As we’ve told you time and time again, selling your home has much more to do with timing and emotions than many individuals may think. Before placing your Cape Coral home for sale, you need to be aware of exactly how this timing and emotional combo work together.

Understanding the Skeptical Buyer

First of all, home buyers (and this includes every last one) are somewhat skeptical and guarded. Let’s face it, buying a pre-lived-in home is much like purchasing a used vehicle. Everyone knows that the good points are capitalized on and anything that could be perceived as even remotely unattractive is either talked up with carefully worded jargon (“cozy vacation hideaway” translates to “incredibly small home”) or gone unmentioned altogether.

A potential home buyer is hoping for the best, but well aware of the games that are often played. They are making a somewhat emotional decision (they have to like the house, the location, and the layout enough to ‘see’ themselves living there), but they are also trying to discover what the downside of a particular home is. This leads us to the biggest mistake Cape Coral property sellers often make, an incorrectly priced home.

The Number One Mistake

Incorrectly pricing your Cape Coral home can lead to a number of unwelcome problems. When a home first hits the market, that’s when it will receive the largest number of showings. Now that MLS listings are largely Internet driven, a new home on the market is ‘front and center.’ That’s the time to put your best foot forward (remember we mentioned timing earlier).

A new MLS listing will enjoy approximately two weeks in this ‘sweet spot’ where potential buyers will eagerly make appointments to view the home and make their decision largely based on the asking price, the condition of the home, the location…you know, the normal factors.

Now, let’s say the home is inappropriately priced. As a Cape Coral property owner, you may think you can always lower your price, so why not put it on the market for what you’d really like to receive? That’s where the trouble often begins. Once a home has gone past it’s two or three weeks and falls past the 30 day marker without an offer, skeptical buyers will naturally begin to rationalize the possible reasons why. Maybe the home has foundational or structural problems…Maybe other, more educated buyers passed it up because of the age of the home, or the neighborhood, and on and on the list of possibilities goes. Do you see where I’m going with this? Your home could be in pristine condition, with an updated kitchen, in a prime location, but the timing throws up red flags that potential buyers will try to figure out. How can you avoid this?

Price Your Cape Coral Property Realistically From the Start

Your real estate agent will provide you with a comprehensive list of asking and selling prices of nearby Cape Coral homes. Use this to your advantage. Instead of insisting on your home’s appraised value or what you paid for it several years ago, allow your agent to guide you to a realistic price that will be a win/win situation for you as well as the buyer. Nobody likes the idea of taking a loss, and you may not have to, but in today’s market the assessed value of your home has little bearing on what the buyer is willing to pay.

Additional and very valuable keys include:

• Adjusting your Cape Coral home price to fit in with Internet searches. As we said, more buyers are finding listings by way of email updates and Internet searches. Instead of pricing your home at $155,000, by dropping the price to $150,000 your property will end up falling within many more search parameters.

• Study selling prices more than asking prices when using area information. Also take a look at how long the homes that sold were on the market before selling. By doing your research before listing your Cape Coral home for sale you can effectively bypass a good amount of frustration.

• You may need to wait. That’s a mouthful, but absolutely true for some sellers. If you are in no real hurry to sell, and absolutely unwilling to price your home according to the current market, it may be better to wait until home values climb than to have your home sit on the market for 6 months or more.

• Beware of agents who make promises of big profits. You’ll always be able to find someone who will tell you what you want to hear, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there is any truth to it. Rather than choosing a real estate agent who promises to get you your asking price, it’s far better to have an agent who will sit down with the facts, help you assess your home’s strong points, come up with a realistic asking price, and then aggressively market your property.

Pricing your Cape Coral property correctly doesn’t mean you will lose money. What it DOES mean is that your home will be positioned to sell in the best possible time frame with a minimal amount of stress. That just makes good sense.

If you are ready to put your Cape Coral home on the market, we would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your plan of action. Give us a call today.

