Searching for Single Family Homes for Sale in Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers is famous as the winter home to Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.  All wealthy industrialists from the north, they came to Fort Myers in the late 19^th century to escape brutal northern winters.  They were friends and built their homes just outside of Fort Myers’s downtown, along McGregor Boulevard.  As Thomas Edison famously said about his adopted winter home, “There is only one Fort Myers and soon 90 million Americans will discover it.”

Single family homes for sale in Fort Myers are increasingly in demand. With a year-round climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s the Fort Myers area is an attractive option for an increasing number of people. The area boasts approximately 50 golf courses and Fort Myers is the baseball spring training home of the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox.

With top rankings from US News and World Reports in 2018 and 2019 the Fort Myers real estate market is drawing international investors looking for rental income and those looking for a sunny and warm vacation or second home.  Single family homes for sale along McGregor Boulevard close to the downtown and riverfront areas are in demand now more than ever.

As you look for single family homes for sale in Fort Myers, FL remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase. Your choice in Fort Myers real estate agents will be an important first step in making that profit. Fort Myers real estate agents that describe themselves as a buyer’s agent, but list property and also represent sellers may have divided loyalties. They are transactional agents, not an exclusive buyer agent. If you want your needs to be fully represented by your Realtor, you need to work with an exclusive buyer agent.

What Makes Sanibel Island, Florida Real Estate Special

If you are looking at Sanibel Island real estate you probably already have your own thoughts about why the island is special. That’s because Sanibel represents the best of Florida destinations and it’s been that way for 2,500 years.

The Calusa Indians were the first people who came looking for Sanibel Island real estate. As the first-known residents they transformed the waterways around the island and harvested its abundant wildlife and seafood. The Calusa were the first island homeowners, building huts high atop shell mounds to provide protection from storms and tides.

After the extinction of the Calusa in the late 1700’s the first “investors” (pirates) arrived looking for Sanibel Island real estate. In fact, the pirate Jose Gaspar is rumored to have buried stolen treasure on Sanibel. Although Gaspar was captured in 1821 his treasure was never found.

In 1884 the lighthouse began to light up the night sky and drew farmers who planted fruits and vegetables.  By 1889 the island population stood at 40 families. With the arrival of the ferry service in 1928 interest in Sanibel real estate continued to grow.

Several hurricanes in the 1920’s put an end to the use of the island as an agricultural center. However, Sanibel’s natural beauty and diverse environmental habitats made the island a haven for those people looking for “sanctuary” from the rapidly growing urban centers.

As more people learned about Sanibel and became interested in Sanibel Island real estate the island began to develop. The Sanibel causeway was opened in 1963 which resulted in major growth in the late 1960’s and early 1970s. In order to protect their special island the residents incorporated Sanibel into Lee County’s third city in 1974. Since then strict enforcement of a Sanibel development plan has de-emphasized runaway development and focused instead on preserving the island’s natural beauty.

 

Cape Coral Condos for Sale: A Buyer’s Guide

Cape Coral is one of the largest cities in Florida and one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. It is also a relatively “young” city having only incorporated in 1970. Because of its large size and relative youth the city remains a buyer’s market. Cape Coral condos for sale, specifically Cape Coral waterfront condos for sale continue to be an attractive option for buyers. In general, Cape Coral waterfront real estate is more affordable and plentiful than in Fort Myers and Cape Coral is my recommendation for affordable Gulf access living.

Waterfront Cape Coral condos for sale vary by how close they are to open water. Condos with easy Gulf of Mexico access are the most desirable, and of course, expensive. Properties where open water access is measured by the number of bridges that need to be passed under before open water are generally more affordable.

Waterfront Cape Coral condos for sale can be found along the southeast and southwest portions of the Cape including the upscale developments of Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point. Waterfront condos for sale in Cape Coral can be found on the “gold coast” along the Caloosahatchee River and north of Cape Coral Parkway.

