Bill Gillhespy's Fort Myers Beach Blog

2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest - Final Day

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:15:30 -0600

The Fort Myers Beach 2009 Sand Sculpting Championship is in the books. It appears crowds this year were slightly less than last year. Perhaps the windy weather or economy held things down. Those in attendance were treated to an excellent contest and the following pics show the talent of the 16 Master carvers.

The themes ranged from the whimsical to the patriotic. This eagle was a crowd pleaser.

Imagine the time spent carving these geo designs !

Dolphins are always popular and this carving was a hit with the kids !

Castles in the sky or on Fort Myers Beach. Crowd favorite Amazin' Walter makes it look easy !

And the winner is ?!?!?! This entry qualifies the carver for the World Championship in Washington D.C.

Hope you enjoyed my pics of the 2009 Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting Championships. All pics takes with a Nikon D80, 18 - 155 tele or Sugma 10-20 wide angle.

Let me help you find your own castle here in paradise !

2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest - Day 5

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:27:53 -0600

The 2009 Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting Championships are in high gear with 16 National and World Champions working feverishly to meet the deadline for completion and judging. Crowds drove, cycled, walked, bused and trollied to the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach to see the carvers up close.

Carvers use different things for inspiration and some of the entries reflect an eclectic flair.

Would your kids even know what this is ?!?!

Some sculpting seem to defy gravity !

Looking for a room with a view far above the madding crowd ?

This one is more of a geometric interpretaion.

And my personal favorite from " Amazin' Walter " .

2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest - Day 4

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:31:51 -0600

The action is really starting to heat up as the carvers are allowed to start the " pound up " for their creations. The " pound up " as it is affectionately known is when the carvers, without any help, position their wooden forms ontheir designated plot of sand. The sand is native to Fort Myers Beach and considered to be some of the best inthe world.

Each wooden form is filled by shovel with sand for 3-4 inches. Then water is poured in the form and the carver then " tamps " the mixture with a 15 pound tamper ! This is brutal, back breaking work which goes on for several hours. As each form is filled to the top the carver then positions another on top of the first. At this point shoveling sand and hoisting buckets of water become even more difficult as some of them are 3 or 4 forms high !

Men and women compete against each other for top honors. No helpers allowed !

The weather has taken a turn for the cooler and some dark menacing clouds threatened to risrupt the hard work of the carvers. The event goes on regardless of the weather !

Crowds are building for the final presentation and judging on Sunday. I'll be there! Hope your enjoying the 2009 Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting contest as much as I am !

2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest - Day 3

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:14 -0600

The 2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting contest Day 3 was Thursday Nov 5, 2009. The individual piles of sand are in place and ready for the carvers to begin ! This picture shows a contestant assembling the forms for her entry. After the forms are in place the carver, without help from otherss ) starts filling the form with sand. After filling several inches of sand the contestant pours water into the form and uses a 15 lb tamper to pack the water/sand mixture. This is brutal work and gets even more difficult as the forms get higher and higher.

The first sculpting involves creation of corporate logos for sponsors. This is done free hand and often involves handing the carver a business card from which they must create an exact replica. In this picture you can see a business card in the left hand of the carver and her design starting to take shape !

The corporate logo pile is located directly in front of the Holiday Inn on the beach side.

Some of the amazing detail on the logos makes wandering among the sculptings a real treat !

After many hours the corporate logo pile begins to take shape !

2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest - Day 2

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:10:21 -0600

The 2009 Fort Myers Beach 23rd Annual Sand Sculpting Contest - Day 2 photos. Things are definitely heating up as world class sculptors converge on the beach in front of the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn to begin carving in earnest. The first challenge is to turn what was a huge pile of beach sand into a collection of corporate logos !

These sand piles are the raw material for what will eventually be the finished sculptings. The sand is from our beach and considered some of the best in the world for it's " carving, holding and finishing " characteristics.

This huge pile of sand sits in front of the Holiday Inn and provides a terific public relations boost for the corporate sponsors. All carving is done free hand with various tools and a whole lot of patience !

