$4 gas is right around corner

Gas prices have jumped about 10 percent so far this year in Southwest Florida, and the pain at the pump is expected to get worse in the next few months.
Prices for standard-grade gasoline here will be pushing $4 a gallon by the end of April or early May, predicts Tom Kloza, chief analyst for the Oil Price Information Service.
“I don’t think it is going to stay there for long, but it looks pretty certain to get there,” Kloza said.
The average price of a gallon of standard gasoline in the greater Fort Myers area Monday was $3.672, according to the daily survey published by the Oil Price Information Service, AAA and Wright Express. That’s up from $3.319 at the first of the year and up 17 percent from a year ago, when it was $3.13.
“It’s not the demand for gasoline that’s doing it because U.S. demand for gas is about the lowest it has been since January 2000,” Kloza said.
Instead, the supply of gasoline is getting squeezed because several refineries in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands have shut down recently, Kloza said. Crude oil prices have been climbing, but the weak demand for gasoline means refineries were spending more to produce gas than they could sell it for.
That weak demand may ultimately bring prices down this summer, Kloza said.
In 2011, gas prices peaked at $3.915 in May. The all-time record locally is $4.064 in July 2008.
Regardless of where prices go, the increases are hitting wallets and business ledgers hard.
DeeOndra Watkins, 47, of Fort Myers, said it gets harder to make ends meet each month.
“Gas goes up. Food goes up. Everything goes up,” Watkins said. “My paycheck isn’t going up.”
Watkins, who works in a doctor’s office, said she thinks the high gas prices are contributing to Southwest Florida’s double-digit unemployment rate.
“I know people who can’t hold a job because they can’t afford to keep driving to work,” she said.
Gasoline is one of the largest expense items for many businesses. Michael Ryan, owner of Fort Myers-based Tempco Pest Control, said his gas bill for keeping 14 trucks on the road can run as high as $8,000 a month.

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“We are in an economy where we can’t be raising customer prices every time gasoline goes up,” Ryan said. “It always seems to be going up. It may fall back a little bit from time to time, but it is always going higher the next time.”
To help cut fuel costs, Ryan said the company installed GPS devices in its trucks to be sure drivers are sticking to work-related routes. The monitoring uncovered an unexpected savings, he said.
“We looked at idling time and we found out guys were leaving the trucks running all day so they could keep the air-conditioning running,” Ryan said. “By changing that, we cut almost $1,000 from our monthly fuel costs.”
Ryan said the company has also replaced some older pickups with more fuel-efficient Ford Transit vans.
John Poelker, a co-owner of MBA Airport Transportation, the taxi concessionaire at Southwest Florida International Airport, said the company has also tried to be more efficient, replacing older Mercury Marquis models with more efficient Kia Sedonas and Nissan Sentras.
“It looks to me like these higher prices are going to be long-term and we have to look at all the alternatives we have,” Poelker said.
In 2008, the company imposed a fuel surcharge on taxi trips that varied with the length of the trip as prices topped $4 a gallon. Poelker said he expects those charges will likely return if prices go that high again.
The company’s drivers are independent contractors and pay for their own fuel, so any fuel charge would be paid to them.
“It’s tough on them,” Poelker said. “They get these long runs and you can imagine how much that adds up in gas.”
The rising prices shouldn’t cloud anyone’s Valentine’s Day celebrations too much.
Greg DePasquale, owner of Fort Myers Floral Designs, said he has yet to adjust his prices for the rising fuel costs.
“I haven’t had to do that yet, but we need to be able to make deliveries and still have the same quality that our customers expect,” DePasquale said.
He said some suppliers have already added a few dollars to the wholesale costs because of gas prices.
J. Arthur Clement, 68, a part-time resident from New Jersey, said prices were already higher in Southwest Florida when he arrived last month and they have kept going up.
“It looks like it is going to cost a lot more to go home in a couple of months,” Clement said. “I hope we can afford the whole trip.”

Dredging set in Cape Coral canals Southwest,Southeast

Jeff Ross’ 21-foot boat draws 20 inches of water but gets more hang time by comparison on its davit than an NFL punt because of silt in the canal behind his home.
At high tide he can go boating, but low tide could keep him at bay if he doesn’t get back in time.
“I can just about walk across my canal,” Ross said about low tide conditions.
But relief is coming as dredging is planned.
“We are hopeful about having an actual contract document in place for the middle of March and to get it to the council by the end of March for approval,” said city business manager Mike Ilczyszyn.
Negotiations were reaching a conclusion last week to have Gator Dredging remove blockages in southeast Cape Coral over the next year. Gator already has mapped trouble spots in the southeast and is mapping the southwest section as well. The maps will be used to create a dredging plan to clear canals every three years or so.
Ross learned last week that his 50-foot-wide canal between the Coralwood Shopping Center and Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve will be done sometime in the next year.
“I figure by next Memorial Day I could have some relief,” Ross said. “Cape Coral should be a boaters’ haven. If they do what they say they’re going to do I think they’re on the right track.”
“I feel fairly confident that we’re headed down the right road,” said City Councilman Marty McClain, whose district includes Ross’ canal.
McClain credited former City Manager Gary King’s administration for getting the master plan work started.
“We’ve yet to see the fruits of those efforts,” McClain said. “Once we get everything laid out I’ll be encouraging the staff to publish the timeline for dredging the canals.”
The public should realize dredging is done only in navigable waters, McClain said. That means the city isn’t responsible for dredging silt accumulating under boat lifts, McClain said.
Generally, dredging occurs in the center 50 percent of the canal, city spokeswoman Connie Barron said.
“In no case can they go closer than 20 feet from each shoreline per our Army Corps of Engineers permit,” Barron said.
The city’s general fund will pay for the work, McClain said. But the city might consider a fee someday for canalfront property owners to fund the work in the future.
Ross said he’s willing to listen to such a proposal.
“You get what you pay for and I don’t believe in a free ride,” Ross said.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates annual antique car show Saturday February 18, 2012