We’ve talked about curb appeal, making necessary repairs, and explained the benefits of a fresh coat of paint when it comes to selling your Cape Coral property. Those are the obvious, although necessary, improvements to take care of before your property ever graces the pages of  a ‘Cape Coral homes for sale’ list.

Putting the obvious aside, there are a few more marketing strategies (three, to be exact) that you may not have considered. They may even surprise you!

Your Neighbors – Neighbors are funny. They are almost equivalent to in-laws. Neighbors can be your greatest friends, sharing backyard barbeques and waving a friendly hello as you drive by, or they can be…well, the “other kind” of neighbors. You know the ones. There’s the neighbor who doesn’t mow their yard until it’s knee high. There’s the neighbor with the outside dog who happens to howl at the moon, even when there isn’t a moon. Then there’s the one that leisurely strolls over when you are busy making repairs or pressure washing your driveway. This neighbor wants to chat, about everything…and everyone…for hours. Well, guess what? This same motley crew that you’re about to move away from can also become one of your greatest assets as you prepare to put your Cape Coral property on the market.

Many of your neighbors have friends or relatives who would just love to live down the street. What a great marketing tool! These neighbors have hosted countless barbeques, Christmas parties, and other social events that have brought numerous potential buyers through your neighborhood. These potential buyers may have even commented on the fact that they’d love to live in such a nice area…Are you getting the picture?

This is why it’s so important to touch base with your neighbors, letting them know about your plans to sell. Keep in mind, your neighbors (especially the ones who like to socialize) will be excited about the new, potential buyer. If they are aware in advance, you’ll be surprised at the favorable impression and feeling of community they can create. Just a friendly wave or a kind hello to a potential buyer can spark a feeling that they’ve found Mayberry; and who knows, maybe they have.

Sell the Lifestyle – Over time, you may have become accustomed to the little natural benefits of your Cape Coral property. It’s true, when we experience something on a daily basis, we tend to take it for granted. When selling your home, it’s time to remember all of those things that drew you to your Cape Coral property in the first place. Buying a home is largely an emotional decision and you can really affect a buyer’s emotions by capitalizing on the natural beauty of your neighborhood and property:

• Are you selling Cape Coral waterfront property? Be sure your dock is in tip top shape and all the blinds facing your canal are open. If you have a waterfront view, that is a huge selling point!

• Do you have fresh jasmine or other fragrant flowers growing in your yard? Bring some of the smell and natural beauty inside by creating fresh flower arrangements for the dining room and master bedroom.

• Are you selling your Cape Coral pool home? Your pool area can be used to create an inviting and relaxing retreat. Be sure your pool and lanai are clean. Placing a few lounge chairs and side tables on the lanai will help buyers visualize themselves enjoying their own relaxing poolside afternoon.

Remember, many Cape Coral buyers are looking for more than a sound investment. They are also buying a lifestyle. You’ll have a clear marketing edge if you appeal to this desire.

Sell Them Your Happy Memories – As we mentioned above, the buying process is a delicate balance between meeting practical needs and appealing to the emotions of the buyer. The psychology of a home sale (like any other product that is marketed today) should paint the picture of happiness and fulfillment. Here’s the breakdown:

Maybe your potential buyer is moving here to start a new life, or at least a new chapter. Strong images of happiness, peace, laughter, and contentment will solidify the thought that “this” is the place that will satisfy. Instead of decorating your Cape Coral property with generic paintings from the local furniture store, it’s time to break out the family portraits. Family photos that include backyard barbeques, weekends on the boat, or fishing from the dock will not go unnoticed. Your potential buyer may not say much, but the message of happiness and fulfillment will come through loud and clear. Do you have a hobby, such as painting or an instrument that you play regularly? Don’t put these items away in storage. Always think of the message behind your items. Your easel, canvas and paints set up in the back office overlooking the water tell a story all their own. “This house is peaceful and inspires creativity.”

On the other hand, a home that is too generic is just that…generic. Your buyer will be much more interested in an immaculately kept home full of happy memories than a stuffy show home void of personality.

