News

New grant being offered for military personnel

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A new grant is now being offered for first time home buyers who are active-duty military persons, veterans, retired members of the military and employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.   Eligible participants may be granted up to 5,000 to use toward a down-payment and/or closing costs when buying their first home.  The grant can be applied to a mortgage issued by any financial institution. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation make this program possible, allowing it’s recipients a little helping hand when deciding to buy.

The requirements are as follows:

  • Military affiliation – (active duty, reserve, National Guard or veteran) – a Department of Defense employee or a Department of Homeland Security employee.
  • First-time homebuyer or not owned a home for the last three years; or a home has been lost through divorce or disaster.
  • Gross household income, including allowances, used to qualify for a mortgage loan is a maximum of $55,000 per year, or 80% of a community’s median income based on family size.

Please visit the website for all information associated with this Dream Makers program

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home, please don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our knowlegable agents.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team. 

239-542-8521

inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Red, White and Boom just around the corner

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American Flag, Uncle Sam, Fireworks, Backyard B-B-Q’s, are all important components to an  amazing and memorable 4th of July holiday. For more than 10 yrs we anxiously await the City of Cape Coral’s Red, White and Boom celebration.  This event is SW Florida’s most spectacular fireworks display.  Along with this amazing show there are activities to entice all ages.  “The Escape Zone” for kids will include a bounce house, obstacle course, and rock climbing wall.  There will also be more than 100 vendors selling food, drinks, crafts, novelty items, and sponsoring giveaways and raffles to keep the remaining partiers busy.

For entertainment this year Heidi Newfield and the former guitar player from “Trick Pony” will be performing for a crowd of 20,000 expected spectators.   New this year an “American Tribute” a stage presentation that is to honor our local service persons that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a special fireworks display to commemorate our fallen soldiers.

A debut of the 5k Freedom Race over the Cape Coral Bridge will begin promptly at 6:30p.m.  Runners will begin behind Roger Dean Chevrolet Stage on Cape Coral Parkway.  They will then head east over the bridge through the “Toll Plaza” to the Macgregor flyover and back to the starting point.

Let’s of course not forget the true reason for this special day, The 4th of July is to reaffirm our independence and hold our freedoms sacred. We look forward to seeing you there. If we can help with your buying or selling need please don’t hesitate to give us a call, we look forward to hearing from you.

What:  Cape Coral’s Red, White, and Boom

Where: The foot of the Cape Coral Bridge

When:  July 4th from 4-10 p.m.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

Inquiry@floridafutureagents.com

Cape Coral 2011 Summer Programs

Cape Coral 2011 Summer Programs

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Cape Coral, Florida

Summer is almost here and now is the time to start planning for camp. Camp is a great way for your children to make new friends, be active and have fun.  Working parents often find themselves scrambling for a solution with summer vacation less than a month away. Luckily, our friends at the Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Dept never stop imagining fun and exciting ways to keep our children occupied each week of the summer vacation.  This year is no exception.  Children of all ages, interests and skill levels can find a program to keep them entertained and active all day long.

Each offered camp will cater to interests such as art, nature, science, kayaking, and exploring, just to name a few.  Rest assured your children will keep their minds and bodies busy all summer long.

Take a quick peek at the 2011summer camp guide for more details.

The Cape Coral Parks & Rec Dept isn’t the only to offer camps in our community, local churches, and recreational facilities such as the YMCA also offer programs that cater to children of all ages.  If you are looking for a fun, exciting and safe way for your children to spend their vacation, our community has much to offer. We wish you and your family a memorable summer.

If we can help you with your Cape Coral real estate 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

Florida’s housing market on the road to recovery?

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The end of March is quickly approaching, and the first quarter of the year has just flown by with excessive speed.  Is this year the year that you are going to finally jump into home ownership? Well just this week Freddie Mac reported that fixed interest rates dipped this
week. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.76 percent from 4.88 percent the previous week. 

The 15 year fixed rate is 3.97 percent from 4.15 percent last week.  The last time it fell below 4 percent was in mid-December. 

In addition to declining interest rates, the state of Florida housing market has been showing signs of improvment.  The home prices are climbing and the inventory is slimming down.  The
FloridaRealtors.org reports that compared to last year at this time the numbers have been climbing.

