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Voume. 6, Issue 6. November - December 2007
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WELCOMEFrom Carla Dear loyal reader, Even though the real estate market has slowed, this is the time when European investors purchase real estate because they are getting a great deal… and since we are the EUROPEON CONNENCTION we are situated to make these deals happen by providing a wide array of real estate services to serve the buyer’s and seller’s needs. We are here for you, please let us know how we can help! ------
Dear Carla, Dear Elaine, During the weeks before the auction, visit the properties that interest you. Determine what you want to spend and how you will finance the purchase. Investigate the rules of the auctions you plan to attend. For example, some require that you be pre-approved for financing before bidding. Obtain answers to any questions you have about the properties. You register on the day of the auction by showing a drivers license and completing a simple form. The registration period is usually one half to two hours before the sale so be prepared to be on time and to move fast. If the sale is only for a single home without furnishings or personal items, the sale may be completed in ten minutes. Auctions usually begin promptly at the appointed time with opening remarks summarizing, for the record, the terms of sale, the methods of bidding and any last minute changes or disclosures. These comments usually take only a few minutes and conclude with the auctioneer answering any final questions. Rules about payment methods vary but you may certainly use cash and frequently personal checks for down payment. Most real estate auctions have a minimum acceptable bid, called a reserve. It has become the custom not to announce the reserve in advance of the auction but once the pre-set minimum price has been bid, an announcement is made that the reserve has been met and the sale will definitely happen. From the first bid, things move quickly. The auctioneer can and will say "sold" as soon as he or she determines that the final bid has been made. The person who made the final bid is required to follow through with the purchase of the property. You may want to meet with an attorney to obtain additional advice about real estate auctions before participating. ------ Real Estate Buyers & Sellers Learn How to Use Short Sales at our upcoming Seminars - Nov 15 & Dec 12
A short sale occurs when a property is sold and the lender agrees to accept a discounted payoff, meaning the lender will release the lien that is secured to the property upon receipt of less money than is actually owed and allows the homeowner to avoid foreclosure proceedings. This Short Sale seminar is being presented by Linda Brown and Marian Rosencrans of Fidelity National Title. Space is limited, be sure to reserve your spot by calling Carla Bonten Realty, Inc at 239-949-9122. ---- TIME – where does it go? By E. Sue Huff – Marketing and Management Consultant I have been speaking about this topic for over 20 years and it seems “time bandits” have increased dramatically due to the electronic age and information highway. Our interruptions and time demands have grown beyond what past generations could even imagine. Here are the facts: The average person gets 1 interruption every 8 minutes, or approximately 7 an hour, or 50-60 per day. The average interruption takes 5 minutes, totaling about 4 hours or 50% of the average workday. 80% of those interruptions are typically rated as “little value” or “no value” creating approximately 3 hours of wasted time per day.
The bottom line is to plan your day and say no to people, things or situations that create “time bandits” – Choose wisely, this is your life and you need to take control. ------ FOR YOUR HEALTH
From a list of 10 of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the US, broccoli holds the top spot for having the most phytochemicals -- compounds everyone's urged to consume because they protect against chronic diseases. At the bottom of the list? Cucumbers, described by some people as "water you can eat." The 9 runners-up to broccoli were spinach, yellow onions, red peppers, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, lettuce, celery, and cucumbers. Red peppers actually beat out broccoli in terms of having the highest levels of antioxidants. Food scientists aren't ranking veggies just to satisfy their curiosity, by the way. They're contemplating a bioactivity index (BI) for dietary cancer prevention to help grocery shoppers quickly spot the fruits and veggies that have the biggest health benefits. For more information on ways to stay healthy, go online to www.realage.com. ---
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Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. AN OVERVIEW
Carla is a member of both the National Auctioneers Association and the Florida Auctioneers Association. According to the NAA, live auction industry revenue grew for the fourth consecutive year, rising to $257.2 billion in 2006. Through the second quarter of 2007, sales rose an estimated 3% compared to the same time period in 2006. If this trend continues, live auction industry revenues would reach $264.8 billion for 2007. In terms of revenue, residential real estate is the fastest growing live auction sector, with gross sales expanding 39% since 2003. 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. For more information, call 239-949-9122 or email Carla Bonten (Broker/Licensed Auctioneer AU 3638 AB 2616) at sales@carlabontenrealty.com------ Is It Time to Buy? 
