Top Agent Blog

Fort Myers/Cape Coral Florida Market Update

2012-04-23T14:17:00.003-05:00

We just posted a video update on the SW Florida real estate market.

We include graphs of March 2012 sales for the Lee County market area and explain inventory levels, pending sales in addition to closed sales and what it all means going forward.

Visit our website to find more local area information. Or feel free to Search the MLS for Free

Brett Ellis
RE/MAX Realty Group
Fort Myers, FL
239-489-4042.

CARTERET COUNTY & THE CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES SALES INCREASE

2012-02-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

February 25, 2012 - New Release from the North Carolina Association of REALTORS(R)
"Carteret County led the state with the highest year-to-date sales growth with a 7 percent increase in total dollar sales; Carteret County also led the state in price appreciation with a 2 percent increase."

Ready to act on that dream of owning a home or condo on or near the ocean? With today's LOW interest rate and the amount of inventory available it is the time to buy and a win, win situation for buyers! You can search 1,000's of listings on our website at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com with one click on your computer. Enjoy the relaxing experience of taking a dip in the ocean any time you want when the water is warm enough for you. Jump on that boat and get to the water ways in the rivers, estuaries, sound and Atlantic Ocean within minutes.

LOVE TO FISH? Check out all the marinas, State owned ramps and beach accesses in Carteret County at http://www.carteretcrossroads.org/waterAccess.html. There are still fishing piers in our small piece of heaven here in Carteret County. http://www.beaufort.net/fishing_piers.shtml

Oceanana Pier Still Standing! Still offers a great way for people to fish who would rather not be in the ocean or on a boat. What an experience!

What an exilerating feeling to walk under such a massive structure into the power of the waves of the ocean crashing up on you.

Spring is JUST around the corner and you can be ready for it with your own private space.

Contact Gena or Harold today and put our years of experience to work for you!

GENA GILBERT REAL ESTATE

Ellis Team Interviews German Speaking Agent About Cape Coral and Fort Myers Area

2011-07-27T08:01:00.000-05:00

Brett Ellis of The Ellis Team at RE/MAX Realty Group of Fort Myers Florida interviews Sharyl Leifeld, a German speaking agent on the Ellis Team about why Germans fall in love with Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the SW Florida area and purchase real estate. Sharyl explains in our Fort Myers - Cape Coral Real Estate Information for German Buyers video what German buyers look for in the United States.

Sharyl has begun writing a Blog in German for German visitors to Southwest Florida entitle Cape Coral Real Estate

Using YouTube to Market Properties and Your Career

2011-06-21T22:38:00.004-05:00

It's not uncommon to see real estate agents using social media to market themselves, educate the marketplace on their local market, and market properties. More and more agents are now utilizing YouTube to either market their properties through virtual tours or provide news and information to the local marketplace.

Our YouTube Topagent.com Channel is closing in on 50,000 views soon, so it's become an integral medium for spreading news about the market. Our most popular YouTube video to date was our NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams segment which has garnered 7,099 views to date. Our second most popular segment was a local story on WINK News entitled SW Florida Real Estate Short Sales- Are they a Bargain? This video has received 6,395 views.

Our most recent video SW Florida Real Estate Market on the Move June 2011 Update has 42 views.

Currently our channel has 48,348. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get to 50,000 views. We have a separate channel for our property tours, so this channel is all bout news and information in the SW Florida real estate market. Be sure to leave your comment with your guess on when we'll hit the 50,000 milestone.

Fort Myers, Cape Coral Real Estate Markets on the Move

2011-06-16T13:36:00.003-05:00

Since January the Fort Myers real estate market and the Cape Coral Florida real estate market has been on the move, with prices increasing over 35% while inventory levels have shrunk dramatically. Fort the past 6 years SW Florida was ground zero for the housing crisis, and finally this market is showing signs of life.

We've released a video with detailed charts and graphs, along with advice to buyers on how to move forward in a changing market.

Link to Search the SW Florida MLS

Subscribe to our SW Florida Real Estate Blog to get detailed weekly updates.

Fort Myers - Cape Coral Real Estate Market Bucks National Trend

2011-05-18T08:02:00.002-05:00

The Fort Myers and Cape Coral real estate market was one of three markets nationally that rose according to Zillow. Home values have appreciated 15% since January as inventory levels have been dropping and sales have been strong.