Florida’s existing home sales previous year comparison

+14%

Florida’s existing condo sales previous year comparison

+36%

Florida’s existing home median price

$122,200

Florida existing condo median price

$79,400

As you can see from the statistics gathered that we are gaining positive momentum with consumer confidence steadily increasing, it appears that our once fragile housing market may be on it’s way to recovery.  If you are in the market to buy a new home the time is
now.  The home prices are increasing, inventory slimming and interest rates remain low.   If we can help you with your buying or selling needs we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

inquiry@FloridaFutureAgents.com

2011 State Wide Open House

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Are you in the market to buy a new home? Or have you been trying to sell your home and just haven’t found that right buyer? If yes, mark your calendars on March 26th and 27th for the
National Association of Realtors state wide open house.  More than 155,000 realtors will participate in this NAR sponsored event.   With great success last year the NAR is at it again,
anticipating an even greater turnout then the previous year.

Homes that will be participating in this event will have blue balloons on display to make each property visible to potential buyers. 
This event will be a home buyers dream.  The idea of being able to see dozens of homes, in one weekend, and at their own pace is a great incentive for buyers. For home sellers?  Getting the maximum exposure to their homes in one weekend can sure prove
favorable for any seller.

The housing market is hot, the home prices are affordable, interest rates are low, and inventory is high making it a great time to buy.  So mark your calendars, if you are in the market to buy or sell, this weekend is sure to be a great success for all who
participate.

If you would like any more information on the state wide open house or if we can be of service to you with your buying or selling needs we would be happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Happy house hunting!  

Yours in Success,                                                 

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521


inquiry@FloridaFutureAgents.com

Lee County Fair is coming to town

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Well it is that time of year where you can almost smell the funnel cakes and cotton candy wafting through the air.  For the 87th year in a row we welcome the Lee County Fair to town.  It will be held at the Lee civic center from Feb 25th – March 6th.  The fair offers animals and exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, great food and so much more.

The Lee county fair is eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike,each year they continually raise the bar and add new attractions to make it bigger and better and full of excitement for its participants. This year you can expect nothing less than the best.

Entertainment this year will be especially exciting they always have great shows from local celebrities like Ronnie Morgan, Brooke Huffmaster, and the Del Prados.

Many shows will capture the attention of all age groups,  a children’s favorite, Kandu & Co. Magic Show,and Tadpole the Clown will be making his second appearance at the Fair. They also will have the Wild About Monkeys animal show and the highly anticipated Shark Encounter.  New to the fair this year is the Discovering Science Exhibit and the new Extreme Canine Stunt Show (which has been featured on Oprah, The Ellen Show and even the Tonight Show)

The fair is a great way to spend some time having a little fun. If you are new to the area or visiting we hope to see you there.  The Fair will open Friday 25th at 5:00 p.m. and at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission Prices

Adults $7

Children Ages 6-11 $4

Children Ages 5 and under FREE!

FREE PARKING!

We look forward to seeing you at the Fair, until then if we can help you with your buying or selling needs we would love to hear from you.

Yours in Success,

The Florida Future Realty Team

239-542-8521

inquiry@FloridaFutureAgents.com

2010 year in review

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Well 2010 will soon be a distant memory, but the events that took place in the housing market will live in our minds and memories for years to come.  This past year was full of tax credits,
historically low interest rates, and some controversy sprinkled on top.  Here is an overview of the housing market headlines of 2010. 

  • 157 banks were closed down and taken over by the FDIC in early 2010.
  • First time home buyer and repeat buyer tax credit increased home
    sales earlier this year.
  • 30- Year fixed rate mortgages hit historical lows of 4.17 percent.
  • The big foreclosure freeze hit headlines accusing big banks of
    robo-signing
  • An estimated 1 in 4 homes are upside down in America.
  • Many Americans are reducing debt and increasing their savings
  • It has been estimated the as many as 1 in 4 home sales were
    distressed properties
  • HAMP and other loan modifications provided by mortgage servicers
    will total nearly 1.5 million for 2010
  • Short sales were up 128% for Fannie Mae loans and 115% for Freddie
    Mac- backed notes.
  • REO property totals at the end of the third quarter of 2010; Fannie
    and Freddie combined totals were nearly 300,000 and their stocks worth
    $1 dollar towards year end.

