city, North Fort Myers is quickly becoming the most popular place in Florida, if not the nation, for both Northerners escaping winter’s chill as well as permanent residents who are looking for a relaxing, tropical lifestyle year-round.
If boating is your passion, you’ll fit right in. Bordered by the cool waters of the Caloosahatchee River, North Fort Myers is an incredibly popular location for avid water-goers. It is home to the North Star Yacht Club, a luxury, waterfront community of high-rise condominiums, as well as desirable boating neighborhoods such as the Admiralty Yacht Club, Waterway Estates, Buttonwood Harbor, The Yacht Club Colony, and many more.
But you can’t forget about the golf, either – when not on the crystal blue waters of the Gulf or the surrounding lakes and rivers, residents of North Fort Myers enjoy some of the best golfing in the entire state. Courses with lush, rolling fairways, flawlessly smooth greens, immaculate landscaping, and clubhouse atmospheres that rival that of a luxury resort are the norm here, and many have been designed by the world’s finest course architects to be ideal for golfers of all age and skill level. Play the fabulous Heron’s Glen course, a highly-rated challenge that features beautiful lakes, pristine bunkers, and crisp tee boxes – or, make a casual game with some friends at the incredible Gordon Lewis-designed Magnolia Landing championship course. No matter what you love to do, the rating speaks for itself – North Fort Myers is the place to be. 2013-07-14T23:32:00-07:002023-01-27T05:10:59-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33908Boost Your Curb Appeal, Sell Your Home FastEver heard the expression “It was love at first sight”? <img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_123759124_562.jpg" alt="" width="462" height="274" />
Well, if you want a step up on the competition when you sell your home, you’re going to want to make people fall in love with your home as soon as they see it. First impressions are invaluable, and getting a possible buyer’s experience started off on the right foot can make all the difference. Here are some ways to give your home’s curb appeal a makeover:
Begin with the curb
Because it’s usually located right at the curb, your mailbox is the first thing someone will see when they pull up to your home. What kind of condition is it in? If it’s old, falling apart, missing numbers, or suffering in any other way, consider giving it a quick facelift, even if it’s as little as new numbers and a fresh coat of paint. It will show that you have good attention to detail, a trait the buyer will remember as they tour the rest of your home. If you are part of a Homeowner’s Association, however, just make sure any changes you make are within their guidelines, and get the approval of any new mailbox by your local postmaster.
Power washing is your friend
Just a few minutes of power washing your front porch can create a total transformation – everything is smoother and (above all) cleaner. If you’re cleaning wood, keep the nozzle of the hose between 6 inches and a foot away from the surface, and always keep it moving. If your home has some kind of vinyl siding, keep the hose 1-2 feet away, and start from the top, working your way down to the bottom. The finished result is sure to impress anyone.
Hang new house numbers
It’s a simple task that many people don’t consider – having your address numbers in a simple, easy-to-read spot can make quite the lasting impression on a possible buyer. They won’t have to worry about people not being able to find their home, be it deliverymen, friends, mail trucks, and more. Remember, they’re getting a brand new address, so give them a hand with making the transition.
Trim, mow, and plant
The final, and often most important, aspect of your curb appeal is your landscaping. If yours is professionally done, you don’t have to read this – just take some lemonade out to your maintenance crew to make sure they stay cool in this Florida heat. If you’re on your own with lawn care, however, you can’t neglect it right before you show your home. It can go south very quickly, so be sure you’re properly seeding and watering your lawn, trimming your hedges, and tending to any garden life around your property. 2013-07-09T22:22:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:00-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33909Selling Your Home? These Tech Tips Will Take It To The Next Level<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/woman_using_future_touch-screen_500.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />In a competitive housing market, you need every advantage you can get. So when you’re selling your home, why rely on just a small, plastic sign in the front yard and an unobtrusive newspaper ad on page seventeen? In this age of technology, there are more and more ways to get your home’s listing public every day. Here are some little-known (and affordable) ways to grab this tech bull by the horns, and sell your home fast.
Create a virtual tour
There are a number of websites out there that will put together a virtual tour of your home based on pictures you send in, but they’re time-consuming and expensive. Instead, simply grab the closest video camera you can find, hit record, and start walking around. Go through each room and point out everything about that you think is a good selling point. Make sure to remember to even include the garage, the attic, and any exterior living areas. The more thorough you are, the better. Post the finished product on YouTube, and link to it as much as possible.
Social media is your friend
If you’re active on Facebook, or Twitter, or any of the other countless social media websites available, take advantage of your presence. Advertise your home to your friends, and encourage them to do the same to their friends. It only takes a couple seconds, and in that time you’ll be exposing your home to hundreds (if not thousands) of people.
Invite your neighbors to your open house
Okay, this technically isn’t a tech tip, but read on – Inviting your neighbors to your open house is a great way of attracting buyers. It gives visitors to your open house a chance to get to know who they’ll be living next to, and they’ll start to imagine themselves actually living there. Keep it fun, and turn your open house into your neighborhood’s next block party.
Forgo a renovation for a tech tune-up
If you’re considering repainting a wall in your foyer, or adding a new fence around your front porch, consider instead giving your home a tech update for a comparable price. Put in a security system, add an intercom system, or more – these are things that can seriously up the value of your home in an age where even a minor cell phone upgrade can rake in hundreds of dollars. 2013-07-02T00:50:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:01-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33910First Time Home-Buyer? Right This Way!<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right; margin: 10px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/couple_with_realtor_outside_of_home_627_01.jpg" alt="" width="218" height="327" />Buying a home is a strange thing – it can simultaneously be the most exciting, nerve-wracking, daunting, and relieving things you’ll ever go through – and it’s something that nearly everyone has to do.
But if you’re approaching your first time buying a home, fear not – we’ve compiled a list of simple tips for you that will keep you on the right track and give you and edge over the competition when you finally find that dream house.
First things first: Get a good agent
Buying a home requires you to handle quite a bit of money (it’s usually the single most expensive thing anyone ever purchases) and it’s all going to be invested in something fairly permanent. This is a time to leave pride on the table, and enlist the help of an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent – he or she can relieve nearly all the stress of the house-hunting experience, as well as use their experience to guide you into making the best decisions for yourself and your money.
Don’t overload yourself
It can be tempting to give every home you find a chance, and it’s easy to feel like you’re possibly “missing out” on your perfect home if you don’t do this. However, this is a quick way to overwhelm yourself, and to give yourself second thoughts on all of the choices. Find a handful of homes that fit your preferences, and then simply begin narrowing it down from there.
Be open to advice
Your agent is there to help you, from setting up times to view homes, to simply giving general advice on what to look for. You may have an idea in your head of exactly what you’re looking for, but don’t immediately brush off your agent if he or she gives you a suggestion that goes against that – they’ve likely been around for a while, so it’s a good idea to listen to what they have to say.
Don’t forget about the neighborhood
When you’ve finally found a contender for the title of Your New Home, don’t get too wrapped up in the beautiful crown moulding in the foyer – make sure you inspect the surrounding neighborhood as well. You’ll be living there, after all, and you don’t want to find out too late that the nearest school bus stop is 17 miles away, or that a runway for an international airport is 40 feet from your back porch. Do your homework on where you might live, and it’ll give you even more confidence that your new home is the right one for you. 2013-06-26T22:38:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:02-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33911When You Do-It-Yourself, Make Sure You Do It Right<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/wrench_with_house_400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" />Ever had a problem arise in your home? If you’ve owned a home for longer than 45 seconds, the answer is probably yes. Homes are notorious for their various failings and go-wrongs, so you’re bound to come across an issue eventually. And if you’re like most people, you’ll be tempted to just save the money and take care of the problem yourself.
