Here are some more facts that people might find interesting. People always ask me if they can afford a certain area. Here are average listing and selling prices and average square footage of homes.Often time people ask me, "What do you think they'll take?'' Well, here's your answer. You better stay pretty close to list price in North Port if you want any chance of getting a home and a lot of homes have been going for over list price. You might be able to get away with $10K under list in Port Charlotte. In Venice and Punta Gorda the average selling price is running around $20K under list. Englewood is running $30K under list and some of the more expensive areas where the homes are selling for more like Osprey and Sarasota you might be able to get away with $50K or so below list. Of cours... 04/24/2009

Featured Network Business Partner #6 - Roger & Karin Anderson This is my continuing series of promoting many of my business partners.  They all have their special strengths, and I feel I would like to help them promote their business.  If you ever do business with any of these people or businesses, please feel free to comment here about your experiences! Today, for my sixth issue, I would like to promote: Roger & Karin Anderson - Pre-Paid Legal & Identity Theft Shield Plans (Delta Business Consultants)  North Port, FL While the Anderson's are a business partner in my new business service for selling the Pre-Paid Legal plans and Identity Theft Shield, like many of my featured business partners I have listed here, they are friends as well.  They have been trying to help me personally in ... 09/14/2008

North Port is an area of Sarasota County that experienced tremendous growth during the boom due to its affordability. With property prices in Sarasota proper going out of sight, the working person found good value in North Port, a 30-minute commute down Interstate 75. That of course led to a boom in North Port, as developers scrambled to snap up lots, build spec homes, and cater to the crowds. When Sarasota experienced the bust, North Port felt it the worst. We have recently become well-acquainted once more with North Port thanks to a few buyers in that area, and can report that there are some excellent values. There are a great many short sales and REOs in not-so-great shape ... good for handypersons or investors ... but a little determined searching will turn up some move-in ready 3/2... 09/13/2008

Realtors and Owners in Heron Creek --This is a reminder: Homes closing after 12/31/07 Resale purchasers must must pay the Working Capital Contribution of one quarter of the annual Neighborhood Assessment at closing. If the seller does not inform the agent of this fact, and the agent unknowingly does not disclose it, it is possible the seller or even the agent is liable for that contribution. It must be in the disclosure documents. The Resale Purchaser is liable for One Fourth of the annual Neighborhood Association Assessment as a Working Capital Contribution at closing   We would like to thank all the helpful Realtors we have crossed paths since we started. and perhaps this reminder may save someone some money.    08/03/2008

Having mastered short sales, we got one both sides. We're close on another-negotiator has accepted it and is presenting it to his investor. A 3rd is in the works, making progress , 3 are gone and 3 we're waiting for offers on. I don't know that means I've mastered it. I just wanted to learn to do it and do it and tell people I did it. now what do we do? We had a sales meeting a month ago and had a presentation by a Home Staging Company. I like the idea and arranged a meeting with them. We talked about ways to network and I finally got them to agree to stage one of 5 villas we have in Heron Creek. In return My wife and I will promote an Open House for Brokers and Agents featuring the Home Stager and naturally the idea is to sell a home and their services. We'll have handouts on our other... 07/30/2008

Is everything in North Port new construction? No!  There are older, more established communities around that have mature landscaping and the look and feel of an older Florida, which some not only adore, but search for specifically when buying a home.  If you're someone who loves the established developments, Sabal Trace Golf and Country Club, located in North Port Florida, is for you. That's not to say that Sabal Trace is without new construction - several portions of this 3-part community are beginning new phases of development.  Most of Sabal Trace's homes however, are homes that were built in the 1980's surrounding the beautiful golf course, lake views and natural setting. The golf and country club features a 180-hole Florida regulation golf course and is open to the public.  The cou... 07/15/2008

