WELCOME
From Carla

Welcome to our Communiqué!

Here we are again, seems like the months and years fly by but I always enjoy summertime in Florida.  It’s peaceful and traditionally a quiet time when seasonal visitors head north to enjoy family and friends. The Florida highways are a little more relaxed and weekends are always a great time to get together with friends you haven’t seen all season.

As things slow down a little, we are able to concentrate on new ideas, new marketing plans and sales tactics for our clients. We try to concentrate on options for sales and purchases alike. 

For those looking to buy, it’s a great time. Summer is known for the best buys and eager owners ready to make a deal.  Why not give us a call; this may just be your summer to get the home of your dreams for exactly the price you want to pay.

Our agents are well-versed in the real estate market in Southwest Florida. And remember, to better serve you we also have offices around the globe. We hope that you will continue to use our agents as a resource when buying or selling a home in Southwest Florida.

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 husband and I are considering the purchase of a new home. We currently rent an apartment, but need more space for our growing family. We have found a home that we like, but we are concerned about its age. It appears to be in good condition, but it is 15 years old. Should we get a home warranty? Do we pay for the warranty or does the seller? What is covered by a home warranty?

Sincerely,
Pat and Diane

Dear Pat and Diane,

Since the home you are considering buying is 15 years old, I recommend obtaining a home warranty.  You should ask the seller to provide the warranty which typically costs $300 - $500.  Remember, the warranty is not an insurance policy, but it does protect your appliances such as; heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, garage door opener, sump pump, swimming pool, washer and dryer, etc.

A home warranty combined with a good home inspection should limit your liability in future repairs.  Keep in mind there are limitations of any warranty. Pre-existing defects may not be covered once you move into your home. Make sure to have all items uncovered in the home inspection fixed before you take possession of the home. Repairs must be made in order for the policy to go into effect.

Some items in your home may not be covered by your home warranty. Most electrical items are included, but house exhaust fans, smoke alarms and speaker systems most likely are not covered. Additional systems, such as zoned heating, also may be excluded. Many warranties have riders to cover such items.

Finally, make sure to read the fine print!  Don’t agree to the cheapest policy. Compare the cost per year. Consider the deductible and the limitations on coverage. Some warranties may have a low deductible, but a cap on the coverage payout.

Ask your real estate professional for a referral for a good home warranty.

Sincerely,
Carla

------

Carla Bonten Realty Combines Rental and Brokerage Offices

In order to serve clients more comprehensively, Carla Bonten Realty, Inc. has decided to consolidate the Bonita Springs Bay Landing Rental/Sales office with the Spanish Wells location beginning June 7, 2007.  The Spanish Wells office, located at 28000 Spanish Wells Blvd, Suite 103, is easily accessed by Bonita Beach Road, U.S. 41 and Interstate 75.

Carla Bonten, owner/broker, says “Our team of professionals will be even more effective in our overall marketing efforts by combining these two offices into one at the Spanish Wells location.  Our goal is to always provide the best service to our clients.” 

The combining of these two offices allows Carla Bonten Realty to offer the widest scope of realty services under one roof including sales and listing services, vacation rentals, as well as real estate auction services.

Since 1998, Carla Bonten Realty has led the way serving the diverse needs of American and European clients seeking to purchase, sell, rent or auction their own piece of SW Florida’s “Sunshine Riviera.”   Languages spoken include Dutch, German, Swedish, Polish, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, French, Japanese, Flemish, Swiss, and South African.  Carla Bonten Realty has two offices in Bonita to serve new and existing clients.

------

NAR Predicts Soft Landing
for Home Sales

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® still expects more than 6 million existing-home sales in 2007. Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, says one benefit for the market is the disappearance of speculative behavior, which contributed to abnormal price growth.

