Another listing consultation behind me - I start with a phone interview in certain communities at this point.  What is a "certain community"?  It's a community with ample inventory and comparable sales that are under the original purchase prices.  Typically, neighborhoods of production build in the last 2-3 years.  I give a brush over of the market, inventory, and market movement before I even step foot in a home.  The last thing I want to do is stand in someone's living room, tell them the truth and get beheaded.  I find the phone is more neutral territory, as opposed to the actual home and all of it's emotional attachments.  Seller's will sometime need to defend the value of their home as if I'm personally degrading it and attacking it's worth.You can't reinvent the wheel.  Again, I r... 08/04/2007

The market movement comes in waves.  For the second time in the last week a few buyers have gotten their dream home caught up by another buyer and missed the boat.  Two condominiums in my inventory, priced properly, have pended sale.  While in the inspection or other contingency period additional buyers have shown interest and placed back up offers or waited patiently to make sure the contingencies were satisfied. Where did these buyers come from?  How did they find these properties?It may surprise everyone to know that out of six seriously interested parties between the two available condominiums, one half of the buyers had looked at the condominiums several weeks ago.  They've been weighing their options, comparison shopping, doing their research, maybe working up their courage and th... 08/03/2007

Well, look at this nifty gadget!Southwest Florida has a website that helps travelers and drivers trouble shoot traveling, storm evacuation and the daily commute, too!Before you get on the road you take a look at the map  on the website and it will show up to date information about:The areaRoad constructionWeatherCrashes ... or they call them "incidents".The 511 System covers most of Florida.  Here's the skinny on Florida 511:The main website is Florida 511 which will help you find the 511 information near your Florida home.  The SW Florida 511 site, which covers Bonita Springs and Estero Florida is:  www.SouthwestFlorida511.comYou can dial 511 and voice promt to your local 511 information.You can watch iFlorida traffic cameras, too.Florida Snow ReportsNext time you're ready to hit the r... 08/03/2007

Village Walk is located just 20-25 minutes to Southwest Florida International Airport, only 10 minutes to Coconut Point Mall and near many find dining and shopping establishments.Village Walk of Bonita Springs is located on East Bonita Beach Road.  A community by Divosta homes, Village Walk offers the security of a gated community with the quality of a Divosta home.  Storm resistant, solid built concrete walls, storm/securityshutter panels, central vac and attention to details has advanced Divosta Homes to a leader in Customer satisfaction.Village Walk of Bonita Springs Town Center is nearing completion!  Just the final touches and it's ready.  The Town Center will feature the following amenities for homeowners Village Walk:Fitness Center Resort and Lap Pool Tennis Courts Basketball and... 07/26/2007

There is a style of home to fit anyones needs in Stoneybrook in Estero, Florida.  Your choices:  Condominiums, attached villas and single estate homes.  Perfectly located 3 miles East of I-75 in the heart of sunny Estero, Florida. Stoneybrook is close to shopping, dining, schools, parks, library and entertainment. The community is built out - no construction traffic.A relaxed community with many amenities. Beautiful lush landscaping, water and nature views.Public golf course on site with optional membership to the Stoneybrook Golf Club.Stoneybrook is minutes from many of SW Florida's favorite conveniences which include SW Florida International Airport, Gulfcoast Towne Center Mall, Miromar Outlet Malls, the new International Design Center, Germain Arena and only 20 minutes to the white s... 07/26/2007

Highland Woods Golf and Country Club - St. Andrews Verandas - The popular and coveted Abbey Floor plan with a picture perfect view of the fairway & nearby lake.This a a large Abbey end unit, bright and open with vaulted ceilings and plant shelves. The decor is neutral with tile in the halls baths, laundry and rear lanai. The back lanai also has roll down, electric security storm shutters. This condominium home is offered turnkey furnished and comes with a bundled golf membership to the Highland Woods club and course. St. Andrews Verandas condominiums each both front and back screened lanais, 1 car detached garage and access to community pools. Highland Woodsis located just minutes to the white sugar sand beaches of Bonita Beach and the new Coconut Pointe Mall in Estero. The airport is o... 07/22/2007

The next best thing to eating at home or eating at your Mom's house is at a local place.  You know one of those joints that all the local yokels hang out at.  It's a meeting place of sorts for all sorts of people.Today, I stopped in for lunch with "goofy Brad - the landscaper" and Algorithm.  I got my regular "salad sandwich" (hold the onions & side of onion rings.  It's my own private Idaho) and listened to the toils and troubles of Brad, the would-be farmer.  He just bought some acreage he's working on.  He's not really had to deal with the perils of wooded land before and has gone through a variety of rashes, bites, stings, cuts, tick, tick removal, some sort of chicken parasite and he's had to deal with a white cat with ½ a head - the likes of which belonged in a Steven King novel. ... 07/22/2007

