November 2009

Realtor Fort Myers

Hiring a realtor is not always an easy thing to do.  If you are not located in the area, you have to rely on many factors in making your decision.  Here are the top 7 considerations when hiring a Realtor-Fort Myers.

1.) How Good is their website?

In this information age, a website says A LOT about a business.  A great Realtor knows the importance of providing you with all of the information necessary in helping you make your decision.  If a real estate agent’s website is never updated or hard to navigate, chances are they do not keep up to date with the rest of the technology to find you the best deals.  Most importantly, do they provide a good MLS system for you to begin your search on their site?  You will want to make sure they have this ability.

2.) Can you pick up the phone and call them?

If you cannot get in touch with the potential real estate agent the first time, you may have a difficult time down the road.  A Realtor’s job is to be accessible and help you answer questions in regards to your needs.

3.) Who is their broker?

While you may not be working directly with the broker, the broker oversees all of the actions of the real estate agent.  You will want to choose a reputable Realtor AND a reputable broker.

4.) Do they seem too busy for you?

Real Estate is full of ups and downs, but you want to make sure that you find a real estate agent that spends time with you even when they are busy.  Picking an agent that is part of a team can help assure that they will be available for you.

5.) How well do they utilize technology for you?

Admittedly, this is a question you will need to ask your potential Realtor specifically.  Real Estate has many great tools that agents can utilize to better serve their clients.  Unfortunately, many Real Estate Agents are stuck in the past.  If you are selling a home, how do they leverage technology to get it sold?  If you are buying, does your agent have the technological know-how to send you listings as they come on the market.  We’re in an age that looking once per week for you is NOT good enough.  You need instant notifications of the right property.

6.) What is their “farm” market?

A “farm” market is a special geographic area of concentration for real estate agents.  You will want to pick an agent that is extremely familiar with the area you are looking to buy.  If you are looking for a Fort Myers Realtor, make sure your agent does not specialize in Southwest Cape Coral canal properties.  Pretty simple concept.

7.) Do you feel good about them?

Much of life is about gut feelings.  I always say to “trust your gut.”  Whether your initial impression is good or bad, trust your instincts enough to help you make the decision.

In finding the perfect fit your needs, you can ask us for any information by calling 239-244-1340.  We are happy to help.

Fort Myers Home Prices Firm Up | Are We at the Bottom?

The front page of today’s News Press reads “Lee County Home Prices, Sales Go Up”.  Optimism in the real estate industry has been hard to come by in recent times.  For the savvy home buyer, statistics prove the Southwest Florida real estate market is on the rebound.  The median price of a home in Lee County increased from $89,700 in September to $91,600 in October.  Those numbers may seem insignificant to the median home price of $322,300 in December of 2005, but the numbers are extremely important.

The savvy home buyer now knows that prices are on the increase, so much that 1,413 homes were sold in the month of October, just in Lee County.  Based on what we’re seeing, the deals are still plentiful.  We are receiving new notifications of incredible homes for even more incredible prices enter the market daily.

With the first time home buyer credit extension and deals of the decade, we anticipate sales will continue to rise as prices continue to firm up.  If you would like to be notified of the best deals as they enter the market, simply fill out the form on the top right of this page.  We will keep you in the “know.”

Botanica Lakes Fort Myers | 2 Cent Tour

On this 2 Cent Tour, you will get to know Botanica Lakes in Fort Myers. The community is located a near the airport and within a couple of miles of the coming Boston Red Sox Spring Training facility. Take a look at the video below to view some of the features and homes within Botanica Lakes. Click the video below to begin your 2 cent tour.

To schedule an appointment to see any properties in Botanica Lakes of Fort Myers simply call 239-244-1340 or Contact Us directly via the form.


View the Google Map below to get an idea for where Botanica Lakes is located within Fort Myers.

Timber Ridge at Gateway in Fort Myers | 2 Cent Tour

On this 2 Cent Tour, you will find the beautiful community of Timber Ridge, located in the master development of Gateway. The community is just a couple of minutes from the airport and within a couple of miles of the coming Boston Red Sox Spring Training facility. Take a look at the video below to see some of the features and homes within Timber Ridge. Click the video below to begin your 2 cent tour.

Check out the Up-To-Date MLS Listings for Timber Ridge. Click on a property for more information.

Fort Myers FL Real Estate – Historical Value Right Now

If you follow my blog with any regularity you know that for the last 6 months that I have been shouting from the roof tops that now is the time to buy Fort Myers FL Real Estate. This area was home to the fastest growing real estate market in the country when the down turn hit. Over zealous investing created supply that just could not be absorbed once the slow down occurred. What has followed is a free fall in values as banks are forced to liquidate assets at 30 day prices. A November 11th article in the Fort Myers News Press outlines facts and trends that confirm my claims that the downward trend in values has bottomed. The following are a few bullet points from that article.
• In the past year alone the median price in Lee County has plunged 40% to just $98,000.00
• The nationwide median price is $177,900.00
• Veteran Real Estate expert says “Statistically, we are probably done with price drops”
• Buyers from the north know that this is the last year for bargain prices so they are motivated
• 64% of sales in Lee county in the past year have been cash sales
o Investors recognize this unique opportunity
• Passage of tax credits gives both first time buyers and current owners $6,500.00 to $8,000.00 incentive
What it doesn’t say is that Southwest Florida is one of the most desirable destinations in the country for its sun, beaches, and life style. We are watching a historical opportunity unfold. If you have any intentions of buying or investing in Florida real estate, I encourage you to jump off the fence and act now.

Clock is Ticking for First Time Home Buyers

First time homebuyers need to act in order to claim “First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit”.  The market is governed these days by either foreclosures or short sales.  With prices being influenced by these stressed properties few if any homes are available on traditional listings.  What results is the necessity to negotiate with banks for approvals.  This process is riddled with problems and leads to frustrated buyers.  It is not uncommon to bid above asking price, wait a month for a response then find out that they have lost to a cash buyer offering less money.  The first time buyer is even more susceptible since their financing is leveraged and generally less secure.  For those still looking for the perfect Fort Myers FL home and a tax credit, perseverance and a little luck are going to be needed.  If you fall into this category I encourage you to act without delay.  This tax credit is unprecedented and I am convinced that many people that are counting on it will be disappointed when time runs out before the purchase is completed.

Tax Credit Extension

Rarely will you see comments here regarding politics but this is one instance that I must speak out.  Today marks the day that the “first time home buyer tax credit” was extended and indeed expanded to include current home owners and our politicians deserve thanks.  It is no secret that this area has been pummeled by the melt down of the housing market.  I saw the previous credit give the industry a shot in the arm and watched in fear as the end of it approached.  Fort Myers FL homes have never been more affordable and combined with this credit, first time home buyers are foolish not to act.  Indeed, as a result they have not just been a part of the market; they have been the entire market.  Current home owners have seen their equity dry up and very few are bold enough to take on more debt in such uncertainty.  The extension of this credit is going to give retirees the incentive they need to act.  The credit is obviously not something that can go on forever but truly what is needed here and now.  I commend them.

Renaissance Fort Myers 2 Cent Tour

This 2 Cent Tour brings us to one of the most spectacular communities in Fort Myers, “Renaissance” located conveniently on Daniels Parkway and I-75, only about 10 minutes from the Fort Myers airport. You will want to make sure you watch the entire video to see all of the amenities Renaissance has to offer. Click the video below to begin your 2 cent tour.

Below you will find up-to-date active listings on the MLS. Click on any property to view more information and schedule an appointment.

View the Google Map below to get an idea for where Renaissance is located within Fort Myers.