Life In Bonita Springs

It's been there as long as I can remember - right at the corner of Bonita Beach Road and West Avenue in Sunny, Bonita Springs, Florida. Every once in a while someone get a bee in their bonnet about the name. It will go before the city council and there will be a few stories in the local papers. The hub bub usually dies down and the name stays. It's a landmark at this point. A tourist trap that sells tons of t-shirts and bumper-stickers emblazoned with their motto: "You can't beat our bait".

It is one of those buildings that every time you drive by someone is taking a picture of it. I was once a neighbor to Master Bait and Tackle. I actually lived right around the corner, (in Bonita Shores) from Master Bait and Tackle for several years. The biggest difficulty I had with the name is when my son, who was a little fisherman would ask me to take him to the store for live shrimp. He abbreviated the name and left of the "& tackle" part. Getting asked that in public was just awful. Today, I stopped and took a picture for the first time in over 20 years. I was too embarrassed to get out of the car so I sort of did a drive by. I am posting this at the request of Bob Carney who asked about it on my Imperial River Boat Ramp - Bonita Springs, Florida blog and Sarah Cooper because she wants to read all of the comments and juvenile discussion this will likely produce. Hey, I'm all for supporting the local "mom & pop" businesses so if you need a fishing license, bait fish or tackle stop in instead of hitting Kmart. The owners are local and will appreciate the business.

If you're thinking of selling your Bonita Springs home or condo you need to properly price your home from the get go. If your home is overpriced you risk losing the excitement that a new listing generates. Most activity on a listing comes within the first 30 days. An initial high price will discourage buyers, causing you to miss out on pent up demand. Plus, some Bonita Springs Neighborhoods have excessive inventory so you'll need to sharpen your pencil to be able attract buyers to your home.

•1. You will lose the most qualified prospects! Buyers will not "just make an offer" because they may never even see your property. They will view the properties that are priced within their purchase power range, knowing that they cannot afford anything above their price ceiling.

•2. Over pricing helps sell other, more competitively price homes first. Your Bonita Springs home may be used to demonstrate the good value of other properties in the area. Your objective should be to enter the market in a position that will attract prospects, not to drive them away.

•3. Your home may become "stale" on the Bonita Springs resale market. Prospects may wonder why it has been on the market too long, or if something is wrong with the property, even after you lower your price. You may even have to settle for less than market value. A house takes on a reputation surprisingly fast, so don't wear out your welcome on the market.

•4. If you do get an offer, the contract may fall through because of appraisal problems. The lender may not be able to justify the price as it relates to loan value, consider it a high risk and refuse to lend the buyer mortgage funds.

•5. You lose a strong negotiating position when your home is on the market a long time, both financially and mentally! Prospects will not "rush" to make an offer on over priced property, and you may feel compelled to accept less when they finally do.

•6. The agent you list your home with cannot set the sales price of your home any more than your stock broker dictates the price of a stock sale. The selling price is simply a function of supply and demand. Never let an agent bid for your listing. Most unsold listings that expire on the market are because of poor pricing, subjecting the owners to the risks discussed above. Select your agent on their ability to negotiate, competency and ability to reach the market. Above all, select someone you trust!

What is a CDD a Community Development District 

A Community Development District (CDD) is a local, special purpose government authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes as amended and is an alternative method for managing and financing infrastructure required to support community development. CDD's possess several powers as a legal entity, such as the right to enter into contracts; the right to own both real and personal property; adopt by-laws, rules and regulations and orders; to sue and be sued; to obtain funds by borrowing; to issue bonds and levy assessments.

CDD's provide a mechanism for the financing and management of new communities, which is consistent with the local governments' development procedures and regulations. They represent a major advancement in Florida's effort to manage its growth effectively and efficiently. The community development district may impose and levy taxes or assessments, or both taxes and assessments, on the property.

These taxes and assessments pay the construction, operation and maintenance costs of certain public facilities and services of the district and are set annually by the governing board of the district.

These taxes and assessments are in addition to county and other local governmental taxes and assessments and all other taxes and assessment provided for by law.

Where Can The General Public Find CDD Information?

In the Bonita Springs and Estero areas information can be found in one location if you know there is a CDDon a property:

http://www.cddflorida.com/

Occasionally, the CDD isn't managed locally. Information about whether a property has a CDD or who the "out of area" manager is can be found on the Lee County Tax Collector's website: http://www.leetc.com/. After the "Real Property Tax Detail" loads, click "Tax Detail" and you will get the page highlighted in the illustration.

The CDD will be listed in the section of the tax detail titled Non Ad Valorem Taxes if there is a CDD.

In the example there is a CDD called: STONEYBROOK COMMUNITY DEV DIST which is located in Estero, Florida. Click the CDD name and it will launch the contact information for the management company. You can write or fax the organization for payoff balance information.

For more information about Bonita Springs CDD and CDD Disclosures just email!

If you're looking for something to do in Bonita Springs, Estero or North Naples  you've found the right place.  Enjoy this list of "things to do" in Bonita Springs and the surrounding areas.  If you have an addition please add it to the comments section.

