Life In Bonita Springs

Why are Canadians Buying Bonita Springs Real Estate?

National Association of Realtors has released statistics in a study that show that about one in five American real estate agents sold a second home in the year 2007 to a foreign buyer. Interest is up primarily due to:

• The weak dollar giving foreigners more buying leverage.
• American home prices are low compared to many other countries.
• Excessive inventory in select locations creates choice and negotiating leverage.

Buyers are coming from all over the world, but by country, a large proportion of buyers are coming from the United Kingdom (12%) and Canada (11%). Why does this matter to Bonita Springs or Estero, Florida home owners and home sellers?

The study showed that:

• 47% of foreign buyers were looking for a warm place to vacation.
• 22% were looking for an investment.

Canadian buyers are five times more likely to use their U.S. home for vacation use as opposed to rental investment use. The most popular state in the United States for foreign home buyers has been Florida. The Bonita Springs and Estero Florida area is a popular destination due to the recent positive growth, infrastructure improvements, new Southwest Florida International Airport, new university - FGCU and of course the tropical lifestyle. Our Southwest Florida lifestyle offers a year round balmy climate, close proximity to white sandy beaches, world class golf courses, boating, fishing, low crime, world class shopping and our master planned communities offer an attractive resort appearance.

If you are a foreign buyer interested in Bonita Springs real estate, then this may be an excellent time to purchase a Southwest Florida home or condo. Foreign buyers have much more buying power now due to the decreased value of the dollar but also, the prices of homes have adjusted and there is more inventory than ever, from which to choose.

Call today to learn more about buying real estate as a foreign national. Your Bonita Springs vacation home is waiting for you.

OK, No Dollar Was Involved, But I Do Go To Randys Fish Market

Today I was driving down West Terry Street in Bonita Springs and passed Baby A in traffic.  I buzzed him on the phone and he was actually on his way to see me.  [heart swell]  I invited him for lunch at Randy's Fish Market in Naples Park.  Naples Park is only about a 10 minute drive south from Bonita Springs.  I eat out in a small radius around my house which is by The Promenade, so I decided to branch out now and then.  AND I love to support the LOCAL mom and pop establishments, don't you?   Keep our LOCAL economy rolling...and I'm off the soap box.

Doing anything with that boy is not without fanfare.  He drives a rolling dog house.  (He needs an hour meter on the truck, not an odometer.)  The truck is left running all over town because Lilly Mae Griffith, my Grand Dog, is on board.  Lilly Mae waited outside for us and Randy's.

Anywho, Baby A stopped to have lunch with me and just sat with me.  He wasn't hungry so he just got a PepsiCoke.  I, on the other hand, was hungry enough to eat my shoes and grabbed a fried shrimp dinner with fries and slaw after I had the lobster dip appetizer.  Randy's does shrimp right.  If you want good eats and fresh fish, Randy's is the place. 

• Dine in
• Take out
• Fresh fish market to go, too

The atmosphere is fun, casual and relaxed at Randy's Fish Market Restaurant, by the way.  No pretense - dash in after church when you're dressed or after shoppin' in shorts.  My favorite part about Randy's is the rafters.  The bare trusses show and a flock of Flamingos has landed and nested.  Where else are you going to see something like that?  Only at Randy's Fish Market in Naples [Naples Park] Florida.

Randy's Fishmarket Website

To get a map to Randy's Fish Market: Go Here for directions.  Randy's is located on US 41 / Tamiami Trail just south of Immokalee Road (by the Home Expo).  Right across from Pelican March, hang a right on 104^th!

How about a round of applause for Al Gorithm who instinctively snapped that menu up to cover his face when the camera came out.

Vanderbilt Beach Naples Fl

Today was new running shoe day.  Yes, it is that big of  a deal to me.  I had far too many miles on my shoes and was long over due for a new pair.  A fellow runner and agent in my Bonita Springs Keller Williams office recommended that I go to Naples on The Run and get a proper fitting from "the foot whisperer".  So that's what I did.  I picked my mom up so she could make the drive with me and we hit Naples on the Run.  I'm all hooked up with new kix and a nifty little iPod converter so I can still track my runs, speed and distance.  I'm sporting Brooks shoes with the little converter pocket on the laces that the sensor goes in.

