Events for November 15th - 21st, 2019

November 15

Fort Myers Music Walk

Hotel Indigo Fort Myers Downtown River District

1520 Broadway Suite 104

Fort Myers, FL

November 16

Free Butterfly House Tours

Rotary Park Environmental Center

5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral 

November 16

Blues, Brews and Food Festival 2019

Burroughs Home and Garden

2505 First St, Fort Myers 

November 21

2019 Fort Myers Boat Show

Centennial Park

2000 W First St, Fort Myers

Let me know of any other events in the comments! 

Have a great weekend! 

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Insights Report shows that home prices have appreciated by 3.6% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.8% over the next year.

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase Next Year

The Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac indicates that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have recently hovered just above 3.5%. This is great news for buyers in the market right now, because low interest rates increase your purchasing power – but don’t wait! Most experts predict rates will rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year.

An increase in rates will impact your monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is needed to buy your next home.

3. Either Way, You Are Paying a Mortgage 

There are some renters who haven’t purchased a home yet because they’re uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you’re living rent-free with your parents, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or that of your landlord.

As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to have equity in your home you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity.

Are you ready to put your housing costs to work for you?

4. It’s Time to Move on With Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears both are on the rise.

But what if they weren’t? Would you wait?

Look at the actual reason you’re buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer, or you just want to have control over custom renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.

Bottom Line

Buying a home sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings. Talk to The Terry and Laurie Carlson Team to determine if homeownership is the right choice for you and your family this fall. 

Events for November 8th - 14th, 2019

November 7-10

Cape Coral Coconut Festival

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral

November 8

Beach N' Brews Craft Beer Event

Lover's Key State Park

Fort Myers Beach 

November 9

2019 Cape Coral Sip and Shop After Dark

901 East Industrial Circle, Cape Coral

November 13

USA Dance #6123

Four Freedoms Park

4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral

November 13

Florida Friendly Landscaping Workshop

10am-2pm

Riverland Nursery

13005 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers

Let me know if you know of any other events in the comments below! 

Have a great weekend! 

Be Serious About Your Water 

Yes, water. Being eco-friendly isn't all about energy consumption. Here are a few things you can do to save water.

Repair any leaks.

Don't run the tap when you brush your teeth or shave. 

Install a low-flow shower head. 

Install a faucet aerator attachment to your kitchen faucet. 

Install a low flow toilet. 

Install a recirculating water pump under your bathroom sink. 

Always run a full load of dishes in the dishwasher. 

Take a shower instead of a bath when possible. 

Consider a rain barrel for outside watering of plants. 

Now let's take a look at some other ideas room-by room. 

Living Room

Install a programmable thermostat. 

Install energy efficient CFL light bulbs. 

Use a power strip with an off/on switch and turn off when not in use. 

Put window coverings on windows.

Open the blinds/curtains to help heat a room. 

Use area rugs on wooden floors. 

Add some houseplants.

Consider unplugging your TV when not in use. 

Kitchen

Make sure your fridge is in the shade and not direct sunlight.

Make the change to Energy Star-Qualified appliances. 

Stop looking in the fridge so much, you already know what's in there. 

Compost kitchen scraps.

Clean with all natural, non-chemical products..

Use the microwave instead of the oven. 

Always run a full load in the dishwasher. 

Use both racks at the same time to cook food, and keep the door closed to keep a steady temperature. 

Use more rags and less paper towels. 

Clean those fridge coils. 

Recycle! 

Run your dishwasher in the middle of the night. 

Use cloth napkins.

Bedrooms

Use essential oils and non-aerosol scents. 

Repurpose old furniture instead of buying new. 

Make the decision to install energy-efficient windows. 

Use organic sheets on a non=toxic mattress that hasn't been treated with chemicals. 

Bathrooms

Buy recycled toilet paper.

Open windows to keep mold at bay. 

Get a spider plant. 

Utility Room

Wash in cold water.

Skip the dryer and hang to dry when you can. 

Use concentrated detergent, or better yet, invest in some soap nuts. 

Clean the filter on your dryer.

Get a set of dryer balls. 

Run the washer and dryer in the middle of the night. 

Turn down the water heater. 

Garden

Protect your local environment by planting native plants. 

Use homemade pesticides like chopped tomato leaf spray or garlic oil spray. 

Plant some herbs. 

And something else to consider:

Switch to online bill pay. 

We should all play a role in making this word a better place. 

Stop by on Friday for weekly events and on Monday for more info that you need to know! 

