Many home buyers would like to take advantage of the Southwest Florida housing market decline and get in at prices unseen for almost a decade. So what's stopping them? Most likely, two things. One...many are finding it difficult to procure financing. Most banks would like to see 20% down these days and a very healthy debt to income ratio. Even though many current homeowners would like to downsize, without equity in their current homes, it is nearly impossible for them to find the 20% down cash. The second obstacle for many is being able to sell their current homes. In some of the more hard-hit areas, we have seen home values drop 50% or more. This leads many to having to "short-sale" their homes---selling the home (with approval from the bank) for less than what is owed on the note. Obv... 02/14/2010

Florida is growing by leaps and bounds and Cape Haze is no exception! Located just north of the Tarpon Capital of North America (Boca Grande), Cape Haze now has a luxury waterfront condominium community - Hacienda Del Mar. Located directly off of Placida Blvd., this spectacular community is in an area famous for breathtaking sunsets, the best boating waters around and unbelievable fishing! Located directly on the inter-coastal waterway, the Hacienda Del Mar offers a swimming pool, lap pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, putting green, club house, elevators in the buildings and there are NO BRIDGES separating your boat from the Gulf of Mexico!!! Naturally, there are boat docks in this tropical paradise!  10/17/2007

Cape Haze is a small community in Charlotte County just north of Boca Grande. It is a residential community on Placida Harbor that is far enough removed from everything to be 'other worldly'. The times are changing and there is more and more development taking place in the area. I decided to take a drive through the neighborhood and found some really wonderful plants and trees growing in the various yards and lining the streets. Since I absolutely love plants, I wanted to share these with you!This is an Angel's Trumpet with magnificent yellow flowers! All parts of the plant are deadly, but beautiful things often are.....    These beautiful Weeping Ficus Trees are everywhere in Cape Haze - they are so magical, with their outstretched arms welcoming you to their home! 10/17/2007