Life In Bonita Springs

Feb. 25, 2008

Beach Towel Bandits

Bonita Beach

A Tragic Tale of Terry Cloth

In the wee hours of the morning I was reading twitter and picked up on a conversation between Sarah Cooper and Teresa Boardman about socks.  Since they live "up there" in a Northern state socks are quite important, I guess.  It's been decades since socks were of supreme importance to me.   Other than those "No Blister" running socks I needed for running my races.  Heck, I wore boots last week for the first time in a year because I was going to a hockey game; otherwise I'm in some form of "open toed anything".

Teresa has a blog about socks and the importance of their warmth and the fact that warmth isn't be compromised by them not matching.  I grew up in Northern Ohio and oddly, I remember mittens being an issue and never being matched.  I don't know if I ever had a pair that matched.  I just remember having a black glove with brown fur trim and I though it was the prettiest glove in the whole wide world and thought it such a crime that I didn't have both.

Currently, I live in Bonita Springs, Florida only 4 miles to Bonita Beach.  We have a similar dilemma to the sock tragedy, but it's with beach towels.  Every Florida mother suffers and mourns the loss of fluffy, matching beach towels at some point.  Whether scored at a great sale on towels or won a gift basket at a function, they were new and pretty and a joy to behold until lost or abused.  Nearly everyone in the area has a community pool if they don't have one in their own back yard.  Our towels get left at other people's houses, the beach, mildewed in a trunk, blown off of boats, you name it.  And let us not forget the pièce de résistance - seeing some random person walking around draped in your towel like they're James Brown, the Godfather of Soul.  Worse yet, going to visit someone, pulling up to their house and notice they are waxing their car with your towel.   And don't even get me started on Clorox stains.

So listen up, you chilly northern blogging beauties.  You have your issues, we have ours.  We're just a little warmer while we pout down here.

Posted in Bonita Beach
Feb. 25, 2008

Is Your Bonita Springs Home Ready For My Buyer?

Bonita Springs Buyers Agent

The Bonita Springs Real Estate Chain Gang

Yesterday my big, huge, teeth pulling, rock pounding real estate adventure took me on a tour of single family homes with the following criteria:

  • Priced $360,000 and under.
  • Four Bedroom Minimum
  • No Pool
  • No Lake Behind The Home
  • Gated or Deed Restricted Community.
  • Estero Florida area preferred.

We looked at suitable candidates but had to drop at least ½ dozen home from the schedule because the agent didn't return my phone call for an appointment or the tenant in the home wouldn't let us in to see it. If you are a Bonita Springs or Estero property owner with your home for sale you need to know that this happens and causes your homes to not be shown. Not being show = more mortgage payments for you.

The neighborhoods we toured included:

I almost feel like listing the prices in a bullet point lists so readers can play "match game" and draw a line from the "neighborhood name" to the "appropriate price". Prices are all over the board. Some owners are still pricing the homes for what they bought them for, not the price that a buyer is willing to give in this market or even a price they stand a chance of appraising at. On top of that, there were many other issues with which to deal.

Here is a little bit of what my buyers saw yesterday:

  • Drywall Patches by an Amateur. So what is the issue up there in that ceiling?
  • Homes that needed carpet and paint priced more than homes that were new - resales in perfect condition.
  • No power in a bank owned home (over run by ants - wasp nest on the door).
  • A home with a lake behind it, that read "no lake" in the MLS.
  • A home so perfumed up by Glade plug-ins the buyer wondered what they were hiding. My migraine kicked in moments later. Thank you home owner for that parting gift. (By the way, that homeowner or tenant was sleeping on the couch)
  • No directions to the home the buyer ended up liking the most. We almost gave up driving around and then we found it on accident. (hint hint Bella Terra agents and homeowners, your community is too new for GPS so put it in the MLS)

Kudos to the real estate agents that took the time to take photos, give detailed directions past the gate, attach floor plans and disclosures to the MLS report and add visual tours. The buyers of this home are from a northern state. Most of their decision making is being done from the computer in the comfort of their home. Is your home listing ready for my Ohio buyer? Probably not. I just built my fourth visual tour so that a buyer could make a decision.

Can you believe the buyer's agent is now responsible for taking pictures of a listing agent's inventory just to get it sold? I don't mind hard work, but it seems like I'm the only one on this chain gang doing what they are suppose to be doing.

Posted in Market Reports
Feb. 24, 2008

Lender Works The Pole To Lower Your House Payment


If this deal is so good, why are so many passing it up?

