Cape Coral Foreclosures

The 9 Real Estate Investor Rules

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:32:30 -0600

For the potential SW Florida home buyer it's a great time to buy as we have hit the bottom and there's proof prices are going up. This coming season in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs and surrounding areas you will come across amazing deals. When you find a home you like, be ready to pull the trigger. Thanks to the recent media attention, our market is saturated with buyers looking for a deal.

Your home buying decision may have to be a quick one. Follow these real estate investor rules and avoid making a big mistake! Before you buy remember the "9 types of houses you shouldn't buy".

9 types of houses you shouldn't buy

1. Small house (less than 1200 sq/ft)

2. Small master bedroom (especially if lacking closet space)

3. Busy street (main road or very close to one)

4. Bad location (far from conveniences or near to undesirable areas)

5. Bad layout (living and dining areas must have a logical flow)

6. No garage (1 car isn't good either)

7. Bad lot (non-conforming shape)

8. Mixed use commercial or multi family

9. Messy neighbors (can bring the value of your home down by 20%)

Cape Coral Short Sale – Do you qualify to sell your home as a short sale?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:04:22 -0600

Cape Coral Short Sale - Are you qualified to sell your home as a short sale?

Are you upside down on your primary residence or 2^nd home and need to sell? Have you stopped making mortgage payments because you really can not afford to do so? Selling the home as a short sale may be the answer.

A Short Sale is when your mortgage holder agrees to accept less money than the amount actually owed on the mortgage. A short sale can be successfully negotiated. Lately, the mortgage lenders have been accepting more short sale contracts and statistically more short sale purchases have been closing. Some lenders are easier to deal with than others. The seller must proper and convincing documentation to the mortgage lenders that they can no longer afford to make payments. The property value must have fallen below the amount of the loan.

If the mortgage lender approves the short sale, the home can be sold without the seller having to come up with cash to cover the shortfall. The mortgage is satisfied.

How do you get started if you think you may be able to sell your home as a short sale? First of all, contact me so we can discuss your homes selling potential. If you decide to move forward with the sale I will list and market your home to the highest profession standard. At the same time, get your financial information organized and write a hardship letter. You will also have to sign a release to RL Towns Consulting. This is a professional negotiating firm that I prefer to use. The actual negotiations start with the offer.

You can expect the negotiation to take 3 to 6 months. Success depends on the seller's cooperation with the negotiator and the buyer's willingness to wait through the process.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to sell. How will i work for you? See my client testimonials
www.incredibleagents.com
Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
cell: 239-292-1358
e-mail: bklare@comcast.net
www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

Cape Coral Market Report for August 1st – October 31st 2009

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:12:46 -0600

Looking For a Real Estate Deal in Cape Coral? Call 239-292-1358. I Specialize in Cape Coral foreclosure property – Bank Owned - REO Homes – Short Sales … Free list e-mailed daily. Visit www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

Cape Coral Market Report for August 1st – October 31st 2009

Total 1,637 single family Cape Coral homes sold
710 foreclosures
509 non-distress sale
418 short sales
November 1st 2060 single family Cape Coral homes active on market

Although this season is usually sluggish in the real estate market, Cape Coral home sales were still strong. The market remained hectic. Short sale closings have greatly increased over the past year. Might be banks are have finally realized they better take the money and run!

The average sale price of foreclosed homes is $82,219. Most of these distressed homes were snapped up within a few days with the average “days on market” being just 12. Average sale price was 100.6% of asking price. Multi offers situations are the norm.

Gulf Access homes were great deals. The average price is $249,900 with 64 days on the market and selling at 96% of asking price.
The coming season is expected to be busy. Many more foreclosure will be coming on the market. Higher end homes and coming through the foreclosure process and will soon be on the market. This may be the chance to buy the SW Florida home you’ve always dreamed of.

OVERSIZED BUILDING LOT WITH DEEP WATER DIRECT ACCESS

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:08:33 -0500

Harbour Preserve, the most prestigious section of Cape Harbour gated gulf access community - OVERSIZED BUILDING LOT WITH DEEP WATER DIRECT ACCESS - Private boat dock, basin view, southeastern exposure. Purchase lot and have your dream home built by one of Cape Harbour’s designated builders.

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239-292-1358
www.barbaraklare.com

Lot is priced to sell at $399,000. Owner financing may be available.
Cape Harbour is luxury yachting community located in Cape Coral Florida.
www.capeharbour.com

So You Want to Buy a Cape Coral Foreclosure?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:36:19 -0500

Yes, we all know it’s a buyer’s market in Cape Coral and this SW Florida city is the number 2 foreclosure capital of the country. Sales have been strong since November with April being exceptional.

