If you’re following what’s happening in the housing market right now, you know that many people believe the winter months aren’t a good time to sell a home. As realtor.com Senior Economist George Ratiu recently noted,“Sellers tend to be more reluctant to list during the colder time of year when the market typically makes a seasonal slowdown.”However, a recent report by ShowingTime reveals how this year is different. Buyer activity is way up compared to the same time last year. The report explains,“The nation’s 12.6% growth in home showings compared to 2018 was the most significant jump in buyer traffic during the current four-month streak of year-over-year increases. The West Region saw the greatest growth in activity, with a 23.1% jump – the region’s greatest in the history of the Show... 01/11/2020

According to the National Day Calendar site today is:National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities.  They’ve answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated.From local, state and federal, their duties command dedication. The jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them. Often law enforcement are the only paid emergency resource a community has. More often they work in coordination with other local, state, and federal organizations to make communities safer.On National Law Enforcement Day, we have an opportunity to thank them for their... 01/09/2020

Movies, tv shows, and celebrities often have us dreaming of owning large homes, but the reality for most people is quite different.Since 2015, the square footage of newly built houses has been shrinking, according to Yahoo Finances. This is not projected to change as we continue into the beginning of the year.“We expect this downsizing trend to continue in 2020, driven by a confluence of economic and demographic trends.”Why are smaller homes trending now?As noted in the article, there are a few main reasons for this demand: “Many of today’s younger, millennial home buyers have expressed a preference for denser, more urban homes that are more walkable to shared amenities.” “Today’s older homeowners are expressing a desire for smaller, less maintenance-heavy and more accessible (read: les... 01/07/2020

Rising home prices coupled with the current inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their homes on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might be hard to execute well for the vast majority of sellers.Here are the top 5 reasons not to FSBO:1. Online Strategy for Prospective PurchasersStudies have shown that 93% of buyers search online for a home. That’s a pretty staggering number! Most real estate agents have an Internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?2. Results Come from the InternetAccording to NAR, here’s where buyers found the homes they actually purchased: 55% on the Internet 28% from a Real Estate Agent 10% Other 6% from a Yard Sign 1% from Newspapers The days of selling your house by putting u... 01/05/2020

Questions continue to rise around where home prices will head in 2020. The latest forecast from CoreLogic shows continued appreciation at 5.4% over the next year:Additionally, ARCH Mortgage Insurance Company in their current Housing and Mortgage Market Review revealed their latest ARCH Risk Index, which estimates the probability of home prices being lower in two years. Based on the most recent results, 32 of the 50 U.S. states (plus D.C.) had a minimal probability of lowering by 2021. Bottom LineExperts forecast home price appreciation to continue at a moderate rate as we move through 2020 and beyond. With appreciation growing, now is a great time to reach out to your real estate professional: Abby Stiller and plan for your next move. Abby with Remax Realty Group can be reached at: 239-... 01/02/2020

 Keller Williamss Realty of Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Sanibel Island Florida. Buying, Selling, Building a New Home, Speak with Broker Joe!  Keller Williams Realty 1520 Royal Palm Square Blvd, Fort Myers Florida 33919 Direct line 239-560-0726 Email Jkendall@KW.com  Website ViewSwFlorida.com  12/31/2019

Some Highlights: Interest rates will be lower than they have been since before 1980 at 3.8% and are projected to remain steady throughout 2020! According to CoreLogic, home prices will appreciate at a rate of 5.4% over the course of the year. Experts predict that the number of homes sold next year will be equal to or outpace 2019.   12/30/2019

Studies have shown that, in many cases, the largest asset a family owns is the house they live in. Over the last twelve months, that asset has gained substantial value.CoreLogic just released their 2019 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights Report. The report revealed that:“U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 64% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $457 billion since the third quarter 2018, an increase of 5.1%, year over year.”The equity in a property is determined by comparing the current value of the property against the outstanding mortgage debt. As prices rise, the equity in a home increases.The report went on to explain that the average homeowner gain in equity over the last twelve months was $5,300.Here’s a map showing the average equity gai... 12/28/2019

An amazing view with FREE Golf! ️ This condo is meticulously maintained with 2 spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, updated master shower, newer laminate flooring in the living room, full size washer and dryer, and a huge lanai over looking the serene view of the lake and golf course.   The building has an Elevator and a new roof. Other benefits include reserved covered parking space, Bocce Court, Clubhouse, Community Pool, Community Room, Library, Fishing Pier, Bocce Court, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Tennis Courts and much more! Also, basic cable & internet and water included! And pets are allowed, what more do you need?   This pristine community is close to everything! Malls, Healthpark Hospital, restaurants, Barbara B. Mann theater, international airport, major universities, churches and ... 12/28/2019

 KELLER WILLIAMS IS HIRING AND TRAINING MOTIVATED REAL ESTATE AGENTS!  Hello, My name is Joe Kendall, I am the Broker for Keller Williams Realty of Keller Williams Fort Myers & The Islands providing you with over 20 years of experience in the real esatte industry. I personally tke your real estate career seriously and continuously follow up on your growth with Keller Williams! Our Realtors List and Sells Mostly in Lee are Collier County, but many of our Agents have listings all over the state of Florida or do client referral to many of our real estate offfice locations in florida and around the world We are  looking to gain more market share in 2020 and we are looking to hire and train a select group of motivated Realtors. ( as you know Florida is a melting pot of buyer and seller prosp... 12/27/2019

