Showing posts with label Local. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

John R Wood ranked 89th in Nation

NAPLES, FL, July 28 – REALTOR Magazine, in its annual
report of the nation’s top 100 companies, today announced that
John R. Wood Realtors ranked 14th in closed sales per agent.
Compiled for the year 2009, the report gave the company an
overall ranking of 89th in the nation with $942 million in sales,
regardless of company size, number of agents, or geographic
location.

“And that number is only for closed sales,” noted Phil Wood,
president. “When we include those sales not yet closed at year
end, our 2009 total was $1.1 billion, just shy of a three percent
increase over last year.”
Wood cited their award-winning sales and administrative
staff for the firm’s “excellent performance in a tough market,”
but also credited the company’s ongoing enhancements to its
numerous websites and its presence on social media sites such
as Facebook and YouTube.

“Buyers need to be able to search all properties, see all open
houses, and set up automatic notifications when a hot property
comes on the market.”

Founded in 1958, John R. Wood Realtors is Southwest
Florida’s oldest real estate firm. The company represents over
2,000 clients annually through its 250 agents and its 100 staff
in eight offices, which allow them to serve the areas from
Marco Island to Sanibel/Captiva. In addition, the company’s
Research Department delivers current market statistics,
analysis and projections through its monthly statistical reports
to interested parties throughout the nation. Reports are public
and are available on request by Emailing customer service at
jrw@JohnRWood.com.

Visit www.TreasureMyHome.com to all of the areas current listings.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Don't Foreclose - Do a Short Sale

Source: CNN Money.com Les Christie, staff writer March 29, 2010: 3:46 AM ET


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Short sales are the hottest thing going in the distressed-property market, and the trend is expected to get even hotter in coming weeks, when the government starts handing out cash to encourage lenders to close these deals.

"Banks have ramped up short sale approvals," said Duane Legate of House Buyer Network, which connects short sellers with buyers. "They're hiring a lot of the people who once worked in the mortgage-lending industry and moved them over to short sales."

These transactions, where lenders allow homeowners to sell their houses for less than they owe, accounted for 17% of all residential real estate sales in February, up from nearly 13% in November, according to a monthly real estate market survey by Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance.

And Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), the country's largest mortgage servicer, has more than doubled the number of short sales it processed in recent months.

Elizabeth Weintraub, a Sacramento, Calif.-area real estate agent who handles many short sales, was amazed at how quickly a recent deal went through. "Bank of America approved it in 24 days," she said. "That flipped me out."

This is a huge change from even just six months ago when the short-sale market was stalled and most people would describe the process has real estate hell. Because lenders stand to lose so much on these transactions, they have been reluctant to make short sales happen, often waiting months before getting back to potential buyers.

Beware: You lost your house but still have to pay
"In the past, many short sales would never come to fruition and the ones that did averaged over half a year to complete," said Chris Saitta, CEO of Equator, which produces short sale software.

"Things would just fall into a black hole and not come out again," added Weintraub.

And even when banks did agree to the sale, the process could be further complicated if the original owner had a second mortgage.

In most cases, the first lender is repaid in full before any money flows to a second-lein holder. And because most distressed borrowers are severely underwater, there's usually nothing left to send on. As a result, second-lein holders are left holding the bag and have been killing many deals.

But that has been changing. For one thing, banks realize that they make out far better financially with a short sale than a foreclosure. "The lenders lose 50% on a foreclosure and only 30% on a short sale," said Glenn Kelman, founder of the real estate Web site Redfin. "And short sales offer a way to get distressed properties off their books quickly."

And on April 5, lenders and mortgage investors will have even more incentives to offer troubled borrowers short sales instead of foreclosing.

Under the new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program, borrowers will earn a $3,000 "relocation incentive" and servicers will get $1,500 for handling a short sale.

The investors who actually own the mortgage notes will get $2,000 in exchange for sharing proceeds of the short sales with any second-lien holders. And, finally, those second lien holders will receive up to $6,000 for releasing their claims.

Lenders participating in the program must also determine the market values of properties early on and inform the owners of just what price they're willing to accept. Then, if owners come back to the lenders with bonafide offers, they have to be accepted within 10 days.

Equator's Saiita anticipates a short sale explosion in response to the new program. "The challenge will be handling all the volume," he said.