“Home buyers today are purchasing for the long term, generally with a realistic expectation of modest gains over time,” Yun says. “Housing first and foremost is shelter. Second, it’s a long-term investment that slowly builds the greatest amount of wealth for most families. It’s good that we’re getting beyond the tendency of some buyers to view housing as a temporary asset to accumulate short-term wealth, which is not to be expected in a normal market.”

Housing Projections

NAR expects the following in home sales this year:  

• Existing-home sales are likely to total 6.29 million this year and 6.49 million in 2008, compared with 6.48 million last year.
• New-home sales are projected at 864,000 in 2007 and 936,000 next year, lower than the 1.05 million in 2006.
• Housing starts should total 1.46 million units this year and 1.52 million in 2008, down from 1.80 million last year.

“If it weren’t for a favorable economic backdrop, housing would probably have a hard landing,” Yun says. “As it is, we see this as a soft landing with home sales rising gradually in the second half of the year and prices recovering a bit later.”

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage should rise slowly to 6.5 percent by the fourth quarter, NAR predicts. Last week, Freddie Mac reported the 30-year rate was 6.16 percent.

The national median existing-home price is forecast to slip 1 percent to $219,800 this year, and then rise 1.4 percent in 2008. The median new-home price is expected to be essentially unchanged at $246,400 in 2007, and then rise 2.2 percent next year.

The unemployment rate will probably average 4.6 percent this year, unchanged from 2006. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, is estimated to decline to 2.5 percent in 2007, down from 3.2 percent last year. Growth in the U.S. gross domestic product is projected at 2.1 percent in 2007, lower than the 3.3 percent growth last year. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income should rise 2.6 percent in 2007, the same as last year.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine May, 2007] with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

-----

Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. Off to a GREAT Start!

Real Estate Auctions are proving to be a great resource for property owners everywhere and especially in Southwest Florida. Carla Bonten recently opened Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. and the response from clients has been very favorable.

“Whether a client has a condo, home or raw land, the auctions are just another tool we have to facilitate a sale,” says Carla. “It’s been exciting to learn this new avenue of marketing; it helps us help our clients.”

As mentioned in other articles, 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. 

Carla recently received her Auctioneer’s license after attending 90 hours of schooling and passing a required exam by the State of Florida. Whether selling one unit or multiple units, a discussion with Carla about an auction could prove to be a wise and profitable decision.

-----

“Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc.” Plans Residential Auction Open to the Public on July 14 in Bonita 

Carla Bonten, owner of Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. invites the public to her first “Summer Sale” reserve auction which will include residential lots in San Carlos Park and Lehigh Acres along with Single Family Homes in Bonita Springs and Cape Coral and a condominium in Bonita Springs. 

This auction will be held on Saturday, July 14th beginning at 2:00 PM at the Elks Lodge located at 3231 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs.

“With the current real estate market in our area, I am now able to provide every marketing avenue available, including auctions, to ensure the best outcome for my clients who are selling their property,” says Carla.

She also offers her auctioneering services to local charity and non-profit fundraisers as an additional community service. Organizations who are interested in auctions as a means of fundraising can schedule Carla’s services at no charge.

If you would like to attend, be sure to pre-register by Friday, July 13th by calling 825-9495 or email Carla at sales@carlabontenrealty.com.

-----

Top Producer for May

Vida Neufeld was both the Top Listing and Sales Agent for May.

She is originally from the Kansas and has been with Carla Bonten Realty since 2002.  Neufeld has been in real estate for over 30 years and she specializes in beachfront property and commercial real estate.  Prior to relocating to Florida 10 years ago, Neufeld was a top producer in the Dallas area.  Since arriving in Southwest Florida’s “Paradise Coast,” she is enjoying the Florida lifestyle as she is an avid outdoor sports fan – and she wouldn’t live anywhere else!

------

Closing date delay, escrow and renting!

By: Demian Kruchten, Attorney at Law

I have been asked a question about renting to a buyer because there has been a delay in the date escrow will close on the house an owner is selling.  The question was put in this way: The buyers want to move in before the new escrow closing date. Is this a problem if they agree to pay rent? 