Sneaky Follow up

Same handwriting, new angle. This isn't as juicy sounding as "Sneaky ways to lower your house payment" but it was cluttering up the same pole. (Corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Corkscrew Road)

Sneaky

If you're REALLY looking for a way to lower your house payment call me and I'll give you the name of three LOCAL mortgage brokers I know and respect, with a bricks and mortar location and a sign that isn't stapled to a pole. Guaranteed, they've been in the business for years and will be here long after everyone else. Oh, and when you call them, you'll get to speak to them, not listen to some shuck and jive message.

Posted in Local Events
Feb. 24, 2008

Bonita Springs Art Show March 1 & 2, 2008

Bonita Springs Art Show

 

Bonita Springs Art Show at The Promenade

The Art League of Bonita Springs Center for the Arts presents a fine arts & fine crafts festival next weekend at the Promenade at Bonita Bay.  Enjoy the artworks of 206 National and International artists plus the ambiance of the Promenade of Bonita Springs while supporting the many programs of the Center for the Arts.

Date and Time:  March 1 - 2, 2008 from 10am-5pm.  The festival is held at the Promenade at Bonita Bay at South Bay Drive and US 41.

Area art lovers may view and purchase the work of award winning artists from the United States, Canada and Europe. Paintings, jewelry, glass, photography, sculpture, wood and more can be found at this fine arts and fine crafts festival.

The Bonita Springs National Art Festivals support the Center for the Arts campus of the Art League of Bonita Springs, a not-for-profit art center providing programming for all ages.

For more information about the Bonita Springs Art Festival, visit the official Festival site.

The Promenade features fine shops and dining establishments which include, The Silver Spoon Restaurant, Melino's Italian Restaurant, Bennigan's Restaurant and Roy's Restaurant.  The Lake House at Trianon Hotel also has a lakeside bar and restaurant.

Directions to the Festival. From I 75 exit 116 turn west on Bonita Beach Road to North on US 41 Tamiami Trail.  The festival is located just over the Imperial River bridge at Terry Street and US 41.  Google Map:  Promenade - Bonita Springs Art Festival Map.  Parking is located across the street at the Target & Albertson's Grocery store plaza.

Feb. 23, 2008

Bonita Blues Festival | Riverside Park | Bonita Springs, Florida

Riverside Park Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs Blues Festival March 14, 2009

The second annual Bonita Blues Festival on March 14, 2009 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. (this is last years post updated for 2009, the performers may be different)

The concert will run from noon-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.  The festival will feature fabulous blues bands, diverse and sumptuous food, and vendor booths.

Featured bands and artists include:

  • John Mooney, will headline the second annual Bonita Blues Festival.Blind Pass - a six-piece bluesy and funky progressive experiment with groove-oriented music.
  • Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers - a band that creates a sound reminiscent of the 1940s Chicago scene, 50s Boogie Woogie and early rock n' roll.
  • Albert Castiglia - a leading guitarist and vocalist whose acoustic side is pure Delta and is considered to be among the next generation of hot, young, blues-committed guitarists.
  • Frank Corso - Corso has been playing country blues and ragtime guitar for many years. Centering himself in the Delta-style slide guitar in the tradition of Robert Johnson and ragtime and east coast Piedmont styles such as Rev. Gary Davis.

The net proceeds from the Bonita Blues Festival will support the Immokalee Friendship House, the Shelter for Abused Women & Children and Healthy Start of SW Florida. For tickets and additional information, call 947-0715 or visit bonitabluesfestival.com.

Printable brochure for the Bonita Blues Festival here.

To learn more about the Bonita Blues Festival, visit the Official Bonita Blues Festival Website.

Riverside Park is located on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs, Florida just south of Everglades Wonder Gardens.  Directions from I-75 exit 116 to West on Bonita Beach Road to North on Old 41 Road to Festival.  Directions from US 41/Tamiami Trail to East on Bonita Beach Road to North on Old 41 Road.  Google Map.

Posted in Things To Do
Feb. 23, 2008

Things To Do in Naples Florida | Calendar of Events

naples collier park

WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS (MARCH-MAY 2008)

Programs by: Domestic Animal Services, Extension Services, Museums, Parks, Libraries, Housing & Human Services and Veteran Services; Sections: Highlighted Programs, Events, Activities for Kids & Parents and For Adults/Seniors

Public Contacts are listed in each entry.

