With housing prices appreciating at levels that far exceed historical norms, some are fearful that the market is heading for another bubble. To alleviate that fear, we just need to look back at the reasons that caused the bubble ten years ago. Last decade, demand for housing was artificially propped up because mortgage lending standards were way too lenient. People that were not qualified to purchase were able to attain a mortgage anyway. Prices began to skyrocket. This increase in demand … [Read more...]
Find Your Secret Hideaway on Useppa Island
Do you remember when you were a child, with your own secret hideaway? It was that place where you always felt safe, calm, warm and protected. A place where you could dream and imagine….anything! Under a blanket as a fort, in a closet, behind a chair, beneath, or up in a tree; wherever that place was, it was your “secret escape.” Now, you’re grown and you haven’t thought about that childhood secret place for a very long time. It still may be your secret. Busy with life, work, children and … [Read more...]
Where and What is Useppa Island…
And Who Lives There? We wondered about that when we saw Useppa Island featured in Islands Magazine in 1985, while staying at a friend’s house on Sanibel. Although we never met any neighbors before we bought our Useppa home, it was the slow season, the community was terrific and we can’t imagine our lives any other way. After years of living on Useppa, we continue to invite new and wonderful people to join this welcoming community. The entrance to Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island … [Read more...]
Thinking of Selling? Don’t Overlook an Outdated Kitchen, Buyers Won’t
If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook that outdated kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned: “Dated kitchens—just like bathrooms—are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren’t interested in renovating post-purchase.” Kitchen remodels can be pricey, with many complete remodels costing $20,000 or more. But not every … [Read more...]
The Difference an Hour Makes
The Difference of an Hour - Time to FALL BACK Every Hour in the US Housing Market: 633 Homes Sell 253 Homes Regain Positive Equity Median Home Values Go Up $1.43 … [Read more...]
Art of The Sale – Mangoes Cottage
Original artwork Mangoes Cottage by Ed Brown We'd like to share a painting Ed Brown recently created for us of another recently sold home on Useppa Island. Ed is a local watercolorist with a true gift and the amazing ability to capture the "essence of Useppa Island" in his paintings. We fell in love with his work and use his original work as our logo. We never tire of seeing what he created. These paintings make a wonderfully personal gift for our new home buyers…something they will … [Read more...]
Art of The Sale – Casa Veranda
Original artwork Casa Veranda by Ed Brown We were so fortunate to find Ed Brown, about the time we started in residential real estate. Ed is a local watercolorist with a talent for capturing "the feel" of Useppa Island. The first painting that we saw of his amazing work captured us. We showcase his work as part of our logo and branding. We have also commissioned him to create painting of the homes we've sold, as a special gift to the home buyers. … [Read more...]
Reversing the Slump in August
Reversing an eight-month slump, residential real estate sales rose 3.8 percent in Southwest Florida in August. The state picture Statewide, buyers closed on 25,070 single family homes in August, up 8.2 percent. Condo sales grew 3.3 percent to 9,484, Florida Realtors said. Homes throughout Florida traded for a median $225,000, 12.6 percent more than last year, while condos sold for $160,000, a 6.7 percent gain. The activity erased the 8 percent decline in sales in July, said Brad O’Connor, … [Read more...]
10 Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The award-winning pros revealed decorating mistakes that drive them crazy and shared insider tips and tricks for creating a harmonious room design. In addition to the designers' pet peeves, we've added a few of our own. By Brenda Richardson Special to The Washington Post After years of working with numerous clients, interior designers Michael Smith and Mary Cook have seen many of the same design mistakes over and over. The Los Angeles-based Smith, who was appointed by the Obama's to … [Read more...]
76% Of US Homeowners Have Equity in Their Homes!
CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 91.1 percent of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation, while 75.9 percent now have significant equity (defined as more than 20 percent)! The report also revealed that 548,000 households regained equity in the second quarter of 2016 and are no longer under water. Price Appreciation = Good News for Homeowners Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains: “Home-value gains have played a … [Read more...]