State and National News:

• 2011’s foreclosures lowest in four years   Read more…
• Mortgage relief to unemployed   Read more…
• Fla. No. 5 nationally as ‘best for business’   Read more…
• Jobs outlook brightens as confidence begins to rally    Read more…
• Federal judge OKs Chinese drywall deal   Read more….
• Amendment 4   Read more…
• Rate on 30-year mortgage drops to record 3.89%   Read more…
• FL ranks high among states in lowering unemployment   Read more…
• Housing outlook is more upbeat   Read more…
• Avoid foreclosure with help from HUD-approved agencies   Read more…
• About 1 million homeowners may get mortgage write-downs   Read more…

Taxes, Insurance and more:

• 5 insurance mistakes consumers make   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Cities With the Highest Rising Home Prices   Read more…
• HUD homes: $100 downpayment in Florida   Read more…
• Developer buyer out Sandoval   Read more…
• Fewer foreclosure homes returned for resale   Read more…
• Army center contract awarded   Read more…
• Lee County building permits held steady in 2011   Read more…
• Cape Coral utilities plans, pans renewed   Read more…
• North Fort Myers’ Marinatown flourishing   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• 9 tips to help you save on home staging   Read more…
• 10 ways to improve curb appeal   Read more…

Outdoors:

• Interior Department bans snake import   Read more… 
• Low-income housing goes green   Read more….

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my FACEBOOK page for regular up-to-date reports:

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property…..

you can own a Spacious home with boating access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond for just $374,900

BIG! BIG! BIG! and READY TO SELL!! Spacious Gulf Access home!! almost 2700 sf of living space. Heated pool with waterfall and jetted seat. Home features 4 bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, family room, 3.5 baths. An addition in 2002 is where you’ll find a den/office with a closet, a 2nd family/media/exercise room and 1/2 bath which could be used as an in-law area. This addition features its own air conditioning/heating system. Located in fabulous unit 74 on an oversized lot. Includes a dock and 7,500 pound boat lift at the end of a finger canal. Main a/c system new in 2008. Roof new in 2006. Kitchen remodeled in 2006-2007 and bathrooms recently upgraded, new tile, carpet, paint, etc throughout. Pool and large screened lanai built 2002. Beautifully landscaped with fruit and palm trees. Circular drive allows for ample parking.

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here}

______________________________________________________________________

Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets: The Options and Costs

By: Jan Soults Walker

Published: January 3, 2012

Want to reface your kitchen cabinets? Smart decision. It’s more cost-effective and takes less time than a full remodel. Here are options and costs.

Kitchen cabinet refacing pros

• It’s about half the cost of a total cabinet replacement. You’ll also save the time, cost, and hassle of tearing out your old cabinets.

• It’s a green kitchen remodeling solution because old cabinets stay out of the landfill.

• You can continue to use your kitchen during refacing.

• You’ll give your kitchen a new look in a week or less.

Kitchen cabinet refacing cons

• Pricey options, such as expensive replacement hardware and exotic veneers, can drive up the cost of refacing and reduce savings.

• Refacing materials can’t fix an inefficient layout.

What are your refacing options?

Your choices for the finished look of your cabinets is virtually limitless. Veneers are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, textures, grains, and more, which you can mix or match to get a relatively low-cost kitchen facelift.

• Rigid thermofoil (RTF) doors, which feature a durable plastic coating over fiberboard, are an affordable alternative to wood or laminate doors.

• Plastic laminates come in hundreds of colors and patterns, are durable and moisture-resistant, and are reasonably priced. You can pick matching or contrasting laminates for your doors and drawer fronts.

• Real wood veneers include many standard species, such as oak, cherry, and maple, and you also can choose from an array of stain colors. Wood veneers are the most expensive option. Wood must be carefully sealed to protect against moisture.

Further customize and update the look of your cabinets with new kitchen cabinet hardware.

What does refacing cost?

A professional cabinet refacing for a typical 10-by-12-foot kitchen starts at around $1,000 to $3,000 for laminate. Expect to pay $2,500 to $6,000 for real wood veneer. Costs can rise to $7,000 to $9,000 or more for a large project with high-quality wood veneer.