Watch NBC 2 News report:

Fort Myers Cape Coral Real Estate Market Improves While National Market Suffers

Feeding the Denver Hungry

2011-04-04T14:27:00.001-05:00

Did you see this?

CIAS Class in Baton Rouge.m4v

2011-03-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

HOLIDAYS AT THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

2010-11-30T16:17:00.011-05:00

HOLIDAYS AT THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC ARE GREAT!
When the turkeys are friend, the leaves are falling, the Christmas trees are everywhere fresh and beautiful, what more could you ask for? How about the smell of the ocean breeze? The sound of the waves crashing onto the sandy shores of the beaches? The salt air in the wind? It is all here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. It's the time to hunt the wild turkeys just as our fore-fathers before us. Time to dig up and harvest all the fresh vegetables; the pumpkins, potatoes, squash and corn. Have you ever pulled a sweet potato right out of the ground, brushed it off and eaten it? It is delicious!!! A little bit of dirt never hurt anyone. Peppers turn bright red and green just in time for the holidays and the hot peppers get hotter the longer they stay on the plants too! Here is the big difference in Holidays on the Crystal Coast of NC and other places. FRESH, DELICIOUS OYSTERS! SHRIMP! FRESH FISH! Now what to do with all of this bounty? Cook and enjoy, of course! Below are some of my favorite fall recipes to share with you.

RECIPES:
BUTTERMILK PIE! AWESOME!!! DON'T KNOCK IT TIL YOU TRY IT!
2 cups sugar
1 TB flour
3 eggs
1.5 Tsp real vanilla
1 stick of melted butter
3/4 cup buttermilk
Dash of salt
2 'Deep dish' graham cracker pie shells

Cream sugar and flour together; then add the rest of the ingredients
Pour into pie shells
Bake at 275 degrees 10 minutes; 300 degrees for 50 minutes

HOLIDAY BONUS RECIPE
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER 'BEACH STYLE'
3 dozen fresh, salty oysters (cleaned and shucked)
1 pkg of chopped frozen spinach
4 green, spring onions
3 sticks of shopped celery
2 TBS finely chopped garlic
1 cup melted butter
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Tabasco pepper sauce to taste
white pepper and sea salt to taste
rock salt on which to place the oyster shells & oysters

Grind together spinach, green onions, celery and garlic; add melted butter & stir;
Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce

Place one oyster in each half shell on rock salt
Put 1 TBS of sauce on each oyster; sprinkle with bread crumbs and cheese
Dot with butter
Either broil for 8 minutes or bake at 450 degrees until lightly browned

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla
Event Date: Dec. 3, 2011
The annual lighted boat parade begins in Morehead City at 5:30 p.m., and arrives in Beaufort about 6:15 p.m. Awards to follow in Museum Auditorium. NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort. Details: 252-728-7317

HISTORIC BEAUFORT CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES
Event Date: Dec. 10, 2011
Event Time(s): 5-7:00 pm
Another way to get ready for the holidays this year is to visit beautiful homes, Inns and B & Bs in Historic Downtown Beaufort all "dressed up" for the holidays. See truly lovely decorations amid twinkling candlelight as you walk the festive streets of this quaint town. Hop aboard the BHA's English double-decker bus and sing with carolers as you travel to your destination. Tickets are $10 at the Beaufort Historical Association. For details call 252-728-5225 or visit the website www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

AND BE SURE NOT TO MISS ...

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Event Date: Dec. 10, 2011
Event Time(s): 10:00 am
Children of all ages join Santa for a Christmas story and enjoy breakfast before his arrival. Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation, 7500 Emerald Drive. Admission fee is one unwrapped gift per child or 5 canned goods per child.

You MUST pre-register by Friday, December 9th at 5pm to attend. Reservations will be accepted beginning November 1st. Sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. Contact Laura Lee Davis at 252-354-6350 or ldavis@emeraldisle-nc.org.

