I get a lot of calls from people interested in buying a " Short Sale " in Southwest Florida including Fort Myers Beach.  My guess is that there is a late night infomercial promising that if you just purchase their "CD" course for $ 99 bucks you will magically be able to buy all the distressed homes you want for no money down and ten cents on the dollar !  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it just isn't true.  Well, the part about them cashing your check for the $99 bucks ...that part is true. For those of you already familiar with what a " Short Sale " is feel free to skip to the next section.  For the rest of us consider the following example: Dave and his wife ( Not their real names -  why do they always say that anyway ? )  bought a nice home in 2003 for $ 300,000 dollars.  Thei... 03/29/2009

Hearing the heavy " clank " as the key locked the door for the last time was emotional.  It was the end of an era !  Century 21 Tripower Realty has been an institution on Fort Myers Beach since 3 young agents put their money and faith into forming Tri ( as in 3 of them ! ) Tripower Realty.  It was a difficult decision and many challenges lay ahead.  Over time the office became known for its' hardworking and innovative threesome. Our tiny island is approx 8 miles long and was a very well kept secret.  Many agents joined the office, some moved on for various reasons.  Always there was the undying belief that real estate was a great investment and those willing to work hard at delivering great customer service would be rewarded.  The office became the leader in condo hotel marketing and su... 03/28/2009

Come April, if you are walking or running along Fort Myers Beach, Florida, you'll most likely see a wedding taking place somewhere on our seven mile stretch of white sand.  The white sands just outside of the Pink Shell and Diamonhead are popular spots for beach weddings, but you don't need the sponsorship of a resort.  All you need is a license, a Justice of the Peace and a couple of witnesses.  Then, choose a select piece of white sand and take your vows.  Sunset is the most popular time of day for beach weddings. As a Notary Public, I perform weddings on the beach.  I perform a "poetic" ceremony.  The couple may speak their own vows or the traditional ones.  To book my services, call 239-849-3064 or email:  KarenEnichols@aol.com My wedding ceremony opening poem: Light the first light... 03/24/2009

Of course, it's good to be busy, but I miss blogging.  I like to know what is going on , not only the real estate world, but in the happenings taking place in our world in general.  And, I enjoy putting in a word or two on those happenings.  I enjoy sharing my thoughts.  Although Wall Street is in decline and the unemployment numbers are high, I feel optimistic about the future.  I feel that the housing and banking crisis will ease and these will be valuable lessons learned.  America is a strong country.  It is also a survivor country. Just on the market: Fort Myers Beach Direct Gulf Access Luxury home  4 bedrooms and 4 baths located in gated Palm Isles.  Pool/spa; Large dock w/2 lifts. Double sided gas Fireplace; Solid Surface counters; Beautiful tropical landscaping; 4 car garage!  $1... 03/09/2009

There are people who dream of living in a town by the sea, on the beach or close to the beach. Fort Myers Beach, Florida is an intimate little town by the sea, seven miles long, with seven miles of white sand beach to run upon, walk on or swim in. There are affordable beach cottages in these times. Most of them are are not new, but remodeled, charming. Some people are drawn to the fresh mountains, other to the exciting big cites, others still to the sea.   02/08/2009

It's always tempting to try to guess the absolute moment when the housing market bottoms out !  It is even more challenging here on Fort Myers Beach, Florida  because ours is a destination/vacation area . Based on activity in Century 21 Tripower's office: walk-ins, attendance at open houses, showings and properties going under contract it seems clear that, at the very least, we are bouncing along the bottom !  The bottom line is that this may well be the beginning of the rebound for our local real estate market ! Our " season " is just starting and already we have seen a marked increase in all of the important sales indicators.  The following article is from the Florida Assoc of Realtors ( FAR ) where official data on sales of homes & condos is tracked and released Jan 25, 2009        D... 01/26/2009

