Live the Dream

Selling a home? Find out how to price it here….

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:43:05 -0800

If you’re selling a home, have you thought about the cost of waiting for it to sell? If it’s your only home, the cost of waiting is the difference between your current home’s monthly expenses and your new home’s monthly expenses. If it’s a second home, it’s just the cost of the current home’s expenses. To make the math easy, let’s say you’re selling a second home with monthly expenses like this: • $500 Association Fee or Maintenance • $200 Property Taxes • $100 Electricity • $700 Mortgage Payment (interest portion only) That means if you keep the house around, the costs add up to $1,500 each month. If you sell it, all those costs drop to $0. Now let’s say you’re deciding on the sale price of your home without the help of a professional. If you set the price too high, and it takes 5 months to sell, the effect is the same as setting the price $6,000 lower and selling it in 1 month, because 5 minus 1 is 4 months, and 4 months times $1,500 is $6,000. (Not to mention the aggravation you’ll save yourself.) So what should you do? Get a competitive market analysis (CMA) from someone who knows the market. Getting a CMA doesn’t mean you have to hire a real estate agent to help you sell your home; people who sell by ownercan use this information, too. Whatever you do, don’t just guess!

Is it better to sell my home with a Realtor or For Sale by Owner?

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 23:27:45 -0800

I get asked this question frequently. Usually the reasons people give for wanting to go FSBO (for sale by owner) include: • Wanting to save money on the commission real estate agents charge. • Having a bad experience with a real estate agent in the past. • Never having used an agent before and not knowing why they need one. • Having confidence they can sell it as easily on their own. • Not being in a rush to sell, and figuring they can always hire an agent later if it doesn’t work out. Some of these reasons are based on good evidence, while others are not. I’m currently writing a guide to help sellers decide whether selling by owner is right for them or not. What reasons have you heard people give when they decide to sell on their own? Let me know!

How long does it take to build a home?

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 07:30:17 -0700

Generally speaking, the home building process in Southwest Florida is about 4-6 months. There are many factors that can affect the time frame for building a home. From the size of your home to the size of your building crew, to the potential issues that may arise throughout the process, it can be hard to estimate an exact time frame. However, below are the phases that you can typically anticipate as you progress through the process. Most phases are about a week, but some may be 2-3 weeks, while others may be only a few days. This is the last tip in What’s New in New Construction: 12 Tips for Building a Home in Southwest Florida Today, a free eBook. Preparation: Layout/Stake-out Engineers carefully plan the community layout and site each home for maximum aesthetics. The home-site is cleared and staked out. Week 1: Excavation The site is excavated by large machines, grading the land to promote proper drainage. Phase 1: Footing The “footer” is a concrete base below the frost-line, upon which the foundation sits. Phase 2: Foundation Load-bearing walls of masonry or concrete create one of two types of Florida foundations: crawl space or slab. The foundation then needs to be inspected. Phase 3: Framing  The floor, wall, and roof framing forms the “skeleton” of the home. After the framing inspection, exterior finishes are applied. Phase 4: Mechanicals This includes installation of the heating and cooling system, the plumbing lines, and the electrical system. Phase 5: Insulation Insulation is installed in your home’s walls and attic, with an insulating ability that is appropriate for the local climate. Phase 6: Drywall  Interior walls and ceilings are finished with drywall (sometimes called “gypsum board”), then sanded, primed, and painted with a first coat. Phase 7: Trim During this phase, doors, cabinets, and molding are installed. Phase 8: Paint After putting up trim and drywall, interior surfaces are painted Phase 9: Final Trades Electrical and plumbing professionals install plugs, light fixtures, faucets, toilets, and appliances. Systems are checked and started. Phase 10: Flooring Your choice of flooring is installed according to specifications. (Sometimes for vinyl or tile flooring, this phase takes place earlier in the process.) Phase 11: Cleaning and Third-Party Inspection Your home is almost ready for you to move in! First, it is thoroughly cleaned, and an appraisal is scheduled. Phase 12: Pre-Settlement Demonstration When your home is complete, you should return just before settlement for a thorough review, which should include an orientation on all systems and features. Before you move in, your builder should address all of your questions to ensure you are comfortable before closing on your new home. Congratulations! You’re ready to begin your homebuilding adventure. If you have questions, let us know. Good luck! - See more at: http://www.capecoralrealestateinformation.com/12-how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-house/#sthash.wz7YBOgm.dpuf

How 2013 Building Codes in Cape Coral, Fl. affect you!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 22:57:38 -0700