Most of these sales were foreclosures or short sales. Since the media has been working overtime getting news of these exceptional home prices to the public, these distressed homes are being snapped up within a few days, selling above asking price. Multi offers, going for best and highest are the norm. It seems everyone wants great deal on a wonderful home in a tropical paradise.

Although it’s a buyers market, it may be difficult to get your bid accepted. You may need to help of a Realtor with a lot of experience selling foreclosed homes to get the home you want to buy.

If you’re thinking about taking advantage of today’s home buying opportunity, hire me, a professional Realtor who’s an expert in the foreclosure market. I’ll find you the best deal out there.

To receive free online listing visit: www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com and sign up on the information form

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
e-mail: bklare@comcast.net

:: SW Florida Realty Report ::

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:46:11 -0500

March 1391 homes sold
905 foreclosures $100 to $725,000
297 non-distress sale $27,000 to $3,000,000
189 short sales $12,000 to $1,350,000

April 1464 homes sold
974 foreclosures $2,000 to $569,990
312 non-distress sale $11,400 to $1,875,000
178 short sales $24,500 to $1,150,000

May 1213 homes sold
710 foreclosures $8,900 to $540,000
327 non $9,650 to $4,912,000
176 short sales $33,000 to $999,000

June 1st 786 active foreclosure listings

The busy home hunting market of March made April ’09 a real estate record breaker with a whopping 1,464 single family homes sold in South West Florida that month. Bank owned homes that had been through the foreclosure process accounted for 974 (66%) of these sales.

The high sales price of a bank owned home was $569,990 for an awesome 2005 built, 3100 sq ft gulf access pool home located in a prime SW Cape Coral neighborhood. The lowest sales price was $2,000 for an auctioned off 1947 built 3300 sq ft dilapidated, relic of a pool home in North Fort Myers. Both homes were absolute steals!

About 2/3 of these foreclosed homes were in the $60,000 to $80,000 range and needing some repairs. Most of these distressed homes were snapped up within a few days, selling above asking price. Multi offers, going for best and highest were the norm.

The home buying frenzy has driven prices up just a bit. The $70,000 pool homes are gone, probably not coming back any time too soon. The home buying frenzy has also put a dent in the inventory of bank owned properties on the market. On June1st, only 786 active foreclosed homes were on the market.

It appears the inventory actually (finally) dwindling? One last wave of foreclosures is expected late summer, the height of our tropical storm season. As the H word keeps the competition away. August and September are traditionally the best time to get a good deal on a SW Florida home.

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239-292-1358
Please visit my website www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com
Email me: bklare@comcast.net

Whaddya Mean There Are Other Offers? I Thought This Was A Buyers' Market!

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:59:39 -0600

Via Elizabeth Bolton - Cambridge MA Real Estate Agent (Coldwell Banker Cambridge, Massachusetts):

Given the unrelenting doom and gloom in the media, it's no wonder you feel like you've got the upper hand when you're looking for a new home.  Visions of lowball offers, grateful sellers, and bargain basement prices dance in your head.

But real estate is local and even today you may find yourself in a competive market where houses sell quickly and still get multiple offers.

There have been a number of multiple offers in my market recently and it can take newcomers by surprise. Some houses, clearly well priced, get half a dozen or more offers the first weekend on the market. So here's a game plan to take you through the crazy, stress-producing process of buying a home when you've got competition.

What's a savvy buyer to do when there are multiple offers?

For starters, don't be discouraged and don't be afraid. It is possible to "win" and get the house of your dreams and it doesn't necessarily mean you have to break the bank to do so. I've bought three of the four properties I've owned in multiple bid situations - including my first house. And I've been happy with every house - no regrets!

Get A Buyers' Agent

You need to be working with a buyer's agent who will represent your interests in the transaction. Sometimes buyers think that going directly to the seller's agent will give them a leg up. But the seller's agent's responsibility is to the seller, not to you as a buyer. And it's quite likely that the seller will still owe the same commission to the listing office even though only one agent is involved in the transaction. And most important - in a multiple bid situation the listing agent's responsibility is to get the best offer for the seller - regardless of whether you've submitted an offer directly to him or her. The sellers' goal is to get more money in their pockets - not the agent's.

You need somebody on your side. A buyers' agent will be able to:

Pull comparable sales info to enable you to decide on a reasonable but competitive offer price

Advise you about real estate activity in the neighborhood for similar houses

Strategize about how to put together a compelling offer that has a strong chance of prevailing in a bidding war

How Does the Seller Decide Which Offer To Accept?

When the seller looks at several offers there are only so many points to compare. You want to shine on all points:

Price - Go over the comparable sales information with your agent. Don't get stuck on the asking price - the house may be purposely priced low to generate excitement - and that strategy worked! Carefully go over the stats and decide on a price that makes sense and seems competitive. Your agent will have experience in the market and be able to offer advice but ultimately you're deciding on an offer price that is comfortable for you and reflects just how much you want the house.