---- ---- ---- ----

Special Events (in order by date)

Old Florida Festival by Collier County Museum

Info: For all ages. Step back 10,000 years to the days of pioneers and before. The Old Florida

Festival is a celebration of Florida's history and foundation with interactive activities,

reenactors and more.
Date: Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days

Location: Collier County Museum of Naples at 3301 E. Tamiami Tr. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: $5 adults; $2 children nine and older; Children eight and under free

Contact: (239) 252-8476 


Naples Marco Island Antique Car Club Show

Info: For all ages. This is an annual event at the Naples Depot featuring classic cars and fun.

Date: Saturday, March 1

Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: Naples Depot at 101 Fifth Ave. S. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 262-6525 

 

Location ChangeCountry Jam by Collier County Parks and Recreation

Info: Enjoy country sounds of Gary Allan, Mark Wills, Rockie Lynne and Keith Anders. Includes a

Chili cook off and Miss Little Country Jam Pageant. Registrations for the cook off and pageant

Are now open and may be done at countryjamnaples.com.
Date: Saturday, March 8

Time: 2-10 p.m.

Location: Collier County Fairgrounds 11 miles east of I-75 Exit 111

Cost: Saturday concert, advanced tickets purchased by Feb. 29 cost $20; At gate, $25

Contact: (239) 252-4000 

Ag Tour by Extension Services

Info: For all ages. Learn about the agriculture industry in Collier County and eat lunch at

Collier County Museum's Immokalee Pioneer Museum.
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Time: Tour One: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tour Two: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: Bus leaves from 14700 Immokalee Rd. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: $55 per person

Contact: (239) 353-4244

Collier County Public Library Bargain Book Sale

Info: Not just books, this sale includes CDs, DVDs, books, magazines, video and more.

Date: Friday, March 14 through Saturday, March 22 (closed Sunday, March 16)

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location: Naples Regional Library at 650 Central Ave. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 263-7768

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

 

Highlighted Kids Program

Camp Collier Summer Camp by Collier County Parks and Recreation

Info: Elementary Camps and Middle School Camps accommodate children in grades K through 5

and six through eight respectively. Camp Collier will focus on learning campers' favorite
books, games and ways to have fun. Sign up begins Apr. 2.

Date: June 2-Aug. 1

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; care available 7-9 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. for additional fee.

Location: All Collier County Community Parks and some school locations

Cost: $600 first child and $540 for additional siblings; cost for extended care is $15 per week per child

Contact: (239) 252-4000 or to register and pay online visit

 

Children's Collector's Corner by North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall

Info: Do you collect baseball cards, matchbox cars or Barbie dolls? Put your child's collections

on exhibit at North Collier Regional Park's exhibit hall to showcase your tiny one's prized

possessions. For children in K through seventh grades.

Date: Individual collections, once received, will be displayed for a two week period (ongoing)

Location: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall at 15000 Livingston Rd. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: Nancy Olson at (239) 252-4060 or visit

Brain Games by Veterans Community Park

Info: Preschoolers keep their brains ticking while instructors use games and activities to build

their puzzle solving, logic and memory skills. For ages 3-5.

Date: Jan. 7-Feb. 25 (Mondays) Feb. 21-March 27 (Thursdays)

Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Veterans Community Park at 1895 Veterans Park Dr. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: $35 per child per six week session

Contact: (239) 566-2367

NEW - KIDS Bingo Time by Veterans Community Park (recurring)

Info: Children enjoy fun bingo games including ABC's beginning sounds, sight words, colors

shapes, pictures, numbers and some addition. For ages 4-7.

Date: March 3-Apr. 14 (Mondays)

Time: 6-7 p.m.

Location: Veterans Community Park at 1895 Veterans Park Dr. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: $35 per child per six week session

Contact: (239) 566-2367 

Hip-Hop/Music Video Dance by Max Hasse Community Park

Info: For ages nine to 13; Kids learn hip-hop dance moves and create an awesome routine.

Pre-registration is required.
Date: March 7-28, Apr. 11-May 2, May 9-30 (Fridays)

Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m. for all sessions

Location: Max Hasse Community Park at 3390 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples, FLA.

Cost: $55 for one four-week session

Contact: Michele Ryan (239) 262-1748 

Nature Tales by North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall (recurring)

Info: Children and parents explore the wonderful world of plants and animals through story-

telling, puppetry and arts and crafts. Open your child to the magic of learning.

