Lee County Florida Real Estate Blog

2012-04-26T15:11:00.001-04:00

We just added a new Blog post entitled

Top Tips for Pricing Your Home in Today’s Market

We discuss 5 tips every home seller should know about pricing their home for success in today's market. Some people rely on the property's assessor's office, or Zillow to value their home. Most choose the highest value, and we discuss why using these sites may not work to your advantage. We hope these tips will assist you in pricing your home correctly so you can maximize your value and get your home sold.

Don't forget to call the Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group in Fort Myers Florida if we can help 239-489-4042

Check out our April 2012 SW Florida Real Estate Market Update to find out what's going on in the SW Florida real estate market.

April 2012 SW Florida Real Estate Market Update

2012-04-22T17:07:00.001-04:00

The Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group in Fort Myers recently published a video with the latest housing statistics for the Lee County market. Sale prices are up and inventory is down.

This video goes through pages of graphs and data to illustrate the latest trends in the Fort Myers and Cape Coral real estate markets.

If you'd like to search the MLS, check out our free MLS Search Page

Brett Ellis
RE/MAX Realty Group
7910 Summerlin Lakes Dr
Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-489-4042.

Top 10 Tips to Sell Your Home in Today's Market

2012-02-23T14:52:00.001-05:00

We just added a new video for sellers with our Top 10 tips for selling your home in today's market. Can you guess what the top tips are? Watch the video to find the answers.

We hope you find these tips useful. If you need an agent in sunny SW Florida to assist you with buying or selling, feel free to call the Ellis Team at RE/MAX, or visit our website for virtual tours, Search the MLS for Free

Brett Ellis
Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group
7910 Summerlin Lakes Dr
Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-489-4042

Tax Changes Coming Could Affect Sales in SW Florida

2012-01-13T11:23:00.002-05:00

Did you know that beginning January 1, 2013 the IRS will begin taxing forgiven debt on short sales and foreclosures as taxable income? They will. This is how it used to be, but in 2007 the Mortgage Relief Act alleviated this for sales of primary residences.

Read all about it at Important Tax News Could Save You Thousands

Watch our January 2102 SW Florida Real Estate Market Report

Search SW Florida MLS for Free

Ellis Team Releases New SW Florida Daily Newspaper

2011-09-20T15:36:00.002-04:00

Check out SW Florida's newest daily online paper,
The SW Florida Daily News. We'll update this everyday
with news you can use from Southwest Florida.

September 2011 SW Florida Real Estate Video Market Update

2011-09-15T17:17:00.000-04:00

We just posted a video update on the state of the SW Florida real estate market which covers Fort Myers real estate, Cape Coral real estate, Ft Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and all of Lee County.

Distressed sales are up in August which could affect prices when official numbers are released next week. Inventory continues to fall. Watch video to get updates on all this and more.

Ellis Team Adds Short Sale Specialist as Banks Gear Up For More Short Sales

2011-07-26T20:49:00.000-04:00

The Ellis Team recently hired Marisa Morgan, a long time Bank of America Mortgage lender to assist with the banks growing desire to close more short sales instead of foreclosures. Marisa found herself answering questions from Realtors on how to properly package short sales so the lender would take the offer instead of foreclosing, and she brings that experience to SW Florida and The Ellis Team at RE/MAX in Fort Myers, Florida.

Brett recently wrote an article that will be published in the Fort Myers News Press this weekend entitled Banks Revving Up For More Short Sales. It explains in details the intricacies of a short sale and what to look for in packaging the deal to the lender. Brett and Marisa also discussed short sales in Cape Coral and Fort Myers on the Future of Real Estate Show entitled "Banks Gearing Up for More Short Sales in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, SW Florida"

SW Florida Real Estate Inventory Falls Again

2011-06-16T09:16:00.002-04:00

Listing inventory in SW Florida has been falling by 500-1400 units per month in 2011. Latest inventory levels have just been released, and once again levels have fallen another 4.38% last month alone.

Each week we release data that we post in the News Press on our Topagent Blog. Look for the media to start picking up on this developing trend in the Fort Myers Cape Coral real estate market.

SW Florida Distressed Sales Now Less Than Normal Sales

2011-05-18T09:07:00.002-04:00

A new report published by the Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group in Fort Myers Florida details that for the first time in years distressed sales in April 2011 were less than traditional or normal sales. Distressed sales fell to 45% of the overall single family market.

