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!!!

It’s official…this week we made headway in Cape Coral.  Lee County has installed ‘open road tolling’ on the Midpoint Memorial Bridge.  What does this mean?  It means that drivers with electronic transponders will be able to go through the toll at highway speed without having to slow down.  Once all the construction is completed there will be two lanes that allow drivers to go through at 45 mph.  Easy on….Easy off!

Cape Coral population is climbing every year so any transportation improvement is welcome.  Nice job on the forward thinking Lee County~

For information on Cape Coral real estate 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:

• Mortgage rates fall to fresh low   Read more….
• Florida job growth expected to rise next year   Read more…
• Promising signs that growth will continue   Read more…
• Lee County looks at cutting fees   Read more…
• Florida condo sales up   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• Florida Tax Guide   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Christmas in Florida   Read more….
• Gateway project makes comeback   Read more…
• Downtown Fort Myers’ project launced again   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Christmas Decorations Dos   Read more…
• Tips for hanging Christmas lights   Read more…
• Getting your house ready for Winter   Read more…

Green News:

• First Fruits sprout   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature…..

Own a piece of Paradise…..

This WATERFRONT Homesite offers boating access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond for only $49,900…..

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

Published: August 24, 2010

When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. Just about everything else—remodeling costs, the hassle of living in a construction zone, or the ability to live happily without one more bathroom–is a personal preference. After all, your home isn’t just your largest investment; it’s also the place where your family lives.

1. Will remodeling make your home better than everyone else’s?

To make the right move-or-remodel decision, you have to know:

• Your home’s value. Easy. Just ask a REALTOR® to estimate it and tell you how it compares with the value of the other homes in your immediate neighborhood. Ask her what she thinks your house will be worth after the improvements, too.

• Your neighbors’ home value. Hit some open houses. Seeing the inside of area homes will inspire you; help you make good choices about finishes, room sizes, and how much to spend; and, admit it, entertain you.

• Your remodeling costs. Once you’ve got your renovation vision, get a quote from a home improvement contractor or, if you’re remodeling it yourself, tally the costs of the items on your supplies shopping list.

Then add the remodeling costs to the value of your home. If the number you get is more than 10% above the average value of homes in your neighborhood, you’re over-improving and probably won’t be able to sell for what you put into the remodel.

Here’s why: No one wants to buy the most expensive home on the block (your home) if they can spend the same money to get a similar home on a block of higher-priced homes. Would you pay $200,000 to live on a block where all the other homes are valued at $100,000? We hope not.

Make home improvements that are typical for the neighborhood. Don’t put granite countertops in a trailer, and don’t put laminate countertops in a Trump Tower condo. Your tour of open houses gives you a chance to verify that your planned remodel isn’t an over- or under-improvement for the neighborhood.

2. Do you love where you live?

Want to keep your kids in the same school district, but can’t find or afford a bigger, better house? Love the neighbors? Have an easy commute to work? Stay put. If you’ve soured on the traffic, the neighborhood’s crime rate, or the nosy neighbors, move on.

3. Do you have room to expand?

If your remodeling plans include increasing the overall size of your home, the size of your lot may be the deciding factor in whether to move or remodel. If you live in a 1,500 sq. ft. ranch on a 3,000 sq. ft. lot, you might be able to add a second story to turn it into a 3,000 sq. ft. two-story, but you’re not likely to add 1,500 sq. ft. at ground level. And if you have a septic tank and well, the location of those will limit how and where you add onto your home (or cost you a bundle to move).

4. Can you afford to move?

Consider these moving costs: sale costs for your existing home, shipping your household goods, buying window treatments and possibly furniture for the new house, costs to fix up your existing home before sale, higher utility costs (if your next house is bigger), insurance cost differences, and property taxes.

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

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

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State and National News:

• Where do people want to live   Read more….
• Major settlement in Drywall Litigation   Read more…
• Banks resume foreclosures   Read more…
• 5 Traits of today’s Home Buyer’s   Read more…
• Smaller homes to remain popular   Read more…
• States with the highest and lowest Property taxes   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• National Flood Insurance extended to 2011   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Fall 2010 Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Guide   Read more…
• Lee County foreclosures down   Read more…
• Classes enlighten local homebuyers   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Dos and Don’ts for Sellers and Buyers   Read more…
• 10 Reason to Buy a Home   Read more…
• Budget makeover ideas   Read more…
• How to organize your linen closet   Read more…

Green News:

• Fighting Conchs stump scientists   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature…..