Unfortunately, when something in your home goes south, it’s easy to compound the problem by trying to take up a project that’s too much for a casual do-it-yourselfer. Take a look at the tips below, and you’ll be a step ahead the next time you set out to fix up your home.
Don’t forget the permits
Unless you’re doing a simple project that can be done in a day or two (painting, wallpapering, that sort of thing), you might need to get some permits. There are even some projects that require proof of a permit or your insurance might not cover them. If you have any doubt, a simple call to your county’s building department can give you all the information you need.
Underpreparing
This is by far the biggest mistake homeowners make when starting a do-it-yourself project. It is very easy to underestimate things like the cost of the project, the materials you’ll need, the tools you’ll need, whether you need to work in metric or imperial measurements – the list goes on and on. Make sure to take the time to cross all your t’s and dot all your I’s before it’s too late, and don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution at all times.
Safety first
This is easily the most important thing to remember – it doesn’t matter how nice that new front porch looks if you have to sacrifice a hand or a set of toes to get it. Keep yourself (and others) as safe as possible throughout the entire project. Always wear safety goggles, and avoid loose clothing when you’re around something that could catch onto them. If you’re working inside, keep some windows open so you aren’t breathing the fumes from the power tools, paint, and sawdust.
Prep before you paint
Many big projects will likely be finished up with a fresh coat of paint to give it a clean feel. But you can’t just go painting anything – to get the best out of it, make sure you clean up the surface as well as possible. This means it should be given a good sandpapering and washing, if possible. And if you’re painting over a darker color, use appropriate coats of primer to make sure the lower color doesn’t bleed through. 2013-06-26T02:06:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:03-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33912Don't Buy That Home Just Yet - 4 Tips For Inspecting Your New Neighborhood First<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_2662324_309.jpg" alt="" width="309" height="223" />As anyone who has purchased a home knows, it’s very important to make thorough inspections of the place before you buy it. But when you buy a home, you aren’t just buying a home – you’re buying a neighborhood, and a drive to work, and a local park, and some schools, and more. You’re buying a new life, so don’t forget about everything else your home comes with.
Conduct a search of criminals in the neighborhood
No, you don’t have to don a cape and mask and interrogate your potential neighbors under the cover of darkness to find out if there are any criminals in the area. A quick internet search will yield you all the information you need. Notably, the national sex offender database will tell you where offenders live, what they were convicted of – everything including the make, model, and color of the car they drive. And it isn’t just for your own peace of mind either – the presence of criminals can dampen the value of the homes in the area.
Don’t just visit during the day
Considering our days are typically ½ day and ½ night, it can be deduced that you will be spending approximately ½ of the time in your new home at night. So what are you accomplishing by visiting half a dozen times at noon? Come by after sunset and be on the lookout for rowdy neighbors, loud parties, dangerous street racing, planes that fly overhead, or anything that has the potential to keep you awake and ruin your nights at your new home.
Talk to the people
If you feel so inclined (and socially comfortable), strike up a polite conversation with some neighbors to get a better feel for the neighborhood. Ask them some of the pros and cons of living there, how long they’ve lived there, and whatever other questions you might have. As important as your own observations are, keep your decision objective by getting the other side of the story from the neighbors as well.
Do your schoolwork
This doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone, but it you have school-aged kids (or expect to have school-aged kids while you live there), make sure you check up on the local schools. State grades for each school will be posted online, and many are even advertised on your local realty websites. Look to see how far the bus stop is from your house, and what schools are in your specific zone. Knowing that your children are going to receive a quality education is a huge stress off of your shoulders when you buy your new home. 2013-06-17T01:33:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:04-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33913Working for the Weekend? Try These 5 Easy Do-It-Yourself ProjectsIt’s Friday, and that means the official start of the weekend is in a few short hours – and that means two days devoted to do-it-yourself projects around the house!<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_117205936_500.jpg" alt="" width="217" height="300" />
We’ve gotten together a list of quick, easy, and inexpensive in-home improvements that will not only make your home look nicer, but could also increase its value.
Replace your outlet and switch covers
It may seem frivolous, but turning on lights and plugging things in take up a surprising chunk of people’s days, so why not make the hardware a little nicer? You can even order specific covers that accent features in the room. It’s subtle, but still very noticeable.
Make some designated storage areas
If you’re like a lot of people, you don’t have a lot of special storage and your things tend to just stack up around the house. Take a couple hours and set up 3 special spaces for storage. It can be a closet, the attic, a decorative box under the coffee table, or anything else. Don’t be afraid to get creative and incorporate your storage into the décor of your home.
Make your fireplace a summer focal point
You really don’t even need the fireplace in Florida’s winters (except for exceptional occasions) and during the summer it’s an even bigger waste of space. Instead, clean it out thoroughly and put some flowers along the front side – it’ll look nice, smell nice, and give your fireplace a purpose during the boiling months of summer.
Paint your picture frames
If your room is lacking a splash of connecting color, consider incorporating your picture frames. Odds are you’ve accumulated all your pictures over a long period of time, so it’s too much to expect all the frames to be the same. So, take a small can of paint and touch them all up with a single color that unifies the room. It’s cheap, and you’ll be able to appreciate the pictures just that much more.
Plant a native, low-maintenance garden
Lots of people just don’t have the time to upkeep a garden with all their spare time, but still want to grow one. This is possible, but takes a little research. Look up some low-maintenance plants like native meadow grass and flowers that will require little time of yours. 2013-06-14T02:23:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:04-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33914We're Not Just Beaches - 5 Ft. Myers Attractions You Probably Haven't Heard OfWhile the pristine beaches and crystal blue Gulf waters tend to define the gorgeous city of Ft. Myers (and for good reason), it isn’t all we have to offer.<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_43549693_562.jpg" alt="" width="502" height="314" />
The next time you’re looking for a vacation paradise in Southwest Florida, don’t assume you have to take up space in your suitcase with a bathing suit. There are plenty of things to do, and stay dry doing, that you may not have heard of:
Lakes Regional Park
It’s just what it sounds like – a picturesque public park that weaves in and out of several of Ft. Myers’ famous lakes. You can drive around the area, or park the sedan and get a little closer to the action by walking. Bikes built for 2 or 4 are also available, and the park has a large play area for the kids. Expect to see plenty of exciting wildlife while you’re here too.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
If you’re like most people, you probably were unaware Ft. Myers had any connection to the world-famous business and invention tycoons Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. In 1887, Edison had a vacation home completed in the area, and the adjoining lot was quickly bought up by his good friend Henry Ford. For years the two men would vacation and relax there whenever the Northern winters settled in, up until Edison's death in 1931. The 20-acres of property now also contain a museum, multiple historic buildings, the Edison botanical gardens, and the Edison Botanic Research Lab.
Castle Golf
Voted the best miniature golf location in Florida multiple times, Castle Golf is an 18-hole course built on an expansive property that allows for longer holes, more obstacles, and (of course) way more fun.
JetBlue Park
If you’re a baseball fan, this is a must-see in Ft. Myers. Home to the Red Sox spring training, JetBlue Park is all the fun and feel of Fenway among the palms of South Florida. Catch a pro game, or even a more minor outing, and enjoy it with a couple famous Fenway franks and a cold beverage.
The Florida Repertory Theater
If live theater is your passion, or even if you’ve never seen a play, the Florida Repertory Theater is an experience that cannot be missed out on. The 100+ year old building is beautifully designed, and recalls visions of early 20th century charm. Better yet, parking is free, prices are low, and the quality of the performances is unbeatable. This Southwest Florida hidden gem is a must-see for theater lovers, first-timers, and everyone in between.2013-06-13T01:41:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:05-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33915Looking for a Summer Project? Transform Your Attic<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_75528208_450.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />If you’re like most people with an attic, you’re using it more as a “throw everything up there” room than as an actual storage room. In fact, you might not even use it as storage at all – more and more homeowners are enlisting the aid of a full-size climate controlled storage unit to house their extra belongings, leaving them with a dark, empty hole above their ceiling.
