Life In Bonita Springs

February Movie In The Park:  Shrek

If you missed January movie in the park at Riverside Park don't fret.  There will be more!

Upcoming movies include "Shrek" on Feb. 7, 2009  and "The Neverending Story" on on March 7, 2009.

Running Ain't For Sissies

On top of sparing you a real estate related column this week I will also spare you the clichés comparing running marathons to being a real estate agent or surviving this rotten economy. I was so tempted to do it just to give the kids online something to yammer about.

The Naples half marathon is this weekend and I’m blue. I’m a little sad that I’m not doing it. It’s become a love hate relationship this year between me and that run. Though I love the accomplishment of doing it, I hated the pain. I didn’t roll over on doing it this year, a few road blocks popped up and I was slightly derailed in training.

A couple of years ago a few fellow associates and mortgage brokers use to run as a group after work. Running was for fun and games, plus it’s free and good for us, right?

Though I don’t recall how it all began, we eventually started doing 5K runs. It was casual and fun and for the most part it was more about just doing something as a group. In actuality, it probably wasn’t so much about the running but more about the charge of being up early and camaraderie over the breakfast afterwards.

Since every club needs a name our little group was title the Running and Limping Club. As the oldest of the runners I filled the role of the “limper”. My knees are a tad on the crunchy side.

A couple years back, a handful of us ran the Midpoint Bridge race from Fort Myers to Cape Coral. Afterward, at the breakfast part of our togetherness and completely high on endorphins, someone came up with the brilliant idea to run the Naples News Half Marathon. I really don’t recall agreeing to do it but before you know it the Running and Limping Club was hoofing the big loop around Coconut Point from Corkscrew Road, Three Oaks, Coconut Road and 41.

This was before I began writing for the Naples Daily News so there was no compelling reason for me to run because of affiliation. It was simply an exercise in masochism.

Quite frankly, running because you have to put in time and distance is worse than dental work with garden tools. Being a bad runner and running because you have to stinks to the tenth power. I wasn’t a born runner, I run because I just don’t watch what I eat. I clean my plate, I eat the fries, I’ve never scraped the frosting off of anything and butter is my friend. I’d be a heifer and a half if I didn’t pound the pavement.

Making a commitment to punish myself and my over forty knees every other day was an exercise in tolerance and endurance. In the end I figured I’d get to put a check mark beside “ran a half marathon” which would be directly under “jumped out of a perfectly good plane” and two notches below “have a litter of children”.

Fortunately, a retired running coach named Jim Porter gave me all sorts of suggestions and tips for running. Back in the day, he had a couple of his track team members turn pro and become marathon runners all over the world for major running shoe brands. I listened when he told me to not clench my fists and make the OK symbol and I would relax and run better. I took every tip I could get.

Coach Jim learned about the latest in shoe technology; the iPod and the sensor in my shoe that measures the time, distance and calories and stores the data on the web. Just when you thought something as organic as running couldn’t be computerized it was. Every minute of my agony was recorded for posterity. It also recorded the times I walked, too.

Ultimately, the goal was to finish the race. Almost two and a half hours of running is harsh. Thirteen-ish miles of sweat, tears, swearing and a couple of times wanting my mommy. There were definitely no speed records being set but I crossed the line and got that check mark. It was a great accomplishment and a super experience.

Knowing how hard all of this years runners trained I wanted to I wish them all good luck and good weather. I’ll only be a spectator this year since I didn’t train and I’ll cheer you all on from the side lines.

If you’re looking for something fun to do head to Cambier Park at dark o’clock on Sunday morning. Come stand on the side lines with me and applaud the runners that worked so hard to get there and people watch the spectators. It’s really a fun atmosphere even if you’re not running. Everyone is in such a good mood and you can feel the positive energy. It’s an awesome event.

A little later this spring I’ll still be running like a little old lady and starting from scratch with the 5K’s again. I will still carry my cell phone in case I need to call a cab for a ride. I’ll run but I’m all for quitting after getting stung by bees, breathing in a swarm of gnats or throwing up in front of rush hour traffic.

