Minutes after I posted on Lenn Harley's Blog DON'T TELL MY AGENTS I'M SENDING BUSINESS AWAY  I received a referral from a relocation company I have done business with for years.  I called the seller's as soon as I did a brief overview of the subject property and neighborhood.After a series of questions about myself and if I know the neighborhood I get asked about the condition of the market.  I explain, "The market hasn't been without it's hurdles, lately."  As a matter of fact, none of the homes listed in this particular Bonita Springs neighborhood has sold in several months, which the seller knows.  The seller says to me, "You really don't give me the warm fuzzy feeling."  I really felt like retorting, "Would you prefer I just lie to you? What do you want to hear?"It is amazing to me ... 12/08/2006

How far is too far when you're selling real estate?  MLS Alliance is a massive MLS system that most of SW Florida will soon have blanketing the area.  Basically, any agent buying or selling real estate in the Bonita Springs, Florida area will be able to access property listings in Port Charlotte, Florida and even farther north.  My question to my managing broker was "Why do I need this?  Don't you feel that working 60 miles or more from my area of expertise is reckless?"  Further, I stated that I wouldn't buy my own real estate in Port Charlotte or beyond without a professional helping me why would I suddenly become an expert "there" and sell it to one of my clients or customers?  Read Lonn Dugans blog:  Real estate is local, so get a local expert. Several people in the office chimed in... 12/07/2006

A few weeks ago I posted a blog regarding Amber Alerts and how easy it is to get them text messaged to your cell phone.  Again, I plea to every to consider spreading the word about the service.  Our SW Florida community is suffering from the abduction of a newborn infant from it's mother at knifepoint.  We all pray for the safe return of Baby Bryan.  Learn details and follow the story here: Bring Bryan Home.Officials are concerned that, fearing immigration issues, the hispanic community may be hesitant to contact authorities. They are urged to speak with their clergy, business owners or anyone else they are comfortable with to convey any information they may know. 12/06/2006

 Many boaters in Southwest Florida know it can be hard to dock their boats because there are so few spots to do so. The recent decision from members of the Bonita Springs City Council will make it get even harder.   The city of Bonita Springs has the option to buy the docks that are currently up for sale, but they won't be doing that.The docks in question are at Big Hickory Marina.  There are now dock in Fish Trap bay that are currently being researched by the city and city councilman Gary Price.  The Fish Trap docks are for sale, as well.  The concern is that if the city does not purchase the docks that developers will, and commercialize them. Gulf access property, with a boat dock or boat lift,  in Bonita Springs, Florida has entry level pricing of $400,000 to over $4,000,000.Carl Joh... 12/06/2006

The latest store to open at the Simon Group Coconut Point Mall is the Barnes and Noble Book Store.  Barnes & Noble store hours are seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., with cafe hours beginning at 7 a.m.  The Coconut Point Mall is located at US 41 ( Tamiami Trail ) and Coconut Road (at The Brooks) at the city limits of Estero and Bonita Springs, Florida.The entire tenant list for the 500 acre facility is available at http://www.coconutpointretail.com/.  In addition to commercial space the facilty will have commercial condominiums and residential condominiums.      12/05/2006

Tonight, December 05, 2006 is the annual tree lighting ceremony at Riverside Park on Old US 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Fl.  The sixth annual event kicks off at 5:00.  It is a free event.  For more information visit The Bonita Banner, Bonita Springs Hometown newspaper. 12/04/2006

 Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world.  It beats money, power and influence.                                                                  You can get your own Fortune Here I found this "forune" on my kitchen counter this morning.  I guess Jen, my "assistant", had Chinese yesterday. The best Chinese take out in Bonita Springs, by the way, is Gold China.  The best Crab Rangoon in SW Florida 12/04/2006

