By Nadine Welch Mike and I decided it was time to get out of Dodge and take a road trip with our flats boat. The hustle and bustle of south Florida makes this kind of trip a stark contrast and welcome break. We ended up on Useppa, a small island between Pine Island and Cabbage Key, on the southwest coast of Florida. These places are almost due west of Fort Myers, near the mouth of Charlotte Harbor. The path that led us there was anything but ordinary. It was as if we were being … [Read more...]
BUYER’S MARKET HELPS PREMIUM HOME SALES SOAR
We previously reported how a shortage of inventory in the starter and trade-up home markets is driving prices up and causing bidding wars, creating a true seller’s market. At the same time, in the premium home market, an over-abundance of inventory has started to see prices come down and put buyers in the driver’s seat, creating the beginning of a buyer’s market. Last week, the National Association of Realtors released their Existing Home Sales Report which shed some additional … [Read more...]
National View – US Home Price Rise Strongest in Nearly Three Years
These are heady days for American home sellers, with a report Tuesday showing that housing prices in March recorded their largest annual increase in nearly three years. But the gains are inflicting more financial pain on home buyers, though the price run-up has fallen well short of the annual double-digit increases during the mid-2000s housing bubble. Home prices across the USA were up 5.8 percent annually in March, up from 5.7 percent the prior month, according to the S&P CoreLogic … [Read more...]
Why Housing is Not Headed for Another Bubble
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...]
Useppa Island Living – A Daily Celebration
Useppa Island Living For an Island accessible only by air or water, Useppa is really very cultured. We have a comprehensive Historic Museum, a Book Club, Bridge Club, Yacht Club, Tennis Club, Croquet Club and Beach Church. We also have the Isaak Walton Club, Fitness Center and Bocce Ball. For the little ones that frequent the Island, there’s fishing, bike riding, swimming at the pool or the beach, a playground and lots of nature to explore. And, they grow up together; learn to drive … [Read more...]
Is This the Year to Move Up to Your Dream Home?
Buying a Dream Home - It appears that Americans are regaining faith in the U.S. economy. The following indexes have each shown a dramatic jump in consumer confidence in their latest surveys: The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index National Federation of Independent Businesses' Small Business Optimism Index CNBC All-America Economic Survey The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey It usually means good news for the housing market when the country sees an … [Read more...]
Owning a Second Home – Useppa Island
You’ve dreamed and planned for owning a second home. Imagine enjoying vacations whenever you want, entertaining family and friends and creating a home away from home. There are many, many, good reasons for owning a second home. Before you take that step, there are some considerations for your careful planning. First, many second home/vacation home owners take the steps to improve family time and take a break from their hectic daily schedules. Booking reservations and the overall cost for … [Read more...]
30-Year Mortgage Rate Rises Again – to 4.16%
The long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed for the seventh straight week following Donald Trump's election victory, again marking new highs for the year. Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate loan rose this week to 4.16 percent from 4.13 percent the previous week. The benchmark rate is well above its 3.97 percent level of a year ago. The rate on 15-year home loans, a popular choice for people who are refinancing, ticked up to 3.37 percent from 3.36 … [Read more...]