Finishing the project with new hardware (pulls, knobs, hinges) runs $2 to $4 per piece, up to $20 to $50 each for high-end hardware.

In comparison, completely replacing old kitchen cabinets with new cabinets starts at $4,000 to $5,000 and up for stock cabinets; $8,000 to $10,000 for semi-custom cabinets; $16,000 to $20,000 and up for custom-made cabinetry.

Can my cabinets be refaced?

Refacing is feasible if your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition. Cabinets with water damage, warping, and broken frames are poor candidates. Particleboard cabinetry sometimes requires fasteners, in addition to adhesives, to ensure that the veneer is secure.

What’s involved

A professional installer will come to your house to measure your cabinets and determine the amount of veneer required, the correct sizes and quantities for door and drawer fronts, and how much hardware is needed. Newly ordered doors and drawer fronts may take 1 to 2 weeks for delivery.

When all the materials are in hand, your installer removes old cabinet door and drawer fronts, and prepares the surface of the cabinet boxes by washing the exteriors with a degreaser and lightly sanding the finish. Any significant flaws in the surface are repaired or filled to ensure a smooth, secure fit for the new veneer.

The installer applies veneer to the cabinet faces and any exposed cabinet ends, then mounts the new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. The process typically takes 2 to 4 days.

Can I do kitchen cabinet refacing myself?

Detailed instructions and adhesive-backed veneers make cabinet refacing a feasible do-it-yourself project.

If you have extra time, patience, the necessary veneering tools, and a knack for precision, you can save money by tackling kitchen cabinet refacing on your own.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. © Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Deborah ‘Deb’ Cullen, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS, SFR

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

Sign up to receive a free copy of the monthly newsletter click here

They say “The City of Palms is located in Southwestern Florida on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Most visitors go to Fort Myers for the deep-sea fishing, the golf courses and the famous white sand beaches and islands that line the Gulf Coast. A renovation of the city’s downtown waterfront promises new restaurants, clubs, shops and galleries. Attractions include the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.”

See the article here

State and National News:

• Florida Housing Market bouncing back   Read more…
• Interactive map shows population changes   Read more….
• Feds outlook turns a little healthier   Read more…
• Settlement reached in Drywall cases   Read more…
• FL ranks high among states in lowering unemployment   Read more…

Taxes, Insurance and more:

• How to Homestead you Lee County property   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Cape Coral’s Iwo Jima statue restored   Read more…
• Planning & Zoning changes to Tarpon Point   Read more…
• Downtown Fort Myers thrives   Read more…
• Builder purchases remaining homesites in Sandoval   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Before and After make overs   Read more…
• Green Living   Read more…
• Improve and Repair   Read more…

Outdoors:

• Interactive map: Florida Panther deaths   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my FACEBOOK page for up-to-date reports:

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property…..  you can own a beautiful buildable homesite with saltwater waterfront and QUICK direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond for just $79,900

DEAL of the Century!!!! Location! Location! Location!!! WATERFRONT Direct Gulf Access lot means NO BRIDGE or other obstacles. This GREAT home site is located in Unit 58…and the SEAWALL is already in!!!! Fantastic Western Exposure will give you the sunsets that you desire… Imagine building your dream home….walking out your back door…..getting in your boat and heading out to anywhere in the world.. Now that’s ACCESS!!! Boating access to the Gulf of Mexico, beaches, and surrounding islands such as Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Sanibel, Boca Grand… Not to mention…this area offers some of the best fishing to be found anywhere in the world. You’ll also love the fact that this lot is close to an 18-hole Championship Golf Course, shopping, restaurants, etc. Come take advantage of the deals while there are still available….

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here}

______________________________________________________________________

7 Tips for Staging Your Home

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 19, 2010

Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process.

1. Start with a clean slate

Before you can worry about where to place furniture and which wall hanging should go where, each room in your home must be spotless. Do a thorough cleaning right down to the nitpicky details like wiping down light switch covers. Deep clean and deodorize carpets and window coverings.

2. Stow away your clutter

It’s harder for buyers to picture themselves in your home when they’re looking at your family photos, collectibles, and knickknacks. Pack up all your personal decorations. However, don’t make spaces like mantles and coffee and end tables barren. Leave three items of varying heights on each surface, suggests Barb Schwarz of www.StagedHomes.com in Concord, Pa. For example, place a lamp, a small plant, and a book on an end table.

