Suddenly Every Real Estate Agent is a Relocation Expert
So, as you can imagine, the announcement of the Hertz Corporation relocation to southwest Florida was big news and immediately imaginary cash registers started ringing in a lot of people’s heads. Naturally, real estate agents with the image of seven hundred employees stampeding to Bonita Springs and Estero sent their hearts all atwitter. The emails have been bouncing around with questions about “how to get in” the Hertz circle, etc. Articles are on both local and national news sources about Hertz and the local businesses that have been catering and advertising to future Hertz relocatees.
The whole thing gives me a fluttery belly … that weird feeling like there is something wrong, like smarmy wrong. There is this panhandler effect that the whole announcement has inspired and I’m really not caring for. Watching the Hertz story unfold is like walking off a cruise ship and hearing a crowd of the locals shouting “lady, braid your hair?”
Here’s my theory about Hertz and all of the local businesses who are trying to braid the employees hair when their ship lands in Bonita Springs – Estero Florida:
The Hertz employees are no different than any other Bonitian or southwest Florida resident who currently lives here and deserves great service, loyalty and to be appreciated for patronage. There, I said it. If you’re a local business owner or work in the service industry, read that last sentence again.
Instead of these businesses farming the crops they currently have they’re more worried about a crop coming sometime in the next year or so. Here’s an idea, even though the announcement that Hertz is moving to the Bonita Springs – Estero Florida area was made and there is business coming, why not hoe the row your in.
It’s summer and the tourists are gone. WE ARE HERE! The “WE” is your bread and butter. WE are here and we can finally get into the restaurants we weren’t able to dine in all winter. WE are finally able to find a parking space at Coconut Point Mall so we can go shopping. WE might be needing local goods and services. WE might want our hair braided, too! Well, not really but you know what I mean.
Let me go out on a limb and suggest that a business worth doing business with will be found by Hertz employees because it’s a good, honest, reputable business, involved in local civic organizations, service organizations and the chamber of commerce. They’ll also have a great social media and have a web presence so the Hertz employees can find them while they’re late night investigating on their iPads.
As far as real estate goes, scrambling and trying to poach employees of Hertz who are likely locked tight in relocation contracts and employer relocation incentives stinks of desperation. Go hoe your row real estate agents. Your crops are going to wither while you’re distracted by Hertz.
And there you have it. My $.02 whether you like it or not.
Tags: Bonita Springs Real Estate, Estero Florida Real Estate, Hertz, Hertz Rental, relocate, Relocate to Bonita Springs, Relocate to Estero, Relocation
Do The Slough | Parks and Preserves in SWFL
If you’ve lived in Southwest Florida for any length of time you have probably driven by the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve dozens of times and may have never ventured in. Maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve visited the slough and you’ve forgotten about it so consider this your invitation to go.
Six Mile Cypress Slough (pronounced slew) is located just north of Daniels Parkway on Six Mile Cypress Parkway at Penzance Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s a magnificent 2,500 acre strip of wetland nature right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city life.
A walk at this park is the perfect activity for those who may not exactly be wild about hiking or those who are new to visiting Florida nature parks and preserves. With summer just around the corner it may also be something parents can plan to do with the kids.
This preserve is a Lee County Parks facility and the entire trail is a boardwalk system that is completely elevated. If there are folks in your party with mobility issues or you’re pushing a youngster in a stroller the path is smooth and accessible. The boardwalk also keeps everyone safely above the water and the critters who live below, too.
In all, the trail is slightly over a mile in length and winds through about eighty acres of shaded wetland preserve. This outdoor adventure can be as brief as an hour or as long as you decide to stay at the preserve. Considering the great bird watching and wildlife activity at some of the ponds, time could easily get away from you.
Trust me, the last time I stood and stared at the pond I thought that there wasn’t really anything there. After a few minutes went by everything began to move again. The entire pond came to life. The wading birds, once invisible, began feeding on the minnows again. Kites flew overhead and even a juvenile alligator slinked back up onto the muddy bank. The list of critters that I saw on my last trip was lengthy plus there were a wide variety of native trees and plants in blossom.
There are guided tours available on Wednesday mornings but keep in mind that this is also a great do-it-yourself trail. The “Explorer’s Companion” brochure provided at the entrance to the trail is a numbered reference guide that coincides with the numbers on the rails of the boardwalk so that even a novice will know exactly what they’re looking at. Along the way there are many detailed charts with photos and tips about nature, animals, animal tracks and the environment. Best of all, there are also many good hearted regular visitors who are always happy to share their knowledge about The Slough.
If you’d like learn more about Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve you can visit their website at www.LeeParks.org or just give an hour to nature and walk the trail. Entry to the preserve is free and parking is only one dollar per hour. Don’t forget binoculars!
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This article special to Southwest Spotlight Newspaper
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Real Life in Bonita Springs is a project by Chris Griffith dedicated to writing useful blog posts for consumers about the Bonita Springs, Florida area. Find out what it is really like to live in Bonita Springs, Florida by reading about our fair city. You’ll get the latest in local real estate information, Bonita Springs real estate market reports and a little bit of humor. If you have topic ideas, feel free to request a story about the idea, after all, this site is just for you.
Tags: nature, Nature Trail, Six Mile, Six Mile Cypress, Six Mile Cypress Slough, Slew, Things To Do
Mother’s Day Weekend on The Bay – High Rise View
Season has passed a now the locals get a little time off. On my time off the high rises of Bonita Bay mock me from the water. I’ve spent a lot of time in them the last few weeks. The good news is that they have been selling like mad. Tavira at Bonita Bay is 75% sold out.
At any rate, with the time off I took a spin around the bay on my paddleboard with Slum Dawg Dillionaire. The water is warm and the weather has been fantastic. Here’s the paddleboard trail I take in the evenings, in case you’re wondering. Carefully choose the direction you go to coincide with the tides, it rips through the channel. We were in about the 2:00 o’clock position where the photo was taken with the Bonita Bay high rises in the back ground. See you on the bay!
Tags: Azure, Bay View, bonita bay, Bonita Bay Club, Bonita Bay high rise, Esperia South, Horizons, Horizons at Bonita Bay, Tavira, Tavira at Bonita Bay, Vistas, Vistas Bonita Bay
Teaching The Shoe Shine Boy to Flip Homes
Well there it went, the first radio ad broadcast for or a seminar on how to flip real estate in the southwest Florida area. Why the adster even boasts that the Greater Fort Myers area is ripe for the picking. If want to make money in two easy steps, the ad urges you to contact them immediately because seating is limited.
If you’re a regular reader then you probably realize that I am disgusted by the get rich flipping real estate scams. Plus, I hate it when people take other people’s money for some bogus seminar.
So, if you found this post by Googling how to make money flipping real estate know this: The person who is putting on the seminar would be out flipping real estate making money instead of getting suckers to pay to attend a seminar on how to flip real estate.
For what it’s worth, this are is above the curve in real estate recovery. Buying cheap homes, doing some cosmetic touch up to flip the home was two years ago. If you pay someone to tell you the secret on how to flip homes and make money, I sure hope that the first thing they tell you is that you should have been in the real estate market flipping homes, two years ago.
Our real estate market has been through the worst of it, like I said. The excess real estate inventory is absorbed. There are values out there but they move quickly, often with multiple offers. Just an FYI. When the so call investment tip filters it’s way down to the proverbial “shoe shine boy” it’s past it’s prime. We’re in a hot market and some scammer is trying to get all of the shoe shine boys to pay to be in a room and listen to bad advice on how to flip homes. Someone has to say it’s a bad idea and I guess it’s me.
Tags: Bonita Springs flip homes, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Flip, Flipping homes, Flipping real estate, Real Estate Scam, scam
Water Detector in Tavira at Bonita Bay Bonita Springs Fl
Recently, on a final walk through at a unit in Tavira at Bonita Bay, the building engineer explained some of the great safety and security features that have been implemented in the new construction and design of the high rise.
The Water Cop is a devise that is installed in every “wet area” of the condominium home; bathrooms, kitchen, hot water tank area/AC closet, etc. Any room that has the potential for a water mishap is equipped with a sensor that detects water. In a nut shell The Water Cop provides your home or condo with round-the-clock indoor flood protection and works with wired and wireless flood sensors, wall switches, and most home security and home automation systems.
I asked the engineer if anyone set one off in the building yet and he said that “countless hundreds of thousands of dollars” have been saved by early detection. Most probable incidents are from residents who are home and forget they were drawing a bath or filling the sink. Time gets away and so does the water, but fortunately there is a back up plan.
It’s a great way to protect your own condo as well as the unit below you from massive water damage and I’m sure that the cost is minimal to the damage that water causes. I believe that the two Bonita Bay high rise towers that have water detection installed are Tavira at Bonita Bay and, I believe, Esperia South.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Water Cop, read also: www.watercop.com
Tags: Bonita Bay high rise, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, Tavira, Tavira at Bonita Bay, Water Cop
Estero is the Future Home to Fortune 500 Hertz
Hertz Rental Corporate Headquarters – Another coup for the Bonita Springs, Estero area. Barely over the “Dunk City” phenomenon, a new announcement by the city of Bonita Springs and the Bonita Springs Economic Development Council declared that Hertz is moving to the corner of US41/Williams Road near Coconut Point.
