Although some do need it more than others...  TLC, the "TenderLoving" Care Complex is located in Cape Coral, Florida.  TLC was incorporated as a Not for Profit Organization in 1995 by the founder and executive director, Sherry Magness.  The "TenderLoving" Care Complex is a Christian Foster Care Home program designed to wrap its arms around hurting children and their families.  Much of the work that TLC does is spread through word of mouth and numerous families in the community have been helped by volunteer foster families, mentors and the funds that have been raised to provide food and clothing for the children.  On July 28, 2007 TLC installed their new board members for 2007.  Among the members of the board is my husband Shane Goushaw standing tall and handsome, with the goatee and bro... 07/29/2007

When you go to vote in the Presidential primary to choose who will run our great nation... there will also be another vote that is just as important.  This vote will be for the new Super Homestead ExemptionNew Tax Plan... JUST SAY NO !!! Just say NO to the new tax plan on the superhomestead exemtion.  This amendment will steal millions of dollars from our school systems (Thats right... there is no exemption for schools), local goverments, and state government. This plan is an attempt to correct the present 3% cap on property tax increases on real property that are presently homestead exempt. So with the new and flashy homestead exemption you will pay a significant amount less.  For example my taxes would be reduced from approximately $3600.00 to approximately $1200.00.  So at first glan... 07/29/2007

Florida Tax Reform: As you all know we recently avoided a major disaster here in the State of Florida with tax reform.  The politicians grand plan to provide HUGE amounts of tax relief to the public failed, and also placed additional financial constraints on existing and growing communities throughout the state of florida.  Thank goodness they didn't kill our local governments by dropping the tax rates like the rogue plans that House speaker Marco Rubio wanted too. The tax relief that was provided to the people came in several different options to the public that the local governments could choose which option worked best for them in their particular situation. Option 1) Run with the same amount of advalorem tax money they did the previous year effectively lowering the millage rates if ... 07/28/2007

  Joe Kendall, Realtor with Sandals Realty writes, I received a verbal offer today,(70,000 UNDER ASKING! lol) and I had a discussion with a buyers agent after showing one of my listings after that discussion, I started thinking about this real estate market in southwest Florida, which we all know remains a buyers market. Today it truly reminded me of the game show "the price is right"! Guessing what the sellers bottom line might be? then standing in line to make the next guess on the next item, in this case its a waterfront home not a household good. Home buyers are feeling out sellers motivation for selling and looking for the deal of the century and guessing what the sale price could be?  If you look hard enough, do your home work ( like I tell my 17 year old Daughter) your pot of gol... 07/26/2007

Florida Drought and National Crisis Looming!!! We know that in Florida we have two seasons, the wet season, and the dry season.  If you've been living in Florida for a while you might know these seasons as Hurricane season, and Fire season. As a Firefighter Paramedic I offer this additonal professional information for your review in an effort to keep to you safe. Throughout the State of Florida this year we have been experiencing a drought of record magnitude.  I don't think we ever thought we'd see news stories about the state hiring a company to clean the "muck" out of the lake bed of Lake Okeechobee since it's pretty empty right now with about a 5 to 10 foot depth... yes that's right the largest lake in South Florida  is that shallow. It will take Florida years to recover from this e... 07/26/2007

Good Afternoon, I wanted to pass along some very important information to you that could save your life, the life of a family member, or provide you with vital information in a timely and efficient manner.If you live in the City of Cape Coral... and this only applies to those of us that reside in "The Cape" you need to register your phone number with the cities reverse 911 system known as Code Red. If you don't live in the City of Cape Coral check with your local office of Emergency Management to see if the program is available in your area.I had registered a while back and when the City of Cape Coral issued their emergency boil water advisory I was notified within minutes that our cities water supply had been deemed unsafe for human consumption.So many people complained they had a dela... 07/26/2007

I went to an appointment this evening with an associate and of course since we're in real estate and since real estate is a vital aspect of our community it's a topic that everyone is excited not only to talk about... but they also offer their own "Expertise" on how the real estate market is or isn't doing, and what something is or isn't worth. The best way to buy, sell, or consult is to use a realtor.  Think about it... the last time you bought or sold a home did you use a realtor?  Even realtor's use realtors... If you didn't you must have gotten one heck of a good deal right... or didn't that deal turn out quite the way you had expected it too... "Copyright © 2007 by Scott Slocum. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without ... 07/26/2007