Selling your Cape Coral property is a bit different than selling in any other part of the nation. We sell homes, but we also sell a way of life. By capitalizing on the benefits of our unique and enviable lifestyle, you are sure to experience success.

If you are ready to put your Cape Coral home on the market, give us a call. We know Cape Coral…and we know how to sell your Cape Coral property!

I’m sure most of us have heard the phrase, “Marry me, marry my family,” and there’s something to be said about this kind of wisdom. Like it or not, some of life’s most important choices come with side issues we might not be so happy about. With marriage, it may involve dealing with an overbearing relative once a year. That you can probably handle. But let’s take this mentality over to the purchase of your new home.

Many first time home buyers, checklist in hand, are diligent when it comes to the house itself. They make sure it has the required square footage, plenty of natural lighting, new kitchen appliances, and even the pool they’ve always dreamed of. The price is right, so next on the list is the home inspection…No Chinese drywall, roof in excellent condition, and termite free. This must be the Cape Coral property deal of a lifetime, right? Not so fast.

In order to guarantee against a horrible case of buyer’s remorse, you’ll need to put one more project on your checklist, the neighborhood. Oh sure, you drove in through the scenic route and you glanced at the homes that lined the block, but there’s a bit more involved in the research of a neighborhood than that. Here’s a list of specific things you’ll want to look into that will make sure you’ll be enjoying your new Cape Coral property for years to come (free of surprises):

How to Research Your New Potential Neighborhood

• Area Crime: The best website for this is Crime Reports. Just by entering the address of your new potential Cape Coral home, you’ll have access to a neighborhood map that is sprinkled with little triangles that pinpoint recent sites of criminal activity. Everything from sex offenders who live in your area to breaking and entering, vandalism, and theft is plain to see on this map. Another excellent website is called Spot Crime. Although it does not provide registered sex offender locations, it does include more crimes than Crime Reports. Spot Crime includes all area arrests, assault, and domestic violence along with theft and burglary reports. It may give you an idea of how rowdy your neighbors are likely to be.

• Community Activities: Beyond the safety of your new potential neighborhood, you’ll also want to check out what kind of activities, shopping, and entertainment is available nearby. Google Local and Yelp are both excellent resources to help you find out what you can do when you aren’t lounging in your backyard pool.

• Flood Zones: A very important item on your Cape Coral property research list should include checking the local flood zone map. During rainy season, you want to be sure you’ll stay high and dry. This factor also will affect your homeowner’s insurance, so it’s an important one.

• Recession-Proof: Yes, the neighborhood may look wonderful, but how did it fair during the recent recession? Besides checking for the obvious tell-tale signs, like a large number of for sale signs in the area, you can email us and get area statistics around your home on what is for sale and what has sold in a certain time frame.  Of course, if you are purchasing a foreclosure property or a short sale at an excellent deal, you’ll need to take that into consideration. Price reductions in the area are a factor to keep in mind but shouldn’t necessarily stop you from purchasing a Cape Coral property.

• The Night-time Drive Through: Besides using the internet to investigate your new potential Cape Coral property, you’ll also want to drive through the neighborhood a few times, especially at night, and preferably on a weekend. If all looks in order then you’ve completed your due diligence.

The tips above can help make sure that your new Cape Coral property truly is what you have envisioned it to be. If you have any questions or are ready to further explore Cape Coral home ownership, please give us a call at 239-691-0157!

Eye on Cape Coral Real Estate…The Hardest Hit & The First to Bounce Back

Of course, the residents of Cape Coral, Florida are quite aware of the economic progress and tremendous recovery the city has made, but now it’s official.

According to the latest Brookings Institute quarterly report, Cape Coral is pretty much a miracle baby amidst the state of the rest of the nation. The pendulum has definitely swung both ways for the Cape. We witnessed an incredible, almost unbelievable, housing increase a few years ago. The home values rose to unheard of levels, and just as high as we soared…we crashed.