Date: Wednesdays through March

Time: 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Location: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall at 15000 Livingston Rd. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: Nancy Olson at (239) 252-4060 

NEW - KIDS Hands on Studio by Veterans Community Park (recurring)

Info: Preschoolers experience activities, games and create projects to increase motor skills.

Date: For ages 3-5: March 3-Apr. 14 (Mondays); Apr. 10-May 15 (Thursdays)

Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Veterans Community Park at 1895 Veterans Park Dr. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: $35 per child per six week session

Contact: (239) 566-2367 

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS & SENIORS

 

Highlighted AttractionDomestic Animal Services Volunteer Orientation (recurring)

Info: For ages 15 and older, DAS staff trains you to become a volunteer who will make a lasting

difference in animals' lives. Help market shelter pets to new families and more!

Date: Saturday, March 15, April 19, May 10, June 21 and July 19

Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Collier County Domestic Animal Services at 7610 Davis Blvd., Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 252-PETS (7387) 

Team OCEAN Collier County Presentation by Marco Island Branch Library

Info: Team OCEAN is made up of several organizations including Rookery Bay and Collier

County's Extension Services Department, who are focused on promoting responsible water

recreation.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, March 20

Time: 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 and 6 p.m. on March 20

Location: Jan. 15 at Marco Island Branch Library at 210 Heathwood Dr. on Marco Island, FLA.

March 20 at Naples Regional Library at 650 Central Ave., City of Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 394-3272 

(continued to next page)

 

A Closer Look At Shells (recurring)

Info: Learn the natural history of Florida's shells and mollusks on a beautiful picturesque walk.

Date: Thursdays through May 29

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Barefoot Beach Preserve Learning Center off Bonita Beach Road

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 254-4060 or visit

 

Wetland Walk on Wheels by North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall (recurring)

Info: A six passenger club car takes visitors on a tour of a 90 acre preserve so you can learn

about flora, fauna and Florida's wetland habitats. Reservations required.

Date: Wednesdays through May

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall at 15000 Livingston Rd. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: Nancy Olson at (239) 252-4024 

Garden Workshop Series by Collier County Extension Services(recurring)

Info: Master Gardeners with Extension Services host a workshop series every Thursday during

the listed dates to educate individuals about landscaping and gardening. Learn new skills.

Date: Jan. 10 to March 13 (Thursdays)

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Location: Naples Women's Club at 570 Park St. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free - you can still come to remaining workshops

Contact: (239) 353-4244

 

Canoe Trip Through The Estuary by Collier County Parks and Recreation (recurring)

Info: Take a guided canoe trip through one of the most productive habitats and have family fun.

Date: Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays through May

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Barefoot Beach Preserve off Bonita Beach Road

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 252-4060 

 

Walk in the Park by North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall (recurring)

Info: Take a tour of North Collier Regional Park's 90 acre preserve with a Park Ranger to learn

about flora, fauna and Florida's wetland habitats. Reservations required.

Date: Saturdays

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall at 15000 Livingston Rd. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: Nancy Olson at (239) 252-4060 

Discover Coastal Collier: A Marine Science Camp For Adults

by North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall

Info: Camp isn't just for kids. Sign up for camp to learn about fish-printing, canoeing, trawling and

other field-based marine science experiences. This is a fun, interactive camp. Feel young

again and learn! For ages 18 and older.

Date: March 3-7 (Monday through Friday)

Time: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Location: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall at 15000 Livingston Rd. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: $125 per camper

Contact: Nancy Olson at (239) 252-4024 
Fascinatin' Rhythm Concert by East Naples Branch Library

Info: The music of Gershwin and Ellington is presented with a live performance by concert

vocalist Perley Rousseau and pianist Sonny Daye.

Date: Thursday, March 6

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: East Naples Branch Library at 8787 Tamiami Tr. E. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 775-5592

Immokalee Family Fun Series: Amazing World of Reptiles by Immokalee Branch Library

Info: Children and parents discover the fascinating world of reptiles with presenter John Storms.

Date: Thursday, March 6

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Immokalee Branch Library at 417 First St. N. in Immokalee, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 657-2882 

NEW From the Commissioner's Viewpoint: Donna Fiala by East Naples Branch Library

Info: Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala will discuss the past and present of the East

Naples area. She will also discuss her vision for East Naples future.