Whether you are building a new home or updating an older home, you and your contractor should be aware of the residential building codes for your state. In Florida, the building codes for windows and air conditioning units are undergoing changes. The 2013 Florida Building Code (FBC) is now in the initial stages of development for an implementation in March 2014. The FBC is essentially starting from scratch. They are throwing out the previous version with accumulated state amendments, and are starting with a clean slate with no amendments aside from those separately mandated by other state laws. The 2013 Florida Building Energy Code development starts with the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code as a foundation. This includes certain U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) values for windows. The current code was recently updated in 2012, which included the following updates: Air Infiltration Blower door test to ≤7 ACH or checklist for inspection Recessed lights shall be IC‐rated and labeled to meet ASTM E 283 Windows Prescriptive compliance: Max. 20% CFA; U‐factor ≤0.65; SHGC ≤0.30 Performance compliance: Max. weighted average SHGC 0.50 except if 4’ overhang Air Conditioning Ducts must be inside conditioned space and tested by BERS Rater Equipment efficiencies and duct sealing Programmable thermostat required for forced air systems Lighting Must have 50% high efficacy lamps - See more at: http://www.capecoralrealestateinformation.com/11-how-2013-florida-building-codes-affect-you/#sthash.autA4GMh.dpuf

WOW! Three MUST KNOW TIPS when buying a home!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:36:48 -0700

Buying a home on Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast… This is the first tip in our series: “12 Tips to Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida” which is also available as a free eBook atwww.AckermanSWFL.com/ebooks/. …is an investment that will change the quality of your life. With six beaches all within an hour from each other, you’ll be left wondering what took you so long to decide to live in paradise to begin with! As you prepare for buying a home in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples or anywhere else in the Southwest Florida area, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind: Budget.Not everyone’s favorite topic, because typically a budget is a limit. However, knowing how much you can afford can save you a lot of issues and heartache along the road. It may also tell you if you should be seeking a short sale or foreclosure versus a regular home on the market. Keeping a budget in mind will keep you grounded as you embark on the process and help you negotiate your final offer. Credit.Good or Bad, you’ll need to know exactly what is sitting on your report and how you can best optimize your credit. Paying your bills on time is the most important part of this puzzle piece. A loan officer can help you with your credit and your budget to determine how much of a house you qualify for.Understanding the process.Buying a home isn’t as easy as it looks, especially if it’s your first. Hire a representative that is seasoned in your area and will provide you with important educational materials that will help you along the way. To understand these three tips in more depth and get some other insight into buying real estate in this area, download our ebook: 12 tips to Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida. It includes everything you’ll need to know about the process. You’ll be owning a home on Florida’s Gulf Coast in no time at all. Contact our agents today for Southwest Florida’s most reliable Real Estate experts. -A.J.

Quick Tip on How to sell your home fast!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 01:32:52 -0700

Hiring the wrong broker There are many ways of finding a good broker. Personal recommendations from friends and colleagues are often the best way to go. If someone outside the real estate business with nothing to gain is bringing up a broker, you can be pretty sure you’re on to a winner. The best brokers — the top 10 percent — do 90 percent of all the business. So don’t get stuck with a lemon. You want someone with enthusiasm and drive, someone who will give you the attention you need and steer you through the whole messy process with courtesy and professionalism.See what people are saying about A.J. Ackerman =)http://www.ackermanswfl.com/about/reviews/For more on How to Sell Your Home Fast go tohttp://www.ackermanswfl.com/sellers/

Where is a good place to retire with low taxes?

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 23:32:04 -0700

This is the eleventh installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our freeeBook library. Another great reason to retire in Florida (especially Cape Coral) is because it’s one of a few low tax states! States with no income tax In 2010, the average Cape Coral resident paid about $1,436 in property taxes. They also enjoyed paying no state income tax since Florida is one of 7 states that do not tax individual incomes. A 6% sales tax, which ends up including many tourist dollars, helps to offset the lack of a state income tax. Fortunately, Florida residents also avoid any inheritance or estate taxes. Taken as a whole, the local and state tax burden is very low in Florida. In fact, The Tax Foundation estimates that Florida ranks 47 (out of 50), making it one of the lowest taxed states in the entire country. Furthermore, Florida’s successful Save Our Homes law has attracted thousands of people from other states. Basically, the law limits the increase in a home’s assessed value to 3% a year. That means, even if property values are rising quickly, your tax burden won’t! When did this law take effect? The Save Our Homes law was actually spearheaded by Lee County’s Kenneth M. Wilkinson, C.F.A. Mr. Wilkinson authored and led the campaign to get the law approved by Florida voters. Save Our Homes was approved in 1992 and enacted in 1995. Since that time, Lee County has protected over $8.5 billion dollars of local home values. To qualify the Save Our Homes provision, you must be a full-time resident of Florida. In Lee County, you can apply for a homestead tax exemption online (navigate to taxpayer services), by mail or in person. You will need to prove your residency with your Florida driver’s license, your voter’s registration, your Florida license tag and other documentation. If you have more than one property, or rent your home to others, you may not qualify for the exemption. There are a few other rules to be aware of. Your Cape Coral Realtor® will be able to provide you more detailed information about tax rates or how the Save Our Homes law works. In my unbiased opinion , Florida is the best low tax state in the union and Cape Coral is perfect especially if you have a boat and want to retire in a canal-front home. Please download my free eBook to your right for 11 other great reasons to retire in Cape Coral or contact me online for a tour of this beautiful, low cost, city! ~A.J.