Charleston Park in North Port, Florida ~ Florida Nostalgia at its Best! Let the serene and peaceful paths and walkways of Charleston Park take you back to a more casual lifestyle.  Complete with the natural tranquility that comes with 3 lakes and a nature trail, Charleston Park is truly a sanctuary.  In addition to the natural elements, Charleston Park offers sought after amenities such as a heated pool, preserve area, city water and sewer, street lights, sidewalks and a clubhouse.  Charleston Park is a gated community, designed specifically for families and is kid friendly.  Charleston Park Villas, which is located across the street, is also gated and has the same refined luxuries, but is a development of only villas. The builder, Peter Shipps, has succeeded in creating an old fashione... 07/08/2008

Bobcat Trail in North Port Florida - An Active Lifestyle in a Peaceful Setting If you're in search of a top notch community, look no further than Bobcat Trail in North Port, Florida! Bobcat Trail is a premium golfing community in a great location complete with upscale amenities.  Its location on Toledo Blade Boulevard is minutes from the interstate, which has quick and easy access to Sarasota, Tampa, or Ft. Myers.  Bobcat Trail is just around the corner from the shopping and activities in North Port itself.  The amenities in the community make it a favorite of active couples and families, as it offers a 4.5-star golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and a heated swimming pool.  Bobcat Trail is known for the frequent and exciting activities and clubs, which vary f... 07/02/2008

Located in sunny North Port, Florida, Heron Creek Golf and Country Club is a gated community with a world-class championship golf course.  This 27-hole course, designed by Arthur Hills, has a variety of layouts and challenges.  But don't think that you've been left out if you don't play golf!  You can improve your tennis skills with lessons at one of the FIVE onsite lighted Har-Tru tennis courts; you can even join a league if you want! The Heron Creek Country Club allows its residents to choose one of several country club packages, giving you the option of having golf privileges or not.  This means that you don't pay for something you're not using, which is very nice if you appreciate the golf course lifestyle, but not necessarily the golfing itself! Nestled into a natural setting, Hero... 07/02/2008

So, what's so great about North Port, Florida, anyway? If you're looking for a city in sunny Florida that doesn't have the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, look no further than North Port, Florida.  Located in Sarasota County on the west coast of Florida, North Port is a city ahead of the curve.  Close to some of the most active cities in the state such as Ft. Myers, Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Naples, North Port holds its own by being a friendly, clean and spacious place to be.  Very few incorporated cities remain as natural; North Port is only 18% developed.  18% may not sound like a lot, but when you consider that North Port is the second largest city in the state of Florida, you begin to realize that North Port has the perfect combination of natural forests, parks and wate... 06/30/2008

Following up on my previous post on some of the upscale communities in North Port, here's more in-depth information about one of my favorite communities, Talon Bay. If you're looking for peace and tranquility in a natural setting, look no further than Talon Bay!  Talon Bay is known for being an upscale community with sought-after features like underground utilities, sidewalks, impeccible landscaping, paved brick driveways and streetlights. Located in North Port, Florida, Talon Bay is a beautiful 101-acre gated community that is complete with amenities such as a pristine clubhouse that features a summer kitchen, a community pool overlooking the lake, and a fitness center. The Talon Bay community makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors as well with amenities such as a park, tennis courts, sev... 06/17/2008

Foreclosures and short sales are the buzz words and these are what is selling in the Venice, Englewood, North Port and Port Charlotte Florida market. There seems to be many people that do not know the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure. They are not the same. A foreclosure is when the bank is selling the property, it is already owned by the bank thus the term REO(real estate owned). These are handled by an asset manager from the bank in most cases. They list them with a local real estate broker to market and sell them. The main difference between buying a regular resale VS a foreclosure is the paperwork. Since the bank has never lived in the property they will have you sign an addendum that basically states that you are buying it "AS IS", since they cannot warrant the con... 05/25/2008

Warm Mineral Springs, Florida • Believing Florida was an island, Ponde de Leon tried to sail around it, going south to what is now Key West, up the west coast of Florida, then south again on April 8, 1513. The oceanic currents of the “Gulf Stream” would become very important for future Spanish trips from Europe to America. On the return trip, a fight broke out between Ponce de Leon's men and Native Americans in southern Florida. They sailed to Cuba, then headed north, again trying to find Bimini (but instead, finding Andros Island). After returning to Puerto Rico in September, 1513, Ponce de Leon resumed fighting with the Native Americans (putting down their rebellions against Spanish rule). He returned to Spain and was named a Captain General by the King of Spain on September 27, 1514... 02/12/2008

