Tuesday, September 30, 2008
SW Florida Insider: Ways to Save Money for your Bonita Springs, FL Lifestyle
As I have noted in previous articles, every little effort makes a difference.
Let me make an effort on your behalf by offering you the following advice:
If you are interested in buying a home, contact me to find the best value for your dollar. Let me do the research for you so you will have the time and energy to do all the other things to save you money, like.........
Drive your car less: Plan to carpool, use public transportation, ride your bicycle. And if you must drive, use these links to calculate your gas use for a trip and find the lowest priced gas in the area:
http://www.city-data.com/gas/gas.php
http://www.motortrend.com/gas_prices/33/florida/lee/bonita_springs/index.html
Always keep your tires inflated properly! And shop for cheaper car insurance.
Host a garage sale. Great way to get rid of clutter, make some money and meet your neighbors!
Buy used. There are so many wonderful consignment and thrift shops in the area. Here is one of my favorites: http://collectiveconsign.com/
Consider a roomate. Share your home or rent a room.
Plan your meals: Don’t buy bottled water; Don’t bring the children to the grocery store (impulsive or pressure buying) and Eat before you shop. This link will give you sales, circulars and coupons for the Bonita Springs, Fl area.
http://www.americantowns.com/fl/bonitasprings-coupons
Turn off the lights
Use less water: Read more from Bonita Springs Utilities on how to conserve water: http://www.bonitaspringsutilities.com/water_resources/conservation.asp
Don’t use another bank’s ATM. If you must use your bank's ATM schedule it during a regular trip between work or grocery store.
Coming into town to view homes for sale? Have family or friends visiting?
Consider budget hotels who offer quality lodging such as the Holiday Inn Express:
http://www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/home?&cm_mmc=mdpr-_-yahoosspUS-_-ex-_-brand&dp=true
Here to help!
Lisa Farina-Lopez
239-287-6005
Friday, September 26, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate - New Listings and Sales for Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples area
NEW LISTINGS FOR BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, NAPLES AREA:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_columnreport.asp?eid=3192436
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_columnreport.asp?eid=3192437
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_columnreport.asp?eid=3192438
PENDINGS FOR BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, NAPLES AREA:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_columnreport.asp?eid=3192439
CLOSINGS FOR BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, NAPLES AREA:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_columnreport.asp?eid=3192440
These listings and sales were reported in the Sunshine MLS system.
For more information on these or any other listing please contact me...
Franziska Smith
Broker
Bonita Estero Realty Corp
divisions:
Coastal Elite Properties
Lee Collier Real Estate
FGCU Homes
franziskasmith@gmail.com
239-940-2995
http://www.coastaleliteproperties.com/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate - New Listings and Sales for Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples area
NEW LISTINGS FOR BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, NAPLES AREA:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/xproperty_searchresults_report_columnreport_hotsheet.asp?eid=3187340
PENDINGS FOR BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, NAPLES AREA:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/xproperty_searchresults_report_columnreport_hotsheet.asp?eid=3187336
CLOSINGS FOR BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, NAPLES AREA:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/xproperty_searchresults_report_columnreport_hotsheet.asp?eid=3187330
These listings and sales were reported in the Sunshine MLS system as of 4:45pm 9-23-2008.
For more information on these or any other listing please contact me...
Franziska Smith
Broker
Bonita Estero Realty Corp
divisions:
Coastal Elite Properties
Lee Collier Real Estate
FGCU Homes
franziskasmith@gmail.com
239-940-2995
Saturday, September 20, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate Insider- Avoiding Foreclosure
Are you living in what I consider southwest Florida- the Fort Myers- Bonita Springs- Estero- Naples areas? If so, I am sure you have either read or heard of the foreclosures that are in abundance.
Foreclosures occur for different reasons. Job loss, divorces, illnesses/ deaths, mortgage payment increases, are just a few of the reasons. The foreclosure is the end result of the borrower not being able to make their payments to the lender. When this happens, the lender "takes back" the property by foreclosing on it. The property is then "bank owned".
