Author: newadmin

SW Florida Christmas event

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Average temperatures in our area for the month of Dec are 76 in the day and 55 in the evening. Beautiful weather for outdoor activities but leaves a little to be desired when trying to get into the holiday spirit. Our locals can help evoke the Christmas spirit in our visitors and locals alike by hosting events all over our area throughout the month of December.  Here are some to keep the family festivities being held through the holiday season.

Festival of Trees ~ Nov 26th – Dec. 4th

This beautiful holiday showcase features dazzlingly decorated trees, elaborate wreaths, a children’s holiday workshop, breakfast with Santa, and a Ties and Trees Gala to wrap up this event.

54th Annual Holiday House ~ Dec 3rd

For the 54th year, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club will bring holiday cheer to downtown Fort Myers by decorating two historic homes – Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes. Holiday House 2010 – Christmas Through the Eye’s of a Child –

The Imaginarium Annual Holiday Land Family Fun Event. ~ Dec
11th

The Imaginarium offers festive family fun with holiday flair, decorated for the season with twinkling lights; the Holiday Land is guaranteed to be fun for all!  The young and young-at-heart will enjoy visiting with Santa, posing for Christmas card photos, festive
face painting, creating shrink-magic ornaments and other activities exploring winter holidays around the world!

24th Annual Christmas Boat Parade ~Dec 4th

The spectacular event gets larger every year amazing boats decorated with holiday decorations and lights that can be seen nearly from space. Santa and Mrs. Clause will also join the festivities kicking off the parade by leading the boats from the Pink Shell Beach Resort to parades final destination the Matanzas Pass.

Christmas Luminary Trail Open House ~ Dec 4th & 5t h

This popular event draws visitors from all over the world as they join local residents to celebrate the season. Three miles of luminary candles line Periwinkle Way on Sanibel and Captiva  Island Businesses are decorated for the holidays with 2000 candles illuminating
the island pathways, storefronts and homes.

35 Annual Holiday Nights at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates ~ Dec 9th -Jan 1st

One of the must see events of our area!   This year the estate will showcase their new lights and decorations that blanket the entire grounds. The Edison Botanic Lab and Estates Museum will be open every evening with special exhibits as well as nightly holiday performances by area students and groups. Events include the Estates
annual holiday party on Dec 8th Guests will enjoy a special preview of Holiday Nights, food and beverages by the river, live music and much more.  There will also be a live auction of wreaths decorated by area personalities, artists and designers.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

If we can assist you in your buying or selling needs, 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

24th annual sand sculpting event to take place this weekend

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It is that time of year again, the 24th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship and Beach festival.  The amazing display of talent and imagination is expected to be viewed by more than 50,000 spectators.  The artists come from all over the world to participate in this event. This year, 16 of the world’s top master sculptors will compete in this well know competition.   Many have had their works exhibited on well known T.V. programs and popular publications.  What is most interesting about this event is that you can see the sculpting in all stages, from beginning to end.  The sculpting begins on Nov 9th through the 14th and the best part is it is free to spectators.

Each day the there is even a once in a lifetime chance to learn how to create these works of art from the artists themselves. The sculpting is separated into amateur and professional competitions, allowing onlookers a chance to view talent on all different levels.

Saturday evening the street festival begins, there will be 4 bands playing in time square with free Hors d’oeuvres available to all festival goers.  There will be vendors selling various items and handmade crafts.  This truly an amazing family friendly event,worth fighting the weekend beach traffic for.  Great weather, food and culture, what better way to spend a weekend in paradise.

If we can help with your buying or selling need, please don’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Lee county absorption rate for October 2010

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As buyers and sellers, we often look to our realtors for advice on current market conditions, recent changes and often times predictions into the future for what changes we believe will be coming.   It is accurate to say that home prices have fallen significantly over the past few years and foreclosures and short sales have become more prevalent.  Realtors now more than ever need to correctly price your home to compete with the huge amount of inventory currently on the market today.  One helpful calculation many realtor use is absorption rate; it really puts into perspective what is going on in the market with each price range of residential properties.  Whether you are planning to buy or sell this simple formula can give you and
your realtor a great indication as to where to list your home or what price to offer for a home.