Read the full report

Distressed Sales Now Less Than Traditional Sales in SW Florida

Fort Myers and Cape Coral Real Estate Update Video

2011-04-07T14:00:00.002-04:00

This week's Future of Real Estate video show focuses the SW Florida real estate market, particularly Cape Coral and Fort Myers, but also Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach and others.

We show graphs illustrating pending home sales, sales prices, closed sales trend lines, and much more. Tune in and watch this week's show.

Our check out our website Topagent.com where you can search MLS watch videos, and learn about SW Florida.

Using QR Codes to Market Real Etate Video

2011-02-13T13:02:00.002-05:00

WINK TV recently did a story on using QR codes to market real estate. Watch how this new technology puts power in the hands of the mobile phone user.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1aqfGBBZrE

To learn more about QR codes and how they work, read more at http://blog.topagent.com/2011/02/10/new-ways-to-market-real-estate-using-qr-codes/

Beautiful Fort Myers Home

2010-11-23T14:28:00.006-05:00

AWESOME AND THEN SOME! Amazingly updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath, heated pool home with beautiful slate tiled lanai and Bamboo floors throughout. THE UPGRADES:Gourmet kitchen features Kraftmaid cabinetry with pull-out drawers for maximum storage, granite counter tops, micro-convection oven, warming drawer, 2 drawer Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, wine refrigerator. Luxurious master bath with custom tiled shower and jetted tub. Also custom his/hers closets. New lighting and fans throughout. Home protected with hurricane panels and windows. Terrific floor plan offers privacy for all! And tennis lessons delivered to your own community. Note the children's playground.

Waterfront Condo in Lee County

2010-11-17T14:12:00.002-05:00

Gulf Access Condo! And with a rubberneck you can see the water. Close to shopping,and restaurants. Very well kept two bedroom condo with private secure foyer entrance. Spacious rooms and plenty of closet space. Recent upgrades include replumbed, newer stove, dishwasher, water heater and interior paint. Spacious lanai overlooks tropical setting around pool and shuffleboard. Condo dock space is first come first serve. This unit is perfect for winter resident or retirees.$3100 roof assessment paid! Get all the details here

Lee County Waterfront Real Estate

2010-11-17T13:47:00.007-05:00

Lovingly cared for canal front home with direct Gulf access sits on a large corner lot with fruit trees and plenty of room for a pool. As you enter you notice the screened front porch with water features which can be enjoyed from the large living area. This North Fort Myers home boasts 2 masters each with their own bath with sunken tub/shower combos. The eat-in kitchen offers newer cabinetry, plus formal dining area. The large Florida room overlooks the canal, dock + davits. For more information go here

A Gem in Reflection Lakes

2010-11-15T10:07:00.004-05:00

Looking for great real estate values? Then Lee County is the place to look! Check out this second floor, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Carriage home in beautiful Reflection Lakes. There are upgraded stainless appliances in the kitchen and easy care, wood-like laminate floors in living areas. The Master suite has a luxurious bath with separate shower, tub, dual sinks. To get all the details go here

Pine Island, A Lee County Jewel

2010-11-15T09:50:00.007-05:00

Award winning floor plan in St. James City on Pine Island where progress does not thwart nature. If you are a name dropper, you might mention living down the street from the Bald Eagle family- tending their nest. Trade the corporate hustle for serenity-nothing can be built across the street. 7500# or 10,000# boat lifts provide the perfect escape for a day of fishing or island hopping. Muscles aching from catching the big one? Relax in your own private hot tub/spa. If not by boat bring out the float- for the disappearing edge pool. Gorgeous as the pool water appears to cascade into the canal. You might want to keep your new address a secret as this very open design lends itself to entertaining on a grand scale. Go here to get more details!

Stunning Lee County Home

2010-11-10T10:56:00.009-05:00

Live the Florida dream in this lovely three bedroom, three bath, pool home. Fabulous location, close to river. Enjoy your private boat lift, 200 yards to the river. Minutes to gulf. Home is loaded with updates. Gated Community. Must see!! For all the details go here!