Because of its size and miles of waterfront wherever you choose to look and at whatever price point suits your needs you will be able to find a healthy inventory of condominiums. But remember, whatever your condominium needs and price point may be you need a realtor that represents you in the transaction not their broker. An exclusive buyer agent will represent only you, the buyer. If you want your needs to be fully represented by your Realtor, you need to work with an exclusive buyer agent.

A Brief Guide to Fort Myers, Florida’s Real Estate for Sale

Historically, Fort Myers, Florida real estate for sale was relatively inexpensive, but since the end of the Great Recession prices have begun to rise.

After years of serving as a stopping-off point to the beach islands of Sanibel and Captiva, Fort Myers is becoming a destination in itself. The city of Fort Myers and its surrounding area has recently become a popular destination for second home buyers and investors seeking rental income, from both the United States and the world. Its attraction was and remains its year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s.

In February 2019 Fort Myers was ranked by US News & World Report as number six on its list of “Best Places to Live Near the Beach.” The list was based on the order of appearance on US New and World Report’s overall “Best Places to Live” list, which factors in the area’s affordability, job market, morning commute and access to quality health care. Fort Myers was also on US News & World Report’s 2018 list of “Best Places to Retire”, ranking number two and “Best Places to Live”, ranking number 41.

Even before these awards Fort Myers real estate for sale was beginning to appreciate and that trend has continued since the report’s publication.

The city of Fort Myers has made a concerted effort to develop its downtown core over the past number of years. Businesses have begun to move to the area and the city’s restaurant and art scene are expanding. Large sporting events held during the off-season of June to September are drawing visitors. Taken as a whole Fort Myers’s downtown is becoming a draw for investors, year-round visitors and conventions, with its walkable areas, arts scene, myriad bars and restaurants, all offering a diverse selection of options. Fort Myers, Florida’s real estate for sale possibilities now include an attractive array of condominiums along its waterfront and single family homes along famed McGregor Boulevard.

Points To Consider While Consulting Sanibel Real Estate Agents

Sanibel Island’s comprehensive land-use plan, adopted in 1976 and updated five times since lays out development rules for the island. Sanibel’s rules are more stringent than those in surrounding areas so a Sanibel real estate agent can play an important part in helping guide you to a successful purchase on the island. In particular, a Sanibel real estate agent who is also a designated Sanibel & Captiva Islands specialist will be more knowledgeable than an agent who has not gone through the training to receive the designation.

People who purchase property on Sanibel are sophisticated and may not generally need assistance with a real estate purchase. However, Sanibel has its share of horror stories concerning individuals who purchased investment property for rental income but then found they could not rent the property as they wished or that purchased vacant land on which to build a dream home, only to find that the house could not be built as envisioned. A Sanibel real estate agent will be aware of the unique rules that could interfere with your plans and direct you to a more appropriate property.

While some work may not require development or building permits it will still need to comply with applicable codes. A Sanibel real estate agent will be familiar with permitting requirements governed by City ordinances, zoning regulations and various building codes.

The agent can also refer you to a reputable attorney who understands Florida property taxes and how a Florida Homestead Exemption might benefit you, what property management team might be best for you to work with, where to find a reliable handyman, or provide the name of a professional and reliable insurance agent who is knowledgeable about the types of insurance that may be required for property on a barrier island.

Finally a Sanibel real estate agent will be available to you after your purchase, to answer any of the other multiple questions that can, and will arise.

Cape Coral Waterfront Real Estate

When you think of Cape Coral waterfront homes where you can dock a boat out back, think Cape Coral waterfront real estate. Cape Coral waterfront real estate is more affordable and plentiful than in Fort Myers. Cape Coral is my recommendation for affordable Gulf access homes.

With the exception of starter homes under $250,000 that sell quickly, an informed buyer may be quite pleased with Cape Coral’s real estate possibilities. In general, Cape Coral waterfront real estate is a buyer’s market.

With over 400 miles of canals, and access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico Cape Coral waterfront real estate can be a boater’s paradise. Imagine your condominium with both a pool and a boat dock! Gulf access homes where you can dock a boat out back are more affordable and plentiful than in Fort Myers or on the islands so Cape Coral waterfront homes for sale can be a terrific possibility.