Don't assume that multiple bids means the offers will go sky high - sometimes all the offers can be under the asking price. Other times it does seem the sky is the limit - we've had at least two houses in Cambridge sell for $1,000,000 over the asking price. The comparable sales info and the amount of activity for the listing should give you some sense of how the offers might go.

Dates - Your agent will find out what dates work best for the seller - do your best to meet them. Maybe you'll have to move in with your parents for a few weeks or move more quickly than you had hoped but remember - you'll be moving into the house you love. The temporary inconvenience will be quickly forgotten.

Contingencies - The typical offer contingencies are financing, inspection, and in the case of condominiums, satisfactory review of the condominium documents. You should have a letter of preapproval from your lender at the ready. Be aware that some buyers may very well drop any and all of their contingencies. You have to decide if you are comfortable eliminating any contingencies. Perhaps you have cash on hand from a previous sale or your parents will back you up and you're open to the idea of dropping a financing contingency. Or you had the chance to go through the property with an inspector prior to submitting your offer.

Everyone's situation will be different and everyone's risk tolerance varies as well. Decide what if any contingencies you're comfortable eliminating. And if you are including contingencies discuss with your agent how to minimize the impact - by tightening dates, increasing the dollar value of repairs you're willing to take on, etc.

Deposits - Expectations for deposit amounts vary in different states and regions. Talk to your agent about the norms in your area and consider increasing the deposit.  Thist doesn't cost you anything since the deposit will go towards your down payment. From the sellers' perspective, however, it shows evidence of the seriousness of your offer.

Respect The Emotions Involved In Selling A Home

Don't forget that selling a home is often an emotional transaction. Honor that.  The sellers want to feel good about passing on their home to its new caretakers.

Now is not the time for pointed questions or asking for repairs - though that time may come if you've allowed for an inspection. Remember - you're being compared with other buyers. Don't stand out as a pain in the neck - it's not to your advantage if you want the house.

Keep extraneous issues out of the offer.  You're buying a house - not the furniture. Focus on the goal and talk about extras later.

And one no-cost but often very effective tool is a letter to the sellers.  Write about who you are, why you love the house, and how you'll take good care of it. Mention any special things that stood out to you. If you can tell the sellers took good care of the house say so. If you like their decorating mention that. Sellers will often remember and remark about the letter weeks after receiving it.

Ultimately the seller wants the best price and the fewest hassles.  And if they can feel good about the new caretakers of their family home all the better.

What Happens Next?

There aren't any rules for how the seller chooses an offer. You may get an opportunity to better your offer and resubmit at an agreed upon time. Or the seller may choose one of the offers on the spot. It's typically to your advantage to submit as strong an offer as possible in the first round.  But it also might not a bad idea to have a small buffer so that you can increase your offer by a few thousand if given the chance. But remember - you might not get that chance. Plan accordingly and put your best foot forward.

Go For It!

Some buyers are tempted to walk away from a multiple offer situation without even making a bid. But if you've found the house you really want - give it your best shot. A multiple bid situation is not insurmountable. And you can't assume that you'll have to write a sky high offer to get your offer accepted.    When I sold my first house, purchased in a bidding war during a down market, one of the first people at the open house was one of the other bidders from five years before. I never regretted buying that house and for him it was the one that got away. So - work with your agent, craft your bid, and know that you've done your best. And maybe, just maybe - you'll be the happy new owners. Good luck!

Cape Coral and Fort Myers home buyers! Now is the time to take advantage of low home prices combined with low mortgage rates and make the move!

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:11:01 -0600

Here’s some good news for home buyers! The average rate on 30-year mortgages fell below 5 percent for the first time on record this week. Unprecedented low mortgage rate combined with ultimate low home prices creates a buying opportunity that potential can’t pass up.

Now may be the time to buy the Cape Coral or Fort Myers home you always wanted. Cape Coral gulf access homes and Fort Myers gulf access homes are available at bargain prices. There is also a great selection of entry levy homes for first time buyers or investors in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Many are foreclosures or pre-foreclosures. For a free list of available homes visit www.barbaraklare.com or call 239-292-1358

Freddie Mac reported Thursday average rates on 30-year fixed mortgages dropped to 4.96 percent this week, down from the previous record of 5.01 percent, established last week. Mortgage rates have been going down because the Federal Reserve was going to pump money into the banking system to get banks to create new loans.