So what can you do? Luckily, just because your home has an attic doesn’t mean you’re locked in to using it as such. Full-blown attic renovations are becoming very popular, and for good reason: It’s a perfectly good extra room. But you have to know how to use it – and here’s how:
First, double-check your safety codes
The last thing you want is for your big project to be derailed halfway through because an inspector revealed that your ceiling can’t handle the extra load, or that your attic simply isn’t big enough. Cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s early on, and you’ll be able to breeze through the rest of your project without worry.
Keep it quiet
If your attic is going to be used as a place that will see foot traffic, lay down some carpeting or rugs to muffle the sound. Remember: all this action will be going on right above your head, so make sure you make the room extra insulated.
Utilize all the space
You can’t treat this room like you would any other, because your attic is like no other room in your house. It might have a severely sloping ceiling or floors, narrow walls, or anything else, and you’ll have to take that into account when you’re decorating. Traditional furniture might not fit, so visit some antique shops and look for something unique.
Keep it cool
Attics can get broiling hot, especially in a Florida summer, so make sure you keep yours cool if it’s going to be used as a living space. If the roof permits it, you can install a ceiling fan to give the room a light breeze. Also, you can create a separate zone in the attic for your air conditioning and heating system, although this will depend on the size of the area. Call a professional first if you want to take this approach – he or she will be able to give you all the information you need.
So, you’re on your way to a great new summer room. Keep these tips in mind when you start, and hopefully your project will go smoothly. 2013-06-12T03:47:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:06-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33916Go Green at Home, Save Some Green in Your WalletWith all the rising popularity of “going green” starting to manifest in every walk of life, we can’t forget about the place most people spend the majority of their time – their home.<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/green_button_335.jpg" alt="" width="317" height="335" />
People are buying hybrid cars, low-energy light bulbs, and biodegradable packaging more than every nowadays, and it’s no surprise that these habits have started to lead into the real estate industry.
Living a green lifestyle is a great way to lower your bills and general just feel better about your impact on the world. Start by opening a window instead of cranking the air conditioning, turning lights off when you leave a room, and unplugging unused electronics.
More and more homeowners are purchasing certified energy-efficient appliances to counterbalance a not-so-green home. Things like water heaters, new insulation, and rainwater collectors are all simple ways to save yourself money, and yes, improve the value of your home. Here are a few more little-known ways that you can board the green train and take it to your front door:
Buy green cleaners
Many dishwasher liquids and various-use soaps can actually be toxic to you and your environment. Look for green alternatives – some of them are even cheaper than the name brands as well.
Cut down on plastics
The next time your local bag boy gives you the tired “Paper or plastic?” routine, opt for paper. You can fit more in them, use less, and they recycle much better than plastic. Better yet, many grocery chains sell their own reusable bags for just mere quarters, and last for years.
Green paint (not the color)
Paints are measured by their volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) that cause indoor air quality to diminish thanks to ozone and smog. Look for paints with little or no VOCs, and the environment (and your health) with thanks you.
These are just a few of the ways to go green with your home, and they can all be done quickly and painlessly - they can even save you money. There’s no reason to wait any longer, so get your home on the right track soon.2013-06-11T03:08:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:07-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33917Showing Your Home? Be "Best In Show" With These 3 Prep Tips<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_58978066_360.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="240" />Getting your home ready for a showing can be a daunting task – you don’t know who will show up, what they’re like, or what their preferences are – so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s essentially a guessing game, but like any game, there are tips and tricks that will get you through the process as successfully as possible.
Depersonalize, but don’t sterilize
What do we mean by that? Well, as many people will tell you, it’s important to make sure your home isn’t too personal to you when you host a showing or an open house. After all, potential buyers are trying to envision themselves living there, not you. However, if you take down every photo, trophy, or keepsake, your home could quickly turn into a blank, lifeless sterile room. Tone down the personalization, but keep some life in it.
A good smell could mean a good sell
Even if you’re the cleanliest person in the country, you still have your own scent in your home that visitors will notice. It’s not a bad thing, but it can occasionally be a disadvantage – it depends on the person. Eliminate this possibility by baking cookies, or some other classic desert goods. It will provide a universal smell that anyone will recognize, and immediately give them a sense of life in your home.
Get your clutter out of the home
When you’re tidying up your home in preparation for a showing, it’s tempting to just toss all that extra clutter into the nearest closet, or the attic, or the garage. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not quite. Expect potential buyers to check out every square foot of your home, which means they’ll eventually find that last-minute storage of yours. Not to mention, you want your home to look like it has as much square footage as possible, and crowding up closets and storage areas is only going to do the opposite. Do yourself a favor, and rent out a storage unit for a short period of time. The absence of all that junk may in fact up the price that your home sells for, and the unit will pay for itself.
You might not get an offer after just one showing, but create enough good impressions and eventually someone will speak up. Prep your house the best that you can, and you’re already a step closer to closing the deal. 2013-06-09T23:05:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:08-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33918Make Moving As Easy As It Can Be<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/movers_by_house_700_01.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="250" />Congratulations on the new home! It’s new, it’s fun, it’s exciting, and – oh yeah.
It’s empty.
Making the move between homes can be just as stressful and difficult as actually buying the home in the first place – we don’t usually think about the proportions and weight of our couches until we’re trying to squeeze them down 3 flights of un-air conditioned stairs. You probably have more than just a few items to transfer between your current residence and your new home, and a lot of the time it’s easier and safer to get some quick help.
Moving Companies
A professional moving company might be the right choice for you if you have a move a number of large, heavy items, or need to travel a long distance. They’ll enlist professional movers that have plenty of experience moving couches, refrigerators, TVs, and more in a way that doesn’t damage or break them. If you value your possessions, consider hiring the pros before asking some of work buddies to do it in exchange for some pizza.
Renting a Truck
If you aren’t moving that far, however, or you don’t have too many bulky, heavy, or fragile things to move, renting a truck is the most economic choice. It will give you plenty of room to take everything in one or two trips, and could even save you money because you won’t be driving back and forth a dozen times in your sedan.
Shipping Pods
These are just mobile storage units delivered to your front door. A large container is dropped off at your house, at which point you move all of your possessions into it. Then, a moving company will pick it up and either move it to your new home or put it in protected storage until you’re ready for it. And if you opt for a storage container such as this, but still want the help of movers that come with a moving company, hire a couple of hourly workers. It’ll save you money, and get the work done quickly.
Avoid the added stress of a big move by getting help, and your belongings (as well as your wallet) will thank you.2013-06-07T01:02:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:09-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33919Should You Buy the Model Home?<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right; margin: 10px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_67090717_429.jpg" alt="" width="409" height="265" />It’s the first glimpse of their new home that many people see – the model. Brand-new, squeaky clean, straight out of the box, and everything you could imagine your home being. It’s designed to get you thinking about what it’ll be like living there, and it usually succeeds. Plus, the best part? You can buy it!
Well, not always the best part. Even though the opportunity to buy a fully-furnished model home with every upgrade, option, and amenity may seem like a dream come true, there are some reasons why it isn’t for everyone.
It’s for everyone
Basically, this home was designed to draw in as many different people as possible and give them an overview of the model being sold throughout the community. That means that every decoration, furniture arrangement, color scheme, wall outlet, and light bulb was picked for the general enjoyment of as many people as possible. In other words, it lacks personalization. If you want to put your own unique touch on it, it’ll take a little redesign, elbow grease, and more than likely, some extra cash.
Location, location, location
Most models are located right at the front of the community for easy access. This means that you’ll be living there, getting more vehicle traffic than most other homes, and losing some privacy. Of course, this can also be seen as a plus, because you’ll have the shortest drive in and out of the community out of everyone.