There was a recent article in the Fort Myers newspaper about people actually being able to afford a beach cottage near the beach on Fort Myers Beach.  One bright spot in this down market is the affordability of previously untouchable homes.  There are currently 22 homes on the market under $300,000 oon Fort Myers Beach.  Most of these are in the mid 200 to high 200 range, although there are a few in the low 200 range and even one listed at $199,000. This beach cottage has 1430 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.  And a pool.  Listed at $275,000.   LLoyd Nichols Right Choice Realty LLC Realtorlloydn@aol.comcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism.com/neighbor/lloydnActive Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/lloydn Website: http://www.mlsouthwestfloridaho... 01/26/2009

Not that many cities in Southwest Florida are pet friendly. Why the beaches of Bonita Springs and Naples are not is question to debate. The reasons why they are not are obvious.Still, I would think that each city should have a small portion of their long beach frontage reserved for our pets. That is one man’s opinion. Some stretches of Sanibel beaches and 3/4 of our seven miles shore line are pet friendly. Pets are friends in Fort Myers Beach On the Island of Fort Myers Beach or Estero island we have rules and aside from the few bad apples, our residents and visitors understand that to keep a beach pet friendly they have to follow these rules. Lately we adopted Charly, a green eyed outdoor cat with a knack for survival and who was left behind by some irresponsible neighbor. Mimi , our p... 01/24/2009

The trend is towards smaller houses.  Lower electric bills, of course, but also less cleaning time.  In a survey of builders this month, 89 percent are building or planning smaller homes. In a survey in April 2008, the AIA found twice as many architects reporting a size decline rather than an increase. We are experiencing a mild, warm winter in Florida while the rest of the country is dealing with a bit of cold and snow. But,a "cool" front blew in last night and temperatures are not expected to rise out of the 60's today, pretty rare for this tropical zone of the United States.  Still, the temps are expected to be back in the high 70's by Friday, so I won't complain too much. Unknown Inaugural Historic Fact:  For the the first time in history, the President of the United States will be ... 01/19/2009

I am often asked how the Fort Myers Beach market is doing by people trying to guess if this is a good time to buy or sell.  During the last 90 days my answer has changed dramatically.  Before it was a cautious " Yes " for buyers and a " Do you have to sell now ? " for sellers.  Both answers were based on my daily interaction with the market here in Southwest Florida.  Increasingly, reports from various sources indicate that our market ( Fort Myers Beach, as well as some others ! ) shows a significant increase in all measures: number of walk-ins, scheduled showings, open houses and listings under contract. The lower end of the market ( under $300K ) appears to be the most robust while two of our office listings over $1,000,000 also went under contract !  Hopefully, the market is starting... 01/16/2009

I was contacted yesterday by a young couple who recently vacationed on Fort Myers Beach.  They went on and on about how much they like this little Island and wish to find a vacation home slash investment. Although I have resided on this Island for many years, I never take it for granted.  Life is good here. There are deals to be found everywhere these days, including on Fort Myers Beach, Florida.   Foreclosure. Home on stilts not far from the beach with legal apartment on first floor.  2/2 upstairs, and 1/1 downstairs. Approximately 1588 square feet. 1588 square feet.    Not far from the beach. LLoyd Nichols Right Choice Realty LLC Realtorlloydn@aol.comcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism.com/neighbor/lloydnActive Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/... 01/14/2009

As 2009 makes its first baby steps, the Island of Fort Myers Beach is witnessing a striking rise in the numbers of visitors. As the news of a stumbling economy worsen, unemployment at a all time high in 26 years in most states, Americans and Canadians will be drawn even more towards Southwest Florida this winter. Where else can you be in the tropics in the USA without taking a plane? Yes, Fort Myers and Cape Coral are in the tropics. During the last six months I also have seen a strong spike in properties sold in Fort Myers and even more in Cape Coral. It does not take an economist to figure why. Lee County, is one of the few areas in the USA which offers tropical climate, tremendous choices of properties and appealing real estate prices.Its a fact. These opportunities, even though they... 01/05/2009

Attention all golfers !  Make plans to be part of the Fort Myers Beach 22 nd Annual Golf Open on Saturday, January 10, 2009.  Held at the Fort Myers Beach Golf Club.  Start time is 8 AM.  Cost: $60 includes Fun, Food & Prizes.  Winn $500 at the Ball Drop !  Entry Deadline: Wednesday Jan 5, 2009   Call for details:  239  454-7500. 12/30/2008

