For some time I’ve been wanting to hike the Estero Bay Preserve. It’s at the West end of Broadway (via US 41), about a half of a mile north of Corkscrew Road. I finally made the trip.
See this creepy little dragon fly? This is one of the many creatures, great and small, to be seen and experienced in the Estero Bay Preserve. Just look at the notes others left behind regarding what they saw there. Remember, to tell the truRth. Hey, at least deAr was spelled correctly.
Sidebar: Armadios sounds the same as armadillos en Espanol so you have got to love that misspell, instant classic.
Wild Hogs, Raccoons, Armadillos ‘n’ Snakes
I’ve also driven past this sign and seen other things like skunks and stuff so user beware. On this hike, I did see where the wild hogs had rooted up soil and dozens of footprint from them, raccoons and such. The path will lead you right along side the Estero River, by the way. There were people in canoes and swimmers taking a dip.
Canoeing the Estero River
While I was taking this photo was right about the time that a swarm of bugs found us. Besides the usual mosquitoes, there was horse flies, deer flies, someone said yellow flies, someone said cut flies. I don’t know and I don’t care because it made us walk really fast, which combined with the heat made for a turn of events, the likes of which I’m just getting over.
We were walking through a wetland path with the cutest fiddler crabs scurrying every where. I would have taken pictures for you but I was too busy swatting flies and trying to not catch West Nile or Meningitis. *She who is slow or pauses for photos gets stung and bit a lot.*
It wasn’t long after hustling past the fiddler crabs that we decided to turn back because it was getting worse. I really thought it was but I was trying not to be a big, huge baby, quitter.
There were a couple of times the trees got tippy on me and was a little disoriented. I ended coming through the gate at Armada Court, climbed the fence and, after helping a gopher tortoise get un-stuck from the fence, promptly left my delicious, Terri’s Summer Breeze Cafe breakfast on the side of the road, no where near this tortoise. (It’s a $500 fine for messing with one of these suckers. I bet barfing on/near one is a punishable offense.)
Do Not Molest a Gopher Tortoise - $500 Fine
If you’ve made it through this tale, this far, you should know that the rest of the day was filled with involuntary muscle cramping all over my body, a little more punies, dizziness, hallucinations and I was a little meaner than usual.
For the record, I had sunscreen on, frozen water and was hydrated, light colored clothes and I assumed that I was prepared. Florida just kicked my butt on a random Sunday in the year of our Lord 2009. I mention that because, again, I was laying in bed, sick as a dog, watching Clint Eastwood movies and now that saying is stuck in my head … again.
What I saw of this park was great and I can’t wait to complete the whole big trail, which was one of three at varying lengths from a short loop to about five miles – hikers choice.
In November I’ll be back, Estero Bay State Preserve. Next time you’re not taking my hash browns.
The official site for Estero Bay Preserve is here:
When a buyer wants to buy a home, the Real estate agent they are dealing with usually asks right off the bat: “Have you been pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage?” Why is this such an important questions? There are several things a real estate agent will know based on the provided answer and information to follow it.
Here is what the real estate agent finds out:
They have a legitimate buyer.
They know what price range to shop for.
Okay, now keep that second point in mind as we delve into the pre-qualification process. And to explain this, I am going to use a recent buyer’s story.
The buyer came to us to be pre-qualified for the purchase of a new home. Based on early findings, we were able to qualify this buyer for a mortgage of $x.xx and a monthly payment not to exceed $y.yy. Now, the monthly payment took into consideration the basic PITI (Principle, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) for a home of that value for which she qualified for.
When we notified the real estate agent for what the borrower qualified for, we also explained which programs the buyer was eligible for. In this case, if the buyer wanted 100% financing through USDA, then the loan amount could not exceed $a.aa and a monthly payment of $b.bb. If the buyer put 3% down, then HomePath financing was available at a mortgage amount of $x.xx and a payment of $y.yy. Conventional and FHA financing were not optional.
Pretty straight forward, right? Wrong. The buyer is insisting on a home in a neighborhood where the HOA fees are over $200/month. Yes, the home prices are in the range that the buyer is qualified for, but the monthly payment is well over $200 for what they are eligible to borrower. Now with HomePath, we were able to get a FNMA DO/DU approval even with this $200 a month increase, but the home the buyer wants is not HomePath approved.
There are homes in that area, in that same neighborhood, in that same model, that are on HomePath, but someone did not show them to the buyer. I am not going to speculate why they were not shown. But I am going to ask, why did the real estate agent allow the buyer to enter into a contract, put earnest money down, when they have something in writing that states what the buyer qualifies for and that property does not meet that criteria?