Just because it looks new, doesn’t mean it’s new
The model home is usually stocked with the latest in appliances, but don’t forget that “latest” is relative – if the model is 2 years old, the stuff inside sometimes is too. Things like washing and drying machines will still work because they haven’t been used, but their age could put them outside of their warranty, so make sure you inquire about the warranties for the various appliances. Also, to accommodate for all the potential buyers visiting the home, the heating and cooling systems were likely run very frequently, so ask about a home warranty to cover any future issues.
Of course, there are also plenty of reasons why buying the model is a good idea: it’s professionally decorated, the landscaping is impeccable, it has all the upgrades and options, and includes state-of-the-art appliances. But keep in mind that the model is a home that is designed to be visited – not lived in – and you’ll make the right choice. 2013-06-06T02:26:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:10-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33920The Basics: Homeowner's AssociationsSome people love them, some people love to hate them – but either way, homeowner’s associations play a huge role in a modern community lifestyle. Depending on who’s in charge, they can make your life a lot better or a lot worse, and even that depends on who you are and how you like to live.<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_111393482_627.jpg" alt="" width="390" height="248" />
So there are a lot of ever-changing factors at play if you can’t decide whether or not to live somewhere that features a homeowner’s association. To make it a little bit easier for you, here are some common reasons why some people like them, and why some people don’t.
The Good:
It’s like living in a small town
“But I already live in a town!” is probably what you’re saying. But think about this: when was the last time you mowed the grass alongside the highway? Or commissioned to build a new park? Or had to put on small activities for everyone? The little burdens and things that you don’t have to deal with in your town are the same small things that a homeowner’s association frees you from. They collect dues, impose fines, and provide services – everything a town council would do.
They bring people together
There isn’t anything like a mandatory homeowner’s association meeting to bring together neighbors. You get to see people in your community that you might otherwise not meet, and it makes for a more unified, harmonious experience. Nobody wants to feel out of place where they live, but very few can find the time to get to know everyone in the community, so your HOA takes care of that for you.
The Not-So-Good
Restrictions, restrictions, restrictions
The most universal complaint about homeowner’s associations everywhere is the restriction. If you want to paint your house, or plant something in your front yard, or do really any kind of remodeling, it has to go through the HOA for approval first. If you are in a financially tight situation and fall behind on dues, the HOA will likely assess you fines. Not to mention, if there is an overall approval for something that will cost you money (such as a big event, or new treadmills for the fitness center) and you don’t approve, you are still obligated to pay your share.
Homeowner’s associations aren’t for everyone, but many people can’t imagine living without one. In the end, it will all come down to what your personal lifestyle is, so keep that in mind next time you look for homes in communities governed by one. 2013-06-05T23:24:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:11-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33921Shadow Wood CC at The Brooks in Bonita Springs Awarded Best Renovated ClubhouseHalf a year of hard work and $4.8 million later, Shadow Wood Country Club can boast a brand-new clubhouse and the title of "Renovated Clubhouse of the Year” by Golf Inc. magazine. <img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/607841_t607_607_01.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="200" />
Located in The <a href="https://www.fortmyersrealestate.com/the-brooks/">Brooks</a> community in Bonita Springs, the country club was featured in a two-page spread of the June 2013 issue showcasing the new building, and received acclamation from nearly everyone.
Kenneth Hart, an architecture expert in the industry, called the Shadow Wood project “a respectful and sensitive renovation of a well-aged Mediterranean-style clubhouse with well-proportioned additions that are harmonious to the original design.”
Fort Myers-based BSSW Architects and Image Design of Atlanta lead the project.
Some of the renovations included an expansion of the interior, and the addition of al fresco dining areas, multiple outdoor gathering spaces, and expanded locker rooms. The project also included a total renovation of the club’s hugely popular Grill Room. The renovation won the award thanks in part to “the vision of the development team, the aesthetic appeal of the project, and the efficiency and practicality of the floor plan,” as per Golf Inc. magazine’s guidelines.
Danita Osborne, the membership director for Shadow Wood Country Club, explained the general goals of the project.
“The interior design approach was to provide a functional clubhouse while focusing on the aesthetics and creating adequate flow and function in the existing building,” she said.
Since the project’s completion, Shadow Wood has seen 47 new members.
“These renovations enhanced the services and amenities for current members, and we’ve seen a 39 percent increase in food and beverage volume as a result,” Osborne reported.
“We expect to have a waitlist by the end of the year.”
The renovations to the clubhouse were completed alongside upgrades to the club’s short game practice facilities and driving range.
The 2,532-acre Brooks community, which is home to Shadow Wood Country Club, has claimed several prestigious awards of its own in the past years, including being named the 14th best master-planned community in the United States for three consecutive years, and the Pinnacle Award for Community of the Year by Lee Building Industry Association for a staggering four straight years.
Shadow Wood Country Club is now offering limited memberships to residents and non-residents alike.
Photo: <a href="http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/2013/may/23/459371/">http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/2013/may/23/459371/</a>2013-06-04T03:21:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:12-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33922This Season, Don't Let Renters Turn Your Condo Into a HotelSummer is upon us, and with it comes the usual influx of vacation travelers. Such is life in Florida.<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_33919990_474.jpg" alt="" width="324" height="235" />
It brings a much appreciated boost to the state’s economy, but also puts a strain on the long-term residents in many areas that are seen as summer vacation hotspots. As tenants rent out rooms to short-term travelers for premium rates, the amenities get more and more use, and condos start to look more like a Holiday Inn than a home.
And what people sometimes forget is that these condos often are homes, and not just part-time residences, owned half of the year and rented out the other half. And for these condo owners – everyone from a single bachelor to a big family – the increase of rowdy vacationers is not always a good thing.
It’s almost a guarantee that a hotel will see its fair share of unruly guests and lively activities. It’s probably got something to do with the Florida heat mixed with mixed drinks at poolside cabanas. But hotels are made to deal with this kind of situation – condos are not.
So, if you want to protect your condominium, make sure you have reasonable guest restrictions in place. It’s a sure way of ensuring that you provide the best possible experience for renters without letting some rowdy bad apples spoil everyone’s Florida experience. Here are a couple tips for creating the best experience for everyone involved:
“If a unit leased for more than three times a year for less than 30 days, the unit can be considered a hotel/motel by the State of Florida.”
Naples attorney Rob Samouce explains that if a condo falls under this category, it can be investigated by the state and required to be retrofitted with all the extra equipment and facilities that a hotel or motel would normally have. Avoid these charges by making sure you don’t rent out your unit too often.
“Adding restrictions on the number of guest stays in the unit in the absence of the owner” can cut down on incidents that disturb other guests.
Without a restriction like this, there isn’t anything keeping a large group of people from squeezing into a much-too-small condo in order to save some money. But the more people there are in such a small space, the louder and more disruptive they are likely to be. And without the owner there to keep order, things can get out of hand quickly.
Protecting your neighbors, as well as the integrity of your home and theirs, is important no matter who you rent to. Keep everyone happy, enjoy the summer, and you’ll probably see them next year. 2013-06-03T22:03:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:13-07:00Office Stafftag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33923Walking Away With a New Home - And No Regrets<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right; margin: 10px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/man_taking_keys_from_female_realtor_499.jpg" alt="" width="399" height="233" />Buyer’s Remorse: it’s a real thing.
Nearly everyone’s felt it before, but it’s usually a cheap and simple fix that involves returning the offensive purchase. But with a new home, you can’t just hand back the receipt and get a refund – once it’s yours, it’s yours, at least until you decide to sell.
It can be avoided, however. Follow this checklist to make sure you never feel that familiar pang of regret after you walk away with a new home.