Water Utilities Coming Soon? To Pay or Not to Pay?

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 23:16:13 -0700

If you’re unfamiliar with Southwest Florida, you may not know the areas… Tip 8: To Pay or not to Pay Water utilities. That is the question. This is the eighth tip in our series: “12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida” which is also available as a free eBook at www.AckermanSWFL.com/ebooks/ Where houses have well water & septic systems and the areas where houses are on city water and sewer. This is important information to know when you’re searching like a real estate agent for homes because it could mean that you’ll have to pay a monthly water utilities bill. Well water & septic systems are typically found in houses in rural areas of Southwest Florida such as Lehigh Acres and towns further inland. Therefore if you purchase a rural home, you probably won’t have to pay a monthly water bill. But as you make your way out to the coastal cities like Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Fort Myers, you’ll find that the majority of the homes in these cities are already attached to their city’s water and sewer system which means that you will have to pay for your water utilities each month. Most of the homes in the city of Cape Coral, for example, have been on well and septic, but the city government is requiring that all homes in the city limits must be connected to city water. These connections require that special water assessments be placed on home owners. These water assessments have, in the past, been for as much as $25,000. While the city of Cape Coral has been working to reduce the fees, cost to run water lines and install a gravity sewer system still run the average Cape Coral homeowner around $15,000 with impact fees, cost of abandoning septic system and actually looking the water and sewer lines up reaching costly amounts as well. Maps are available from the city of Cape Coral that depict when your area is scheduled to change over from well water to city water. (http://www.capecoral.net/Government/PublicWorks/UtilitiesExpansion/ExpansionSchedule/tabid/720/Default.aspx) If you’re shopping for homes in Southwest Florida and you don’t wish to pay for water utilities each month or water assessments, contact us today. You may also download our free eBook 12 Tips to Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida for more information on water assessments in Cape Coral. -A.J.

Live Near the Beach!!! This is the Life

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 22:39:20 -0700

This is the third installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our freeeBook library. Whether you’re traveling to the beaches of southwest Florida by car, or straight from your Cape Coral dock, you’ll be happy when you get there. Either way, it’s only a short journey to some of the most fabulous beaches that southwest Florida has to offer. With white, sugar sand and the gentle Gulf waves, the southwest Florida beaches are perfect for beach bums of every age! No matter what type of activity you enjoy, you’ll find it at these beaches. Enjoy things like fishing, boating, parasailing, riding on jet skis or wave runners, building sand castles, or just relax and bask in the sun, while sipping on a cool beverage (tiny umbrella optional). Residents of Cape Coral are lucky to be able to choose from dozens of local beaches, depending on their particular tastes. What are some of the great local beaches? Dog lovers should check out “Dog Beach” in Bonita Springs – where pups are free to run and play off their leashes. There’s free parking at Bunche Beach, near the Iona area. At Fort Myers Beach, you will find all kinds of bars, restaurants and nightlife to keep you entertained all day long. The quieter beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are well known for being among the best places in the world for shell collectors. Most Florida retirees want to stay as active as possible, and there’s no better place to do that than at one of the beaches near Cape Coral! Walking in the sand is great for toning your legs and thighs. You can also play Frisbee or catch. Bending over to look for shells is also a great way to stay flexible. If you need a break from the heat, you can walk a short distance to a variety of beach shops, and get a good workout along the way! For adventurous retirees, the beaches offer more intense sports like paddle-boarding and kite surfing. If you have a boat (or a friend with a boat), waterskiing can also be a fun sport to try. But, even if you have no intention of leaving your chair and umbrella, the beach is still the perfect place to be. Enjoy quiet sunsets, the gentle lapping of waves on the shore, and birds gliding through the clear skies. If that sounds like a retirement plan that you’d sign up for, then consider making your home in Cape Coral. Are are ready to buy your dream beachfront home? Well, this Southwest Florida Realtor is here to help find the perfect home for you! With over 14 years of experience, I am here to give you the real estate services you deserve. Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller in Southwest Florida, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. If you are ready to make a real estate transaction or if you have further questions contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or connect with me on Facebook. I’ll even send you a FREE Cape Coral Map if you’d like! - A.J.