Carvers will complete the corporate logo sandpile and then begin the individual sculptings.

Visitors to the island can watch the competition from the Tiki deck at the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn or stroll through the individual carvings. Admission ( Fri _ Sun ) is $3/kid, $5/adult & $10/family.

The 23rd Annual Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting contest runs through Sunday Nov 8, 2009. Bring the family and don't forget the camera ! I'll post Day 3 tomorrow ! Your comments are always welcome !

Fort Myers Beach 2009 Sand Castle contest - Day One

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:12:56 -0600

The annual Fort Myers Beach Sand Castle contest started Tuesday Nov 3, 2009. This day is used for welcoming sculptors, layout for the various locations and preparing for the first carving event. There are several significant changes in the event for 2009. Rather than spread out between the Fort Myers Beach Holiday Inn and the Outrigger Resort this year will see a smaller footprint consisting of the main activities on the beach side of the Holiday Inn and the Point Estero building. This should make it easier for visitors to see all of the entries.

Shown here is the mound of sand destined for the corporate logos of sponsors. Katie Corning, Site Director and accomplished sculptor, discusses the finer points of the sand found right here on Fort Myers Beach . It is considered to be some of the best in the world !

The Chamber of Commerce also determined that the " Master " entries would be roped off and admission would be charged starting Saturday: $3 for kids, $5 foradults & $10 for a family pass.

This is how the site looks after initial preparation. Next will come the individual sites for each of the carvers. The contest is carefully monitored and carvers are not allowed any helpers once the event kicks off.

Bill Gillhespy is a Century 21 Realtor, resident of Fort Myers Beach and loves sharing the island with visitors. 239 699-7128

Fort Myers Beach Point Estero luxury highrise price reduction !

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:10:09 -0500

Point Estero is one of the finest addresses on Fort Myers Beach and this 15th floor 2/2 has a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico and bay. Recent upgrades make this an excellent value. On-site rental program available with approz $28k rental income. Beautifully furnished and located on the widest beach on the island.

This building allows rentals or full time residency by the owner. Or, you could use it for personal use and rent to friends and family.

The lush pool and landscaping add to the enjoyment and privacy. Private tennis courts included.

Point Estero is located close to shopping, restaurants, movie theater, island golf course and pharmacy.

This unit has sweeping views from all rooms and stunning sunsets at days end.

Owner wants ofers on this spectacular 2/2 unit. Just reduced to $699. Compare to lower floor units and call to schedule a showing: Bill Gillhespy 239 699-7128.

This Fort Myers Beach listing comes with a watchdog !

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:59:18 -0500

I was doing an OPEN HOUSE at my 8305 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach listing and decided to get some practise with my new camera. This engaging fellow was kind enough to patiently pose for me while I fiddled with the settings. Cranes are common here on the island and seem to enjoy being photographed !

The shot was taken with a Nikon 78-135 tele lens about 15 feet away. He was looking for some lunch in the canal below.

The house is an executive ranch, 3/2 with caged pool and covered boat lift.

This canal home is on the preferred south end of Fort Myers Beach. Current owners love this place and also do approx $30k in rentals ! To arrange a showing or additional details please contact me direct: 239 699-7128.

A Sunday Funny for my Active Rain Friends !

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:20:17 -0500

A friend just sent me this joke. It has been around for awhile so for those who haven't seen this one and I have no clue as to the author !

Subject: THE DEAF WIFE

THE DEAF WIFE A man feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss. Here's what you do," said the Doctor, "stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response." That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens." Then in a normal tone he asks, 'Honey, what's for dinner?" No response. So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Still no response. Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again he gets no response. So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey,what's for dinner?" Again there is no response. So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner?" (I just love this) "Ralph , for the FIFTH time, CHICKEN!"

Have a fun Sunday !

What happens when a lender can’t produce the original note?

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:22:06 -0500

This discussion concerns the obligation of a lender to produce the original note if they wish to pursue a foreclosure.

