WELCOME
From Carla

Welcome to another issue of our Communiqué. We hope the New Year finds you healthy and happy. I know that it has been a difficult few months for many but we do have so much to be thankful for in this country. We enjoy so many freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. We have the freedom to work and live wherever we choose; we have the freedom to come and go as we please – this is not true for many people around the world. My wish for you this New Year is that you live your dreams, stretch yourself to do new things, enjoy each day to its fullest and help others when you can.  WE take pride in helping our clients, getting to know them and building long lasting relationships… We hope this is evident in our service.

I want to help you realize your dreams this year in anyway I can. If that means helping you with your vacation dreams, new home or second home, or even auctioning something for you… please let me know. I want to live my dream of helping my clients in everyway possible in 2009.

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Ask Carla!

Dear Carla,

My husband and I want to sell our home this winter, but don’t like the idea of a lot of people trampling through our home because we keep it immaculate. We are not sure we want our realtor to host an open house, as this opens the door to a large number of visitors. What do you suggest when it comes to holding an open house? Is it really worth it? What will we as sellers gain from an open house?

Sincerely, Carl & Sally

Dear Carl & Sally,

The decision as to whether to hold an open house is ultimately yours, but keep in mind there are many positive aspects of doing so. An open house is designed to draw attention to not only your specific home, but also your neighborhood. It literally invites potential buyers into your home, allows them to imagine themselves in a new space and entices them to learn more about your community including; amenities, shopping venues, restaurants, schools, etc. This type of open invitation exposes your home to an unlimited number of potential buyers, some working with realtors and some who are not. It allows for word of mouth publicity, as well. Many neighbors may come and take a look at your home, not for themselves, but for a friend or family member who might be interested.

Keep in mind that simply holding the open house will not sell your home. You must take it upon yourself to prepare your home to be shown. This means taking additional steps to make sure that your home is in tip-top shape, as there is a lot of competition on the market currently. First, clean house, making sure that the property is spic and span from top to bottom. It is not necessary to make your residence look like a model home, but it is wise to make it as neat and tidy as possible. Make sure to de-clutter and depersonalize. Remove any clutter in plain view and take down personal items, such as photos, posters and pictures made by your kids or grandkids. Also, spruce up the exterior of your home by manicuring the lawn, properly landscaping the shrubs and flowers and emptying the yard and lanai of watering cans, toys and garbage bins. Consider a fresh coat of paint to make the place look fresh and new. Finally, lighten and brighten! Make sure to hold the open house during daylight hours. Open window coverings and turn on lights, as this can add a sparkle and sense of spaciousness.

Good luck with the sale of your home. Remember, an open house is not mandatory, but it a smart move in this real estate market. Many sellers will simply bypass your home if it is not easily accessible.

Sincerely, Carla

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How to Stick to Those New Year's Resolutions

The New Year often brings with it resolutions of hope, anticipation and commitment. These resolutions are well-meaning, but can be more troublesome than rewarding, if not considered thoroughly. Here are some tips for making those resolutions stick!

• Be specific. It’s easier to stick to resolutions if they are realistic and measurable. Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight.” Set a specific goal.
• Limit the number of resolutions you make. Too many resolutions can result in underachievement and frustration. Remember, it’s better to make just one resolution and achieve it than to make several and give up before making much progress on any of them
• Write down your resolutions and remind yourself of them daily. Post your list in a visible place. It will serve as encouragement and allow other people to see your resolutions and provide support.
• Ask for support. Enlist your family and friends to provide encouragement. They may have similar goals and can work with you toward their achievement.
• Start immediately. Don’t wait until spring or even the end of January. The New Year provides the best opportunity for a fresh start. You may lose your inspiration and momentum if you wait too long to get started.

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Carla Bonten Honored for Long-Term Distinguished Public Service

Carla Bonten, broker and owner of Carla Bonten Realty, Inc., Carla Bonten Rentals Inc. and Auctioneers by Carla Bonten has received a distinguished award for her long-term public service in the local community. The Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors Inc. (B.E.A.R.) presented Bonten with the Pat Lord Memorial Award for volunteer service and stewardship.

