Cape Deb - your Guide to Paradise » Cape Coral

Cape Coral Real Estate Newletter for January 2012…

CapeDeb — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:27:50 +0000

Cape Coral/SW Florida News.....January 2012

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

Waterfront lot…access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond…$46,900

CapeDeb — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:54:33 +0000

24 Hr Cape Coral Real Estate Market Watch…

CapeDeb — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:00:14 +0000

10.15.11

24 new Residential listings, 18 under agreement, and 26 SOLD!!!

9.24.11

27 new Residential listings, 26 went under agreement, and 26 SOLD!!!

9.22.11

22 new Residential listings, 31 went under agreement, and 20 SOLD!!!

4.8.11

31 new Residential listings, 24 went under agreement, and 29 SOLD!!!

4.5.11

36 new Residential listings, 29 went under agreement, and 33 SOLD!!!

3.31.11

29 new Residential listings, 28 went under agreement, and 48 SOLD!!!

3.30.11

29 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 19 SOLD!!!

3.23.11

32 new Residential listings, 31 went under agreement, and 25 SOLD!!!

3.19.11

35 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 29 SOLD!!!

3.15.11

35 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 33 SOLD!!!

3.2.11

34 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

2.4.11

44 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 18 SOLD!!!

9.11.10

52 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

9.10.10

35 new Residential listings, 26 went under agreement, and 20 SOLD!!!

9.8.10

33 new Residential listings, 30 went under agreement, and 29 SOLD!!!

8.24.10

39 new Residential listings, 26 went under agreement, and 25 SOLD!!!

8.21.10

33 new Residential listings, 29 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

8.14.10

42 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 16 SOLD!!!

8.7.10

40 new Residential listings, 31 went under agreement, and 18 SOLD!!!

8.4.10

46 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 19 SOLD!!!

7.30.10

40 new Residential listings, 22 went under agreement, and 24 SOLD!!!

7.29.10

35 new Residential listings, 16 went under agreement, and 18 SOLD!!!

7.28.10

38 new Residential listings, 24 went under agreement, and 29 SOLD!!!

7.27.10

41 new Residential listings, 17 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

7.24.10

32 new Residential listings, 26 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

7.23.10

44 new Residential listings, 28 went under agreement, and 12 SOLD!!!

7.22.10

33 new Residential listings, 24 went under agreement, and 15 SOLD!!!

7.21.10

34 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 15 SOLD!!!

7.15.10

33 new Residential listings, 21 went under agreement, and 18 SOLD!!!

7.1.10

35 new Residential listings, 33 went under agreement, and 43 SOLD!!!

6.29.10

31 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 36 SOLD!!!

6.28.10

9 new Residential listings, 6 went under agreement, and 5 SOLD!!!

6.24.10

33 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

6.22.10

39 new Residential listings, 13 went under agreement, and 21 SOLD!!!

6.18.10

38 new Residential listings, 19 went under agreement, and 20 SOLD!!!

6.17.10

34 new Residential listings, 25 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

6.16.10

41 new Residential listings, 38 went under agreement, and 28 SOLD!!!

6.15.10

54 new Residential listings, 33 went under agreement, and 30 SOLD!!!

6.12.10

51 new Residential listings, 23 went under agreement, and 23 SOLD!!!

6.11.10

45 new Residential listings, 17 went under agreement, and 20 SOLD!!!

6.10.10

62 new Residential listings, 23 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

6.9.10

47 new Residential listings, 21 went under agreement, and 38 SOLD!!!

6.8.10

46 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 30 SOLD!!!

6.5.10

46 new Residential listings, 37 went under agreement, and 27 SOLD!!!

6.3.10

39 new Residential listings, 30 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

5.29.10

35 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 39 SOLD!!!

5.27.10

35 new Residential listings, 39 went under agreement, and 25 SOLD!!!

5.26.10

40 new Residential listings, 29 went under agreement, and 25 SOLD!!!

5.25.10

46 new Residential listings, 31went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

5.22.10

44 new Residential listings, 24 went under agreement, and 31 SOLD!!!

5.19.10

39 new Residential listings, 40 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

5.15.10

28 new Residential listings, 35 went under agreement, and 33 SOLD!!!

5.12.10

29 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 20 SOLD!!!

5.11.10

35 new Residential listings, 30 went under agreement, and 24 SOLD!!!

5.7.10

36 new Residential listings, 30 went under agreement, and 45 SOLD!!!

5.6.10

54 new Residential listings, 26 went under agreement, and 28 SOLD!!!

5.5.10

48 new Residential listings, 28 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

5.4.10

37 new Residential listings, 38 went under agreement, and 41 SOLD!!!

4.30.10

31 new Residential listings, 44 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

4.29.10

44 new Residential listings, 42 went under agreement, and 33 SOLD!!!