FRE TIPS: Preparing for Your Closing

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 22:50:17 -0700

This is the last of 12 Tips on How to Sell Your Home Fast, which can be downloaded from our free eBook library. Congratulations! You’re ready to finish the home sale. If all has gone according to plan, you have sold your home quickly and are ready to move on. The process of closing the deal on a real estate transaction can be complicated, but with the right real estate agent, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you followed the first tips in our blog, you chose an experienced, professional real estate agent who was comfortable answering all of your questions. During the closing, you will need to rely on your agent once again to lead you through the steps. Before closing, there will be a lot of research done on your behalf – tax information, land surveys, homeowner fees and more will be prepared in advance. The title search is the next step in the process. All public records will be reviewed for any documentation relating to the legal ownership of the property. This process verifies that you are the legal owner of the property. It will also reveal if there are assessments or liens on the home. Buyers are advised to purchase title insurance to protect themselves against any future claims. During this time, it’s also necessary to review the terms of the mortgage and loan documents. There will be a number of charges for services; your real estate agent can help explain these changes and will indicate whether responsibility for payment falls to you or to the buyer. To complete the home sale, there will be a date set for the closing. During this time, the buyer will sign their new mortgage (assuming they have one). You will sign the deed. Everyone else involved in the transaction – from real estate agents to attorneys – will be paid at this time. The final documents will be recorded with the Clerk of Courts. And you have successfully sold your house! Learn more by visiting www.AckermanSWFL.com or by calling (239) 565-7867. Copyright © 2012. AJ Ackerman & Associates. All Rights Reserved.

Personalized Market Report for your area

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 23:01:08 -0700

As you continue to search for properties in Cape Coral, it is important for you to stay aware of the local real estate market. The market report I have included in this link will provide you with wonderful information like pricing trends, inventory, current homes for sale, community statistics, school information, etc. http://www.buyandsellcapecoralhomes.com/mimarket/zip/33914/ Thank you for utilizing my site to get up-to-date real estate information. I look forward in working with you in the future. Have a Beautiful Day!http://www.buyandsellcapecoralhomes.com/mimarket/zip/33914/AJ Ackerman

First Time Home Buying MADE EASY - Simple Checklist

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 22:52:08 -0700

Everyone remembers their first time… This is the 12th tip in our series: “12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida” which is also available as a free eBook at www.AckermanSWFL.com. buying a home. Choosing where to live in Southwest Florida is one of the easier parts of the first time home buying process. There is much research that will need to be done, once you’ve decided where you want to live. Consider which area of town you’ll want to live in. If you’re thinking about Cape Coral, you must consider how their water assessments and utilities will affect you. If you’re considering buying a home on the water, you’ll need to make sure you know the costs for each different type of waterfront property you are considering. You will want to consider the differences between buying a new home versus an older home. A home inspection can save you from Chinese Drywall. The list of things you’ll need to research can get quite long if you’re a first time home buyer. You should know what to look for in a real estate agent and how they can help to educate you in your home buying process. Contact our agents today and see how we can make the first time home buying process as easy possible by providing the expertise you need to see you through.

Your 1 Stop Shop to All Utilities for Your Move in Day =) SWFL

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 23:21:24 -0700

Moving in? Here's your resource list for Cable, Utilities, Water, Garbage, etc. Cape Coral City Directory Power CompaniesFlorida Power and Light Lee County Electric CompanyTelevision and Cable ProvidersComcast Century Link Dish Network Direct TVUtilitiesLee County Utilities Cape Coral Utilities Contact AJ today! Or call 239-565-7867. We serve Southwest Florida: Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Sanibel.

CALLING ALL HOMEOWNERS!!! My Podcast to HELP YOU Sell Your Home

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:10:15 -0700

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – REALTOR® AJ Ackerman is releasing a free, educational 12-part podcast entitled “How to Sell Your Home Fast.” The podcast shares with homeowners Ackerman’s advice on successfully selling homes. “After the popularity of my blog and video series on selling a home, I decided to publish this information in audio form as well,” explains Ackerman. “That way, people can listen while they drive, exercise, or do chores. I’m excited that mobile devices give us all the option to learn new things without having to sit in front of a computer screen.” Interested listeners can find the podcast by searching for “AJ Ackerman” in iTunes on Apple mobile devices. Android mobile users can install a free podcast app like OneCast to accomplish the same. The podcast can also be heard on Ackerman’s website athttp://www.ackermanswfl.com/podcast. ABOUT ACKERMAN & ASSOCIATESAJ Ackerman of Ackerman & Associates is a Century 21 REALTOR® who specializes in Fort Myers waterfront condos, Bonita Springs vacation homes, Cape Coral sailboat access homes, and retirement homes. He is proud to be a part of the Randy Peska & Partners Team at Century 21 Sunbelt. For more information call (239) 565-7867 or visithttp://www.ackermanswfl.com. Contact AJ today! Or call 239-565-7867. We serve Southwest Florida: Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Sanibel.

