Being First or Best?   In Real Estate or life, getting advantages for being first is just a human thing.

I have a lot to talk to you about today:  some new reports from our agents, the situation at Oasis condominiums on the river in Fort Myers, the upcoming Real Estate Showcase next weekend at Harborside Convention center, and the opening of Hotel Indigo downtown. Before I get into these specific topics I would like to share some observations. 

Way before moving closer to downtown,  Gail and I lived at Harbour Isle, a gated riverfront boating community in South Fort Myers. It was our initial taste of both condo living and waterfront living and we loved it.  Mike Sheeley designed it, BBL built it, and Nauman developed it. Two condos to a floor,  over 3000 sf of living space, a garage, private elevator, and a boat slip to boot.  I still measure all other riverfront condos against the high standard set by Harbour Isle.

A very short walk from our home at Harbour Isle was the amenity center that housed the gym. For an energetic period of my life I got up early every morning and worked out. When I arrived at the dark and empty gym, I would flip on the lights and tune the TV to Fox news and spend the next thirty minutes on an elliptical trainer while I caught up on the news.  For three weeks this became my routine. Then one Monday morning as I arrived close to the gym I saw the lights on as I approached.  As I entered I saw a strange woman on a treadmill and the TV was already tuned to NBC news.

Thanks goodness she was not on my elliptical trainer!.  I suffered though the next thirty minutes with my mind wandering about thoughts of what "being first" meant while my morning routine was shattered by a distinctly human civilized trait of allowing someone to have control simply because they were first!

I watch my two dogs ignore this "first" thing: if little Katie has snared a bone and Jackson comes along: first shmirst!; it's bigger and meaner that matters;  Jackson gets the bone. Darwin talked about survival of the fittest, not survival of the first!

I remember thinking as I was working out that morning, " Hehe....wait a minute, I'm bigger, I'm stronger....but manners kept me watching NBC.

How about getting in line the day after Thanksgiving for the bargains being offered

by the big box retailers?  First counts there as well.  In nature we would be able to buy our way to the front of the line, or at least bid for the merchandise. Somehow rewarding being first is an unnatural thing, the weaker may get rewarded just because they get up early!

Those of you that know me know I get up early. To me this is because beds are very dangerous places - after all most people die in bed!  But I'm not sure getting up early ever got me advantages, however. I will tell you one thing: the early bird gets the worm - but only if he finishes eating it before a bigger bird catches him in the act!

Being first in Real Estate has it's advantages - sometimes.

Friday Night Vlatka was in the office with a customer pouring over the MLS looking for bargains. Gail and I were at Artwalk downtown and just happened to walk by and stop in. There was a brand new listing that has just come out late that afternoon and Vlatka happened to catch it.   Within 30 minutes of the listing being on the MLS she and her customer had an offer presented.  (Vlatka knew the house because she in fact sold two owners ago). Being first will not necessarily get her customer the deal -  but in this case it probably will - she offered slightly over asking price ( it was and REO).

Being the first or at least the early condos on the river downtown certainly helped Beau Rivage.  Being the latest to the party like Related Groups Oasis has turned out to be a bad thing.

Sometimes being first gives you more choices. Coming later to the game , however, gives you time to learn from the quick-starts. If you bought  early in the boom market you most likely have emerged from the bust unscathed.. The late comers paid too much.

For me?  I cover all the bases.; I believe in survival of the fittest, the best, the strongest, the richest,  and the most competent. but just to give my self an edge, I think I will continue to get up early!!

The Oasis

The Fort Myers News Press today reported that Oasis may be in trouble (click here to read). The paper reported that only 20 of the 420 built have been closed on. There have been many liens files and many of the original buyers that have not closed have filed suit against Related.  Perez (Head of Related Group) is a very sharp operator and he is still negotiating with his lenders.  I expect this project to mostly rental units for quite some time. We will be watching this project closely.  I have prepared a summary of all the condo projects downtown, the pricing is all over the board and it certainly would be wide to get the services of a competent downtown real estate agent before plunging in the riverfront condo market.  Now more than ever buyers have to be armed with all the facts - not only about eh physical aspects of the homes, but about he financial strength as well.  If you want to see the reviews- please drop me and email: GFous@marketamericarealty.com.  

The Real Estate Showcase.

Next week end at Harborside Convention Center - Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4 there will be an event that any real estate buyer should visit.. (Details Here)  Admission is  free. My team and I will be there with our Smart Car. Please stop by.

The Hotel Indigo

My friend Phil Hugh and his team at DOC Corp pulled off the impossible and mafde a last minute grand opening of Hotel Indigo in Fort Myers River District. With only a few hours notice to the public, Phil was able to present his showpiece during the crowded Artwalk  event downtown. The result was nothing less than spectacular. We were able to tour rooms, visit the three bars and three restaurants, and enjoy the city view from the rooftop pool.  You would be remiss not to visit this new Fort Myers jewel.  Thanks Phil!

On Friday night the crowds were so large at the hotel that we decided to return last night to dine at   Vino d'Note -   Hotel Indigo's new restaurant.  Gail and I and were more than pleased with the fresh lamb and seafood that graced our table.  Gail and I had shaved fennel salad and a pasta with gorgonzola and sausage, after sampling fresh calamari  and veal meatballs as appetizers.