Lifestyle

Cape Coral offers an array of lifestyle options for all people; from babies to seniors and all in between. Learn more about the lifestyle of Cape Coral.

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

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

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

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

What are the benefits to staging your home?

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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

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

Relay for Life Cape Coral

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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

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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.

Captiva Real Estate

Welcome to Southwest Florida

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Captiva Real Estate

Southwest Florida is a beautiful area to call home. With miles of beaches, canals, lakes & rivers you’ll never be wondering where to go for water activities. Golf? SW Florida is home to many of the best golf courses in the country. With temperatures that are pleasant year round you can forget the cold, ice & snow for good!

Florida Future Realty, Inc is an innovative real estate leader in SW Florida. We understand today’s buyers & sellers and will never attempt to stuff you into any type of ‘mold’. We believe that each individual is in fact, individual and cater our real estate services to match your specific needs.

Many of our customers are tech-savvy. They want answers & without much wait. That’s where we come in. We provide tons of INFORMATION right at your fingertips from your own home or office.

While we can’t wait to chat with you & hopefully meet one day soon, we understand that you may not be ready for that yet. That’s OK! We are not pushy. We are ready to work with you when you are ready. You ARE the customer, right?

The menu above should allow you to find what you are looking for but for quicker navigation use the links below:

Search Active Listings through the MLS

Find out what your home is worth

List with us

Sell your house as a short sale

We look forward to working with you.

Yours in Success,

Susan Milner

Broker/Owner

Florida Future Realty, Inc.

Cape Coral, FL

Call us if you have any questions now: (239) 542-8521 or email inquiry@floridafutureagents.com