Bonten has served on the Board of Directors for B.E.A.R. for five years and also served as the chairperson of its building fund committee for several years. She represents the local organization overseas, serving as its “face” in Europe. In addition, Bonten serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Home Society of Florida and for many years coordinated fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House. She also sponsors numerous children in Latin America, providing the funds needed for them to have food and housing.

Bill Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of B.E.A.R. says, “Carla’s community service, both in Bonita Springs and in Europe, is an excellent model for next-century realtor partnerships.”

Bonten was born, raised and educated in the Netherlands. She has been in the real estate industry for more than thirty years and has bought and sold many commercial and residential properties in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, and the United States.

She says, “I am honored to receive such a prestigious award. It means a lot to me to be recognized by my peers for my work in the community. I enjoy getting a chance to know people and help in any way that I can.”

Bonten is an experienced broker, realtor and auctioneer. She is a member of many real estate related organizations including; The National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, Naples Area Board of Realtors, Bonita Springs Board of Realtors, Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. 

The Pat Lord Memorial Award is awarded annually to a member of B.E.A.R. who has provided long-term service to the community. It honors longtime B.E.A.R member, Bonita Springs volunteer and civic leader, Patricia Lord, who died in 2006 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

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Compare Average Temperatures – WHY be anywhere else?

January and February temperatures in Southwest Florida are easy to take… a bit easier than other parts of the country. There is no need to stay chilled this winter when FLORIDA is so warm and inviting…. Ask CARLA about all the advantages of living and vacationing in FLORIDA.

Average temperatures are:
Fort Myers-Bonita Springs - 75-76
Chicago – 30-36
New York – 38-41      
Minneapolis – 21-28
Boston – 36-39

Source: AccuWeather

Carla Bonten, owner of Auctioneers by Carla Bonten Inc., is finalizing plans to hold a real estate auction in Southwest Florida in early February, 2009. The exact location of the auction has yet to be determined and will be based upon response from sellers and the number of attendees, but it will be held in Lee County.

Bonten continues to accept real estate inventory and more for the auction as she builds her inventory. She has been collecting properties and other items for the past two months, but there is still time to be included in this unique solution to selling almost any item in today’s market, including real estate. Bonten is accepting residential and commercial land, single family homes, estates, liquidation sales, foreclosures, and small business administration (SBA) default loans. She also is taking other items such as cars, equipment, store inventory, furniture, estate items, etc.

Bonten says, “This auction is not limited to real estate. We want people to know that we can auction off anything and everything – auctions can be fast cash for those who need it. If there are any questions as to what can be auctioned and how it works, we give free consultations. During these economic times, some people may choose to sell off antiques, cars, boats, coins, jewelry, etc. and may not know that an auction is easily available to them.”

Real estate sellers and those interested in auctioning off other items are urged to contact Bonten’s
office as soon as possible to have their property/item included.

Bonten is an experienced auctioneer and is a member of the National Auctioneers Association and the Florida Auctioneers Association.  Bonten is available for private auctions and auctions for the general public. For more information, call 239-949-9122 or email Carla Bonten (Broker/Licensed Auctioneer AU 3638 AB 2616) at sales@carlabontenrealty.com.

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Last Minute Rental Deals in Southwest Florida

If you are dreaming of escaping cold, snowy and blustery conditions this winter, then consider visiting Southwest Florida. Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Naples offer endless days of cloudless blue skies, white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters as far as the eyes can see.

Carla Bonten, owner of Carla Bonten Realty, Inc., Carla Bonten Rentals, Inc. and Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. in Bonita Springs, Florida, has special last minute vacation deals, including special discounts for European visitors. In addition to the special discounts, European travelers get great deals on vacation rental rates since the Euro is still strong and stretches farther in the U.S.

Bonten says, “Right now, it is cheaper for Europeans to vacation in Southwest Florida than it is to vacation in Europe! A stay in a luxury condominium on a golf course is inexpensively priced compared to nearly double that amount in Europe. This competitive pricing means Europeans will spend less and get more luxury, comfort and quality in a Southwest Florida vacation.”

