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How Will a Short Sale Affect My Credit?

This is the most often asked question and as always there is no pat answer.  It really depends on three factors: 1.) Your lender 2.) Your personal history 3.) Your representative handling the transaction. Lenders are all over in their approach to short sales and can change strategy at any time.  Currently the general environment is that banks and lending institutions see short sales as a better... [Read more]

Having Fun Buying a Home

I came across a video today that got me thinking about how much fun real estate can be.  Watch the video first. Most people go about life in an extremely serious manner.  I’m definitely NOT saying that purchasing a home is not a serious decision, but it’s important to keep in mind that you can also have fun with making your decisions.  Will the community you are looking into be fun? ... [Read more]

Cash is King

We have all heard the term but rarely in the context of real estate. It is amazing though how much it applies in this market. It is commonplace for banks to turn their noses up at full price offers on foreclosure properties only to turn around and accept a lower offer for cash. Once a property makes it through the lengthy process of foreclosure they are anxious to write it off their books. They... [Read more]

Come On Cold Front!

Southwest Florida has some of the best weather in the country but even so we find ourselves longing for cooler days. Temperatures have been hovering 7 to 8 degrees above normal keeping us in the mid 90s with no rain. The gulf temperatures have actually been climbing in recent weeks. Gulf temperatures are in still at an unheard of 87 degrees. Have no fear though. We are only days away from perfect... [Read more]

Stoneybrook at Gateway

With all of the amazing deals in the Fort Myers real estate market today, there are a few gems that stick out above the rest.  One gem, in particular, is Stoneybrook at Gateway.  A newer community, Stoneybrook at Gateway offers some terrific amenities.  I’ve attached several photos for you to view. Although the community boasts many distressed homes, that’s precisely why it’s a... [Read more]

Should I Buy in Fort Myers – Continued

SHOULD I BUY IN FORT MYERS Originally being from St. Louis, I am often asked this question.  As with most questions there is no blanket answer.  For the most part I would answer YES.  Fort Myers FL homes are undeniable bargains.  As an investment vehicle or as a vacation or retirement home absolutely, YES.  My only reservation would be for those who want to relocate and find local employment. ... [Read more]

Should I Buy in Fort Myers?

That’s a question I hear all of the time. As you know I have been studying the real estate market in southwest Florida since arriving here 4 years ago.  I have seen it in its heyday with prices going up daily and devastated from the banking melt down as well.  For the past 1 ½ years I have seen values depreciate by as much as 80% in some cases due to a foreclosure rate approaching 60%. ... [Read more]

Back to My Roots in St. Louis

I spend most of my time discussing pertinent issues concerning Fort Myers Fl real estate since after all that is the true purpose of this website.  Periodically however I like to comment on other topics that give insight into who I am and where I am from.  I recently visited St. Louis still home to my parents, 10 brothers and sisters, my mother in law,  5 of my wife’s 6 sisters, and too... [Read more]

Wonderful Fort Myers People

A Real Estate career calls to mind a couple of phrases.  “No man is an island” is one and the other is “It takes a village.”  I say this as I contemplate the business card exchange and End to the Recession party hosted the other night by Jennifer Basey.  Jennifer is an Edward Jones representative and in addition to being knowledgeable and conscientious, sincerely works for the well... [Read more]

Finding the Perfect Fort Myers FL Home

Finding the perfect Fort Myers FL Home can be a difficult task.  After all none of us have unlimited budgets and unlimited resources for finding that home.  We come into the process at a particular time and work with the resources at our disposal to maximize our opportunity. I suggest that the better you prepare the better you will fare in the end.  Take the time to list your priorities.  They... [Read more]

Why Real Estate Agents Hate Short Sales

I recently attended a Real Estate Trade Show.  There was a common thread in conversation.  “I hate short sales”.  While we all long for the good old days when buyers had rights (no AS IS contracts) and rising real estate values assured order in our world the simple reality is that at least for now this is not the case.  Anyone who has purchased Ft Myers FL Homes in the past five years... [Read more]

Fort Myers MLS

With the abundance of amazing deals that are entering our market, being able to search the Fort Myers MLS is a critical tool for buyers.    We’ve decided to include this tool in our website by simply clicking the Search MLS tab at the top.  We will say that there isn’t a shortage of other services out there that allow you to do similar searches, but we’ve made a conscious decision... [Read more]

Investment Properties Fort Myers FL – So You Think You Are Ready?

So you think you are ready to jump in and buy that Fort Myers FL home.  You have 9 days to come to sunny Fort Myers, relax, soak up some sun, and oh yea buy a vacation home.  As crazy as this sounds to some, my wife would just shake her head and say here we go again.  It is hard to admit but sometimes her reasoning is just better than mine.  Fortunately, we live in an age where making this... [Read more]

Take a Break! Bonefish Grill Fort Myers

For the most part these pages are filled with facts and advice pertaining to Fort Myers FL Homes for sale.  Once in a while though, everyone needs to take a break.  What is more enjoyable than a night out for dinner or cocktails or both?  I spent more than 30 years as a restaurant owner dedicating my life to providing that enjoyment to others so I have a very real appreciation for the dedication... [Read more]

Clock is Ticking

First time home buyers are finding that time is running out for them to claim their “First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit”.  The market is governed these days by either foreclosures or short sales.  With prices being influenced by these stressed properties few if any homes are available on traditional listings.  What results is the necessity to negotiate with banks for approvals.  This process... [Read more]

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