4.28.10

46 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 21 SOLD!!!

4.27.10

47 new Residential listings, 30 went under agreement, and 34 SOLD!!!

4.23.10

44 new Residential listings, 52 went under agreement, and 38 SOLD!!!

4.21.10

51 new Residential listings, 39 went under agreement, and 27 SOLD!!!

4.17.10

50 new Residential listings, 37 went under agreement, and 21 SOLD!!!

4.15.10

48 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 16 SOLD!!!

4.14.10

53 new Residential listings, 22 went under agreement, and 26 SOLD!!!

3.30.10

48 new Residential listings, 37 went under agreement, and 33 SOLD!!!

3.27.10

32 new Residential listings, 35 went under agreement, and 31 SOLD!!!

3.26.10

39 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 31 SOLD!!!

3.25.10

44 new Residential listings, 35 went under agreement, and 23 SOLD!!!

3.24.10

43 new Residential listings, 52 went under agreement, and 22 SOLD!!!

3.23.10

41 new Residential listings, 33 went under agreement, and 26 SOLD!!!

3.20.10

44 new Residential listings, 37 went under agreement, and 23 SOLD!!!

3.19.10

45 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 33 SOLD!!!

3.18.10

55 new Residential listings, 22 went under agreement, and 27 SOLD!!!

3.15.10

18 new Residential listings, 31 went under agreement, and 12 SOLD!!!

3.13.10

39 new Residential listings, 31 went under agreement, and 22 SOLD!!!

3.12.10

33 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 25 SOLD!!!

3.5.10

60 new Residential listings, 42 went under agreement, and 19 SOLD!!!

3.3.10

43 new Residential listings, 33 went under agreement, and 40 SOLD!!!

2.26.10

44 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 24 SOLD!!!

2.25.10

44 new Residential listings, 44 went under agreement, and 18 SOLD!!!

2.24.10

39 new Residential listings, 33 went under agreement, and 25 SOLD!!!

2.23.10

54 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 30 SOLD!!!

2.20.10

34 new Residential listings, 42 went under agreement, and 19 SOLD!!!

2.19.10

47 new Residential listings, 35 went under agreement, and 38 SOLD!!!

2.18.10

55 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 30 SOLD!!!

2.17.10

37 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 23 SOLD!!!

2.16.10

31 new Residential listings, 27 went under agreement, and 22 SOLD!!!

2.13.10

45 new Residential listings, 34 went under agreement, and 19 SOLD!!!

2.11.10

49 new Residential listings, 43 went under agreement, and 16 SOLD!!!

2.10.10

51 new Residential listings, 40 went under agreement, and 11 SOLD!!!

2.9.10

56 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 19 SOLD!!!

2.5.10

43 new Residential listings, 32 went under agreement, and 13 SOLD!!!

2.4.10

68 new Residential listings, 36 went under agreement, and 18 SOLD!!!

2.3.10

57 new Residential listings, 43 went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

2.2.10

35 new Residential listings, 31 went under agreement, and 29 SOLD!!!

1.30.10

67 new Residential listings, 46 went under agreement, and 36 SOLD!!!

1.29.10

43 new Residential listings, 28 went under agreement, and 24 SOLD!!!

1.28.10

37 new Residential listings, 44 went under agreement, and 23 SOLD!!!

1.27.10

45 new Residential listings, 29 went under agreement, and 20 SOLD!!!

1.26.10

43 new Residential listings, 36 went under agreement, and 32 SOLD!!!

1.25.10

13 new Residential listings, 9 went under agreement, and 3 SOLD!!!

1.24.10

9 new Residential listings, 10 went under agreement, and 2 SOLD!!!

1.23.10

37 new Residential listings, 44 went under agreement, and 11 SOLD!!!

1.22.10

47 new Residential listings, 33 went under agreement, and 16 SOLD!!!

1.20.10

48 new Residential listings, 28went under agreement, and 17 SOLD!!!

Cape Coral Coral Oaks Golf Course

CapeDeb — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:23:07 +0000

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….

Cape Coral Inventory dropping…

CapeDeb — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:09:27 +0000

I pulled some old reports this morning and noticed how much Cape Coral single family home inventory has gone down in the past couple of years:

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?

Fabulous Gulf Access lot in Unit 59…. $24,900

CapeDeb — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:05:15 +0000

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

Cape Coral budget expected to be approved

CapeDeb — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:22:50 +0000

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.

Cape Coral is one of the best places to retire

CapeDeb — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:41:23 +0000

Money Magazine has ranked Cape Coral as one of the top low-cost places to retire in 2012. Those of us who live here already knew this…after all….. you can buy a beautiful home for a deal and yet the City is well cared for and the people are just wonderful…. and did I forget to mention the palm trees, blue sky and water? It’s a big city with a small town feel.

Thank you Money Magazine for telling the world how special we are.