3. Scale back on your furniture

When a room is packed with furniture, it looks smaller, which will make buyers think your home is less valuable than it is. Make sure buyers appreciate the size of each room by removing one or two pieces of furniture. If you have an eat-in dining area, using a small table and chair set makes the area seem bigger.

4. Rethink your furniture placement

Highlight the flow of your rooms by arranging the furniture to guide buyers from one room to another. In each room, create a focal point on the farthest wall from the doorway and arrange the other pieces of furniture in a triangle around the focal point, advises Schwarz. In the bedroom, the bed should be the focal point. In the living room, it may be the fireplace, and your couch and sofa can form the triangle in front of it.

5. Add color to brighten your rooms

Brush on a fresh coat of warm, neutral-color paint in each room. Ask your real estate agent for help choosing the right shade. Then accessorize. Adding a vibrant afghan, throw, or accent pillows for the couch will jazz up a muted living room, as will a healthy plant or a bright vase on your mantle. High-wattage bulbs in your light fixtures will also brighten up rooms and basements.

6. Set the scene

Lay logs in the fireplace, and set your dining room table with dishes and a centerpiece of fresh fruit or flowers. Create other vignettes throughout the home—such as a chess game in progress—to help buyers envision living there. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.

Make your bathrooms feel luxurious by adding a new shower curtain, towels, and fancy guest soaps (after you put all your personal toiletry items are out of sight). Judiciously add subtle potpourri, scented candles, or boil water with a bit of vanilla mixed in. If you have pets, clean bedding frequently and spray an odor remover before each showing.

7. Make the entrance grand

Mow your lawn and trim your hedges, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before showings to make your lawn sparkle. If flowers or plants don’t surround your home’s entrance, add a pot of bright flowers. Top it all off by buying a new doormat and adding a seasonal wreath to your front door.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who occasionally rearranges her furniture to find the best placement—and keep her dog on his toes. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Deborah ‘Deb’ Cullen, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS, SFR

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

Sign up to receive a free copy of the monthly newsletter click here

State and National News:

• National Home Market sees a sliver of good news   Read more….
• Settlement reached in Chinese Drywall case   Read more…

Taxes, Insurance and more:

• How to Homestead you Lee County property   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Cape Coral RE-BOUNDING   READ MORE !!!!!!….
• New utility fees voted down   Read more…
• New Council members sworn in   Read more…
• Redistricting for Lee County   Read more…
• Update on Veterans Investment Zone   Read more…
• Resort at Marina Village sold   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Cleaning problems solved   Read more…
• Doable Decorating   Read more…

Outdoors:

• Cape Coral’s Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my FACEBOOK page for up-to-date reports:

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property…..  you can own a beautiful buildable homesite with saltwater waterfront and access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond for just $68,900

DIRECT ACCESS GULF ACCESS LOT!–NO BRIDGE!!! Location! Location! Location! WEST of Old Burnt Store Rd….BIG WIDE CANAL!!…….FANTASTIC southern exposure keeps the sun on your pool all day…This GREAT home site is located in Unit 82… Imagine building your dream home….walking out your back door…..getting in your boat and heading out to anywhere in the world. Now that’s ACCESS!!! Boating access to the Gulf of Mexico, beaches, and surrounding islands such as Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Sanibel, Boca Grand… Not to mention…this area offers some of the best fishing to be found anywhere in the world. You’ll also love the fact that this lot is less than 2 miles away from an 18-hole Championship Golf Course.

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here}

______________________________________________________________________

 What is it like living in Cape Coral?……..

 

 

Deborah ‘Deb’ Cullen, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS, SFR

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

Sign up to receive a free copy of the monthly newsletter click here

• 
  
  

  (New!)

  2011 Hurricane Season Now Just a (Bad) Memory

  The 2011 hurricane season, tying for the sixth most-active on record, is virtually over — and not a moment too soon. Read

State and National News:

• Number of homes for sale decline   Read more….

