HomeChoice Real Estate Announces its NEWEST LOCATION!

HomeChoice Real Estate announces the opening of its newest location...Ft. Myers! We are now equipped to service all of our Lee County customers...with elegant lobby with water wall feature, glass enclosed elevator, friendly receptionist, state of the art conference rooms, beverage center, and more!! If you have a home to sell in Lee County, or are interested in buying...we're prepared to provide you with exceptional service and some of the best agents Lee county offers!

HUD Homes for Less than $50,000??

Where elese in the nation can you buy a home in paradise for less than $50,000?? Check out these unbelievable prices on HUD homes in our area and throughout Florida. We are a HUD apporoved Broker and can put a bid on any of these homes for you.
See HUD homes for sale here!

I was right! This is a great place to live!

I've always said that Charlotte County was a great place to live...balmy, sunny weather almost daily, swaying palms, water, water everywhere, great people from all over the world, and super buys in real estate! BUT...don't take my word for it...get an experts opinion here!
(Think you can guess whose been named the #1 place to retire in the nation??? :>) )...
Read about it here!

Home Sales Gaining....

WASHINGTON (December 1, 2009)—Pending home sales have risen for nine months in a row, a first for the series of the index since its inception in 2001, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), based on contracts signed in October, increased 3.7 percent, up 31.8 percent above October 2008. That’s the largest year-over-year rise ever recorded for the index.
The PHSI measures pending sales of existing homes, meaning sales for which a contract is signed, but the deal hasn’t closed. Home sales typically take one to two months to reach closing.

The housing market is experiencing a pendulum swing, said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Keep in mind that housing had been underperforming over most of the past year,” he explained. “Based on the demographics of our growing population, existing-home sales should be in the range of 5.5 million to 6.0 million annually, but we were well below the 5-million mark before the home buyer tax credit stimulus.”
The surge shows the tax credit is helping unleash a pent-up demand from a large pool of financially qualified renters, rather than borrowing sales from the future, he added.
Regionally, the Northeast posted the strongest numbers, surging 19.9 percent in October and 44.2 percent above a year ago.

In the Midwest, the index rose 11.6 percent in October, which was 36.6 percent higher than October 2008.
Pending home sales in the South increased 5.4 percent in October and 31.6 percent above a year ago.
In the West, pending home sales fell 11.2 percent, but were still 21.9 percent above the pace of October 2008.

Yun cautioned that home sales could dip in the months ahead.  “The expanded tax credit has only been available for the past three weeks, but the time between when buyers start looking at homes until they close on a sale can take anywhere from three to five months. Given the lag time, we could see a temporary decline in closed existing-home sales from December until early spring when we get another surge, but the weak job market remains a major concern and could slow the recovery process.

“Still, as inventories continue to decline and balance is gradually restored between buyers and sellers, we should reach self-sustaining housing conditions and firming home prices in most areas around the middle of 2010. That would mean broad wealth stabilization for the vast number of middle-class families,” Yun said.

Do you agree 20101 will see continued improvement?

Source: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®

Can I Offer You $8000?

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream. 

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.
The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009,  single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

Ready to buy and take advantage of $8000? Call Hollie at 941-916-2251....

Punta Gorda Airport Update

On November 20, why did 35 local commercial real estate practitioners meet at 7:15 in the morning at the Sky View Café at the Charlotte County Airport? 
We were there to hear Gary Quill’s excellent update on the exciting progress at and near the airport.   
   
Although the airport had its beginnings in the era of World War II, those humble origins have morphed into a thriving gem of economic activity. Here’s some of the information shared during the fast-paced, 30-minute presentation:    
Airlines: Most of us are familiar with the fact that there are two airlines now servicing the airport, and connecting our area to 12 destinations. The traffic count continues to be healthy and this past year boasted 96,000 travelers for the year through the end of October. As we know, “visitation leads to migration,” and having those visitors definitely helps our local economy and real estate market.    Additionally, Direct Air has two jets stationed here. This contributes $120,000 per month into our local economy in the lodging sector.     

And let’s not forget an iconic local business, Air Trek. This air ambulance was established here in 1978, and is a longtime tenant at the airport.     

Airport Terminal: The 2-year-old Bailey Airport Terminal is an impressive gateway to our area for visitors.    Tower: By Jan. 1, 2011, Charlotte County can boast its own air traffic control tower. This will have a positive impact on safety and economic growth.     