Tonight I had a chance to test drive the new shoes in Vanderbilt in North Naples, Florida.  Where Immokalee Road nearly ends at the gulf is Connors Park.  Parking is free and there is a walking trail from Connors Park up to and under the bridge that crosses Vanderbilt Bay.  It's a big loop packed with walkers, runners and tons of man's best friends.  For those of you looking for a great place to walk, run or roller blade this is a great spot.  There's tons of activity and stuff to watch.  The streets are wide and have bike lanes and sidewalks.  From Connors Park (down Bluebill Avenue to Gulfshore) to Vanderbilt Drive and back is a 5K run.  Come on, it's only 30 minutes.

Tonight I had a chance to peek at both Aqua at Pelican Isle Yacht Club at Wiggins Pass and Moraya Bay on Gulfshore Drive, smack dab on Vanderbilt Beach.  Those buildings are going up fast!  It shouldn't be too long before they'll be doing after hours tours.  I was on a running mission (still training for the Susan G Komen 5K Race at Coconut Point) so no photos this trip. I'll make a point to go back and snap a few of the buildings and their killer views.

Art Festival | Coconut Point | Estero

So today my phone rings and it's one of my loyal and appreciated clients.  He's explaining to me that he's on his way to the art show and asking why it wasn't on my blog.  [Mark = Blog Police]  ACTUALLY, I was at that very moment just leaving the Coconut Point Mall.  I drove up to get photos.  I'm happy to report that the art show is a huge success.  So successful that I couldn't find a decent parking place and for the first time in my life snapped a photo as I drove by.  Yes, a drive by shooting.  I'm a slacker of all slackers today.  As I explained to my loyal reader, I didn't have on sensible shoes (as if I ever do).

Any who, if you're looking for something to do this weekend in Bonita Springs Florida or Estero, swing through the Coconut Point Mall and catch the Art Festival. It's the second annual show. I would recommend parking behind the mall and walking to the Festival out front.  Turn onto Coconut Road and head north on Via Coconut Road and park by the Residences at Coconut Point.  If you go in at the traffic light by Marsh Landing prepare to wait a while to get through the four way stop.

This traffic report has been sponsored in part by Keller Williams Elite Realty.

Here's the digs on the Coconut Point Art Festival

• 2nd Annual Coconut Point Art Festival
• Saturday & Sunday, February 9 & 10, 2008      
• Bonita Springs/Estero, FL

Coconut Point, located near Estero and Bonita Springs (between Naples & Fort Myers), will host the 2nd Annual Coconut Point Art Festival.  Fine art, music and more will occupy the streets for two fun-filled days.  Grab your sunscreen and walking shoes to stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, and much more.

• Venue: Streets of Coconut Point
• Public Admission: Free, no gate
• Show Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

23106 Fashion Drive

Estero, FL 339

Be sure to come back to Coconut Point Mall February 23rd for: Coconut Point Mall Event | Tropical Tails Pet Benefit

MenuVenueSWFL.com - Southwest Florida's Restaurant Guide

If you are looking for information on Bonita Springs restaurants, Naples restaurants, Fort Myers restaurants or any of the other southwest Florida cities, MenuVenueSWFL.com has it covered.  You can find menus, coupons, maps, restaurant reviews by MenuGuy, happy hour information and more.  Want to find that amazing little Italian restaurant your friend told you about or a romantic waterfront restaurant to catch the sunset?  Use the Restaurant search function on MenuVenueSWFL.com and you can find any cuisine style your taste buds crave. 

You can also sign up for the "Taste of Southwest Florida" newsletter.  It contains great information about new restaurants openings, dining related events and even comes with a coupon you can print off and use. 

MenuVenueSWFL.com also has a great online store.  You can find items like gourmet foods, cook books, wine accessories, kitchen accessories and more.  You can even find wonderful items that have that south Florida vibe in the store, just see our Palm Tree and Tiki and beach collections.

Next time you are hungry and want to find a great restaurant go to MenuVenueSWFL.com, we are passionate about what we do!  Bon Appetite!

Tall People at Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs Florida

Have you hugged your beach today?

How to Score in the Bonita Springs Real Estate Market

The Bonita Springs real estate market is confusing for most buyers.  There is a barrage of information coming at buyers, at light speed, from thousands of directions - the internet, newspapers and television.  You may be tempted to start searching for a home or condo in Bonita Springs following the interest rate drop and value adjustments but you're not jumping right in.  Know this; you're not the only one wringing your hands.

