Author: newadmin

Absorption rate and how it affects you.

newadmin

Cape Coral’s real estate market has been less than predictable in recent years; we have had our share of ups and downs.  As real estate professionals there are ways to track the markets progress and predict the changes to come.  This prediction comes in the form of
absorption rate.   The absorption rate is the rate in which the market absorbs and eliminates inventory. We have broken down Cape Coral price brackets and what it means to buyers and sellers.

Homes in Cape Coral with a price ranging from $0 to $150,000 have turned over 4.5 times in the past 12 months and currently, we have 2.6 months of inventory available in that specific price range.

Homes in the price range of $150,000 to $200,000 have turned over 2.3 times in the last year and the current inventory is 8.5 months.

Gulf access homes in Cape Coral at no specific price point, in the last year have turned over 1.4 times with an inventory of 8.5 months.

What do months of inventory indicate? Typically 1-4 months of inventory indicate a seller’s market, 5-6 months is generally a balanced market and 7 months or more points toward a buyer’s market.

How does this information specifically relate to buyers and sellers of Cape Coral real estate?

Sellers

The absorption rate is very important to know. Since it tells something about how long it might take to sell the home.  A higher number of inventory typically means more competition from other sellers.  A lower number may indicate that we are in a seller’s market, so the need to make sure your marketing strategies are “spot on” is detrimental to a quick sale.  Good marketing will insure your home will be displaying a sold sign before you neighbors.

Buyers

Buyers also need to be aware of the absorption rate.  If the market is shifting into a time of low inventory, it isn’t the time to be throwing out “low ball” offers hoping to get a good deal. 
 When inventory is low and buyers have increased, chances are the buyers will be introduced to a situation where the home has multiple offers.  When inventory is high your chances of getting a “steal” have increased significantly.

Buyers and sellers who pay attention to the changes in the market will be more informed and can make decisions accordingly.  Most important whether buying or selling real estate in Cape Coral it is important to work with an experienced agent to help you calculate the
absorption rates for the homes that you are interested in.  

*This blog was written 6-22-10 all calculations are subject to change, for accurate up to date information please call a speak with our knowledgeable team members.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Government guidelines for the remediation of chinese drywall

newadmin

Many Cape Coral homes have been deemed “Chinese Drywall homes” and unfortunately that comes with a stigma.  Most buyers are scared away from the thought of purchasing a home affected with this mainly because of the unknown.  We have learned a lot about them in recent
months and there continues to be more information on how and what is necessary to correct the problems and make the home just like new.

Fortunately, the government has also stepped in and created a task force that studied the effects Chinese drywall has on each individual component of the home.  It is now mandated and guidelines were created for removal and remediation.  This allows home owner the
security of knowing the job was done correctly.

The Interim Remediation Guidelines for Homes with Corrosion form

Problem Drywall are as follows

They state that you must replace:

  • All possible problem drywall
  • All fire safety alarm devices(including smoke alarms and carbon
    monoxide alarms)
  • All electrical component and wiring (including outlets, switches,
    and circuit breakers);and
  • All gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems

According to the guidelines, once these repairs have been made your home or potential home is ready and safe to occupy.  People have once thought that it could spread to surfaces such as wood, tile, carpet, and furniture.  The task force stated that they do not have
any scientific basis to believe that to be true. 

The material in the effected drywall is high levels of sulfur, which emits a corrosive gas that attaches itself to anything metal (copper pipes, electrical wiring, HVAC, systems, appliances and so on) we know that the removal process can be time consuming and added expense is
involved, but people should not steer clear of these properties anymore.  There are many of these homes in inventory that are priced well below market value giving the consumer the potential of instant equity once the repairs have been made. 

We have been in contact with a local contractor that states they are able to repair these homes for approximately $21.00 a square foot (just to give you an estimate of the repair costs). This contractor will guarantee the complete removal of the drywall and all directly affected components.

We also have been made aware of a lender that has allocated funds for rehabs, including Chinese Drywall.

We hope this information help open doors for buyers that just haven’t found the “right” place.