CONSTRUCTION LOANS - How they Work...

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 23:26:03 -0700

Much like buying a home, building a home requires you to either pay for it outright or get a loan. Here is how construction financing works today: Financing construction involves obtaining a construction loan from a lending institution. Construction loans are usually considered short term financing. Once the construction project is completed, the loan is typically converted into a permanent mortgage loan. This is the third tip in What’s New in New Construction: 12 Tips for Building a Home in Southwest Florida Today, a free eBook. Qualifying for a construction loan Construction loans may be harder to qualify for than a traditional loan. This is because the bank has no collateral in the transaction—the proceeds of the loan aren’t used to buy a finished product. As a result, construction loans are typically interest-only. They usually have a term of one year or less and a higher interest rate to reflect the higher risk of loaning money without a finished product. When qualifying for a construction loan, the lender looks at your assets and construction plans. Like a home loan, the bank will use an appraiser to value the planned home. However, this is a little trickier since the appraiser has to base the value on a best guess as to the final version of the home and where the market will be several months in the future. Your assets are also considered to reduce the risk for the lender. If you default on your construction loan, the lender can go after your assets to repay the debt. Many people who apply for a construction loan fully own the land that they intend to build on. How a construction loan is paid A home loan is paid out in one lump sum at closing. Construction loans, on the other hand, are paid out in increments, called draws, which are tied to milestones in the construction process. Banks will send out an inspector to verify that the work pertaining to the draw was performed. These draws are included in the budget created during the loan application. Once your home is complete and you have been issued a certificate of occupancy, the bank will release the remaining funds from the loan to pay the final invoices. Most banks will then require you to take out a standard home loan to repay the construction loan. Some construction loans are set up to automatically roll over into a standard mortgage with the same bank, while others allow you to choose your own mortgage provider. Learn more by visiting www.AckermanSWFL.com or calling (239) 565-7867. Copyright © 2012. AJ Ackerman & Associates. All Rights Reserved.

FREE TIPS on How to Sell Your Home Fast!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 22:49:27 -0700

Houses 4 sale on the market today… This is the second tip in our series: “12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida” which is also available as a free eBook atwww.AckermanSWFL.com/ebooks/. …are usually great deals (if not steals) for buyers. But what if you’re on the other end of the transaction? Read on for tips for sellers! For many, part of the buying process means selling a home as well, unless of course you are a first time home buyer. At first, you may be inclined to go to the local newspaper and immediately list your home in the houses 4 sale section of the classifieds. But selling a home can be a time consuming, frustrating and draining process if it is not approached in the right way. Here a are a few helpful tips. Prepare your home.Selling your home in it’s current condition may not be the best way to get the maximum offer. At minimal expense, light touch ups here and there will make selling your home much easier! The biggest mistake most sellers make when selling a home is not staging it properly. Your home has to look like a clean slate that every buyer can picture themselves living in:De-clutter: Put excess furniture and belongings in storage, consider having a garage sale. Cluttered homes do not show well. Minimize personal items: Photos and knick knacks show that it is someone else’s home. Buyers cannot picture themselves in your home when you’re pictured all over the place. Touch up paint: Cover small blemishes within your home or on your home’s exterior. These small, easy fixes if left unattended, can turn off potential buyers. Curb appeal is key: Making a positive first impression on prospective buyers is imperative. Excellent curb appeal = an excellent first impression. Keep your home free of odors and clutter: Prospective buyers don’t want to see or smell cat urine, pet hair, pet stains, and dusty/dirty or cluttered homes. For 3 more hints on how to make selling your home a breeze, download our ebook: 12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida. Contact us to properly list your home. Listing your home in the local newspaper’s houses 4 sale section isn’t a bad idea. But we will also list your home in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which will gain your home listing a tremendous amount of exposure. -A.J.

