From the desk of Joe kendall Broker Associate with Right Choice Realty, The Census recently released their 2014 Homeownership Statistics, and many began to worry that Americans have taken a step back from the notion of homeownership. Easy… Chicken Little The national homeownership rate peaked in 2004, representing a 69.2% of Americans who bought vs. rented their primary residence. Many have noticed a decline in rate since then and taken that as a bad sign. However, if you look at the national rate over the last 30 years (1984-2014), you can see that the current homeownership rate has returned closer to the historic norm. 2014 ended the year with a rate of 64% just under the rate in 1985 and 1995. Bottom Line  With interest rates and prices still below where experts predict, evaluate yo... 02/18/2015

 From the desk of Joe Kendall Broker Associate with Shore Line Realty.Over the last 6 years, homeownership has lost some of its allure as a financial investment. As homeowners suffered through the housing bust, more and more began to question whether owning a home was truly a good way to build wealth. Now the last three years has shown strong growth and experts project southwest Florida to be one of the strongest real estate markets in the United States over the next 10 years!Every three years the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups.Some of the findings revealed in their report: The average American family has a net worth of $81,200 Of that net worth, 61.4% ($49,856) of it is in home equity A homeowner’s... 02/09/2015

  From the desk of Joe Kendall Broker Associate with Shore Line Realty:The housing market has taken a great turn toward recovery over the last few years. The opinions of the American public toward real estate took longer to recover, until recently.For the first time since 2006, Americans have an overall positive view of real estate, giving the industry a 12% positive ranking in a Gallup poll.Americans were asked to rate 24 different business sectors and industries on a five-point scale ranging from "very positive" to "very negative." The poll was first conducted in 2001, and has been used as an indicator of “Americans’ overall attitudes toward each industry”.Americans’ view of the real estate industry worsened from 2003 to the -40% plummet of 2008.  Gallup offers some insight into the r... 02/06/2015

  Some homeowners consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.Here are five reasons:1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate WithHere is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner: The buyer who wants the best deal possible The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country) The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house. The appraiser if there is a question of value 2. Exposure to Prospective PurchasersRecent studies have shown that 88% of buy... 02/03/2015

  From the desk of Joe Kendall Broker Associate with Right Choice Realty. There are many people deciding on whether to sign a new lease on a rental property or take the dive into homeownership. Every situation is different. However, with rents, home values and mortgage interest rates projected to rise, buying now might make a lot more sense than waiting until next year. Here are others who seem to agree: An article at NPR: “Economists see several reasons why 2015 might be a banner year for homebuying — and not just in San Francisco and Miami.” An article on Consumer Affairs: “If you have been thinking about purchasing a home, the first half of 2015 might be a good time.” An article on Fox Business News: “As rent increases, it simply makes more sense to buy a home.” Bottom Line Buying ea... 01/27/2015

11265 Pond Cypress St, Fort Myers, FL Get Directions Click Here   Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Virtual Tour   $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS (2 full, 1 half) 2465 Square Feet   Botanica Lakes like new, big and beautiful home for the growing family in Fort Myers, Florida. This is one of a few Lake View properties for sale in the active community of Botanica Lakes. This beautiful Violet floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths is ideal for the growing family. The home has a formal dining and living area and a powder room for your guests. The kitchen has granite counter tops, 42 inch wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms have granite counter tops too. This wonderful home is spacious and open with high 9' + ceilings. Botanica Lakes well concei... 01/16/2015

The Small Business Resource Network in Southwest Florida is offering a FREE social media workshop. Location: 644 South Main St., Labelle, Florida in the Board Room of Hendry County EDC Date & Time: Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 9:00am Cost: No Cost thanks to the event sponsor, 1st Bank   TopicsLearn how to take advantage of free business marketing tools offered by Facebook. The workshop will demonstrate Facebook business page set-up, the different tools available, and how to create content for social media.  This is a hands-on workshop so bring your laptop! If you are unable to attend this Facebook workshop, you may contact me to schedule a one-on-one session either in-person or via phone or Skype. Email: randy@ipartnermedia.com Phone: 239-449-4749, x114   Free Website AuditIn addition,... 01/16/2015

  The following is the sales activity in Legends Golf & Country Club in Ft. Myers, Florida, for the time period between November 5, 2014 and January 15, 2015.   There were 7 Condominiums sold for an average price of $165,914 and they were on the market for an average of 160 days.   The average discount from asking price was 3.25%; but was off 6% from the original asking price..   Available units number 15 and range in price from $137,900 to $299,000 and in size from 1,095 sq.ft. to 1,666 sq.ft.   There were 3 Single family homes sold for an average price of $302,400 and they were on the market for an average of 93 days.   The average discount from asking price was 4% but was off 5.5% from the original asking price.   Available homes in the Legends  number 12 and range in price from $21... 01/15/2015