All information above was gathered from the CPSC

Information is subject to change as investigations continue.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Get started saving for your dream home

newadmin

How to save money seems to be on everyone’s mind these days, we all strive to hold on to every last penny and make it stretch as far as it will go.  We have come up with some helpful and creative ways to help you and your family stay on budget, so you will be able to afford
that dream home much more quickly.

Here are 20 tips to get you closer to making that down payment on your home

  • 1. Wash your laundry with cold water in place of hot.
  • 2. Hang your clothes outside to dry
  • 3. Turn the thermostat up in the fridge
  • 4. Fix leaky faucets
  • 5. Pack your lunch
  • 6. Use rechargeable batteries
  • 7. Grow your own fruits and vegetables
  • 8. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
  • 9. Rather than renting movies, check them out at the library
  • 10. Pay your bills online and save the postage
  • 11. Bring your coffee from home
  • 12. Shop year round for Christmas presents
  • 13. Save gift bags and reuse them
  • 14. Buy all purpose cleaners rather than different solutions for
    each task
  • 15. Save and actually eat last night’s leftovers
  • 16. Buy in bulk
  • 17. Cancel your newspaper subscriptions, most all information can
    now be found online
  • 18. Take a shorter shower
  • 19. Make your own baby food
  • 20. Buy or sell your next home with Florida Future Realty

Try implementing some of these helpful tips into your everyday life and soon you will have enough saved for that down payment. 

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

What are the benefits to staging your home?

newadmin

Selling your home in today’s market has proven to be a more challenging task.  Inventory continues to be flooded with short sales and foreclosures, that are driving down Cape Coral home values .  We need to be more creative than ever, and make your home shine
above the rest.  

Home staging is preparing your home for sale, with a special emphasis on presentation and appearance.

Staging a home involves things that will improve the look and feeling of your home, such as design, organization and overall appearance.  The goal when staging is to “wow” the buyer. 
This will get your home sold quickly and for maximum sales price.

Think like a buyer.  Look at your Cape Coral home through the eyes of potential buyers, what makes your home stand out? Then showcase those attributes.   Tour other homes on the market and see what stops you in your tracks, then implement those features in your own
design.   

Organize and de-clutter.  Clearing away shelves, closets and cabinets is a big part of the home staging process.  Don’t forget to get rid of personal effects such as family portraits.  

Staging increases likely hood of a sale.  When selling your home, you must do everything in your power to increase your chances of selling.  These techniques can give your and extra edge in selling the home quickly.

Staging reduces the home’s time on the market. Putting in the extra effort to stage your home effectively, will decrease the time it sits stagnant on the market.

Staging the home helps justify the asking price. We are in a buyer’s market; you need everything in your favor to justify the asking price.  Proper home staging will position your home as the front runner in the minds of the buyers.

You can think of home staging as presenting your Cape Coral house in a way that appeals to the largest possible audience, in order to ensure a quick sale for the best possible price. Good luck, and start staging.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team.

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents

How to pick the perfect Cape Coral real estate agent.

newadmin

As with anything, the real estate profession is filled with honest trustworthy agents, but there are those who give all hard working agents a bad name, with their lack of knowledge and shady practices.  During the real estate boom, every Tom, Dick and Harry wanted to get in
on the action and unfortunately many did.  There are countless stories of many of agents that ruined deals, artificially drove up prices and were engaging in fraudulent practices with mortgage brokers  and appraisers, all for an extra buck.   Now unfortunately, consumers are having a hard time trusting Cape Coral real estate agents or brokers.  Now that the market crashed, we are left with the real professionals wanting to provide consumers with exceptional service, and honest business practices.

Here are some guidelines to help you pick the agent that is right for
you:

Make sure you interview with the potential agent.

You need to make sure your personalities click; you will be spending a lot of time with this person.  They need to fully understand your wants and need and most importantly your budget.  Are they willing to show you properties that are not listed by their Cape Coral
brokerage? Do they seem to be honest? Are they interested in developing a long term business relationship with you? Many people buy and sell multiple times in their lives, building a strong trustworthy relationship with your customers can only benefit their business.

Do some research.

You can find out so much about a person by simply imputing their name into Google and hitting search.  Visit their website; make sure they have experience in the type of property you are looking to buy. What have they sold? What type of property seems to be their specialty?
 Most importantly, ask for references and make sure to call.