Little does most of the general public know that there are committees of people, government officials and development councils who are approaching big business to move to Florida … and not just any part of Florida but Bonita Springs, Florida. It is finally paying off.
Besides the incentives offered state, county wide and city wide for corporations like Hertz to move to Bonita Springs, those individuals with a high net worth move to Florida for a variety of tax benefits. Read also this value packed link to a recent story with tons of info about “why" to move here:
Bonita Springs Florida Tax Haven High Net Worth Residents
What this move means to Bonita Springs and Estero Florida is spending to the tune of $50 million to build the Hertz Corporate headquarters. It will also be bringing at least 700 jobs paying an average $102,000 a year. Those Hertz employees will be using local goods and services, dining in our restaurants, shopping in our stores and of course, buying real estate. This is a win-win for SWFL even before they announced that they will have Ferraris and Lamborghinis in their local rental fleet.
If you’d like more information about moving yourself or even your business to southwest Florida feel free to give me a call. I’d be happy to arrange a discrete meeting with key city officials and the Economic Development Council.
If you’re a Hertz employee weighing your options for moving to the Bonita Springs, Estero area I’d be happy to speak with you about the area on a personal level. I’ve lived here nearly thirty years and raised my kids here so I can probably tell you just about anything you would like to know. I am also a local real estate agent (Accredited Buyer’s Agent, Certified New Home Specialist and a Certified Residential Specialist) so if you’re interviewing potential buyer’s agents I’d be happy to provide you references.
Welcome to Bonita Springs & Estero, Hertz! We’re so pleased that you chose us.
Tags: Bonita Springs, bonita springs florida, dunk city, Economic Development, economy, Estero, florida, Fortune 500, Hertz, Hertz Rental, High Net Worth, Luxury Real Estate
New Homes & New Construction in Bonita Springs
New Construction in Bonita Springs is trending as the best value in real estate. You heard it here first. Local Bonita Springs Real Estate (the resale real estate) is suffering from low inventory. Many of the properties that hit the market don’t last long and often sell with multiple offers if they’re priced effectively and in great condition. This has left room for the developers to come back to town and provide real estate in a niche that is just about dried up – entry level homes in Bonita Springs.
At press time for this article there were only twenty-eight single family homes for sale in Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida priced under $250,000 with at least three bedrooms and two baths. That’s slim pickin’s. Of those twenty-eight homes only seven of the homes were built 2004-2013. That leaves a lot of older homes, homes that may need remodeled, updated, refreshed, etc. That’s exactly what is driving the new construction sales.
Very often the price of the resale home plus any improvements that have to be made after purchase can add up to the price of brand new, new construction. If a real estate buyer decides to purchase new, they get to choose your colors, upgrades, exposure, location and more.
The savvy real estate buyers who are taking advantage of this boom in new construction in Bonita Springs have the option of working with a REALTOR. If you’d like to learn more about leveraging free REALTOR representation with new construction in Bonita Springs, read also:
Bonita Springs New Construction – Hiring a Realtor
Since I’ve spent so much time in new construction sales centers the last few weeks, I’m up to speed on each of the new construction communities in Bonita Springs and can advise you which will suit your needs, your budget, your sports or hobbies. It’s a great time saver plus an extra set of eyes and ears when you’re weighing your option to get the best home value and location for your real estate investment.
The most recent buyers I’ve represented with new construction in Bonita Springs have contacted me (usually from finding my website) and asked for real estate advice because they’re not from the Southwest Florida area or may not be here during the entire home building process.
They need a trustworthy advocate on their side who can be counted on for a variety of decisions, walk through meetings, construction punch out consultations and inspections and more. Since the developers cooperate with real estate agents there is no added charge to a buyer for hiring a REALTOR. The developers cooperate with REALTORS agents because they know that we work with qualified buyers, it’s that simple.
If you’d like to learn more about buying new construction in Bonita Springs, Florida contact Chris Griffith 239-273-7430, anytime including evenings and weekends.
Chris Griffith is designated as a Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) as well as a variety of other designations acquired over 14 years in Southwest Florida real estate.
Tags: Bonita Springs New Contruction, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Certified New Home Specialist, CNHS, Developer, New Construction, New Construction Bonita Springs, New Homes, real estate, Sales Center
Bonita Bay High Rise | Horizons at Bonita Bay
Horizons at Bonita Bay is a luxury, high rise located at 4731 Bonita Bay Blvd. in Bonita Bay on Estero Bay. Condominium homes in Horizons at Bonita Bay offer gorgeous views of the bay, the Gulf of Mexico, mangrove estuaries, Bonita Bay golf course and the community of Bonita Bay. The high rise, tower consists of eighty residences spread over twenty-four stories.
Horizons
Interior amenities at Horizons at Bonita Bay include a beautiful club room with bar and game room for leisure activities and entertaining. Horizons also offers a fully equipped fitness center with locker rooms and massage rooms.
In addition to the luxurious interior amenities, Horizons at Bonita Bay also offers out door entertaining and recreation which includes a beautiful resort style swimming pool, barbecue area and world class Gulf views. Walking paths and Estero Bay Park are conveniently located near Horizons, too.
In addition to all of the amenities at Horizons at Bonita Bay, residents also enjoy the amenities of Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club which include access to three interior parks, canoe launch, tennis, miles of walking trails and optional memberships which include Bonita Bay house membership, Bonita Bay sports and fitness membership, Bonita Bay golf equity membership and marina membership.
To learn more about Bonita Bay, read also: Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club
Contact Chris Griffith today to learn more about buying or selling a home in Horizons at Bonita Bay.
Horizons Horizons at Bonita Bay Bonita Bay High Rise Bonita Bay Horizons
Tags: Bonita Bay high rise, Bonita Bay Tower, Bonita Springs Luxury Condos, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, High Rise Bonita Bay, Horizons, Horizons at Bonita Bay, Horizons Bonita Bay
New Construction – Builder Product – Spec Homes
Thinking of purchasing new construction or builder product in the Bonita Springs and Estero Florida area? You should consider using a Realtor for your new construction purchase to get the most information and widest exposure to the most suitable real estate in your budget and search criteria.
Since real estate customs vary all over the country and all over the world many real estate buyers wonder how working with a real estate agent works with new construction or builder product. There are a few things you should consider and know before you begin a search for new construction in Bonita Springs, Florida.
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New construction is on fire in Bonita Springs and Estero Florida area. Our real estate market is recovered and we’re short of quality real estate inventory especially under $400,000. The developers and builders have recognized that deficiency and they’re building like gang busters.
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Builders and developers actually encourage and welcome home buyers to use a Realtor for purchasing new construction. The developers know that real estate agents are always working with buyers and they cooperate fully with the business relationship. They’ve even built the buyer’s agent real estate commission into their marketing fee. There is no added cost to a buyer for Realtor representation in a model home sales center for new construction purchases.
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Your Realtor will likely have worked the area and the real estate market in which you’re shopping they will be able to show you properties that better suit your “wish list” saving you time. This is especially handy if you’re flying to Bonita Springs for only a a short visit to purchase a new home. A great real estate agent will have previewed the new construction and possibly registered you in advance of your tour.
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Both new construction and resale real estate can be available in some neighborhoods. Kill two birds with one stone by seeing what’s available so that you won’t miss a great bargain or opportunity. Your real estate agent can make appointments for resale homes to compare on the same day that you visit the model home center.
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Believe it or not, experienced real estate agents can help you sort through what you saw “at the end of the day”. Touring multiple sales centers can be overwhelming. At the end of the tour you’ll need someone to help you sort through what you’ve seen and should you decide to purchase new construction they can help you make important selections such as upgrades, additional options and home sites so that you you see returns in the future when you have to sell the home.
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Your real estate agent can also help you negotiate, when appropriate, incentives, upgrades, home sites and price when you purchase new construction.
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Often times, your real estate agent may also know of similar product in a different community that is a better value or offers incentives so find an agent experienced with new construction. They may also help you choose the best value looking forward with the anticipated real estate market conditions.
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Some things sound more glamorous than they really are. Your Realtor can help educate you on local terms like “decorator ready” and “CDD” and many others.
A few things to remember when you’re buying new construction and using a real estate agent; real estate agents don’t get paid unless they’re involved with your transaction. Your loyalty to the business relationship is a must. This will require you attending the model home sales center with your agent and “registering” with them. It only takes a moment or two. Again, there is no added cost to a buyer looking for new construction who utilizes Realtor representation.
If you have questions about new construction in Bonita Springs Florida contact Chris Griffith. 239-273-7430. Chris is a Certified New Home Specialist and a 14 year veteran Realtor of the Bonita Springs real estate market.