Via Rick Misitano (Law Offices of James M. Bosco & Associates):

A growing number of homeowners around the country are using a foreclosure defense that may help them retain their homes. It’s called “Produce the Note” and we want you to know this is not a mere technicality that should be treated lightly by the lender or by the Court.

Everyone needs to understand the importance of this issue. When a lender can’t produce the original note, allowing a foreclosure to proceed puts the homeowner at risk of owing that debt again to another party in the future. Therefore, great caution must be taken before a judge can allow someone who can’t produce the original note to cash in on your home.

What if Your Lender CAN’T Produce the Note?

So, what happens when the lender tells the Court it can’t produce the original note, because it is lost? Let’s start with the basics. If a lender wants to foreclose on a property, it has to be able to show that it is, in fact, the appropriate person to whom the money is owed. That right to foreclose belongs ONLY to the person who has legitimate POSSESSION OF THE ORIGINAL NOTE - not a copy, not an electronic entry, but the original note itself with the original signature of the person(s) who allegedly owes the money along with appropriate raised notary seal and signature. So, if you are faced with a foreclosure, you have every right to demand that the person or entity trying to take your property, first prove to the Court that they have the legal right do to so in the first place by proving they have legal possession of the original promissory note.

In my opinion, an original mortgage note is much like legal tender and should be guarded and protected as such by the person holding such an asset. Loosing an original mortgage note is like loosing a $100 bill or a gift card or a lottery ticket. What if I scratched that million dollar ticket and just stuck it somewhere and misplaced it? Do you think I could just show up at lottery headquarters and claim my prize without having the winning ticket? The same principle applies to the person or entity claiming to be the legal holder of an original mortgage note. He who holds the note holds the key.

What the Lender Must Do

What often happens, however, is that the lender claims it doesn’t have the original note, because that note has been lost or destroyed. If the lender is making such a claim, the law requires the lender to prove all of the following under the “Uniform Commercial Code”, which is a set of laws governing commercial transactions that many states have adopted. It contains a specific provision on this subject (Section 3-309) which states that a person can enforce a promissory note without having the original, BUT only under certain limited circumstances.

1. The person or entity has to swear and attest that it no longer has the original note;
2. The person or entity has to prove that it was properly in possession of the note and was entitled to enforce it WHEN it lost possession of the note;
3. The person or entity has to prove it didn’t “lose” possession simply because it transferred the note to someone else (i.e., it’s not really lost); and
4. The person or entity has to prove that it cannot produce the original note because the instrument was destroyed or its whereabouts cannot be determined or it was stolen by someone who had no right to it.

All of these matters have to be definitively proven by the person or entity trying to foreclose on the property. It is not the obligation of the borrower to prove or disprove any of this. The borrower can challenge the right of the person or entity trying to foreclose and demand proof.

The Court’s Important Role

It is up to the Court to determine whether the lender has satisfactorily proven why it no longer can produce the original note. The Court also has to be satisfied that when the original note was lost, the person trying to foreclose on the property had possession of the note at the time it was lost. Until the Court has been satisfied of all of this, the foreclosure cannot proceed.

It is also important for the Court itself to understand that this issue is not merely a “technicality” and the judge should not be satisfied with anything less than full proof of this issue. The Court itself needs to appreciate the fact that if it should agree that an original note has been legitimately lost (and allows the foreclosure to proceed) it is the borrower who is still at risk.

Why? Because incredibly, even if a Court has found that the original note is lost and the foreclosure sale is finalized, if someone later turns up with the original note and proves that it is the proper holder of the note, and not the person who foreclosed on the property, the original borrower is STILL LIABLE.