My answer is, it could well pose issues that you need to carefully consider before agreeing to the arrangement. You will now find yourself subject to Landlord/Tenant law which has its own idiosyncrasies and pitfalls that a straight sale would have avoided.  Once the buyer has possession, if he decides to back out of the deal but refuses to leave, you will likely have to go through an eviction process which can be costly and time consuming.

If you still want to let the buyer move in, you need to amend the purchase agreement by adding rental terms. Consult an attorney to draft the agreement so you can be sure it is adequate. These provisions should cover how much rent will be and when it is due. Also make sure the buyers do their walk through inspection prior to moving in. That way there won't be any surprise problems at actual closing time.

Upon moving in, the utilities should be put into the buyer's name. Make sure the buyer obtains adequate property insurance. The seller should require that the buyer put a substantial deposit in escrow and sign a liquidated damages agreement. The deposit can be applied towards the down payment if and when the sale closes on time. If the closing is delayed or the buyer backs out, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. Your agreement should stipulate that the buyer will receive only a portion of his deposit back if he vacates the property.

Often Seller’s are tempted to accommodate the Buyer for a short time with a simple oral agreement, as everyone seems to all have the same goal and intent.  Notwithstanding these good feelings and appearances of mutual agreement, it is important you take these steps.  You don’t want to find yourself in a protracted battle with a now adverse party, without your agreement clearly spelled out.   This will only cause hardship and undue delay in your ultimate goal:  the sale of the home.

Kruchten Law Firm

975 6th Ave., So., Ste. 200
Naples, FL 34102
239-775-8962
239-793-6971

----

Collier’s Domestic Animal Services Launches Hurricane Shelter Pet Registration

Pets are a big concern when hurricane season hits. Many of us can’t bear the thought of leaving our pets unattended at home. And for those of us who evacuate, we have to worry about finding a hotel that will accept our family pets as hotel guests.  These worries will be lessoned this year as the Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS) has launched an on-site pet pre-registration for the new Hurricane Pet Shelter, which will operate for the first time this year.

The Pet Shelter will be at North Collier Regional Park located at 15000 Livingston Rd. Pet owners must remain with their pets, although animals and people will be sheltered separately within the park.  The shelter area for pets will hold 75 animals. Dogs and cats are the only animals that will be allowed in the emergency shelter.

Pre-registration is required for the shelter, which will allow you to receive an automated phone call notifying you of the shelter’s opening.

Documents Your Pet Needs During Natural Disasters:

• Photo of your pet by itself
• Photo of you and your pet together (include immediate family members)
• A print out of your pet’s immunizations (must be up to date)
• One week of food and water
• A litter box (if your pet is a cat)
• One comfort toy
• A leash and collar or harness vest

Visit DAS online to find out more at www.colliergov.net/pets or contact them at (239) 530-PETS (7387) for more information.

-----

“Miracles” in Action Fundraiser Held at Carla Bonten Realty

(Cindy Hall & Penny Rambacher)

The “Bead Party” fundraiser for Miracles in Action on Thursday, June 28th hosted by Carla Bonten Realty, Inc.  was a great success. The fundraiser featured handmade Guatemalan beaded necklaces, purses, bracelets and more. Sales from the Party will help support Miracles in Action’s administrative costs for their many projects in Guatemala.  

Cindy Hall, a contestant from the TV reality show Survivor: Guatemala, also come out to the event. She shared with the group her life changing experience in Guatemala during the taping of the reality TV show. She said she wanted to get involved with Miracles and help in whatever way she could.

Miracles in Action has been raising awareness and funds for the past several years to help poor Mayan children (indigenous people of Guatemala, Central America) who would never learn to read or write because they have no school in their village.  Founder Penny Rambacher, says, “When we build schools they are in a partnership; the villagers do the unskilled construction labor, the government provides the architect, foreman, and later, the teachers.  Miracles In Action donors provide the funds for the building materials.  To build a three room school complete with bathrooms and kitchen costs between $15,000-20,000 U.S. dollars.   