1. Have you see the house more than once?
You might be able to get away with this if you’re lucky, but for added confidence it’s always a good idea to check out the potential home multiple times. See it during the day, but also try to see it at other times too – maybe the light in the morning comes through the bedroom and blinds you. You’ll notice things that you didn’t notice the first time, things you wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t taken your time. It’s a competitive market, and it’s normal to be worried that the home might be snatched out from under you if you don’t act fast enough, but in the long run it’s better to be simply outbid than to burden yourself with a purchase just for the sake of beating someone to the punch. That being said…
2. Have you seen absolutely everything?
Walking into the living room and glancing about the rest of the house may seem reasonable if you’re on a tight schedule, but it isn’t going to give you the right impression of the house. Walk through every room at your own pace, taking every detail in. Visit the attic or the basement and notice everything. Tour the garage, and then park your car in it to make sure there’s enough room. Take a look at the surrounding landscaping, and ask if there’s an included maintenance crew or if you’ll be mowing yourself. This could be a place you end up living in for a very long time – don’t write anything off as unnecessary.
3. Are you just trying to win?
Make sure you aren’t going into a bidding war for all the wrong reasons. Be positive that the place you’re vying for is everything you’re looking for, and if it isn’t, stop. Take a deep breath. A bidding war is a quick way to get a house well over the listing price, and you don’t want to end up going over budget on a house that you have second thoughts about.2013-05-29T22:56:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:13-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33924The Help You Need When Buying or Selling a Home<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/male_and_female_realtor_with_giant_house_key_760.jpg" alt="" width="260" height="260" />Hardly anything is a one-person job anymore, and hiring a professional isn’t a waste of money. It’s a way to ensure something gets done right, and real estate is no exception. If you want the most out of your buying or selling experience, here are some professional services that are there to help you – you just have to ask.
Home Loan Lenders
Not everyone has hundreds of thousands (or especially millions) of dollars lying around, so if you plan on buying a home and you aren’t the co-founder of Microsoft, you’ll have to get a home loan. Generally this will be done via a bank, and you can even hire a home mortgage broker to find the best deal for you.
Real Estate Agents
In order to get the right loan, however, you’ll need to enlist the services of a licensed real estate agent. This person can help you find a place that’s in your budget, in a good location, and in a good condition – they know specific things to look for that the eyes of your average buyer might gloss over. The point is, you know what you want, and your real estate agent is the person who can get you there.
Inspectors
A real estate agent, however talented, isn’t all you want standing between you and that huge sum of money you just borrowed. To make sure that everything is in order with your potential home, hire some inspectors whose jobs are to specifically inspect homes. Someone can come out to check the foundation, or the windows, or the wood supports in the attic. Another person can come out and check the home for pests: termites, raccoons, other small animals, etc. In the end, you’ll have more confidence about your home, and more confidence about where you’re putting your money.
Financial Advisor
Anytime you are handling a large sum of money, enlist the help of a financial advisor to ensure that you’re making wise choices. Often, your home will be the most expensive purchase you ever make (unless, of course, you actually are the co-founder of Microsoft – in which case your personal Learjet will probably take the top spot), so that means you should treat it like the important event that it is. People lose money over a lot less than a home, so having everything put in order by a professional is a surefire way of saving as much money as you can.2013-05-29T04:18:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:14-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:339258 Common Real Estate Terms That Aren't as Complicated as They SoundWhether you buy a house, rent an apartment, sell one of the two, or anything in between, you’re going to find yourself, at least once, staring at a jumbling of words on a sheet of paper that you’ve never seen before.<img style="font-size: 12px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/couple_filling_out_home_paperwork_771.jpg" alt="" width="371" height="287" />
There are hundreds (if not thousands) of real estate terms that you’ll probably never see, but there are a select few that nearly everyone has to deal with at some point, so you should be well aware of what they mean – and the next time you encounter one in the wild, you’ll be more knowledgeable and more confident.
APR: If you’ve ever seen a car commercial on TV, you have heard these three letters enough for a lifetime. They stand for “Annual Percentage Rate,” and it is an annual interest rate charged on a loan or credit.
Closing: As you might have guessed, this is when the deal is officially closed, and the transfer of money, title, etc. is finalized. Similarly, “closing costs” are various fees that are applied during a closing.
Deed: This is a written document that conveys “title to, or an interest in, real estate.” Basically, you need the deed for a property to have ownership.
Down Payment: Another staple of car commercials nationwide. This one is simple – a down payment is just an initial payment that a buyer puts down in order to buy property. There are some restrictions to the payment that lenders have, such as a 5% minimum for most homes.
Equity: This involves some beginner’s math. Equity is the value of a property when taking into consideration any mortgage debt. For example, if your home is worth $100,000, and you have a mortgage balance of $70,000, your equity would be $30,000.
Lien: In simple terms, a lien is a right to keep a property that belongs to a debtor until that debt is paid.
Mortgage: This is a record that shows a person is pledging his or her property as collateral for a loan. The loan, or course, was likely for the property in question, so unless the debt is paid off, the lender (likely the bank) has the right to take the property away.
Market Value: What a property is worth at a given time. In other words, if the property were to sell right that second, its market value is what it would sell for.2013-05-28T23:11:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:15-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33926Despite What You've Heard, Buying is Still More Affordable Than Renting<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_42203251_533.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="150" />In years past, the common conception has been that renting property is a much more effective money saver as compared to buying, and that homes are an investment that will only lose you money as time goes by. New information, however, is showing that to be less and less true.
According to Forbes, just last year renting was 46% more expensive than buying. And even though the rising cost of homes has narrowed the gap slightly, it is still 44% more expensive to rent today – thanks in part to the steady decline of mortgage prices and the opposite growth of rent costs.
Buying isn’t as simple as it sounds, however. The biggest problem resides in the fact that nearly everyone who buys a property started out paying rent somewhere. Because of these rising rent costs, renters are finding it more and more difficult to save up for a down payment on a house, and are becoming trapped in a cycle of rising monthly rent payments.
But there are geographic characteristics – buying isn’t cheaper than renting universally. As most people know, renting in Manhattan (expensive as that famously is) is still more affordable than attempting to buy a property. Drive out of the city and into the suburbs, however, and buying becomes the more frugal option. It’s all about the location.
Forbes also has an interactive graphic available that can, when you input personal factors such as your monthly rent, price of a new home, percentage of your down payment and mortgage rate, and annual property taxes, put together a graph that will show whether it is more affordable to rent or to buy.
This isn’t just an American occurrence, either. According to telegraph.co.uk, buying in 2012 turned out to be 16%, or 120 pounds, cheaper than renting.
Yet people are still renting – it’s a product of our still-fragile economy. People can’t always afford something that is long-term affordable. They have to put their money toward something that can give them return immediately. And until this problem is resolved, expect the number of renters around the world to increase, despite seeing the average cost of a new home go down.2013-05-27T22:39:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:16-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33927Why Florida is Everyone's "Home Away From Home"No place says “vacation” quite like Florida.<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_3350019_762.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="155" />
Ask anyone why and they’ll each give you a different answer. Maybe it’s the palms. Maybe it’s the weather, or the warmth. Maybe it’s the miles upon miles of beaches – everyone has their reason. Whatever it is, it’s catching on, and making America’s favorite peninsula the vacation destination on everybody’s list.
According to CNBC, of the top ten “Best Cities to Buy a Vacation Home,” Florida held five spots. <a href="http://www.equityrealty.com/">Ft. Myers</a> came in second overall after Las Vegas, but if you are adverse to a wild Vegas lifestyle and instead want a warm, relaxing, and cathartic vacation experience, Florida is the way to go.
It’s inexpensive – if you know where to look
Florida has been given a reputation of being a locale fit for only the super-rich, but the fact is, there are countless properties available all throughout the state that are priced to fit a tight budget. In Ft. Myers alone, the median home price has dropped a whopping 54% since its 2006 peak of $258,000 – it now stands at just $118,000.
