State of Florida existing condo sales rise in November 2010

It was recently reported that every 8 seconds this year a baby boomer will retire.  Is that the reason for the recent rise in existing condo sales in the month of November?  Many retirees often look for warm climates to spend their winters, and it appears Florida has been
on the top of the list.  The Florida realtors association reports that an 11% rise in existing condo sales in November over the previous year.   In 09′ 4860 condominium units were sold in comparison to 5411 in 10′.  The median price for existing condos in the state
of Florida in 2009 was $88,200.  In 2010 we saw a slight decrease in the median price it was $82,400.

In our area of Cape Coral the trend held true.  In 2009, 498 condos sold with a median price of $76,000.  In 2010 existing condo sale were 527 with a median price of $76,000.  Is the trend because of the falling prices, retiree’s or increased interest in
foreign buyers?  There are so many great condos offered at great prices, many located on golf courses or offered with gulf access. 

We encourage buyers looking for a great new place to call home permanently or seasonally, come  see what Cape Coral has to offer.  If we can help with your search, please don’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to speaking with you.

 Yours in Success,     

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

inquiry@FloridaFutureAgents.com

Easy to spot signs of Chinese Drywall

With the home prices so affordable once again, there are many buyers looking for that next big purchase.  Unfortunately, we have all been made aware that some home built or renovated after 2001 could potentially be constructed with Chinese drywall. These homes can be completely remediated, but some buyers just don’t want to go to the added time, energy and expense involved in buying this type of property.

 These properties aren’t always clearly represented as infected drywall homes. So we as consumers need to get educated as to some of the most apparent and easy to spot signs.  Obviously the best way is to hire a home inspector and they can without doubt confirm or deny any suspicion that you may have.  When viewing multiple homes the cost
of an inspector can become very expensive.   Here are some simple signs to help streamline our home search.

Smell of sulfur it is comparable to rotten eggs.

Was the home constructed or drywall replaced after 2001?

There may be corrosion of the evaporator coil.

Metal corrosion and blackening on one or more of the
following:

Copper wires

Ground wires

Electrical connectors

Un- insulated and un coated copper pipes

Chrome plated bathroom fixtures

Silver or copper hardware

The mirror backing in the bathroom

Discoloration of picture frames and kitchen utensils.

We hope to educated consumers and help them make informed and educated decisions, buying a home is a big investment and we want to help you make right decision for you and your family. 

If we can help assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to call we would love to help your search for your new Cape Coral home.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Online foreclosure auctions hit Lee county

 Lee County became the 14th county in Florida to begin foreclosure auctions online.  It was put in place to cut the county’s cost associated in traditional court house auctions. They have
eliminated the need for extra manpower freeing up much needed county funds.

With so many foreclosures in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area this method just makes sense.  By holding the online auctions they are able to reach more potential buyers and investors hopefully resulting in a greater sales price and maximum exposure for each property.  The website is user-friendly and lists all pertinent information regarding
each property.  Times, and dates of upcoming auctions are featured on an interactive calendar.  When you have selected a property all information including case details, are easily accessible. 

A proxy bidding system is set in place.  Proxy bidding is much like EBay in the fact that you set the maximum amount you are willing to pay and the computer automatically increase you bid at $100.00 increments each time your current bid has been surpassed.

This online auction was created by the Realauctions.com a Fort-Lauderdale based company.Realauctions.com is privately owed company that specializes in the advertising and sale of delinquent tax certificates for County and municipal governments.

To sign up for this service visit:

www.lee.realforeclose.com

It is easy and free to sign up.  They have made available a tutorial that will help you understand the process and easily navigate through their site.

If you would like more information please follow the link above.

If we can help you any way please doesn’t hesitate to call. While visiting our site please feel free to use our MLS search engine.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquriy@floridafuturerealty.com

What can I buy for 1,000,000

As a full time resident in Cape Coral, Florida I am asked often what is available in Cape Coral and Fort Myers for sale. After searching online many come up confused as to what you can actually purchase and for what price. In this series I will explore homes in all price
categories to give out of area buyers a better idea of the area.

Today we will be visiting homes that can be purchased right around $1,000,000. There are several great options from single family estate homes, to beach houses to oceanfront condos!

So what does 1,000,000 buy in the Cape Coral, Florida and Fort Myers, Florida 2010 real estate market?

Here are a few of my favorite options:

Below you will find many more options for spending $1,000,000 on Southwest Florida real estate.

So, what do you think? Ready to make the investment?

Call Susan Milner at (239) 218-2229 for more information on these, or any other listings in and around Cape Coral & Fort Myers, Florida.

Susan is the broker in charge & owner of Florida Future Realty, Inc.. Florida Future Realty, Inc. is an independent real estate brokerage centrally located in Cape Coral, Florida.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty, Inc

239-542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Homestead Exemption Laws

 Over 1,000 people move to Florida every day according to dmv.org.   Not only are families relocating from other states but they are also moving from other countries.  Is this because of
the beautiful sand beaches, warm sunny weather, or miles of green golf courses?  It may just be because of the generous tax laws offered to Florida residents.

The law states that Florida residents are eligible for a 25,000 exemption on the assessed value of their home.  Those with an assessed value of more than 50,000 are eligible for an additional 25,000 exemption, depending on the value of their property. The exemption can
only be applied to non-school taxes, and the property must be worth at minimum 75,000 to be eligible for the entire exemption amount.

In order to qualify you must be a Florida resident having title to real property and making it your permanent residence by Jan 1st.  The deadline to apply is March 1st.

In addition to the homestead exemption we have the Save our homes amendment which protects homeowners by limiting the tax assessment to a maximum of 3% each year.

You may also qualify for one or all of these exemptions listed below.

  • Widow/Widower’s Exemption $500.00
  • Disability Exemption $500.00
  • Veterans Disability Exemption $5,000.00
  • Blind persons Exemption $500.00

If you are a foreign buyer there is something to be aware of and that is the FIRPTA withholding Rule.  This stands for investment inreal property tax act of 1980. FIRPTA authorized the IRS to withhold income tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations with sales of US real property. When a person or corporation purchases a US real
property from nonresident aliens or foreign corporations, they are required to withhold 10% of the amount. This tax is intended to ensure that the US is able to tax the gains from the sale of property.

Whether you are buying a new home or vacation home, moving from another state or another country or just planning to purchase an investment property,your taxes will always be based on the assessed market value of your property.  You will never be penalized and made to pay higher taxes simply because you are native to another place. The Homestead Exemption and Save our homes amendment are offered to full
time Florida residents.

There are exceptions to all tax information listed above we recommend visiting these sites for more detailed information.

General Info

IRS

Once you have made the decision to relocate to this beautiful
city of Cape Coral, contact our Florida Future Realty Team we are here
to assist you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Updated 1-12-2011

Cape Coral Real Estate for Sale

Our Listings

Florida Future Realty, Inc. has real estate listings around Lee County. Our main focus is on Cape Coral real estate & Ft. Myers homes.

If you would like to set up your own search ~ Cape Coral Real Estate Home Search. Our licensed real estate agents are able to provide you with additional information and/or show you all of the real estate currently listed on the market.

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

Florida Future Realty, Inc.

Cape Coral, FL 33904

(239) 542-8521

Email: Inquiry@FloridaFutureAgents.com

Cape Coral House