Tags: Bonita Springs New Contruction, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Builder Product, Model Home, New Construction Bonita Springs, New Contruction, New Product, Sales Center
Bonita Bay High Rise | Tavira at Bonita Bay
Located on the border of Estero Bay at 4851 Bonita Bay Blvd. is Tavira at Bonita Bay, a luxury high rise condominium. Tavira is one of the newest tower structures in Bonita Bay and offers sweeping views of Estero Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, mangrove estuaries and the community of Bonita Bay.
Tavira at Bonita Bay is a twenty-five story structure which has ninety residences plus quest quarters.
The size of the residences in Tavira range from 3,500 to over 4,100 square feet of air conditioned space. The condominium homes offer two bedroom plus a den to three bedroom plus a den floor plans.
Tavira is one of the coveted offerings in Bonita Bay luxury real estate. A doorman is on site and all access to the building is fob controlled. The elevators are private and fob controlled for security and the elevator opens to a private, personalized, resident decorated foyer.
The parking area is also only accessible by Tavira residents. Some residents have also purchased private two car garages on a first come, first served basis during construction and initial sale of new construction.
The exterior amenities of Tavira at Bonita Bay include a resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes, an oversized whirlpool, outdoor bar with screened cabana and fireplace, barbecue grills. Tavira also offers a rooftop sunset terrace which provides a great spot for entertaining plus picturesque views of Bonita Beach,the bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Interior amenities include the clubroom which is nicely appointed with a bar and catering kitchen. In addition, there is a theater-media room and card and game rooms will provide superior spaces for leisure. The Tavira health club is a fully equipped fitness center including free weighs, machines and cardio equipment in addition to steam and massage rooms.
Tavira also offers a full time manager in residence plus two designer-furnished suites for your overnight guests. Guest suites are available by reservation online or at the managers office.
In addition to all of the amenities at Tavira at Bonita Bay, residents also enjoy the amenities of Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club which include access to three interior parks, canoe launch, tennis, miles of walking trails and optional memberships; Bonita Bay house membership, Bonita Bay sports and fitness membership, Bonita Bay golf equity membership and marina membership.
To learn more about Bonita Bay, read also: Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club
Contact Chris Griffith today to learn more about buying or selling a home in Tavira at Bonita Bay.
Tavira – Tavira at Bonita Bay – Bonita Bay High Rise – Bonita Bay Condo
Tags: Bonita Bay Condos, Bonita Bay high rise, Bonita Bay Tower, Tavira, Tavira at Bonita Bay, Tavira Bonita Bay
Sunrise and Sunset Tower Views in Bonita Bay
Enjoy this eastern exposure view from Horizons at Bonita Bay, one of the hand full of tower buildings on the Bay in Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida. Of course, we have great sunsets here but we have great sunrises and mid-day sun from those buildings, too.
This is a view of the city of Bonita Springs in the distance. The tower called Vistas at Bonita Bay is on the left. The water and green to the left is part of the Bonita Bay golf course, the green on the right is mangrove preserve views.
The only difficulty I would ever have living in a high rise would be looking down and seeing birds fly below me. It happened today when I looked over the railing at Horizons. I’m sure it’s something that one gets used to when they live in a tower, high rise. Bonita Bay high rises are selling like crazy these days. I’ve been doing research for buyers and five have pended in the last week. FYI, if you’re waiting for the right time to buy Bonita Bay real estate you may want to get the ball rolling.
As of May 2013 there new construction left at Tavira, to learn about that high rise read also: Tavira at Bonita Bay | Bonita Springs, Florida
Tags: bonita bay, Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club, Bonita Bay high rise, Bonita Bay Real Estate, Bonita Springs, Horizons Bonita Bay, Tavira, Tavira at Bonita Bay, Vistas Bonita Bay
Units Sold | Bonita Springs Real Estate Statistics
Bonita Springs real estate sales in March 2013 are rivaling real estate sales statistics of 2004 and 2005, the so-called real estate boom years. In the next several days more real estate sales will be recorded so there is a good chance that we can meet or exceed the ‘05 sales of homes and condos in Bonita Springs and Estero Florida.
It’s been a brisk season, real estate has stabilized, prices are rising, foreclosures are down, short sales are down and we’re looking straight ahead in Southwest Florida. The rest of the real estate market reports and video market reports will be uploaded shortly!
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs condos, bonita springs homes, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Bonita Springs real estate market, Estero, Estero Florida Real Estate, Estero Real Estate, Market Reports
Dunk City FGCU Real Estate & No State Income Tax
Florida Gulf Coast University – Long before all the sweet 16 hoopla, many people in Southwest Florida were fans of FGCU athletics. We look at the last few recent wins as rewards for loyalty and just plain fun to watch.
The night that FGCU defeated Georgetown I happened to be in the area of Miller’s Ale House and the (now alumni) cheerleader in the picture above invited me to stop in for the last few minutes of the game. The crowd inside was on fire. The chanting shook the building. It felt like the center of the universe and the fountain of youth all wrapped in one. I even snapped a few pictures of FGCU fans and took a video of the enthusiasm. Watch it here: FGCU Basketball Win
It was unbelievable watching the next FGCU playoff game. I actually gave play by play of the entire game, via text message, to the, now, FGCU nursing school graduate who was at work and not at all happy about missing the game. She had cheered this team on for four straight years as the flyer, ending up on all the advertising as a representative of the school. There was cheering in her texts back to me, mixed with aa slough of OMG! OMGGGG! Oh em gee!
Tonight is the next big game in Texas against Florida. Lots of loyalties are being divided in Florida but the end result, no matter what, is that FGCU is a winner. A winning team, a winning college and it’s all going to translate into a win for southwest Florida and the local economy, the real estate and the businesses in the heart of Dunk City, USA. Things are forever changed in Southwest Florida and the suburbs around the school; Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Florida.
This school has been a growing boon to the area but this championship has lit a fire under the growth and very bright future of the school. This win has put the school on the map and a few things huge things are going to happen very quickly.
There will be a wave of applications and inquiries to the school. Those who had FCGU as a 2nd or 3rd choice are bumping it up to number 1. Those students looking to attend FGCU are going to be touring the campus. From the moment a plane touches down at Southwest Florida International Airport the cash register is going to start ringing. Local hotels and restaurants make out big time with visitors from the area specifically visiting FGCU. This isn’t even including FGCU new student orientation days which are just overwhelming.
Every year the new students of FGCU bring a wave of new purchases of just about anything they need to set up housekeeping in Southwest Florida. They rent homes and condos, they buy household goods, purchase food, use goods and services, you name it.
Some of the students or their parents even purchase real estate. There in comes the big FGCU win long term. Some of the students and parents may not even realize it right now but housing has been rebounding so it is quite plausible for a real estate purchase used as FGCU student housing to actually pay for the college education in the long run.
Read also: FGCU – Florida Gulf Coast University Student Housing
There are affordable real estate deals out there and inventory is being absorbed at an stunning rate. Holding real estate for four years during a revitalizing real estate market upswing is going to prove a great investment. On top of that, think of the demographic of a real estate buyer putting a student in a home to attend the university. They’re in that boomer demographic, a few years off from retirement.
There aren’t many places better to retire in southwest Florida … think weather and if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, think no state income tax and other tax benefits for moving to Bonita Springs, Florida. Plus, if parents of students attending FGCU are looking for a reason to move to Florida for a permanent residence they look at some of the luxury communities near campus. Considering that Bonita Springs is about 65% gated and deed restricted, it’s the perfect place to purchase luxury real estate.
Read also: Bonita Springs Florida Tax Haven High Net Worth Residents
This economic ripple will go on for a while. The school will have new student candidates calling, the luxury of cherry picking academic superstar students and superb student athletes plus, lest we forget, the influx of money in the form of donations from corporate benefactors and alumni alike. Everyone loves a winner and there is nothing like a Cinderella story to loosen purse strings. I would suspect that FGCU will have a banner year for donations by the alumni.
For now, we’ll kick back and enjoy the hoopla, the media coverage all over town and the team spirit that has consumed us all. It’s a fun time to be in southwest Florida. Here’s to our team, southwest Florida’s team, America’s team. You’ve been a blast to watch. Go Eagles! #DunkCity #FGCU
Update: FGCU was defeated by Florida 62-50 on 3-29-13. See you next year!
Tags: Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, Bonita Springs Real Estate, dunk city, DunkCity, Eagles, economy, fgcu, Florida Gulf Coast Univeristy, NCAA, southwest florida, student housing
Bonita Springs Sammy The Snook Sign
The Sammy the Snook Sign is up at the Liles Hotel. Stop in and see the “Big Dog” exhibit and look for Sammy. He’s out front by the butterfly gardens. Tons going on at the park, stop in for a walk!