 Miracles in Action is currently building two more schools.  One of these, school number 9, is being funded by the Bonita Springs Rotary Club.  Three other anonymous Naples donors have funded schools 4, 5 and 6.  To find out more about this worthy non-profit organization, visit their website at www.MiraclesInAction.org  

-----

More Places to Shop in Southwest Florida!

You can now truly shop ‘til you drop in Southwest Florida. In addition to the already numerous selection of shopping choices, there are now two new places where vacationers

can have lunch, browse the clothing racks and bask in rays of sun.

Coconut Point Shopping Center in Estero is a premier shopping destination which features an innovative Main Street-style design and Mediterranean Revival-style architecture. Retail, dining and entertainment options adorn the palm-lined streets of the open-air mall which includes 135 different stores. If fashion is your passion, visit Dilliards, Banana Republic, Tommy Bahama, Coldwater Creek, J.Crew, Guess or White House/ Black Market. Stop at California Pizza Kitchen, Panera Bread, Blue Water Bistro, or Johnny Rockets for lunch. After another round of shopping, grab a snack at Starbucks, Kilwin’s Chocolates or Marble Slab Creamery.

The newly opened Gulf Coast Town Center also offers an open-air shopping experience. Bass Pro Shops, Belk, JC Penney, Super Target and Best Buy are among the major anchor stores at the mall. The shopping center has a mix of retail businesses and restaurants, plus Regal Cinemas. It is conveniently located just off Interstate 75 at Alico Road.  

Coconut Point Shopping Center- 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero, FL
Hours – Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm            Sunday 11:30am-5:30pm 

Gulfcoast Town Center-9903 Gulf Coast Main Street. Fort Myers, FL
Hours – Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm            Sunday 11am-6pm

-----

Fun in the Sun featuring North Collier Regional Park

We always want to make sure that you are aware of the many attractions available here in Southwest Florida.  When renting or buying your vacation or seasonal residence it’s nice to know what’s available for recreation in the area.

Collier County's newest park, North Collier Regional Park, offers not only a fun outing at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon where you can relax and enjoy a variety of water activities, but it also encompasses walking trails, a Wetland Preserve boardwalk, numerous programs and RecPlex. 

RecPlex is a state-of-the-art fitness complex with dozens of strength building machines and more! Plus this center is able to provide a fun, work out atmosphere for both able bodied and special needs individuals.

North Collier Regional Park is located at 15000 Livingston Road, just south of Immokalee Road.  For more information, contact them at 239-254-4000.

-----

Summer Entertaining Outdoors

Summer is here and that means it’s the season for poolside parties, relaxed barbecues and weekend celebrations. This year, there’s a new twist to creating the perfect outdoor gathering. It’s called freestyle decorating --and it’s a mix of the old and the new, uniting vision, creativity and personal flair.

Prepare Your Stage

Begin decorating with a fresh canvas! Get rid of any clutter from the yard, deck or lanai. Clean or repair patio furniture, flower pots and grills. Make sure to prune the lawn and shrubs.

Stock up on supplies. Watch for ‘red tag’ sales on summer entertaining essentials such as extra seating, tableware and linens.
 
Select music to set the perfect mood.  Calming operas and classical pieces are good for a formal affair. Try sultry jazz for a twilight cocktail rendezvous. Break out the steel drums and spicy salsa for a casual bash.

Focus on Furniture

Outdoor entertaining space needs plenty of tables and seating. Don’t buy all new furniture. Mix and match existing patio furniture, wicker chairs and barstools.

For a splash of color, paint unfinished wooden furniture in complimentary duotones. A new and vibrant coat of paint can transform furnishing and make them a focal point.