Then next race for me and the Running and Limping Club will be the Susan G. Komen® Race for the Cure at The Coconut Point Mall on March 14^th. When you half marathon runners are recovered from the parade of pain maybe you come up to Estero in March and help save second base. Your mothers and daughters will thank you for supporting the cause.

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Real Life in Bonita Springs is a project by Chris Griffith dedicated to writing useful blog posts for consumers about the Bonita Springs, Florida area.  Find out what it is really like to live in Bonita Springs, Florida by reading about our fair city. You’ll get the latest in local real estate information, Bonita Springs real estate market reports and a little bit of humor.  If you have topic ideas, feel free to request a story about the idea, after all, this site is just for you.

You can subscribe to a weekly email newsletter by visiting www.LifeInBonitaSprings.com and entering your email in the subscription area on the left pane of the web page or by adding us to your reader by subscribing to this blog. Oh, and if you’re reading this content anywhere else but www.LifeInBonitaSprings.com or www.NaplesNews.com it is probably stolen.

Are You Lost on The World Wide Web?

These are actual search queries that brought consumers to my Bonita Springs real estate website. I count my visitors and how they got to Life in Bonita Springs. I’m not sure they found what they were looking for sometimes, but they sure are colorful searches.

foto topless http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/fun-friday-foto-topless-in-the-rain/

They must have really been disappointed to find a picture of a convertible car on the highway driving in the rain. It was a funny image, almost as funny as the face of the searcher when they realized that the search results didn’t include nudity.

linda davis a waitress in fl http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/pinchers-crab-shack-fresh-seafood/

They didn’t find their Linda Davis, they found mine. They were totally surprised that Linda had left the food service industry and become a member of city council in Ledyard, CT. She’s a classic overachiever.

bonita springs complaint http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/housing-discrimination-in-bonita-springs-florida/

There is no complaining in Bonita Springs, Florida, especially with weather like this!

canoe ride in estero http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/canoeing-in-bonita-springs-florida-the-imperial-river/

They were looking for something WAY more serious than what they found. I still laugh about that canoe trip.

kayak lessons bonita springs http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/pelican-landing-bonita-springs-florida-34134/

They should have read the canoeing post to realize we are thoroughly unqualified to give Kayak lessons. We are pretty sure, however, that alcohol isn’t allowed in Kayaks, either, since we don’t think you’re suppose to have it in canoes.  It is frowned upon.

Uneventful But at Least Not Disappointing Real Estate

So I shocked myself by getting this real estate market report out earlier than my foot dragging self. The fact of the matter is that market reports are time consuming. On top of that I like them to be somewhat entertaining if I can help it. I try to jam a little bit of my trade mark sarcasm into every spoonful … try, at least.

This is my rather common, untwisted numbers way of reporting the Bonita Springs and Estero real estate market news just for you. Why untwisted? Well folks seem to think that numbers can be twisted for any situation and they’re right. I purposely decided to break it down so basic there is no twisting possible. I use the basic five building structures:

• How many single family home and villas sold?
• How many low rise and high rise condos sold?
• How many high rise condos sold?
• How many attached villas sold?
• How many manufactured homes sold?

If you’re still a conspiracy theorist and think I am able to control the universe start taking your medication as prescribed, please. It’s for the good of the community, as well as your own well being.  The gripe emails and comments on the Naples Daily News column that I *must* know everything (sarcasm) are starting to bore me.   I don't know everything.  I do know that I know more than most people in the real estate field and I at least put forth the effort to learn, do research and give you current information about our local market.  Put up or shut up.  At least I earned my right to talk.

So here is the long and short of what happened in Sunny Bonita Springs and Estero Florida during the month of December. Disclaimer: this data was collected from the Sunshine MLS on January 11, 2008. All information is deemed accurate but not guarantee. Bla, bla, bla, you get the picture.

Here are the units sold in December 2008 in Bonita Springs, Fl and Estero, Florida.

