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Voume. 8, Issue 1. January - February 2009
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![]() 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. ------
Dear Carla, 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. ------ How to Stick to Those New Year's Resolutions
----- Carla Bonten Honored for Long-Term Distinguished Public Service
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. ----- Compare Average Temperatures – WHY be anywhere else?
Average temperatures are: Source: AccuWeather
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Auction Scheduled for February
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 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. ----- Last Minute Rental Deals in Southwest Florida
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. For more information, call Melody at Carla Bonten Rentals, Inc. at 239-949-4960 or 1-877-949-4960 for more information about these special rates. A preview of rental properties is available online at www.carlabontenrentals.com.----- Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park – Waiting for YOU!
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.
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 -----
AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS: Classical No. 3: Shostakovich, Ravel & Grieg Riverdance Singin’ in the Rain Everglades Seafood Festival Naples National Art Festival |
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