Don’t Forget the Details

Keep ‘freestyle’ in mind and think outside the box for the finishing touches. Add a single flower bloom and water to a clear salad bowl for a beautiful table centerpiece. Light citrus-scented candles and crank up the fans to mimic a breezy day at the beach.

For an evening party, use tiki torches and decorative lanterns. Add a water fountain to add a shimmering glow.

Remember, this summer anything goes whether hosting a casual party or a formal soiree.
Relax, enjoy and entertain in freestyle!

----

AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
July & August

Native Plant Walk
Tuesdays at 1:30 PM or 2:30 PM
Learn about the various uses of native plants during a guided walk around the grounds of the Environmental Learning Center at Rookery Bay.  Event is ongoing at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 300 Tower Road in Naples.  Cost: Free - $5, phone (239) 417-6310 for information.

Collier County Museum
3301 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
The Collier County Museum allows visitors to journey back over 10,000 years of Southwest Florida's unique past, which includes mastodons and fierce saber cats, Calusa and Seminole Indians, and the rugged pioneers who settled one of America's last frontiers. The property includes five acres of native gardens and showcases early Naples cottages, swamp buggies and a logging locomotive. Free admission; donations accepted. Phone: 239-774-8476 for information or visit www.colliermuseum.com.

July 21, 2007
FREE Summer Jazz Concert Series - Women's Blues Revue of Tampa
7 PM – 10 PM on the Watkins Lawn at Naples Beach Hotel and Golf.  Known in the Florida Jazz scene for many years, the band is made up of eight of Florida's best female blues, R&B, rock and jazz musicians. All of the women are working musicians who have regular gigs with other bands, but come together a few times a year. The band keeps the crowd dancing with their play of jump blues, funky R & B, and classic soul songs.  Details, call 239-261-2222.

At the Barbara B. Mann
July 28 - Nashville Star Tour
The 2007 NASHVILLE STAR TOUR is coming to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall featurering Angela Hacker, David St. Romain, Zac Taylor and Joshua Stevens from the hit USA Network’s Nashville Star TV talent search that captivated the nation. The 2007 NASHVILLE STAR TOUR recreates the energy and feel of the hit TV series; utilizing an interactive video package of highlights, and lowlights, of each Artist’s tenure on the show, thereby acting as a “virtual host” of the showTickets available by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

Naples Players ‘Dinner and a Show’ – Beauty and the Beast
Through Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sugden Community Theatre, Naples

The Naples Players and Vergina Restaurant have teamed up to offer a combination “dinner and a show” package for only $45. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday nights and Sunday matinees.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a magical musical by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Nine Tony nominations were earned by this tale of Beauty, her enchanted Beast, and the castle’s magical staff, including Mrs. Potts the teapot and Lumiere the lovestruck candelabra enjoyed by adults and children of all ages.  The combination tickets may be purchased at The Naples Players box office at the Sugden Community Theatre. The ticket holders then make their own reservation at Vergina; there is a choice of two salads, six different entrees and dessert.   For reservations for “dinner and a show” or for individual tickets to any performance, call the theatre box office at 239-263-7990.

At the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Through August 11
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's colorful musical masterpiece! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has proven to be one of the most enduring shows of all time. Includes the songs One More Angel in Heaven and Any Dream Will Do.  For ticket information call 239-278-4422 or online at www.broadwaypalm.com.

August 25, 2007
FREE Summer Jazz Concert Series - The Robert Harris Group
7 PM – 10 PM on the Watkins Lawn at Naples Beach Hotel and Golf.  The Robert Harris Group is a popular mainstay at many of Florida's top music festivals. Under the direction of group leader, lead guitarist and vocalist Robert Harris, the band is known for its cheerful melodies, as well as superb acoustic and articulate guitar playing. The band performs a combination of jazz, funk and R&B, to put on a truly entertaining show.  Details, call 239-261-2222.

-----