Follow six primary rules for your exchange to meet stringent IRS regulations: Real Property Use. Both your old and new properties must qualify as investment or business use. If both properties pass this test, you can exchange nearly any type of real estate. 45 Day Identification Period. You have 45 days from the closing of your sale to list the properties you may want to buy. There are no exceptions to the deadline. 180 Day Exchange Period. From the sale closing date, you have 180 days to close on the purchase of one or more properties from the 45-day list. Again, there are no exceptions to this deadline. Qualified Intermediary (QI). The IRS mandates that you use a QI to prepare the legal documents for your exchange. Because the QI must be independent, it cannot be your friend, employee... 12/03/2006

A Community Development District (CDD) is a local, special purpose government authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes as amended and is an alternative method for managing and financing infrastructure required to support community development. Real Estate in Lee County, which includes the cities of Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers may be subject to a CDD.Continue Reading: What is a CDD  12/02/2006

A variety of websites that offer basic, free information regarding real estate in Lee County, Florida can now be accessed on the Internet. Lee County Property Appraiser  http://www.leepa.org/ Lee County Tax Collector http://www.leetc.com/ Lee County Clerks Office  http://www.leeclerk.org/ Lee and Collier County CDD information can be accessed through http://www.cddswf.com/ Additional governmental websites can be accessed through http://www.myflorida.com/ and  http://www.myfloridacounty.com/    12/02/2006

What Is "Save Our Homes"?"Save Our Homes" (SOH) spearheaded by Mr. Wilkinson, approved by Florida voters in 1992, effective January 1, 1995.  SOH places a limitation of 3% on annual assessment increases on homestead exempt property. For all property first granted homestead exemption in the prior year, that year's assessed value will be the base value for the implementation of "Save Our Homes". Thereafter, the assessed value will not increase more than 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The property's market value may differ from SOH assessed value. SOH assessed value will never be greater than market value.Bonita Springs, Florida and Lee County residents can access the homestead exemtion form at the Lee County Property Appraiser website. 12/02/2006

The 21st Annual Bonita Springs Boat Parage is scheduled for December 16,2007.  There is still time to register.  The registration fee is $30 per boat and the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, who coordinates the event, has extended the deadline through Monday, Dec. 4. Entry forms and more information is available by calling Dort Bear, the chamber liaison for the event, at 992-2943.The parade route begins at Fish Trap Bay, turning around at Holly Lane and Esther Drive, and ending at The Fish House Restaurant where awards will be presented.  Prizes will be awarded as follows:  Best Illumination - $100 Best Not-for-Profit - $100 Most Original & Creative - $100 Capt. Jack Sheehan Award (Best Decorated) - $250 Capt. Ed Fischl Award (Most Spirited) - $250 Capt. Carl Johnson Founders Aw... 12/02/2006

 Hmmm, I just received another email from a well meaning sales associate at a new home sales center.  Geeze, I wish I knew where his sales center was actually located.  There sure wasn't anything in the email that indicated the location, but the good news is that there is drywall in building #1.  The fact of the matter is, if someone was so excited about drywall in building #1 and wanted to speak with the sales agent immediately, they couldn't.  Maybe they just wouldn't want to dig to find the contact information.  Why not just make sure the information is on every email?Here is a great guide to anyone that is interested in perfecting their email signature in their email program.Althought many follow a "four line rule" for an email signature.  My opinion is that the real estate industry... 12/01/2006

San Mirage - Centrally located in Bonita Springs Florida.  Former Model - Turnkey Furnished - Upgraded Designer Package & Furniture Upgraded features include: Travertine marble floors Granite Counter Tops Custom Paint Custom Drapery and Bedspread Professional Interior Design Professionally Accessorized Stainless Steel Appliances Warm Wooden Cabinetry Napoli Floor Plan Take a visual tour of this home by clicking the image below. To learn more about San Mirage and the amenities and local conveniences click:  Here. Take the visual tour, click here.    11/30/2006