It’s fun
Between Disney, the Keys, the Kennedy Space Center and more, there isn’t a shortage of things to do no matter where you are in Florida – and if you’ve chose the Ft. Myers area, this holds firmly true. With amenities such as beaches, surfing, boating, fishing, night life, and a historic downtown area packed with museums and landmarks, prepare to have a full plate of activities.
It’s year-round
They don’t call it “The Sunshine State” for no reason. Plenty has been said about typical Florida good weather, but not much is emphasized about the fact that this weather is a year-round occurrence. Save for the late-afternoon showers in the summer and the brief “cold” snaps in the winter, Florida’s weather seems to have a one-track mind: sun and fun. After all, there aren’t many places where you could spend a mid-December morning playing an award-winning golf course, and top off the afternoon with a dip in the pool.
The coasts were built just for you
<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_54087223_626.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" />Look at any picture down the line of a Florida beach, and you’ll notice countless high-rises dotting the horizon. This is because Florida’s economy is nearly completely run by the tourism industry – they want to do everything they can to get you down here and get you happy. You’ll find incredible deals on beachfront condos and apartments just because if no one is filling them, they’re losing money. There has never been a better time than now to buy, and Florida continues to offer the best locations to do so at the best prices.
So whether you are thinking of buying a vacation home on the coast or just visiting for a week to hit Florida’s famous theme parks, this state provides the best in every category. 2013-05-23T02:18:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:17-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33928The Basics: Homeowner's InsuranceInsurance is so common now that it isn’t uncommon to purchase it for even a simple cell phone. Nobody wants to pay out of pocket when things go bad, so they double down with the insurance option.<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/homeowners-insurance_410.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" />
But when it comes to owning a home, there are countless different options and offers to choose from, under many different prices with many different fees. It can be complicated, but it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for now, so you don’t pay later.
Essentially, homeowner’s insurance is a kind of insurance that covers private homes – such as the common single-family detached home – from incidents that the homeowner could never afford. It can cover many different things, depending on the particular policy, including incidents that affect the homeowner, the home, or anything else as outlined in the policy.
The insurance is usually set up through a term contract – that is, one that is set for a fixed period of time. The homeowner then pays a decided premium at the end of every term. The safer they think your home is, the less of a premium you have to pay. For example, if you install a state-of-of-the-art security system, or you home is located close to a police or fire station, or it has hurricane shutters, you would likely pay a lower premium because your home is not as likely to see significant damage.
Another factor of your homeowner’s insurance is the deductible. This number is basically the amount you would be willing to pay out of pocket if you suffer a loss, and so the popular choice is to pick the lowest deductible possible. However, this may not be such a good idea.
“What you want is coverage for the risks that you can’t pay for yourself,” says Jack M. Guttentag, professor emeritus at Wharton School and head of MortgageProfessor.com. He says the best option is to see how much income you have coming in and out, and to decide from there what a realistic deductible is – not just pick the lowest one you can get. In the long run, this will save you money. The important thing is to do everything you can to ensure you don’t even have to see the deductible put to use.
Homeowner’s insurance is there to be a safety net for when things take a turn for the worse. Be prepared by getting your home safe from things you can prevent, and homeowner’s insurance will take care of the rest. Now you have a basic understanding of what you’re paying for, and what it will do for you in return.
Photo: <a href="http://siginsuranceagencies.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/homeowners-insurance.jpg">http://siginsuranceagencies.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/homeowners-insurance.jpg</a>2013-05-22T23:01:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:18-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33929Save Yourself the Time, and Sell Your Home Fast<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_626699_426.jpg" alt="" width="226" height="210" />It’s a competitive market, and getting your home listed and sold in as short a time as possible can save you lots of time, hassle, and money. The best part – there are ways to do this without even lowering the asking price.
Make yourself stand out…
It can be as simple as adding a couple subtle flower pots to your window sills, or putting a fresh coat of paint on the wood trim around the front porch. Everyone is looking for reasons why not to buy your place, so don’t give them any. Think of things that other homes on the market might not have, and add them to yours. It’s about being creative and giving the buyer what he or she wants to see.
…But don’t go overboard
Studies have shown that when there is too much added or changed about that home, it becomes more and more difficult to recoup that investment. For example, if you were to add a bathroom or a balcony, you might not get enough return to compensate you for the project. Do some research into what improvements can get you the best return for your investment.
Don’t neglect the exterior
This is the first part of your home that buyers are going to see, and making a great first impression can be a deal breaker. Keeping the grass trimmed, and any exterior landscaping clean, is a fast and easy way to make your home jump out from the crowd. Look up common exterior maintenance procedures, such as power washing or repainting, and spend a day sprucing up your property.
Make your home cleaner than ever…
This might be the most difficult part, as you gradually grow less and less aware of any messes in your home. To make sure your home hits a new level of clean, bring in friend to walk around and point out things that you otherwise wouldn’t notice – and there’s no pride here. You need an honest opinion and a keen eye to get your home sparkling clean. This will kick your house up a notch in the eyes of any buyer.
…But not unnaturally clean
You want to find a good balance between “clean” and “lived-in.” Sometimes it can be difficult for a prospective buyer to imagine themselves living in a place if it is too clean and bland. It’s important to keep little hints of life around. For example, set the dining room table as if you were having someone over for dinner, keep some casual coffee table books in the living room, and make sure you have plenty of warm lighting on. The buyer will feel much more like a welcomed guest, and your home could go much sooner than you think. 2013-05-22T01:41:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:19-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33930Lenders Are Denying More and More Home Loans - But Why?<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shopping_cart_with_house_524.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="224" />In a market that has drastically changed over the past several years, general loan practices are becoming more and more jumbled. Everyone, including the banks, is becoming much more conscious about their money, and it’s becoming a problem for many home buyers – they aren’t getting their loans approved by the bank. It’s a fairly complicated situation, but here are a few simple reasons why this is happening, as well as some ways to avoid it happening to you.
1. Lack of Income
If you don’t have proof of income for the past several years, expect to have your loan denied. Banks will rarely take a chance lending to someone that cannot prove what kind of income they have recently made, even if they have a stellar credit history. Avoid this by being organized, and keeping track of the documents that show how much you earn.
2. Poor Credit
This is one of the most common problems facing home buyers, and it can be a deciding factor for the lender even if the buyer has done everything else right. There are limits and thresholds that your credit score must fall between, and it can make or break whether or not your loan gets approved.
3. Self-Employment
It’s true – if you are self-employed, expect to have a little more attention paid to you by the lender. You certainly won’t have your loan denied for this sole reason, but it does give the lender reason to do a little extra research.
4. Unemployment
This one is fairly obvious. To a lender, you should have at least two years of steady employment; anything less, and you seem unreliable, or maybe even lazy. In one of the toughest job markets in decades, this may seem like an unfair assumption, but it is a necessary one.
5. Lots of Debt
How can a lender expect you to pay them back in an orderly fashion if your debt reflects a history of being unable to do just that? Again, this may seem to be unfair on the lender’s part (you may have debt from school, or inherited debt, that you weren’t able to control), but at the end of the day, the lender needs to make sure that the loan goes to someone who will pay it back in full.
Just because you may fit into any of the above categories doesn’t mean your loan request is all for naught. There are ways to negotiate your way into a deal even if your record is less than desirable. However, if you want a simple and easy experience requesting a loan, do everything you can to avoid as many of these as you can.2013-05-21T02:54:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:19-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33931Tips for First-Time Home Buyers<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/young_couple_and_older_realtor_collage_709.jpg" alt="" width="209" height="209" />If you’re planning on making the big move from renter to first-time homeowner, you’re probably going to have a lot on your plate. It’s a daunting thing, buying your first home – but one of the most rewarding. Still, there’s a lot to learn about the process, so below are some tips and reminders that are made to help all the first-time buyers out there get knowledgeable and get organized.