Taxes, Insurance and more:

• Scaled back sinkhole rates   Read more…
• Flood Insurance extension   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Old Burnt Store Road rezoning plan   Read more…
• Sales of single family homes   Read more…
• Platted-lands challenges   Read more…
• Cape Coral Police receive high results in survey   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• 8 Kitchen cleaning tricks   Read more…
• 5 ways to reimagine your bedroom   Read more…

Outdoors:

• Rare wild flamingos spotted   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my FACEBOOK page for up-to-date reports:

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property…..  asking price $154,900  (PRICE REDUCED)

Price Reduced–Motivated Seller….Beautiful pool home!!! ….This home boast a large great room, split bedroom design, extra large 2 1/2 car garage, beautiful tiled floors, gorgeous updated kitchen, large lanai under truss, pocket sliders, pool bath, and much much more…You won’t be disappointed… Florida lifestyle living at it’s best…Close to shopping AND you’ll love the fact that this home is less than 3 miles away from an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Come take advantage of the deals while there are still available….

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

 

7 Tips for Staging Your Home

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: March 19, 2010

Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process.

1. Start with a clean slate

Before you can worry about where to place furniture and which wall hanging should go where, each room in your home must be spotless. Do a thorough cleaning right down to the nitpicky details like wiping down light switch covers. Deep clean and deodorize carpets and window coverings.

2. Stow away your clutter

It’s harder for buyers to picture themselves in your home when they’re looking at your family photos, collectibles, and knickknacks. Pack up all your personal decorations. However, don’t make spaces like mantles and coffee and end tables barren. Leave three items of varying heights on each surface, suggests Barb Schwarz of www.StagedHomes.com in Concord, Pa. For example, place a lamp, a small plant, and a book on an end table.

3. Scale back on your furniture

When a room is packed with furniture, it looks smaller, which will make buyers think your home is less valuable than it is. Make sure buyers appreciate the size of each room by removing one or two pieces of furniture. If you have an eat-in dining area, using a small table and chair set makes the area seem bigger.

4. Rethink your furniture placement

Highlight the flow of your rooms by arranging the furniture to guide buyers from one room to another. In each room, create a focal point on the farthest wall from the doorway and arrange the other pieces of furniture in a triangle around the focal point, advises Schwarz. In the bedroom, the bed should be the focal point. In the living room, it may be the fireplace, and your couch and sofa can form the triangle in front of it.

5. Add color to brighten your rooms

Brush on a fresh coat of warm, neutral-color paint in each room. Ask your real estate agent for help choosing the right shade. Then accessorize. Adding a vibrant afghan, throw, or accent pillows for the couch will jazz up a muted living room, as will a healthy plant or a bright vase on your mantle. High-wattage bulbs in your light fixtures will also brighten up rooms and basements.

6. Set the scene

Lay logs in the fireplace, and set your dining room table with dishes and a centerpiece of fresh fruit or flowers. Create other vignettes throughout the home—such as a chess game in progress—to help buyers envision living there. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.

Make your bathrooms feel luxurious by adding a new shower curtain, towels, and fancy guest soaps (after you put all your personal toiletry items are out of sight). Judiciously add subtle potpourri, scented candles, or boil water with a bit of vanilla mixed in. If you have pets, clean bedding frequently and spray an odor remover before each showing.

7. Make the entrance grand

Mow your lawn and trim your hedges, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before showings to make your lawn sparkle. If flowers or plants don’t surround your home’s entrance, add a pot of bright flowers. Top it all off by buying a new doormat and adding a seasonal wreath to your front door.

More from HouseLogic

Spring cleaning guide

Green cleaning products for the bathroom

Green cleaning products for the kitchen

Other web resources

How to make a small room look larger

How to arrange bedrooms

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who occasionally rearranges her furniture to find the best placement—and keep her dog on his toes. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. © Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Deborah ‘Deb’ Cullen, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS, SFR

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

Sign up to receive a free copy of the monthly newsletter click here

First, what is a lis pendens?  A lis pendens is a written notice that a lawsuit has been filed with the courts concerning real estate. You could kind of call it…one of the first indicators of a possible foreclosure.

Everyone’s talking about foreclosures.  Are they slowing down?  Will there be a new wave?