The area became one of the hardest hit, and some were heard to dub the area “the foreclosure capital of the nation.” Short sales and auctions became the norm for the city, and many individuals, families, and businesses pulled up roots and moved back up north (or wherever they felt would be safer).  Fortunately the long-time residents of Cape Coral and SW Florida are pretty used to weathering storms. For many of us, instead of pulling out and leaving town, we decided to “hunker down” as we have so many times during adverse weather situations. I guess we figured that all of this would eventually pass, just like the hurricanes…We were right.

Unlike many cities that still see no sign of life, Cape Coral has bounced back in a big way. The Brookings Institute states it this way: “Cape Coral, Florida illustrate just how different the recovery has been in different places. Two years after the beginning of the Great Recession, Cape Coral had 14 percent fewer jobs than it had when the recession began. Two months after each of the three previous recessions, in contrast, it had either recovered almost all the jobs it had at the start of the recession or actually gained jobs.”

So, history repeats itself again. The economy is up, the employment rate has improved,  and the housing market is improving. Brookings went on to say, “Recent signs of improvement are showing in economies around the country, but most notably in the south (the hardest hit of the housing bust.”

As of earlier this year, Lee County and Cape Coral were ranked in the top 100 metropolitan areas for job growth improvement.  Reports also show a steady increase in population for the area. All of these combined reports give credibility to the “first in, first out” theory that many economical advisors have been discussing.

What does that mean for the home buyers and investors? It proves that “location” really does rule, and will always be the safest real estate bet. Major metropolitan cities that rely on population and industry alone, are capable of falling apart without hope of ever recovering. On the other hand, waterfront property, boating, fishing, and warm, tropical breezes will never go out of style.

SW Florida truly has the best of everything; a perfect vacation atmosphere coupled with promising industry, career opportunities, low crime, and affordable housing.

Call our offices today to check out the latest available listings. There’s still time to get your piece of paradise.

For more information on Cape Coral Real Estate or other property in Southwest Florida, please contact us at 239-691-0157.

Cape Coral is often thought of as a paradise and with the natural beauty found in the one hundred square miles that is the city it’s not hard to understand why.  Cape Coral boasts over four hundred miles of beautiful, winding canals, both freshwater and saltwater.  Owning a piece of this waterfront real estate gives you the deed to your own personal piece of paradise.

What Type of Cape Coral Waterway Property is Right for You?

Both saltwater and freshwater canals are equally beautiful, but each will offer different opportunities for enjoyment.  Either way, you get the perk of enjoying your waterfront SW Florida real estate without the busy tourist traffic that comes with beachfront property.  But the activities you enjoy and the lifestyle you lead should be taken into consideration before you make any decisions on any canal property.

Cape Coral Saltwater Waterways

Saltwater canals are ideal for people who enjoy boating and deep sea fishing.  These canals provide access to the gulf and open waters.  Just because a property is located on a saltwater canal, however, doesn’t mean it’s just a quick trip down the stream to the open sea.  The further away from the gulf you are, the longer it will take to get there, and there are strict restrictions on boat speeds and no wake zones.

If your boat of choice happens to be a sailboat, there are other things to consider.  You’ll need to make sure that there aren’t any bridges or other restrictive areas that could impede the passage of your boat.  You also need to make sure that the canal is deep enough to accommodate your boat.  Inspect the canal carefully before you jump at any particular property.

Cape Coral Freshwater Waterways

Rather than providing direct access to the gulf, freshwater canals usually lead to calm lakes.  Occasionally, however, they don’t go much of anywhere at all, so if you intend to take a trip in your boat you need to make sure that the canal you’ve chosen to live on isn’t going to lead you into a marsh.  Again, inspect the canal to make sure it will meet your own personal needs.  Freshwater canals offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy fishing, canoeing, and even swimming and it will all be right at your fingertips when your purchase this SW Florida real estate.

The Sizes of Cape Coral Waterways

Like everything in nature, no two things are alike and this applies to Cape Corals waterways as well.  Widths between banks generally start around 80 feet and some exceed widths of 200.  The width of the canal you are considering purchasing real estate on will have an effect on the price.  Wider canals generally offer better views and are therefore considered more valuable.

