CT Real Estate Sales Slow Down

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Sales in Northern states are off according to the National Association of Realtors.  I found an excellent Blog in Connecticut with sales data that bears this out.  Linda Davis is the CT Realtor who runs this Blog and it has some interesting features.

SW Florida real estate has picked up the past two weeks, and perhaps Florida will lead the nation out of the real estate slowdown.  I’ll be writing an article soon about SW FLorida real estate sales and prices soon, so stay tuned.

Mother’s Day Advice

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The News Press asked local business leaders how their Mom has influenced them in life and business.

Here was my response:

"My mother not only brought me into this world, she also brought me into the real estate business.  She taught me everything I need to know growing up, and everything I needed to get started in real estate.

 
Learning from the Top Agent in Lee County was invaluable.  She taught me when to speak up, when to be silent, and most of all, how to treat people.  I learned this at age 5, 12, 18, and every step along the way.  It wasn’t a one-time lesson, it is an all-time lesson.
 
My mother never settled for half results.  Her motto was intend do it right the first time or stay home.  We all make mistakes, and when you do, pick yourself up and move on.  The difference between good people and great people is the speed at which they rise from adversity.  We didn’t have much time growing up to sulk about what we didn’t have or wished we had.  We just did, and we still do.
 
No mother could leave a better gift than what my mother has taught me."
The News Press condensed the quote so they can get several quotes in.  One correction, I am not the head of the team.  I am a partner with my Mother and Father.  My mother doesn’t just work on the team, she is the heart and soul of the team.

Real Estate Myths

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Myth:  I’ve sold several homes before and can do a better job than agents.

 

Truth:  It’s always hard to negotiate on your own behalf. Buyers usually won’t trust a For Sale By Owner and offer accordingly low.  As  professionals, we can call buyers back and follow-up, whereas a seller appears anxious when they are following up.  A buyer’s financial situation is critical when evaluating the offer, and a By Owner rarely gets this private information.  Also, customs and contracts change often, and the way you did it before may not be current with today’s laws.   Let us keep you legal and protected.  We’re experts at showing and selling homes.  We’ve helped over 3,000 families, and we’re the best at what we do.  You’ll have full confidence that we’re able to sell your home.  We’ll put more money in your pocket at closing than you can yourself, and we’ll do all the work and keep you legal.  Call us for an interview and see for yourself.

 

This is Myth number 1 in SW Florida Real Estate.  Each week we’ll tackle a new myth.  If you have a question you’d like answered, simply post a comment here.  For more myths and truths, click on the link provided.

Danforth Lakes Picnic June 3

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SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!!! SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd!!!! The Social Committee is planning a family picnic!!! Mark your calendars now before summertime sets in and things get to busy.

Good Food–Good Fun–Good Friends, New Friends, Old Friends!!! Come and meet your neighbors. We have alot of awesome people, families and kids in Danforth. Many times one may get the wrong impression of a person even from a post….don’t let that keep you from participating and finding out what good people our neighbors truly are, and who they truly are. (Someone recently told me after meeting me for the 1st time that they were sure I was probably at least 60 or 70 because I talk to much and just ramble on….go figure! LOL I took no offense…I thought it was quite amusing..I am just concerned if you talk more the older you get what that means for me in upcoming years down the road!)

Put everything else aside and set aside the time to partake in our upcoming Community Picnic being planned at Lakes Regional Park right on Gladiolus Rd. Bring the whole family…even Grandma/Grandpa (plus they can babysit while you mingle)

Who remembers the last one??? ah…3 years ago maybe? I think it was in May 03. Tried to find the post but think that was one of the ones lost when we lost several months of info at one time. I still have ALOT of pics from that picnic I will bring to share so you can see how you have changed these last three years…..especially the pics you all don’t know I had even taken while you weren’t watching! lol

There will be games for the kids…. and yes, even the adult kids! Remember the egg toss? We will have music, volleyball, horseshoes…. heck, I can’t tell you everything, just plan to come!

