WELCOME
From Carla

Welcome from Carla

We are optimistic about 2008 and are looking forward to a good spring. Recent statistics show that sales have increased this past month with more buyers now ready to look and purchase. The reasons for this rise are due to several factors – current low interest rates, a large inventory of properties to choose from and people who have been waiting to buy now seem ready. Our office has had more inquiries for properties, purchases and rentals, in the past few months.

We appreciate your continued confidence in our staff and thank you for our 10 years in business in Southwest Florida. As always, our staff is ready to serve. Whether looking for a single family residence in a golfing community to purchase or a rental property in Guatemala – Carla Bonten professionals are only an email or call away.

We hope you will take the time to read the articles we have provided and hope you find the information valuable. We also invite you to forward this newsletter to your friends and family so they may take advantage of our fantastic discounted summer rental rates. 

We continue to work by referrals and through our good relationships and stellar reputation, so remember us for:

• Florida real estate sales and listings – Carla Bonten Realty, Inc.
• Vacation rentals in Southwest Florida and Guatemala – Carla Bonten Rentals, Inc.
• Short Sales and Real Estate Auctions – Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc.
• Foreign Real Estate promotions of Florida properties  – “The European Connection” by Carla Bonten
• Amatique Bay Resort and Marina, Guatemala and more! – CARLA BONTEN

You may send your questions, comments, requests, and change of address to newsletter@carlabontenrealty.com. And don’t forget, if you would like to explore past issues of Communiqué you may visit our newsletter archive.

------

Ask Carla!

Dear Carla,

My sister has serious financial problems.  She is thinking about bankruptcy but is afraid that she will lose her house.  My husband says that Florida’s homestead laws will protect her.  What is this about?

Sue

Dear Sue,

Homestead is a legal principle that protects a home in Florida from the claims of creditors. There are three requirements for a property to qualify for homestead protection.

First, the real estate can be no larger than ½ acre inside a municipality or 160 acres outside a municipality. Homestead can include a condo, co-op unit, mobile home, motorhome, and houseboats located on leased land on dock, provided it has permanent connections for utilities. There is no limitation as to the value of the property.

Second, a real person must own the real estate. A corporation or any other business entity cannot own it.  A trust is not a legal entity so a trust beneficiary who is living on the property would be entitled to claim it as his or her homestead. Co-ownership is also covered but each owner’s homestead is limited to his or her share of the ownership interest.

Third, the owner must pass the residency test. The property owner or a member of his or her family must reside on the property at the time homestead is claimed. If the owner does not live there, the owner or a member of his or her family must intend to live permanently on the property in the future. If a homeowner is forced to leave his property because of a disaster such as a fire or when the owner must temporarily relocate because of health or business, the homestead protection continues. A property owner cannot claim more than one homestead.

Florida’s constitution, Article X, Section 4, states that the real property, where the owner or a member of his or her family makes a permanent residence, is exempt from seizure or forced sale for payment of debts. Creditors, no matter how large the debt or how wronged the parties owed really are, cannot take a person’s homestead.

Homestead also protects the spouse and family when a homestead owner dies.  The surviving spouse automatically receives a “life estate” in the property, that is ownership for the remainder of his or her life, and after that the property passes to the owner’s descendants. The owner could not leave the property to any other persons in his will.

If the deceased owner’s will directs the homestead be sold instead of passing title directly to the owner’s heirs, creditors could attack the money received from the sale.

There are a few exceptions in the Florida constitution. Mortgages, property taxes, assessments, home improvements and federal tax liens can still attach to homestead properties.

Carla

------

Carla Bonten Realty, Inc.
“The European Connection”
Top 10 Reasons to Buy Property in FLORIDA and list with us!

1. “The European Connection” has been franchised in three locations in Europe — Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
   
   
2. “The European Connection” can guide Foreign National Buyers to Exclusive and Attractive Financing Programs.
   
   
3. With these three new offices to serve our clients in the United States, we have the best advantages to help market, show and sell local inventory in Florida.
   
   
4. Europeans have been hesitant to invest their valuable Euro in the U.S. and convert it to the noticeably weaker dollar. We have now found a win-win solution.
   