Tags: Bonita Springs, florida, liles hotel, Sammy The Snook
Thieves, Fraud and Real Estate Con Artists
Every once in a while I publish an attempt (even ridiculous and feeble attempts) at committing fraud in the real estate industry. Real estate fraud is ever evolving. This is the first time I ever had the fraudster suggest that I conveniently send the real estate contract via docusign, an electronic contract signature website.
Hello Chris Griffith
I am sorry about the delay. It has been hell at the hospital here.
I am fine with your decision.Do send me the contract via docusign or any electronic means. Also provide me with a name and address the check should be written and sent immediately.Regards
Hing Yee
Hing Lee’s email is clever: reachyee@gmail.com. Well, to begin with, it would have probably been smart of poor, dear ailing Hing to engage in some sort of conversation about local Bonita Springs real estate, maybe even invest a minutes worth of time to find a home or condo online and either reference the property by MLS number or by community name, such as, Montara at Bonita Bay.
Next, checks don’t fly anymore. The majority of real estate attorneys or title companies won’t accept a check anymore. Mostly due to, uh, real estate fraud. Wire transactions only.
There’s always someone out there trying to make a quick buck the crooked way, even in real estate. Now, they’re trying to do electronic signatures.
Remember, these fraudsters also try to scam landlords by sending checks and requesting fund be returned/cancel the deal so they can get the money back on their bad checks. They also sometimes pretend to be the prospective tenant by posing as the landlord and collecting deposits, first last and security and disappearing into the sunset.
Always be on your toes and don’t trust anyone and verify, verify, verify before any money leaves your pocket or bank account during a real estate transaction.
Tags: Docusign, Hing Yee, Real Estate Fraud, Real Estate Scam
Use a Trusted, Referred Mortgage Broker or Banker
If you’re thinking of looking for real estate in Bonita Springs or you’re in the process of shopping for a home you’re going to come to the crossroads of financing your real estate purchase if you’re not a cash buyer. Your real estate agent, if they’ve got some experience under their belt, should tell you to use a local, trusted, proven mortgage broker or mortgage banker.
No offence to the great fortresses of darkness out there but the moment a buyer wags a pre-approval from Bank of America or Chase at me, I share with them the last three transactions I’ve have on their super-happy-fun slide.
Like most experienced real estate agents I have a couple of local mortgage brokers I recommend. They’re recommended because they perform. Period. They don’t do loosey-goosey preapprovals they get more information and make sure the real estate buyer is coached and ready so that the entire real estate transaction is a success. They are able to follow the entire real estate transaction from beginning to end and intervene if there is a problem or surprise. Trust me, there are surprises. Getting real estate closed is full of surprises.
Today, I received an email from one of the mortgage bankers I recommend to clients who were buying a home in Estero, Florida. Real estate agents understand how beautiful communication is but if you combine great communication with a mortgage broker, angels will sing.
Let me say this, instead of being a hostage to the sad silence of a big bank underwriting department, the buyer of this home knows exactly what is going to happen in the next few days. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. I’ve included the email in it’s entirety (with names removed) because I think it’s important for anyone who is going to buy Bonita Springs real estate to know that THIS is why you use a local, trusted mortgage referral when financing real estate.
Good morning [redacted], the following dates represent our next targets which we will champion.
1. March 6th Mortgage Commitment Letter
2. Documents sent for your signature March 12th
3. Signing March 13th (PLEASE confirm both [redacted] and yourself will be at the same location on the 13th of March to sign in presence of Notary)
4. Funding upon receipt of signed documents March 14th
Keith Cloak
Senior Mortgage Banker
Summit Mortgage Corporation
1415 Panther Lane
Naples, Florida 34109
Office (239) 591-6621
Cellular (239) 919-0719
Fax (239) 591-6235
KCloak@Summit-Mortgage.com
If you’re a buyer of real estate in Bonita Springs or Estero, use a local mortgage broker. Consider using Keith and feel free to contact me for more recommended of local lenders so you can weigh your options. There are a hand full of tried and true professionals out there who can make your real estate funding dreams come trues and they do it stress free because they’re great communications.
Contact Chris or call Chris at 239-273-7430
Tags: Bonita Springs Mortgage Broker, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Estero Florida, estero home, Mortgage
Special to Southwest Spotlight Newspaper
When I was growing up kids played outside. There were three channels on the television, occasionally four on a clear day. The American lifestyle was different and a whole bunch less electronic. Who knew we’d be digitally tethered in so many ways and sitting still so much?
As a slave to my own computer monitor and smart phone I consciously made the choice to start getting outside more often. One of the other things I started doing was visiting some of the great parks and trails in the southwest Florida area.
The C.R.E.W. Marsh Trails is one of my favorite places to visit and to take friends for their first dose of Florida nature. C.R.E.W. stands for Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. C.R.E.W. is a rather important piece of real estate which is pivotal to the water supply of southwest Florida. As a bonus, there are miles and miles of trails for visitors to enjoy.
The trails are located on Corkscrew Road about 18 miles east of I-75. It’s an easy hiking trip especially if you may be new getting out of doors in Florida. The C.R.E.W. Marsh Trails are wide, flat and the ground is firm before rainy season starts. There’s even an observation deck to see across the preserve to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
There’s so much more to Florida that palmettos and pine trees. Florida is the land of flowers and there’s no better way to discover them than to walk the trails. From the tiniest wild flowers hiding an inch or two above ground to the blooming thistles there’s tiny bits of color everywhere. The most interesting thing about walking the trails is that you’ll never see the same thing twice. Even the flowers are different day to day; they’re often different by the end of the day than they were in the morning.
This is the perfect time of the year to experience C.R.E.W. The temperatures are cooler, the trails are fairly dry and the weather has been cooperative. Lately, the trails have had bumper crops of Lubber Grasshoppers. This year it seems like fewer dragon flies but I’ve seen a wide variety of butterflies over the last few months. The last trip down the trails we spotted a huge snake skin in a tree by the Pop Ash Slough trail.
Self-guided tours should be considered doable by just about anyone. There are maps and brochures at the kiosk and the trails are clearly marked. There are public guided tours plus many other events occurring all the time, just check the website www.crewtrust.org for more info and follow along daily at www.Facebook.com/CREWTrust.
Like any other outdoor Florida sport if you’re going to hike C.R.E.W. plan wisely for your trip; water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray. You can even bring lunch and grab a picnic table on the trail. Just remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. What you take into the C.R.E.W. with you is supposed to leave with you, too. That includes houseguests.
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This article special to Southwest Spotlight Newspaper
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Real Life in Bonita Springs is a project by Chris Griffith dedicated to writing useful blog posts for consumers about the Bonita Springs, Florida area. Find out what it is really like to live in Bonita Springs, Florida by reading about our fair city. You’ll get the latest in local real estate information, Bonita Springs real estate market reports and a little bit of humor. If you have topic ideas, feel free to request a story about the idea, after all, this site is just for you.
Tags: CREW Marsh Trails, CREW Trails, nature, Nature Trails, Things To Do
Condos at Bermuda Ridge at Woods Edge
Bermuda Ridge at Woods Edge is a low rise condominium complex just west of US 41 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Bermuda Ridge condos offer two to three bedroom floor plans. Condominium residences are either on the first floor or second floor. The buildings do not have elevators. Condos in Bermuda Ridge offer one car garages. Most units have views of preserve or wooded areas.
Bermuda Ridge is comprised of sixty-eight condominium residences in seven buildings. The community offers a community swimming pool, cabana, on site mailboxes and bocci courts. One of the best amenities would be the fact that Bermuda Ridge is actually biking distance to Bonita Beach and Barefoot Beach.
If you’re interested in a low maintenance lifestyle, minutes to beaches, a few few miles from Coconut Pointe Mall and about 20-25 minutes to the airport, Bermuda Ridge would be a great choice.
You will notice that there are several “Bermuda” condominium complexes around Bonita Springs, Bermuda Park, Bermuda Links, Bermuda Point, Bermuda Cays, Bermuda Gardens, Bermuda Lago. Many of the “Bermuda” complex floor plans are similar if not identical. Just a bit of information if you’re searching for a particular floor plan, it may be available in another Bermuda Complex.
If you’d like more information about Bermuda Ridge at Woods Edge, contact Chris Griffith at 239-273-7430.
Tags: bermuda, Bermuda Ridge, Bermuda Ridge Condos, Bermuda Ridge Woods Edge, Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs condos, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Woods Edge
Real Estate Isn’t Sold Until It’s Closed
If one had to picture the world’s worst real estate agent it wouldn’t be one of those “slick Willy”, hustler types. Trust me, I am, in fact, a real estate agent and I have worked with enough bad real estate agents to know that the slick one’s want, at the very least, to get the real estate sold. The worst real estate agents in the world are the lazy ones. The one’s who are too lazy to read a contract, too lazy to do their job, to lazy to protect the consumers and too lazy to make sure real estate gets closed.
As I write this, miffed no doubt, I am in the process of trying to get real estate closed with a lazy, combative, argumentative real estate agent at the helm of a home for sale.