The News-Press had a great article out this morning talking about our continued real estate saga in Southwest Florida.  What is the reality of the situation why homes aren't selling?  Owners are still stuck on the prices of yesteryear and are "Holding Out" for that buyer "Who will definately see the value in their home and purchase it." Of course those same sellers that are holding out for the big glass of milk, want to be the low baller buyer and get another seller to contribute the world to them once they enter the buyer side of a potential transaction. Buyers are out there and I have worked with several this year.  They ask for homes in certain ranges, and that's what I show them.  I show them the "Best Deals" on the market... the homes that are priced accordingly with our market pri... 07/26/2007

                View down 200 Foot wide canal        View down 80 foot wide canal      View down disappearing edge pool  Joe Kendall Realtor with Sandals Realty "Waterfront Specialist" writes, I was recently was talking with a past client last week over dinner on his Lanai. We got onto the subject of the lot prices and the different water views in Cape Coral. He said, I am always amazed even today, the different water views that are here in Cape Coral ! You can have 4-5 different type views on the same street he stated. I told him that is the hardest thing for people to understand from coming from  looking to buy here and they drive down streets and notice prices for homes on the same street for a similar style, size and year build home may be a difference of $10,000 in asking price! Wh... 07/24/2007

What's 100% of nothing? Most people in the Cape have this doom and gloom attitude regarding the real estate market in Cape Coral. Sure, if you followed the Ralph Kramden philosophy of getting rich quick and applied it to the Boom of 2004 and 2005, then yes "Bang Zoom Alice"  The wave behind you went smiling all the way to the bank.  This is Cape Coral not Miami Beach. Hello McFly!! If you read the Sunday paper there is a list of homes sold each and every week. If there weren't any homes sold that would warrant some concern! What this market crash did was weed out the paper chasing crew. We have, in it's wake, a clean slate, a new beginning.  It's no longer in the hands of some Richie Rich flipper. Now the dust has settled and there aren't too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak.  The... 07/24/2007

AQUA Properties just came across this blog and wanted to pass it along. Building in Cape Coral a Homebuilders Perspective   Where do I begin with this mess? We are homebuilders in the cape, and cannot believe what is going on out there. The general public and Florida lawmakers need to be aware of this situation. If you drive around the cape and see alot of unfinished homes, have you ever wondered how that transpired? Well, let me tell you!Situation #1 Customer comes into the builders office and wants to sign up for a home. Customer signs on the dotted line, gets there loan.....sometimes the bank is on the NOC/sometimes not! The price of the home is divided into 5 draws. Builder gets a deposit draw does work, then gets another draw. Builders are having subs do work, getting draws, and th... 07/23/2007

Law of Attraction Seminar - Viewing of the Secret Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Parkway Cape Coral , FL 33904 Thursday, July 26th 6:30pm-8:30pm We are having a special viewing of the smash hit law of attraction movie, 'The Secret'. There will be several panel members on board as we watch the movie, make our comments and how they apply to situations around us and have a great time! We will provide popcorn and drinks and this promises to be a very beneficial night for those interested in learning more about the law of attraction and how those in SW Florida are applying it to their daily lives. There will be a special reduced rate for this night only! Only $5 for Non-Members and Free for Members! Ray HigdonForever Wealth Clubhttp://www.ForeverWealthClub.com 07/20/2007

                           Joe Kendall, Realtor Sandals Realty, Talk to Joe! The "Waterfront & New Construction Specialist"  The summer time here in southwest Florida offers some outstanding sunsets! We normally get a afternoon brief shower or thunderstorm in the late afternoon hours which some people call "Liquid Sunshine"! as many places the sun is still shining! As the day comes to an end in southwest Florida, the clouds seem to help produce some of the best sunsets you will ever see! Buy a home with a western exposure and enjoy evenings on your lani and the "Sunsets Are Free!" I sell the Florida lifestyle! let my experience work for you in finding your dream home here in southwest Florida! The locations and choices have never been better! Call or email me today for a complete list o... 07/18/2007

PRECISION IN THE POOLWHAT - 28th Annual Synchronized Swim ShowWHEN - July 27th, Friday at 6:30 p.m. and July 28th, Saturday at 10:00 a.m.WHERE - Yacht Club Community Pool at 5819 Driftwood ParkwayINFO - 239-542-3903The Synchronized swim program is open to students ages 5 to 18 who already know how to swim. This is the first year that there is enough boys for a separate team.The goal of the summer swim session is to learn new skills and perform in the annual show. Swimmers who want to work on skills take additional classes in the spring and fall. Local News coming from Cape Coral Reator - Cindy Roper - Sellstate Achievers Realty - 239-281-0856 07/16/2007