Oh, wait… it does. It meets the value of the house. The real estate agent only listened to the buyer when they asked the question, “Have you already been pre-qualified for a mortgage?” The answer was probably something like this, “Yes, I was pre-qualified for a purchase price of $x.xx.” So, when the real estate agent got out letter, they just checked to make sure the purchase price was what they were told. Monthly payments went right out the window.
Now, I am not pointing fingers as to who is to blame because it can go many directions. But as a potential home owner, the buyer should have said right away when they learned of the $200+ per month HOA fees, that the house was now out of range. However, when we got the approval from HomePath to continue with that price range with the HOA fees, the real estate agent should then have switched to HomePath homes for those homes with higher monthly payments.
In the end, a pre-qualification or even a pre-approval is only as good as the terms that are given in it. Going outside those terms, means a big fat DENIED!!! If one does not listen to the terms, then a lot of time is lost and possibly a lot of money. Communication is key. Fortunately, the Realtors and real estate agents that Knightlines regularly associates with, such as Chris Griffith of Bonita Springs, does listen to what the buyer is eligible for and works with the buyer to make sure that their pre-qualification/pre-approval turns into a “Congratulations on your new home!”
Jason Price
Owner/Principal Broker
(352) 308-7219 Phone
For some time now, Knightlines Mortgage Services has been offering the people of Florida a convenient way to finance and re-finance their residential property.
But that isn’t the entire story - we are also doing commercial lending in all 50 states. AND - now we can offer commercial financing OUTSIDE of the country as well. Caribbean, South America, etc - just call for the details.
This boat was heading down the road and I just had to take a picture. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen four 225’s on a boat and thought, wow, this guy is a total bad ass. Four engines on the back of a boat is like rolling on 22 inch rims with spinners! That boat is fierce, the truck toting it is fierce. It was a sweet set.
Sometimes I’m just such a girl. A dorky girl that just doesn’t get it. I mean, what man would own a boat like that? Only, one: Uncle Sam.
Yeah, right about here is where I realized I was photo documenting a marine vessel owned by the US Department of Homeland Security and I was probably already in a database watch list. Way to go, princess. I guess you just may as well document the tow truck, too.
I’m just a quiet little real estate agent and I mean no harm to national security. You see, I just got this new bad ass camera and I am having a hard time controlling myself. So, if you could just look beyond this little incident I promise to not share the photos with anyone. Oh, and is there any chance you’ll take me for a ride on that bad boy?
Since the first of the year, many first time home buyers have staked their claim in the Southwest Florida real estate market. Besides the low prices and historic low interest rates, the tax credit of up to $8,000 has been a huge motivator. There are still folks on the fence about when to buy this year and still be eligible to get the tax credit.
Basically, first time buyers have until November 30 to close on a home in order to be eligible for the credit unless it gets extended. It’s the middle of June which leaves about five months to get the job done so what’s the rush, right? From start through closing it’s really going to take more time than most people realize. If you cut it close to the wire, any unexpected delays could take you beyond the deadline and you’ll lose the credit. Counting on a credit that doesn’t come through because of delays would be harsh.
The loan approval process is going to require that a number of documents relating to employment and finances will need to be gathered and provided to your mortgage broker: Two years tax returns, pay check stubs, checks to prove rent payment history and usually 90 days of bank statements. Yes, you’ll feel hen pecked and probably have to explain something or other on your credit report that wasn’t pretty but just magically showed up.
The time you spend house hunting before you find a home is a huge variable. Many of the homes that are in the best condition with the best pricing go quickly, often with multiple offers. It may take you a few attempts at different homes before you successfully negotiate yourself into a contract.
Be prepare for the “hurry up and wait” home buying process. The bank involved properties that are on the market now continue to add different issues that pop up. Short sales haven’t gotten much faster even with all the years of practice the banks have had doing them. You could literally learn to play piano or speak Italian during the time it takes for most short sales get processed.
Further down the road, unexpected things can happen like defects found during the home inspection and discovery of major repairs or code violations that need fixed. Most of the issues are able to be worked through as long as there is enough time to do so.
There are all sorts of new rules regarding mortgages and appraisals. Regardless of how great real estate prices are these days, occasionally the home doesn’t appraise for the purchase price. It’s another hurdle that can be over come, but added time is needed, because it just takes longer to communicate with everyone involved due to the new rules.
Don’t take it down to the wire. Buying that first home doesn’t have to be stressful if you simply allow enough time to do it even if an unexpected wrinkle or two pops up. With any luck you’ll have smooth sailing and an easy transaction. If you don’t and have a little extra time on your side it will likely all work out with a tax credit as a housewarming gift.
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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.
I am stealing that line from Neil Cavuto of Fox Business Network.
In a recent broadcast of Fox News, Cavuto mentioned how someone asked him about mortgage rates. The person was hesitant to buy a new house because mortgage rates went back up. Cavuto asked him what he was going to do… wait to see if they go back down was the response.