Deanna Rivera of Key Mortgage in Fort Myers has seen a tremendous increase in business in recent weeks. The bargain prices of Cape Coral and Fort Myers homes are hard for buyers to resist. For a free no obligation consultation of your home loan goals visit: www.deannarivera.info or call 239-791-5555 Ext 103

Deanna has seen rates as low as 4.525 percent for people with good credit scores. For qualifying buyers Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan programs are have rates about 5.00 percent. 100% financing is still available in some Lee and Collier County areas.

Thinking about buying in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area? Now is the time to take advantage of low home prices combined with low mortgage rates and make the move.

Are You Looking to Buying a Cape Coral Foreclosure?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:22:35 -0600

Are You Looking to Buying a Cape Coral Foreclosure?

There's an amazing selection of Cape Coral foreclosed homes. These homes are now bank or corporate owned. The selection includes waterfront, gulf access, direct access, sailboat access as well as homes on dry lots, some with pools.

Many are newer homes. Now is fantastic home or investment buying opportunity? Use my Realtor expertise to achieve you goal.

Let me know exactly what type of home your looking for.
Sign up on my website for free listings www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

I'm a Cape Coral foreclosure expert and I'm looking foward towards working with you.

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239-292-1358
Email me: bklare@comcast.net
www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

So You Want to Buy a Cape Coral Foreclosure?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:59:22 -0500

Yes, we all know the market in Cape Coral has tanked and this SW Florida city is the number 2 foreclosure capital of the country. Sales have been strong since June with September being exceptional. Most of these sales were foreclosures or short sales. The banks have finally gotten serious about getting these homes sold. The listed price is now the price the bank is certain to sell the home within 30 days. This is great news for today’s buyer. Short sales are also selling. 153 of the 451 homes sold in September were short sales. That is a dramatic turnaround in the lenders’ attitude.

Is there room to negotiate? On homes $125K and under, I would say no. There is little wiggle room here. Most are selling close to 100% of asking price, often over asking price. The competitive price invites multi offers and the banks know what the home is worth. If you plan to low ball, you will miss out on a great buying opportunity.

For example; a home was on the market for $12,350 (a fire sale- literally) it sold 6 days later for $27,000.

However homes on the higher have more wiggle room. Homes listed for $300,000 and above have more room for negotiation as there is less competition.

For example; a home was on the market for $1,850,000. It sold in 116 days for $1,412,500. That’s a steal!

Are lenders writing loans? Absolutely! The buyer has to have a good credit and a decent down payment. Your debt to income ratio has to work out.

If you’re thinking about getting into the market, now is definitely the time to buy. Take advantage of today’s market now.

To receive online listing visit: www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.com

Today’ s Real Estate Market in Cape Coral Florida

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:09:22 -0500

Yes, we all know the market in Cape Coral has tanked and this SW Florida city is the number 2 foreclosure capital of the country. September is traditionally a quiet month for sales here. But in September 2008 sales were a record high.

Most of these sales were foreclosures or short sales. The banks have finally gotten serious about getting these homes sold. The listed price is now the price the bank is certain to sell the home within 30 days. This is great news for today’s buyer. Short sales are also selling. 153 of the 451 homes sold were short sales. That is a dramatic turnaround in the lenders attitude.

Is there room to negotiate? On homes $125K and under, I would say no. There is little wiggle room here. Most are selling close to 100% of asking price, sometimes over asking price. The competitive price invites multi offers and the banks know what the home is worth. If you plan to low ball, you may miss out on a great buying opportunity.

For example; a home was on the market for $12,350 (a fire sale- literally) it sold 6 days later for $27,000.

However homes on the higher have more wiggle room. Homes listed for $300,000 and above have more room for negotiation as there is less competition.

For example; a home was on the market for $1,850,000. It sold in 116 days for $1,412,500. That’s a steal!

Are lenders writing loans? Absolutely! The buyer has to have a good credit and a down payment. Your debt to income ratio has to make sense.

Anyway, now is definitely the time to buy. Take advantage of today’s market now.

To receive online listing visit: www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.com

What Do You Get For Your Money In Cape Coral Florida?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:44:29 -0500

Cape Coral is a very pretty city located in sunny SW Florida on the Caloosahatchee River. Just west of Fort Myers. Cape Coral has hundreds of miles of canals flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the largest boating communities in Florida. The popular beaches of Ft Myers Beach, Captiva and Sanibel Islands are close by. Living choices include beaching, boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling.

At the moment Cape Coral has a wonderful choice of homes, condos and vacant land. Many properties are bank owned foreclosures. My clients are those looking to make a move now, to buy a second home or invest in a future home.

The question is, what do You get For your money in today’s Cape Coral Real Estate Market?

At the moment Cape Coral has a wonderful choice of homes, condos and vacant land. The time is right to buy.

Below $100,000: Yes, there are many single family homes in this price range. Many are brand new. Ideal purchase for a 1st time home buyer or investor.