Be prepared to make a commitment
Don’t go into buying a new home thinking that it’ll be just a temporary residence. While you likely won’t be staying there forever, you should still count on living there for roughly 3-5 years. This is because it will likely take at least that long to build up equity in the home and recoup all of your investment costs. Leave before then, and you’re just losing money.
Know what home would fit your needs
Do you have a family? Do you plan on one in the future? How far in the future? Who will be living in your house in the meantime? These are the questions that need to be asked before buying your first home. While it may be tempting to splurge on that 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath villa, it isn’t fiscally wise if you’ll just be living there on your own. In the end, your budget should reflect your lifestyle.
Look out for your credit score
Credit scores mean more and more now, and poor credit can sometimes totally smother your chances of being approved by a lender. Before you buy, do everything you can to get that score as high as you can.
Make a strict budget
This is really important – with all the fees and little costs of buying your first house, you don’t want to be going over budget with the home itself. Plus, a wavering budget doesn’t stand a chance against that expensive dream house you’ve always wanted. There’s plenty of time for that place later – for now, stick to your budget, and make the smart choice.
Keep saving
After you’ve bought the house, don’t assume you can take a breather with your finances. Owning a home takes a lot more upkeep than renting – now you have to consider taking care of the yard (if you have one), fixing every small issue that crops up (no more asking the landlord to fix the heat), possibly paying for garbage pickup, individual utilities, the list goes on and on. Similarly, once you have a number for your mortgage payment, work that into your monthly budget so you will always make the payment. This will help your credit, and also build up good spending and saving habits that will prove valuable for the rest of your life – especially for the next time you buy a home. 2013-05-21T01:38:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:20-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33932Simple Steps to Make Your Home a Summer Staycation<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_3128286_600.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" />As the summer heat begins to kick into high gear, it’s tough not to fantasize about hopping on the next flight out of town and taking a much-deserved vacation. But with everyone in the country running a tight budget, what if you just don’t have the disposable cash to make a spur-of-the-moment trip like that happen? Then it’s time to work with what you have – and make your home into a summer getaway staycation.
Hang up a hammock
When was the last time you lounged lazily in a slow-swinging hammock? It’s a little-known joy that seems to have all but disappeared from the mainstream relaxation strategies. The best part – all you need are two decently spaced trees and a hammock. The trees can generally be found out in nature, and hammocks are relatively inexpensive, and together they make the perfect setting for a light afternoon nap or a comfort spot to read your favorite book.
Relocate to a quiet brook
Ok, don’t actually relocate. But you can simulate the sounds of such an environment with a simple do-it-yourself fountain. All it takes is some rocks, a pump, some readily available municipal water, and some fun and imagination – there are plenty of easy, step-by-step instruction available online. But if building isn’t your forte, you can consider splurging on a pre-made fountain, or even just purchasing a CD of white noise, which will be bound to include the sounds of that calming, babbling brook.
Color up your home
Adding some bright colors (especially flowers) to your environment can be a simple and cheap way to totally change the atmosphere in which you live, and give you the relaxing feel you want. As the saying goes, “Familiarity breeds contempt,” and as such, traveling to a new locale has become the typical way to vacation. However, by introducing something fresh and new into your home can be the push it needs into the new season.
Make a lemonade stand, profit in more than just quarters
It may seem like a trope of Hollywood and the Sunday comics, but putting together a lemonade stand can be a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience that will put the perfect bow on your summer staycation. Be it with your family, friends, or on your own, selling lemonade on a street corner is a great way to get your neighborhood into the summer spirit, meet new people, and make a couple bucks. Even better is the look on local childrens’ faces when they see a real-life lemonade stand. And to profit in some real-life Good Samaritan points – make sure their drinks are on the house.2013-05-20T04:04:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:21-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33933The Hidden Costs to Buying a House<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/house_with_money_and_graph_510.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="150" />Although it’s a well-known and oft-spoken fact that buying a home is likely the most expensive purchase you’ll make in a lifetime, there is little talk of what this huge sum of cash is being divided into. Most people just assume it all goes toward the cost of the house, but the fact is that there are numerous little fees and costs that are associated with making new home purchase – and if you aren’t aware of them, they can take you by surprise.
1. Closing Costs
These are things such as the Origination Fee (what the bank charges you for making out a loan), Discount Points (what the bank charges you for getting a lower interest rate), and Appraisal fee (the bank will hire an appraiser to value the home – they don’t want to loan you more than it’s worth, after all). There are even more little costs like this that you might find, but some can be negotiated away on occasion. Still, these various fees can run you as much as 6 or 7 percent of the sale price. So be aware of what you’re paying, and find a good closing cost calculator online to make sure you aren’t paying too much.
2. Inspection Fees
Don’t be surprised if, before closing, you have to pay for various inspections of the home to be done (for pests, mold, damage, etc.). However, it’s probably a good idea to splurge for these services so you truly know that the home you’re buying will live up to its value.
3. Utilities, garbage, HOA fees, and more
These are all the little post-purchase fees that you’ll want to know about before actually buying the house. They’re things that you may not currently be paying for, so you’ll need to know what they are – for example, paying for separate utilities, for garbage pickup, or for Homeowner’s Association fees.
4. Exterior Maintenance
If you’re used to living in an apartment, and this is your first house, prepare to pay for plenty of yard and home maintenance – this’ll probably be the first time you’ll have to mow since Dad made you do it in high school. And if you don’t want to do it, prepare to pay a law care crew to take care of it. Some high-end communities provide these services, but don’t expect that sort of luxury treatment for your first place.
5. Moving Costs
If it’s a big move, don’t expect all your worldly belongings to fit in the back of your station wagon. You’ll probably have to either pay for a professional moving crew to take the work off your hands, or get a few friends to help. And if you do find some willing buddies, don’t forget to buy them lunch. 2013-05-20T02:31:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:22-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33934What Not To Do When Buying A Home<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/keys_next_to_house_and_blueprint_605.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" />As rewarding as buying a home may be, the time spent leading up to the purchase can be wrought with second-guessing and self-doubt. Wondering if you made the right choice, wondering if the seller is being totally truthful about the property – these are all things that may go through your head. So, it’s important to know everything you can know about what to avoid when you’re buying a home, if only to give yourself confidence in the decision you make.
Don’t consider yourself a master craftsman if you aren’t
<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/wrench_with_house_313.jpg" alt="" width="113" height="69" />When a home is being advertised as a “fixer-upper,” there are many things that can mean. One thing it does mean universally, however, is that it will be costing you money. Many buyers make the mistake of assuming that they will be able to take care of all the little issues the home has; the truth is a lot of home problems are best left to the professionals. It may be a fantastic price, but first consider the fees you’ll be paying for parts, labor, and time needed to turn the “fixer-upper” into a real home.
If it’s out of your budget, put it out of your mind
You’ve created a home-buying budget for a reason: because you need to know exactly what you can afford. You may be confident that you’ll hold firm to your finances, but once you see that dream house for the first time, that all goes out the window – the beautifully carved, double-paned, tempered bay window, to be exact. The worst thing you can do to yourself is think that simply moving a few things around in your budget will be enough to squeeze out the cash for that fairy-tale home you’ve always wanted. Just continue looking – it’s out of your budget for a reason.
Don’t get desperate
The search for a new home can be pretty strenuous, and can go on for quite a long time. It is very important not to get frustrated and simply make an offer on something “just to get it over with.” Nothing is more bothersome than looking and looking and finding nothing that you like. If you have time on your side, this is a good place to be patient – finding a home is a big deal, and shouldn’t be treated with the same mindset as buying a new loaf of bread.