What a crazy year for the housing market home owners and big banks.  We are optimistic for 2011 and the great changes to come.  What we do know now for certain is that it could be a great time to buy, if we can help you in your search, 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

2010 tax credits and appliance rebates

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We are rapidly approaching the end of 2010, and the dreaded tax season begins.  We have had a year full of tax credits and appliance rebates offered throughout the year, but it gets a bit confusing as to how to cash in on these enticing deals. 

If you have installed or upgraded to more energy efficient equipment for your primaryresidence, there are tax credits available for up to 30% of the cost of the item, up to $1,500.  

This tax incentive is available through the month of December, 2010 the items included are  energy saving:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Skylights
  • Non-solar water heaters
  • Roofs
  • Insulation
  • HVAC systems
  • Biomass stoves

In addition to the above incentives there are more energy efficient items to add to your to do list that will help reduce your tax bill. This list is available through December 31st 2016, 30% of the amount of the item with no cap as to the total cost of the improvement.
 

  • Geothermal heat pumps
  • Solar energy systems
  • Wind energy systems

There was also a rebate plan to help homeowner replace their older less energy efficient appliances to ENERGY STAR rated appliances.  Unlike the federal tax credits, the appliance rebates are distributed by each individual state. These state-run programs have been opening and closing throughout 2010, and many are still open, you must check the state map where to reside to see which items qualify and the availability of the program:

The items included in the state of Florida were:

  • Central air conditioners
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Room air conditioners
  • Gas tank-less water heaters

Unfortunately our stat e(Florida) program expired on November 30th, It however was able to help many upgrade their appliances, the amount of funding allocated to this program was $17,585,000.

With less than two weeks left in 2010, time is defintely running out, if you have ever thought of making any of these changes now is the time.  We wish you good luck with upcoming year, make your 2011 amazing! As always, if we can help 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

Christmas in Florida

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Cape Coral has a lovely tree lighting ceremony with other great Holiday activities each year in December in downtown Cape Coral. This year is no exception. On Saturday, Dec 1, 2012 from 4PM-10PM Cape Coral visitors and residents will come down to see Santa arrive around 6:15PM and watch the Christmas tree be lit up as well. There will also be a snow drift slide for the kids, a train ride and other kids fun as well as food, drinks and performances on stage! Come on down and if you see us be sure to say hello & Merry Christmas too!

Cape Coral Pkwy between Candia St & SE 15th Ave – SE Cape Coral, Florida

Watch Susan’s son take a sled ride back in 2008 at the Festival of Lights in Downtown Cape Coral, Florida

From Dec 2010:

This weekend many children in our area will see snow for the first time, all right here in Cape Coral, Florida.  Yes you are reading correctly, there will be a 20ft snow drift brought in that gives children an opportunity to experience sledding,  snow balls,  and  snow man building, just like the kids up North do every winter.  In conjunction to this magnificent treat, the Holiday
Festival of Lights will be held this Saturday, Dec. 4th from 4-10p.m. in downtown Cape Coral.

The Annual affair will feature live performances a tree lighting scheduled for 6:16 , a Kidz street play area, a tiny tots train ride and an appearance from none other than Santa himself.

This year they will have the most performers since the festival was created in 2004. Every thirty minutes spread out between 4 stages a new act can be seen.

The scheduled performers this year will be:

Skyline Handbell Choir & Chorus, Rick’s Music Students, Robin Dawn Academy, Dance Dimensions, Oasis Singers, Calendar Girls, Rhythm in Motion, Cape Coral Academy of Music, Bishop Verot High School Drum line, Hot Flashz Dance Troupe, Kobayashi Dojo, Cultural Park Theater Chorus, Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance, Lariats & Lace Dance Team,
Lisa Lynn Dance World, Maranatha Dance, Cape Coral Christian Worship Band and the Vineyards Church Worship Band.

This festival promises to be the best of years past, bring your family and friends to this amazing holiday event.  If you’re having a hard time getting into the spirit this year, the Holiday Festival of Lights will certainly do the trick.

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

Happy Holiday’s

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’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

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

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