What Happens After a Realtor Shows Your Home? Read to Find Out =)

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 22:55:50 -0700

This is the ninth of 12 Tips on How to Sell Your Home Fast, which can be downloaded from our free eBook library. After you have an open house event or an agent shows your home to a prospective buyer, there are three possible outcomes. You can get no offers on your house, you might get one offer or, in the best case scenario, you receive multiple offers! If You Don’t Get an Offer  If you don’t get an offer immediately on your home, don’t despair. Even when homes are priced correctly, it often takes multiple showings to find the right buyer for your home. Remember to be patient. One showing that doesn’t result in a sale doesn’t mean that your home won’t be snapped up soon. Yours might be the very first home that new buyers have gone to visit. If that’s the case, they may end up circling back later to make an offer. If you had a showing and received feedback, consider if you can make updates to sell your home fast. Did the buyers comment that your kitchen was too small? There’s not much you can do about that. Did they get turned off by an overwhelming pet odor? That’s something you can improve! Start taking steps to resolve any issues that are preventing buyers from seeing your home at its best. If You Get an Offer Congratulations! If you get an offer on your home, you are one step closer to selling it quickly. This is the time to be especially attentive to the advice of your trusted real estate agent. Did they offer below asking price? What are your negotiation strategies? Your agent should be able to help you navigate through all the sticky details that are written in the offer. Always read the fine print. Remember, it’s best to be flexible on terms and conditions when you’re trying to sell your house quickly. If You Get Multiple Offers Where’s the confetti? This is the best case scenario that a buyer can hope for after an open house or home showings. When you have multiple offers, you can rest assured that your home will sell for its maximum value. To manage this type of complex balancing act, you will need to rely on your real estate agent to guide you through the process. Learn more by visiting www.AckermanSWFL.com or calling (239) 565-7867. Copyright © 2012. AJ Ackerman & Associates. All Rights Reserved.

New Construction is BOOMING! What You NEED TO KNOW

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 22:46:39 -0700

If you’ve been looking to buy a new home recently, you may be disappointed. There aren’t many old homes for sale, and many “new” homes were built as long ago as 2007. Are you feeling like you’re out of options? Is new construction really a good choice right now? I understand your desire to get exactly the home you’re looking for! You probably want it to be in the right neighborhood, up to date, and priced right. You might also have questions about how to go about building a home, to see if that’s the right option for you. I’ve talked to lots of people who wanted to build a new home but didn’t know where to start. They told me about the high-pressure sales tactics they endured when they visited a home builder to shop around. They wanted to know what to keep an eye out for as they searched and compared. So I wrote this free eBook, What’s New in New Construction: 12 Tips for Building a Home in Southwest Florida Today, to help anyone who is thinking of building a new home. In it, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions:Why build new instead of buy old? How does construction financing work? How do I find and buy an empty lot? How do I make smart design decisions? What costs do I need to be aware of? How can I save money during the process? How do I choose a builder? Do I need a real estate agent, or should I deal directly with a builder? How should I negotiate the builder contract? What new building codes will affect me? How long will it take to build a home?We’re putting the finishing touches on the eBook right now, and will have it published next week. If you want to sign up early, we’ll send you a free copy when it’s ready!

ATTENTION BUYERS!!! Chinese Drywall Signs to Look For!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 22:49:20 -0700

Chinese drywall includes most defective drywall… This is the seventh tip in our series: “12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida” which is also available as a free eBook at www.AckermanSWFL.com/ebooks/. …that was imported from China from 2001 to 2007. This tainted drywall emits sulfuric gas and noxious odors and can cause corrosion on metal surfaces, internal writing, appliances and electronics. Dangers of Chinese drywallCorrosion resulting from Chinese drywall can create issues with electrical appliances, including alarm systems and smoke detectors. In very high concentrations, Chinese drywall emits hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous gas that is considered fatal in high levels. The highly toxic compounds found in this drywall can be particularly dangerous to growing children. It affects not only their bone growth but also their nervous system. Signs of Chinese DrywallRotten egg, sulfur or ammonia smells upon entering your home can be signs of Chinese drywall. Not all owners report these smells, so it is important that you look for signs of corroded copper wires, air conditioning coils, and corrosion on other metal sources. If you suspect that you may have Chinese drywall in your home or a home that you’re considering purchasing, it is imperative that you hire an inspector to check your home. Inspectors are licensed and knowledgeable in all aspects of concern in buying a home. Download our free eBook 12 Tips to Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida for more information on Chinese drywall such as it’s origination. Feel free to search our listingbook for homes in Southwest Florida but be sure to contact us before accidentally purchasing a home with Chinese drywall. -A.J.