•10.    Visit Barefoot Beach.  Barefoot Beach Preserve is 342 acres of natural land, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida's southwest coast.

•9.      Shop the new Coconut Pointe Mall.  Check out the brand new stores, restaurants and movie theater.

•8.      Visit Everglades Wonder Gardens.  Everglades Wonder Gardens has over 2000 species of native wildlife & plants including: lush botanical gardens, wild Florida Panthers, Black Bears, Native & Exotic Birds, live Otter show, Flamingos, Rattlesnakes & Reptiles.

•7.      Rent a boat or kayak and tour the back bays and rivers or head out to the gulf.

•6.      Visit the Bonita Springs Art League or plan your trip around one of their art festivals. 

•5.      Catch a round of golf at Raptor Bay.

•4.      Pamper yourself at the Stillwater Spa.

•3.      Take a full day fishing charter. 

•2.      Stop by Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail.  See Bonita Beach from new heights or buzz around on a jet ski.

•1.      Buy Bonita Springs real estate.  The time has never been better to buy.  Interest rates are at historic lows, it's a buyers market and sellers and developers are offering great incentives. 

Click here: What County is Bonita Springs Florida Located In

A variety of websites that offer basic, free information regarding real estate in Lee County, Florida can now be accessed on the Internet.

• Lee County Property Appraiser http://www.leepa.org/
• Lee County Tax Collector http://www.leetc.com/
• Lee County Clerks Office http://www.leeclerk.org/
• Lee and Collier County CDD information can be accessed through http://www.cddswf.com/
• Additional governmental websites can be accessed through http://www.myflorida.com/ and http://www.myfloridacounty.com/

So how's that for a one stop shop. If you are a do-it-yourselfer get going! Leave a comment to say hello, I'd appreciate it.

What Is "Save Our Homes"?

"Save Our Homes" (SOH) spearheaded by Mr. Wilkinson, approved by Florida voters in 1992, effective January 1, 1995. SOH places a limitation of 3% on annual assessment increases on homestead exempt property. For all property first granted homestead exemption in the prior year, that year's assessed value will be the base value for the implementation of "Save Our Homes". Thereafter, the assessed value will not increase more than 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The property's market value may differ from SOH assessed value. SOH assessed value will never be greater than market value.

Bonita Springs, Florida and Lee County residents can access the homestead exemption form at the Lee County Property Appraiser website.

What do you need to know about buying a home in Bonita Springs, Save Our Homes and the tax rate of the home? If the homeowners have lived in the home for a considerable amount of time the tax rate may be merely a fraction of what the new accessed value will be for the next owner of the home. As your real estate professional what the proposed taxes will be for the home you are purchasing. There are also tools and calculators available at the Lee County Property Appraiser site. If you are a seller of a home with substantial savings in the Save Our Homes program it may be something you should add to your Seller's Disclosure. A buyer that is surprised with an unexpected, ballooning tax bill probably isn't something you'll want to encounter.

The fantastic beaches of Bonita Springs, Florida have attracted visitors from around the world.  Lucky home and condo owners get to live right on theBonita Beach or Barefoot Beach and see those fantastic sunsets almost every day of the year.

A local resident couple decided to capture the beauty every single day of the year for one year.  The result is:  "Skyblue Pink: 365 Days of Sunsets From Florida's Gulf Coast".  It has been compiled into book form and is now available at their website:  www.skybluepink365.com

I first heard the story of this book a few months ago.  I had actually taken the time to go see the sunset and afterwords I stopped at my favorite local restaurant,  Toucan Grille (which has since closed) on Bonita Beach Road.  When I walked in with that "wind blown" look the owner of the restaurant asked how the sunset was.  He recognized the look, as many visitors stop by the restaurant after sunset.  He then shared that he had heard of a a couple of local residents that are taking photos at the beach, and publishing a book.  They're making a one year long book of sunsets.  Now, fast forward a few months.  I actually received an email from Jason and Kristyn Schwarts, the authors, inviting me to their website to view and perhaps order a book.  They must have seen some of my sunset photos on Active Rain and the Bonita Banner Newspaper website. 

I was really impressed with the book and most especially the great price.  Cost: $29.95 + $3.00 S/H per book and it's even autographed by the authors.  It occurred to me that anyone that is in the real estate industry in SW Florida may want to know about this book for a few reasons:

• It's a beautiful portait of the beaches and it would be a great coffee table book.
• It's a great gift to give to local friends.
• It's a great gift to give to someone that is seasonal or misses the area.

To read more about the SkyBlue Pink also read:  Bonita Daily News, Naples Daily News, and Wink News.

The photo is courtesy of Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Realtor.  Yes, my own photo. 

Consider me a huge fan of patronizing locally owned "mom and pop" restaurants and businesses.  Just recently I noticed a brand new restaurant open in Bonita Springs and I finally had the opportunity to stop in and have a bite to eat.  Sammy, the owner of El Mesquite came over to the table for a chat and I promised him the spot of first restaurant review on Life in Bonita Springs.

The restaurant is located on Old US 41 just north of West Terry Street.  Long time residents will remember that it use to be Nelson's Hardware store back in the day.