Foreclosures are not a pleasant experience on either side- the borrower loses their home and the bank adds a home to their REO list, which means it must be sold. (Lenders often say that they are in the business to lend money, not own real estate.)
So, how to avoid this?
First- stay aware of any changes in your financial situation. Has anything changed with your job? If hours have been cut, then less money is being brought home. This means that there is less money to pay bills- so the shortfall has to come from somewhere. The same goes for any situation where income is altered. Your income may have decreased because of an illness (which can also bring in additional bills.) What if you are divorced? Maybe the income has been cut in half. And what if your mortgage payments have gone up? Even with the same income, you have a problem, because now you have more monthly debt.
Second- Take immediate action to funnel more funds into the bill paying area of your life. Look at your "wants" and your "needs". Make sure you are using your money for things you need (think mortgage, food, electricity.) Be strict with yourself when you look at your "wants" and use leftover funds for that.
Third- If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot make the mortgage payments, you have options. You might be able to refinance. You might be able to negotiate with your lender and set up a payment plan. You might be able to sell your property and find a property to rent that has a monthly housing expense more in line with your income.
Above all else, don't be an ostrich! Sticking your head in the sand and ignoring the problem will not make it go away. It will only get worse unless you take action.
I am here to help in any way I can- my broker, Franziska Smith and I both have years of mortgage experience in addition to our real estate experience. We can be reached at 1-888-815-3999.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate Insider - New GREEN Industry for SW Florida
Did you know that SW Florida is growing a new energy crop?
Naples Daily News reported on it as well as the FreeReplublic.com in April, 2008. But in case you missed it, I think it’s big news for the area, the U.S. and the World. A new biodiesel that could power engines comes from a tree-shrub called the “Jatropha curas”. It produces a fruit with oily seeds that are crushed to produce a biodiesel. Research estimates that this plant can produce fuel 10 times more than corn and 4 times more than soy. My Dream Fuel LLC in LaBelle is cultivating the plant, should have as of this past June approximately 2 million seedlings planted in a nursery in Hendry County, is opening a seed crushing and plant cloning center at the State Farmer’s Market in Fort Myers and is approaching citrus farms with diseased trees and cattle ranchers to diversify with the Jatropha curas plant. Being one of the first companies to do large plantings of the shrub-tree in the United States has inspired a local start-up company, Sunshine Biofuels, to build an alternative fuel processing plant possibly in Immokalee, Collier County.
A wonderful testament to the ingenuity and spirit of local SW Floridians and an example of how a “Slow Home” type of thinking “Go Local”: Supporting the local economy is essential to keeping your community alive and well can make a positive difference in SW Florida which in turn will affect the economy, the real estate market, the U.S. and the World.
Read my other articles on SW Florida, thinking green, conservation, real estate, featured communities and community events!
Lisa Farina-Lopez, P.A.
239-287-6005
Check out my sites:
http://sites.google.com/site/lisafarinalopez/
http://sites.google.com/site/lisafarinalopez/the-northeast---sw-florida-connection
Monday, September 15, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate Insider - Naples High - Low sales
Attached are links to the Highest and Lowest MLS listings in Naples (active, pending and sold) for the first two weeks of September 2008. Check out my other posts for other Lee and Collier County towns.
NAPLES (collier county)
NAPLES LOWEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3170163
NAPLES HIGHEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3170159
NAPLES LOWEST MLS PENDING LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3170162
NAPLES HIGHEST MLS PENDING LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3170160
NAPLES LOWEST MLS CLOSED SALE:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3170164
NAPLES HIGHEST MLS CLOSED SALE:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/tools/hotsheet_residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3170161
These are for single family homes as shown in the sunshine mls system.
Franziska Smith, Broker
Lee Collier - Coastal Elite Team
Bonita Estero Realty Corp.