Trust me when I say to you that I am a real estate agent who is self sufficient and easy to deal with. I am not lazy and I do want to get real estate sold. I’ve done this well over a decade, actually I’ve been a licensed real estate agent in the SWFL area for over twelve years.
In those years I’ve managed to acquire quite a stable of reputable, reliable trades people who help make real estate transactions go smoothly. They want to get real estate sold, too – home inspectors, handymen, licensed contractors, repair persons, title companies and mortgage brokers.
Enter a lazy real estate agent, the listing real estate agent, to the game and it’s worse than bad dental work. From the contract negotiation to the close of sale this one has been like carrying rocks up hill, barefoot, while walking on Legos and broken glass.
My buyers are well qualified, live in the neighborhood already and they’ve actually done exactly what a buyer is supposed to do … use the trusted resources I recommended to get this transaction closed. There will be no worry about the mortgage because he’s a pro that I’ve used over a decade. Everything regarding this transaction was handled by me, deadlines, addendums, inspections, estimates and repairs.
I was prepared to do the work the minute this lazy real estate agent tried to explain to me that the roof leak wasn’t a defect because only the trusses got wet, not the drywall. Go ahead and read the stupidity in that last sentence one more time.
That argument went on for days. Literally, it took more effort for the email arguments and excuses than it did for me to pick up the phone and call Jim Keller – Keller Roofing for an estimate and meet him out there to look at the roof. All of this is the listing real estate agent’s job, by the way, not my job but I want to get the deal closed.
There were arguments about a hole in the yard where soil had washed out into the lake. Clearly a homeowner association issue but the agent refused to call the HOA but spent days in email arguments instead of just doing the work … the hard work of picking up the phone and just letting the HOA know about it. It’s not as though she would have to actually shovel the hole in herself.
In addition, on the home inspection report it was noted that trees hitting the screen enclosure were the cause of the damage to the screens. Another HOA issue that the real estate agent refused to call the HOA about. Why? I don’t know. She wouldn’t even have the homeowner call the HOA for it and it was to protect the home that they still owned.
Like I said, more energy was made making excuses than just doing the work. So here we are trying to set up the final walk through prior to purchase. The agent sends me an email:
Good morning, Chris. I will leave house keys, mailbox key, and garage door opener on kitchen counter. I will leave one key for buyers with closing agent. Not sure why a walk-thru is needed. The buyers accepted the $XXXX in lieu of repairs. Please coordinate walk-thru with me to gain entry.
It’s a vacant home. Is it really that difficult to leave the supra box on the home so that the buyers can do the walk through … despite the credit the buyers have a right to make sure the appliances are still there, the storm shutters are still there, the vacant home didn’t flood, the home wasn’t vandalized, the windows weren’t busted out. Besides, had our darling listing real estate agent read the contract she’d just follow the direction of the contract. It’s really that simple.
Why does it matter? If she was your listing real estate agent and there wasn’t someone like me on the other end of this real estate transaction the deal would have probably fallen apart long ago. Mr. Home Seller, you picked a crappy real estate agent and I had to pick up her slack. She could have behaved differently but she didn’t
Heck, I could have been a crappy buyers agent and she could have been a champion and problem solved the mess out of that transaction, built trust with the buyers and they may have even called *her* the next time they had real estate to buy or sell … but that isn’t going to happen. I can tell you from experience that this can happen because I’ve had both buyers and sellers call me (instead of the agent they used) from past transactions and use me because of my skill, professionalism and dedication.
So, now I wait to see if there is some way for me to get my buyers the final walk through without involving brokers and attorneys. Clearly a last resort, but an ugly necessity in order to protect the real estate buyer and enforce their rights under the FAR/BAR contract.
In closing, I recommend that home sellers interview their listing real estate agent a little bit better. Clearly this agent had no experience with this contract or she wouldn’t be disputing every little thing.
There is a possibility that this vacant home may well have even sold sooner, for all I know. This agent might have been too combative or lazy for anyone else who tried to place an offer to get the offer presented and accepted. That could explain why it was on the market for over nine months … vacant, costing the home owner mortgage, taxes, HOA fees and more.
Tags: Bonita Springs, bonita springs homes, Bonita Springs Real Estate, home seller, listing agent, real estate agent
Bonita Bay Real Estate Sales Statistics
Real estate in Bonita Bay, especially luxury real estate in Bonita Bay has really taken off this month. Luxury, over $1M real estate sales nearly matched entry level real estate sales in Bonita Bay. Continuing on was the dismal real estate sales statistics in the 600-800K price point. It’s just been a quiet real estate market in that price point. If you have further questions about the Bonita Bay real estate market or the Bonita Springs real estate market, contact Chris at 239-273-7430.
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All information is deem accurate, not guaranteed and subject to change. Check the date on this report for freshness. If you have questions regarding your particular neighborhood, your street or your home specifically you’re welcome to contact us for a current market report. Real estate consumers that read this website are urged to seek independent, professional legal, real estate and financial advice before engaging in any transaction. All information is deemed, accurate, subject to change and not guaranteed.
Tags: bonita bay, Bonita Bay Condos, Bonita Bay Golf & CC, Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club, Bonita Bay Homes, Bonita Bay Market Report, Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Luxury Condos, Bonita Springs Luxury Homes, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, Bonita Springs Real Estate, florida
Bonita Springs Home Stats – Estero Florida Real Estate
Bonita Springs real estate is looking up; foreclosures and short sales are down, Bonita Springs luxury Real Estate is taking off and we’re a cash heavy market which means more of the homes for sale in Bonita Springs and Estero Florida actually get to the closing table without financing issues.
You can download a .pdf version of this market report RIGHT HERE
If you have questions about buying or selling a home or condo in Bonita Springs Florida contact Chris or call 239-273-7430
If you don’t see the Bonita Springs Real Estate market report above: http://youtu.be/EbymPhwW4I0
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All information is deem accurate, not guaranteed and subject to change. Check the date on this report for freshness. If you have questions regarding your particular neighborhood, your street or your home specifically you’re welcome to contact us for a current market report. Real estate consumers that read this website are urged to seek independent, professional legal, real estate and financial advice before engaging in any transaction. All information is deemed, accurate, subject to change and not guaranteed.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs condos, Bonita Springs foreclosure, bonita springs homes, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Bonita Springs real estate market, bonita springs short sale, Estero, Estero Florida, Estero Florida Real Estate, Market Report
Foreclosure Home Sales Statistics in Bonita Springs
We’ve had another outstanding month of real estate sales in Bonita Springs with about eighty-nine percent of sales consisting of equity real estate sales which means that they were NOT in distress.
We’ve had a heck of a tourist season this year. Bonita Springs real estate sales have been surpassing any sales records established in the “boom years”. The real estate buyers came back this year and they were buying. Retirees or baby boomers planning for the near future of retirement and a lot of people who bailed out of the real estate market got back in.
This year, even the developers came back. There is are new homes, new product real estate developments sprouting up all over the place and they’re filling a void. We’re short on inventory under $400,000 and there are plenty of savvy builders who will meet that need. Feel free to call for a consultation if you’re looking for new home buyer agent representation. Chris is both an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and a Certified New Home Specialist.
In case a body was wondering about which real estate price range those distressed sales were in: All of the foreclosures that closed sale were priced under $400,000. All of the short sales that closed sale were priced under $300,000.
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All information is deem accurate, not guaranteed and subject to change. Check the date on this report for freshness. If you have questions regarding your particular neighborhood, your street or your home specifically you’re welcome to contact us for a current market report. Real estate consumers that read this website are urged to seek independent, professional legal, real estate and financial advice before engaging in any transaction. All information is deemed, accurate, subject to change and not guaranteed.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs foreclosure, Bonita Springs Real Estate, bonita springs short sale, distressed, florida
Bonita Bay Leads Bonita Springs Luxury Sales
A recent conversation with a home buyer provoked the thought of researching where the high end, luxury real estate in Bonita Springs is selling, where the affluent have been buying. We do have a few choice gated communities, gulf access and beach front real estate locations that command sale prices of $1,000,000 and up. Since numbers and closed sales tell the story I was curious enough to do a little research on where the luxury real estate actually did close sale.
Luxury Real estate sales March 1 2012 to March 1 2013
Bonita Bay 47 units
Barefoot Beach 26 units
The Brooks 21 units
Bonita Beach 15 units
Pelican Landing & The Colony 14 units
Quail West 5 units
West Bay Club 3 units
Included in this luxury real estate research was the city Estero, Florida which only had three closed sales in West Bay and Barefoot Beach which has a Naples, Florida (Collier County) geographic code but a Bonita Springs mailing address.
It’s no surprise that Bonita Bay luxury home sales lead the pack. Many of the units sold were tower residences, luxury condo sales in the buildings of Estancia and Tavira on the bay. Bonita Bay boast the most luxury homes supported buy the infrastructure to support the luxury lifestyle in the area; country club, equity golf course, marina gulf access, tennis and fitness facilities and more.