“This is a great deal for clients who are looking for condominiums, coach homes, or private pool homes in golf course communities,” she says. “Southwest Florida remains one of the top travel destinations according to many travel magazines and is home to some of the world’s top beaches.”

Whether hitting the links for a round of golf, embarking on a safari in the Everglades, setting sail on a sunset cruise, or dining at an exclusive beachfront restaurant, Southwest Florida has it all…and at affordable prices.

Area shopping is second to none. Newly opened shops at Miromar Outlets, Gulf Coast Town Center, and Coconut Point Mall in Estero offer great deals on brand name clothing, accessories and goods for the home. Waterside Shops and Venetian Village in Naples feature upscale stores featuring top names like Tiffany, Cartier, Gucci, Hermes, Nordstrom’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Florida’s Sunshine Riviera is easily accessible for European travelers, with Southwest International Airport in Fort Myers a quick commute. Airports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are also just a two to two and one-half hour drive away.

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Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park – Waiting for YOU!

Leave your sandals behind and feel the sand between your toes at Barefoot Beach Preserve. One of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the Southwest Florida coast, Barefoot Beach encompasses 342 acres of natural, virtually untouched land.

This beach park is popular with sun-worshippers, avid fishermen and exercise enthusiasts. It features a narrow strip of land with only slight changes in elevation and moisture and 8,200 feet of beach and sand dunes. The park also maintains a tropical coastal feel, supporting a hammock of sable palm, gumbo-limbo and sea grape trees and nests of the protected gopher tortoise.

Established in 1990 Barefoot Beach Preserve is on Little Hickory Island, which is a barrier island (created in motion, made of sand and shaped by the wind, tides, waves, and currents.)

The park has a lot with 356 parking spaces, a one mile nature trail, showers, a picnic area, and a concession area. It also offers handicapped beach wheelchair access.

Parks Rangers offer a number of programs at the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park including lectures and interpretive programs about the environment and wildlife in Southwest Florida. They also provide guided walks through the preserve, where visitors learn about the many habitats in the preserve as well as flora and fauna. Also available is a free recreation guide where rangers take visitors to look at the natural history of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

Information courtesy Department of Collier County Parks & Recreation

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AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
January - February 2009

Classical No. 3: Shostakovich, Ravel & Grieg
January 22, 23, & 24 at 8pm
The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra presents three colorful works including: The Sixth Symphony of Dmitri Shostakovich, Ravel’s evocative Mother Goose Suite and Grieg’s popular Piano Concerto. For more information call 239-597-1900 or visit online at www.philtickets.org.

Riverdance
February 3-8, 2009
Enjoy RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe. Catch one of eight Farewell Performances at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. For more information call 239-597-1900 or visit online at www.philtickets.org.

Singin’ in the Rain
Jan. 1- Feb. 14, 2009
Set in the late 20’s, Singin' in the Rain tells the story of the wild and often wacky world of Hollywood where silent pictures are coming to an end. Enjoy an all-singing and all-dancing extravaganza featuring selection such as: You'll Hear Good Mornin', Make 'Em Laugh, Fit as a Fiddle and the title song, Singin' in the Rain. For more information call, 239-278-4422 or visit online at www.broadwaypalm.com.

Everglades Seafood Festival
Feb. 6-8, 2009
Enjoy great fresh local seafood including; stone crabs, shrimp, catfish and much more at the Everglades Seafood Festival 2009. The three-day event also features arts and crafts booths, musical entertainment, rides and attractions, and local Indian arts and food. For more information call 239-695-4100 or visit online at www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com

Naples National Art Festival
February 21-22, 2009
Artists from across the country will converge on Cambier Park in downtown Naples to participate in one of the top juried art shows in the Southeast. The 30th Annual Naples National Art Festival features many artistic creations such as: paintings, sculptures, clay, glass, fiber, leather and jewelry. For more information call 239-262-6517 or visit online at www.naplesart.org