Living Near the Beach - From the Perspective of a Fort Myers Realtor: October 2009

Selling Your Fort Myers Home During Season - From the Perspective of a Fort Myers Listing Agent

 

If you are a Fort Myers Seller, now is the time to consider selling your home!

Reasons Why it is a Great Time to Hire a Listing Agent:

1.  Snowbirds and Vacationers

As anyone driving around Fort Myers and Cape Coral can see our traffic has been steadily increasing over the past couple of weeks.  Looking at the license plates we are seeing more and more out of state plates.  As it gets colder up north, the snowbirds flock to the sunshine of Florida's Gulf Coast.  Even at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, where we happen to attend, the parking lot and the pews are filling up week by week.

Many of these people are looking to purchase a home in Fort Myers or Cape Coral

2.  Supply & Demand

Because of the decrease in home inventory and the increase of home buyers, the current demand for a home is higher than the inventory of good homes to meet the need.  We need more inventory to meet this demand.

Now is the time to sell while other Fort Myers Sellers are only just beginning to consider putting their home on the market.  Now is the time for you to have your home marketed and listed in the Fort Myers MLS.

If you would like to discuss marketing your home, please feel free to contact us.  We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Happily serving Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Lehigh, Estero, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island. 

Providing Excellence & Service in Your Real Estate Experience - As Both Fort Myers Listing Agents and Representing Fort Myers Buyers

If you would like additional information on the real estate market conditions in Fort Myers & receive information on what your home value is then please contact us, Shane & Joy Goushaw - www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

Our Website:  www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

Our Blogsite:  www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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0 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 29 2009 06:59PM

Why Did Your Listing Expire? Fort Myers Listing Agents Can Explain

Sellers, we can empathize with the challenges that you are facing when selling your Lee County home.  It is a market unlike any other that you will probably ever find yourself in again.  In my research on the Greater Fort Myers and the Beach MLS I have found many reasons for the unfortunate event of expired listings.  And, after a stellar track record with selling homes in a declining market, I think we have the authority to share what will and will not sell your Fort Myers or Cape Coral home.

Price - Good homes expire because of incorrect pricing.

Are you chasing the market with a price that is too high?  Homes are selling in the Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lee County real estate market but the homes do need to be priced competitively and also aggresively to stand out from the crowd. 

Has your home expired because it was "over-priced?"  As Listing Agents in Fort Myers who genuinely care about our clients accomplishing their goal of selling and moving onto the next phase of their lives, we will explore pricing strategies with you.  We will seek to understand where you are coming from and what is holding you back from pricing your home in-line with the comparable solds.  If you do not have the wiggle room with price because of what you owe on your mortgage, then we can discuss alternatives to conventional sales.  We have successfully closed Short Sales in Fort Myers and in Cape Coral.  That may not be your only option, some of our sellers consider bringing cash to closing if they are able to.  Neither solution is a pleasant one.  We understand and will help discuss all options with you for the best possible outcome.

Photos - Poor image quality and few photos will cause your home to get overlooked by Fort Myers and Cape Coral Buyers.

All too often I have looked through the Fort Myers MLS expired listings and have seen such poor quality in photographs and lack of photographs.  As Realtors using the Fort Myers MLS, we are able to input up to 10 photos in the Fort Myers MLS, so why did your Fort Myers Listing Agent only take a shot of the front of the home that is not cropped and has not had the brightness and contrast adjusted to make it look sharp and stand out?  Shane is a photographer and has taken photography classes, he also a graphic design background.  He has the skills to make your images stand-out.  Your home needs to be displayed with pride.  There is an art-form to taking photos of a home, we can discuss with you the best ways to capture your home on camera.  We also add virtual tours to every listing.  Again, this is such an important and often over-looked means of marketing a home.

Communication and Updates on Market Condition - Homes expire because of lack of communication from Listing Agent to Seller about the Real Estate Conditions.  Agents need to continually be re-evaluating the strategy for selling the home and communicating with the Seller.