Date: Wednesday, March 12

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: East Naples Branch Library at 8787 Tamiami Tr. E. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 775-5592

EXERCISE CLASSES FOR ADULTS & SENIORS

 

Cycle Alley (Ages 16+) (recurring)

Info: Get your heart pumping in this push-it-to-the-max exercise class. Stationary

bikes are used for aerobic training to improve overall fitness - a popular class.
Date: Monday through Saturday

Time: 9:15 a.m. (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays), 5:30 p.m. (Tuesdays, Thursdays)

and 6:30 p.m. (Mondays, Wednesdays)

Location: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall at 15000 Livingston Rd.

Cost: $7 per class or free with a RecPlex membership (memberships: $300/year;

$100/3 months; $35 monthly; student memberships range $125 to $165/year)

Contact: (239) 252-4066 or 

Zumba (Ages 13+) (recurring)

Info: For exercise enthusiasts who like to have fun and dance! This fun dance, exercise class has

taken America by storm - you won't want to stop dancing - steps are easy to learn.

Participants may be 13 years or older, however ages 13 and 14 require parent participation.
Date: Wednesdays (every week)

Time: 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Location: North Collier Regional Park RecPlex at 15000 Livingston Rd.

Cost: $7 per class or free with a Max Hasse fitness membership (memberships: $300/year;

$100/3 months; $35 monthly; student memberships range $125 to $165/year)

Contact: (239) 252-4066 

Shape Up With Sharon by Housing & Human Services Dept. (Seniors only)

Info: For people 55 plus - class improves muscular strength
Date: Wednesdays and Fridays

Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: East Naples Community Park at 3500 Thomasson Dr. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 793-4414

Water Arthritis Exercise (Seniors only)

Info: For adults only with existing swimming skills to improve mobility in those with arthritis
Date: Jan. 8-Apr. 25 (Tuesdays and Fridays); Apr. 28-May 29 (Mondays and Thursdays)

Time: 11 a.m.-Noon (Jan. 8 session); 9-10 a.m. (April session)

Location: Golden Gate Aquatic & Fitness Facility at 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd.

Cost: $1 donation required to Arthritis Foundation plus $5 fee

Contact: (239) 353-7128 (Collier Parks Administration)

EXHIBITS BY COUNTY MUSEUMS

 

Capturing Paradise: The Watercolors of Ronald Shelley by Naples Depot

Info: For all ages. This collection features landscapes and other subjects depicting Florida

and the Caribbean.

Date: Jan. 5-Apr. 5

Time: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Naples Depot at 101 Fifth Ave. S. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 262-6525

Golf Swings by Collier County Museum

Info: For all ages. Learn about the history of golf and how this sport developed. View 100 rare

artifacts on loan from the PGA. Activities planned around this exhibit also.

Date: Jan. 19-Apr. 19

Time: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Collier County Museum at 3301 E. Tamiami Tr. in Naples, FLA.

Cost: Free

Contact: (239) 252-8476

Posted in Things To Do
Feb. 22, 2008

Fun Friday Foto - The Cutest Little Car In Bonita Springs, Florida

Poncho, The little car with a big heart.

I'd Name Him Poncho!

I spotted this little cutie pie in the Sunshine Plaza by Sunshine Ace Hardware Store on Bonita Beach Road and immediately fell in love. It's no bigger than a minute and it just might fit in a hand bag. I have *GOT* to get one of these! It is so small the owner parked it about 3 feet off of the car stop so someone wouldn't swoop into the parking spot and accidentally crush it. Seriously! Viva El Poncho!

 

Posted in Around Town
Feb. 22, 2008

Back Seat Coaching

hockey

For the second time in two weeks I've said farewell to a seller customer; a listing. It's not really a fun thing to do or anything that I look forward to doing but there comes a time for some real estate agents to move on.

My most recent loss was a seller of a home in Bonita Springs. It was owned by the nicest people in the world, but they just weren't ready to listen to the advice I gave them. Actually, they might have never listened to the advice I gave them. So here we are about 10 months of time, marketing and buyer opportunities lost on a home that never sold. 10 months, I call that market research.

Yesterday, after countless attempts to get an appropriate price reduction on the home I offered to step away. This crazy thing is happening when buyers buy a home, they get a loan from a bank and the bank orders an appraisal. The home has to appraise in order for the financing to be approved. This is what a real estate agent does for a home they're trying to sell: They get the home priced appropriately so that:

  1. It will be show by other agents.
  2. Buyers will call on the add copy because the price compels them to do so.
  3. It will appraise when it is sold.

It's rather basic but the Bonita Springs real estate market is more competitive than 1980's hockey game between the Soviets and the U.S.