If you're a buyer living outside of the area, I'm sure that you're likely confused  by the news and carefully wading through the information trying to make the right decision for you.  Is it the right time to get into the Bonita Springs, Florida real estate market?  When is the right time to get into the market?

First, as a buyer or even a seller of real estate, know that real estate is local.  Local.  What is not selling in Atlanta doesn't dictate what is or is not selling in Bonita Springs or Estero, Florida.  Real estate is also hyper-local.  What is selling in Pelican Landing may or may or may not be selling in Spring Run at The Brooks.

If you're a buyer thinking about purchasing a home in Bonita Springs, Florida the first bit of advice you should follow is to find your community.  Put aside price, value, short sales and foreclosures - you shouldn't be worrying about what home prices are until you figure out where you want to live. What neighborhood or community will best suit you, your family, your hobbies, your lifestyle, and your interests.  How do you see your self living and enjoying life to the fullest as a Bonita Springs home owner?  After all, a home that is a good deal isn't such a good deal if you don't like the neighborhood or the location.

After you've found your community it's time to start the search for a home.  Many of our gated communities have been built by nationally know builders.  There are usually a set of floor plans or models available for that community.  You will notice the same floor plan of a home, for example "The Oakmont" at Village Walk of Bonita, available in a wide range of prices. You will be able to sort the homes easily by price, location and upgrades.  Either daily or weekly your Realtor® can notify you of new listings in that neighborhood that meet your criteria or have had price reductions or incentives added to entice buyers.  Watching and waiting will pay off.

Does it sound too simple?  It really doesn't have to be difficult.  Don't get overwhelmed by the inventory on the market and the disparity in prices for the same style or floor plan of home.  A qualified Realtor® can help you find your focus. 

• Focus on a neighborhood
• Focus on a home
• Focus on the right mortgage (at historically low rates)

The true value in a home purchase is in the total package.  Make sure you get all that you deserve when you're buying a home.

Contact Chris today to begin your search for the perfect home in Bonita Springs Florida.

Read Also:  Bonita Bay sales may signal real estate market rise

If you're aggressive, charming, prosperous -- and, well, a rat -- this is your year.

Today is Chinese New Year, which means the Year of the Pig is over and the Year of the Rat begins.

If you're looking for what year you were born in on the Chinese chart [click image to enlarge]: 

Pick up some take out on your way home to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Here are a few places to grab Chinese cuisine in Bonita Springs, Florida:

China Gold is a great take out or dine-in restaurant located by Publix in front of Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, Florida. It's at the traffic light junction of 41 & Old 41 Road by Starbucks.

Gold China

24600 S Tamiami Trl
Bonita Springs, FL 34134

(239) 948-5888

China Gourmet II is located on the corner of Ben Hill Griffin Road and Corkscrew Road. It's just across the street from Miromar Outlets and North of Stoneybrook of Estero.

China Gourmet II

20301 Grande Oak Shoppes Blvd
Estero, FL 33928

(239) 949-2615

Homes Near FGCU - College Housing

Since Florida Gulf Coast University opened its doors just a few years ago parents have been investing in real estate in the Estero and Bonita Springs area to house their student.  The real estate boom in the 2004-2006 years curbed investing by FGCU parents but real estate prices have rolled back.  On top of that, interest rates have lowered to unbelievable levels, again.  Investing in college town real estate and student housing is affordable again. 

If you have a son or daughter that will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University now is the time to begin the search for housing.  Incredible real estate values have become available near the school.  Communities such as Stoneybrook, San Carlos Park, Grandezza Golf & Country Club, Bella Terra and Osprey Cove have all had property prices dip into the $100,000's.  While San Carlos Park can offer homes in the mid $100,000's most gated communities are offering availability of condominiums and attached villas under $200,000 depending upon inventory and availability.  Each of these communities is no more than 15 minutes from FGCU, Southwest Florida International Airport, Miromar Outlets and Gulfcoast Towne Center.

Should you be thinking of investing in Estero Real Estate for your FGCU student, know that if the home you choose is a short sale it may take longer than anticipated to close.  Be sure to allow enough time to successfully negotiate and close the home prior to classes starting.

Read also:  How to Buy Student Housing for Your FGCU College Student 

Call today for a current list of properties near FGCU.  Chris Griffith 239-273-7430