On Christmas Day, here on Fort Myers Beach, Florida it's 11:30 AM and 77 degrees outside.  I've just returned from a long walk on the beach with our dog, Mimi.  The highs today are expected to be in the low 80's.  Many people think it must be strange to be in a warm, sunny place on Christmas.  I've lived here so many years now that spending a part of Christmas Day on the beach is just a part of the fun of living in Florida.       Right Choice Realty LLCcell: 239-810-2980office: 239-463-5217Activerain Local Blog: http://localism.com/neighbor/lloydnActive Rain Blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/lloydn Website: http://www.mlsouthwestfloridahomes.com/Website Blog:http://ftmyershomesandgardens.blogspot.com/Search the MLS in Southwest Florida     12/25/2008

Sometimes your are surprised. This unusual home is located near the mid island of Fort Myers Beach on 178 Jefferson St.When you drive by you notice immediately the chimney, the gable roof  lines, the large rounded windows and the mature landscaping. Much of the garden is hidden behind a peek a boo white fence. It reminded me of some homes in  Old Town and the Bahama Village of Key West which were completely renovated in the 1990's to this day.It is offered for $399,000.         I was very curious to pre-view it for potential clients who want a structurally Old Florida island home which had all the modern amenities of a new home.Plus I just wanted to take a peek. It is over 1800 square feet, with 3 bedrooms and specially a large large master bedroom and master bathroom with flag stone f... 12/14/2008

12/10/2008

In winter, there are actually cool Florida mornings and evenings, and how pleasant it is to enjoy them with a newspaper outside by a cracking chiminea (outside fireplace), or contemplating and discussing the day when it is done inside in front of the living room fireplace with a nice glass of wine with your significant other or good friends. New houses are great.  Usually, there nothing's to be done before moving in or renting it.  No walls to paint, no rugs to replace, no wood floors to sand. No old wiring and pipes to replace.   At first, anyway.  As time goes by, of course, maintenance, repairs and updating will always be required. Yet, perhaps because I've lived a good deal of my life in Massachusetts, I find old homes interesting.  Some are extraordinarily charming.  Old fireplaces... 12/04/2008

  This list is part of a system I started roughly a year ago... Due to the positive response I will add similar posts in the future which will focus on different style of homes, condos, waterfront properties and foreclosures in different areas and communities of Southwest Florida. You will be able to find them with the Title "Lloyd's Top Ten" , with the date and the type of property. Note: These favorite picks reflects only my point of view, they are above all based on location, price and overall strength of the property. The following represent my top 10 in Fort Myers Beach for single homes under $325,000 on dry lot.These are the first four as of the 12/04/08.  You may contact me for my custom made services and direct private access to the MLS through the following link among others:  ... 12/03/2008

It is is a cold cold morning in the Fort Myers area.  Here on Fort Myers Beach, we hit the low 40's this morning.  The white sand on the beach looked like snow.  But, there is sunshine galore and temps are predicted to rise into the low 70's this afternoon.  Be sure to bundle up good this morning.  By tomorrow afternoon, we should be back into the higher 70's which is the usual for this time of year.                  If you don't mind the cold, there's a beach house on sale for $769,000, was listed at $998,000 at the beginning of this year.  3 bedrooms and 3 baths.  2 large decks and central AC.Build in 1992 with over 1600 square feet, this home has a gulf view and is one lot back from the direct frontage.                  The elevated pilling structure makes it for a sounder choice alo... 12/03/2008

A few weeks ago my wife and I had the pleasure of being invited at the Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina Fort Myers Beach. It was a lay back promotional affair with an open cook out ,drinks and live music. They want to make sure Florida Boaters know that the Snook Bight is open for business.                      View of the Bayfront Bistro located on the second floor.   It was a fun event with plenty of smoked meats and pasta, an open free bar which I didn't mind and a Key West type band with  a fair amount of Jimmy Buffet songs. It is located on Fort Myers Beach mid island just behind the fairly attractive Publix ( amazing but true), of course smack on Estero Bay. It looks like a winner. It is.                         The Snook Bight Marina Yacht  Club   This new marina/ Yacht club is me... 11/24/2008