The company has already tweaked its software, which 58 servicers use, to handle the new HAFA rules. And that should help reduce the time it takes to execute a sale, which currently averages 88 days.

The boom in short sales may accelerate the end to the foreclosure crisis by cleaning out the overhang of borrowers in distress and replacing them with more stable homeowners.

Plus, these sales are better for distressed borrowers because their credit scores suffer less. Going through a foreclosure can knock 200 points off a FICO score, twice as much as the penalty for a short sale

Monday, March 1, 2010

Our New Fort Myers Beach Listing




Listing # 210006563 and 201008848

$775,000

4182 Bay Beach Lane #776
Fort Myers Beach FL 33931

3 bedroom, 2 bath, 7th floor condo, Never lived in

Newest building in Waterside-Manatee Bay- 7th floor corner-NEVER lived in. West Corner with wrap around views-southern views to the Gulf, northern views to the bay, western views to the golf course and GULF-WOW!!! Priced $200K LESS than Seller paid!! This home has the works-granite counters in the kitchen AND baths, window coverings, new appliances, and VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS!!! Building has phone entry system, social room, fitness room, pool, hot tub, semi-private elevators, under building parking and storage. Community amenities include tennis courts, fishing pier, boat slips for purchase/lease, deeded BEACH access, gated entrance with manned guard, and MORE! Why pay the high prices for SPECTACULAR VIEWS and NEW construction?!? Take advantage of the buyer's market and make it your today!

Our New Naples Listing



Listing # 210007774 and 201010451
75 East Ave
Naples FL 34108

$1,920,000

6-8 bedrooms, 5 baths, 6600 square feet of living space

FABULOUS describes BRAND NEW home built in addition to RENOVATED original home and PRICED TO MOVE! Two homes joined-take as ONE spectacular enclave, or easily separate into TWO for more privacy! NEW home is over 5000 sf w/5 bedrooms, 3 baths & RENOVATION home has 3 bedrooms/2 baths w/appr. 1600 sf - both w/FULL kitchens,dining, laundry areas,& ALL opening onto beautiful shared pool/courtyard area. Total 6 bedrooms downstairs w/2 additional upstairs. New home warranty provided by builder, Lykos Construction. Impact glass windows/doors on the WHOLE structure so, great insurance rates! COUNTY water/sewer (one of the very few homes in Pine Ridge), w/ bonus irrigation on well/lake water). Other details include propane gas for TWO fireplaces & pool/spa heater, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen counters,2 separate water heaters,4 separate a/c units,2 sets of laundry areas,3 car garage and MORE. Make your appointment today to see this light and bright BEAUTY of a home!!

Monday, February 1, 2010

I just found a property and wanted to share it with you!



I just found a property and wanted to share it with you!

Posted using ShareThis

Price: $479,000
ML#: 210003569
Status: A-Active
Address: 230 DONORA BLVD (GEO) Area: FB03
FORT MYERS BEACH, Florida 33931-3604
Subdivision: ZIMMERS ADD-SHELL MOUND PK
County: Lee
Development: ZIMMERS ADD-SHELL MOUND PK
Price/SqFt: $230.95
Furnished: Negotiable


Property Information:
BOATER COME HERE!!! Here is great opportunity to own a home with boating in the backyard. Elevated home on the highest part of the island, so you can enjoy views and gulf breezes-you'll probably never need your A/C. Main living is upstairs with additional lower level family and kitchenette, for extra friends and family. Great outdoor patio and shell landscape design, so you have very little outdoor maintenance-plenty of room to add a private pool. Biking in the area is a breeze, and the location of the home is near to all the action in Fort Myers Beach.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Every Dog Loves a Treat


WOOF GANG BAKERY

Specialty Dog Bakery & Boutique in the heart of Estero

Every dog has his day. Make it special with a treat from Woof Gang Bakery!

Woof Gang Bakery specializes in hand-made, gourmet dog treats in an assortments of tasty flavors. Our treats are baked to perfection using fresh, healthy, wholesome ingredients.

Dogs savor the tantalizing tastes and enticing aromas of peanut butter, pumpkin,
cinnamon, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese and real bacon -
and never any added salt, sugar or preservatives.