This is it, we're smack dab in the middle of our Bonita Springs blizzard season. It's just that we can't shovel it.  We have a couple of glorious months of percipitation that comes by the bucket full but only lasts an instant.  There's almost always a rumble of thunder from a great distance in one direction or another.Yesterday, I ran an errand with Mini-Me at Coconut Point.  The sky turns black and it's decided to get home before we're stuck in it.  We drove across town to our neighborhood and the streets are wet there.  As you're escaping one isolated storm you drive to where one just left.  It can only happen in South Florida.  The sun is out again. We do get the most fantastic clouds here.  Please take a moment to render your opinion of what you think this cloud formation looks like... 07/21/2007

Three days a week I run by Spring Creek Elementary School.  I saw the sign change, finally a new one instead of that raggedy old one.  Recently the new announcement went up for the start of the new school year.  Open House August 16 - Come meet your teachers.School starts August 20Many moons ago my own kids walked through the doors of Spring Creek Elementary School.  The city of Bonita Springs was much smaller then.  There was only one other elementary school at that time, before the Charter Shool was even built - it was just a cow pasture.  When the twins started Spring Creek it was a mid year transfer and they were ticked!  They grew to love the shcool and love a few of the teachers.  We were lucky enough to have two fabulous teachers that were also living in our neighborhood.  Mrs. C... 07/20/2007

A few blocks from my house is a shopping area called the Promenade.  It's a great "outdoor" sort of mall.  I stopped in to have lunch today at the Silver Spoon.  I eat there enough ... the staff looks familiar, even if I don't know all of the names of everyone on the floor.  Today, was different when I walked in.  It was ...uh, empty!  Not stark, kind of empty, but empty as in, there are usually a lot more people there.Turns out, there are a few other "Silver Spoon" restaurants in both Lee and Collier Counties, a few of which closed.  I guess the press got wind of the closings and there have been reports and broad casts about the closings.  There were some locations that closed but the Silver Spoon at The Promenade in Bonita Springs is still open.  Unfortunately, this was more or less a... 07/19/2007

Lovers Key made the short list of Florida's most popular state parks.With near perfect beaches, trails and boat ramp, the Bonita Springs park ranked as the fourth most popular destination among the 160 parks and historic sites in the entire state park system.  Lovers Key State Park saw more than 850,000 visitors between July of last year and the end of June.Those figures weren't enough to top the visitor counts at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, though.With 975,000 visitors, Honeymoon Island broke the attendance record Lovers Key set in the 2005-06 season and has yet to top: 970,000 visitors.St. Andrews State Park in Panama City and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo also had attendance figures that edged out Lovers Key this year.This was a record-setting year for... 07/18/2007

The BIG "L" Word.  Yikes.  I first became familiar with Lymphoma last year.  My mother was diagnosed with Lymphomia, which spread to her bones.  The Lymphoma Society of Lorain County, Ohio was Johnny on the spot organizing and sharing information about treatments and services that they offer patients.  They really do perform a great service.  Today I opened my mail and had "junk mail" (so I thought) from the Lymphoma Society.  Shock of all shocks, they're giving something away - to me,  to you!  To anybody that wants it!The Lymphoma society wants to train you to be an athlete!  Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete they want you to join their fundraising team. By helping to raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and patient services, you'll receive: Personaliz... 07/17/2007

The Lee County transportation department offers a great service to the Bonita Beach, Fort Myers Beach and Estero Island areas.  My family stumbled onto the Trollee a few years ago while vacationing on Fort Myers Beach.  I cut the kids loose with a roll of quarters and they were set for the week.  The Trollee Travels the distance from the Kmart Plaza called The Centre of Bonita Springs to the north end of Fort Myers Beach.  There are a variety of stops in many locations, plus you can actually flag the Trollee if you need to.  The Trollee is equipped with a bicycle rack, also. So, if you've bitten off more than you can chew with your bike ride, you can hitch a ride back on the Lee Tran System.To learn more about the Lee County Trollee System also read:  http://www.rideleetran.com/ You'll ... 07/17/2007

