For those of you who have visited Punta Gorda recently, I think you will agree that we have a lot of development going on in our downtown.  It really is quite exiting.  A recent articles in the Charlotte Sun gave an update on two projects; one on the home stretch and another just starting. I have electronic copies of the article available for those who are interested. Simply contact me and I'll forward it on to you. The project on the home stretch is the Sunloft Center.  They just removed the large crane off the top of this 4 story building which has been there for over a year.  If you haven't seen this building in person the pictures don't do it justice.  With the mix of façade styles, owner Franz Hartl and architect Bill Pansari have made this building much different than your typical... 05/29/2008

The most common question that I hear from prospective buyers these days is, "Has the real estate market hit bottom yet?".  That is a difficult question to answer because you can never tell when you're at the bottom.  In fact, you won't know for sure until the market data shows that you have already started to rebound.  At that point, for those trying to time the market, they have missed the bottom.  What I can tell you is that our office has definitely noticed an increase in activity.  I looked at our MLS data that shows year to date (1-1-08 thru 5-15-08) there have been 61 homes sold in Punta Gorda Isles.  This compares to 45 sold in the same period last year.  That's a 35.5% increase.  Plus there are another 33 homes in PGI in pending (under contract, but not yet closed).  The Charlot... 05/16/2008

I recently was at a listing appointment in Burnt Store Isles (on of the two waterfront communities in the city of Punta Gorda, FL). The seller kept telling me that he felt like he was "giving away" his property and that buyers were "incredibly stupid" not to swoop in and pay a little more for his property than I suggested that he ask for it.   He told me that the baby boomers are coming, that they are not making any more waterfront properties, Punta Gorda's downtown is growing and that interest rates are near historic lows.  I agreed with him on all points.  In fact, I am more optimistic and enthusiastic for Charlotte County's long term real estate prospects than almost anyone on the planet.   After we had both agreed that our County's real estate future looked great and that buyers wer... 02/21/2008

 Marco Island Home Owners, don't get too excited -- we are on the list at #5.Moody's Economy.com predicts the Punta Gorda area will see the worst declines in the nation, with a 35 percent drop. A drop of 29.6 percent is predicted for the Naples-Marco Island housing market, which ranked No. 5 on Moody 's predictions of worst declines, while the Cape Coral-Fort Myers market was No. 22 on the list, with a decline of 22.6 percent.Why did this happen? Read the Rest of the Story at:  Punta Gorda to have nations worst housing price drop   Read Also: My Marco Island Luxury Home Won't Sell-Are YOU Chasing the Market Down? 01/02/2008

One of the highlights for Charlotte County each and every year is the lighted boat parade.  In fact, it is so popular that there are actually two different parades separated by 1-2 weeks.  For those of you who have never heard of a lighted boat parade, it is quite the spectacle and party.  In 2007, there were over 30 registered boats.  Each of these boats took the time (sometimes months) to decorate their boats with Christmas lights.  Some boats have 4 or 5 strings of lights from bow to aft.   Some have full scenes depicted by dancing and flashing lights affixed to every conceivable part of the boat.  Leaping whales, Santa flying, Palm Trees swaying and the Grinch removing his sunglasses are all scenes from past parades.  Needless to say, a boat decorated with lights depicting a scene o... 12/17/2007

The typical scenes of snowy days and a "White Christmas" are not going to be found in Florida.  However, that does not mean that the spirit of the holidays is any way diminished.   The festive spirit is just demonstrated in different and arguably, quite unique ways.  When driving our streets during the holidays at night, it is not uncommon to see yards full of palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights.  Whole yards become an oasis of lighted Christmas palms.  Because our weather is beautiful during this time of the year, lighted boat parades and a holiday parade through downtown are both anticipated and well-attended.  It helps that the total preparation for such an event involves throwing on a pair of flip-flops and shorts.For sports fans, Christmas time in Florida brings college football... 12/14/2007

I was recently asked by a potential seller whether or not it was worth putting their home on the market since nothing was selling. I was amused by the question because what the seller really wanted to know was whether it was worth it to put their home on the market at a higher price given today's current pricing.If you watch the nightly news or read the national newspapers, you would think that our real estate market is at a dead standstill and that is just not true. Take a look at some of the numbers for closed homes in a few of our local subdivisions from May 1st through November 1 (a six-month period):Punta Gorda Isles - 57 homesBurnt Store Isles - 13 homesDeep Creek - 105 homesPirate Harbor - 4 homesBurnt Store Lakes - 9 homesHarbour Heights - 10 homesBobcat Trail - 7 homes(*These n... 12/06/2007

The year 2011 is going to see the retiring of  the first of the baby boomer generation those born between 1946 and 1964 they will turn 65.A lot of boomers have been retiring early - age 50- and Port  Charlotte - Florida  between other cities in the state will continue to attract more of them.One of the NAR's designation is the SRES- Seniors Real Estate - is a program that instructs realtors to ethically serve the industry and the needs of buyers 55 years and up.I was on floor time when a couple with plans to retire in Florida visit the office looking for a Senior Real Estate professional. I decided to take the course this upcoming 2008.The course consisits of two day classes with an 80% passing grade of the exam, be an active member of the NAR, and mantain an active membership in the SR... 12/02/2007

Looking back over the last few months and reviewing my February blog, I'm somewhat gratified to say"I told you so". Back then most agents were touting a quick turn around in the local market. Mostly wishful thinking. I said back then that we were in for a long hard turn around.Since my last blog we've experienced a major credit crunch. Home prices continue to fall and the daily press is full of doom and gloom. Have I changed my position? No, not really but being something of a contrarian I do think it's an even better time to invest in southwest Florida Real Estate. The fact of the matter is that many people who were previously potential buyers are presently viewing their future as renters. What this means is that if you have the courage and fortitude to invest in investment rental inco... 10/21/2007

Some times it is good to get in your car and leave Broward and Miami-Dade to explore the other areas Florida has to offer, such as the Gulf side of florida. The place, *Pirate Harbor*, "YO HO HO,' a secret gold mine for the Florida Boater/Fisherman, who wants to live on the water, very close to the World's best Tarpon Fishing, doesn't want to worry about boating traffic, or bridges and loves the appearance of Disney World. Afterall, that is what it looked like to me! It was love at first sight! The housing was a seen from Disney with one and two story homes, manacured lawns, and georgous yachts along the canals.Pirate Harbor is it's own island of sorts, with direct access from Burnt Store Highway with 8 navigatable canals to choose from. All of the streets have pirates names such as Cap... 09/20/2007

This fantastic home, located in Punta Gorda's quiet section of Deep Creek has been price reduced from  $260000. to $230000. The home was totally rebuilt after Hurricane Charlie and has a beautiful Pebble Tech pool with a Cool Crete finish on the decking around the pool. The home has hurricane shutters all around it and is the perfect place to entertain. When the home was rebuilt, the owners added an in home stereo/radio/CD system. The kitchen has granite counter tops and the entire home has new appliances! This is a real must see! Give me a call to see this home!!! 08/08/2007