WELCOME
From Carla

Season Brings Buyers

Seasonal residents and visitors have been doing more than just looking at real estate in Southwest Florida this ‘season’. The snowbirds and tourists have been buying!

While still lower than the same time last year, sales of homes and condominiums have been rising steadily since December. The National Association of Realtors reports 636 Lee County homes sold in March 2007 –up from 423 homes in February and 492 homes in January. The pace also picked up on condo sales in Lee County. In March of this year 221 condos were purchased –up from 145 in February and 138 in January.

Additionally, the median price of a homes and condos in Lee County was up in March of this year. That means not only are buyers returning to this market after a “leveling off” period, but they also are willing to pay more for real estate. This is exciting, because it may be signaling that the lowest priced inventory is almost cleared from the market and that prices are once again climbing.
 
If you are considering the purchase a primary home or a secondary condominium, now is the time to act. It is obvious that the “deals” won’t last long.

Contact one of our real estate professionals today to start the search for your new home or condominium.

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.

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Ask Carla!

Dear Carla,

My husband recently got a new job in Texas. This means we need to move and to sell our home soon. I keep hearing that the market is picking up, but it still seems like there are a lot of homes for sale in Southwest Florida. What can we do to make our home sell quickly?

Sincerely,
Brad and Tammy

Dear Brad and Tammy,

You are correct; there are many properties on the market in Southwest Florida, right now. This market is in transition, meaning there are still plenty of buyers, but the days of quick sales and multiple offers are gone. Inventory levels are relatively high in both Lee and Collier Counties, therefore buyers have many choices. Sellers are now competing with a lot of others in the marketplace. Here are some suggestions to help you get more out of your home:

1. Get rid of your junk. A house cluttered with things looks smaller, while one with less stuff looks bigger and roomier.
2. Price within reason. Don’t list your home at $700,000 if other homes in your neighborhood go for $525,000. The days of double digit appreciation are finished in most areas.
3. If your home doesn't sell within a reasonable time period, think about lowering the price or changing the deal. Some sellers are including incentives, such as flooring allowances and free HOA fees.
4. Make sure everything in your home is in good repair. You should expect buyers to ask for a home inspection and you should be prepared to fix any problems, if requested.
5. Use a good realtor or broker. When marketing a property, look for a firm with experienced and professional agents.

Sincerely,
Carla

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Why Real Estate is Still a Good Investment

Real Estate Increases in Value
Even though housing prices have dipped some in the past year, historically their values increase. Real estate predictably rises in value as compared to the often volatile stock market. As with any investment, buyers must be prepared to hold their investments for the long haul –if need be. Over the 30 year period of 1972-2002, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that median home prices appreciated at an annual rate of 6.1 percent.

Real Estate Offers a Good Return on Investment
Real estate is an undeniable investment. Where else can you make a small down payment and own a large investment –sometimes being paid for by a tenant.

Real Estate Ownership Reduces Your Taxes
Real estate owners and investors can enjoy tax breaks. Owners can claim property related expenses and mortgage interest to offset taxes. Investors can enjoy a tax reduction because real estate is depreciable --even when it increases in value through appreciation.

Real Estate is for Anyone
Property ownership, whether a primary home or an investment property, is accessible to anyone. The purchase of real estate may require only 10% down (or less) on the value of the property. That is considerably less than compared to the tens of thousands of dollars required to start up a business.

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It’s Time to Get Ready for
Hurricane Season

Summer is a time for vacationing in most parts of the country, but in Southwest Florida it is also a time for preparing for hurricane season. Experts say with El Nino out of the picture, this could be another active tropical season. So, now is the time to prepare your home and your family.

Create a personal evacuation plan. Identify where you would go if you are forced to evacuate. Also, decide what to do with pets, if you have to evacuate.

Stock a disaster supply kit for you and your family. Make sure to include non-perishable food items, a can opener, three gallons of water per person, a battery powered radio, flashlights, batteries, protective rain gear, a first aid kit and essential medications.

Don’t forget the exterior of your home. Trim bushes or trees and remove diseased and damaged limbs, making them more wind resistant. Remove coconuts from palm trees, as they could become projectiles during a hurricane. Consider additional wind protection (i.e. hurricane shutters) for your home.

Prepare a comprehensive list of the contents of your home. Take pictures or make a video, showing every room of your home. Insurance will need a detailed description of any items damaged or destroyed during a storm.

Check your insurance policy. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover both the structure and its contents. Consider flood insurance. Remember, most insurance policies do not cover flood damage –even if it is from a hurricane.

Visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org for additional hurricane preparation information.  