Ask your friends and family.

Most likely someone you know or are related to have bought or sold a Cape Coral property recently, and can share some useful tips and valuable information with you. Would they recommend their agents to you?  If they answered yes, what traits made that particular agent so special?  What kind of overall experience did they have?  

These a just a few tips to help you weed through the mountain of agents a find the best fit for your needs.  Put your trust and confidence in this person, they will be responsible for the largest transaction of your life and because of that pick carefully.

Call our team of highly qualified professional to answer any of your real estate related questions.  Florida Future Realty is here to help.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Living Green

newadmin

When you think of going ‘green’ and reducing your carbon footprint what first comes to mind? “Instead of tossing out my soda cans, today will be the day I dig out the laundry occupying my recycle bin and use it as it was intended.”  Well that is indeed a great start, but if we want to make a difference on the grand scale of things we can start by reviewing the materials we use to build or remodel our existing homes, or research the ‘green’ practices already in place in a home we intend to purchase.  When researching home builders and modelers in SW Florida, I came across many dedicated builders with the mission of transforming existing or building more ‘green ‘dwellings.  Here are some useful tips to incorporate in your next project.

What are some things that make a home ‘green’?

  • Exterior paint with LRV (light reflective value) absorbs less heat
    in turn lowers your air conditioning costs.
  • ICF wall system a step up from the standard concrete wall systems
    includes two built-in layers of foam insulation.
  • 2″ overhangs help shed rain water away from walls and foundation
    reducing cooling costs
  • Solar or hybrid water heating system. Water heaters are the biggest
    energy waster of all your appliances.
  • Impact rated and tinted glass windows and doors.
  • Bamboo flooring vs. carpet; certain types of carpet can emit VOC
    gases that contribute to poor indoor air quality.
  • Heatlok Soy spray foam insulation uses recycled plastic waste to
    create rigid spray polyurethane foam.
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Relocating your washer and dryer to the garage can help you save on
    air-condition costs.
  • Use any available recycled materials to remodel or construct your
    home.

These are just a few suggestions to help get you started on the path to living a more ‘green’ existence. And most importantly ask your contractor what he/she does specifically to incorporate ‘green’ into their building practices.

As always, if we can be of assistance to you please call one of our knowledgeable team members.

Yours in Success,

Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

Relay for Life Cape Coral

newadmin

Florida Future Realty, Inc. was so excited to be a part this year’s Cape Coral Relay for Life.  The event was held on the football field of Ida Baker high school and decorated to resemble Mardi Gra.  More than 70 teams of local business participated for an amazing night.  Teams sold anything from food to crafts; there was even a tarot card reader in the tent next to us.  The Florida Future Realty, Inc. tent consisted of carnival like games for the kids
and a raffle.

Many of the teams brought tents to camp in, as the event lasted through the night into Saturday morning.   There was a comedian to provide comic relief, and a DJ that played through the night to keep the participants awake and walking the track all 18 hours of
the event.

There were thousands of attendants there for a common goal, to help find a cure for cancer. This year $132,000 was raised, which exceeded last year’s totals by a few thousand.

Cape Coral’s Relay for Life was a huge success.  We were so fortunate to be asked to participate in this event, and had a wonderful time supporting the cause.

While visiting our site please feel free to use our MLS search engine.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Hybrid water heating system

newadmin

Today is Earth Day; we all need to work together to save our planet Earth form further and irreversible destruction.  If each person takes one step forward in the direction of living “green” we will make huge strides toward the big picture.  As Cape Coral home owners we
can take a close look at our appliances and the energy we are wasting because of our out dated and less efficient models.

One new product to recently hit stores in Cape Coral and across the country is a hybrid water heater.  This is an appliance that we don’t think of to often, until we step into the shower one morning and find it to be frigid.  Or worse come home from a long day of work,
and are greeted with a steady stream of water escaping from the front door. 

 Water heaters use the most energy of any household appliance, and were not regulated by Energy Star until 2008′. About 17 percent of a home’s energy usage stems from its water heater.  That equates to hundreds possibly thousands of wasted dollars each year.
 Unfortunately there are only a few hybrid water heaters on the market at this time and they do cost considerable more than their conventional counter parts- 2,000 to 3,000 for the few on the market now.