PRICES ARE UP! Let's Sell Your Home =)

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 23:12:29 -0700

Houses 4 sale on the market today… This is the second tip in our series: “12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida” which is also available as a free eBook at www.AckermanSWFL.com/ebooks/. …are usually great deals (if not steals) for buyers. But what if you’re on the other end of the transaction? Read on for tips for sellers! For many, part of the buying process means selling a home as well, unless of course you are a first time home buyer. At first, you may be inclined to go to the local newspaper and immediately list your home in the houses 4 sale section of the classifieds. But selling a home can be a time consuming, frustrating and draining process if it is not approached in the right way. Here a are a few helpful tips. Prepare your home. Selling your home in it’s current condition may not be the best way to get the maximum offer. At minimal expense, light touch ups here and there will make selling your home much easier! The biggest mistake most sellers make when selling a home is not staging it properly. Your home has to look like a clean slate that every buyer can picture themselves living in: De-clutter: Put excess furniture and belongings in storage, consider having a garage sale. Cluttered homes do not show well. Minimize personal items: Photos and knick knacks show that it is someone else’s home. Buyers cannot picture themselves in your home when you’re pictured all over the place. Touch up paint: Cover small blemishes within your home or on your home’s exterior. These small, easy fixes if left unattended, can turn off potential buyers. Curb appeal is key: Making a positive first impression on prospective buyers is imperative. Excellent curb appeal = an excellent first impression. Keep your home free of odors and clutter: Prospective buyers don’t want to see or smell cat urine, pet hair, pet stains, and dusty/dirty or cluttered homes. For 3 more hints on how to make selling your home a breeze, download our ebook: 12 Tips for Buying Real Estate in Southwest Florida. Contact us to properly list your home. Listing your home in the local newspaper’s houses 4 sale section isn’t a bad idea. But we will also list your home in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which will gain your home listing a tremendous amount of exposure. -A.J.

Are you a golfer? Living in Southwest Florida is for you!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 23:33:58 -0700

This is the fifth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our freeeBook library. Between its sandy beaches and natural preserves, Southwest Florida has many attractions. But, for die hard golfers, the best attractions in the area are the golf courses! With over 100 golf courses already being enjoyed by golfers – and many more to come – the Southwest Florida area is a golfer’s paradise. Why is that? It’s been calculated that this area has more golf holes per person than any area of the United States! If you’re visiting Cape Coral or the surrounding area, it’s easy to see why it’s considered the Golf Capital of the World. The area has public, semi-private and private courses in every area. The wide variety of choices means there is a golf course for every preference and budget. Prices will vary depending on the type of course and the season. Green fee discounts are especially common from June to September. Most importantly, our mild climate allows golfers to enjoy their sport all year long. Greens and grasses thrive under the careful management of our course directors, and golfers are only stopped by the occasional rain shower (which typically passes in 15 minutes). Otherwise, you can be golfing 365 days a year in Cape Coral! Here are just a few of the private and public courses in Cape Coral, FL: Coral Oaks1800 N.W. 28th Ave.Public Course Hunters Run1006 S.E. Fourth PlacePublic Course Palmetto Pine Country1940 S.W. Ninth CourtPrivate Course Club Royal Tee11460 Royal Tee CirclePublic Course Golf lovers naturally gravitate to choosing a retirement home in Cape Coral. Learn more about homes in Cape Coral that are close to great golfing at www.AckermanSWFL.com. Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller in Southwest Florida, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. If you are ready to make a real estate transaction or if you have further questions contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or connect with me on Facebook. I’ll even send you a FREE Cape Coral Map if you’d like! - A.J.

We are Hiring! Creating 15 new Real Estate Career Opportunities!

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 23:30:31 -0700

Creating 15 New Cape Coral Real Estate Jobs A Cape Coral real estate team aims to double its workforce to thirty employees in response to increased home prices and the return of new construction. CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA - - Growth is the watchword for Southwest Florida real estate in 2013, according to AJ Ackerman, REALTOR® at Century 21 Sunbelt in Cape Coral. His team, Randy Peska & Partners, plans to double its workforce this year from fifteen to thirty, after doubling from seven employees in the last three years. Century 21 Sunbelt Realty Ackerman says the job growth is driven by an increase in home sale prices and a returning demand for new construction. "The median sale price is up 43% since 2011. That means sellers increasingly want to sell. And home builders are pulling more permits. Last month Lee County issued 54 permits for new single-family homes, which is a 50% increase over January 2012." More sellers and more construction means more real estate transactions, which means Ackerman needs more talent, but not just anyone will do. "I know about the frustrations people face when they sell a home, and it's my mission to make sure they're taken care of," explains Ackerman. "Everything I do, whether it's education, sales, training or hiring, comes from my passion for helping people. I only want to add people to the team who share this philosophy." Interested real estate agents can contact Ackerman at (239) 565-7867 or online at http://www.ackermanswfl.com/careers.