That’s right. Someone took your home and the Court allowed it because it believed that the lender proved that the note was lost and it was the proper party. Then someone legitimate shows up in the future with the actual note and you still owe that person the money even though your property was taken with the blessing of the Court. Trust me, this is a very serious issue regarding post foreclosures and post pre-foreclosure short-sales. It has happened to three of our own clients! These homeowners had the need to sell their property by means of a negotiated short-sale (so they could avoid a foreclosure) only to find out that the entity claiming to have the legal right and authority to enter into such negotiations and accept such settlements sold their note to another entity and weren’t even aware of it. Several months later, the newly assigned lenders (now claiming to be the rightful owners of our client’s original notes) have since come forward and have also filed suite seeking to recover their entire outstanding principle balances owed to them (prior to the homeowners closing their short-sale transactions with the wrong note holders).

How fair is that?!?! It’s not! And that’s why homeowners need to start fighting back when someone is trying to take their home by foreclosure, especially since an overwhelming percentage of mortgages granted over the last 3 to 5 years have been packaged into securities and re-sold and re-assigned numerous times since the inception of the borrower's original note and mortgage. In some states, homeowners have better than a 50/50 chance of being successful in defending themselves against a completed foreclosure. Why wouldn’t anyone who owns a home do everything in their power to protect and defend it?

All the Best,

Rick D. Misitano, Senior Paralegal
Law Offices of James M. Bosco & Associates
Methuen Executive Park
240 Pleasant Street
Methuen, Massachusetts 01844
Phone: (978) 687-8804
Fax: (978) 687-8872
boscolaw@comcast.net

Welcome to my Fort Myers Beach Blog

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:46:18 -0500

Hi and Welcome to this blog devoted exclusively to Fort Myers Beach, Florida !

I have been a licensed Realtor with Century 21 Tripower here on Fort Myers Beach for 5 years. My family and I are from Muskegon, Michigan. Our daughters and dog " Pepper " love the friendly feeling of the island and enjoy having friends and family visit us.

This blog will be an open dialog between myself and anyone who stops by with a question or comment. It is primarily meant to help those looking to buy or sell real estate on Fort Myers Beach and surrounding areas. I love this island and its' people ! From time to time I will ask experts in related fields to contribute to this blog to provide visitors with quality, independent and accurate information. Real estate for most people is the largest investment they will make ! It is my goal to assist you with that decision. Helping you achieve your goals, your dreams.

Thanks for stopping by ! Please add a comment or question and I will do my best to be helpful.

Speechless Sunday - Eye candy on Fort Myers Beach

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:39:14 -0500

Fort Myers Beach Eye Candy

This sunset is for those of you who have had to endure too much rain lately. Hope all your sunsets are terrific !

Taken on Fort Myers Beach while on my way home after a long day at the office . Now I remember why I love this place !

Eye candy for the soul - Fort Myers Beach - Speechless Sunday

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:50:09 -0500

As many of you know I have upgraded my camera from a simple point & shoot to a Nikon with a wide angle lens and some other stuff which allows me to yake great interior shots in low light conditions. These photos were shot late evening here on Fort Myers Beach. I then did some basic processing to give them somewhat of a dreamlike quality. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed learning about my new system !

Any comments you have are very welcome !

Wordless Wednesday - Eye Candy for the Soul - Fort Myers Beach

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:38:57 -0500

Sunset shot taken on Fort Myers Beach to remind me why I fell in love with this place !

Shot taken with my Canon point & shoot. No editing/processing. Please do not use without my permission !

What to do on Fort Myers Beach this July 4th, 2009

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:32:00 -0500

Looking for some fun family outings for your Independance Day on Fort Myers Beach ? ALways lots to do here on the island and the 4th of July is no different.

4th of July Parae: 10 AM - Starts at Beach School and ends at Lynn Hall Park. Important: The Matazas Bridge will close at 9:30 AM and reopen about noon. There is no bus service on July 4th - the trolly will run from Summerlin Square to Bowditch Park from 7 AM till midnight and from Bowditch Park to Lovers Key from 6:45 AM till 11:40 PM . On Friday, all routes will operate on a Saturday schedule.

4th of July community Family Fun Fair @ Chapel BY The Sea. Watch the parade then stay for a Community Carnival from 10 - 2 PM. Carnival food, games, prizes, face painting and more !