It is important to keep in mind that not every lis pendens filing will turn into a foreclosure but I’ve been watching the overall numbers for a while now…waiting for a sign.  You tell me what you see……

If you would like me to send you more figures and graphs….drop me an email at deb@CapeDeb.com

Cape Coral had to reset its tax rate yesterday even though the budget was already approved in September.  The City, along with several other taxing authorities, received notification from the Lee County Appraiser’s office that the City’s taxable values were lower than originally thought…..  So the tax rate went up a little (7.87 per 1,000 of value to $7.95) ….taxpayers will not see any increase in their bill because this change will not affect the originally adopted millage rate.   Here is what happened….Citizens have a window to dispute their trim notices and after all that was said and done the official numbers were tallied.  No need to worry…this happens every year….

No kidding, Cape Deb is “the best of the best”. She knows the Cape Coral area – not only is she a resident of NW, but she takes great pride in this “top 5 rated place to retire in the United States” (according to money magazine). She knows the real estate market in SW Florida. Deb will take your call and respond 7 days a week – anytime any place – from the car, the office, the boat, or the beach. If she doesn’t have an answer, she’ll find out fast. She knows how to handle all types of real estate situations including short sales, like she did for me. Make her your real estate agent – you will be delighted! I am, Denis Catalano

Do you want to know about the Cape Coral Real Estate Market?

Well……….Paradise is selling fast!

There are currently:

1430 single family homes for sale in Cape Coral, FL

1135  homes have sold in the past three months

That leaves us with an absorption rate of: 3.7 months

What does that mean?

Let’s say that not another house went on the market.  How long would it take to sell the existing inventory?  Only 3.7 months….

Rule of thumb:

A ‘normal’ real estate market (if there is such a thing) has an absorption rate of 6%

When is it a buyers market?  When the absorption rate is over 6 %

When is it a sellers market?  When the absorption rate is under 6%

You can have some of this FABULOUS weather too but you better hurry.

RUN don’t walk…..

Paradise is selling fast!

It’s official….There had been some talk about outsourcing but the City of Cape Coral decided unanimously Monday night to keep control of the Coral Oaks Golf Course.  This is GREAT news!  The City has seen some tough economic times in the pasts couple of years (along with the rest of the State and Nation) but we are  starting to see a turn around.  We’ve made it through the worst…and we are not giving up now.  In the past, other outsourced golf courses in the City did not fair so well so this is great news!  There may be a couple of dollar surcharge per round…but if you have the money to play golf…I don’t think an additional $3 per round is going to hurt anyone.  So enjoy the sunshine golfers….

Single Family homes on the market in Cape Coral:

09/11 = 1433

06/11 = 1475

02/11 = 2441

04/10 = 2382

02/10 = 2414

12/09 = 2275

Can you see when things started to turn?

Most of my listings have sold and I am looking for more!  Do you know anyone selling?

Location! Location! Location! FABULOUS GULF ACCESS LOT!…….This GREAT home site is located in Unit 59… Imagine building your dream home….walking out your back door…..getting in your boat and heading out to any where in the world. That’s ACCESS!!! Boating access to the Gulf of Mexico, beaches, and surrounding islands such as Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Sanibel, Boca Grand… Not to mention…this area offers some of the best fishing to be found anywhere. You’ll love the fact that this lot is less than 2 miles away from an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Canal width is an estimate.  This is a Short Sale subject to existing lender’s approval which could result in delays.

Click here for more info

CALL OR EMAIL FOR A ‘FREE’ CAPE CORAL MAP (no obligation!—I promise)….

For information on this or other SW Florida properties contact:

Debbie Cullen, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS, SFR

Serving SW Florida (Cape Coral…aka Paradise)

239.233.2322

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

State and National News:

• Appliances Energy Star Program   Read more….
• Rental Market is heating up   Read more…
• Feds release final guide for toxic Chinese Drywall  Read more…

Taxes, Insurance and more:

• Cape Coral budget approved   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• The inventory of homes for sale has decreased by 39.4%   Read more…
• Cape Coral listed as one of the best places to retire   Read more…
• Cape Coral ranked 2nd safest city in Florida to drive in   Read more…
• Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Fall Guide   Read more…
• Lee County Home Permits rise   Read more…
• Building permits up   Read more…
• What experts say about Lee County housing market   Read more…
• The Iwo Jima Monument in Cape Coral   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• De-clutter the kid’s room   Read more…
• Accent your walls   Read more…
• Secret places to store things   Read more…