Can it be Christmas? The weather has been in the 80's and dry for weeks. All my windows are open since we don't even need AC or heat right now. Come on down! There's plenty of sunshine for everyone. WATERFRONT PROPERTY One of the defining characteristics of this area is water--- fresh water lakes, rivers and canals plus saltwater canals, intracoastal and the Gulf. Two major rivers, the Peace River and the Myakka River, flow through this area into Charlotte Harbor as do all the little canals. With prices down, we're seeing a renewed interest in all waterfront property. Sailboat access to the Gulf is possible in the $150's. Locally, the bridge heights run about 45 ft. so sailors need to be on the Gulf side of the bridges if they have a tall mast or a deep draft. Allow three to four feet f... 12/23/2007

 Roxanne and Shannon MooreOctober Market ReportPICKING UP DEALSWe have lots of buyers in all price ranges at this time, but we hear the same phrase over and over. "I want a really good deal." Buyers want to tell their friends they snatched a bargain. One of our customers bought a $400,000 home for $220,000. Two buyers want sailboat access since that is a really good investment at this time. A couple of first-time homebuyers are looking in the $100,000-$135,000 range. One family needs four real bedrooms (not a converted garage), preferably in a 2-story for under $175,000. A couple we are taking out this weekend wants 2000sf under air with all the upgrades they can get for under $200,000. Last weekend we had a buyer trying to decide whether to build on a double lot (offered at $50,000 but... 11/09/2007

September NewsletterIt seems that every time we think the market has hit bottom, it drops more. No one seems to really know exactly where we are in the cycle. Some say we have another two years before prices climb. Others feel we are there now.  Do sellers take a big loss now or a small loss month by month by renting for less than expenses?Judging by the number of foreclosure and short sale properties on the market, it looks like we still haven't started to climb. More and more properties are coming up as short sales.In our own situation, we work closely with a loan mitigator in short sales, and one of the banks' conditions is that a property be listed. This shows that you are actively trying to market the listing. The mitigator works with a customer to get the hardship letter and all t... 10/12/2007

August, 2007 Market ReportNorth Port bustling with commercial activity, home prices dropping, foreclosures upIt comes as no surprise that the average selling price has been slowly dropping since the first of the year. Even though Adams Homes and Centex, two of the larger builders, are nearing the end of inventory homes, the market is under intense pressure from foreclosures. Listed price of pre-foreclosure properties is often below what they actually sell for, but this is attracting buyers into the market. Today's paper says "Of the 190 foreclosures in this region, 100 were in Sarasota County"likely concentrated in struggling North Port . . ."  Sarasota County jumped from #16 to #12 in the highest per capita foreclosure activity in the state.Some months do have more days, but there is s... 10/04/2007

 Come build your dream home on this lot in North Port.  So close to the water, how can you go wrong?  This one is priced to sell so it won't last long. Terrific location only one block from the waterway section #87 lot 22 of South Gulf Cove. Community boat ramp, close to beaches, golf and shopping. Great place to invest or build.Listed at $64,900For more information visit www.ReynoldsRealty.com 09/07/2007

 Sellers are relocating out of state & wish they could take this beautiful home with them. Over 1600 sq ft under air. Ceramic Tile in wet areas, wood laminate floors in living room, dining room & family room. Open floor plan w/vaulted ceilings. Wood cabinets in bathrooms & kitchen. Dual sinks in master bath w/garden tub & separate shower. Screened lanai w/room to add a pool. NO Deed restrictions! For more information visit www.ReynoldsRealty.com 09/07/2007

I just listed two short sales and I'm trying to understand how investors view short sales.  Does anyone know of anyone who has self-directed IRA's or investors and is looking for some investments in North Port Florida?  I get the impression that everyone's waiting for the media to tell them we're at the bottom and not willing to act to the inventory. Anyone else having difficulty creating interest in short sales? 08/29/2007