We have broken down the different price ranges and calculated the absorption rate to give you an idea of the current conditions of the market in Lee county Florida.

Absorption rate is the number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sell.

$100,000 and under
       36 weeks

$100, 000 to $200,000
        43 weeks

$200,000 to $300,000
         63 weeks

Gulf Access any price range

           21 weeks

So what does this all mean? Well It means that if you are interested in selling your home the greater number of weeks indicates the amount of competition you will face.  Sellers need to be very aware that pricing their property correctly may result in a faster sale.

If you are buying; the larger number of weeks worth of inventory could indicate how negotiable the sellers may be, or how flexible they may be concerning sales price and terms. 

As always if we can help you with your buying or selling needs, please don’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

 239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Cape Coral’s local ecomomy looking good.

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Is Cape Coral’s local economy reversing the economic rut we have been in?  A few new businesses are moving in to some buildings left vacant creating a bit of buzz as to the expected recovery of our community.  Just in time for season Cape Coral has welcomed a
number of new business a few of which are already open and the remainder to open very soon. 

Now open

The Original Moretti’s Italian Grill, 4721 Vincennes Blvd

Sans Sushi, 1306 Cape Coral Pkwy

Soon to open

La Terraza, South East 47th Terrace

Jones’ Joint bar and restaurant,  Lafayette St

Royal Key bar and grille, Cape Coral Pkwy

Chicago Pizza, South East 47th Terrace

Sabatino’s Slice of New York, Cape Coral Pkwy

Adding to the list of new restaurants, Sweetbay opened recently adding 30 more employees to their roster, giving a boost to the local unemployed.  In addition, plans have been made to add a new office building and a new pharmacy. 

It appears we are on the mend, we are creating new employment opportunities, and giving new service choices to our residents, eliminating the need to travel into Ft. Myers, or elsewhere.  The more we take advantage the services offered in our community,
the faster we can expect growth, and economic recovery.   

If we can help with your buying or selling need please don’t hesitate to call, we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

 239-542-8521       

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Foreign buyers making an impact on our market

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 We have seen an influx of foreign buyers scooping up real estate in recent months, the reason for this increase is simple. The falling costs of real estate and the favorable money rate exchange is allowing for this trend to take place.   

 Foreign buyers who once thought living abroad was a pipe dream are now boarding planes from all around the world to cash in on our less than favorable real estate market.  Instead of investing in stocks and bonds, they are using their savings to pick up heavily discounted properties, especially condominiums.  Once the market rebounds they hope to sell these properties for a more than generous return on their investments. 

Miami appears to be one of the cities seeing this increase, one particular complex is more than 90% owned by foreigners, particularly Europeans and Latin Americans.  This isn’t the only state to report this trend; similar stories are being reported from Washington, New
York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.   

The questions remains, will these buyers help our sluggish real estate market quickly rebound?  Probably not, but areas like Miami and Washington have stated it has at least helped their markets to stabilize.  To put it into perspective foreign buyers still only
represent 7% of today’s totals according to the National Association of Realtors.  We still have a ways to go to see our market completely turn around, but this jolt may get us heading in the right direction. 

If we can help you with your buying or selling needs please don’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to assisting you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team.

 239-542-8521       

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Cape Coral Farmers Market

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October is quickly approaching the holiday’s will be here before we know it, what that means for Cape Coral is that we are about to have an influx of part time residents.
Our local eateries, retail stores and parks will soon be bustling with positive energy and new sense of life in our community. We welcome these part time residents, and look forward to their return every year.  Cape Coral shows their appreciation for these snowbirds by adding great weekend attractions, one of our favorites is the Cape Coral Chambers
Farmers market. 

The farmers market is held every Saturday beginning October15 through mid  May.  We look forward to heading there Saturday mornings to get first pick of the local grown fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, fresh out of the oven baked goods, homemade pastas,
different cheeses and much more.  You can stroll through the rows of more than 40 vendors selling anything from jewelry and handbags to exotic spices and teas, while listing to festive island music. The smell of freshly ground coffee and roasted nuts fills the air adding to the
atmosphere making this the perfect Saturday morning landing-place. We look forward to seeing you there.

