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Waiting in the Wings

What is an investor to do?  The whole world seems to be in a wait and see holding pattern.  Here in Florida we have watched the Real Estate market run up to unprecedented highs and then watched the bottom fall out from under us. Few would argue that we have seen and are currently experiencing the bottom as far as prices are concerned. Even the nay-Sayers have a difficult time predicting... [Read more]

Should I Own it or Rent it?

One of the most frequent question I hear is, “Does it make sense for me to buy right now or does it make more sense to rent?”  I have been saying for some time now that it is time to buy but other than market trends and gut instincts I did not really have hard facts to back that statement up.  Today, however that has changed.  Vanessa Wong, from Business Week has revealed a formula... [Read more]

Real Estate Investing in Fort Myers

Real Estate Investing in Fort Myers Let’s face it purchasing a second home is an investment whether it be for vacation, retirement, or true investment.  Any seasoned investor has been baptized by fire at one time or another.  Certainly, those who invested in real estate in 2005 and 2006 saw their investments crumble in what has been labeled the “Bursting of the Bubble”.  Some choose... [Read more]

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... [Read more]

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... [Read more]

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... [Read more]

Do You Really Want to Sell? Really?

That may sound like a silly question but I ask it every day. Unfortunately we are at a moment in time where seller’s motivations are not typical.  Most sellers in this market are being forced into short sales and there is a mentality that since they are losing on the deal they just don’t care.  If you just don’t care then why go through the trouble of listing and showing your property You... [Read more]

How Will a Short Sale Affect My Credit?

This is the most often asked question and as always there is no pat answer.  It really depends on three factors: 1.) Your lender 2.) Your personal history 3.) Your representative handling the transaction. Lenders are all over in their approach to short sales and can change strategy at any time.  Currently the general environment is that banks and lending institutions see short sales as a better... [Read more]

Having Fun Buying a Home

I came across a video today that got me thinking about how much fun real estate can be.  Watch the video first. Most people go about life in an extremely serious manner.  I’m definitely NOT saying that purchasing a home is not a serious decision, but it’s important to keep in mind that you can also have fun with making your decisions.  Will the community you are looking into be fun? ... [Read more]

Cash is King

We have all heard the term but rarely in the context of real estate. It is amazing though how much it applies in this market. It is commonplace for banks to turn their noses up at full price offers on foreclosure properties only to turn around and accept a lower offer for cash. Once a property makes it through the lengthy process of foreclosure they are anxious to write it off their books. They... [Read more]

Come On Cold Front!

Southwest Florida has some of the best weather in the country but even so we find ourselves longing for cooler days. Temperatures have been hovering 7 to 8 degrees above normal keeping us in the mid 90s with no rain. The gulf temperatures have actually been climbing in recent weeks. Gulf temperatures are in still at an unheard of 87 degrees. Have no fear though. We are only days away from perfect... [Read more]

Stoneybrook at Gateway

With all of the amazing deals in the Fort Myers real estate market today, there are a few gems that stick out above the rest.  One gem, in particular, is Stoneybrook at Gateway.  A newer community, Stoneybrook at Gateway offers some terrific amenities.  I’ve attached several photos for you to view. Although the community boasts many distressed homes, that’s precisely why it’s a... [Read more]

Should I Buy in Fort Myers – Continued

SHOULD I BUY IN FORT MYERS Originally being from St. Louis, I am often asked this question.  As with most questions there is no blanket answer.  For the most part I would answer YES.  Fort Myers FL homes are undeniable bargains.  As an investment vehicle or as a vacation or retirement home absolutely, YES.  My only reservation would be for those who want to relocate and find local employment. ... [Read more]

Should I Buy in Fort Myers?

That’s a question I hear all of the time. As you know I have been studying the real estate market in southwest Florida since arriving here 4 years ago.  I have seen it in its heyday with prices going up daily and devastated from the banking melt down as well.  For the past 1 ½ years I have seen values depreciate by as much as 80% in some cases due to a foreclosure rate approaching 60%. ... [Read more]

Back to My Roots in St. Louis

I spend most of my time discussing pertinent issues concerning Fort Myers Fl real estate since after all that is the true purpose of this website.  Periodically however I like to comment on other topics that give insight into who I am and where I am from.  I recently visited St. Louis still home to my parents, 10 brothers and sisters, my mother in law,  5 of my wife’s 6 sisters, and too... [Read more]

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