One of the biggest complaints that Sellers who have left their former Listing Agent shares with us about the previous relationship is "I never heard from my Realtor."  Or, "They never told me when homes sold or new listings went on the market in my community."  We provide our Sellers with a ListingBook Account, so that you can stay updated on the market trends in your community.  You will see just like we do, when new homes go on the market, have a price reduction, are marked pending and then sold.  We will also stay in touch with you and discuss what these changes in your community mean for you, the seller.  This will help you to trust us when we make recommendations on strategy for selling your home.

The bottom line is that your home should not expire without selling.  The Real Estate relationship between Listing Agent & Seller needs to be built on trust.  If you trust your professional agent, you are going to trust the recommendations that they make to sell your home.  You can be sure that we care about your goal of selling your home and will come up with an individualized strategy and marketing campaign to help you sell. 

Selling a home in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lee County is kind of like riding on a plane during turbulence.  You know it will end, but it is a bumpy ride.  It is bumpy enough in this real estate market, we want to smooth out the journey for you as much as we are able. 

Please don't hesitate to call if you have any real estate questions pertaining to selling your Fort Myers home.  We will do our very best to answer you through honest insight into the current Fort Myers real estate market.

Recent Blogs on Selling Your Fort Myers Home

Sellers Get to Know Your Competition

Nine Tips to Sell Your Fort Myers or Cape Coral Home

Short Sales - Not for the Faint of Heart

Attention Home Sellers - More Tips to Sell Your Home

Providing Excellence & Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Happily serving Fort Myers, Nort Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Estero, Lehigh, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Naples & Marco Island.

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Florida Professional Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

Our Website:  www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

Our Blogsite:  www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 28 2009 11:04PM

Sellers - Get to Know Your Competition!

Are you selling your home in Cape Coral or Fort Myers?  Then I would strongly recommend getting a ListingBook Account.  A ListingBook Account will provide you with all of the homes in your area that are for sale. 

Not only will you see the Active Listings, you will also get notified and will be able to track when your competition is:

1. Pending

2. Has a Price Reduction

3. When your competition Sells

4.  And, what Price the home or condo is Sold for. 

You can modify your criteria to cover only your neighborhood or those of the surrounding neighborhoods.  It is a practical and useful tool that we provide free for you. 

It is easy to get a ListingBook Account, all you have to do is click Here and fill out the form.  Please specify that you are a Cape Coral or Fort Myers Home Seller and that you want the ListingBook Account. 

It is really pretty easy and you will probably find that you develop a ListingBook addiction when you learn just how useful a tool and a guide it is for you while doing research on selling your Fort Myers or Cape Coral home or condo.

We are available should you have any questions regarding Selling your Fort Myers or Cape Coral Home or about the ListingBook.

Get Your ListingBook Account HERE!

 

Happily Serving Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh, Estero, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Naples, Marco Island.

Providing You With Excellence & Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

Our Website:  www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

Our BlogSite:  www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

1 commentJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 26 2009 07:00PM

Is Your Drywall Making You Sick? Cape Coral Couple Has Chinese Drywall and A Baby.

I found this ARTICLE on Chinese Drywall this evening that made me stop and just shake my head again and sigh.  As I reflect on this very unfortunate issue, it makes me feel emotions of frustration and sadness.  I am amazed at how many resources went into building these homes that has been wasted. 

From what I am hearing, most all of the materials used in homes with the Chinese Drywall has to be replaced including: air conditioning units, appliances, carpet, cabinetry, and of course the drywall.  The drywall emits a sulfur compound that seeps into everything and corrodes materials that would normally withstand years of wear and tear in a matter of months.  Not only is it a huge waste of resources but the health complications that it causes is changing the lives of normally healthy individuals to people with chronic respiratory conditions.

Shane has personally helped several individuals move from their Chinese Drywall Home into rentals.  Some of the bigger builders such as Lennar are setting aside money to go in and gut their homes with Chinese Drywall and replace with proper drywall.