Beautiful Affordable home in Paradise!!!!!!  PRICED AT $52,000

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

5 Tips for buying a Foreclosure

Published: March 29, 2010

Get prequalified for a loan and set aside funds, and you’ll be ready to purchase a foreclosed home.

1. Choose a foreclosure sale expert. Lenders rarely sell their own foreclosures directly to consumers. They list them with real estate brokers. You can work with a real estate agent who sells foreclosed homes for lenders, or have a buyer’s agent find foreclosure properties for you. To locate a foreclosure sales specialist, call local brokers and ask if they are the listing agent for any banks.

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 click here

State and National News:

• Facing foreclosure? Find options   Read more….
• Air Conditioner Rebate starts 8/30   Read more…
• U.S. Census Bureau releases info on nation’s housing  Read more…
• Economic confidence ticks up   Read more…
• Florida population grows again   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• Amendment 3 off November Ballot   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• New ideas for downtown Cape Coral   Read more…
• New playground hinges on grant   Read more…
• Cape to consider Spreader pact   Read more…
• Cape Coral may be an Army Reserve Center   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Hurdles for home financing   Read more…
• What will it cost to maintain that home?   Read more…
• Makeovers - Before and After   Read more…
• Kitchen Offices   Read more…

Green News:

• Florida Panther   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature…..

Gulf Access Lot….PRICED at $99,000!!!!!!

(click picture for more info)

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

The Value of Home Maintenance

By: John Riha Published: March 9, 2010

Regular home maintenance is key to preserving the value of your house and property.
If you think home maintenance is an unavoidable series of weekend-eating chores, remember the age-old advice of Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The fact is, proactive maintenance is essential to preserving the value of your home—without it, your home could lose 10% of its value. Regular, routine maintenance enhances curb appeal, ensures safety, and prevents neglected upkeep from turning into costly major repairs.

“It’s the little things that tend to trip up people,” says Frank Lesh, former president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and owner of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Chicago. “Some cracked caulk around the windows, or maybe a furnace filter that hasn’t been changed in awhile. It may not seem like much, but behind that caulk, water could get into your sheathing, causing mold and rot. Before you know it, you’re looking at a $5,000 repair that could have been prevented by a $4 tube of caulk and a half hour of your time.”

Maintenance affects property value

Outright damage to your house is just one of the consequences of neglected maintenance. Without regular upkeep, overall property values are affected.

“If a house is in worn condition and shows a lack of preventative maintenance, the property could easily lose 10% of its appraised value,” says Mack Strickland, a professional appraiser and real estate agent in Chester, Va. “That could translate into a $15,000 or $20,000 adjustment.”

In addition, a house with chipped, fading paint, sagging gutters, and worn carpeting faces an uphill battle when it comes time to sell. Not only is it at a disadvantage in comparison with other similar homes that might be for sale in the neighborhood, but a shaggy appearance is bound to turn off prospective buyers and depress the selling price.

“It’s simple marketing principles,” says Strickland. “First impressions mean a lot to price support.”

Prolonging economic age

To a professional appraiser, diligent maintenance doesn’t translate into higher property valuations the way that improvements, upgrades, and appreciation all increase a home’s worth. But good maintenance does affect an appraiser’s estimate of a property’s economic age—the number of years that a house is expected to survive.

Economic age is a key factor in helping appraisers determine depreciation—the rate at which a house is losing value. A well-maintained house with a long, healthy economic age depreciates at a much slower rate than a poorly maintained house, helping to preserve value.

Estimating the value of maintenance

Although professional appraisers don’t assign a positive value to home maintenance, there are indications that maintenance is not just about preventing little problems from becoming larger. A study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and Syracuse University suggests that maintenance actually increases the value of a house by about 1% each year, meaning that getting off the couch and heading outside with a caulking gun is more than simply a chore—it actually makes money.

“It’s like going to the gym,” says Dr. John P. Harding, Professor of Finance & Real Estate at UConn’s School of Business and an author of the study. “You have to put in the effort to see the results. In that respect, people and houses are somewhat similar—the older (they are), the more work is needed.”