$100,000 to $200,000: The majority of Cape Coral homes fall into this price range. These homes are usually in move-in condition. Many have pools.

$200,000 to $400,000: This is the bargain Cape Coral gulf access price range. The higher the price the closer the Gulf is.

$400,000 to $800,000: These homes are the larger, newer, superb Gulf Access or direct, sailboat access, full of top quality amenities. These homes are now there the ultimate deal.

$800,000 and above: This is luxury living by any standard. If you were to compare Cape Coral waterfront prices to other areas of the country, these properties are truly a good value.

To receive online listing visit: http://www.barbaraklare.com/search.html

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.com

Cape Coral Foreclosures – Is This the Time to Buy?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:58:11 -0500

Untitled Document

Over the past few years Cape Coral has quickly gone from Florida's fastest growing community to the foreclosure capital of the world. At the moment there are hundreds of foreclosed single family homes on the market. The lending institutions and finance corporations who are now the owners of foreclosed homes hire professional Realtors to list and sell the homes. Foreclosed homes can normally be found on the MLS. At this time the selection of foreclosed homes is awesome. It should not be difficult to find exactly the home you're looking for.

Is it a Deal?
It's imperative for the buyer to know the market. Check the recently sold prices on comparable properties. Consider cost of repairs! Get a contractors repair quote during your 10 day inspection period. The sale price is a bargain but you can expect to put money into a foreclosed home. Take Cape Coral utility assessments into account. Make sure to find out if assessments are paid or not.

Avoid Disappointment!
Hire a Realtor that knows the foreclosure market and make an intelligent bid. When the asking price is under market value, don't be surprised to have to offer above asking price. Most opportunities are missed because the potential buyer underbids. The foreclosure market is busy, competition is steep. Buyers from all over the country as well as all over the world are competing for a deal.

What the seller (lending institutions/finance corporations) will require-
-"AS IS" sales contract /acceptance of 5 business days / closing date 30days
-Escrow money (minimum 1% of purchase price)
-A recent pre-approval by a reputable lender or proof of cash funds
-The lender will have several addendums and maybe their own contract to sign.

Cape Coral has many wonderful homes in foreclosure. Are you looking to buy a Cape Coral foreclosure? Use my expertise to achieve you goal.

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239-292-1358
Please visit my website www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com
Email me: bklare@comcast.net

SW CAPE CORAL Florida 33914

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:17:24 -0500

AUCTION! SW CAPE CORAL Owner Finance Available, Newly Remodeled, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath. All Assessments in and Paid, COMPLETE REMODEL!

Seller offers buyer a FREE Cruise to the Bahamas!!! Offers must be $100,000 or higher.

Home will be sold Sunday Night July 13th to HIGHEST BIDDER

Deadline for offers will be Friday night midnight.

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239-292-1358
http://www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com/

What Can You Expect When Buying a Cape Coral Foreclosure?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:30:17 -0500

There's an amazing selection of Cape Coral foreclosed homes. These homes are now bank or corporate owned. The selection includes waterfront, gulf access, direct access, sailboat access as well as homes on dry lots. Many are newer homes. Now is fantastic home or investment buying opportunity, but …..?

Foreclosed homes must be purchased "as is" from the lender or corporate financial institution. Don’t expect a foreclosed home to be in perfect condition. It is possible to inspect these homes before making an offer but often in Cape Coral’s fast moving foreclosure market, there is little time to do a proper professional inspection.

When home owners are faced with foreclosure they usually stop maintaining the home. In Cape Coral’s lovely tropical climate, the landscaping will either die in the winter in become a jungle in the summer. Swimming pools turn green in a matter of weeks. As we move towards Cape Coral’s humid summer, mold may also become an issue.

If mechanicals such as air conditioning, well equipment, pool equipment are broken, malfunctioning or missing the owner of record isn’t going to replace or repair them.

If the owner or tenants are angry they may deliberately destroy the house. They may smash walls and windows or pull out the copper pipes and wiring to sell as scrap metal. More often than not, the appliances, kitchen cabinets and lighting fixtures have been removed and sold.

Be prepared to make cosmetic and/or mechanical repairs. It is important to do your homework. Know the market price and the cost of repairs! The price of a foreclosed home is low; but you may have to put time and money into a foreclosed home. It would be wise to have the time and funds set aside for repairs before you decide to buy a foreclosure.

Cape Coral foreclosed homes, Cape Coral foreclosure, bank owned, corporate owned, waterfront, gulf access, direct access, sailboat access, newer homes, foreclosure market, Cape Coral, foreclosed home, foreclosur

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239-292-1358
Visit: www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com

What do You Get For Your Money In Today’s Cape Coral Real Estate Market?

