Buyers

When you are looking to buy real estate in and around Cape Coral you will find valuable articles here. You can also search for Cape Coral real estate for sale directly on our site as well. Buying a Cape Coral house can be easy. With the help of one of our real estate agents you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy a Cape Coral house sooner.

Get started saving for your dream home

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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

How to pick the perfect Cape Coral real estate agent.

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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

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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

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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

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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

Online foreclosure auctions hit Lee county

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 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

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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

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 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

 

Homestead Exemption Laws

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 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

Homes still selling in Cape Coral?

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Are we still selling homes in Cape Coral? The answer is yes, and in record numbers.  We have been getting so much negative national media attention, that our ideas are clouded with misinformation.

The National Association of Realtors published their polls and it shows that in 2009 with the assistance of realtors, 16,260 homes were sold.  In 2005 when the housing boom began, the record was 12,123

However one significant change is the declining home prices. In 2005 the median home price was 278,200, now in 2009 we were at 90,400. This decline is due to the record number of short sales and foreclosures now flooding the real estate listings.  Sellers are now coming to their senses and listing their homes more realistically, their homes are worth significantly less from what they were selling for 5 years ago.
 

The fact of the matter is that homes are STILL selling.  We may have to navigate through a few detours, from bank negotiations to new lending laws, but properties are moving.

Buyers also need to understand that there are great deals to be had, but when a property is under market value as many of them are, they may sell very quickly and most likely there will be multiple offers.

So when searching for real estate in Cape Coral, we suggest you secure your financing and act quickly when you find the right home at just the right price.  Call one of our agents at Florida Future Realty to assist you with your home buying experience.

Yours in Success,

Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

 

Tax credits for new and repeat home buyers

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Buying a new home in Cape Coral is both an exciting and stressful experience.  The federal government
has made an offer we just can’t refuse.  Homes are now going to be much more affordable than ever, with a fantastic tax incentive for buyers. This is an amazing opportunity to finally own your own home or
relocate to the digs of your dreams.  Read below to see which program you qualify for.

$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit

The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For this tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence three-years prior to the purchase.

The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or is not used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.

The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

 The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.

The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.

For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.

For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer

The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.

The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.

The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.

The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.

is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.

Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

We at Florida Future Realty want to make your Cape Coral home buying experience as positive and stress
free as possible.   Please call one of our qualified agents to assist you with finding the perfect home, or browse our site to begin a search of your own.

Yours in Success,

Florida Future Realty Team

(239)542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

 

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Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers

 

Tax credit for first time home buyers is a great incentive to
purchase a home in SW Florida. Last year, Congress passed a tax
incentive for first time home buyers with the notion it would encourage
and motivate potential buyers and stimulate the housing market. That tax
credit however was a repayable interest-free loan that many first time
home buyers had trouble with. This year, with the new president and a
new economic outlook, the first time home buyer has much more to look
forward to in the home buying avenue. The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 is well underway and gives home buyers another
opportunity to own a home. What is it?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax
credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a
principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1,
2009. This tax incentive does not have to be repaid which makes it a
true tax credit. This is great news if you have been thinking about
purchasing a home in SW Florida! There a few eligibility requirements
for the first time home buyer that have to be met in order to receive
the credit.

For instance, the home you purchase must be used as your primary
residence for a minimum of three years. Otherwise, you will have to
repay the tax credit amount unless you meet certain criteria for
exception. It is best to check with an accountant to get more detailed
information on the allowable exceptions. Also, in order to receive the
tax credit, a first time home buyer should not have owned a principal
residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. There are
also income limits to receiving the tax credit. The income limit for
single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers
filing a joint return. Again, this is an area of expertise for an
accountant or tax professional.

The economic stimulus plan has made participating in the tax credit
for first time home buyers fairly easy. You claim the tax credit on your
income tax return. The IRS has Form 5405 which helps determine the home
buyer’s tax credit amount. That’s it! No other forms are required. So
now potential first time home buyers have more advantages in the real
estate market. According to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s
research, the tax credit will help more than 3,000 people into new
homes.

Keep in mind that in SW Florida there are many homes with low asking
prices, as well as short sales and foreclosures on the market ready and
available for purchase. Also keep in mind that in order to qualify for
the 2009 tax credit, a signed contract on a home must be completed by
November 30, 2009. There is still time to take advantage of the first
time home buyer tax credit as well as the low interest rates- this is
the perfect combination to make your dream of owning a home possible.

Contact one of our Real Estate professionals for more information on
first time home buying incentives.

The Florida Future Realty, Inc Team!

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

(239)
542-8521 Office Line

(888) 764-6665 Toll Free

Copyright 2009 Florida Future Realty, Inc

Considering a second home?

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What will a second home in SW Florida cost?

As the prices of homes in SW Florida are, can we say, more than affordable, many people across the U.S. and abroad are entertaining the possibility of a second home. The biggest question on everyone’s mind is “What will it cost me?” Obviously it is pretty easy to find the listing prices of homes online but to truly understand what the ‘cost’ will be can take doing some research. In this article I will go over the basic costs you can expect
to pay when investing in a second home here in beautiful Cape Coral or Ft. Myers, Florida.

First to consider: Cost of Money
Are you planning to pay cash or do you plan to get a mortgage for some of
the purchase price? If you plan to pay cash make sure that you are comfortable with the rate of return on your investment. You may wish to consider getting a loan for some of the purchase to keep more capital for other investments (more houses, or?). If you are going to obtain financing make sure you determine which loan is best for you and your needs. Most investment properties will require 20-25% down. If you are Foreign National you must be prepared to put down at least 30% in most cases. You can also attempt to receive a loan from your country as well. The rates will be lower but you may have to put up your current
home as collateral (borrow against your equity). Some second homes may be
purchased with less money down. But your payments will be much lower with
the more money you put down on your purchase.

For comparison purposes here let’s take one of current waterfront listings.

It is located at 1429 Vendome Ct. Cape Coral, Florida 33904. It is a
gulf access home, built in 2007.

The current asking price is $375,000. Let’s assume that you plan to put down 25%. This means that you will be putting adown payment of $93,750.

Here is an estimate of closing costs:

Taxes: $ 6,422.24*

Loan fees: $3,846

Prepaid taxes & insurance: $5,778

Total costs to close: $103,374.

* from current 2008 tax bill – properties are reassessed every year
here so this could change. Currently this home is assessed at $374,230.

If we can help you further your search for a new home or second home, 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