Harding notes that the 1% gain in valuation usually is offset by the ongoing cost of maintenance. “Simply put,” he says, “maintenance costs money, so it’s probably best to say that the net effect of regular maintenance is to slow the rate of depreciation.”

How much does maintenance cost?

How much money is required for annual maintenance varies. Some years, routine tasks, such as cleaning gutters and changing furnace filters, are all that’s needed, and your total expenditures may be a few hundred dollars. Other years may include major replacements, such as a new roof, at a cost of $10,000 or more.

Over time, annual maintenance costs average more than $3,300, according to data from the U.S. Census. Various lending institutions, such as Directors Credit Union and LendingTree.com, agree, placing maintenance costs at 1% to 3% of initial house price. That means owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing upkeep and replacements.

Proactive maintenance strategies

Knowing these average costs can help homeowners be prepared, says Melanie McLane, a professional appraiser and real estate agent in Williamsport, Pa. “It’s called reserve for replacements,” says McLane. “Commercial real estate investors use it to make sure they have enough cash on hand for replacing systems and materials.”

McLane suggests a similar strategy for homeowners, setting aside a cash reserve that’s used strictly for home repair and maintenance. That way, routine upkeep is a snap and any significant replacements won’t blindside the family budget. McLane’s other strategies include:

Play offense, not defense. Proactive maintenance is key to preventing small problems from becoming big issues. Take the initiative with regular inspections. Create and faithfully follow a maintenance schedule. If you’re unsure of what needs to be done, a $200 to $300 visit from a professional inspector can be invaluable in pointing out quick fixes and potential problems.

Plan a room-per-year redo.“Pick a different room every year and go through it, fixing and improving as you go,” says McLane. “That helps keep maintenance fun and interesting.”

Keep track.“Having a notebook of all your maintenance and upgrades, along with receipts, is a powerful tool when it comes to sell your home,” advises McLane. “It gets rid of any doubts for the buyer, and it says you are a meticulous, caring homeowner.” A maintenance record also proves repairs and replacements for systems, such as wiring and plumbing, which might not be readily apparent.

John Riha has written six books on home improvement and hundreds of articles on home-related topics. He’s been a residential builder, the editorial director of the Black & Decker Home Improvement Library, and the executive editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. His standard 1968 suburban house has been an ongoing source of maintenance experience.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/value-home-maintenance/#ixzz0zKQBI6vHVisit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————-

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 click here

 

State and National News:

• Mortgage rates hit another record low, 4.44%   Read more….
• The worst is over, come conclude   Read more…
• Economic forecast paints brighter picture   Read more…
• Florida homes and condo sales up   Read more…
• Capping of well brightens economic outlook for Florida   Read more…
• Canadians told it’s time to buy a US home   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• Vacant Homes–Insurance coverage changes   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Cape Coral Parks and Recreations Fall Guide   Read more…
• New Trash bin distribution   Read more…
• For South Florida market, a hopeful sign   Read more…
• Pine Island Road widening comes down to money   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• 5 surprise reasons to buy a home now   Read more…
• Tips on how to grow grass   Read more…
• Garbage Disposal troubleshooting   Read more…
• Inspecting Roof condition   Read more…

Green News:

• Cape Coral nature trails   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature…..

Gulf Access….Basin View!…..PRICED at $239,000!!!!!!

(click picture for more info)

-Pool Home

-Two Master Suites and more….

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home

Location! Location! Location! DIRECT SAILBOAT ACCESS and just minutes to Sanibel and surrounding islands….From the first moment I walked into this unique GULF ACCESS home I knew it was something special and so will you!! The WATER VIEWS are breathtaking and the layout is perfect with lots of open space and plenty of room (almost 2000 sq feet of living area). This home shines with pride at being well maintained and clean as a whistle! If you like to entertainthis is the one! The split floor plan offers 2 master bedrooms both with FRENCH DOORS leading right out to the pool area and both with full baths. Imagine sitting on the lanai relaxing the day away, taking a dip in the pool or boating from your backyard to any place in the world. This is true Tropical Paradise Living!!! Come take a tour todayyou won’t want to leave.