Click here to read the full Money Magazine story

Cape Coral new Economic Development Director

CapeDeb — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:00:15 +0000

Congratulations to Dana Brunett the new Cape Coral Economic Development Director! This is a HUGE position in our City right now since attracting businesses to our area is key for our economy. Dana comes from Hilton NY and has 20+ years of experience in his feild including working for the City of Rochester NY and Pathstone Enterprise Center. We should see things start to rock-n-roll on October 17th which is his start day.

Wishing you all the best Dana Brunett….

August 2011 Cape Coral Real Estate News

CapeDeb — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:27:59 +0000

Cape Coral/SW Florida News.....August 2011

State and National News:

Fewer homes for sale, inventories fall sharply Read more….
Offshore Investors snapping up Fla real estate Read more…
State forecasts property value increases Read more…
ForSaleByOwner.com Founder uses Agent to sell home Read more…
Fewer foreclosure warnings in July Read more…
Good thing with shorter mortgages Read more…
Number of short sales on the rise Read more…
South Florida’s condo market recovering Read more…

Taxes, Insurance and more:

Federal Health Insurance available online Read more…
Paws for Patriots Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

Average Floridan getting younger Read more…
Cape’s Convention Center dream gaining popular traction Read more…
South Cape business boom Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

10 major Mortgage mistakes to avoid Read more…
Biggest decorating mistakes Read more…
Tips for small spaces Read more…

Green News:

Cape Coral Nature Trails Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property….. asking price $29,900

“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 }

______________________________________________________________________

Do-It-Yourself Home Security: Windows May Leave You Vulnerable

By: Joseph D’Agnese

Published: November 12, 2010

Protecting your home from break-ins starts with a do-it-yourself home security check to indicate whether your windows are an open invitation to criminals.

Check ground-floor and basement windows

Ground-floor and basement windows are more likely to be targeted than those on the second floor, and deserve the most attention. The exception is those second-floor windows that can be easily accessed by a deck or other elevated structure outside the home.

Start your home security check by looking at your ground-floor windows from afar. Are they blocked by high shrubbery? Bushes give ideal cover for someone planning to break or force open a window; cut greenery back so that front windows are fully visible from the street.

Keep locks locked

Make sure all windows can be opened, closed, and locked with relative ease—and then remember to keep them locked whenever you’re not around. The biggest problem that occurs with windows is when home owners exit their home and leave windows wide open—and vulnerable.

In spring and fall, when daytime temperatures swing and windows are frequently opened and closed, get in the habit of locking windows as you shut them.

Install simple security devices

Add blocking devices to the most easily accessed windows so they can’t be opened from outside.

Wooden dowels placed in the track block windows that slide horizontally, and require no installation.

Steel locking pins (about $7 each), inserted in small holes that must be drilled through the frames, prevent vertically-sliding windows from being opened.

If you install a home security system later, the pros will install glass-break sensors on your most vulnerable windows.

Check garage windows

Garage windows are often forgotten—give them a home security check to make sure they’re securely locked. Install curtains or apply translucent security film on garage windows so that valuables aren’t readily visible. Thieves are more likely to attempt a break-in if they see items worth stealing.

Joseph D’Agnese is a journalist and book author who has written numerous articles on home improvement. He lives in North Carolina.

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

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

Cape Coral Parks Map

CapeDeb — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:47:50 +0000

Map of Cape Coral Parks…. (click here)

June 2011 Newsletter….Cape Coral FL Real Estate News

CapeDeb — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:53:38 +0000

Cape Coral/SW Florida News…..June 2011

State and National News:

75% of Americans support homeownership Read more….
Couple tells bank: ‘We’ll Foreclose on you’ Read more…
Demand for rentals increases Read more…
Property as a Graduation Gift, Investment Read more…
Decline in South Florida homes for sale giving Sellers an edge Read more…
All-Cash Buyers scooping up homes Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

If disaster strikes, will your insurance come through? Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

Cape Coral top pick for International Buyers Read more…
7 Cities where home prices are rising Read more…
Cape Canal hearing rejected Read more…
DEP dismisses Lee County’s petition for hearing on North Spreader Canal Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

Sell your home with aromatherapy Read more…
10 Earth-Friendly kitchen counters Read more…

Green News:

Turtles hurry here Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property….. asking price $29,900

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: 5 Essential Steps

By: Joseph D’Agnese

Published: November 12, 2010

Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in.

1. Keep your home well-maintained on the outside

Burglars want an easy target. Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself: Does my property look neglected, hidden, or uninhabited? A front door or walkway that’s obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window. To improve security, trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks.

2. Install motion detector lights

All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting, not just the front. Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each, and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place.

3. Store your valuables

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics, cash, jewelry, and other valuables, though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV. Most make a beeline for the master bedroom, because that’s where you’re likely to hide spare cash, jewelry, even guns.   Tour each room and ask yourself: is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box? Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) that’s bolted to your basement slab is a good repository for items you don’t use on a daily basis.