   
5. Carla Bonten is pleased to educate her European and other foreign national clients about special mortgage financing programs now in place for new real estate purchases and refinances. 
   
   
6. Foreign National buyers looking to take advantage of Southwest Florida’s low real estate prices can do so with only a passport and 30% down payment -- and receive up to 75% financing!
   
   
7. Having credit in the U.S. is not a requirement and there are a variety of fixed and variable rate loan programs to choose from.  Best of all, loans are available up to $2 million.
   
   
8. With the American dollar weaker today compared to a lot of other currencies in Europe and Canada, many foreign investors are looking at Southwest Florida’s real estate market as a great opportunity to invest here while they can still buy at a deep discount.  Through our network of mortgage lenders, we can offer attractive financing programs exclusively tailored to Foreign National buyers that make qualifying easy with closings scheduled quicker than ever,” says Carla Bonten.
   
   
9. “Southwest Florida remains one of the most popular real estate markets for Foreign National buyers and new technology now makes the conversion of funds faster and easier,” says Carla.  Interested parties can get an idea of today’s currency conversions by going online to www.xe.com/ucc/
   
   
10. When you choose to list your property with us, your choose a wider market. You choose professionals with years of experience and dedication to clients worldwide.

Carla Bonten Realty, Inc. has had devoted clients in Southwest Florida for many years and always appreciates their loyalty. As an added value, local sellers can now enjoy wider exposure for their listings. Why settle for local exposure when selling your property when you can have it worldwide with Carla Bonten Realty, Inc. “The European Connection”…

Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. ASSISTS in selling your property and preventing foreclosures!

Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. is here to help. Our local newspapers are full of ads of individuals trying to sell their homes. It can be difficult to do this alone and we know that here at Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc.   That’s why we offer customized marketing programs specifically designed to attract the largest possible pool of qualified buyers. Our goal is to help our clients (new and potential) meet their goals when it comes to real estate – whether it is helping to auction a property or educate them about the Short Sales process. We are committed to being a valuable resource for any real estate related issue.

Don’t do it alone… if you are having difficulty and not sure how to proceed then give us a call or send us an email. We can help with the SHORT SALE process, we can help you talk to your banker or lending institution, we can be the helping hand you need during this confusing real estate market. Don’t damage your credit with a foreclosure, ask us for advise.  Let us know your questions and how we can help you. Call us; we are here to assist you!

For more information, call 239-949-9122 or email Carla Bonten (Broker/Licensed Auctioneer AU 3638 AB 2616) at sales@carlabontenrealty.com.

------

Spring Cleaning Tips to Make the Job Easier

Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to clean out your home -- and by using a few simple tips you can make your cleaning experience a breeze.  Motivation is key to getting things done. The ultimate goal is to get done and move on!   Listen to some music that really gets you moving. You could even load an audio book onto your iPod and listen to it while you clean.

Don't forget that dirt and dust follow the laws of gravity. Start at the top and work your way down.

Tip 1: Top of the list: pick up the clutter.  Doing this first will make your whole job easier.

Tip 2: Have a Plan!  Probably the most important thing you're going to want to do, before you even break out the mop, is have a plan! Instead of guessing what to do next, you'll have your plan of action right in front of you.

Tip 3: Dress for the job. You want to be comfortable but functional. Clothes should be loose -- but not so loose as to catch on corners, doorknobs, or anything that could spill.

Tip 4: If you’re going to be on your knees a lot, look at investing in some knee pads. The professionals use them, and for good reason. You'll lose steam and motivation quickly if you start feeling uncomfortable.

Tip 5: Don't forget the gloves! These can keep the germs and chemicals off your skin. The regular yellow cleaning gloves you see at any grocery store will work fine.
 
Tip 6: If you are storing clothes, consider using large plastic storage containers that feature snap-on lids to keep clothes dust and discoloration free.  When packing clothes, roll them instead of folding. This not only eliminates creases and wrinkles, but also saves a lot of space.

Tip 7: If you are looking to clear out some knick knacks or Holiday decorations, consider a trip to the local flea market. Or, you can sell items at internet auction sites like Yahoo and eBay.