More info on MLS#200952468 | See Map

Contact: Deborah ‘Deb’ Cullen | 239.233.2322
deb@CapeDeb.com

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 email you all the figures and graphs….drop me an email at deb@CapeDeb.com

State and National News:

• Mortgage rates drop to another low, 4.58%   Read more….
• Big changes to condo laws take effect    Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• Tax credit extension passes   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• 1st Quator 2010 Local Market Report   Read more…
• New model: SWFL has less than one percent chance of getting oil   Read more…
• City issues more single-family home permits   Read more…
• Lee County Community Gardens   Read more…
• 2010 Summer Cape Coral Parks and Recreations Guide   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Beach style for your home   Read more…
• Organize your Garage   Read more…
• 4 cheap cleaners that work   Read more…
• Before and After Basements   Read more…
• What to look for in an outdoor kitchen   Read more…

Green News:

• Frequently asked questions in Cape Coral  Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my new website at

www.CapeDeb.com

_______________________________________________________________________

This month’s feature…..

Rose Garden Villa Condo….

(click picture for more info)

-High ceilings, Bright Corner Unit

-one of Cape Coral’s best kept secrets

{CapeDeb’s Listings here}

{Search all properties here }

______________________________________________________________________

10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen…..

Article From HouseLogic.com

By: Douglas Trattner

Published: August 28, 2009

Spending less money on utility bills doesn’t mean you need to rush out and purchase a whole new suite of Energy Star appliances. With occasional light maintenance and good habits, you can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your large kitchen appliances—up to about $120 annually—without sacrificing convenience.

Refrigerator/freezer

Energy-efficiency experts tell us to focus our efforts on the biggest energy hogs in the house, and that definitely includes the fridge. Because it cycles on and off all day, every day, the refrigerator consumes more electricity than nearly every appliance in the home save for the HVAC systems. The average refrigerator costs about $90 per year to operate, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The good news is that a few simple adjustments can trim roughly $38 to $45 off those utility bills.

1. Adjust the thermostat. By setting the thermostat colder than it needs to be, you might increase your fridge’s energy consumption by as much as 25% on average. Adjust the refrigerator so that it stays in the 37-40 degrees F range. For the freezer, shoot for between 0-5 degrees F. You could save up to $22 per year. If your model doesn’t display the current temps, invest in two appliance thermometers (one for the fridge, one for the freezer). They cost roughly $3-$20 apiece at online retailers.

2. Clean the coils. As dust accumulates on the condenser coils on the rear or bottom of the fridge, it restricts cool-air flow and forces the unit to work harder and longer than necessary. Every six months, vacuum away the dust that accumulates on the mechanism. Also, check to see that there is at least a 3-inch clearance at the rear of the fridge for proper ventilation. This routine maintenance can trim up to 5% off the unit’s operating cost, says energy savings expert Michael Bluejay, saving you about $4.50 a year.

3. Use an ice tray. Automatic ice makers are a nice convenience, to be sure, but it turns out the mechanisms are energy hogs. An automatic ice maker can increase a refrigerator’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%, according to Energy Star. By switching off the ice maker and using trays, you can save about $12 to $18 off your annual electricity bill. Most units require little more than a lift of the sensor arm to switch them off. To reclaim the space remove the entire unit, a simple DIY job on many models.

4. Unplug the “beer fridge.” Many homes have an extra fridge that runs year round even though it’s used sparingly. Worse, these fridges tend to be older, more inefficient models. By consolidating the contents to the main fridge and unplugging the additional unit, you eliminate the entire operating cost of a fridge. The second-best solution is to make sure the extra fridge remains three-quarters full at all times. The mass helps maintain steady internal temps and lets the fridge recover more quickly after the door is opened and closed, according to the California Energy Commission.

Ovens and ranges

“Green” cooking all comes down to proper time and space management. By using gas and electric stoves more effectively, you can painlessly save a few dollars a year.

5. Cut the power early. As anybody who’s ever bumped a burner on an electric stove can attest, those heating elements stay hot long after they’ve been switched off. Put that residual heat to work by shutting off the burner several minutes before the end of the cook time. The same technique can be applied to the oven. The savings can add up to a couple bucks every month.

6. Match the burner to pan. When a small pan is placed on a big burner you can practically see the money disappearing into thin air. By matching the burner to the pan, electricity won’t be squandered heating the kitchen rather than the food. The reverse is true, too. A small burner will take considerably longer to heat a large pan than would an appropriately sized burner. For gas stoves, don’t let the flames lick the sides of the pot. Follow these tips and watch the utility bills shrink by a few dollars a month.