It’s easy to be confused by real estate market reports these days. Many potential buyers are confused about the numerous reports heard daily on the TV and radio about our local real estate market. You may hear one report stating the area is a great investment while another the day may seem to say the market has a high risk for price declines. How do you decide if it’s the time to buy or not? By researching current home sales patterns and sales projects, Carla Bonten Realty can identify attractive markets. To get a better idea of what has happened so far in 2007, here are some of the important figures. During the third quarter of 2007, the listing inventory in the Naples, Bonita, Estero market remained steady. The number of new listings was down by approximately 7% compared to the first 9 months of 2006. Closed sales for 2007 were down by 13% which is an improvement compared to 2005. And the average sale price so far in 2007 is similar to the average sale price in 2006, and is 10% higher than 2005. Other research done by PMI Mortgage Insurance Company studied the long term effect of home buying. They discovered is it’s never really a bad time to buy. The economists assumed a 20% down payment and found that even during the worst times; buyers had a positive return on their home investment over 10 years. ---- ON THE BUSINESS FRONT:Gulf Coast Venture Forum Helps in There have been many success stories associated with GCVF’s presenting companies, bringing jobs, investment opportunities and industry to the area thus making Southwest Florida an even more attractive place for executives to live. The Gulf Coast Venture Forum meets monthly during season and is open to new members. For more information visit online at www.gcvf.com or call 239-262-6300. -----
AREA ACTIVITIES & EVENTS: At the Off-Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Florida Repertory Theatre Last week of November Coconut Point Town Center, Estero At the Barbara B. Mann Planning ahead….. ----- |
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If you are considering either buying or selling real estate in Southwest Florida, mark your calendar for a two upcoming opportunities hosted by Carla Bonten Realty, Inc. Learn all the “how to’s” at these informative seminars on Real Estate Short Sales scheduled for Thursday, November 15th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM and Wednesday, December 12th from 3:30 – 5:00 PM. Both seminars will be held at 28000 Spanish Wells Boulevard #103 in Bonita Springs. They are designed to educate anyone interested in learning about this viable option for both buyers and sellers. 
We all say it and we’ve all heard it from a family member, friend or business colleague – “I don’t have enough time.” Well, the simple truth tells us that we all have the same amount of time each day; we just choose to use it differently. Or, I should say we don’t choose to use it in the most efficient or effective manner. 
Auctioneers by Carla Bonten, Inc. offers customized marketing programs specifically designed to attract the largest possible pool of qualified buyers. Through the competitive bidding process, buyers and sellers quickly learn what the market will pay for a property. Sellers who are motivated and have not received offers so far through their real estate agent may consider auctions as another viable way to sell their property. The seller only pays a 1% commission if the property sells. 
The Gulf Coast Venture Forum (GCVF), a non-profit organization, is made up of Southwest Floridians who want to make our region’s new and emerging businesses successful by encouraging capital investments from local investors. GCVF identifies sources of private equity investment and venture capital, working closely with the Economic Development Council to insure that appropriate business opportunities are being considered for our area. 
Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker in 80 cities during its 15th annual holiday tour of the United States. Artistic Director Anatoli Emelianov, a ten-year veteran of the Moscow Ballet and its chief choreographer, will star as the Enchanted Nutcracker Prince. Moscow Ballet's all Russian casts have won rave reviews for exquisite dancing and finely honed classical technique. With Valentin Federov's stunning sets and costumes, and larger than life puppets, the Great Russian Nutcracker is the must-see production of 2007. Tickets on sale by calling 239-481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.
Experience life from Niagara to Viagra in this satirical musical reflection on the trials of marriage in modern America. Two couples, the wide-eyed newlyweds and the seasoned “oldyweds,” take you on the journey of a lifetime. We guarantee that you will want to see this hilarious show again and again.