Cavuto, in his off tangent thinking, begins to share how “Damn” young this guy is. But his answer to the potential home buyer was “5.25% is pretty good.” Then he proceeded to tell the young man to “Shut up.”
Why did Cavuto tell him to shut up? The answer is pretty simple. ”5.25% is pretty good.” Remember when mortgage rates were double digits. Remember when prime was over 20%. Remember when…
Most people, if they think hard enough, will remember those days. Now, doesn’t 5.25% or even 5.75% sound “pretty good.” Yes, it does. And yes, 4.75% sounds better. Unfortunately, those days are in the past, and soon you will be saying I remember when rates were 4.75%. For those of you who waited to see if rates would go any lower, are now going to say, I remember when rates were 4.75%, but all I got was a 5.75% rate. But you know what? That is still “pretty good” compared to what it could be.
So what is the moral of this story? It is shut up about the rates. They are going to be what they are. It is only a matter of how long does a borrower want to wait to lock in their rate. 4.75% is gone. 5%+ is in. It is still a “pretty good” rate.
Oh, and to put this into monetary terms, a $150,000 mortgage at 4.5% over 30 years has a payment of $706. The same mortgage at 5.25% has a payment of $828. That is roughly $30.50 per .25% increase to the rate. That breaks down to just over $1 per day per .25% increase to the rate. Can you afford an extra $1 per day to go to your mortgage if rates went up .25% tomorrow. If the answer is “No,” then you need to do something today. If the answer is “Yes,” then can you afford a full 1% increase (or $4/day)?
Each day you spend watching the rates go up is just another dollar that you could have been saving.
If you want to watch the Cavuto news clip, click here.
Jason Price
Owner/Principal Broker
(352) 308-7219 Phone
For some time now, Knightlines Mortgage Services has been offering the people of Florida a convenient way to finance and re-finance their residential property.
But that isn’t the entire story - we are also doing commercial lending in all 50 states. AND - now we can offer commercial financing OUTSIDE of the country as well. Caribbean, South America, etc - just call for the details.
Recently, I took a cruise down Hickory Blvd., swooped into Kings Kew and found the most impressive mailbox flower. Long story, short: I posted the flower image on Flickr and was told it was a Passiflora, a Passion Flower. It bubbled for a few weeks until last Sunday I decided to drive up to Driftwood Garden Center in Estero, Florida.
I knew this wasn’t a “job” for Home Depot or Lowes. I needed pro’s. I walked in the door of Driftwood Garden Center and knew I was on the right track. First of all, there was help and lots of it. I was in the store less than 30 minutes and asked if I needed help several times. A helpful employee showed me right where the Passiflora was located as he explained how many varieties were available, how to care for them, what they like, don’t like … and such on the way.
They had “my” flower, just the one I was looking for. Just like the one at Kings Kew! [And maybe like Dawn’s in Bradenton]
There is back history with me *trying* to be a gardener. I hope I don’t kill it. The plant specialist at Driftwood Garden Center thought it was hearty enough even for someone as inept as me.
By the way, the store has more than plants. I saw tons of stuff that would be great gift ideas for anyone.
Here are a few images from around Driftwood Garden Nursery:
If you’re looking for your own Passiflora to beef up your own home or garden go to Driftwood Garden Center in Estero, Florida. Here’s a map to Driftwood and their address:
If you asked me what the Fakahatchee Strand was 5, 10, 20 years ago I’d guess some thing: “It was a strand of pearls … so brilliant and cherished that all the Fakahatcheeans wanted it as their own.”
The truth of the matter is that I know it’s a part of the Everglades but I haven’t experienced it up close and personal. By up close and personal I mean in an air boat … until Lumberjack works the kinks out of his new airboat. See those feet up there? They’re Lumberjack’s.
These Colors Don’t Run
Maybe the colors do run but that is all I could think of what else to write while looking directly at the red neck of a red neck standing in front of a blue boat. He’s named the boat Jenny. It’s pronounced “Jen-nay” just like Forest Gump’s boat. Serious.
See this series of three bolts, props, etc., below?
This is an integral part to an airboat
All I know is that if I’m going to be on this boat I need to have my hair pulled up in a bun, like a school matron or I’m getting my scalp yanked off. (The men told me scarey stories. I don’t believe most of them but I’m just scared enough to “bun”.)
Men Only, No Womens aLLOWED
There was a lot of testosterone at the “meet the air boat” party. They let me in anyway. Then they tried to give me lessons on how to gig and prepare a frog. Uh … no thanks. Why the heck would anyone eat a frog?
No Womens Allowed Here, Either
She’s a beaut, Lumberjack. (Insert, arrh arrh arrh like Tim Allen from “Home Improvement”.