Tail Wagging treats includes Snickerpoodles, Nutty Squirrels, Paw Lickin' Chickens, Bacon Cheddar Bones, Beef Stew Stars, Pumpkin Pie Fire Hydrants and custom Woof Gang Bakery Bones. Also available are Birthday Bones, seasonal selections and special hand-dipped and decorated treats using carob, yogurt and the finest dog-friendly ingredients.

At Woof Gang Bakery, health and happiness go hand in paw! We proudly offer premium pet foods for dogs and cats, treats and nutritional supplements.

Products include: EVO, Innova, California Natural, Merrick, Wellness, Canidae, Taste of the Wild, Natural Balance and more!

We will Special Order your particular food at no additional cost.
Unleash your dogs style in our Boutique!

Woof Gang Bakery carries unique accessories, collars, leashes, bowls,
toys, canine spa products and much more to pamper you precious pooch.

At Woof Gang Bakery, we know that dogs are a part of our families, dogs are our faithful companions, dogs bring us joy. We will help you show your appreciation for their unconditional love and devotion.

Located in The Shoppes at Grande Oak - across from Miromar Outlets corner of Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy. & Corkscrew Rd.




John & Pam Borrisove
Woof Gang Bakery Estero
20301 Grande Oak Shoppes, Ste. 114
Estero, FL 33928
239-949-WOOF
estero@woofgangbakery.com

Monday, January 4, 2010

"Resolve" to Stop Wasting Money"

Source: Nick DiLorenzo of Element Funding, Bonita Springs Florida. Jan. 2010

The New Year is the perfect time to take a look at your spending habits and "resolve" to avoid wasting money where you don't have to. Here are some main areas that many of us waste money unnecessarily...and some simple steps to ensure a bright financial 2010.

Meals at the Workplace
Working Americans spend an average of $6 when they buy their lunch at work. The average cost drops to $2 when we bring our lunch from home. That's a difference of $4 a day, or $20 a week, or over $1,000 a year. Consider adding this savings to your savings account, and after just a few months you'll really see the difference add up.

Utilize the Public Library
By obtaining a library card, you can save on books, magazines, and especially DVD rentals. If you average 3 DVD rentals a month, you're spending approximately $144 a year. That's $144 that could be deposited into your bank account. For every book you check out, find out what it would have cost if you'd bought it. Deposit that amount into your account, too.

Don't be Afraid to Ask for Discounts
If you're paying bills or buying items such as airline tickets based solely on the price you're quoted, you could be wasting money. Many companies provide discounts on goods and services but only for those customers who request them. It never hurts to ask so start asking.

Save Gas
Consult the owner's manual of your car and learn about the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal gas mileage. Put the suggestions into action and see what happens. After a month, you should be able to see if you're spending less on fuel. Take the savings and stash it away.

Sell Your Junk
Come Springtime, go through your closets, garage, and CD collection. Figure out which items you no longer use. You can either hold a garage sale or locate stores which buy and sell used merchandise, and sell the items to them.

Do Away with Disposable
From razors and batteries to paper towels and plastic bags, your home is filled with products which are meant to be thrown away. Most of these disposable items have either a permanent or semi-disposable counterpart. Switching over to these more durable items can yield a savings of $4 a week or $200 a year.

Get the Most Out of Your Utilities
Many of us are overspending on our utility bills for no other reason than our own apathy. If you haven't already switched over to low-flow shower heads and toilets it's probably time to do so. Also, get into the habit of turning off lights when not in use. Did you know that most utility companies offer a free online energy audit? This way you can see exactly where you're wasting money.

Here's to a bright financial future in 2010!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Happiest U.S. States Pinned Down

Source: LiveScience.com
By Jeanna Bryner, Managing Editor
posted: 17 December 2009 02:00 pm ET

A new study found that a person's self-reported happiness matches up with objective measures of state-level happiness.

The results are based on an examination of two data sets, one that included personal reports of happiness for 1.3 million Americans and the other that included objective measures, such as how crowded that state is, air quality, home prices and other factors known to impact quality of life.

Click here to learn more about the survey and what it means.