Everglades Wonder Gardens - Zoo & Community Landmark Bonita Springs, FlEverglades Wonder Gardens - Zoo in Bonita Springs, FloridaBenson's Grocery Store - Olde Bonita Springs, Florida   Bonita Springs Literacy CouncilBamboo Village Bonita SpringsBonita Springs Laundry   Riverside Park Bonita Springs FlaBonita Springs ShoppesBonita Springs Band Shell at Riverside Park   For Sellers:Renovations That Pay Off5 Tips For Seller's In A Buyers MarketHelpful Hints to Sell Your Home The Dangers of Overpricing Your Home5 Tips For A Successful Open HouseSeller's: Ever Wonder WHY Your Home Is On The Market So Long?   For Buyers:Bonita Springs Florida - Buying A Home Long DistanceWinning The Bidding WarSave Our HomesLee County Florida Real Estate & Tax InformationWhat is a CDD? Community Development D... 07/15/2007

One of my "kids" is sick.  It has been a long couple of weeks around here.  He's been under the weather for a while and it was with great apprehension that I took him to the doctor.  Jack's and old man in both dog and people years.  I love him so!The team at White Sands Clinic in Bonita Springs is just awesome.  They've always been awesome.  They've litterally saved Jack a half dozen times so far.  I am counting on them to do it again.  He'$ the Prada pur$e I've alway$ wanted. I think he's pushed on to belt, $hoes and he'$ working through acce$$orie$, now.The battery of tests revealed he is, for the most part, healthy.  I was dreading liver or kidney disease since he's been pukey and he's a geezer.  His blood and heart are normal.  When they did the X-ray it was discovered that there is... 07/11/2007

Bonita Springs Charter School is enrolling students for the coming fall '07 classes for grades K-8.First, are you wondering what is a Charter School?Charter schools are part of a sweeping educational reform that offers alternatives for parents and students and places the highest priority on providing a better education. Charter schools are funded much like a public school, but each charter school is governed privately. Unlike traditional public schools, every charter school must demonstrate success, or it will lose its charter. Charter schools can be managed by municipalities, private companies or individuals.The Bonita Springs Charter Schoolis located at 25380 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida - on Old US 41 Road between Cockleshell Drive and Signal Road.OPEN HOUSE  for the 2007-... 07/10/2007

A Bonita Springs couple has sold Florida Gulf Coast University their waterside property in Estero Bay. The university will use to build a small field station for marine and environmental programs.The property and new FGCU marine lab will be located at 5164 Bonita Beach Road.  The property was sold to FGCU for $2.75 million, about $1 million below its estimated market value. The Bonita Beach Plantation Resort property is located on Little Hickory Island.Norm and Nancy Vester, seasonal residents from Massachusetts who live a bulk of the year in Bonita Springs, have been in negotiations with the FGCU Foundation for the past several months working out the details of the sale.The Vester's purchased the resort property about a year and a half ago. They live in a condo on the site, which inclu... 07/10/2007

In Lee County for the month June, there were several hundred foreclosure filings. You can read about the number of Bonita Springs real estate foreclosures on Naples Florida real estate. Is this the result of the sub-prime mortgage activity of the past few years or investors that can not afford the payments or have sufficient rents to cover monthly payments? 07/09/2007

Alright, I wasn't going to go to the Bonita Springs Fourth of July Parade .... It's hot here!  It was even raining at 8:15 a.m. just before the parade started.Bonita Springs isn't exactly a huge city.  Since I only live about two miles from the parade route I threw on the Nike's and ran down there to see the commotion and hoopla.  Surprise of all surprises my  kids actually showed up!  We watched the parade and later joined the rest of the village at Riverside Park for the float judging and activities.I don't think I've ever seen so many people at Riverside Park.   I don't think I've ever seen so many dogs at the event, either.  The dogs were everywhere.The weather cleared up, but there was still cloud cover so it wasn't blistering hot.  Of course, there were tons of squirt guns ... 07/04/2007

The list of fireworks locations is below.  When you've found the information you need, take a look at:Bonita Springs Fourth of July Parade to Riverside Park today's photos are uploaded and ready to be seen. Estero, Florida FireworksMiromar Outlets fireworks begin at dusk: Tuesday, July 3, 2007 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Bonita Springs, FloridaFourth of July parade on Old 41 Road to Riverside Park.  Riverside Party in the Park at Pennsylvania and Old US 41 begins after the 9 am parade.Fireworks at the Village Center, Palmira Golf and Country Club on Bonita Beach Road, two miles east of I-75. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m., fireworks begin at dusk.Click Here for the Printable Flyer or contact Bonita Springs City Hall at 949-6262 for information. Fort Myers, Florida Riverfest in Centennial Park... 07/02/2007