Incredible Values at All Price Points

2010-11-10T08:43:00.008-05:00

This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom Lee County home is a Short Sale. Professionally done! Give it a 10! The Verandah is a beautiful community offering golf, tennis, fine dining, fitness center, nature trails and so much more all in a fantastic location. Enter the community and drive along the winding roadway edged with plush greenery to the circular driveway up to the 2 1/2 car garage. Once in this stunning home you'll find yourself gazing from floor to ceiling and all points in between. It is a terrific floor plan with every upgrade and gadget. The great room opens to the pool and the outdoor family room complete with fireplace! Call it gracious and comfortable. You will love the custom kitchen and awesome cabinetry, all the upgraded fixtures, the granite, the decor...what's not to like? I could go on and on, but I'll leave it up to you to discover the master bedroom and explore the rest of this gorgeous property. All of this and at a price will below what you may think. Get all the details here!

Lee County Real Estate Offers Excellent Opportunity

2010-11-09T14:50:00.006-05:00

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath Cape Coral home is a Short Sale. This family home sits in a nice area of homes. Kitchen has been remodeled with new floors, cabinets, counter tops and appliances. Newer tile in wet areas. Go here for more information!

Good Deals Still Exist in Lee County Real Estate

2010-11-09T12:37:00.011-05:00

Take for example this 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Lehigh Acres. It doesn't get better than this! This beautiful home has never been lived in and is the Belvedere floor plan by First Homes. You will love the computer tech center-ideally located. It's an open floor plan with upgraded kitchen cabinets. Appliances will be installed at closing. Go here to get more information on this fantastic opportunity.

SW Florida Real Estate Market Update September

2010-09-16T11:20:00.003-04:00

This week's Future of Real Estate Video Show focuses on the September 2010 SW Florida Real Estate market. In this report we focus on pending sales as they are an indicator of potential future closings, as well as current available listing inventory and put it in historical perspective.

We've seen many reports lately by those who don't track inventory numbers closely so we decided to clear up some of these discrepancies. We've changed the format and gone to a high definition format. Next time we'll work on making sure the screen captures the entire graph.

The graph covers inventory in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Estero, and all of Lee County Florida real estate.

Visit our website Topagent.com for more information on Lee County real estate, or feel free to search the SW Florida MLS

Florida's Immigration Law

2010-08-25T14:48:00.004-04:00

Lee County Florida Sheriff Mike Scott answers tough questions on this week's Future of Real Estate Video Show.

We ask Sheriff Scott how he enforces traffic stops, how Arizona's immigration Law affects Florida and trafiic stops. Sheriff Scott also answer questions about his budget, red light cameras, school resource officers, and much more. See how his answers affect Fort Myers and Cape Coral real estate. We've broken them into 3 videos.

Property Values Rise in SW Florida in 2009

2010-02-23T12:58:00.005-05:00

Overall property values rose in 2009. Check out Pg 4 of the SW Florida State of the Market Report and you'll see the numbers.

New videos were just released illustrating what changes 2009 ushered in and what to look forward to in 2010. View Video 1 Market Update Video From there you can view other submarket videos in Lee County Florida, or view Video 2 overall market update as well.

View a detailed analysis on all 5 Market Report videos for quick information on SW Florida real estate.

SW Florida Housing Market

2009-05-19T08:31:00.004-04:00

The SW Florida real estate market has been heating up for several months. Last month set records for sales, and bank foreclosures have been a main reason. People from all over call us and ask how they can get in on these good deals. We've recently added search functionality on our MLS property search website which allows consumers to search only the bank foreclosures now.

Did you know you can search for bank foreclosures on your own? You can. Here are a few links to get you started:

Cape Coral Foreclosures Under$100k
Cape Coral Waterfront Foreclosures
Fort Myers Bank Foreclosures Under $200k
Fort Myers Bank Foreclosures $200k & Up
Reflection Lakes Foreclosures
Lehigh Acres Bank Foreclosures Under $100k
Lehigh Acres Bank Foreclosures $100k & Up

Video on Short Sales in Fort Myers and Cape Coral Florida

2009-04-14T07:34:00.003-04:00

The Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group just released a video on buying and selling short sales in SW Florida. Banks look for certain things when determining whether to let a short sale go through, and industry experts Brett Ellis of the Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group in Fort Myers Florida and Adrian Jacobs of Countrywide Home Loans in Fort Myers Florida details what that criteria is in this new video and how to be successful buying and selling short sales in SW Florida.

Visit our Blog for the latest on what's happening in SW Florida real estate, or read the article about the video.