A record number of antique cars will be at the Annual Edison Ford Antique Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

A new feature of the event is the addition of antique boats on display. Owners will be on hand to visit with guests and answer questions. Admission to the car show is included in the price of all Edison Ford tour tickets or visitors can purchase a special ticket for the event.

In addition to the car show, other special programs during the day include:
Model T Tour and Lecture with Edison Ford staff and car owners at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Antique boats

Live music

Henry and Clara Ford leading informal tours throughout the event

Food served on the Ford Cottage Terrace
A portion of the proceeds from the Edison Ford Antique Car Show will benefit the restoration of the antique car collection of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Lee County Parade of Homes 2012 parade of Homes

Lee County Parade of Homes
The Lee County Building Industry Association is currently hosting the 2012 Parade of Homes. There are 42 different furnished models open to the public, showcasing some of the best new residential construction in our area. The event is free to the public and scheduled for "the first three weekends in February", specifically Thursday thru Sunday which offers plenty of time to download the Event map and go check out these beautiful homes NOW!http://www.bia.net/poh/documents/MAPS_2012ParadeWebsite_web.pdf?utm_source=Kathy%27s+Friends&utm_campaign=aed7f9e7d2-Newsletter_for_February_20122_6_2012&utm_medium=email

 

Agents Make Unexpected Finds in Foreclosures

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Watch for skeletons in the closet, literally. More real estate professionals are reporting making horrifying finds in abandoned, foreclosed homes, including the skeletons of the home’s former owners.
A Milwaukee real estate agent recently reported finding the body of the deceased owner on the stairs in an abandoned home. The body of the owner, who authorities say committed suicide, was believed to be in the home for up to four years before the agent recently found it.
In another incident, a real estate agent in Notting Hill, London, was showing potential home buyers a home when they stumbled upon what they thought was a home owner asleep on the couch. But the owner actually was dead.
In Janesville, Wis., an agent and her potential buyers also found the owner deceased in the bedroom of the home. Another real estate agent also said she once found a home owner deceased on the toilet.
Source: “Man’s Death Goes Unnoticed for Years,” HuffingtonPost.com (Feb. 7, 2012) and “Homebuyers’ House Tour Includes Dead Body,” AOL Real Estate

Mortgage Applications Soar 7.5% on Low Rates

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Record low mortgage rates are creating more demand for mortgage applications. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports in its most recent weekly mortgage market survey that loan application volume increased 7.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to one week earlier.
Refinance activity was due to most of that increase last week. Applications for refinancings increased 9.4 percent compared to a week earlier, while applications for purchases only ticked up slightly at 0.1 percent.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on conforming loans reached its lowest rate in the survey’s history last week -- falling from 4.09 percent to 4.05 percent. Freddie Mac was reporting even lower for the week ending Feb. 2, with 30-year rates averaging 3.87 percent nationwide.
Source: “Mortgage Applications Surge on Low Interest Rates,” HousingWire (Feb. 8, 2012)

More Housing Aid For Military Families

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, February 06, 2012

A nonprofit organization is expanding its services to help military home owners who are at risk of foreclosure due to relocation for their jobs or other circumstances.
Hope Now is an alliance of mortgage servicers, investors, nonprofit counselors, and others aimed at helping home owners who are struggling with their mortgage.
The alliance recently met for a two-day conference in Washington, D.C., to brainstorm how to specifically address housing aid for military families. “The current housing crisis has created a separate set of challenges for home owners in the military,” John Dalton, president of the Housing Policy Council, said during the meeting.
A group of judges, attorneys, state housing agencies, and others created documents with contact information that finance managers and military attorneys can use when assisting military families who are at risk of foreclosure.
Hope Now also plans to sponsor outreach events at four military bases early this year, offering more assistance to military families struggling to make their mortgage payments.
Source: Hope Now

Beat the Competition in Buying Foreclosures and How to Buy a Foreclosure

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Beat the Competition in Buying Foreclosures