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:55:31 -0500

What do You Get For Your Money In Today’s Cape Coral Real Estate Market?

Cape Coral is a very pretty city located in sunny SW Florida on the Caloosahatchee River. Just west of Fort Myers, Cape Coral has hundreds of miles of canals flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the largest boating communities in Florida. The popular beaches of Ft Myers Beach, Captiva and Sanibel Islands are close by. Living choices include beaching, boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling.

At the moment Cape Coral has a wonderful choice of homes, condos and vacant land. My clients are those looking to make a move now, to buy a second home or invest in a future home.

Below $100,000: Yes, there are many single family homes out there. This amount of money will probably buy you a smaller home on a dry lot without a pool. In the outer areas of Cape Coral it may be a new home. Close to a central location, it will be older or may be a fixer upper. Ideal buy for a 1st time home buyer or investor.

$100,000 to $200,000: The majority of Cape Coral homes fall into this price range. These homes are usually in move-in condition, convenient locations and full of wonderful amenities. They may be on freshwater canals and have built in pools. Occasionally a gulf access property home will fall into this price point.

$200,000 to $400,000: This is the bargain Cape Coral gulf access price range. The lower the price the further from the Gulf of Mexico the home is. Often there are handy man specials on the lower end of this price point. The upper end of this price point will be a home that is move in condition with pool and dock. There a many excellent choices in this price range.

$400,000 to $800,000: These homes are the larger, newer, superb Gulf Access or direct, sailboat access, maybe be renovated or full of top quality amenities. On the higher end of this price point, you can have a stunning home. These homes were twice the price 2 years ago, now there the ultimate deal.

$800,000 and above: This is luxury living by any standard. In this price range Cape Coral offers a large home on excellent gulf access in this range. If you were to compare Cape Coral waterfront prices to other areas of the country, these properties are truly a good value.

To receive online listing visit: www.barbaraklare.com/search.html

Or call me with any questions you may have 239-292-1358

Cape Coral Gulf Access Living is Now Possible Thanks to, Bank Owned, Foreclosures, and Short Sales

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:02:20 -0500

Have you been waiting to buy REO, bank owned, foreclosure properties in the Cape Coral Florida area?

Cape Coral Florida is an area of SW Florida famous for its lovely boating community and gulf access canals. Cape Coral is a boater's paradise with over 400 miles of canals. Cape Coral waterfront living at reduced prices is now possible. In todays market a normal sale price for a gulf access pool home is $280,000 average.

The response of the home buying public is growing. There were 106 gulf access homes under contract in April. That number is up from 47 in March. May is looking promising already. The inventory will be eaten up quickly at this rate.

If you're a qualified buyer looking to buy a REO, bank owned, foreclosure home, call me and I'll find you an excellent deal.

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.net

visit me online:
http://www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com/

Selling Your Cape Coral Home in Today's Market

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:32:54 -0500

Selling Your Cape Coral Home in Today’s Market!
It looks like homes in Cape Coral, Florida are selling again! You can sell your Cape Coral if you follow these 3 steps.

1. The Price
The worth of your home is exactly what someone is willing to pay for it. I know that sounds harsh but it’s true. The price has nothing to do with what you paid for the home or what you want to get. The listing price should be an estimate, within 5% of the presumed selling price. That listing price will get potential buyers in the door. Today’s buyers are thinking price first amenities second. If you’re not getting 2 or more showings per week your home is probably overpriced. Even in the present market, most homes are sold closer to asking price within 40 days. If after speaking to a Realtor, you’re still uncertain of the value of your home, get a professional appraisal.

2. Staging
No, you don’t have to go out and buy new furniture. Staging means the home should be made as attractive to the potential buyers as possible. Try to see your home through a buyer’s eye, declutter as much as you can possible live without. Remove personal effects. The home should be spotlessly cleaned. Let in as much light in as possible. Arrange furniture to show off any view or the outdoor space. The home must be odor free and smell fresh. Don’t be cooking or have the TV on during showings. Increase your curb appeal by trimming bushes and trees, replacing mulch, patching bald spots on the lawn. If possible get your home power washed. The entry should be inviting as possible.

3. Marketing
Nearly 90% of all home buyers are shopping online. That means the online presentation of your property has to stand out from the crowd. A picture speaks 1000 words. Make sure the photos of your home are exceptional. A visual tour or video will also attract online visitors as the additional media causes your home to come up before homes without tours. In today’s market most homes are viewed and chosen online. Make sure you online presentation stands out from the rest.

Hire me; I’m a licensed Realtor and an accredited Home Stager. Your home will be online, looking its best, at all the top home-search websites with the best photography, visual tour and a dynamic write up that really pops.