Cape Coral Chamber Farmers Market Every Saturday October 15, 2011 through May 12th  2012 from 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m.
Club Square
SE 10th Place & SE
47th Terrace
(239) 549-6900

If we can help with any of your buying or selling need please don’t hesitate to call we would be happy to assist you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Susan@susanmilner.com

Oktoberfest season is here

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It is officially fall.  What does that mean for Florida native like me?  Well it doesn’t include watching the leaves change, or transitioning the wardrobe from shorts to sweaters, it does however mean Oktoberfest.

The German American social club in Cape Coral holds its annual festival October 21st -30th  full of German traditions, music, great food and of course beer.  It inspired me to learn how this festival came to be.  Turns out, in October of 1810 Prince Ludwig of Bavaria wanted to celebrate his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.    Ludwig organized a horse race and invited all the residents of Munich. This celebration was a first of its kind it wasn’t common for nobles to associate themselves with commoners so this celebration was truly unique.  More than 40,000 Bavarians attended the celebration held
in Munich on what they refer to as Theresienwiese(The Teresa meadow).  By 1819 the race had been called off, and replaced with a carnival-like atmosphere, full of beer-carts and festival goers. 

Oktoberfest is one of the largest celebrations held in cities and towns all over the world, Cincinnati is  a close second to the Munich Festival boasting more than 700,000 participants.  Oktoberfest traditionally begins the latter part of September and ends
the first Sunday in October.

Cape Coral ‘s Oktoberfest:

Where: German Americal Social Club

           
2101 SW Pine Island Rd.

When:  The last two weekends in October

    October:
21-23 & 28-30

Dust off the lederhosen and find your favorite stein Oktoberfest season is here.

If we can help you with your buying and selling needs, please don’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Susan@susanmilner.com

Wind mitigation inspection can save hundreds

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Did you know that you can potentially save hundreds on your home owner’s insurance policy?  It is as simple as having a wind mitigation inspection. A wind mitigation inspection gives your
insurance provider with certain construction features specific to your home that make it more resistant to damage due to hurricanes.  It is required by the state of Florida that insurance companies offer reduced rates to any qualified home.

What will an inspector look for?

  • An inspector will examine the level of hurricane protection on your
    windows and exterior doors, such as shutters or impact resistant windows
    and garage doors.
  • What type of roof your home has (a hip roof is the most desirable)
  • Roof to wall connections that are a installed with hurricane
    clips/straps. The discount will vary depending on the type of connection
    such as toe nail, clips, single wraps or double wraps.
  • Florida Building Code-approved roof covering.

Wind mitigation inspections are available for all single family homes, townhouses, and condos. Homeowner’s and Condo Associations also qualify for wind mitigation credits.

The “My Safe Home” program was discontinued by the State of Florida in August of 2008, it provided a free inspections to Florida residents.  Only licensed building contractors or architects certified by the state are able conduct these inspections.  The cost to have an inspection is minuscule compared to amount that you will be saving each year on your policy. 

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Susan@susanmilner.com

Cape Coral’s downtown is ready to undergo a facelift

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Cape Coral is a relatively new community created in the late 1950’s.  It has undergone many changes in its short life.  We have seen businesses come and go and new buildings being erected almost daily.  Unfortunately our downtown area has been a bit neglected.  The focus has now changed to update our downtown area making it vibrant and full of energy.

Cape Coral’s Redevelopment Agency is hard at work helping local business owners revamp our city’s appearance.  The CRA hopes to make our area even more appealing and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.  
They have a great Facade program available to current Cape Coral business owners matching up to 50 percent of the cost for a business to fix up its storefront.   They even offer a new rental incentive program giving new businesses up to $500.00 a month in rent
for up to a year if they relocate to the downtown area. So far 65 business have taken advantage of this program, and received a much needed face-lift.