The sophisticated investor will opt to work with an exclusive buyer agent. A buyer’s future profit will be made on their purchase and the choice of Realtor will be an important first step in making that profit. Realtors that describe themselves as a buyer’s agent, but list property and also represent sellers will not be able to be 100% loyal to you, the buyer. They are transactional agents, not an exclusive buyer agent.

If you want your needs to be fully represented by your Realtor, you need to work with an exclusive buyer agent. I would be happy to assist you in your search.

Canal-Front Homes and Condos for Sale in Cape Coral, Fl

The city of Cape Coral has over 400 miles of navigable waterways, more than any other city in the world. Homes for sale in Cape Coral on a canal, condos for sale in Cape Coral, and single family canal-front homes are found throughout much of the city.

Cape Coral is situated on Florida’s southwest coast, close to Ft. Myers, the Gulf of Mexico and the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. Today’s Cape Coral came into existence as a master-planned community in 1958 with the vision of two real estate developers from Baltimore, brothers Leonard and Jack Rosen.

The brothers promoted their vision of the new city by offering potential buyers a free dinner and the option to sign a contract for vacant land, a contract that could be canceled within six months if the buyer was not satisfied after visiting the property.

The centerpiece of their plan was an extensive system of canals that was dug so that Cape Coral waterfront real estate was accessible to all. The brothers called the city a “Winter Wonderland” that would have more canals than the city of Venice, Italy.

Today, Cape Coral is one of the largest cities in Florida and attracts people from all over the world.

Reasons Single-Family Homes in Fort Myers Can Be a Good Investment

Fort Myers has a year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s. The city is also Lee County’s center of government and the spring training home to the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox.  This means that single family homes in Fort Myers are in demand, especially single family homes for sale within proximity to Lee County’s approximately 50 golf courses or the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

In 2018 US News and World Report ranked Fort Myers as a top retirement destination. Approximately 1,000 people move to Lee County each month and many of those come to Fort Myers.

When purchasing a single family home in Fort Myers, either as a second home or investment, remember that your profit will be made on your purchase, so that your choice of Realtor is crucial.  For example, an exclusive buyer agent, or EBA, will represent only you, while in many Florida real estate transactions the Realtor will represent the transaction (transactional agent) and not the buyer (exclusive buyer’s agent). Ask the agent if their agency lists property. If they do they have a relationship with the seller which can cause a conflict of interest for them.

Your exclusive buyer agent is the expert and professional looking out for your interests. A good buyer’s agent will help you navigate the various lenders, realtors, and inspectors and help insure a more enjoyable and successful buying experience, because even without a mortgage a home costs money. Understand Florida property taxes and how a Florida Homestead Exemption might benefit you. Ask your buyer’s agent for the name of a professional and reliable insurance agent and talk with them to understand the types of insurance that may be required in your area of Southwest Florida. Finally, even new homes require annual maintenance, or lawn and pool services. Consider these when determining your real estate budget.

Points to Consider Before Buying Real Estate on Sanibel Island

If you’ve ever visited Sanibel, you will know just how special time on the island can be. It is the type of place that attracts repeat visitors and families who come for the sanctuary quality of the island. In addition to the amount of conservation area on Sanibel, the island is ranked as one of the best shelling beaches in the world. This is one of the reasons why investors look at real estate on Sanibel for their next investment. Whether you want to expand your investment portfolio or experience island life, these are some things you should consider before buying property on Sanibel Island:

• Single-family home versus condominium. Perhaps one of the most important questions to answer when investing in real estate in Sanibel is whether you want a single-family home or a condo. If cash flow is your main concern, a condo that allows for shorter rentals may be a good choice. However, if you want a property that you can move into sometime in the future, then a single-family home might be a better option.
• Another consideration when buying Sanibel real estate is whether you should invest in a fixer-upper or buy a turnkey property that doesn’t require as much additional work. The advantage to a fixer-upper property is that you might be able to purchase it at a lower price and remodel or make updates to increase its value and rental potential. Turnkey homes, on the other hand, generally mean less work and have the potential for better rentals.