Source: American Red Cross

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Carla Bonten Introduces “Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc.”

Carla Bonten is proud to introduce a new affiliated company to be known as “Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc.”  Carla has been interested in auctions of all types for quite some time.  She decided the time was right to add this to the services she can offer her real estate clients.  “With the current real estate market in our area, I am now able to provide every marketing avenue available to ensure the best outcome for my clients who are selling their property,” Carla stated.  

Carla recently received her Auctioneer’s license after attending 90 hours of schooling and passing a required exam by the State of Florida.

There are many benefits to real estate auctions including enticing buyers prepared to buy accelerating the sales process, exposing property to large numbers of pre-qualified prospects and offering sellers a predetermined sales date.  A large part of an Auctioneer’s job is creating a successful marketing program that increases interest and visibility.  Technology is rapidly moving into the industry, with computerized clerking as well as online marketing.

Although in the past auctions have been seen as a method of last resort to dispose of property, current trends have seen an increase in this method as a primary means of disposing of anything and everything imaginable, including real estate.  An auction is a public sale in which property or items of merchandise are sold to the highest bidder, with the profession dating back many centuries. 

The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) reports extensive growth for the auction industry in 2006 with a 7.1 percent increase over 2005 in gross revenue, translating into $257.2 billion in total revenue generated.  The most significant growth was seen in residential real estate, which grew by 12.5 percent in 2006, generating $16 billion. Last year, residential real estate auctions generated $14.2 billion. Residential real estate auctions are the fastest growing sector of the industry and are increasingly being accepted as mainstream with the general public.

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Allergy-Proof Your Home

There is a lot of coughing and sneezing going on around Southwest Florida, right now. Pollen, mold and other allergy triggers are blowing in the winds outside your home. The inside of your home should be a haven away from these allergens. Here are some quick tips that will help you cut down on these triggers.

1. Keep your home cool and dry. This decreases mold and dust mite growth and roach intrusions. To maintain this level, you may need to use your air conditioner along with a dehumidifier.

2. Dry or dispose of anything wet. If carpeting in your home gets wet -- from a flood or a burst pipe -- clean and dry it within 24 hours. If you can't immediately dry the carpeting, drapes, ceiling tiles, etc. remove them. Mold takes hold of wet items quickly.

4. Vacuum frequently. If you have carpeting, vacuuming at least once a week is a must. A vacuum that has a special double-lined bag or a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter will trap more of the carpet allergens.

5. Snuff out smoking in your home. Smoke is a significant irritant. Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack and aggravate symptoms in people with allergies.

7. Keep odors to a minimum. Candles and air fresheners smell good, but can give off smelly fumes. Aerosols, paints, perfumes and cleaners also may irritate your airways and make your allergies and asthma worse.

8. Dust often. Clean hard surfaces and shiny floors in your home weekly. Use treated dust rags, damp mops or damp rags. Dry cloths just fling the allergens in the dust back into the air.

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AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:

At The Phil

June 8
Festival of Great Organ Music
The finest organists in Southwest Florida will perform a wide range of great music on the Philharmonic Center's 3,604-pipe Casavant organ. Selections will include classic orchestral works from all periods of music history — and even a duet or two. This delightful concert features members of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO).  For more information call 239-597-1900 or visit online at www.thephil.org

At the Barbara B. Mann

June 19-June 24
The Producers: the MEL BROOKS musical
The Producers is the funniest, most fearlessly irreverent thing ever seen on stage!” (USA Today)
Experience the biggest Tony Award winner in Broadway history when it comes to Fort Myers.  Choreography is by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Crazy for You, Contact, The Music Man). For more information call 239-481-4849 or go online to www.bbmannpah.com

June 23
Summer Jazz Concert Series
Enjoy an evening of jazz under the stars. The concert will be held on Watkins Lawn at The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club from 7 pm - 10 pm. For more information call 239-261-2222 ext 4345.

July 4
4th of July Parade
Celebrate our nation’s independence! The City of Naples hosts its annual 4th of July Parade on the streets of Downtown Naples from 10am – Noon. For more information call 239-213-7120

4th of July Fireworks
Enjoy the spectacular sights and sounds of the fireworks display at Naples Municipal Pier, beginning at 9pm. For more information call 239-213-7120

Independence Day Festival-Centennial Park
Celebrate the 4th of July in downtown Fort Myers with a red, white, and blue celebration.

July 21
Summer Jazz Concert Series
Listen to themusic and watch the stars, as the summer concert series continues with jazz on the Watkins Lawn at Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. 7 pm - 10 pm. For more information call 239-261-2222 ext 4345

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