AND....THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF COASTAL CAROLINA PROUDLY ANNOUNCE....
"CHRISTMAS SHOW" Presented by Gaylon Pope
December 11, 2010
2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Joslyn Hall
$15 Adults and $12 for 15 years & under
GIVE A CHILD THE GIFT OF SMILE BY PURCHASING A TICKET TO THIS DELIGHTFUL EVENT!
Contact Gena Gilbert, MHC Sunshine Ladies Club, Advisory Board Chair - 252-659-2367

HOW IS YOUR WEATHER?
The weather here on the Crystal Coast of NC has been beautiful the past few days. The sun has been shining; the temps have averaged in the mid 60's and 70's during the day and dipped into the 40's at night. The fishing is great this time of year! Walks on the beaches are cool, comfortable and gorgeous. Golfers were out today in shorts and light shirts and blouses. Rain is predicted for tomorrow, however, we really need the rain so that's no problem. Thanksgiving everyone was running around in jeans and light jackets. We usually have a few days in mid to late February that might turn cold (to us cold is in the 50's) but several days even in winter are warm enough to go out on the boat; do a little island hopping; collect some sea shells and just enjoy walking along the beaches. One February I collected over 100 sand dollars for our daughter's wedding in the waters behind Shackelford Island. We were barefoot and loving every minute of it.

TIPS ABOUT INSURANCES WHEN YOU PURCHASE A NEW HOME

Did you know there are several types of insurance that are offered when you purchase a new home? Do you know the ones you need?
*Homeowners Insurance: This policy is sometimes referred to as 'Hazard' insurance. It covers the dwelling and the contents inside the dwelling in case of fire, wind, hale and theft and in most cases it covers the owners if anyone is injured while on the property. There are additional 'riders' that can be purchased to cover the additional values of jewelry the original policy limits. Most Homeowners Insurance excludes Flood Insurance which can also be purchased separately, although it is not always needed or required.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an insurance generally required by lenders if the amount of money the buyers puts down to purchase the property (downpayment) is less than 20% of the contract price. This insurance covers the lender should the buyer default on the loan. PMI adds a considerable amount to the final monthly payment on the property. Once loan to value (LTV) has exceeded 80% check with your lender to find out the lender's terms for the PMI to be dropped.

Title Insurance is also often required by the lender and the buyer is required to pay for this insurance. It protects the lender if any losses incur against the title. Some buyers purchase it to protect their own interests as well.

Credit Life Insurance pays off the balance of the mortgage in case the buyer dies before the loan is paid off.

Flood Insurance is required by lenders when a property is located in an area that is subject to periodic flooding. Flood insurance may usually be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Purchasing a home is a huge investment for most. Be sure to protect your investment! Consult a qualified local insurance agent or broker when buying insurance!

REMEMBER THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME ARE PRICE AND LOCATION!
You can't change the location but you can change the price! Always try to stay competitive and price your home below your competition!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Top Agents Meet A Bill Barrett's Masterminds in New Orleans

2010-11-09T05:49:00.005-05:00

50 Agents Bring their Best Ideas

Another trip well worth it to New Orleans just before the official kick off of the National Association of Realtors National Conference. I had the pleasure of being a part of Bill Barrett's SuperStars mastermind at the Ritz. There were some incredible ideas and it was hard to do, but I narrowed my top 3 ideas to the following:

1- Pat Wattam had a contest for an iPad in her office. Each team member get points for different things, mostly 20% stuff (generating new leads, getting contracts signed, making calls, making appts, open houses, blogging, running ads, and setting up systems to free them up for more lead gen). Points are accumulated over a month's time, and the iPad is given away to person with most points.

2- Cathy Russell shared the Flag Signage for Open Houses. You've seen the tall flags blowing in the wind in your marketplace. Getting Flags with your logo and that say "OPEN" and use them for everything from, outside the office, for Open Houses, Client Appreciation Parties, etc.

3- Kevin Hildebrand sharing that Storage Unit Managers are a great source for referrals. They meet people every day that are decluttering their homes.

The Korn Team shared the information on our new book, The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Kansas City. We found a company that will help with most of the common content, yet allow you to personalize the book for our area.

Becoming a Published author has been much easier than I ever imagined. The book is full of incredible content and we have put our Kansas City touch to help buyers & your referrals take advantage of the Kansas City market and be comfortable with the process of buying a home.

If you would like more information about publishing a Buyer book or Seller book for your marketplace (only one Realtor per market area) contact me at brad@kornteam.com with subject: "I want to be a published author" and I will get you the information about publishing your own Real Estate Book.

Baton Rouge Real Estate Update Sept '10

2010-09-17T15:36:00.000-05:00

Redesigned our Website

2010-09-16T10:34:00.002-05:00

We've just completed a redesign of our Topagent.com website to make it more consumer friendly. We cover the Cape Coral real estate and Fort Myers Florida marketplace. Our previous website did very well in the search engines but we felt it needed updating and wasn't as consumer friendly as it should be.