239-940-2995
http://www.leecollierrealestate.com/
Friday, September 12, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate Insider-Biking in Fort Myers
The Daniels road corridor in Fort Myers (between I-75 and 41) has a great path that runs along the North side and connects to the new 10 mile linear park and also connects to Six Mile Cypress which also has a great biking path. We can take an hour long ride in the am with some great views. If you have time for a longer ride you can do the loop from Daniels to the 10 mile linear park to Colonial Blvd, connect to Six Mile Cypress head South and Stop at the preserve for a walking tour before heading home. Florida has a great climate for year round biking and it is great exercise. We need more bikers taking advantage, we don't have near enough biking lanes in our great state and showing that we use the ones we have is the first step to getting more of them.
Franziska Smith
Broker
Lee Collier Real Estate
Coastal Elite Properties
FGCU Homes
Divisions of Bonita Estero Realty Corp
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday, September 11, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate Insider- Foreclosures in SW Florida
Yes, folks, according to news sources, foreclosures are still on the increase. Due in part to property values dropping, people losing their jobs, and adjustable rate mortgages adjusting upward, the number of foreclosures keep rising. (http://my.earthlink.net/channel/news/print?guid=-20080813/48a25c40_3_ca6_15526200808)
The metro area of Cape Coral and Fort Myers was #1 in the nation for July 2008 for foreclosures, according to the article.
The upside of this is that now is a great time to buy. Prices are down and there are a lot of properties on the market. And foreclosures are often priced below non-foreclosure listings-another opportunity for you to buy at a great price.
Things to keep in mind in looking at foreclosures:
--The properties that are priced aggressively go quickly- don't sit and ponder- if you want the property, make an offer.
--Be realistic on pricing- educate yourself so that you know where the price points are (don't hold out for the impossible deal- it may be impossible to get.)
--Foreclosed properties often need "fixing up". You will need money for this- unless you take out a loan that will incorporate repairs (see "Rehab Loan" label on our blog.)
--Make sure you have inspections done. A lot of properties have been sitting vacant, with the electric and water turned off. Remember the humid climate of the Fort Myers- Estero - Bonita Springs area. (Think mold, and think bugs.)
--Take stock of your situation. Do you own a home? If not, now is a really good time to start the search. If you do own a home, consider buying investment property- again, it's a great time.
Please contact me with any questions- sandytharp@gmail.com.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
SW Florida Insider - Fun, small Ways to Think Green BIG
As you are looking for a new SW Florida home there are many things to consider in fulfilling your lifestyle needs. Besides the obvious, pool, golf, proximity to beach or schools, there are new environmental factors people are choosing to consider such as proximity to work with concern not only for the cost of gas but the cost of time and energy. And the more you choose to live, work and play in your community the more you will gain awareness of that community and discover what your neighbors are aware of and what they are talking about.
You will find that many are talking about “green” and “conservation” and more recently “off-shore drilling” and you wonder how in the world little ol’you is ever going to impact something so huge? It is very simple. One little ol’ step at a time.
If you read my earlier blog article, What is the “Slow Home” Movement?, you will remember the number 10 commandment by Professor John Brown and my local advice of 10. “GO FOR IT” It’s time to slow down Mr. or Ms. Homeowner to understand and create what it is you really want and know that every big or small change made is so important. Not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy your home more fully but reconnect with and support your community and natural environment, save money, enhance your properties value and be proud of your efforts and the changes.
Or if you read my other blog article Green Homes through Water Conservation Special Help for Bonita Springs, FL and were inspired to protect water related to your home and property, then take it one little step further and help protect the water sources around your new Bonita Springs home and property.