4th of July Fireworks - provided by Semmer Electric starts at dusk at the pier.

Adventures in Paradise: Fireworks cruise - 7:30 PM Call 472 - 8443

Getaway Marina - Fireworks cruise - 8 PM - Call 466-3600

Capt Tony's Fishing Adventure - Fireworks cruise - 7:30 PM Call 415 - 0515

Baywalk @ Times Square Goes All American -

Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill - hot dog eating contest @ 3 PM ( sign up by 1 PM for $10 ) and patriotic costume contest: 1st prize $100

Shipwreck will have pirates from Pieces of Eight holding court in front of the store on Old San Carlos.

Snug Harbor is hosting a kids coloring contest. Steel Drums are on the agenda at 1:30 PM.

Smokin Oyster Brewery and Matanzas Inn Restaurant are offering great Happy Hour, lunch and dinner specials along with entertainment to add to the festivities.

Island Arts Foundation presents Willia Pooch - July 4th from 4 - 7 PM

Gather up the littler ones and enjoy a great day and evening here on the island. Enjoy

May 2009 Florida Housing Market Data

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:31:58 -0500

The Florida Association of Realtors released May 2009 housing data and it shows a continued strengthening in housing across the market.

" Statewide sales showed gains over the previous month's sales level in both the existing home and existing condominium markets. Also, for the first time in many months, the statewide median sales price in May for existing homes and for existing condos rose over the previous month's figure. "

"The improving sales of existing single family homes and condos is a trend we have been seeing for several months in Florida. What is new in this month's data release is that we are seeing evidence of prices beginning to firm," says Dr. Sean Snaith, director for the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Competitiveness.

This most recent data supports the view of many analysts that the market may be in a prolonged recovery period. With actual sales up and prices showing additional signs of firming the Florida housing market looks better and better.

The Mayonnaise Jar and Your Life

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:40:08 -0500

This blog/post is from an industry friend of mine. I offer it here as a gentle reminder to us all. Enjoy !

Via Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Condo Specialist (Penn Properties):

Today I received an email with the story about The Mayonnaise Jar and Your Life. You may have read it before but I think it's worth reading again, and again!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.   

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes'.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions, things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.   The sand is everything else - the small stuff.’

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.’

So ... ‘Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'.   
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'   

Please share this with other "Golf Balls" in your life .... I just did!

Finally, even the media says " It is time to get off the fence . " !!!

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:39:22 -0500

Sometimes good things come to those who wait. Sometimes, people who wait too long miss out ! You may remember about 6 months ago I suggested that here on Fort Myers Beach the combination of excellent inventory, historically low financing and sellers who appreciate a well qualified buyer combined to makes this a classic buyer's market. Even the local News Press is suggesting that people sitting on the fence should act now. There is increased activity in every reliable market indicator.

While all real estate is local in nature it seems pretty clear that our island market is beginning to form support for well priced listings. In fact, a few recent properties have had multiple offers and eventually sold above list price ! Are you ready to climb down off the fence ?

Fort Myers Beach USA Open Water Swimming Championships June 12 & 14

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:59:48 -0500

The 2009 USA Open Water Swimming Championships will be held on Fort Myers Beach this Friday and Sunday, June 12 & 14, 2009.

This event will serve as the qualifyer to land a spot on the 2009 US World Championship Team. Swimmers will compete in 5K and 10K distances. The 10K event will serve as the qualifyer for the 2009 US World Championship Team.

Olympians Mark Warkentin and Chloe Sutton will compete in the 10K division on Sunday.

Additional info available at: www.usaswimming.org

Fort Myers Beach Volley Ball Tournament - 2009

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:09:29 -0500

Whether you play beach volley ball or just like to watch it you are in luck this week end June 6 & 7, 2009. The tournament takes place on Fort Myers Beach in front of the Holiday Inn. Two person teams will compete in the pro and non-pro divisions. Pros start Saturday morning at 8 AM and expect to crown a champion by end of day. The non-pro teams start Sunday morning and conclude by dusk.

Action started early after some morning rain !