Hotdogs, hamburgers & buns will be provided along with games & prizes. You must bring your cooler with drinks & whatever else you want to go with it! Although, as far as desserts we could have a separate BIG table where we just combine for everyone to share!

Flyers will be distributed to every home and even emailed to those on file within a couple of weeks. You will need to RSVP on here, to me by email or by phone to Kelly Evers so we know how many to plan for and how many kids there will be. (ladies, for the purpose of this function pls do not include your husband in the kid count at this time) All info will be provided in the Flyer.

We are looking for help with the game planning and will also need volunteers to help distribute the flyers when the time comes. If interested and able pls post here or email me at: francine@swfla.rr.com

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS IN THE NEAR FUTURE….. BUT MARK YOUR CALENDARS TODAY AND SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR NEIGHBORS WHO MAY NOT HAVE A COMPUTER, UNTIL THE FLYER COMES OUT!

Thanks

SW Florida Real Estate Housing Statistics Updated

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We have updated our latest Housing Statistics for Fort Myers Cape Coral real estate, and for SW Florida Real Estate.  Latest charts show number of homes closed 2006 Vs. 2005 by month, and sale prices 2006 Vs. 2005 by month, as well as a breakdown of all major Florida cities.

This page is a one-stop shop for all SW Florida real estate value statistics.  If you have any questions regarding values in SW Florida real estate, please contact us.

Ellis Team Featured in Miami Herald Business Article

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Miami Herald featured Brett Ellis of the Ellis Team re: Blogs and what they can do for your business, as well as the time it takes to be successfull in the Blogging world.

It takes comittment, and if you do it, results will come as customers appreciate timely news about SW FLorida real estate.  Not only do we post timely news, we also post articles helpful to consumers regarding buying and selling real estate in SW Florida.

We focus on Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Lee County but our tips and insight work virtually anywhere.

Hurricane Preparedness in Reflection Lakes

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In preparation for the 2006 Hurricane Season, Lee County Emergency Management encourages all homeowners to remove coconuts from your palm trees as in heavy winds they can easily become projectiles that can cause severe and expensive damage. Other items to be sure to remove and/or store before June 1 st include lawn furniture, planters, pool toys and similar outdoor items.

Also, please monitor the storm drains in the street in front of your home in Reflection Lakes to be sure it is always clear of debris before a storm. After the storm has safely passed, drains should be cleared again to remove any storm debris and standing water.

Reflection Lakes Community News and Information

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Several complaints have been received about kids/teens rollerblading and/or skateboarding in common areas (sidewalks, parking lots, playground, tennis courts, etc.) of the community. These activities are strictly prohibited for safety reasons and unit owners/ parents may be subject to Violation Notices and possible fines. So please be sure that your children/teens are going to a safe environment specifically designed for these activities, one of the new skate parks in Lee County. You or your kids can call the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department @ 461-7400 for in
formation about locations, hours, etc. Everyone wants the children and teens of Reflection Lakes to enjoy their leisure activities in the safest manner and environment possible.

Recently, there have been many verified violation reports of children, teens and adults on the pool decks and in the pools well past 10:00 PM. POSTED POOL HOURS are from DAWN until DUSK SEVEN (7) DAYS A WEEK and swimmina after dark is strictlv prohibited. Avoid possible Violation Notices and fines by ensuring that you, your guests, kids and teens are always safe by only allowing them to swim during posted pool hours. Also glass containers of any type are a tremendous safety hazard and not permitted under any circumstances in pool areas.