The close second was the community Barefoot Beach which is lauded for gulf and bay views from more homes than any other neighborhood in Bonita Springs, Florida. Barefoot Beach is a semi private “walk out the door and have sand on your feet” neighborhood with the exclusive mailing address luxury home buyers are looking for.
The Brooks, most notably Shadow Wood at The Brooks, closed twenty-one homes in the luxury homes market and arrived in third for volume of unit sales.
Over all, the Bonita Springs luxury real estate market accounted for about 5.5% of all closed sales in the last year, March 1, 2012 to March 2, 2013 in the Bonita Springs, Estero Florida.
Read also: Bonita Springs Florida Tax Haven For High Net Worth Residents
Tags: barefoot beach, Beach Front Real Estate, bonita bay, Bonita Beach, Bonita Springs Luxury Condos, Bonita Springs Luxury Homes, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, Pelican Landing, Quail West, the brooks, the colony, west bay club
Describing Luxury Real Estate in Bonita Springs Florida
Florida Realtors® sent out this little news blurb regarding a study that Trulia published regarding luxury real estate and the marketing verbiage used to describe said luxury real estate. The idea was that each phrase has a value. Trulia has analyzed millions of for-sale homes on Trulia through November 2012. For example, the average price of a luxury home that includes the phrase “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” is $3 million. The single phrase that implied the top of top-end luxury homes is “parlor floor,” which was found in luxury homes worth almost $5 million.
Phrases in the most expensive luxury real estate listings:
- Parlor floor
- Formal gardens
- Paneled library
- Magnificent estate
- Lutron lighting
- Public rooms
- Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
- Highest level
- Motor court
- Two powder rooms
I’m hard pressed to find any relevance to the luxury real estate for sale in Bonita Springs with most of these real estate terms. They’re kind of “meh” compared to what I run across while researching luxury real estate. There’s a slim chance that magnificent estate and Lutron lighting would possibly be descriptive terms in selling high end, luxury real estate in Bonita Springs but the rest, not so much.
If I had to guess the top ten marketing phrases used in most expensive luxury real estate listings in Bonita Springs:
- Gulf Front or Gulf of Mexico or Gulf (Real estate on the gulf is a big deal here)
- Gulf Access, Canal Front, Bayfront (Gulf access real estate is a big deal here)
- Sweeping Golf Course View
- Panoramic View or Breath Taking View
- World Class Golf
- Meticulously maintained or Discriminating Buyer
- Gourmet Kitchen
- Custom Crown Molding
- Custom Estate Home
- Penthouse, tower, luxury high rise
If you have any guesses at phrases you think are the top ten in Bonita Springs Florida luxury real estate, chime in.
For the record, phrases in the least expensive real estate listings can be read at this little news blurb and not on my website because, well, they’re not exactly pretty real estate terms and I don’t want to rank in the search engines for them.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Luxury Condos, Bonita Springs Luxury Homes, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, Gulf Access Home, Gulf Front Homes, luxury
Morton Grove Bonita Springs Homes and Condos
Morton Grove of Bonita Springs is a deed restricted community in Bonita Springs, Florida. It is situated just east of I-75 at Morton Road and East Terry Street. The home styles in Morton Grove include low rise condos with carports, low rise condos with garage, single family homes and attached villas.
The community of Morton Grove enjoys the congruity of deed restriction but it is not a gated community. Fees at Morton Grove are considered affordable by comparison to other communities as there is no golf course. The amenities include a community clubhouse and community swimming pool.
Streets in Morton Grove include Morton Grove, Londonderry Ln, Little John Ct., Notting Hill Dr. and Robinhood Dr.
Nearby conveniences to Morton Grove include the YMCA which is within walking distance, Bonita Beach which is about 15 minutes away and Coconut Point Mall which is about 10-15 minutes away.
Southwest Florida International Airport and FGCU are only about 20-25 minutes away via Imperial Parkway. Bonita Nature Place is located on Kent Road within walking distance of Morton Grove.
For more information about Morton Grove in Bonita Springs contact Chris Griffith. 239-273-7430
Morton Grove | Morton Grove Bonita Springs | Morton Grove Real Estate | Bonita Springs Real Estate
Tags: Bonita Springs Morton Grove. Morton Grove Homes, Bonita Springs Real Estate, florida, Morton, Morton Grove, Morton Grove Bonita Springs, Morton Grove Condos, Morton Grove real estate
Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate Mortgage Loans
The clock is ticking for those home buyers who wish to finance a Bonita Springs luxury home with a jumbo mortgage. The jumbo mortgage market is going to change in 2014 and home buyers of luxury real estate in Bonita Springs will want to take action before the rules tighten up.
Right now, in Lee County Florida, the jumbo mortgage classification begins in the low to mid $400,000’s. High end home purchases, especially home purchase of luxury real estate, will be relegated to jumbo mortgages.
The new jumbo mortgage changes in 2014 will mean that luxury home buyers seeking a mortgage will be required to provide more documentation to verify assets as well as income. Low doc jumbo mortgages have been the darling of the self employed due to the challenge of proving income with personal and business tax returns.
Also being restricted will be the use of interest only jumbo mortgages.
These mortgage changes will mean a few things. There could be a burst of high end, luxury home buying in 2013 as home buyers slide in under the deadline.
In the Bonita Springs and Estero Florida area, we’ve already begun to see the higher end real estate market pick up. For example, the $400-600,000 and the $600-800,000 price points which each accounted for a marginal amount of sales each month last year, picked up for the first time in years in January 2013.
The cause of the luxury home buyers returning to the market is due to Bonita Springs real estate being undervalued, consumer confidence picking up, baby boomer retirement drawing near and of course the added benefit of Florida being “the sunshine state” in addition to being the “no state income tax” state. The affluent are purchasing luxury Florida real estate to establish residency to save big bucks on taxes.
Read also: Bonita Springs Florida Tax Haven For High Net Worth Residents
The end result is more high end, luxury real estate closing sale, especially Bonita Beach Real Estate and real estate in gated country club communities with lifestyle amenities that are a draw for the affluent; golf equity memberships, country club and social memberships, sport and fitness clubs, tennis clubs, marina memberships and concierge services on site.
As the year progresses look for luxury home buyers, who are interested in leveraging low interest rates to finance their luxury home purchase, to jump into the real estate market especially if they believe that they may have loan documentation challenges in 2014.
If you are thinking of taking advantage of the jumbo loan mortgage program to purchase Bonita Springs luxury real estate before the rules changes, give me a call. I’d be happy to introduce you to a trusted, local mortgage banker for a confidential consultation. Chris Griffith 239-273-7430 or Contact Chris.
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All information is deem accurate, not guaranteed and subject to change. Check the date on this report for freshness. If you have questions regarding your particular neighborhood, your street or your home specifically you’re welcome to contact us for a current market report. Real estate consumers that read this website are urged to seek independent, professional legal, real estate and financial advice before engaging in any transaction. All information is deemed, accurate, subject to change and not guaranteed.
Tags: Beach Front Real Estate, Bonita Beach Homes, bonita beach real estate, Bonita Springs Luxury Homes, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, Domicile, High Net Worth, Jumbo, Jumbo Loan, Jumbo Mortgage, luxury, Luxury Home, Luxury Homes, Luxury Homes Bonita Springs, Luxury Real Estate, residency
Establishing Bonita Springs Florida Residency | Domicile
If you are considering moving to Bonita Springs and buying Bonita Springs real estate to establish a Florida residence you may have to also file declaration of domicile.
Declaration of domicile is an affidavit attesting to Florida residency. Declaration of domicile is useful when three legal forms of Florida residency are required (such as filing for Florida homestead exemption taxes), or for providing residency in determining what State(s) can access state income and death taxes, and which States’ courts supervise the settlement of your estate, or for proving residency to colleges and schools. Declaration of domicile can be filed at the Lee County clerk of courts:
Declaration of Domicile
Lee County Clerk of Courts
County Administration Bldg. – 2nd Floor
2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL
(239) 533-5000
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All information provided at LifeInBonitaSprings.com is for information purposes only. You should always consult with a competent financial planner and legal professional licensed in your state and the state of Florida with respect to your particular situation before making any decision that involves your finances and/or home ownership.
Tags: Bonita Springs Florida residency, Bonita Springs Residency, Declaration Domicile, Domicile, Florida domicile, Florida residency, lee county, Lee County Domicile, Lee County residency
Luxury Homes in Bonita Springs on the Gulf of Mexico
Bonita Springs Florida luxury real estate is just that, the most luxurious and the most exquisite in Bonita Springs Florida. The supply of luxury real estate in Bonita Springs is limited, depending upon the neighborhood. For example, there are only so many Gulf front home sites on Bonita Beach or Barefoot Beach and as a result the values of the luxury homes are the highest of any in the Bonita Springs luxury home market.
Membership has it’s privileges and homes within the walls and gates of many Bonita Springs luxury country club communities come in at a close second to the Gulf Front lifestyle. Many of the country club communities also offer private beach clubs in addition to their country club or golf equity memberships.