The new website still has links to our MLS property search site, our Ellis Team virtual tours, our Top Agent Blog, our YouTube Future of real Estate Video Channel, and of course our latest video SW Florida Real Estate Market Update September 2010

Let us know your comments.

Are Shorts Sales Artificially Affecting Buyer's Perceptions About Value?

2010-08-26T10:20:00.002-05:00

Short sales are a great way to sell a property that is valued less than what is owed on the proeprty, and the financial benefits far outweigh losing the home to foreclosure. But what happens when a listing agent lists a property so far below asking price? Ttypically the property creates a lot if interest, and buyers get really excited. Is this healthy?

The answer is NO. Buyers are often disappointed when the property fails to close, because banks do not sell at ridiculously low prices far below market value. Why would they? They're already taking a huge loss, and banks at this point will choose what's best for them. If they lose less in foreclosure, that's the route they'll take. If more than one loan is invloved, there are 2 or more banks, PMI companies, etc. that can kill the deal. So the seller is left holding the bag and facing foreclosure, meanwhile the buyer has lost the Steal they thought they were getting, and other opportunities have passed the buyer by.

Nobody wins. We've written an article enititled Artificial List Prices Affecting the SW Florida Real Estate Market that outlines what happens in a short sale. It's important that sellers interview agents and set a realistic list price. The article also touches on how those misleading list prices affect the market in other unintended ways.

You can view our latest Future of Real Estate Video Show. This past week we interviewed Lee County Florida Sheriff Mike Scott and asked him questions about Florida and Arizona's immigration laws and how that affects how his department acts from a law enforcement perspective. you may remember Sheriff Scott who made national news during the 2008 presidential campaign about Barack Obama.

State of the Market Report SW Florida

2010-02-22T11:42:00.006-05:00

The Ellis Team just released it's annual SW Florida real estate State of the market Report which covers Lee County Florida, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Sanibel Island, Ft Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, Estero, East Fort Myers, North Ft Myers, and all of Southwest Florida. This report is a Free report. Download your copy of the State of the Market Report

If you'd like to view more videos, such as Segment 2 of the overall State of the Market Report video, as well as the Lee County sub-markets, visit our Future of Real Estate page on the State of the Market

2010-02-19T11:47:00.001-05:00

Check the things to do in Denver at http://ping.fm/tYvLE

Facebook | DenverRelocation.com Photos

2010-02-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

Facebook DenverRelocation.com Photos
For upcoming events today!

Fund Raising Event for Boys & Girls Club

2010-02-07T09:20:00.002-05:00

I just posted information about the results of a fantastic fund raising event for the Boys & Girls Club Sunshine Ladies unit on my blog at http://nccoastalproperties.blogspot.com/

2010-02-02T09:54:00.001-05:00

Just posted local versus out of town lender results for 2009 at http://ping.fm/59j0v It is a landslide for local mortgage lenders.

BEING A CYBERSTAR IS GREAT & BECOMING GREATER EACH YEAR!

2010-01-29T17:50:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful group to belong by being an Allen Hainge CyberStar(tm). 3 days of networking and intense classroom training and exchanging ideas and friendship with the top of the top in our real estate profession! I have belonged to this fantastic group of people sharing technology about real estate for 10 years and counting and have gained such a cutting edge in our industry by associating with them. WOW! The amount of knowledge shared in Scottsdale, AZ was astonishing. Need an excellent, qualified REALTOR(TM)? Google Allen Hainge CyberStars 2.0!

Denver real estate broker in Phoenix

2010-01-12T16:48:00.001-05:00

My mind is swimming! 48 hours of technology apps to sell houses and help folks buy. I am at the 2010 Cyberstar Summit in Phoenix

2010-01-12T16:41:00.001-05:00

My mind is swimming! 48 hours of technology apps to sell houses and help folks buy. I am at the 2010 Cyberstar Summit.

2010-01-12T16:36:00.001-05:00

My mind is swimming! 48 hours of technology apps to sell houses and help folks buy. I am in Phoenix at the 2010 Cyberstar Summit.

2010-01-12T16:32:00.001-05:00

My mind is swimming! 48 hours of technology apps to sell houses and help folks buy. I am at the Cyberstar Summit in Phoenix

2010-01-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/8RrXn posted some very exciting real estate sales data for Denver. I have been saying we were turning the corner since last March and I finally feel vidicated.

2010-01-10T18:34:00.001-05:00

I just uploaded a note at www.highlandsranchrealestateblog.com that might help you understand.