Take that little step and connect with the Bonita Springs area community and natural environment and impact the water sources that support your home, property and lifestyle by participating in one of the following events:
September 20th between 9:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. is the Coastal Cleanup at Bonita Beach Park (next to Doc’s Beach House). What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday at the gorgeous Gulf beaches, helping to remove debris, clearing the area for your family's greater enjoyment, supporting a healthier beach excursion for the majestic sea turtles to lay their eggs and for their young to make it more safely to the open sea, meeting “eco-friendly", like-minded people, starting a discussion on the pros and cons of proposed Florida off-shore drilling and simply lifting your spirits in the presence of so much beauty. Attached is a flyer with information: Click Here
Then extend your personal “green” satisfaction by marking your calendar for a fun event to benefit the Bonita Springs Waterways Conservation Fund; a special City fund to preserve, restore and promote Bonita Springs rivers and creeks. October 24th is the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival kickoff in Riverside Park betweemn 5:30-8:30P.M. October 25th at 9:00 A.M. begins the 2 mile time trail, kayak/canoe course, “The River Challenge” on the beautiful Imperial River followed by festivities in the park. Another great way to connect with a community that supports preservation, restoration and enjoyment of our precious local water sources. More information and registration: Click Here
So, remember that with the purchase and ownership of a Bonita Springs area home, your efforts to think and act “green” or “eco-friendly” don’t have to be HUGE to be important. And not only can they be small but they can be fun!
Look for my upcoming “GO GREEN” articles!
Lisa Farina-Lopez, Realtor
239-287-6005
Friday, September 5, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate- Hurricane Ike
The key to being ready for a disaster is to be ready before it strikes. Thanks to the constant up-to-the-minute news of the local stations in Fort Myers, Estero and Bonita Springs, we are provided with current news on Hurricane Ike. Now it is up to us to make sure we are prepared.
Do you have an emergency kit? According to the American Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/ , there are six basics to any emergency kit:
--Water
--Food
--First Aid Supplies
--Clothing and Bedding
--Emergency Supplies
--Special Items for Emergency Conditions
Here's a list of recommended items under the Emergency Supplies section:
- Plates, cups, utensils
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cash, travelers checks, change
- Manual can opener and knife
- Small fire extinguisher
- Tube tent
- Pliers, tape, compass
- Matches in waterproof container
- Aluminum foil plastic storage containers
- Signal flare, paper and pencil
- Needles, thread, medicine dropper
- Shutoff wrench (cutoff household gas and water)
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting, map of the area (showing shelters)
I live in Fort Myers and will be gathering supplies tomorrow. Whether you are in Fort Myers, Estero, or Bonita Springs, please be careful if you are out making your Hurricane Ike preparations. The local stores will no doubt be packed with people such as yourself making preparations- it can get a little stressful.
Stay safe!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
SW Florida Insider - Bonita Springs, FL Area Events - Links and Coupons
Enjoy exhibits, music, conservation, networking and more......
September 11, 2008
9:00A.M. - 1:00P.M.
Patriot's Day Ceremony Riverside Park
10451 Pennsylvania Avenue
Downtown Bonita
September 11, 2008
5:30-7:30P.M.
Business After Hours-Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
Enjoy complementary refreshments, hor d'oeuvres and door prizes
while networking with various business professionals.
TIB Bank 8100 Health Center Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL
Members $10 / Non-Members $20
For more information and registration:
http://www.bonitaspringschamber.com/index.html
September 12, 2008
8:00-10:00P.M.
The Beadniks - Classic Hits
Gulf Coast Town Center
For more information: 239-267-0783
Printable coupon to take with you Gulf Coast Town Center
September 13, 2008
9:00A.M. - 11:00A.M.
Rain Barrel Workshop
Community Hall
27381 Old 41 Road
Downtown Bonita
For more information:
City Hall 239-949-6262
September 13, 2008
8:00-10:00P.M.
The Joe Johnson Band - Motown Hits
Gulf Coast Town Center
For more information: 239-267-0783
Printable coupon to take with you: Gulf Coast Town Center
September 17, 2008
7:00-9:00P.M.
An Evening with...."98 Strings"
Join harpists Dickie Fleisher and Kayo Ishimaru and violinist Glen Basham for an evening of French masterworks as well as Bach, Bartok, Parvis and Lecuona.
Art League of Bonita Springs
26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
For more information:
http://www.artcenterbonita.org/
September 17, 2008
5:00-8:00P.M.