I am happy to share my new Listing. 8096 Queen Palm Lane #237 Ft. Myers FL  33966.  Located in Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club Fort Myers, FL.  Listed at $140,000 this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo has spectaculair water and golf course views from the kitchen and the lanai. Contact me directly for a showing at 239-682-7000 or email me:  coshea@nationsrealtors.com My name is Christine O’Shea Broker-Associate with NATIONS Realtors in Naples FL.   I specialize in residential real estate in Naples FL and Marco Island FL which include residential re-sale properties and new construction.  I also handle Naples area residential Short Sales for both buyers and Sellers                There are many Gated Golf Communities in Naples FL featuring both Bundled Golf and Equity Memberships.   Homes for ... 01/05/2015

  The following is a report of the sales activity in Shadow Wood Preserve for the time period between October 24th and December 28, 2014.   There were No condominiums during the period.   Available condos number 5 and range in price from $184,900 to $249,000 and in size from 1,776 sq.ft. to 2,348 sq.ft.   There were 6 Single family homes sold for an average price of $755,473 and they were on the market for an average of 280 days.   The average discount from asking price was 8.6% but was off 10% from the original asking price.   Available homes in Shadow Wood Preserve number 23 and range in price from $439,000 to $1,175,000 and in size from 2,287 sq.ft. to 3,835 sq.ft. Based on sales for the past 4 months, Shadow Wood Preserve has an approximate 12 month supply of homes for sale. This n... 12/29/2014

  The following is a report of the sales activity in Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club for the time period between November 4th and December 28, 2014.   There were 5 Condominiums sold for an average price of $185,000 and they were on the market for an average of 351 days.   The average discount from asking price was 6.1%; but was off 4.5% from the original asking price..   Available units number 19 and range in price from $134,900 to $260,000 and in size from 1,319 sq. ft. to 1,757 sq. ft.   There were 4 Single family homes sold for an average price of $331,500 and they were on the market for an average of 178 days.   The average discount from asking price was 4.7%.   Available homes in Olde Hickory  number 11 and range in price from $199,900 to $549,000 and in size from 1,519 sq. ft.... 12/29/2014

  Bonita Springs FL Homes for Sale | Neighborhoods Arlington Park Bermuda Park Bermuda Ridge Bonita Bay Bonita Beachwalk Bonita Fairways Bonita Golf VillasShadow Wood at The Brooks Check Out these beautiful houses for sale in Estero!   Check out these gorgeous properties near Fort Myers Beach!       Kris Asquith Keller Williams Realty Luxury Homes International 239-300-1427     MLS#: 214038222   Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 15809 Beachcomber Ave Fort Myers, FL           Beautiful 5 bedroom home for sale in Ft Myers FL ! $ 410,000 5 BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS ( 3 full, 1 half ) 2890 Square Feet Contact The Kris Asquith Paradise Realty Team Team to see 15809 Beachcomber Ave in Ft Myers FL. Ca... 12/12/2014

  Contact The Kris Asquith Paradise Realty Team to see 15809 Beachcomber Ave in Ft Myers FL. Call 239-300-1427 or visit http://www.movewithkris.com/  THIS IS THE HOME YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR! Located in the gorgeous Ft Myers FL area, 15809 Beachcomber Ave  is a beautiful spacious 5 bedroom home with a master suite on first floor. This home is loaded with upgrades: just competed in 2013 was a new a/c unit, new kitchen cabinets, downstairs completely retiled, house painted outside, new motion censored lights installed outside, upgraded fans in 4 rooms and pool rescreened. In 2014 pool was retiled, colored LED lighting installed and new window treatments. Great room with full wall of sliders that open up to a fabulous screened lanai that features a heated pool with waterfall and spa, ov... 11/21/2014

  The following is the sales activity in Fiddlesticks Country Club in Ft. Myers, FL, for the time period between July 28th and November 3, 2014.   There were 4 Condominiums sold for an average price of $91,875.   They were on the market for an average of 283 days.   The average discount from asking price was 18.6%.   Available units number 11 and range in price from $49,500 to $89,900 and in size from 1,110 sq. ft. to 1,214 sq. ft.   There were 5 Single family homes which sold for an average price of $478,200.   They were on the market for an average of 384 days.   The average discount from asking price was 6.1% but was off 13.8% from the original asking price.   Available homes in Fiddlesticks number 14 and range in price from $324,900 to $1,950,000 and in size from 2,322 sq. ft. to 6,... 11/04/2014