Luxury neighborhoods offering the ultra exclusivity of private beach club memberships, in addition to country club and golf equity memberships include The Colony at Pelican Landing, Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club,Pelican Landing Golf and Country Club, Shadow Wood at the Brooks, Mediterra, West Bay Club and Barefoot Beach Community.
Luxury real estate in Bonita Springs is considered quite the value compared to Naples luxury real estate and has developed a popularity amongst those with affluence seeking to strike a bargain while acquiring residency, especially for tax purposes. “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.” is in the back of the mind of those with means seeking tax protection or relocating their business to Southwest Florida. Read also: Bonita Springs Florida Tax Haven to High Net Worth Residents
If you’d like more information or a private consultation regarding current Bonita Springs luxury real estate conditions, contact Chris Griffith 239-273-7430.
Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate | Bonita Springs Luxury Homes | Bonita Springs Beach Front Homes
Tags: barefoot beach, bonita bay, Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club, Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Luxury Homes, Bonita Springs Luxury Real Estate, High Net Worth, luxury, Luxury Homes, Luxury Homes Bonita Springs, Luxury Real Estate, Mediterra, Pelican Landing, Shadow Wood at The Brooks, The Colony at Pelican Landing, west bay club
Run the Koreshan State Historic Site Trails
If you’re looking for fun things to do and to get out doors consider running a trail run at the upcoming Koreshan State Historic Site Park.
When: March 10 2013
Register: www.Active.com
Don’t miss the run at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, too! The State of Florida Parks department wants you to get out there and enjoy our state parks! To learn more about the Koreshan Park, read also: Koreshan State Historic Site
Tags: Estero, florida, Koreshan, Koreshan State Historic Site, Things To Do
Purchasing Florida Luxury Real Estate For Tax Benefits
No matter what the cycle is in, the basic tenets of real estate remain unchanged, consumers make their money in the buy. When purchasing real estate in Bonita Springs, Florida to establish residency there is a residual financial benefit, tax savings in the form of no state income tax. Add to that, moving a business to southwest Florida and enjoy other financial benefits such as impact fee abatement programs, tax incentives for job creation and rebate incentives to move to Bonita Springs or Lee County Florida.
Simply put, the State of Florida, Lee County and the city of Bonita Springs, Florida all want you to move here. They also want you to move your business here because business is booming in Florida. Benefits of moving a business to Florida include lower operational expenses when compared to many northern metropolitan areas and low corporate tax rates which can be as high as 14% in New York, for example. Businesses thrive in Florida’s low-tax environment and employees enjoy the benefit of no personal income tax.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Real Estate, florida, florida real estate, High Net Worth, Luxury Homes, Luxury Real Estate, no state income tax, residency, State Income Tax, Tax Shelter
Thinking of Making a Photo Book of Bonita Springs
Tags: Bonita Springs, fishing, florida, lovers key, lovers key beach, Things To Do
Southwest Spotlight Newspaper
Well, it’s not about real estate so it’s a actually fun to write again. If you know me or read my blog, Life In Bonita Springs, for a while you’ll know that I like the outdoors. I like wildlife, nature, woods, rivers, you name it. This first issue, on stands now, is about raising Monarch Butterflies because … I happen to raise Monarch butterflies as a way to recreate outside of selling real estate in Bonita Springs. Not that being a real estate agent is stressful at all.
I look forward to writing the next article now, most likely one of our great hidden parks or nature preserve that I feel most Bonita Springs residents simply do not know about or are taking for granted. Living in Bonita Springs is a treat and most people do not realize that city wide and even county wide our forefathers made sure there were ample parks and nature preserves for residents to enjoy. Unfortunately, our culture is now chaining us to our desks, our game controllers and smart phones and we’re missing it. You’re missing it. Did you know you were missing it?
Hopefully, I’ll be able to inspires a few southwest Florida residents to cross the threshold of their comfy homes and get their hands in soil or inspired enough to put on walking shoes and get some fresh air. Of course, if you have any suggestions or ideas for stories, let me know.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Chris Griffith, Out doors, Southwest Spotlight, Writing
Bonita Bay Real Estate Sales Stats
Here you go, the latest and greatest sales in Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Tags: bonita bay, Bonita Bay Condos, Bonita Bay Homes, Bonita Bay Real Estate, Bonita Bay Real Estate market report, Condos in Bonita Bay, Homes in Bonita Bay
Southwest Florida Weather in February
This is Baily. Baily wanted you to know that this is what February weather is like in Bonita Springs, Florida. We’ve had picture perfect weather this week!
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take a boat ride on one of Baywater Exclusive Boat Club’s boats, the doubled decker boat with a slide. Actually, the entire Bonita Leadership class was there and we had a great time and learned a lot about the environment and the waterways of Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida. We marveled at the great weather and some shared stories of relatives who are bracing for a class A blizzard or storm or whatever they’re called “up there”.
If you’ve had enough of snow and cold, come on down. There’s a boat rental waiting for you at Baywater and I’m sure I can scrounge up a home or condo for you to look at.
Tags: Boat rental, Bonita Springs, condo, Estero, florida, home
Norman Love Chocolate: One Size Fits All
Just in case you didn’t know, Norman Love Confections and the world famous chocolate is anchored right here in southwest Florida. Since chocolate makes a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, there is only one way to set your gift apart from any chocolate gift your sweetie has ever received. Give the gift of Norman Love Chocolate! For some great gift ideas, read also: A Trio Guaranteed to Impress Your Valentine
At this time there are two Norman Love Confections locations Floridain southwest and you’d be missing the boat if you didn’t stop in and check out what is available, because it’s not just chocolate shop. Norman Love Convections also offers tasty treats such as artisan gelato, candy making classes, gift baskets, pastry, gift certificates and so much more.
Visit the official website for more information or to order online: www.normanloveconfections.com
If you’d like to visit one of the local southwest Florida Norman Love Confection stores:
Naples Chocolate Salon
3747 Tamiami Trail N
Naples FL 34103
239-687-7215 (Phone)
Fort Myers Chocolate Salon
11380 Lindbergh Blvd
Fort Myers FL 33913
239-561-7215 (Phone)
Tags: Chocolate, Norman Love, Things To Do, valentine
Bonita Springs Real Estate Sales & Statistics
If you do not see the video above: http://youtu.be/-pCyeNoxJcs
Well, youtube transcripts of this video were absolutely awful so I’m going to just let you listen to the video. The nutshell version is that we cover Bonita Springs real estate sales stats, foreclosures, short sales and inventory. The real estate market is moving swiftly and buyers who want to purchase in entry level priced real estate will miss the boat this year.
There are some important stats about entry level but the real news is for buyers of higher end real estate, luxury real estate and those affluent buyers looking for tax protection in Bonita Springs … your market is starting to take off. If you’ve been a fence rider waiting for a great deal on luxury Bonita Springs real estate, it’s time to get in.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs condos, Bonita Springs foreclosure, bonita springs homes, Bonita Springs Real Estate, bonita springs short sale, Condos in Bonita Springs, Estero, Estero Real Estate, Homes in Bonita Springs, real estate
Bonita Springs Real Estate – Green the Color of Money
Just in case you were wondering how many foreclosures and short sales were out there competing in the Bonita Springs real estate market.
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs foreclosure, Bonita Springs Real Estate, bonita springs short sale
Minor Delay With Today’s Monarch Hatchlings
It’s raining in Bonita Springs Florida today but, I will point out, there is still going to be a high of seventy-seven degrees. Life in Bonita Springs.
Tags: Bonita Springs, florida, life in bonita springs, Monarch
What’s Left in Entry Level Real Estate
In the height of tourist season in Bonita Springs Florida, what remains for sale on the market in entry level pricing is very little. Take, for example, single family homes under $100,000 in Bonita Springs and Estero Florida.
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At this time, January 26, 2013, there are only seven single family homes for sale under the price of $100,000, excluding manufactured homes.
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At this time, there are only twenty low rise condominiums for sale in Bonita Springs and Estero priced under $100,000.
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There is only one attached villa priced under $100,000 at this time.
The deals. Where are the deals? Where are the foreclosures? Well, a lot of that excess inventory and those foreclosures were a few years back. If you’re coming in late to the real estate game, Bonita Springs and Estero has absorbed the surplus inventory in entry level pricing. Where the deals are, at this time, is in the $600,000-900,000 price range where properties have been selling slowly. Of course, that depends upon the neighborhood because real estate is local.
If you’re shopping for real estate in entry level pricing prepare to act swiftly and with purpose. Homes are pending within days, often with multiple offers and over list price. Be warned!
Tags: Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Estero Florida, Estero Florida Real Estate
Backyard Butterfly Gardening in Bonita Springs Fla
If you do not see the video above: http://youtu.be/PVYjW_V_1Hg
Tags: Bonita Springs, butterfly, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, fl, fla, florida, Hatching, insect, Monarch, nature
Downtown Bonita Springs Chalk Art
This February 10, 2013 celebrate Valentines Day with the Artist Village in Bonita Springs Riverside Park. Come do "Sidewalk Art"! Cabin #6 will open at 10am for those wishing to register and start their sidewalk art. All the cabins will be open 1-5pm.
