Discover Useppa Island - Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast provides a stark contrast to the I-95 corridor and high rise beach development of some of the more populated areas of Florida's east coast. Just imagine, 25-miles of pristine barrier islands, from Sanibel north to Boca Grande, with a 3-story height limit, and an ecosystem largely preserved as it was 100 years ago. Now, imagine forever views of sea, sky and foliage, to the north and south along Pine Island Sound. A protected area … [Read more...]
THE AFFORDABLE HIDDEN GEM ON FLORIDA’S SOUTHWEST GULF COAST
Florida's Affordable Hidden Gem - Florida Realtors® News recently published their list of the 2017 major factors affecting our 2018 Florida Real Estate Market. These included low inventory of homes, and the resultant escalation of prices to levels just below the peak of the real estate bubble. The upcoming run-up in Florida values, resulting from the Tax Reform bill, along with the crushing winter weather to the north, may make those issues pale in comparison. A lack of state income and … [Read more...]
SW Florida Housing Market has Slowed – and That’s Good
NAPLES, Fla. – Feb. 24, 2016 – The SW Florida housing market is showing signs of slowing and local experts say that's OK. Home resales are slowing – and so are land sales for new homes and developments. "We're in the middle of a downshift in the marketplace. And it's a good thing," said Denny Grimes, president of Denny Grimes & Co. in Fort Myers. Grimes was one of three expert speakers at Market Watch 2016, sponsored by the News-Press and held at the Harborside Event Center in downtown … [Read more...]
Secret Islands of Southwest Florida
Discover the Secret Islands of Southwest Florida Many of Southwest Florida’s barrier islands, spanning the coast from Marco north to Manasota Key, deliver seclusion — without the three-hour tour or that dunderhead Gilligan. The best are those accessible only by boat, chartered ferry excursions and, in some cases, a helicopter or seaplane. Bonus for resort amenities and grand, Old Florida-style cottages and estate rentals — or sleeping platforms for the truly adventurous who don’t mind starlit … [Read more...]
Florida Economic Forecast – Sunny Days in the Sunshine State
Florida Economic Forecast – Sunny Days Dr. Hank Fishkind - With over 30 years of experience in the field of economic analysis and forecasting, Dr. Fishkind is a well-regarded economist in the state of Florida. Dr. Fishkind recently discussed broad economic markets and narrowed down to Florida economics, giving his opinion of what Floridians might expect in the upcoming year. Tourism is expected to increase significantly due to the recent declines in oil & gas prices. On average, … [Read more...]
Gubernatorial Candidates Split on Approach to Florida Property Insurance
With the upcoming election, candidates split on approach to Florida property insurance. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 9, 2014 – The cost of property insurance is a major issue to many Florida homeowners and Realtors. A hurricane hasn't hit the state in nearly nine years, but that hasn't dampened property insurance rates. The two candidates for governor facing a November election, Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Charlie Crist, approach the property insurance problem differently. The state has … [Read more...]
Croquet on Useppa Island: Play On!
Croquet took root, sprouted, evolved and exploded on Useppa Island over 30 years ago! In 1978, Bob Sumwalt, our “Father of Croquet” dedicated himself to teaching all that would come, to learn, play and love Croquet. And, we did!! Our first Nine-Wicket Tournament was in 1978, followed by the introduction of Six-Wicket in 1984, when we built “the perfect” Six-Wicket court overlooking Pine Island Sound. Women jumped in and competition really ramped up! In 1989, we had our first … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: The Fishery Restaurant
The Fishery: Part 3 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We are motoring north again, in search of fresh fish for our get-away lunch. We cross Boca Grande pass and the fleet of boats working the fish inside of the pass. When you think of eating fish, however, it’s not tarpon but The Fishery Restaurant that comes to mind. Located immediately south of the old Boca Grande railroad bridge, this casual family restaurant is located adjacent to a real … [Read more...]
The Useppa People: Giving Back to the Community
Giving Back to the Island Community In keeping with the commitment made when we became Realtors, selling and helping to buy Useppa real estate, the time has come to live up to that commitment: to donate 5% of our gross commissions to Useppa Island charities, 501c3's, of which there are two…the Useppa Volunteer Fire Company and the Useppa Island Historical Society. Though we haven’t gotten a real check yet, we have closed two deals in a little more than two weeks and are excited to live up to … [Read more...]
Looking to buy real estate near the water? Update on Flood Insurance Rates
Useppa Island Real Estate Continues to Watch Flood Insurance Rates. Lloyd's of London and other private insurers have muscled into the market, picking up customers stunned by rate hikes under the National Flood Insurance Program. The emergence of private companies into the market could be a boon for thousands of Floridians who face huge rate increases under the federal program because their homes were built decades ago in low-lying areas. Lloyd's, the venerable London-based institution, began … [Read more...]