Make sure you take some breaks, and drink plenty of water. When you are done, enjoy a long shower, put on some clean clothes and put up your feet. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done and get some rest. You deserve it!

---

VACATION for LESS in the US and Internationally!

Believe it or not, you can vacation in beautiful Southwest Florida for less than ever before. We have many SUMMER SPECIALS with discounts up to 50% off our normal monthly rates. Carla Bonten Rentals, Inc. has a wide range of properties to choose from including beachfront homes and condominiums, private pool homes in golf course communities, coach homes and residences in resort communities. 
 
Southwest Florida is one of the top vacation spots in Florida and has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. You can enjoy the wonders of the Everglades in the morning and play golf in the afternoon; you can shop at some of the most prestigious shops in the world rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous or lay back and enjoy the sunset with a cool drink in hand… it’s up to you. We would love to send you more information about the area and our rentals.

No need to stay in a hotel or small efficiency this year. You can enjoy a great condominium or a private single family home instead of a cramped hotel room … imagine bringing the family or inviting friends to come visit. You’ll have lots of room – it will be your home away from home!  That could be you, but you need to book early and inquire now.

...................................................................

NEW to Carla Bonten Rentals, Inc. is the addition of vacation rentals on the beach at the Amatique Bay Resort and Marina in Guatemala…. You have to see these – inquire today! 

Contact Melody at 239-949-4960 or 1-877-949-4960 at Carla Bonten Rentals, Inc. to find out how you can take advantage of our SUMMER RENTAL SPECIALS!

(Here are some links to virtual tours of vacation rental properties in Guatemala) Have fun on our tour!)
http://www.visualtour.com/tour1
http://www.visualtour.com/tour2
 http://www.visualtour.com/tour3

---

Property Tax Legislative Update – March 2008

There have been some significant changes to property taxes in Florida, with the possibility of even more significant reductions on the way according to recent articles by Pete Bishop and Bill Kaczor in the Naples Daily News.

Amendment 1
Voters in Florida passed Amendment 1 on January 29th which doubled the state’s homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 and allows Florida residents to transfer their Save Our Homes exemption from one residence to another when they move within the state.  The Save Our Homes exemption caps increases in assessed home value at 3 percent per year.  Home owners on average will save a few hundred dollars.  There is also an additional exemption for senior citizens who meet certain qualifications.

25% Property Tax Cut on November Ballot
In other significant news, Florida voters will have a chance to approve this November an across-the-board property tax cut averaging 25 percent, which would actually dwarf the above-mentioned tax relief measures that were enacted earlier in the year.

The measure approved by the state's Tax Commission on March 17th would abolish the portion of property taxes the Legislature requires local school districts to levy to qualify for state aid.

Another provision would give businesses, second homes and other properties that do not qualify for a homestead exemption a 5 percent cap on annual assessment increases. Housing with a homestead exemption currently has a 3 percent cap and the other properties received a 10 percent limit as part of Amendment 1. 

The Legislature estimates they would need to replace an estimated $8 billion in annual revenue losses through several options including a 1 percentage point increase in the present 6 percent statewide sales tax.

-----

Last Minute Tax Tips

The April tax-filing deadline is approaching quickly and tax laws change every year.  Check with your CPA or accountant for updates and tax breaks this year.  According our accounting friends, here are some tips to making your tax-filing process smoother:

• Get organized.  Use your prior year’s return as a guide.  Items for the current year may include your W-2 form(s) for wages, 1099 forms for contract labor, interest, dividends and sales of securities. .  If you have a business, a summary of your income and business expenses would be necessary.  If you have rental property, a similar report of income and expense is required.
• Own your home? Itemize.  You may have a form 1098 for your paid mortgage interest and real estate taxes.  Sum up your medical bills.  Locate all records of your charitable contributions.  Know that the IRS requires more substantive information for non cash charitable deductions.
• Take your time.  Don’t overlook deductions or credits for which you are eligible.        Consider the tax benefits of a contribution to your IRA, SEP or 401K.
• Look over your return closely. Take the time to make sure that names are spelled correctly, Social Security numbers are right and all forms with withholding are attached.   Don’t forget to sign the tax return.
• Double-check your math. Simple addition and subtraction errors are the most common mistakes on tax returns.
• Consider an extension. If you simply can’t meet the April 15 tax-filing deadline, request an automatic six-month extension. This is accomplished by completing Form 4868 and sending it to the IRS on or before the filing date. Remember, an extension is only for extending the filing date, not paying taxes. Your estimated tax balance is still due by April 15.
• Seek assistance. If you have questions about deductions or tax law, you may want to consult a tax professional. He or she can help you receive all the tax benefits that you deserve.
• Think ahead! It is never too early to start planning for next year. The tax-filing process can be made simpler and more effective, if you implement tax strategies before the year’s end.

-----

Grabbing a piece of paradise!

Ever wonder what it would be like to own a piece of PARADISE… wonder no longer. Our European and Canadian friends are finding out that it is a great time to finally buy a home in Florida. With prices low and the exchange rate great, now is the time to grab a piece of paradise for sure.

Imagine a home on the beach … waking up to the sounds of the surf, the smell of the sea….
Statistics show us that this is a buyers market and that dream of living on the beach or near the beach is very realistic. For the past five years or so, our foreign friends felt it was not a great time to buy. Prices were climbing daily and homes were not on the market for more than a few days. Even if you were interested in a particular residence, it was gone before you could get an offer put in on it. The market has slowed and even though we are expecting it to pick up soon, the time to buy is now. There are great choices and we are seeing the best values in condos, beach homes, golfing communities, coach homes and single family residences.  We would be remiss if we didn’t encourage you to buy now. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by – if you didn’t get in on the great prices in the late 90’s then now is the time to purchase your piece of paradise.

----

AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
March & April 2008

Downtown Naples Fine Art Festival
March 29 – March 30, 2008 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Fifth Avenue south's oldest and highly rated fine art street show. National Artists and Crafters, musical entertainment, a variety of foods and more. For more information please call (239) 435-3742, email info@downtownnaplesassociation.com or view their website at www.downtownnaplesassociation.com

Sanibel/Captiva Taste of the Islands
Sunday, April 13, 2008 (12:00 PM – 6:00PM)
Sanibel Community Park (2221 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island)
Enjoy a day of fabulous food "Tastes" from some of Sanibel and Captiva's most popular restaurants. Live music from local and name entertainers featured as well as food judging.  Entry donation of $5.00 per adult, children 6 and under free. Food and beverage tickets $1.00 each with items ranging from $2.00 to $5.00.  For more information call 239-472-3644 or go online to www.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com/events/index

At the Naples Philharmonic
April 1-5, 2008
Jesus Christ Superstar – The Farewell Tour
Jesus Christ Superstar, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971, changing the world of musical theater forever. This original ground-breaking production starring Ted Neeley, who starred in the movie version, Corey Glover as Judas.  Tickets on sale by calling 239-597-1900 or online at www.philtickets.org.

Florida Artists Showcase 2008 Reception
April 18, 2008
Center for the Arts, Art League of Bonita Springs
Major exhibition featuring artists from the entire state of Florida. The community is welcome to attend this opening reception on April 18th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The exhibition will be on display through May 1.  The exhibit and the reception are free. For more information call 239-495-8989 or visit the website at www.artcenterbonita.org.

At the Barbara B. Mann 
April 15-20, 2008
BLAST!
Winner of the 2001 Tony Award for “Best Special Theatrical Event” and the 2001 Emmy Award for “Best Choreography,” is comprised of 35 brass, percussion and visual performers brought together in a unique explosion of music and theatre. Born on athletic fields across the nation, BLAST! is a novel art form evolved from the showmanship of outdoor pageantry. Tickets on sale by calling 239-481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

At the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 
April 10 – May 31, 2008
Cabaret

The love story of a young novelist and an eccentric singer captures the spirit of pre-war Germany. Wilkommen! The words beckon you for some lively entertainment by the magnetic Emcee who welcomes you to Berlin. Tickets on sale at 239-278-4422 and online at www.broadwaypalm.com.

-----