Outdoors:

• Anglers reporting mixed results   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my FACEBOOK page for up-to-date reports:

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property…..  asking price $24,900  (PRICE REDUCED)

Location! Location! Location! FABULOUS GULF ACCESS LOT!…….This GREAT home site is located in Unit 59… Imagine building your dream home….walking out your back door…..getting in your boat and heading out to any where in the world. That’s ACCESS!!! Boating access to the Gulf of Mexico, beaches, and surrounding islands such as Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Sanibel, Boca Grand… Not to mention…this area offers some of the best fishing to be found anywhere.

“LOOKING FOR NEW LISTINGS!  Most of mine are under agreement or sold….”

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

Cleaning House: Secrets of a Truly Deep Clean

By: Jane Hoback

Published: January 14, 2011

Deep clean your house and you’ll brighten rooms and help maintain your home’s value.

De-bug the light fixtures

See that bug burial ground within your overhead fixtures? Turn off the lights and carefully remove fixture covers, dump out flies and wash with hot soapy water. While you’re up there, dust bulbs. Dry everything thoroughly before replacing the cover.

Vacuum heat vents and registers

Dirt and dust build up in heat vents and along register blades. Vents also are great receptacles for coins and missing buttons. Unscrew vent covers from walls or pluck them from floors, remove foreign objects, and vacuum inside the vent. Clean grates with a damp cloth and screw back tightly.

Polish hardware

To deep clean brass door hinges, handles, and cabinet knobs, thoroughly wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, then polish with Wright’s or Weiman brass cleaner ($4). Dish soap shines up glass or stainless steel knobs. Use a Q-tip to detail the ornamental filigree on knobs and handles.

Replace grungy switch plates

Any amateur can wipe a few fingerprints off cover plates that hide light switches, electric outlets, phone jacks, and cable outlets. But only deep cleaners happily remove plates to vacuum and swipe the gunk behind. (OK, we’re a little OCD when it comes to dirt!) Make sure cover plates are straight when you replace them. And pitch plates that are beyond the help of even deep cleaning. New ones cost less than $2 each.

Neaten weather stripping

Peeling, drooping weather stripping on doors and windows makes rooms look old. If the strip still has some life, nail or glue it back. If it’s hopeless, cut out and replace sections, or just pull the whole thing off and start new. A 10-ft. roll of foam weather stripping costs $8; 16-ft. vinyl costs about $15.

Replace stove drip pans

Some drip pans are beyond the scrub brush. Replacing them costs about $3 each and instantly freshens your stove.

Jane Hoback is a veteran business writer who has written for the Rocky Mountain News, Natural Foods Merchandiser magazine, and ColoradoBIZ Magazine.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. © Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Deborah ‘Deb’ Cullen, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS, SFR

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

Sign up to receive a free copy of the monthly newsletter click here

It is expected that the City of Cape Coral will approve their final budget today with a tax rate of $787 per $100,000 of value (as compared to $797 this previous year).  Cape Coral’s budget is required by State law to be approved by 10/1/11.  Please keep in mind that individuals will pay, City, County, Stormwater, and other taxes in with their tax bill.

A balanced budget has not come easy for the City.  Many Departments have had to tighten their belts and have given up a little.  Not an uncommon occurrence for any of us during these economic times.

The Cape Coral real estate market is improving too….everything if falling back into place.

Thank you for all your hard work City of Cape Coral.

Wishing you all the best Dana Brunett….

Lee County Lis Pendens filed………

First, what is a lis pendens?  A lis pendens is a written notice that a lawsuit has been filed with the courts concerning real estate. You could kind of call it…one of the first indicators of a possible foreclosure.

Everyone’s talking about foreclosures.  Are they slowing down?  Will there be a new wave?

It is important to keep in mind that not every lis pendens filing will turn into a foreclosure but I’ve been watching the overall numbers for a while now…waiting for a sign.  You tell me what you see……

If you would like me to send you more figures and graphs….drop me an email at deb@CapeDeb.com