Here is the current absorption rate and the standing inventory as of December 2008.

What Makes More Sense Than a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

What makes more sense?  Knowing what you can afford BEFORE looking for real estate ...

Or finding something you want to buy and then hoping that you might be able to get the money or loan for it?

The answer is pretty obvious, but for years consumers have been doing the exact opposite!

Not only is it more sensible to know BEFORE, but more often than not, real estate Agents will not even show property unless the potential Buyer is pre-approved.

No savvy Seller will ever accept an offer to buy without a pre-approval (or proof of assets if it's a cash offer).

I've had people tell me that that is obnoxious, but look at it the other way around. Think like a Seller: which situation sounds better to you - one where the Buyer has proof that they can get the home loan or one in which the Buyer wants 30 days to find a loan after you accept their offer?

It's a no-brainer.

A real pre-approval is only issued if a full loan application is submitted, credit is checked and income and available assets are verified. At that point the results are issued, signed, on the Lender's letterhead.

Some people think that this process could take days, if not weeks, to complete. Not true.

Marc J Blasi

For some time now, Knightlines Mortgage Services has been offering the people of Florida a convenient way to finance and re-finance their residential property.

But that isn’t the entire story - we are also doing commercial lending in all 50 states.  AND - now we can offer commercial financing OUTSIDE of the country as well.  Caribbean, South America, etc - just call for the details.

Human trafficking is alive and well in your own city and all over the world. Won't you take a couple minutes out to spread the education and end this dreadful crime? Thank you.

Gulf Front Real Estate Report

The community of Barefoot Beach is located Collier County in Bonita Springs, Florida. The December 2008 real estate market report is listed separately from Bonita Springs real estate market report due to the fact that it is not listed in Lee County and not in the Bonita Springs real estate geographic code areas.

So here is the long and short of what’s been happening in Barefoot Beach supported by the numbers provided by the Sunshine MLS. All data is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. After all, humans collected the information. The computers just store the data.

There are 58 properties for sale in Barefoot Beach of Bonita Springs, Florida and 3 pending sales.

A total of 27 properties closed sale in Barefoot Beach in 2008.

The gross absorption rate derived from the active properties vs. closed sales is approximately 2.3 years. That means there is currently 2.3 years of inventory on the market in Barefoot Beach.

Current absorption rates for single family homes, villas, midrise condos and attached villas in the semi-private gated community of Barefoot Beach are as follows:

Condo inventory is a little high but a large portion of that inventory can be sold off by the end of our busy tourist season. Being able to walk out the door and have sand between your toes has its advantages. The condos are also located on one of the better beaches in the Southwest Florida area. As of January 11, 2009 entry level pricing started at $675,000.

Join Me For The 5K Susan G. Komen Race

You all are hammering my site for info on the Susan G. Komen 2009 Race for the Cure at Coconut Point. It was huge last year and can only be bigger if you’re all looking for it this far in advance. I guess I need to get off my muffin tops and start training!

If this is your first time here I invite you to look at last years post about the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Coconut Point Mall. I want you all to know that Lori is kicking cancer’s ass. Sarah Cooper posted about her a few weeks ago and told me so.

To read about Lori read also: Today Lori Raced for the Cure at Coconut Point

If you found this page looking for info on the 2009 race, you’ve come to the right place.

March 14, 2009 Coconut Point- Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure©" - Mark your calendar for this amazing experience. A listed 5K road race that is supported by racers and walkers.

All levels of fitness are invited to participate including children and the less physically able. In 2008, more than 6000 participants raised over $800,000! A fun day out for all,with the chance to contribute and give something back.

Registration goes live on October 1, 2008! www.komenswfl.org

Whatta ya waiting for. Sign up!

2008 Photos from Susan G Koman 5K in Estero Florida.

No Parking Snow Street

Found on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs, Florida

Visit:

27570 Old 41 Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Call:

239-947-8383

More info:

Mexican Pottery Bonita Springs

Website:

Pottery as Art