Message From the Board

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The annual meeting was extended to April 11, 2006 and a second proxy mailing was sent in an attempt to collect enough votes to amend our documents. Unfortunately, it was NOT successful. The most important of these amendments was a change to a majority vote in order to amend. Currently, we need 66 2/3% of unit owners (542) to vote the same way, a number which you can tell is just about impossible to achieve. Hopefully, next year a door to door campaign can get under way to affect this change.
For those of you who are involved in selling your home, since the amendment did not pass the documents govern signs. That means no signs will be allowed except the 1 foot square for sale/rent Reflection lakes logo sign. Open
house signs are not allowed and the Board can take no action to change that. A thank you to those who did vote
their proxy. Your effort is appreciated but the community is still being controlled by the apathetic. Shame on them!
My congratulations are extended to the residents of the community who attended the annual meeting and discussed the gate issue in a thoughtful and reasonable manner. I recognize that with an issue such as this, that not all resi­dents will be pleased with the outcome. As much as possible the Board will try to address your concerns; however, once a decision is made to move forward the community needs to work together. Divisive action by a few individu­als serves no purpose except to pit neighbors against each other and in the long run it can cause the community to lose value to its residents and well as potential buyers. It never takes long for bad news or negative information to become public. There was some misinformation that circulated during the weeks prior to the annual meeting re­garding the gate issue. The gates were originally proposed to the Board by the safety committee in December. At the candidate’s forum before the election, gates were supported by those candidates who attended. They were dis­cussed at multiple Board meetings including two special meetings held in early April. At all of these meetings resi­dents were allowed to express opinions. Why have gates? While our location is wonderful and central to all things, we are between two heavily traveled roads. As Fort Myers grows so will the traffic and all the problems that come with it. That makes it important to control access to our community.
In order to clarify the issue the following is factual information:
First, REFLECTION LAKES PARKWAY
Nothing can be done on the Parkway until Engle turns over the Storm Water Council. When will that be? I have no idea. We have been waiting at least 3 years already. The Promenade Apartments and the Commercial Center are also mem­bers of the Storm Water Council, and Promenade has deeded access to the Parkway. It is unlikely that we could deny them access to the Summerlin end. Without individual entrance gates the hundreds of residents of Promenade will continue to have drive and walk-in access to the entire community. To gate the Parkway with a Guardhouse between Bay lake and Bald Cypress is likely to be as or more expensive than the individual gates. Extensive engi­neering studies will have to be done. Architectural plans will be needed for the Guardhouse. Electric and plumbing will be required and this only gets you started. Bay lake will be outside the guard so metal swing gates and carded walk gates will be needed there. Then the plans must be submitted to Lee County. While information tends to make us believe that it would be allowed, that is not an absolute guarantee. Guards from a reputable company on a 24/7 basis will add about $15 per month to the maintenance.

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY GATES
The gates selected are 16ft. swing gates with a fast drop bar at the entrance to help prevent tailgating One entrance at each community will be resident only. There will be transponders for your car for entrance at all gates. One gate will be for residents and guests. That will work on transponder or key card (clubhouse) for those times when you are not in your own vehicle. The transponders and cards will be coded to residents and entry will be recorded. The guest gates will have new entry boxes with lighted dials for guest phone entry. The gate can then be opened by your phone. The directory will contain the names of residents in only that part of the community that the gate serves. Vendor codes will be avail­able for reoccurring vendors. Ex: UPS, Mail, lawn Service etc. These codes will be set up with a limited access time, for example from 7am to 6 pm only. The gates by law are coded for 24 hour emergency vehicle en­trance. The walk gates will be new and work with the key card for entry and exit. Individual community gates does not mean that nothing will be done to control cut through traffic on the Parkway.

This is a brief summary meant to provide basic facts. Further questions can be addressed to the Board or Tom Smith, our property manager at Ben­sons. Once again, in closing I want to say that the residents of the community can take pride in the way that they approached, discussed and handled an issue that a few have tried to make divisive. WELL DONE!

Cyber Professionals Real Estate Meeting

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CyberProfessionals held their annual meeting May 4th and 5th in Annapolis, MD.  CyberProfessionals are leaders in using technology and sharing marketing ideas in the real estate industry.
 
Brett Ellis of The Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group, leading agents in SW Florida real estate, attended the meeting.
 
We always enjoy attending this meeting.  We enjoy networking and sharing Top ideas from other Top Agents in the industry.  Each year we focus on new marketing techniques and ways to make our clients properties stand out, and this year was no exception.
 
Not only do we focus on marketing, we also focus on better communication with clients, and ways to make our team more efficient.  The end result is our clients benefit in untold ways..