This home lucky. It is actually getting shown, just no offers - not even crappy offers. That's a sign. Maybe the buyers are walking in and comparing the qualities of the home to those of other homes that are in the same price range and it isn't measuring up. By my estimation this home is currently priced 6% above the high end of what it might appraise at. (Echo: That is might appraise at) Yesterday, I spoke to the homeowners and they requested more open houses, more print adds, in a "better" newspaper with "better" homes in the add with their home and then I got the "when the going gets tough, the tough get going speech". Well this tough gal is going; going out the door because she's done writing checks for marketing a home that won't sell.

I appreciate the advice these sellers gave me. But they aren't real estate agents. Moreover, they aren't real estate agents in an unprecedented real estate market that can only be compared to the stock market crash of ‘29. I'm in the trenches in this market. I'm battered and bloody and I know stuff - I've done this for a while. By my estimation this home owner, in an effort to fight over every penny, cent and dollar with me has spent over $75,000 on mortgage payments, taxes and community fees instead of just reducing the price of the home by $50,000 to get a buyer. Now, before you even ask, I am a professional - the absorption rate and estimated holding costs were shown to the sellers at the time of listing. They just didn't listen.

Read also:

Why Your Bonita Springs Home is NOT Selling

Posted in Market Reports
Feb. 21, 2008

Planning a Move in Bonita Springs Florida

 

bonita springs mover

Tips For a Safe, Successful Move

A local moving and storage company, Ray the Mover, Inc. sent an email newsletter to me. I've included a few excerpts from it below. If you are buying or selling Bonita Springs real estate, you'll be faced with choosing a mover. Read the good news about AMSA and the arrests of less than reputable movers. There is a great link provided at the end of the article to help home owners and consumers learn about relocation, hiring a mover and a top 10 tips - list to plan your move.

The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) said the arrests of 72 individuals and shutdown of 42 scam movers in Florida is a very positive development, and constitutes persuasive evidence that current laws on the books are adequate for handling the problem of crooked moving operations, if they are adequately enforced.

Federal officials apprehended 74 individuals in Florida and shut down 42 moving companies the agency said had been engaging in fraud, extortion, false billing, money laundering and conspiracy.

These movers' typical practice was to offer a low estimate and upon arrival at the customer's new home to demand a much higher fee, threatening to hold the customer's household goods hostage until they were paid the full amount demanded, in violation of federal law.

"We are gratified to see the federal government taking the necessary steps to protect consumers from these scam movers, who bear no relation to the legitimate moving industry where honest, hard-working men and women succeed at meeting the challenge of providing highest quality service every day," said AMSA President Joe Harrison.

"It also shows convincingly that new laws are not needed to protect consumers from these bad actors," Mr. Harrison said. "We need the current laws to be enforced."

In addition to advocating effective federal enforcement of federal household goods transportation consumer protective regulations, AMSA has initiated several programs to educate and help consumers with their moves, including ways to steer clear of scam movers. First and foremost is to ensure that AMSA's own membership ranks don't include scam movers. Of the 42 movers affected by the federal government's enforcement action, 36 are non-members of AMSA, although some of these scam movers applied for membership and were denied. Two of the companies were AMSA members for a limited period, but were expelled. The other four movers are in the process of being expelled from AMSA.

In addition to its on-going program to ensure that its mover members conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, AMSA has established a Certified Mover Program to identify its elite members and a Web-based mover referral service that consumers using the Internet can rely upon to select a mover. These consumer friendly programs and educational material concerning relocation can be found on AMSA's website www.moving.org .

Special thanks to the Sales Manager at Ray the Mover for this article:

Ray The Mover

Jeff Smith

Sales Manager

Ray The Mover

3861 Domestic Ave.

Naples, FL. 34104

Phone: 239-643-4100 Fax: 239-643-2180

Feb. 21, 2008

Featured Bonita Springs Real Estate - Keller Williams


Real Estate Bonita Springs

Homes & Condos in Bonita Springs

This weekends Keller Williams add includes property listings located in the following communties:

  • The Meadow at Estero
  • The Colony at Pelican Landing
  • Verandah
  • Shadow Wood
  • Grandezza
  • Copper Oaks
  • Hunter's Ridge
  • Paseo
  • Pelican Sound
  • Island Park
  • Gulf Harbour
  • Beach Walk
  • Bell Tower Park
  • Fairway Dunes of Bonita Springs

To see the full weekend add click the link below (it will open in a new window disable your pop up blocker) :

Bonita Springs Real Estate Keller Williams