 Joe Kendall Realtor Sandals Realty 239-560-0726 writes, Now is the time to buy real estate in southwest Florida.( Cape Coral, PortCharlotte, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres) There is every type of home style, every type of floor plan, every type of construction and every type of waterfront location here in southwest Florida. If you can not find what your looking for? Then your realy not interested in buying real estate in southwest Florida! The lifestyle choices and endless! The choices of new construction have never been better! Hundreds of listings of new construction homes in move in condition waiting for your offer! The waterfront locations, gulf access, fresh water, the water viewsare simply amazing of the choices! The condo market has even more choices! with locations thru-out southwest... 07/16/2007

SPLASH INTO SUMMER FUN!!Sun Splash Family Waterpark officially reopened on March 10 - this is the parks 16th season of operation. More than 160,000 guests visit the park every season to experience the thrills and excitement of Cape Coral's premier aquatic recreational faciliy. Here are the summer operating hours:THROUGH AUGUST 5Daily        10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Thursdays for Date Night            6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.   special rate $6.95 plus tax per personSaturdays for Family Carload Night      6:00p.m.  -  9:00p.m.  $29.95 for a carload of up to seven plus taxRegular General Admission Rates:$14.95 - adults and children over 48" tall$12.95 - children under 48" tall$8.95 - seniors 55+$4.95 - children under 2Cape Coral residents receive a $2 discount on Regular General Admission prices, ... 07/15/2007

  As a Southwest Florida Real Estate Specialist, I would like to share with you a discussion I had with a client last evening regarding getting a home mortgage. I suggested to the client they should always talk to 3 different banks, mortgages companies before deciding on  home loan. Based on your credit score, income and debt, you should be able to decide if a bank or a mortgage company is your best 0option before you make your phone calls. If you own a home, Your current bank or mortgage company that has your current mortgage might be your best best. If you have some credit issues? Then the mortgage Broker is probably your best route. There are lots of local choices for banks and mortgage companies in southwest Florida. I always say if they all sold the same product, they all would not... 07/13/2007

  Joe Kendall Realtor with Sandals Realty Fort Myers /Cape Coral Florida 239-560-0726 is an experienced Realtor in the Foreclosure Process. I would like to give some suggestions to home owners that maybe behind in mortgage payments. Everyone I have helped over the years, has always been a little different, yet there are some real concepts I would like to share with you. Without getting really drawn out and wordy with details here are a few key points, that I hope will help you.  I would strongly incourage you not to avoid the letters you get from your mortgage company, contact them and try and work out some type of payment plan. Stay in the home, you may not qualify for assistance if you move out.  If you have enough Equity? You might be able to refinance, work out a loan modification t... 07/13/2007

I just got back from an exciting lunch in Cape Coral, Florida.   I had the opportunity to meet with the guys from Sellsius, Joe & Rudy :)!    Also, Mary & John from RSS Pieces were there.  Our office, Sellstate Achievers Realty Network, Inc., in Ft. Myers, Florida allowed the BlogTour RV to park at our office with my big truck :). Then we headed over to RumRunners in Cape Coral for lunch.  RumRunners is a beautiful waterfront restaurant in SW Cape Coral. At lunch we were able to discuss Real Estate. Real estate marketing, blogging & so much more! It was great to finally put a face to some of these names. Even though Mary & John are in Cape Coral we had never had the opportunity to meet. It's a small world though, we realized that we have some mutual friends plus are pretty much neighbor... 07/10/2007

                                                                                       Catch Your Best Deal. Talk to Joe Today 239-560-0726   I always get asked from clients and people I meet in the local stores, gas stations and coffee shops in Cape Coral & Fort Myers.People always ask me. Joe, When realy is the best time of year to buy real estate? In the eyes of the seller, the Summer season is the most popular up north because of the weather, everything is in green, it's warm, family' want to move before school starts at the end of summer. Here is southwest Florida the best time to buy and get your best price is durning the summer, as the snow birds are gone, the amount of showing sellers get here are at the lowest point during the year. This time of year, Home Sellers are looking f... 07/10/2007