4. Secure your data

While you probably won’t be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon, take steps to back up the personal informationstored on it. Password protect your login screen, and always shut off your computer when not in use (you’ll save energy, too!) Don’t overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify, like digital photos.

5. Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens

Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home, and store the file online or in your home safe.

Check that you’re properly insured for theft. Note that high-ticket items in your home office, such as computers, professional camera equipment, or other business essentials, may require an additional rider or a separate policy.

Joseph D’Agnese is a journalist and book author who has written numerous articles on home improvement. He lives in North Carolina.

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

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

To remove your name from our mailing list, please

May 2011 Newsletter…….Cape Coral FL Real Esate News

CapeDeb — Sun, 22 May 2011 13:35:50 +0000

Cape Coral/SW Florida News…..May 2011

State and National News:

Fixed mortgage rates touch new low for 2011 Read more….
Seven Deadly Credit Score Sins Read more…
More Americans flock to the South, West Read more…
Rising Rents Read more…
Survey: Americans still optimistic about houseing Read more…
7 Great Places to retire Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

Property Tax Break for Active Duty Military Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

Cape Coral 2nd safest city in Florida Read more…
5 markets ripe for appreciation Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

30 quick fixes and tips for everyday home problems Read more…
Lessons from a Home Inspector Read more…
May home-maintenance checklist Read more…

Green News:

Beaches Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property….. asking price $39,900

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

Cape Coral’s fertilizer ordinance

• Only slow release, controlled released, timed released and slowly available water insoluble nitrogen fertilizers can be used.

• Fertilizer for turf or plants shall contain no less than 50 percent slow- release nitrogen.

• No fertilizer may be applied from June through September

• New turf or plants may be fertilized for 60 days, but only after 30 days after planting.

• Fertilizers should be applied at their lowest rate but no more than 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 feet in any calendar year.

• Deflectors must be used on spreaders and positioned so granules are deflected away from fertilizer-free zones and water bodies.

• A fertilizer-free zone is any area within 10 feet of a pond, stream, watercourse, lake, canal, wetland or top of seawall.

• No grass clippings, vegetative material or debris, either intentionally or accidentally, may be swept or blown into storm water drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, sidewalks or roadways.

• All commercial and institutional applicators within the city must complete a 6-hour training program in the Florida Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries and offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida extension “Florida Friendly Landscapes” program. The course, which can be taken in Lee County at Terry Park, must be completed within 180 days and at least one person from a company needs to take it. The class must be repeated once every five years.

Violations
First offense: $100
Second: $250
Three or more: $500

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

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

To remove your name from our mailing list, please

May 2011 Newsletter….Cape Coral FL Real Estate News from Cape Deb………

CapeDeb — Sun, 22 May 2011 13:24:16 +0000

Cape Coral/SW Florida News…..May 2011

State and National News:

Fixed mortgage rates touch new low for 2011 Read more….
Seven Deadly Credit Score Sins Read more…
More Americans flock to the South, West Read more…
Rising Rents Read more…
Survey: Americans still optimistic about houseing Read more…
7 Great Places to retire Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

Property Tax Break for Active Duty Military Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

Cape Coral 2nd safest city in Florida Read more…
5 markets ripe for appreciation Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

30 quick fixes and tips for everyday home problems Read more…
Lessons from a Home Inspector Read more…
May home-maintenance checklist Read more…

Green News:

Beaches Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature property….. asking price $39,900

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

Cape Coral’s fertilizer ordinance

• Only slow release, controlled released, timed released and slowly available water insoluble nitrogen fertilizers can be used.

• Fertilizer for turf or plants shall contain no less than 50 percent slow- release nitrogen.

• No fertilizer may be applied from June through September

• New turf or plants may be fertilized for 60 days, but only after 30 days after planting.

• Fertilizers should be applied at their lowest rate but no more than 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 feet in any calendar year.

• Deflectors must be used on spreaders and positioned so granules are deflected away from fertilizer-free zones and water bodies.

• A fertilizer-free zone is any area within 10 feet of a pond, stream, watercourse, lake, canal, wetland or top of seawall.

• No grass clippings, vegetative material or debris, either intentionally or accidentally, may be swept or blown into storm water drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, sidewalks or roadways.

Violations
First offense: $100
Second: $250
Three or more: $500

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

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

To remove your name from our mailing list, please

Waterfront Gulf Access Lot in unit 82….only $49,000

CapeDeb — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:30:24 +0000

Gulf Acces

Unit 82

only $49,000

Location! Location! Location! FABULOUS NW GULF ACCESS LOT!…….EXTRA WIDE Canal!! This GREAT home site is located in Unit 82…no bridge out to open water. 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!!!