Their plan doesn’t just stop there, their mission also includes infrastructure improvements, underground electric lines and purchase and rehabilitation of the former Golf Course.  This program is funded through ad valorem taxes within the district as well as city and county
taxes. 

The CRA is also involved in sponsoring local festivals such as the Festival of Art’s and many of the annual block parties held in our community. 

With the implementations of this beautification project, the city will receive a makeover and in turn will attract new residents and business alike, potentially creating a much needed economic boost and updating our community to match the enthusiasm of our residents.

If we can help you with your buying and selling needs please don’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Susan@susanmilner.com

Sox and Mets will share City of Palms Park

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Fort Myers City of Palms Park has been home to the Boston Red Sox Spring training league since 1992.  This year the Sox have opened the door to the NY Mets to host their fall instructional league beginning sometime mid-September.  The Mets will send more than 40
minor league coaches and players to Fort Myers to train. 

There is much speculation surrounding this visit.  The Boston Red Sox will be moving to their new 89 million dollar complex in time for spring training of 2012, which will leave the City of Palms Park vacant.  However, the Mets have indicated that they are happy with their current training facility in Port St. Lucie FL.  The Mets spring training facility has been located there since 1988, with their lease set to expire in 2018.

The Mets have been known for taking their instructional league on the road, last year it was held in the Dominican Republic and Fort Myers this year. The Mets at this time have only made this arrangement for one year. This short term arrangement will not only be beneficial to the sox, but will also be great for our local economy. 

If we can help with any of your real estate need please don’t hesitate to call, we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Rebates available for new energy efficient HVAC systems

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Many Florida home owners are thrilled to have a chance to replace their less efficient heating and air conditioning units, to an updated energy star rated model.  It could not have come at a better time for some Floridians, whose electric bills are soaring and savings accounts have been dwindling. Help has come in the form of a rebate for HVAC systems. The rebate will be a flat $1,500 given in the form of an American Express prepaid card.

Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as replacing your old unit with a new one and sending off your proof of purchase.  Home owners must have a test performed on the duct work to determine whether they qualify for this rebate.  The test MUST be performed by a Florida Class 1 Rater, A Florida licensed mechanical contractor, or a recognized test a balance agent. The fee to have this test performed can be anywhere from $300 to $500.  Duct leakage can be no more than 15% to the outside,if it is shown to be more, repairs must be made at your expense or you cannot proceed with this program.   After the proper tests have been performed and passed you then can purchase and install your new system. 

The purchase and installation must be completed between Aug. 30 and Dec. 31 2010.  There is only $15 million dollars allocated to support this program, so time is of the essence. In addition to the government tax rebate many air conditioning manufacturers may also offer
rebates as well, the combination of rebates and savings in energy cost could potentially save homeowners thousands.  To qualify for this program it is essential to follow the entire process properly and return all the forms in the time frame specified. 

For more information:

Florida Energy Star Residential HVAC Rebate Program

If we can help you with any of your real estate need please don’t hesitate to call, we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Susan@susanmilner.com

The history of Cape Coral

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 Leonard and Jack Rosen had a vision, they believed that this area’s (Cape Coral) proximity to the Gulf of Mexico would make it irresistible to homebuyers drawn to a waterfront lifestyle.  The Rosen’s referred to Cape Coral as a “Waterfront Wonderland.”   They began to make that a reality and purchased a 103 square mile tract know as Redfish Point, for $678,000.  In November 1957 the construction began, and Cape Coral was born. A system of canals was constructed spanning more than 400 miles, which were dug up to elevate and fill the land; most areas were below sea level.

Cape Coral was constructed at an astounding pace.   A few short months after its construction (June 1958) the first residents moved in.  The home sites were priced to sell.  Water views were $990.00 waterfront lots were $1900 and the riverfront home sites
were offered for $3390.  The first year of sales reached over $9 million dollars, which peaked the interest of northerners looking for a great place to relax and retire.  Cape Coral was heavily promoted through mail order, radio ads, T.V. and print.  Soon curious people
were flying down in droves to take a peak and hear a high pressure sales pitch. 