If you have questions about whether your Cape Coral or Fort Myers home was built with Chinese Drywall,  then I would recommend having your home tested for Chinese Drywall.  Please note that most of the Chinese Drywall is being found in homes built between 2005-2007.

If you are buying a Cape Coral or Fort Myers home built between 2005-2007 it is a good idea to also have it tested for Chinese Drywall.  Not every home built during that time period does have it, but you definetly want to be sure.

Check out this article on:  The Prisoners of Drywall

Photo illustrates that homes were found with both domestic and Chinese manufactured drywall.  This Photo is from Florida Department of Health of Corroded Copper from Chinese Drywall.  For more information and more photos click here at Florida Department of Health

Providing You With Excellence & Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Happliy Serving Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh, Estero, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Naples and Marco Island

 

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

Website:  www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

BlogSite:  www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

2 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 26 2009 06:25PM

Lamotta's Italian Restaurant & Pizzaria - It's Where the Fort Myers Locals Go For Authentic Italian Food

Lamottas Restauarant Fort Myers

Located on San Carlos Blvd. near the new Target in SW Fort Myers, Lamotta's is a local favorite for authentic Italian Cuisine.  Lamotta's is only 15 minutes to Fort Myers Beach and close to many of the local marinas.  Family owned for 29 years by First Generation Sicilians, you cannot get more authentic than this! 

My husband raves about the sauces and antipasta salad.  Shane will ussually include a stop at Lamotta's and treat his clients who are new to town when they are previewing homes.  He was there today with buyers from Boston.

Some of their specials include:  Seafood, Pizza, Mediterranean, Italian Northern, Sandwiches, Italian, Italian Southern.  Make sure and save room for desert, you won't want to miss out on the Tiramisu, Cannoli and Spumoni. 

When you stop by, tell the friendly owners that Shane Goushaw with Sandals Realty sent you!

Address:  15660 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Happily serving Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Estero, Naples, Marco Island.

Providing Excellence and Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

lamottas authentic italian retaurant fort myers

1 commentJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 25 2009 06:52PM

3 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom + Den Fort Myers Foreclosure - Colony Lakes

Fort Myers Colony Lakes

Come Visit Colony Lakes in Fort Myers Just off of Winkler and Summerlin. 15 minutes from Fort Myers Beach and 20 minutes from Sanibel Island!  This is a quiet community with a pool and children's play area.  Low HOA fees. 

Fort Myers Real Estate Expert Shane Goushaw

3 Bedroom / 3 Bath + Den in Colony Lakes - A Fort Myers Foreclosure! 

Call for more information!

Providing Excellence and Service in Your Fort Myers Real Estate Experience!

Happily serving Fort Myers, Nort Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Estero, Lehigh, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island.

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

0 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 25 2009 06:24PM

Family Fest 2009 at McGregor Baptist Church October 31 - Things To Do in Fort Myers for Halloween!

                       Fort Myers Things To Do McGregor Baptist Church 

Are you looking for a Family Friendly activity that is SAFE and FREE this Halloween?  Do you want a place you can take your children to as an alternative to traditional October 31st activities that will be memorable and start a new tradition?  Then join us ouside McGregor Baptist Church on October 31st for a Family Fest that you will not forget!  Go ahead and dress up and be prepared for lots of laughs as your family participates in games, inflatable bounce houses, face painting and of course LOTS of CANDY!  Security will be present all day.  If you are looking for things to do in Fort Myers this Halloween, you will not want to miss Family Fest 2009 at McGregor Baptist Church!

McGregor Baptist Church is located on Colonial Blvd just west of I-75 and East of 41.

Date:  October 31, 2009

Time:  3:00 - 6:00 pm

Admission is FREE!

Check out the fun cartoon VIDEO here 

Providing Excellence and Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

Happily serving Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Naples and Marco Island.