Free to the public. Chalk for sidewalk art in the Artist Square, assorted artists at work with all kinds of paints, jewelry, stained glass, sculpture, pine needle baskets, ceramics, history, demos, and more with refreshments, snacks, raffles, and entertainment.
Art for sale, art lessons, plus kayak, and canoe rentals on the Romantic Imperial River available.
Sponsored by the "Artist Village of Bonita Springs Riverside Park." Bring your Valentine.
Tags: Artist Cottages, Bonita Springs, Chalk Art, Events, Riverside Park, Things To Do
| Overview Maps Photos Features Description |
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Chris Elizabeth Griffith
Downing Frye Realty, Inc.
(239) 273-7430 chris@LifeInBonitaSprings.com http://LifeInBonitaSprings.com
Listed by: Chris Griffith |
Nearby properties for sale
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Tags: Bermuda Ridge, Bermuda Ridge Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, condo for sale, florida
| Overview Maps Photos |
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Chris Elizabeth Griffith
Downing Frye Realty, Inc.
(239) 273-7430 chris@LifeInBonitaSprings.com http://LifeInBonitaSprings.com
Listed by: Downing Frye Realty, Inc. |
| Our recent listings
Partly Cleared Duplex Lot – 3 Miles to Bonita Beach
Bermuda Ridge – So Close to Beaches! Bonita Bay Single Family Pool Home San Carlos Estates 1.25 Acre Homesite Vacant Lot in RV – Manufactured Home Park (Free Camper Included)
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Tags: Bonita Springs, duplex, florida, land, Lot, TFC-2, vacant lot
Bonita Springs Backyard Butterfly Experiment
Let me tell you a little story about the time I went to my neighborhood’s community pool to tan my lily white, fructose rich body. I had gotten a little pudgy and decided to bite the bullet, tan that fat and start working on getting healthy. I sucked up my pride and headed to the pool … nobody is ever there anyway so it wasn’t a big deal. Then, about 20 minutes into sunbathing, one of my neighbors showed up with about 30 people from her church group. I nearly died of the shame and embarrassment.
With broken spirit I returned home and declared that I would never go there again unless I was already skinny and tan. It turns out that it was a lot easier to just put in a back yard patio than it was to get in shape and lose weight. We had stumbled across a supply of recycled brick pavers, enough to improve our little chunk of real estate by putting in a patio for private sunbathing.
The patio and surrounding flower beds probably sat over a year before I was struck with mild inspiration to put in some sort of plants. I’m not sure if I thought of it first or thought of it after I discovered Sue Scott with The Back Ten Feet but I ended up putting in host and nectar plants to attract butterflies, which leads me to why you’re reading this post.
It’s now been a year of butterfly gardening. There have been both triumphs and tragedies in my back ten feet but in all, the process has been fun and rewarding. I began planting flowers at the tail end of spring last year and now I’m coming up on the first year anniversary and I have a bumper crop of Monarchs and a story to tell.
The story starts with that butterfly on the plant above and below. That’s a Monarch butterfly, a beat up one by the look of her wings. I think it’s a her … yes, one can sex a butterfly. The plant is a scarlet milkweed or Mexican Milkweed, a reader of this blog told me so, so I bought a few of the scarlet milkweed plants. Here is what happens in my back ten feet from start to finish.
The Scarlet Milkweed is both a nectar and a host plant. It draws in the Monarch butterfly with nectar and then the butterfly will lay eggs under the long green leaf of the plant to host the eggs which turn into caterpillar. The eggs are a tiny off white dot about the size of a large grain of kosher salt. After several days the eggs hatch into the tiniest of caterpillars about half the size of a grain of rice (when I am able to see them).
The caterpillars begin eating the long green leaves that their eggs on to grow larger. These caterpillars will get a little larger than they appear in this picture before they leave the host plant and look for a place to chrysalis. This is the original article that this picture appeared in: The Butterfly Effect
These are the Monarch caterpillars crawling off onto a boxwood bush. In the flower bed I have boxwood, lantana and foxtail fern, all of which the caterpillars do not eat but will build their chrysalis cocoon on. You will notice one crawling on the branch and one hanging in the back ground.
The monarch caterpillar adheres himself to the branch at one end and hangs. We call them “hangers” when we see them. They are in this state for several hours to a day and as fast as you turn your back for a moment they are a chrysalis. I was checking them every 10 to 15 minutes and still missed it. I mark where they are at in the flower bed by putting a bamboo food skewer in the the soil upright like a garden stake. They’re not too visually noticeable and help you keep an eye on “the herd”.
This chrysalis was not fully complete when I caught it, but I still felt betrayed by the caterpillar for doing this behind my back. Darn it! lol They wiggle every once in a while during what’s left of the process from this point. They hang in chrysalis for a few days. The time they are in chrysalis varies depending upon the weather, temperature and external conditions.
On New Year’s Day 2013 I found this Chrysalis in Bonita Springs, Florida. It’s a cell phone picture I ran through instagram. I had just driven from Flagstaff, AZ to Bonita Springs and was a little too tired to get the big girl camera out. I snapped this picture and went to bed. Happy New Year! About 10 days later this Chrysalis turned into a butterfly. One morning I woke up and checked the herd and saw that the chrysalis had darkened remarkably and the wings of the butterfly were even visible through the paper thin wall of the cocoon. It was super early in the morning and I took a picture so it’s not as crisp of a picture showing all of the detail thru the paper thin walls.
The gold dots on the outside of the chrysalis are natural, the other spots are water spots from dew. This particular day was filled with appointments so I was in and out of the house a few times. I was out for an hour and a half at one point and missed the boat. Darn it! She had come out of the chrysalis, behind my back, like butterflies and “hangers” do. They’re sneaky and fast.
Here she is, fresh as a daisy, right out of the chrysalis. The Monarch sunned for a while to strengthen her wings for flight. As soon as I turned my back, she flew away.
This is a great, easy project you can do if you’re a beginner gardener or looking for something to do with your children to teach them about life cycle and how important the environment is … and how duplicitous Monarch butterflies are when one’s back is turned. Last but not least …
This isn’t a picture of just the woods behind my house. Look closely and see the sticks in the foreground. Those WERE the Scarlet Milkweed. They’ve been stripped clean of every flower and leaf. They get cut back to the ground when the caterpillars are gone and the whole process starts over again. In a few weeks they’ll be branching out and then the cycle of life starts over. Happy planting!
Tags: Bonita Springs, butterfly, Butterfly Garden, Chrysalis, cocoon, home, nature
Florida Bobcat in Bonita Springs, Florida
If you do not see the video above click: http://youtu.be/6U1eh5W1HRA
This Florida bobcat was spotted behind my neighbors house in Brendan Cove in Bonita Springs, Florida. There is a designated nature preserve behind our homes. We frequently see Florida bobcat. I have even had the opportunity to see them hunt squirrel, mice and rabbits. A few years ago a momma bobcat walked along the preserve teaching her whole littler to hunt. What a treat.
This particular bobcat was one of the largest I have seen in this part of Bonita Springs, Florida.
Tags: bobcat, Bonita Springs, florida, Florida Bobcat, nature, Wild Animal
Bonita Springs Real Estate and Estero Home Sales
If you do not see the video above click here: http://youtu.be/Z6AIRWUJdXo
Things are looking up for Bonita Springs real estate! The lowest foreclosure and short sales closed in a looong time. Take a look at the real estate video above that shows historical Bonita Springs real estate sales, how real Bonita Springs real estate is financed, plus absorption rates and inventory in the Bonita Springs and Estero Florida real estate market.
If you have pointed questions about your neighborhood feel free to call, text or contact Chris. 239-273-7430
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All information is deem accurate, not guaranteed and subject to change. Check the date on this report for freshness. If you have questions regarding your particular neighborhood, your street or your home specifically you’re welcome to contact us for a current market report. Real estate consumers that read this website are urged to seek independent, professional legal, real estate and financial advice before engaging in any transaction. All information is deemed, accurate, subject to change and not guaranteed.
Tags: Absortion Rate, Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Absorption Rate, bonita springs florida, Bonita Springs foreclosure, Bonita Springs Real Estate, Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Report, bonita springs short sale, Estero Florida Real Estate, Estero Real Estate, Historical Sales, inventory, real estate
Homes in Bonita Bay – Bonita Bay Real Estate
If you do not see the video above click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGDNFAW5gxQ
Tags: bonita bay, Bonita Bay Condos, Bonita Bay Foreclosure, Bonita Bay Golf and Country Club, Bonita Bay Homes, Bonita Bay Real Estate, Bonita Bay Real Estate market report, Bonita Bay Short Sale, Homes in Bonita Bay, january 2013
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