The restaurant is called El Mesquite Mexican Grill.  The menu offers a full array of dishes so there is something for everyone.  El Mesquite even serves breakfast.  Home made chips and salsa is delivered to every table as an appetizer.  The dinner I chose was Chile Relleno and I was impressed.  Not only was it delicious but it was probably enough for two people.  Most platters are priced under $10!

The atmosphere at El Mesquite is colorful, fun and relaxing.  Huge balloons in the colors of the Mexican flag spice up the room.  A couple of Saltillio tiles on the floor even have paw prints baked right in.  The servers at El Mesquite wear white shirts and the male servers and busser's add red bandana neck ties.

If you're looking for a place in Bonita Springs to have a great lunch or dinner at a fantastic price, get off the beaten path, pass the mall and head to El Mesquite.  You won't be disappointed.

El Mesquite's website is currently a work in progress so I can't share more than a photo and their contact info at this time. 

• What:  El Mesquite Mexican Grill
• Where:  26930 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Florida
• Phone:  239-949-1218

What's to do for fun on a Saturday night in Bonita Springs?  Try the new Muvico Theatre at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero, Florida.  Estero?  Sidebar:  Believe it or not there isn't a lot of fan fare leaving Bonita Springs and entering Estero on US 41 (which is also known as Tamiami Trail)  The two cities have more or less melded and there is a huge gray area around Coconut Point Mall and The Brooks.

The Muvico Theater is 'spanking new, has state of the art sound and has those "tilty" seats so you can lean back.  I've only seen a few flicks at the new theater so far.    There are 16 individual theaters that offer varying start times so there is always a flick to catch without waiting.  The last time I went to Muvico they were kind enough to even provide a few popcorn bowls so my “gang of merry thieves” could share since we had just had dinner.  If a bowl of popcorn won’t be enough, there’s a handful of dining establishments’ right by the doors of Muvico, if you’re looking for a quick bite before going in.  There are also a variety of restaurants sprinkled throughout the mall which includes:  Ruth's Chris Steakhouse of Bonita Springs, The Grill Room, The Grape, Bice [pronounced Beach-chay], Doc Greens, Moe’s, Subway and a few new restaurants in various stages of development and construction.  The mall also offers shuttle service to and from establishments via a souped up, limo style golf carts.   If you need to dash off for a quick bite on the opposite side of the complex get a ride! 

If you're a home seller in Bonita Springs or you're thinking of selling your home you need to read this.

Do you know what a pop tart agent is? If you're a buyer a seller or another agent, you need to know if you don't know. Here's the skinny:

1. A pop tart agent gets a phone call and runs out the door to let someone in a property know little to know information about a buyer, their history, their financial/creditworthiness or ability to buy. Just like a toaster ~ Pop!
2. A pop tart agent has car load of buyers and they drive by a home with a for sale sign and call while sitting in front of the home. They want to see it without knowing any information about it, size, price, number of bedroom, if it remotely fits their buyers needs.

I've dealt with a few pop tart agents recently with regard to my Bonita Springs real estate listings. My seller's have been good sports about, so far. I feel pressured into the showing because in some areas our market languishes and every buyer is to be valued, no matter how unqualified. I do let the seller choose whether or not to accommodate short notice showings. They can always say no. Basically, it's a crap shoot and the odds really stink that a buyer is going to be found like this.

A few days ago a pop tart number called me AFTER speaking to MY SELLER client in the front yard. She wanted in RIGHT AWAY with her car load of buyers (four adults and two children). I first thanked her in advance to NEVER speak to my seller again without my permission.

• She then informed me that she was from a city over one hour away.
• She is not a member of either of our board's of Realtors.
• She cannot access our lockbox.
• She wants me to take her word for it (on the phone) that she is, in fact, a licensee and wants my seller to vacate for the showing and leave the door unlocked for her.
• She calls me from a location that is so loud I can barely understand her.

What are the odds that this is a sale in the near future?

Does it sound like ANY research was done to help the buyers really find the RIGHT house for them? It's aggravating for me because I do my best to drop everything I'm doing to accommodate the pop tart showing, knowing full well that I'm dealing with a licensee [or maybe not even], not a professional real estate agent. True professional agents don't do stuff like this.

Recent events have inspired me to fully explain pop tarts to my seller and not only to not get their hopes up but to not believe that everyone is a home shopper. Some people aren't honest and that's ANOTHER job good listing agents in Bonita Springs have. Anyone can be a target for pop tart posers but here are a few examples of those that should be especially vigilant.

• Young pregnant women
• Mothers of newborns
• Children or teenagers
• People who may have weaknesses or illness
• People that may have valuables, collectibles or expensive pets

Seller's of real estate need to understand how to and protect themselves, their families and their homes. It is not safe to speak with or let enter into your home anyone that hasn't been screened by your listing agent. If you're ever asked by someone who says they are a real estate agent to let them in your home, say no. The answer is no, you may call my agent and make an appointment at a more convenient time when we have time to prepare. A little bit of screening can help determine if they are in fact, a legitimate real estate agent that should even be in your home to begin with.