For a free sales price estimate, visit
www.barbaraklare.com

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.com

Good news for Cape Coral and Fort Myers Real Estate. THE BOTTOM IS HERE!!

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:37:21 -0500

Good news for Cape Coral and Fort Myers Real Estate. THE BOTTOM IS HERE!! If not the market is just suddenly busy with buying activity. Cape Coral and Fort Myers is priced to sell. Don't miss your chance!

Call me: Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.net

visit me online: http://www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com/

Looking at the Florida Gulf Coast MLS, residential property in Cape Coral and Fort Myers are SELLING! Pending sales have been dramatically increasing since March and will continue through the spring. Home prices are at 2003 prices attracting buyers who have been waiting to purchase a home in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area for years. Newly built foreclosures and gulf access bargains are plentiful. Interest rates are still low. The inventory of available homes gives every buyer the opportunity to make an excellent buying choice. Buyers are getting the amenities they've longed for within their price range. How long will this buyers market last? The market will remain as it is through the summer for sure, maybe through 2008.

If you're thinking of buying, don't miss your chance!

Florida Gulf Coast MLS is the local Cape Coral and Fort Myers MLS. Would you like to search it for free? Go to my website (http://www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com/) and sign up! If you're looking to buy within 3 months, I can send you a customized selection. If your purchase will be later on, I can send you a link to the MLS.

30% of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres Listings aren't for Sale

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:38:46 -0500

After reading about a local story about a soldier's family, victims of a (another) short sale gone bad. I wish they were better informed.

Did you know that properties listed as a short sale are over 30% of the Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres MLS area?

Buyers are attracted to short sales because they THINK they're getting a good deal. A potential buyer finds home online or by making sign calls listed for a price that is TOO LOW for a home in that neighborhood. They are really excited and want to jump all over it. They're getting a DEAL! But before jumping, ask yourself, if this is too good to be true, maybe it's not for real after all. You may be about to make an offer a pre-foreclosure, short sale home. At best short sales are unpredictable. They are never short.

You'll spare yourself a lot of grief by educating yourself about short sales.

Of the approximately 4500 properties listed as a short sale in the Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres MLS how many of these sellers qualify to short sell their property? Is their bank accepting short sales? How many lenders are involved? Does the listing agent know how to transact a short sale? Only 158 short sale transactions have completed since January 1^st. Not a very good tract record.

What's wrong with Short Sales?
A short sale SHOULD mean the seller's lender will accept less than the mortgage payoff and release the existing mortgage. Properties listed as a short sale does not mean the lender will accept your offer, even if you offer the listing price and if the seller signs the sales agreement. In other words it's NOT necessarily FOR SALE.

What to do?
Get representation! I can't stress this enough! Hire an EXPERIENCED REALTOR to work for you. Your Realtor can research the property. Find out who is on title, if a LIS PENDEN has been filed and how much is owed on the property. They will also know the tract record of the listing agent.

A buyer should considerer the following when deciding to pursue the deal. Is the SELLER actually qualified to short sell the home? Has the listing agent submitted the entire short sale package? Is the seller available and cooperating? This is crucial to the deal. If the seller can afford to make payment, the lender won't let him off the hook. The seller may end up having a judgment against him for the difference between the selling price and the mortgage amount.

Have your REALTOR create a CMA to determine the actual value of the property. Don't be surprised if the value is higher than the listing price. Expect the bank to counter at a hire price.

If there are two loans involved, from different lenders, you will have a problem.

Even if you complete all the steps, be prepared to wait up to 3 months to close.

30% of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres Listings aren't for Sale

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:38:31 -0500

After reading about a local story about a soldier's family, victims of a (another) short sale gone bad. I wish they were better informed.

Have your REALTOR create a CMA to determine the actual value of the property. Don't be surprised if the value is higher than the listing price. Expect the bank to counter at a hire price.

If there are two loans involved, from different lenders, you will have a problem.

Even if you complete all the steps, be prepared to wait up to 3 months to close.

30% of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Lehigh Acres Listings aren't for Sale

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:38:16 -0500

After reading about a local story about a soldier's family, victims of a (another) short sale gone bad. I wish they were better informed.

Have your REALTOR create a CMA to determine the actual value of the property. Don't be surprised if the value is higher than the listing price. Expect the bank to counter at a hire price.

If there are two loans involved, from different lenders, you will have a problem.

Even if you complete all the steps, be prepared to wait up to 3 months to close.

Too Many Homes on the Market / To Many Homes on the Market

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:45:32 -0500

Too Many Homes on the Market / To Many Homes on the Market

OK, let's talk about short sales.

Did you know that properties listed as a short sale are over 30% of the Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres MLS area? If it looks as if there are too many homes on the market here's a solution. In your mind's eye, simple delete every 3^rd for sale sign that you see. Does the market look better now?