They won’t let women around the man boat because they say we don’t know what we’re doing and will hurt ourselves on accident. I know *exactly* what *I’m* doing. I even came dressed and ready with my canoe shoes on.
I can’t wait to get out on this airboat. After the kinks are worked out and my hair is in a bun. Lumberjack and I have boating history already. We’re almost pro’s. Read also: Canoeing the Imperial River
If you’re looking for a pro airboat company to take a ride contact Corey Billie Airboat Rides. Ask for Griff. No, he’s a different Griff but he’s a native and a whole bunch more responsible than us Griff’s.
Regardless of whether a home owner was a flipper, a rehabber or just a regular Joe homeowner, some of them take the home sale hard. Understandably, people get emotionally attached to their homes. They’ve raised a family in them or spent some of the best years of their lives in that home. Anyone can understand the attachment and sadness of moving on.
There is another type of homeowner that gets defensive when selling their home. They start looking at the buyer more like an enemy. All the buyer ever did was choose to purchase the house. It isn’t a personal attack, it wasn’t a calculated deception and they didn’t buy the house to “get one up” on them.
There are a lot of people out there who believe that they got ripped off because they didn’t sell their home at precisely the time it was worth the most. That time during the flash of lightening when their home was worth a fortune (on paper) and they woulda, coulda, shoulda sold it.
Face it, the home is for sale because the owner either wants to or needs to sell it. The buyer is someone that needs a home. Lord knows there are enough homes from which to choose. Instead of feeling fortunate that they have found a buyer some sellers agree to sell and then slowly turn both barrels on the buyer.
The sellers become bitter over whatever losses, real or imagined, that they’re suffering and the buyer become the focal point of their anger. There is no way to rationalize it.
Through the years I’ve been involved with transactions where the sellers refused entry for inspections, refused to complete repairs or got cases of amnesia when it came time to leave household items behind. Sure, these items are contractually agreed upon so they can be disputed but often times, it’s a down to the wire discovery.
Sometimes the final walk through for the buyers brings the discovery of missing kitchen cabinet knobs, curtain finials or the lanai set that is suppose to convey with the rest of the furniture. The seller “accidentally” loaded up a little extra to make up for what they feel the buyer is taking from them.
The fact that the economy is crappy and the housing market is in a slump is irrelevant. In the mind of some seller’s it’s all the fault of the buyer.
There probably isn’t a real estate agent that hasn’t replaced something that took a walk that shouldn’t have, just to get the property closed. Most recently I met buyers for a final walk through and had to tell them several items were missing from the home. Since they had invested a considerable amount of time and money to get this far they decided to close. They were the bigger person.
What the seller of this home didn’t realize is that these buyers weren’t stealing from him; they were simply buying a home that he needed to sell. It wasn’t the buyer’s fault that the value of the home went down over the last few years. The seller should have hated the game, not the player.
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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.
OK, by now most Consumers realize that they should have financing in place before even starting to look for real estate - so I won’t beat up on that topic any more!
(BTW - even if you’re not a first time buyer take a look at First Time Home Buyers Rule , it contains great advice for all Buyers.)
What I DO want to emphasize is that you need to be quite sure of the accuracy of what you’ve been told.
Most people use the terms PRE-QUALIFICATION and PRE-APPROVAL interchangeably and that can lead to a lot of problems. There is certainly some fogginess in the two terms, but in general this is the way things go:
PRE-QUALIFICATION:
You go to a Mortgage Broker and say you need a loan for $x. All too happy to help, the Broker asks you a few questions: Do you have a job? Do you think that you make enough to afford the loan? How’s your credit? Do you have enough money in the bank for an appropriate down payment?
If all of the answers are proper then YES, you are pre-qualified!! All valid questions of course. But we’re missing something important here….. PROOF! Without that, you’ve got nothing.
PRE-APPROVAL:
You’re basically going to be asked the same questions about your credit, income and assets BUT you will need to furnish proof of everything before an answer is given.
You’ll provide employment history and current pay stubs, a credit report will be run, you’ll provide bank statements, etc. You’re basically doing everything in the loan process - the only thing you don’t have is the specific property that you want to buy.
At that point a formal letter is sent out to your Real Estate Agent saying that you are PRE-APPROVED for a mortgage for $x, with y% down for a particular type of property.
If you have any questions, or to get pre-approved for a Bonita Springs mortgage, just call me @ 561-282-7406.
Marc Blasi
For some time now, Knightlines Mortgage Services has been offering the people of Florida a convenient way to finance and re-finance their residential property.
But that isn’t the entire story - we are also doing commercial lending in all 50 states. AND - now we can offer commercial financing OUTSIDE of the country as well. Caribbean, South America, etc - just call for the details.
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