⛳️ Coming Soon ⛳️ Condo with an amazing view to the golf course and lake and the best FREE Golf!The building has an Elevator and a newer roof! This pristine community is close to everything: Fort Myers Beach, Captiva & Sanibel Islands, Malls, Health park Hospital, restaurants, Airport, major Universities and more! This condo is a must see, make an appointment now before it hits the market.📍 Fort Myers, FL 33919💰 154,900🏆 Remax Realty Group☎️ 239-560-2453📞 Ich Spreche Deutsch  12/26/2019

     ALWAYS BEST TO TALK TO BROKER JOE!  You’re going to Love this Amazing Lifestyle! Tour this Wonderful Estate Home Built by Luxury Home Builder Arthur Ruttenberg and you will find, Seeing is Believing! This 2 story home has everything you’re looking for, all it needs is You! Welcome home to Five Bedrooms, Three Baths, Home Office , Spacious Loft, Open Kitchen, Large Family Area, Spacious Laundry Room, Huge Pool Deck and yard for Entertaining the Largest Group of Family and Friends! This 1.42 Acre Lot Features a Huge Steel Outbuilding to hold all your Tools and Adult Toys, Fruit Trees, Chicken Coop, Fenced Garden Area with Irrigation and so much More! Added Values to the home Include Electric Stairway Chair Lift, Briggs and Stratton Complete Home Generator, Two Newer AC Units and so m... 12/26/2019

The reality of what we’re seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today’s strong seller’s market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes.In most areas of the country, first-time buyers have been met with fierce competition throughout their homebuying experience. Some have been out-bid multiple times before finally going into contract on a home to call their own.Right now, inventory is the big challenge. Here’s what we know today:According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there is currently a 3.9-month supply of homes for sale, which can drive this kind of hefty buyer competition. Remember, anything less than 6 months of inventory is a seller’s market.Even though the month’s supply of in... 12/19/2019

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them: Refinance: If you already own a home, you may want to decide if you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save substantially over time, but it also means paying upfront closing costs too. You have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home? Move-up or Downsize: Another option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit for your family. Become a First-Time Homebuy... 12/14/2019

It's time for your weekly look at what's happening with rate movement, the economy and the housing market.Watch to the end for the "last word."If you are looking to buy or sell a property this year in the areas of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs or Naples, FL please give me a call for a free consultation and I will help you to achieve your real estate goals!Abby Stiller - Realtor with ReMax Realty Group - Hablo Español239-284-8637 Neighborhood AnalysisTO RECEIVE A PROFESSIONAL CMA, PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY AT:239-284-8637 OR CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT MY FREE HOME VALUATION FORM.PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN ACTUAL CMA (COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS) AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. ONLY A LICENSED REALTOR®, LIKE MYSELF CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH AN ACTUAL CMA.   12/13/2019

Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable.Porch.com, a major network helping homeowners with their renovation projects, recently conducted a survey which asked Americans:“What do you believe is the safest investment over the next 10 years?”U.S. housing came in at number one, beating out other investments such as gold, stocks, bonds, and savings.Here is a graph showing the top five investments Americans selected: The findings of the Porch.com survey also coincide with two previous surveys done earlier this year: The Federal Reserve Bank’s 2019 Consumer Expectations Housing Survey reported that 65% of Americans believe homeownership is a good financial investment, and that the p... 12/10/2019

Some Highlights: According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32. With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong. More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are realizing that homeownership is now within their grasp, and they’re actively dominating the first-time homebuyer market! If you are a millennial looking to buy your first home and need a local Realtor to guide you, show you homes (even on weekends) and who is going to help you to negotiate the best price for you, call Abby Stiller with Remax Realty Group at 239-284-8637 12/08/2019

 Buying or Selling real estate in Southwest Florida should always begin with a conversation with Joe Kendall, “Broker Joe” with Keller Williams of Fort Myers & The Islands.“Serving all of Southwest Florida since 2004”Joe’s Story -Successful in helping and supporting people.Joe’s Passion - Improving peoples lives through real estate.Joe’s Support -Encouragement backed by knowledge.Joe’s Tools - Best Technology in the Industry.Joe’s Business Strategy-Always Putting People First.Joe’s Goal -You reaching your goals, your accomplishments.Joe Always Says-It's not about me, It's all about You ! Everything starts with a great conversation about whats important to You! Broker Joe's a Great Listener, if you have had a bad experience or not a very successful one with another realtor in the past, J... 11/21/2019

Pure Florida Fort Myers and IMAG History & Science Museum now offer an opportunity for visitors to purchase discounted Pure Florida Fort Myers cruise tickets with the purchase of IMAG tickets. Pure Florida is offering $25 Sightseeing and Sunset Cruise tickets for adults and $15 child tickets with the purchase of IMAG tickets. All tickets must be purchased at the IMAG History & Science Museum. With only 1.8 miles separating the two attractions, visitors can enjoy new exhibits and native wildlife all in historic Downtown Fort Myers. “This is an excellent partnership that aligns children and families’ interest in learning about our area, here at the museum and on the river. Both provide unique opportunities to inspire and educate,” said Matt Johnson, Executive Director IMAG. Visitors who p... 11/19/2019

 Home buying activity (demand) is up, and the number of available listings (supply) is down. When demand outpaces supply, prices appreciate. That’s why firms are beginning to increase their projections for home price appreciation going forward. As an example, CoreLogic increased their 12-month projection for home values from 4.5% to 5.6% over the last few months.The reacceleration of home values will cause some to again voice concerns about affordability. Just last week, however, First American came out with a data analysis that explains how price is not the only market factor that impacts affordability. They studied prices, mortgage rates, and wages from January through August of this year. Here are their findings:Home Prices“In January 2019, a family with the median household income i... 11/11/2019