Starting just under the $200,000 price point."San Mirage" an oasis of tropical delight conveniently located in the heart of Bonita Springs.  Stylishly appointed interiors and an array of amenities combined with the ease of condominium living makes San Mirage the ideal Florida residence.Community Amenities  Gated Access Community Cardio and Fitness Salon Tropical Simming Pool and Spa Poolside Party Pavilion Poolside Cabanas Car Care Center Barbeque/Picnic Area Designer Decorated Club Room Lighted Tennis Court Minutes to Beautiful Bonita Beach Minutes To Coconut Point Mall Minutes to SW Florida International Airport Minutes to FGSU Florida Gulfcoast State University 11/30/2006

  New to the market coach home at Spring Run in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Enjoy two bedroom, bath with tile through out the home and lanai.  The lanai has a lake and cypress preserve view.  To take the visual tour click: Here.This home is offered furnished and is available for sale, as well as, for seasonal rental.  The golf membership is transferrable to tenants. In addition to bundled golf, residents and guests have access to tennis, various community pools and the clubhouse which host the pro-shop and dining room.       Spring Run residents are also eligible to purchase a membership at the Commons Club of the Brooks.  The Commons Club offers a private fitness center, enrichment center, private dining at Rosie Spoonbills and a private beach club membership.  The beach club offers a sh... 11/30/2006

Santa is a Realtor and is "vacationing" in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Santa's sleigh had the rails removed and those big smooshy tires put on so it doesn't get stuck in the sand.Today I had lunch with a first time homebuyer.  I heard the story of how his young son had written a letter to Santa and left it for his dad to mail.  When his father came home the letter was gone.  It seems his son couldn't wait for dear old dad, so he put it in the mail, himself.  The postman picked it up, with no postage....bless their hearts, they do that for Santa letters.Anyhow, I ended up being Santa this season.  I've got a list, and it's growing, of customers and friends that want one mailed to their little darlings.  I searched images and found the North Pole, AK postmark that I print on envelopes and e... 11/27/2006

The next time you're in the post office pick up the FREE "Flat Rate Envelope" and buy the stamps to go on them.  The cost to mail flate rate is $4.05, with no weight limits.  This is great for anyone that mails relocation packages or bundled material.There are a few rules.  1.  There isn't a weight limit, but the envelope must close securely.  It can be taped shut for security.2.  Any tape can not cover the stamp, even if it's clear tape.3.  The envelope has to be delivered to a postal employee in the post office.  It cannot be put in your home mailbox.   It cannot be put in the drop box at the post office.  (Post 911 security)4.  You can often just hand the envelope to a postal agent and avoid the line.  They simply need physically delivered inside to an agent.The great news is that yo... 11/22/2006

5 Tips to Retain Life Long Clients1.  Be Available and AccessibleMake sure your customers know how to find you.  When the time to call you presents itself make sure they have current contact information.  2.  Maintain ContactConnect with your customers, past and present.  Reach out to them through phone calls, email, snail mail and newsletters.  Include past customers when you mail "just listed" and "just sold" postcards.3.  Be Seen and Be HeardGet involved in community affairs.  Become a member of a board of directors, an association, club, high school boosters club or civic group.  You will be working and networking with members of the community and meeting new people.  4.  Be Generous With Hidden PerksWhether its a free art exhibit or little known "Taste of the Town" festival, share ... 11/22/2006

The VisualTour Marketing System is a easy to use system that includes everything that you need to create, host and display your own web or CD based virtual tours complete with your own branding using nothing more than your own digital camera. The main purpose in creating your own virtual tours is to generate more business. VisualTour supplies you with a starter kit of marketing materials to help you in your listing presentations, and offers additional materials at very inexpensive prices.Panoramic images are created from  your own digital camera and "stitched together" to make a panorama.  "Hot Spots" can be added to  zoom in on a feature or to zoom through a door to show what is in the next room.  Additional uses for the hot spot is on a floor plan of the featured home.  Simply add "ho... 11/20/2006