Perfect weather, great " eye candy " and tough competition on Fort Myers Beach !

Grab a lawn chair and head for the Holiday Inn on Fort Myers Beach for the volley ball action.

Interested in learning more about Fort Myers Beach ?

Bill Gillhespy

239 699-7128

www.BillSellsFortMyersBeach.com

Fort Myers Beach " OPEN HOUSE " Sunday May 24, 2009 10 - 1 PM

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:33:03 -0500

If you are on Fort Myers Beach Sunday please do stop by my open house at 5530 Williams Dr. and say " HI ". I will be holding this beautiful 3/2 canal home open from 10 AM until 1 PM. It has a caged pool, boat lift and is nicely situated on 125 ft of canal ( 2.5 lots ! )

Williams is considered one of the best streets on the island and this beautiful home has a great floorplan and quite spacious. Offered at $699k and is move in ready with furnishings included !

Looking to buy or sell on Fort Myers Beach ? Call me direct with what you are looking for and I will try to help !

239 699-7128

www.BillSellsFortMyersBeach.com

Offered at $ 699k furnished. Call me direct for info on this and other Fort Myers Beach homes and condos : 239 699-7128. Have a terrific Easter !

Fort Myers Beach Elementary FCAT scores are tops !

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:14:21 -0500

The latest FCAT ( Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests ) scores for third graders show outstanding results for the Fort Myers Beach Elementary School ! The tests are given state wide and results provide a glimps into the effectiveness of local schools.

"We work very hard and sometimes it shows, as it has this year," said Fort Myers Beach Principal Larry Wood, who saw 100 percent of his school's third-graders score at grade level or higher in math and 95 percent of the class do so in reading.

"We've got a great staff and tremendous support from our community and parents," Wood said. "We're very proud of our kids."

The local elementary is supported by a great staff and parent support groups. Congratulations to all of the kids and staff !

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Memorial Day (x5)

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:45:56 -0500

Let's all pause to remember the really important things !

Via Robert Rauf (REMN The Real Estate Mortgage Network):

Happy Memorial Day

Rob

Robert Rauf

Mortgage Banker

www.RobertRaufHomeLoans.com or my blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/rrauf

(732)223-1630 x102

Since 1987 I have been helping my clients fulfill their dream of home ownership!

Real Estate Mortgage Network

NJ Mortgages, New Jersey Mortgages, Mortgages in NJ, mortgage in New Jersey, Mortgages in New Jersey

Wordless Wednesday - Much needed rain headed for Fort Myers Beach

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:31:22 -0500

Fort Myers Beach gets plenty of sun shine. We also need some rain for the farmers, reservoirs, etc. Shot with a Nikon D80, 18-135 tele lens. Can you see the rain ? Can you feel it, smell it ?

April 2009 Market Report for Fort Myers & Southwest Florida

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:35:42 -0500

The latest sales figures for Southwest Florida and in particular the greater Fort Myers area confirm what agents have said for some months now: The market continues to rebound and show continued support. Statistics are from the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach as of May 14, 2009.

April home sales were up 105.5% year to year with 1,406 existing single-family homes sold, compared to 684 in April '08. Pending sales improved 60.2% year to year, with 2,368 single-family homes pending versus 1,478 a year ago,

Of significance is the drop in the number of single family homes listed on the MLS (at the end of April, there were 8,665 active listings of existing single-family residential properties compared to 12,324 a year ago, a decline of 29.7%). The supply of single-family homes shrunk to 3.7 months, which is less than half of what it was a year ago, when the supply was 8.3 months.

If you have any interest in ownership opportunities call me ASAP 239 699-7128 Those choosing to wait for the " Bottom " may have already missed it !

If you are considering selling now would be a great time to get your property listed.

The predictions that it would take several years to clear out the distressed properties was clearly wrong. There will be additional distressed listings making their way to the market as mortgage problems continue but the buyers have shown an appetite for them. The only snag now is the inability of banks and lenders to efficiently process the offers and get them to a closing !