Bon Appetit - Food & Wine Tasting and Auction
International Design Center
Corkscrew and I75
$20 in advance $25 at the door
For tickets call Sheri McCallum 239-245-2599
Sponsored by the Womens Council of Realtors
September 19, 2008
8:00-10:00P.M.
Anthony Wayne - Acoustic Guitar
Gulf Coast Town Center
For more information: 239-267-0783
Printable coupon to take with you:Gulf Coast Town Center
September 20, 2008
9:00A.M. - 12:00P.M.
Coastal Cleanup Bonita Beach Park
27954 Bonita Beach Road (next to Doc's Beach House)
For more information please call:
Keep Lee County Beautiful 239-334-3488
September 20, 2008
8:00-10:00P.M.
High Voltage Band- Motown, Disco, Rock-n-Roll
Gulf Coast Town Center
For more information: 239-267-0783
Printable coupon to take with you:Gulf Coast Town Center
September 24, 2008
11:30A.M.-1:00P.M.
Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon - Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
Members Only $25
The Annual Awards Luncheon event honors the outgoing Chairman of the Board, introduces the incoming Chairman, and recognizes many of the great member volunteers for their outstanding Chamber support!
This year the guest speaker is world champion triathlete "Iron" Joe Bonness. Joe has participated in triathlons for over 20 years and has competed in Ironman Florida, the Great Floridian and Ironman Hawaii. In 2000, Joe competed in five Ironman races, and finished each under 10 hours.
For more information:
http://www.bonitaspringschamber.com/index.html
September 26, 2008
8:00-10:00P.M.
The Beadniks - Classic Hits
Gulf Coast Town Center
For more information: 239-267-0783
Printable coupon to take with you: Gulf Coast Town Center
Hope to see you there!
Lisa Farina-Lopez, P.A.
Monday, September 1, 2008
SW Florida Real Estate - Estero - August HIGH - LOW
Lee County:
Estero LOWEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144530
Estero HIGHEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144529
Estero LOWEST MLS PENDING LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyTmi505Eubni%2BqGW5X1CQ8I%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Estero HIGHEST MLS PENDING LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144531
Estero LOWEST MLS CLOSED SALE:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyWH9gjyrEZrNzlL1TFMucEg%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Estero HIGHEST MLS CLOSED SALE:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144535
Franziska Smith, Broker
Lee Collier - Coastal Elite Team
Bonita Estero Realty Corp.
SW Florida Real Estate - Cape Coral High - Low
Lee County:
Cape Coral LOWEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyUACb4XSwkF2kV8QcF56icE%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Cape Coral HIGHEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRybZt8%2BhO9vSmF1N847lt2bw%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Cape Coral LOWEST PENDING MLS LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyXDKnUJuC6AD1GbuMZ3Cuvs%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Cape Coral HIGHEST PENDING MLS LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyYuI4wjKyQbZ6jHDe6VXAjk%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Cape Coral LOWEST CLOSED MLS LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyQsgBNBCUsKfF8IpyeACT0Q%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Cape Coral HIGHEST CLOSED MLS LISTING:
http://fgcmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Fortmyers&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=QSqKqpO3mJiqAxn1f5MRyfYdVNZ4etdUBSXMxHJL1FQ%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=
Franziska Smith, Broker
Lee Collier - Coastal Elite Team
Bonita Estero Realty Corp.
SW Florida Real Estate - Bonita Springs August HIGH - LOW
Lee County:
Bonita Springs LOWEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144443
Bonita Springs HIGHEST MLS ACTIVE LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144440
Bonita Springs LOWEST MLS PENDING LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144447
Bonita Springs HIGHEST MLS PENDING LISTING:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144445
Bonita Springs LOWEST MLS CLOSED SALE:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144450
Bonita Springs HIGHEST MLS CLOSED SALE:
http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_personalclientreport.asp?eid=3144449
Franziska Smith, Broker
Lee Collier - Coastal Elite Team
Bonita Estero Realty Corp