When you hear the word “hybrid” you automatically think of half gas half battery powered car. Though hybrid water technology is still evolving and can contain a combination of technologies, the term hybrid actually refers to a combination of tank and tank less water heating system.  The new water heater models vary. One of the few available uses multiple passes of the heat and water to warm up more efficiently.  The machine has 44 pipes that heat up, and the water flows around them for quick heating.  Unlike a tank less system,
the hybrid heater contains a reservoir to hold water at all times so you will never run out. 

If it is time to replace your water heater in your Cape Coral home or if you just looking to reduce your carbon footprint, consider a hybrid water heating system.  It is not only great for the environment it is also great for you pocket book.

If we can help in any way or answer any questions please call.

239-542-8521

Yours in Success,

Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Sandoval real estate listings

newadmin

Sandoval is a great community located in central Cape Coral. With a
resort style community, fishing pier, dog park, volleyball court;
walking trails you’ll never run out of activities to keep yourself
busy. Homes from single family to carriage; villa homes are
available in this beautiful Cape Coral community.

Browse below through currently offered single family listings in
Sandoval.

Browse below through currently offered condo; villa listings in
Sandoval.

Online foreclosure auctions hit Lee county

newadmin

 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

newadmin

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

Cape Coral living

newadmin

 Cape Coral Florida in our opinion is a great place to live and raise a family.  Cape Coral is considered to be one of the safest cities in Florida with populations over 150,000 according to the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement. There are approximately 167,000 residents in Cape
Coral soaking up the 355 days a year of sunshine.

Cape Coral offers a rich quality of life, affordable home prices, and waterfront living that has attracted now permanent residents.  Not only do we offer several golf courses, we have 400 miles of canals and mega-river that will exceed the expectations of any water
enthusiast.   

Cape Coral is rich in diversity and culture that is celebrated through festivals throughout the year. Oktoberfest, Red-White-and-Boom, and Cape Coral festival of art are just a few that attract thousands.

Florida Future Realty is so proud to be a part of this community, and we are sure you will too.

The Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

 

Relay for Life Cape Coral

newadmin

We are hosting an event the end of March to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s, Relay for
Life.  The main objective of Relay is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, to spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and
unite a community in the fight against cancer.  I am sure that we all know someone afflicted with this horrible disease or may have had to battle it themselves.  We at Florida Future Realty are joining the
fight against cancer, and are hosting a silent auction/skate party scheduled for March 26Th at Bamboozles skating and event center.  This event will be from 8-11p.m. and cost $10.00.
There will be games, door prizes, great auction items, and lots of fun!  Bring your friends and family and help make this event a great success.  If you would like tickets to this event please
contact Sarah at  239-223-1246.

We are still accepting donation for the silent auction, or if you would like to
make a monetary donation please do so at our office.

Some of the items up for auction include:

500.00 gift certificate to Ideal Image Piece of jewelry from Zack’s Gift Certificates to Carrabba’s,
Look-Like-A-Million, Designer Shoe Gallery, Pennington Steam Just to
name a few.

We also have gift baskets from many local retail stores.

Hope to see you there!

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

 

Pink in the Rink

newadmin

Pink in the Rink was fun. We still have more to achieve to help with the Relay for Life & The American Cancer Society.

Florida Future Realty is so excited to be a part of the second annual Pink in the Rink.  Pink in the Rink is a charity hockey game that will help raise money and awareness for cancer research.  This event will be held at Germain Arena on Saturday February 20th, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets will be available the day of the event for $15.00.  The Everblades will be wearing special jersey’s that will be auctioned off after this televised game.

Prior to the game will be a tailgate party to begin at 5:00p.m.  Local business will be on site to sell merchandise to help raise money for the event.  We are honored to be able to display the painting “Moody Faces.”  This painting was done by a child with cancer and a
few of his friends.  This amazing work of art will be auctioned off the night of the event and can be viewed at the Florida Future Realty tent.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.  Stop by the Florida Future Realty tent to get familiar with our services, meet our agents or to just say hello.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Copyright 2010 Florida Future Realty, Inc.

Homestead Exemption Laws

newadmin

 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