Don’t jump to make an offer without thinking it through
Sometimes, it’s necessary to jump with an offer, especially when the market is hot. You just never know when someone will come out of nowhere to pull the rug out from under you. However, making a quick decision can come back to haunt you if you haven’t thought over the purchase completely. Are there schools nearby? Where’s the closest bus stop? Is it a safe place at night? Are there any issues with the home? All of these things are important to consider before pulling the trigger, and will ensure that you are confidant and content with the choice that you make. 2013-05-19T23:08:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:23-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33935Advertising Your Home Online - Give Your Property the Boost it Needs<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: right;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/computer_house_search_267.jpg" alt="" width="257" height="239" />When it comes to something as competitive as selling a home, those who don’t take advantage of every medium they can are the ones who fall behind. Many sellers don’t even consider the power that the internet has, but when used correctly, it can become a powerhouse for advertising your home, attracting buyers, and getting you the best price possible.
But considering the average person perusing the internet has probably sold no more than a handful of DVDs on EBay, advertising for an entire house may seem daunting. The truth is, however, as long as you have a few basic ideas down it can be a simple and rewarding process.
Your real estate agent can help
When you start working with a local real estate agent to get your home on the market, he or she can create a listing for it with an MLS, or Multiple Listing Service. These listings are then posted on regional real estate sites for anyone to see, and it’s a service paid for by the agent or the real estate company they work with.
Actually, you CAN use EBay
The massively popular auction website has an entire portion of their site devoted to real estate, and it’s a great way to show your home to a vast audience. According to their website, they see roughly 370,000 total page views every day – the equivalent of showing your house 4 time per second.
Conduct a virtual tour
If you aren’t sure what that means, it’s exactly what it sounds like. People will be able to walk into your home, check out the rooms, spin around in your kitchen – literally take a tour – all from the comfort of their couch. To set one up, you can either take your own pictures and a professional will put them together, you can hire a professional to do all the work, or you can download software and do the entire thing on your own. For an average-sized home, the finished product can cost less than $200 (which goes up the bigger your home is), and when you consider the boost in buyer interest that comes with a polished interactive tour, the investment is a smart one.
Free, wide-audience advertising
Huge websites like Craigslist or Walmart offer free advertising for real estate, and it’s an easy way to get your home out to a huge audience for no cost. You can upload picture of your home, and give a detailed description to better draw in prospective buyers.
Photo Source: <a href="http://www.3poundsofrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/computer_house_search.jpg">http://www.3poundsofrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/computer_house_search.jpg</a>2013-05-17T01:04:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:24-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33936Better Shopping Experience To Be Seen With Colliers International<img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/shutterstock_129828290_450.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" />Living in Florida is about following a relaxed and stress-free lifestyle. It is not just about the natural reserves, beaches and waterfront views that the residential areas boast. The amenities of the place are about class and style that is lacking in other cities. In Bonita Springs, Promenade is a popular place to hang out, as it is the place to dine, shop, and be entertained. For the <a href="https://www.fortmyersrealestate.com/">Fort Myers area</a>, Island Park is a shopping center that everyone goes to for daily necessities as well as fun and relaxation.
The shopping centers were bought for a total of $9.125 million where the Promenade was priced at $5 million while the Island Park was at $4.125 million. The managing director and principal, Karen Johnson-Crowther represented the Colliers International Southwest Florida. The Collier International Southwest Florida team will manage these properties for the owner. Initial plans for both properties include prepping for appearance and maintenance to continue offering competitive leasing options for other companies.
As RLR Investments LLC is not new in the shopping center business, shoppers can expect to have better experience in these commercial areas. This investment company owns other shopping complexes such as Tarpon Center, Old Sanibel Shoppes and Tahitian Garden Shopping Center. The Promenade’s 106,454 square foot of space will come up with more dining and shopping spots to ensure everyone will be accommodated. Island Park shopping center will bring in more tenants to provide the needs and satisfy the wants of the Fort Myers residents and visitors. With the 108,575 square feet of area, the Island Park will certainly be a huge place to come with the family and enjoy the modernity of this part of Florida.
There are numerous shops found in the Promenade including branded men and women’s apparel namely La Petite Pomme, Mondo Uomo& Donna and Signatures among others. Other shops offer leather goods shops, home furnishings, jewelry, art shop, and other services. Dining spots are Molina’s Ristorante and Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion while for a relaxing coffee time can be made at Starbucks Coffee Silver Spoon Café. Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is great for all ages looking for a cool snack.
Island Park Shopping Center has the Publix Super Market to make sure that the pantry is always full. There are various tenants that trust the commercial space in Island Park such as The Clam Bake, Mother Earth Natural Foods, Vincenzo’sPasteria, Quizno’s, Downtown Jerry’s Bar and Coastal Dental. Parking space is ample that you are sure to find a spot anytime of the day you plan to visit this shopping center.
Therefore, for those who have been to these shopping centers you will definitely look forward to the new management. With more services and shops to all patrons and visitors from all over, not to mention the entertainment, you can look forward to a great time in both the Promenade and Island Park.2013-05-16T21:45:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:25-07:00Tim Ryantag:fortmyersrealestate.com,2012-09-20:33937Microhouses Are Small in Size, Big in CharacterThese aren’t exactly your typical homes. <img style="font-size: 12px; margin: 10px; float: left;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/4511/image/store/images/micro78flakehouse_528.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" />
The popularity of the so-called “microhouse” is on the rise, partly because of the low, low price tag that comes with them, and partly because of the small impact they have on their location. They’re often privately built, and few exceed the size of a typical New York City studio apartment. But they have warmth and charm that is rarely found in a more typically sized house.
The aptly-named “Alligator House” in New Orleans was designed by N.O. architect Will Crocker, and though the home stretches from the sidewalk back nearly 50 feet, it has just 13 feet of width. With the appearance of a large alligator with open jaws, this all-white creation is more unique than it is micro, but still fits the bill.
Not all of these homes are built by private designers and builders, however. A French architectural company by the name of OLGGA Architects created a tiny, unobtrusive log cabin that is small enough to comfortable load onto a pair of flatbeds and deliver to virtually any location. The home, dubbed “Flake House,” is walled by dozens of unmilled logs, and contains a single large window that takes up the entire back end of the unit. Better yet, there is no foundation – it simply rests on wooden supports laid on the ground, and as such is totally portable and has little impact on its surroundings.
For the romantics, Toronto architect Michael Taylor’s minimalist home located on Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada is right up your alley. This “Sunset House” has just one room with only the necessities: a bed, a bathroom, a wood-burning stove, and an outdoor shower. Surrounding the home is a thin screen of horizontal wooden slats that let in filtered light, and an innovative “green” roof that utilizes planted sedums and herbs to provide thermal mass to help keep the cabin cool.
But if pure creativity and uniqueness is what you’re looking for, the obvious answer is the beehive-shaped “Coco Hut,” located in the Netherlands and designed by Dutch designer Gurt Eussen. This tiny, round hut was created by recycling the ends of pine beams, a commonly-used building material in the Netherlands, and layers of aluminum. Its hoisted 4 feet off the ground by thick logs, and the shape of the structure is conducive to air circulation, keeping it cool.
So don’t consider yourself limited by housing norms – there are still plenty of fun, unique, micro alternatives for those on a budget.
Photo Source: <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/~/media/Images/MEN/Editorial/Blogs/Natural%20Health/8%20Great%20Micro-Houses/Micro78Flakehouse.jpg">http://www.motherearthnews.com/~/media/Images/MEN/Editorial/Blogs/Natural%20Health/8%20Great%20Micro-Houses/Micro78Flakehouse.jpg</a>2013-05-16T04:30:00-07:002023-01-27T05:11:25-07:00Tim Ryan