 

 

0 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 25 2009 03:33PM

New Listing! 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath Pool Home and a Lake View in Crown Colony - Fort Myers Golf Community

Crown Colony in Fort Myers is in an ideal location in SW Fort Myers.  Located just off of Winkler and Summerlin Rd you are 15 minutes from Fort Myers Beach and 20 minutes from Sanibel Island.  Golf membership in Crown Colony is not required but is available.  Use of the pool, fitness center, luxury clubhouse facilities with a restaurant and bar that overlooks a lake and golf course is available to all home owners.

Home prices range from $299,000 for a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom home to $729,000 for a 4 bedroom / bath home.

Below are the two newest home listings for Crown Colony "Hot off the press!"

1.)  3 Bedroom / 2 Bath Lake View Pool Home in Crown Colony / Corner Lot

Listed at:  $339,000

                    Crown Colony Realtors Shane Goushaw

                       2.)  4 Bedroom / 3 Bath Home on a Lake with Pool in Crown Colony

Listed at $545,000

              Crown Colony Realtor Shane Goushaw

We happily serve Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Gateway, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Naples and Marco Island. 

We are available to provide you with education and information on the current conditions in Fort Myers while providing you with excellence and service in your Fort Myers Real Estate experience.

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

 

 

7 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 25 2009 02:56PM

Going, Going, Gone! Home Inventory In Fort Myers Is Not What It Used To Be

If you are looking for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Fort Myers I don't recommend waiting.  I did a search in the Realtor's Greater Fort Myers MLS in two separate price ranges to make note of the current inventory of homes and just as I thought, it is decreasing significantly. 

First, I looked at the inventory for 3 bedroom / 2 bath homes in the $150,000 - $200,000 price range.  There are currently 62 Active listings available for this range.  This is out of 21 geographic areas in Fort Myers. 

Next, I looked at the $200,000 - $250,000 range for 3 bedroom / 2 bath homes in Fort Myers once again out of 21 geographical areas.  This turned up a bit more inventory with 143 homes in this particular price range.

Shane has three buyers from out of state who have just reduced the inventory by three homes from their recent accepted offers in these two particular price ranges.  Currently, we know of many more buyers who are looking and just waiting to place an offer on the perfect home that meets their criteria.

I am proud to say that two of these clients are direct referrals from former clients.  One Buyer shared with Shane that his friend who has not had the best experiences with Realtors in the past liked Shane because he was honest, an excellent communicator and knew that Shane would look out for the best interest of his friends.   What a compliment!  I know this to be true as I can testify to his character, but when a client experiences our service and professionalism "first-hand" and lets others know about it, that is when it really counts!

If we can help you in your home search in the Fort Myers area, please call us.  We are more than happy to provide you with education, support, superior negotiation skills and expertise on the current conditions of our real estate market.

Happily serving, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Naples, Marco Island, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Estero, Cape Coral, and Matlacha.

Providing Excellence & Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Shane & Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 24 2009 06:39PM

Crown Colony Homes For Sale!

Beautiful homes in Crown Colony for sale!  Fort Myers Short Sales, Foreclosures and Conventional Sales available in this highly desirable golfing community in Fort Myers, FLContact us for more information.

Crown Colony Shane and Joy Goushaw Crown Colony Entrance

                                                Crown Colony Homes Shane and Joy Goushaw

                                                                          Crown Colony Homes

                          Crown Colony Golf Shane and Joy Goushaw

                                                                           Crown Colony Golf

Shane and I are available to answer your Fort Myers or Lee County Real Estate questions.  It is better to ask then to wonder and our focus is on educating our clients so that they can be as successful as possible in the purchase or sale of their home.

Providing Excellence and Service in Your Real Estate Experience!

Happily serving Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Nort Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island.

Shane and Joy Goushaw

Licensed Professional Florida Realtors

Sandals Realty

Cell:  239-823-5280

Fax:  239-245-8042

sgoushaw@hotmail.com

Our Website:  www.FortMyersRealEstateFloridaHomes.com

Our Blogsite: www.WeLuvFortMyers.com

0 commentsJoy & Shane Goushaw • October 14 2009 08:26PM