Here are the 50 U.S. states (and the District of Columbia) in order of their well-being:

1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
6. Mississippi
7. Montana
8. South Carolina
9. Alabama
10. Maine
11. Alaska
12. North Carolina
13. Wyoming
14. Idaho
15. South Dakota
16. Texas
17. Arkansas
18. Vermont
19. Georgia
20. Oklahoma
21. Colorado
22. Delaware
23. Utah
24. New Mexico
25. North Dakota
26. Minnesota
27. New Hampshire
28. Virginia
29. Wisconsin
30. Oregon
31. Iowa
32. Kansas
33. Nebraska
34. West Virginia
35. Kentucky
36. Washington
37. District of Columbia
38. Missouri
39. Nevada
40. Maryland
41. Pennsylvania
42. Rhode Island
43. Massachusetts
44. Ohio
45. Illinois
46. California
47. Indiana
48. Michigan
49. New Jersey
50. Connecticut
51. New York

Thursday, December 24, 2009

I just found a property and wanted to share it with you!


I just found a property and wanted to share it with you!

Posted using ShareThis

MLS #209043584 and 200920602
$675,000
Fort Myers Beach Florida
Waterside at Bay Beach - Dolphin Pointe

Dolphin Pointe-the name of the building speaks for itself!! From this 9th floor beauty at the point of Bay Beach, you can see dolphins, and much, much more. Enjoy the "traffic" of Big Carlos Pass-manatees, dolphins, herons, boats, and kayaks. Priced to sell, and way below the neighbors, this residence is decorated and ready for you to get here and enjoy the winter in Florida. Hurricane shutters make locking up and leaving a snap, and the amenities are so accommodating-social room, fitness, guest suites are right inside the building, while outside are the pool, tennis courts, DEEDED BEACH ACCESS, and PUBLIC golf course. This home is easy to show, easy to love, easy to buy-make it yours today!!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Great Hotel Rates for My Customers

2 new hotels very close to the airport have/will be opening soon. They are offering a Realtor Rate to my customers. If you are coming in for a visit or are wanting to look at property check them out.

The Homewood Suite is now open and has a rate of $94 plus tax

Make your reservation today for either hotel:
Tel:239-210-7300
Fax: 239-210-7301

www.fortmyersairportfgcu.homewoodsuites.com

The Hilton Garden is scheduled to open October 2009. The rate will be $84 plus tax.

www.fortmyersairportfgcu.hgi.com

Homewood Suites &
Hilton Garden Inn
Fort Myers Airport/FGCU
"Realtors Rate"

Features for Homewood Suites:
Complimentary Shuttle service available upon request within a 5 mile radius of hotel
Hot breakfast buffet served daily
Welcome Back reception served Monday thru Friday (light meal & beverages)
Complimentary High-Speed Internet
State of the art fitness room
Outdoor heated pool
BBQ grills available for personal use
Personal grocery shopping service
Coin & Valet laundry services
On site convenience Suite Shop
 
Features for Hilton Garden:
Complimentary Shuttle service available upon request within a 5 mile radius of hotel
Great American Grille offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and full service bar.
Complimentary High-Speed Internet
State of the art fitness room
Outdoor heated pool and spa
Pavilion Pantry available 24 hours a day
1,700 sq. ft of flexible meeting space


EVEN FURTHER REDUCED RATES IN THE MONTHS OF AUGUST & SEPTEMBER OF 2009!
The brand new Homewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers Airport/FGCU are your homes away from home.

We are strategically located at the corner of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and Alico Road, just two miles from Southwest Florida International Airport, east of I-75, adjacent to Gulf Coast Town Center Mall at Exit 128.

Bonita Springs Beaches voted #7 in the Country

And that's one ahead of Wailea, Hawaii!

The following is an excerpt from the CNN Travel page.
---
7. Bonita Springs, Florida
Calling all beachcombers! Our judges rated this town, which is midway between Naples and Fort Myers, as having the best sand anywhere. "It's like talcum powder," Howes says. "Your feet feel like they're getting a spa treatment when you walk on it. I could go for miles and miles."

If you have kids with you, stick around for high tide in the afternoon, when seashells wash ashore. Families can take a guided canoe excursion, swim in the calm Gulf waters, or explore the area's parks (1,500 acres of them). You have to look a little harder for healthy-food options. One spot our judges liked: Crispers, which offers healthy salads, even for kids.

Stay here: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa ... has its own climbing wall, around-the-clock fitness center and volleyball games. If you don't need all that, opt for Bonita Beach Resort Motel ..., where you get a kitchen, too.
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In previous years we have also seen Naples Beach and Vanderbilt Beach ranked in the top ten by different surveys and polls. What are you waiting for? Come visit!