SUCCESS! How to quickly start your Real Estate Career (4 Easy Steps)

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:49:47 -0700

4 Step Real Estate License Process State Real Estate License Requirements Must be 18 years of age Must have a high school diploma or equivalent Must have a social security number Real Estate Licensing Process There are just a few simple steps involved with obtaining a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License, and if you follow our 4 Step Real Estate License Process you can have your license in hand in 30 days or less! Step 1 - Complete the 63 Hour Sales Associate Pre-License Course. Classes are available locally through Larson Educational Services (License #ZH1002299) and can be completed weekdays, weekends or evenings. Classes are offered throughout the year in Fort Myers, Naples and Sarasota. If you have not yet completed this required course, download your $50 off voucher (below) and then call A.J. Ackerman, Century 21 Sunbelt Realty’s Sales Associate, to get the voucher signed. His phone number is 239-565-7867.$50.00 Voucher (158.2 KB .pdf) Step 2 - Submit a state application and get fingerprinted. All new real estate applicants must submit a state application and get fingerprinted for a criminal background check. The application is available online and fingerprint reservations can be made with several local providers. Applications can be submitted before or after you’ve completed the required course. CLICK HERE to view more detailed application information. Step 3 - Pass the State Exam. The state exam consists of 100 questions broken up into 45 questions of Real Estate Law, 45 questions of Real Estate Principles and 10 questions of Real Estate Math. A passing score of 75% is required. Step 4 - Join Century 21 Sunbelt Realty!!! Upon receiving a passing score on the state exam, you will be issued a “Voluntarily Inactive” Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License. In order to participate in any Florida real estate transactions, you must Activate your license with a Real Estate Brokerage. Ready to discuss your fast start in Real Estate? Contact A.J. Ackerman now! Contact A.J., The Real Estate Professional, today! Or call 239-565-7867. We serve Southwest Florida: Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Sanibel.

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Free list of all Golf Courses in Cape Coral

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:51:09 -0700

This is the fifth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library. Between its sandy beaches and natural preserves, Southwest Florida has many attractions. But, for die hard golfers, the best attractions in the area are the golf courses! With over 100 golf courses already being enjoyed by golfers – and many more to come – the Southwest Florida area is a golfer’s paradise. Why is that? It’s been calculated that this area has more golf holes per person than any area of the United States! If you’re visiting Cape Coral or the surrounding area, it’s easy to see why it’s considered the Golf Capital of the World. The area has public, semi-private and private courses in every area. The wide variety of choices means there is a golf course for every preference and budget. Prices will vary depending on the type of course and the season. Green fee discounts are especially common from June to September. Most importantly, our mild climate allows golfers to enjoy their sport all year long. Greens and grasses thrive under the careful management of our course directors, and golfers are only stopped by the occasional rain shower (which typically passes in 15 minutes). Otherwise, you can be golfing 365 days a year in Cape Coral! Here are just a few of the private and public courses in Cape Coral, FL: Coral Oaks 1800 N.W. 28th Ave. Public Course Hunters Run 1006 S.E. Fourth Place Public Course Palmetto Pine Country 1940 S.W. Ninth Court Private Course Club Royal Tee 11460 Royal Tee Circle Public Course Golf lovers naturally gravitate to choosing a retirement home in Cape Coral. Learn more about homes in Cape Coral that are close to great golfing at www.AckermanSWFL.com. Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller in Southwest Florida, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. If you are ready to make a real estate transaction or if you have further questions contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or connect with me on Facebook. I’ll even send you a FREE Cape Coral Map if you’d like! - A.J.

How to Save Money When Building a Home

A.J. Ackerman (Experience Real Estate Group, LLC) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:55:09 -0700

Existing homes are usually less expensive per square foot than newly-built homes. This is often the result of escalating land costs in new subdivisions. However, as you are probably aware, the home values in Southwest Florida have significantly decreased from where they were 7-10 years ago, so this is not always the case. Depending on size and location, building a new home may actually end up saving you money.This is the seventh tip in What’s New in New Construction: 12 Tips for Building a Home in Southwest Florida Today, a free eBook.When you build new, ownership costs are considered more predictable. This is not the case when considering the cost of a upgrading or remodeling of a vintage home. The hidden costs that you start to run into as the project progresses can often add up to more than you would have spent if you started from scratch. Also, beware of unseen costs from homeowner associations. Mandatory fees and other assessments, as well as architectural controls, may surface if you plan on remodeling or expanding an existing home.The cost of remodeling versus building also depends on the location of the home. If you remodel a home in a community with high property tax rates, this could mean a much higher annual tax bill. However, building a new home gives you the choice of neighborhoods, making it possible to buy in a low-tax community. You can also buy inexpensive land in an area where home values are currently low but likely to increase.