Piper Road: While the Publix distribution center is on the back burner until demographic growth warrants its construction, Publix recently completed $1 million worth of improvements on Piper Road. These improvements provide positive momentum toward the completion of the Piper Road extension, which will link to two Interstate 75 exits — Jones Loop Road and U.S. 17.    
 
Industrial Parks: In addition to the airport authority industrial areas, the airport is flanked by two major industrial parks, on its north and south sides. At the meeting, we learned that a major tenant, a solar manufacturer, recently inked a lease for 40,000 square feet of space at the Park of Commerce, located north of the airport.     

Stimulus money: We’ve heard the news that another nearby community airport is suffering from deferred maintenance resulting in blown tires of various aircraft. That is not the case at the Charlotte County Airport. Using $2.5 million in stimulus money and about $2.5 million in grants, WWII-era runways were torn up, enhanced and replaced.     

Financial condition: While neighboring airports may be several hundred million dollars in debt, Charlotte County’s airport has approximately $280,000 in debt. This results in an airport on solid financial footings, including a balanced budget.    
 
In conclusion, as we take time this season to count our blessings, our area certainly can count the Charlotte County Airport, and its Executive Director Gary Quill, among them.    

For further information on our airport or to book a flight, visit http://www.flypgd.com/


 
Maryann Mize, CCIM, is senior vice president/senior credit officer at Charlotte State Bank. She can be reached at 941-624-5400 or mmize@  charlottestatebank.com  .

The Lights of Downtown Punta Gorda

The revival and growth of downtown Punta Gorda is truly exciting. Especially at this time of the year!
My daughter in law is a talented photographer, and during a recent visit we took a trip to Gilchrist Park for a personal photography session.
On the way back through town, I couldn't resist asking her to snap some shots of the life and lights of downtown Punta Gorda...alive with the spirit of the holidays! Enjoy~

Let the Holiday Season Begin!

Southwest Florida’s tropical holiday season is punctuated by something only a tropical zone affords: holiday boat parades, with bejeweled sea vessels taking to the waters around the community, decked out in illuminated holiday cheer.

And Punta Gorda is blessed by not one, but two such spectacles each season.

The Lighted Boat Parade on Charlotte Harbor is now in its 20th year. A product of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, the annual happening features prominently in the holiday season’s kick-off. (The technical kick-off comes a day before, with the lighting of two Christmas trees in Downtown Punta on Dec. 4.)

On Dec. 5, the Lighted Boat Parade is preceded by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade, traversing Taylor Street in Punta Gorda from downtown to Charlotte High School. The afternoon segues into a holiday bazaar at Laishley Park from noon to dusk, featuring tables of trinkets and tidbits, food and fun, orchestrated by the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Fishermen’s Village provides ample opportunities to keep folks busy between the parade’s end and the boat parade’s beginning. Regional favorite Jim Morris starts playing there at 5 p.m.

Then comes the pièce de resistance at about 6 p.m. — the Lighted Boat Parade, which draws an estimated 10,000-12,000 people.

A year of planning

John Wright, president of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, told us it takes a full year to put the parade together.

“Our first and primary goal is to make sure the parade is safe. It’s not easy to go out on a darkened harbor at night and find your way around. Not only are there the parade participants, there are at least 250 boats anchored in the harbor. It’s a daunting task, but it’s our job to make it as easy and safe,” Mr. Wright said.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Punta Gorda Police Department figure prominently in making the event a safety non-event. The coordinated effort of so many enforcement and civic entities calls for serious advance planning. Two month prior to the parade, the proposal must be approved by city council.

“We have a parade chair, Doug Buuck, who owns All Marine Canvas in Punta Gorda. He’s on hand to give not just safety recommendations, but he’ll give advice on how to decorate your boat,” Mr. Wright said.

“This is my seventh year,” Mr. Buuck said. “We’re shooting for 40 boats to be in the parade. We usually run between 35 and 45.”

COURTESY PHOTOS Regardless of whether a design is glorious or humorous, each lighted boat requires hours of planning and rigging. He explained that another boat parade — one in Punta Gorda Isles set for Dec. 19 — technically has the greatest number of decked-out boats, but the Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 5 is the largest spectacle on open waters on Florida’s west coast.

“We also have the distinction of being the only (Southwest Florida community) to have two boat parades,” he added.

“Doug has it down to a fine art,” Mr. Wright said. “The route is secure and safe to navigate. What’s new this year is that (the event will be) sponsored by Clear Channel Radio, broadcast live from Fishermen’s Village,” he said. And “For the first time, we’re collaborating with the Sarasota boat parade (on Dec. 12). If you’re decorating your boat, you’ll want it in the harbor,” he said, to have it seen by as many spectators as possible.