7. Do away with preheating. You can save about $2 a month by not preheating your oven (20 cents per hour to operate electric oven; eliminate 20 30-minute preheats a month). Many cooks agree that the practice is wholly unnecessary for all but a few recipes, namely baking breads and cakes. This approach may add a few minutes to the overall cooking time, but it eliminates all that wait time on the front end.

Dishwasher

As with washing machines, most of a dishwasher’s energy needs go to heating the water. Still, says Lane Burt, an energy policy analyst with The Natural Resources Defense Council, a 10-year-old dishwasher can be made nearly as efficient as a newer model simply by knowing when and how to run it. Follow a few simple tips, and you can reduce your annual utility costs by roughly $35-$54.

8. Manage the load. Most dishwashers use the same amount of water and energy whether they’re run full or half-full. You can cut your operating costs by one-third or one-half by running the machine only when it’s full. It costs about $54 to run a pre-2000 model dishwasher per year, based on government data. Proper load management can save up to $27 each year.

9. Activate energy-saving features. A dishwasher’s heated dry cycle can add 15% to 50% to the appliance’s operating cost. Most machines allow the feature to be switched off (or not turned on), which can save $8-$27 per year, assuming an operating cost of $54 annually. If your dishwasher doesn’t have that flexibility, simply turn the appliance off after the final rinse and open the door.

10.  Use the machine. Many homeowners believe they can save water and energy by hand washing dishes. The truth is that a dishwasher requires less than one-third the water it would take to do those same dishes in the sink. By running the machine (when full), you can cut down the operating time of the hot water heater, your home’s largest energy hog. Not only will you save a buck per month, you won’t have to do the dishes.

Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he’s upgraded almost every household appliance. After lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load unit

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————-

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

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

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State and National News:

• Short Sale Incentives start April 5th   Read more….
• New Foreclosure Prevention Plan Announced   Read more…
• Experts says Real Estate is Recovering   Read more…
• Financial help for homeowners with defective drywall   Read more…
• Government unveils plan to shrink some home loans   Read more…
• Health Care Reform Bill passes   Read more…
• Investors are buying houses again   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• Redrawn FEMA maps   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Cape Coral Sewer summit   Read more…
• Cape Coral Realtors strive  Read more…
• Celebrate New Bedford day   Read more…
• Development excites Cape Coral   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• Get your house ready for Spring   Read more…
• Landscape Design Courses   Read more…
• Bathroom Storage ideas   Read more…
• How to hang artwork   Read more…

Green News:

• Cape Coral plans to cut consumption   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my new website at

www.CapeDeb.com

______________________________________________________________________

The Pros and Cons of Condos…….

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.

1. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.
2. Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.
3. Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
4. Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home.
5. Security. Many condos have keyed entries and or even door attendants. Plus, you’ll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.
6. Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity or not.
7. Resale. The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes usually are more individual.
8. Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
9. Proximity. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhome. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.                        www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

______________________________________________________________________

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

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

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Newly released by the Realtor® Association of Greater Fort Myers & the Beach, Inc:

February 2010

In February, our members sold 1,141 single-family homes, which is 21.9% above last year and 12% above the prior month. The median price of a single family home in the Greater Fort Myers area was $85,000, down 5.6% from $90,000 a year ago due to the continued influence of distressed properties on the market. Buyers from around the country (and the world) continue to be attracted to our area because of the affordability, the low interest rates and the looming deadline for the home buyer tax credit.

January 2010

In January, a total of 1,079 homes were sold by members of the MLS, which is 22.5 percent more homes than the previous January. 1,799 pending sales were recorded, which is 29.8 percent lower than January 2009 and 48.2 percent lower than the prior month. The decline in pending home sales resulted in the months of inventory growing from 2.0 months in December to 4.1 months in January – this figure is still below what is considered to be a balanced market – 5-6 months of available inventory.