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, February 06, 2012

While bank-owned homes are plentiful in many markets, they aren’t always easy for a buyer to get. Foreclosure sell at bargain prices — sometimes at 35 percent discounts when compared to nonforeclosures. These ultra-low prices are attracting investors and all-cash offers, which makes it difficult for other buyers' bids to win out.
So how can your buyers beat the competition to get a foreclosure?
Get the first look: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s First Look program offers first-time home buyers and others who need financing and are looking for a primary residence the first opportunity to see bank-owned homes before investors. Buyers have a 15-day window to submit offers before investors have the opportunity to start bidding.
Submit a competitive offer: Homes priced at heavy discounts can be in high demand and attract multiple bids. Lowball offers won’t likely get far. Some housing experts suggest starting with your best offer. "My advice is to offer the most you feel you would ever pay for the property," said one recent buyer of a foreclosure.
Make a large deposit: If a buyer wants to get the banks attention, they could offer a larger than typical good-faith deposit. But if the buyer has to back out of the deal for some reason, he or she may be at risk of losing the deposit.
Even if your buyers really want the property, don’t let them cave in to unreasonable demands, like waiving a home inspection. Otherwise, it may be a decision they quickly regret if the home is later found to be ripe with problems.
Source: “How to Beat the Competition and Buy a Foreclosure,” Sun Sentinel (Fla.) (Feb. 5, 2012)

Florida Real Estate Market Looking Better for 2012

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Will the Real Estate Market Heat Up This Spring?

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, February 06, 2012

The spring season usually brings an increase in buying and selling to the real estate market, and housing experts are mostly optimistic that this spring will be even better than recent years.
Some signs are already there: Housing inventories are declining, housing affordability is at record highs, mortgage rates are at all-time lows, and the job market is improving.
Existing-home sales have been edging up in recent months, and for-sale housing inventories were at nearly 2.4 million units in December, reaching its lowest point since 2005, according to National Association of REALTORS® data.
NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says home prices are beginning to stabilize in many markets.
Also, NAR’s Housing Affordability Index is at its highest level since the 1970s, which indicates that for the average family housing is very affordable.
The National Association of Home Builders is also predicting an improvement this spring among the new-home sector. NAHB is predicting that home sales will increase 18 percent this year, that’s after facing their lowest on record in 2011.
However, threats to a housing recovery still loom this spring. Strict mortgage lending is keeping some buyers on the sidelines, and foreclosures continue to put downward pressure on overall home prices in many markets.
"The signals are a little hard to extrapolate, but ultimately by the end of this year we should see the housing market on more solid footing," says Celia Chen, senior housing economist with Moody’s Analytics. "So an improvement but off of very, very weak activity." 

Listing Your Home For Sale In Cape Coral Florida What Buyers See

 

Listing Your Home For Sale In Cape Coral Florida What Buyers See

Ten things to remove before listing...

Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean?  Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.

10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.
9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.
8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!
7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.
6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.
5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.
4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.
3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.
2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.
1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.
There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Lee County... give me a call.

Corri VanSlyke 239-565-3153    http://www.corrivanslyke.com/   corri@corrivanslyke.com

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Cape Coral Gulf Access 200 ft Canal Pool Home with 2 Master Suites Dock and Boat Lift

Cape Coral Gulf Access 200 ft Canal Pool Home with 2 Master Suites Dock and Boat Lift

Virtual Tour:      http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=2627071&sk=200

The perfect direct gulf access pool home with a dock and 20K lb boat lift. This home has a separate area with a fireplace, full bath, closets which can be used for an office, in law apartment, family member living space, game room, second master or media room. Through the front door you are welcomed into a large entry. Walk into the kitchen or dining room. Kitchen features all appliances, solid surface tops, breakfast bar, pantry and breakfast room. Formal dining is large enough for the whole family. Inside laundry with new washer/dryer and extra storage. The family room is very spacious. All rooms have french doors to the lanai. Master bath has dual sinks, walk in shower and closet. Pool area is screened and oversized with dining and sitting area under truss. Perfect entertaining area. Outside the lanai is the dock with water, electric and boat lift. A portion is permitted and ready for a jetski lift. Garage has an epoxy finished floor and work area. Just 5 minutes to the open water.

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Sun Splash Family Waterpark is a terrific venue for hosting special events. The park’s convenient location at Lake Kennedy Park off Santa Barbara Blvd. is easily accessible from every part of Cape Coral, as well as a short drive from Ft. Myers, Sanibel, Punta Gorda, and the many beaches of Lee County.
During the regular operating season, remote radio broadcasts often take place within the waterpark on weekends providing free giveaways and added value to park visitors. Private groups and organizations may also rent out the waterpark, or an area within the park, on certain days to host their own events and/or fundraising activities.
In the off season, the Sun Splash Festival Grounds (parking lot and surrounding areas) play host to the City’s signature event, the Cape Coral Coconut Festival, a spectacular 3-day celebration complete with 20+ carnival rides, food, games, live entertainment, ski shows, fireworks and more.

For information on upcoming events, or to book your own private event at Sun Splash Family Waterpark or the adjacent Sun Splash Festival Grounds, please contact the park at 239-574-0558.