Recent Sales in the Legends Golf and Country Club of Ft. Myers, FL The following is the sales activity in the Legends Golf & CC for the time period between July 7th and November 3, 2014.   There were 8 Condominiums sold for an average price of $151,375.   They were on the market for an average of 100 days.   The average discount from asking price was 5%, but was off 5.7% from the original asking price.   Available units number 11 and range in price from $131,500 to $225,000 and in size from 1,095 sq. ft. to 1,567 sq. ft.   There were 6 Single family homes which sold for an average price of $352,000.   They were on the market for an average of 167 days.   The average discount from asking price was 4.2% but was off  7.6% from the original asking price.   Available homes in The Legends Gol... 11/03/2014

The following is the sales activity in Olde Hickory Golf & CC for the time period between July 11th and November 3, 2014.   There were 4 Condominiums sold for an average price of $161,750. They were on the market for an average of 205 days. The average discount from asking price was 7%, but was an average of 9.4% from the original asking price.  Available units number 19 and range in price from $134,900 to $260,000 and in size from 1,243 sq. ft. to 1,757 sq. ft. There were 3 Single family homes  sold for an average price of $289,042. They were on the market for an average of 152 days. The average discount from asking price was 6.1% but was an average of 7.9% from the original asking price. Available homes in Olde Hickory number 10 and range in price from $199,000 to $485,000 and in size... 11/03/2014

TWO BRAND NEW MONTESSA II SPEC HOME!! Available for IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! Don't wait to to build new construction, this one has all the bells and whistles! Over $155,000 in upgrades! Not to mention lot, this is a highly desired southern exposure lot. Newly released lot pricing starting at 105K to 195K! This is below cost to build, with similar lot and upgrades!! Enormous lanai with pool/spa, upgraded pavers with the privacy of the preserve. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 full bath and 3 car garage. Beautiful Level 8 cabinetry with soft close drawers, Travertine tile, high end granite and crown molding. Stainless steel appliances and stainless wine chiller. Way too much to list! PASEO has been named community of the year 9 years in a row!Come relax by the large free form pool or enjoy a ... 10/30/2014

  The following is the sales activity in Shadow Wood Preserve for the time period between June 27th and October 23, 2014.   There were 5 Condominiums sold for an average price of $195,700. They were on the market for an average of 264 days. The average discount from asking price was 2.6%, but was an average of 5.9% from the original asking price.   Available units number just 3 and range in price from $189,900 to $429,000 and in size from 1,776 sq. ft. to 3,104 sq. ft.   There were 3 Single family homes which sold for an average price of $852,000. They were on the market for an average of 407 days. The average discount from asking price was 6.5% but was an average of 9.5% from the original asking price.   Available homes in Shadow Wood Preserve number 20 and range in price from $449,50... 10/23/2014

Did you know that USDA stands for United States Department of Agriculture. In the past, Many people think of USDA as “farmer loans” mostly used to purchase properties in country agricultural areas. That not so much the case today with the USDA home loan. In fact, properties in almost every area outside of the Florida’s major metropolitan areas, including Lee County, can be purchased with the 100% USDA loan today. A USDA loan provides low-cost government insured home mortgage loans that suit a variety of options.  The program is especially great for Fort Myers first time home owners that have little to no cash savings for a large down payment. So what type of mortgages does USDA offer? Currently, there are two kinds of USDA loan programs available for single family households: USDA 502 G... 10/18/2014

  15809 Beachcomber Ave, Ft Myers FL Beautiful 5 bedroom home for sale in Ft Myers FL ! Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half Living Area Approx: 2890 List Price: $430,000 Contact Kris Asquith Paradise Realty Team to see this beautiful home in Ft Myers FL. 239-300-1427 or visit http://www.movewithkris.com/ THIS IS THE HOME YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR! Located in the gorgeous Ft Myers FL area onBeachcomber Ave is thisbeautiful spacious 5 bedroom home with a master suite on first floor. This home is loaded with upgrades: just competed in 2013 was a new a/c unit, new kitchen cabinets, downstairs completely retiled, house painted outside, new motion censored lights installed outside, upgraded fans in 4 rooms and pool rescreened. In 2014 pool was retiled, colored LED lighting installed and new... 10/10/2014