December 2009:

Members of the Association closed 1,340 single family home sales in December, bringing the total for 2009 to 16,789; this is a 91.4 percent increase vs. 2008 when 8,768 homes were sold.  Of the December sales, 48.3 percent were bank-owned, 18.2% were short sales and the remaining traditional sales made up 33.4 %. The median price was $89,929, which is 8.0 percent lower than the prior December; however, the median price continues to be driven down by the number of bank-owned and short sales properties. During Quarter 4, the median price for traditional sales was $135,000 (a 3.5 % decrease from the prior quarter), for bank-owned sales it was $69,900 (up 2.7 %) and the median price for short sales was $94,950 (up 6.6 % from last quarter).

State and National News:

• Interest Rates to remain low   Read more….
• Foreclosure bargains getting harder to find   Read more…
• Should buyers try to beat the tax credit?   Read more…
• 10 Cities with climbing home prices   Read more…
• Bankers: the end of the foreclosure crisis is near   Read more…
• Vacant lots become hot property   Read more…
• Company out of drywall trial   Read more…
• 4 Reasons to Sell Now   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• What’s need to claim tax credit?   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• Cape Coral at top of the list for affordable housing   Read more…
• Lee County looking up, but a long way to go   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• The kitchen is still king   Read more…
• Top 7 credit score mistakes   Read more…
• Conquering Sentimental Clutter   Read more…
• 10 Home features buyers want   Read more…

Green News:

• Manatee  in Cape Coral   Watch video….

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my new website at

www.CapeDeb.com

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10 Ways to Make Your House More Salable…….

1.      Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2.      Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3.      Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4.      Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

5.      Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6.      Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7.      Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8.      Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9.      Clean your gutters.

10.  Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.                        www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

______________________________________________________________________

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

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here

State and National News:

• Feds set criteria for Defective Drywall diagnosis  Read more….
• HUD and CPSC issue guide on identifying toxic drywall  Read more…
• Federal Short Sale Guidelines could speed up transactions   Watch Video for more…
• Banks seek payback from walkaways   Read more…

Taxes and Insurance:

• Energy efficiency can bring take savings   Read more…
• Tax incentives   Read more…

Cape Coral and SW Florida News:

• 10 Most Undervalued Housing Markets   Read more…
• Crime drops 15.7  percent in Cape Coral  Read more…
• Cape Coral crime rate down   Read more…

Real Estate Tips:

• 10 Inexpensive ways to WOW Buyers  Read more…
• Housing Components don’t last forever   Read more…
• The world’s 18 Strangest Homes   Read more…
• 7 ways to improve your homes sell-ability   Read more…

Green News:

• Manatee deaths a record   Read more…

_____________________________________________________________________

Check out my new website at

www.CapeDeb.com

______________________________________________________________________

8 Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order…….

Develop a family budget. Instead of budgeting what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget for what you actually spent over the last six months. One advantage of this approach is that it factors in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, illnesses, etc., as well as predictable costs such as rent.

Reduce your debt. Generally speaking, lenders look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. Since this figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 percent and 28 percent of income, you need to get the rest of installment debt—car loans, student loans, revolving balances on credit cards—down to between 8 percent and 10 percent of your total income.

Get a handle on expenses. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You’ll probably see some great ways to save.

Increase your income. It may be necessary to take on a second, part-time job to get your income at a high-enough level to qualify for the home you want.

Save for a downpayment. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down—or even less in some cases—you can usually get a better rate and a lower overall cost if you put down more. Shoot for saving a 20 percent downpayment.

Create a house fund. Don’t just plan on saving whatever’s left toward a downpayment. Instead decide on a certain amount a month you want to save, then put it away as you pay your monthly bills.

Keep your job. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.

Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills. Pay off the entire balance promptly.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.                        www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

______________________________________________________________________

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

deb@CapeDeb.com

www.CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here

Most buyers from the north who have just purchased real estate in Cape Coral Florida always ask about our gardening seasons…

We are a sub-tropical climate where frosts and freezes during the winter are very rare. Fruit trees and tropical plants grow easily and it is very common to have avocado, mango, bananas, and papaya trees in our backyards.  Sound like fun?  Head out to your backyard and pick that banana for your morning cereal…..YUMMY!

Most vegetables also grow well, but only in the cooler seasons since many have a tough time surviving our hot and humid summers.

This girl from New England sure has had to learn a lot about gardening in this Hardiness Zone of 10……worth ever moment when I will pick a tomato or two for our Holiday meal.