As of yesterday (4/3/08) there were 4455 properties in the pre-foreclosure (?) position of short sale. Do these sellers qualify to short sell the property? Is their bank accepting short sales? How many lenders are involved? Only 123 short sale transactions have completed since January 1^st. At best short sales are unpredictable. They are never short. They buyer usually gets fed up and walks. Looking at these numbers, I would say you have a far better chance of getting struck by lightening than selling you home as a short sale.

The one thing short sale mania has accomplished aside from clogging up the market is consumer confusion. They prospective buyer actually thinks they home is available at the advertised price. Maybe they can, than again maybe not. The entire transaction is decided on by the Realtor and seller and at the mercy of the lender.

Barbara Klare
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.net

visit me online:
http://www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com/

Coral Lakes Sell Off, Cape Coral Florida

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:11:07 -0500

Coral Lakes Sell Off, Cape Coral Florida

Where are the buyers? There here and there is no shortage of them. At the Gated community of Coral Lakes (Cape Coral, Florida) more than 100 people lined up seeking rock-bottom prices advertised in the local Lee County paper. Time to buy? I guess the message is clear.

116 homes in Coral Lake where available starting Wednesday, March 19th. Prices are for single-family homes at $133,000 and townhouses at $86,000. This is a wonderful a investment. By Friday after noon many were under contract.

How is this buying opportunity possible? Real-estate investor O.J. Buigas bought the 116 homes - 82 houses and 34 townhouses - from Miami-based Tousa homes Florida LP, parent company of Engle Homes. Engle filed for bankruptcy in January.

Who is really buying? According to one of my clients, the situation is totally chaotic. She was there for three hours. No one was there to give here actual information about the units or about Cape Coral. My client was told she has to own the property 2 years before filing for homestead. She knows better than that and decided not to buy under this kind of stress.

Another client of mine told me that investors were buying multi units. This leads to the "buy and hold" strategies that result in a community of renters. At least there is a 1 year minimum rental period. An area with a high percentage of renters is a bad investment for the end user or home buyer.

So why the buying frenzy? These single-family homes at $133,000 and townhouses at $86,000 do sound like a great price. But this is far from the only good deals in the Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres area. If you're looking to buy, now is the time. I you'd like to purchase home at a good price, you can call a licensed Realtor (like me). We are knowledgeable about all available homes. There are many a homes now on the market at a similar price range.

There's an amazing selection of Cape Coral Waterfront, Gulf Access, Direct access, Sailboat Access Cape Coral Land & Lots, Foreclosure, Foreclosure Listings, Home Foreclosures, Property Foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, bankruptcy homes, real estate foreclosure, bank foreclosures, bank owned, REO, HUD, VA, FHA at fantastic prices available.

Sign up at my website to receive listing per email. http://www.cape-coral-foreclosure.com/

Good New's for Florida's Home Owners - New Homestead Exemption - SOS Portability

Barbara Klare (Gulf Coast Realty Network, Inc) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:07:30 -0600

Good New's for Florida's Home Owners - New Homestead Exemption - SOS Portability

This past election a tax exception called "Amendment 1", was passed. It is the largest property tax cut in Florida's history. The new law "Amendment 1", has 2 parts. The first requires local governments to roll-back taxes this year and then to "grow at a responsible rate" in the future. Whatever that means. The second was voted in by Floridians in January 29, 2008. It is retroactive from January 1, 2008.

The new provisions that were voted in are; doubling the homestead exemption (from $25,000 to $50,000) and improving the existing "Save Our Homes" benefit by make it portable. SOS Portability.

The doubled homestead from $25,000 to $50k will apply to homes with a just value of $75,000 or over. The few homes valued under $75k will get a smaller increase to homestead exemption.

Portability means that if a home owner decides to sell and purchase a new home, he will be able to take his Save Our Homes exemption he has enjoyed in the existing home and apply it to the new one. (Many locals have would like to downsize or upgrade, but without portability the taxes in the new home make the payments way to high.)

Let's say you bought a Cape Coral house in 1991 for $100,000 and in today's market it is worth $300,000 with and assessed value of $240,000; in this case you could transfer the whole $240,000 difference to the purchase of a another home. Let's say you bought a $350,000 new home in Fort Myers, annual taxes would be about $5,500 without portability. But if we include the tax savings (double homestead exemption and Save Our Homes portability) that Amendment 1 will provide then annual taxes will be little more than half or about $3,100.

Hopefully this new tax exception will cause a stir in the real estate market.

Find out more: http://www.barbaraklare.com/

Barbara Klare
Gulf Coast Realty
239 292 1358
bklare@comcast.net