Unfortunately the infrastructure didn’t match the influx of people moving to the area, there was only one building in Cape Coral in 1958, it was a four-plex designated as the housing land office.  Residents were forced to travel more than 20 miles to shop for
supplies.  The problem was rectified in March of 1964 when the Cape Coral Bridge was opened to traffic.  This new bridge made Cape Coral more assessable than ever and the population exploded. 

In 1970 Cape Coral was incorporated as a city and was deemed one of the fastest growing cities in Florida.  Today, Cape Coral still continues to grow featuring waterfront properties on canals, lakes and basins ; many of which have direct access to the Pine Island Sound and Caloosahatchee River, making this city a water enthusiasts dream.   Come visit our city and see for yourself.

More fun facts:

  • Median age 43 as of 2010
  • Cape Coral is 120 square miles making it the second largest city in
    Florida
  • Second lowest index crime rate of Florida cities with populations
    over 150,000
  • More than 400 miles of waterways
  • Median household income $55,989

As always if we can assist you in your buying or selling need pleasedon’t hesitate to call.  We look forward to working with you.

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Susan@susanmilner.com

Easy to spot signs of Chinese Drywall

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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

Family fun for under $40.00

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 What can family of 4 do in Cape Coral for fun with a budget of
$40.00? Turns out there are quite a bit to choose from.   We
have so many beautiful parks to spend the day at, many of which line the
coast and have access to some great fishing spots.   It is a
great way to relax with your family, have a picnic, play some football
and enjoy some fresh air.

If action is what you seek, Sunsplash Family Water Park would be a
great place to visit.  They have superfast slides for the kids and a
lazy river for mom and dad.  If you visit after 2:00 p.m. the cost
for your family of 4 is just under $40.00. Pack the sun block and enjoy
the summer weather.

Stop at Mike Greenwell’s for a family fun pass, this pass will cost
you slightly under $40.00.  Included in this package are go-cart
rides, a few rounds of mini golf, arcade and batting tokens. 
Fun for the whole family, at a reasonable price.

We also have many bowling alleys, great way to get out of the heat of
the day.  Or spend the evening glow bowling.  What a fun time
and very economical.

Take your family to Marquee Cinemas. Ticket prices are below $10.00
per person and even less if you go to the afternoon matinee. 

In Cape Coral we also have some more educational activites for
you family that wont break the bank, your family can enjoy a stroll
through the Cape Coral Arts studio or the historical museum.  Each
lending itself to a day full of history and culture.

The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy your day. 
Not only does the Yacht club have a beautiful pier to walk, an intimate
beach to soak up some sun, but you also have access to their pool; for
free. 

 Throughout the year we also have many local fairs and
festivals.   Many local clubs organize such events as
Oktoberfest, Irish fest, Greek fest, arts and craft shows, and many
more. Enjoy some great food and get some exposure to different cultures
in our area.

As you can see, Cape Coral has many fun and economical things for a
family of 4 to do and experience, come and see what we have to offer.

Updated 1-18-11

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team.

 239-542-8521       

Susan@SusanMilner.com

Extension to the first time and repeat home buyer tax credits

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Congress just passed yet again another extension to the first time and repeat home buyer tax credits.  The tax credits allow up to 8,000 to new home buyers and up to 6,500 to repeat home buyers.  The former bill stated that a valid contract must be entered into by
April 30, 2010 and closed on or before June 30, 2010. 

The new bill allows for a little breathing room to buyers who are involved with the arduous process of short sales and banked owned foreclosures, there are many of these properties available in today’s market and are offered at a discounted rates which makes them a
desirable.  These types of transactions are known to take quite a bit longer than traditional real estate sales transactions to complete. 

This new bill allows for all contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 can now be closed on or before September 30, 2010 and still be eligible for the tax credits.  The new bill doesn’t grant any new tax credits, it only extends the deadline in which the transaction can be closed. 

Home buyers and investors that have been involved in long bank negotiations can still reap the benefits of these generous tax incentives.  This extension will allow buyers the opportunity to purchase a home or investment property they may have not been able to otherwise.

If we can help in anyway please don’t hesitate to call.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com