(picture taken 11.28.09)

Cape Coral is home to Florida’s largest population of Burrowing Owls.

The burrowing owl is a pint-sized bird standing approximately nine inches tall and weighing only about four ounces.  They live in open, treeless areas, spending most of their time on the ground, where their sandy color provides camouflage from potential predators.

As it’s name says: the burrowing owl differs from other kinds of owls……instead of nesting in the trees, the burrowing owl lives underground in burrows.

Many Cape Coral residents help their feathered friends by securing off the area around the burrow and offering a “T” stake for the birds to perch on.

Owls are very site specific, which means they are likely to return to the same territory year after year to raise their young.  This may be Mr. Confused’s case….

Currently Florida’s burrowing owls are listed as a ‘species of special concern’ meaning “those facing a moderate risk of extinction in the future”.

Many people wrongly believe that it is not possible to build real estate on a vacant lot if burrowing owls occupy it….Not true!  However, there is a process that a builder needs to follow to protect our little friends….

Feel free to contact me for more info about our burrowing owls or how to build near a nest…

Deb Cullen, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, RSPS

deb@CapeDeb.com

239.233.2322

Spacious, well maintained, GULF ACCESS DUPLEX. Each unit with their own GARAGE. Would more could you ask for than tenants helping you pay for your investment? Or maybe a FAMILY VACATION COMPOUND. 3 bedrooms/2 full baths each side. Close to shopping, schools, etc. Current tenants pay well. This property has only had one owner since built. New roof in 2004. New never-used refrigerator. Why not rent out one half and live or vacation in the other? A Florida dream property..Imagine sitting and relaxing on your private waterfront lanai or take a few steps outside and pick bananas from your own fruit tree. This property is located in Unit 9…a quick ride up the Rubicon Canal under one bridge and you’re out to open water. Imagine walking out your back door…..getting in your boat and heading out to any where in the world. That’s ACCESS!!!

More info on MLS#200960305| See Map

Contact: Deb Cullen,Century 21 Sunbelt | 239.233.2322
deb@CapeDeb.com

The City of Cape Coral operates under the Council-City Manager form of government. City Council members are elected at large from seven districts. The Mayor also is elected at large and is the eighth member of Council.

Our city has one of the best Recreation Departments in the state, providing all kinds of services for young and old.  Our economic growth and education system, combined with our top public safety-standing, make Cape Coral one of the most desirable locations in the entire world.
The City Council enacts ordinances and resolutions, adopts the budget, and oversees comprehensive planning and land-use regulations. The Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney, as well as the members of all boards and commissions.

The City Manager hires all department directors and oversees the day-to-day operations of the city.

eCape (Cape Corals online services page)
Cape Coral Demographics

Crime Rates…

Location! Location! Location! FABULOUS NW GULF ACCESS LOT!…….This GREAT home site is located in Unit 60…only one 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!!!

More info on MLS#200954466 | See Map

Contact: Deb Cullen,Century 21 Sunbelt | 239.233.2322
deb@CapeDeb.com

ACCESS living at its best! ASSESSMENTS PAID !!! Imagine sitting in the breakfast area sipping your coffee enjoying the view of your POOL and the canal. And think of how your guests will love walking out their bedroom slider directly to the pool area. High ceiling with skylights and lots of windows and sliders make this home bright and airy. Walk-in closets everywhere. Formal Dining for that entertaining side of you. Enjoy the concrete dock area where you can watch the fish jump while waiting for the sunset. This home has been well maintained..Previous owner stated 2004 new roof, 2007 new garage door, 2002 entire house REPLUMBED, 2007 a/c handler, 2005 new water heater and pool resurfaced, etc. JULY 2008 new dishwasher, oven, mircowave, and main electric service.

More info on MLS#200925500| See Map

Contact: Deb Cullen,Century 21 Sunbelt | 239.233.2322
deb@CapeDeb.com

Located on a cul-de-sac in desirable Unit 81…there are NO BRIDGES to restrict you from Matlacha Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine building your dream home….walking out your back door…..getting in your boat and heading out to any where in the world. Now that’s ACCESS!!!

No waiting around for an answer on this one–seller promises quick responce to all offers.

More info on MLS#200954800 | See Map

Contact: Deb Cullen,Century 21 Sunbelt | 239.233.2322
deb@CapeDeb.com