Beauty and the barge

Punta Gorda Isles resident Noel Hyde has been participating in the parade for 11 years. His decorations have included a 25-foot trumpeting angel and a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree. A favorite is a 16-foot lighted poinsettia being “watered” with a colossal watering can, complete with lighted streams of symbolic water.

Planning starts months before a parade. “We draw the design on our driveway with chalk,” Mr. Hyde said. Next, a netting material is laid over the design and stretched onto a PVC pipe frame. Then the structure is installed on his 38-foot sailboat.

Family, friends and neighbors readily help in every phase of the project. When the parades are over, the design is taken down and fostered in a neighbor’s backyard — on a pool cage, secured to a tree — anything sturdy enough to support it. When a design is renovated, strings of light figuring prominently into the reconstruction.

As Maya Angelou put it, “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.”

Capt. Ralph Allen has been involved with the parade since its inception. Three boats from his King Fisher Fleet at Fishermen’s Village will be in the parade. An affiliate boat, the new Harbor Lady dinner cruise, will be docked in the harbor, offering supreme scenery and dinner for $50 per person.

Capt. Allen’s boats will be outfitted for the occasion. “Good Times Too” will be decked in red. The “Island Star” will be covered in candy canes. And the “Coconut Woman” is demurely flanked with a succession of light strings. “We’re not the most sophisticated,” Capt. Allen allowed, “but everybody has a good time.”

Maximizing the experience

Mr. Wright said that locals create occasions around the Lighted Boat Parade. “Some homeowners host nonprofit events in their homes,” he said.

One Dec. 5 private home gathering will serve as a benefit for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, with horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from St. Nick, food and drink and a ringside seat to the boat parade — all for a $50 donation to the nonprofit orchestra.

Mr. Wright urges participants and bystanders to visit the chamber’s Web site (www.puntagorda-chamber.com) for full details about what to expect. The site contains information about registering a boat for the parade, including a captain’s registration form. “The only thing we require (of boaters) is that they a mandatory captains’ meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the Laishley Marina’s community room,” Mr. Wright said.

Fishermen’s Village, the Isles Yacht Club and Laishley Park are favorite viewing areas. Some parking restrictions apply, and can be found on the chamber’s site.

And the party plays on

Immediately following the boat parade, the Punta Gorda Chamber will host a free party at Laishley Park celebrating its fifth year in business.

A few days later, parade boaters are thanked for their hard work and contributions at a first mate’s cocktail reception at the Captain’s Table Restaurant.

“Money can’t buy what these guys offer up for free. They don’t have to do this. They do it because they want to, and everybody has such a good time,” Mr. Buuck said.

As for why he serves as the captains’ captain year after year, Mr. Buuck said, “I meet the neatest, coolest people. They’re absolutely fun.”

Despite the hours of planning and hard work amid the frustration of failed and tangled lights, the show goes on as it has for 20 years, out of sheer joy, dedication and love of community. ¦

events


Holiday kick-off events
Friday, Dec. 4
Lighting of Christmas trees in downtown Punta
Gorda
• 6 to 6:30 p.m. — city tree at Marion and Taylor
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Downtown Merchants’ Association
tree at Olympia and Taylor
Saturday, Dec. 5
Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade
• Noon
Parade begins at the intersection of Marion and
Taylor in Punta Gorda and proceeds along Taylor
to Punta Gorda High School
Holiday bazaar presented by the Punta Gorda
Chamber of Commerce
• Noon to dusk at Laishley Park
The 20th annual Lighted Boat Parade
• Starts at approximately 6 p.m.
(inclement weather date: Dec. 12)
After-Party
• Starts immediately following the boat parade.
Punta Gorda Chamber celebrates its fifth anniversary
at Laishley Park
Saturday, Dec. 19
Punta Gorda Isles boat parade on the canals.
Boaters who wish to participate can contact Tom
Little at Kalani@comcast.net or 639-9442
Information
• Lighted Boat Parade: www.puntagorda-chamber.
com
• Fishermen’s Village: www.fishville.com

Ghosts and Goblins of Halloween Night, Downtown Punta Gorda

Luxury Homes of Punta Gorda Launched!

The luxury home market is strong in Punta Gorda...and for good reason! Where else can discriminating buyers purchase a luxury home situated on the water with in a thriving SW Florida town for these prices?
Those looking to live the high end lifestyle for low end prices should check out the newly launched "Luxury Homes of Punta Gorda" site at www.LuxuryHomesofPuntaGorda.com.