Leave me a comment on what content you might want to see! 

Here's a few things you should do to get started on your home search.

In today’s market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. Here are five tips from realtor.com’s article, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search

One way to show you’re serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage. Even if you’re in a market that is not as competitive, understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing whether or not your dream home is within your reach. This will help you avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home well outside your price range.

2. Know the Difference Between Your ‘Must-Haves’ and ‘Would-Like-To-Haves’

Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Before you start your search, list all the features of a home you would like. Qualify them as ‘must-haves’, ‘should-haves’, or ‘absolute-wish list’ items. This will help you stay focused on what’s most important.

3. Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You Want to Live

Every neighborhood has unique charm. Before you commit to a home based solely on the house itself, take a test-drive of the area. Make sure it meets your needs for “amenities, commute, school district, etc. and then spend a weekend exploring before you commit.”

  4. Pick a House Style You Love and       Stick to It

Evaluate your family’s needs and settle on a style of home that  will best serve those needs. Just because you’ve narrowed your search to a zip code doesn’t mean you need to tour every listing in that vicinity. An example from the article says, “if you have several younger kids and don’t want your bedroom on a different level, steer clear of Cape Cod–style homes, which typically feature two or more bedrooms on the upper level and the master on the main.”

5. Document Your Home Visits

Once you start touring homes, the features of each individual home will start to blur together. The article suggests keeping your camera handy and making notes on the listing sheet to document what you love and don’t love about each property you visit.

Bottom Line

In a high-paced, competitive environment, any advantage you can give yourself will help you on your path to buying your dream home.

Events for November 1st - 8th, 2019

The WINK Taste of Lee

Nov 2

2000 W First St, Fort Myers

Live music, plenty of food and alcohol. Fun for the whole family. 

The Lights Fest - Cape Coral

Nov 2

Sea Hank Park

1030 NW 28th St

Food, fun and gathering together to send your lit lantern into the water. 

SWFL Fall Food Truck Nationals

Nov 2

Jet Blue Park

11500 Fenway S Dr

Fort Myers

40 food trucks in a competition for prizes and trophies, plus music and fun for the whole family. 

Cape Coral Coconut Festival

Nov 7-10

1015 Cultural Park Blvd

Music, food and fun for all ages! 

Today, let's talk about some common misunderstandings in buying or selling a home. Ok, all of them are False, followed by the Facts. So get to reading, and changing the way you've been thinking. 

A Home Inspection Passes or Fails

False. 

A home inspection is meant to assess the condition of the home. They provide a report explaining any and all issues along with a summary of the key systems with an estimated life span of them. There's no bias of a giant stamp on the report Fail or Pass, so don't offer to buy him lunch or slip him a $20. 

The Zillow Zestimate Is What My House Will Sell For 

False. 

The Zillow Zestimate is just a starting point. A general idea of what homes in the area have sold for. It is not an exact evaluation. Even Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff sold his home for 40% less than his home's Zillow Zestimate. 

For Sale By Owner Saves You Money

False. 

National Association of Realtors studies show that a FSBO home will bring in 15-20% less than what an agent would have brought in. Here's a few things that an agent is experienced at that a homeowner might be a little out of their element in. 

• Marketing. Sure there's lots of free advertising, but an agent is prepared to go all out with marketing and has a plan for each listing. 
• Screening Potential Buyers. Do you really want to let everyone in? I think you'd rather have a professional screen who is coming in and out of your home, wouldn't you? 
• Handling incoming inquiries during the working day. So you know you don't want to miss those potential buyers, but you also have to work your day job. An agent would be available during those working hours to show the property for you. And do you really want your phone ringing non stop with calls and messages from people "interested" in the property?
• Negotiating and filling out the contract with all its contingencies. The average contract is about 6 pages long. Are you able to interpret each item on there? An agent is a skilled negotiator, and will be able to get you close, and sometimes more than the listing price. 

  Home Improvements Pay For Themselves

False. (Mostly)

On average you'll get back about 64% of all remodeling costs. 

Although - here are some improvements that ranked high on this study. (<--- Click the link)

• Attic Insulation: 116.9%
• Manufactured Stone Veneer: 92.9%
• Garage Door Replacement: 91.5%
• Steel Entry Door Replacement: 91.1%
• Fiberglass Entry Door Replacement: 82.3%
• Minor Kitchen Remodel: 83.1%

My advice, seek out the advice of an agent in your area before starting an improvement project if you're getting ready to sell. They are very knowledgeable as to what your home will need done in order to sell in your area market. 

  It's Better To Price On The High Side And Negotiate Down

False.

Overpricing often leads to your home sitting without much interest. You'll have fewer showings. Fewer showings mean fewer offers. Overpricing can also help your competitors. Chances are there are similar homes with similar features in your area that are priced just right. Experienced agents also know that an overpriced home that is later reduced will lack the impact of a home just coming onto the market that was priced right from the start. Maybe you're thinking "well a buyer can always just make an offer." That really isn't the case with home-buying. Most buyers, while always ready to negotiate a price, don't want to bother with making an offer on a home that is overpriced. 

My advice again, speak to an experienced agent in your area, and really listen to what they have to say. And check out my blog post on how to be a client rockstar. 

If you have any questions, or are ready to buy or sell a home in Southwest Florida Area, give our Team a call today!! 239-910-5543

Check back on Friday to find some fun and interesting things to do around town! 

What IS the best home improvement project for the best return when you sell? 

So you were watching a TV show and they said remodeling the kitchen has the best return. And then you read a magazine article that said remodeling the bathroom has the best return. But your neighbor down the street said it's revamping your landscape. 

Well, here's the thing - the best return on any investment depends on a lot of different things - 

• Where do you live? 
• What is the market like in your area? 
• What is the market like for your specific house? 
• Are you doing this improvement solely for return on the sale of the home in the near future? 
• Or will you be selling sometime down the road. 

I mean wouldn't you think that any project will increase the value? Well, you're right to a degree....

Let's say you remodel your kitchen and add stainless appliances. 

 Or you change that weird carpet from 1982. 

How about painting the whole house, inside and out? 

These things definitely add value, and make your home worth more. 

The improvement options are endless but your budget isn't. 

Most projects cost more than they return. 

Sure, they raise the value. 

But the truth is most of the things you choose to spend money on just won't improve the value more than it cost you.

It's more like a 60-70% range of return. 

Let's say you spent $1000 on upgrades, you've improved the value of your home $600-$700. 

Even if you spend $10,000, the value only went up $6,000-$7,000. 

And that's a shock to a lot of people - often too late - after they've spent the money. 

The problem is...

Most of the time, people just decide to do some renovations because they're thinking of selling soon and they just pick whatever project they think will bring them the best return in the long run....

...without speaking to a real estate agent first.

And then they excitedly invite an agent over to list the home. They can't wait to see how impressed the agent will be. And the agent is impressed! But the homeowner is not impressed with the value the agent comes up with. Uh-oh - seems that project wasn't worth the money spent. 

And then the agent becomes the enemy. The agent becomes a schmuck. A shyster. 

The best things in life are free...

Real estate agents are often villianized for being out to make a quick buck. 

But the reality is, agents are undervalued and underutilized. 

Going ahead and doing that home improvement project because you think, heard, saw, read that's it's the best return is a huge mistake. And on the other side of the coin, not doing a project because you read a random out of state report that it only brings 58% value could be just as big a mistake. 

It depends on your area, your home, your plans. 

And a local real estate agent can help you add value that will be worth the money you spend. 

Did you know you could have asked an agent to come out to your home for free? Before you list your home. That's right. For free. 

Here's the one home improvement project that gives you the best return - 

Pick up the phone and call your agent before you do anything. Your agent will be a source of great advice, since they make it their job to know your area market and what will be a good investment to get your home sold. 

That's it for today, check back on Wednesday for a new post! Oh and leave me a comment if there's something you want to read about! 

*Idea for this blog and info gathered from The Lighter Side of Real Estate

Check out these great things to do around SWFL

Naples International Film Festival

October 24-27 

The 11th year of the Naples International Film Festival (NIFF). A four-day event offering more than 60 screenings at the Silverspot Cinema. Domestic and international narrative, documentary and short films from established and emerging filmmakers are presented. 

Stone Crab Festival

October 25-27

Old Naples Waterfront

1th Annual Stone Crab Festival. Seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and explore the Naples waterfront area. 

Family Night at IMAG

October 25 5p-8p

IMAG History & Science Center

2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers

Explore the IMAG History and Science Center after dark with extended hours until 8 p.m. All exhibits remain open, including the Sea-to-See Touch Tank and Virtual Fort Myers. 

The Frightmare on 78th

October 25, 30 & 31 plus Every Friday and Saturday night through November 2, starts at dark

Gator Mike's Family Fun Park

35 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral

Mazes, houses, clowns, chain saws and more. Not recommended for young children.