Where can you find excellent schools, a reassuringly low crime rate, and a  up and coming job market?  Why, Cape Coral, Florida, of course!  With housing prices at such incredibly low prices, there has never been a better time to talk to your realtor about Cape Coral, Florida real estate.  With all of the benefits the area has to offer along with affordable pricing, purchasing your Cape Coral home is almost like a dream come true.

Cape Coral, Florida Schools

Very few things are more important to parents than their children’s education.  From the environment of the schools to how well the schools perform in relation to other schools, this is usually one of the first things prospective homeowners ask about when considering a piece of property.  Happily, Cape Coral, Florida schools do not disappoint.  With 12 public elementary schools and just as many private schools, Cape Coral makes sure there is adequate room to meet the individual educational needs of each and every child living in Cape Coral.

Parents love that class sizes are small and each child has an opportunity for one on one help.  You won’t find any staff that isn’t truly dedicated to the education of children in a Cape Coral, Florida school.  All faculty members have the best interests of each child at heart.  Cape Coral also boasts 9 middle schools and 7 high schools that are public in addition to the private academies.  You’ll also find 35 preschools for parents who are looking to give their children a head start on their education.

Cape Coral, Florida Crime Rates

The reality of any situation is that it doesn’t matter how lovely a property is or how great of a price it comes with if you can’t relax with a secure feeling inside of your own home.  Fortunately, Cape Coral, Florida crime rates are lower than the national average.  Cape Coral takes the security of its residents seriously and neighbors and communities are happy to watch out for one another.  Of course, it isn’t a good idea anywhere to just go off away from home and leave the door open to anyone who may like to come in, but in Cape Coral you can lock your doors and not think again about the possibility of your home being disturbed.

Cape Coral, Florida Job Opportunities

All over the country unemployment numbers are still much higher than they should be, but this is a situation that is changing in Cape Coral, Florida.  The economy is beginning to recover and it is bringing with it the opportunity for more jobs.   As more people come into the area and the economy continues to improve, there will be a need for even more jobs, so you’ll always have options for work in Cape Coral.

You may have heard about America’s little Venice…Florida’s paradise, one of the truly beautiful places on earth.  Cape Coral: the magnificent and versatile city of SW Florida.  Surely there is a reason why Cape Coral has the reputation it does, but what is it.  Well, there are many reasons and we aim to look at just a few of them today.  You’ll soon discover why this SW Florida real estate is such a prized and coveted commodity.

Cape Coral Offers Parks for Everyone

If you can’t find something to do in Cape Coral, then something is wrong.  There are high society yacht club parks, amusement parks, water parks, nature parks, wildlife parks, and even dog parks.  Each view gives you a different perspective on the city and an increased admiration of the area.  You could literally visit a different park everyday for 2 weeks and still not see everything Cape Coral has to offer.

Cape Coral Has Great Fishing

Perhaps one of the biggest things that draw home seekers to Cape Coral real estate aside from its sheer beauty is the fishing.  Some of the best fishing in the world is in Cape Coral.  Freshwater, saltwater: it doesn’t matter.  Cape Coral offers both!  You can usually find some kind of fishing tournament or festival going on depending on the time of year and what is in season.

Cape Coral is Patriotic and Community Oriented

Cape Coral real estate is the perfect opportunity for families looking for a great place to raise kids.  The community boasts their annual “Red, White, and Boom” 4^th of July Festival with food, local arts and crafts vendors, and one killer fireworks show.  It’s a great, safe way to get your kids into the patriotic spirit.  Even if you don’t have kids, you can still enjoy our country’s birthday every year with a big event on Cape Coral.

Cape Coral’s community also believes in culture and the community theatre is sure to please anyone seeking such.  There are museums and art galleries as well, so you get a well rounded experience.  When you own Cape Coral real estate, there is never a shortage of things to do or places to enjoy.

Other Cape Coral Perks

Of course, there is the beach that you will have access to whenever you like and the opportunity to enjoy some really beautiful sunset cruises where you never really know what you’ll see but it’s sure to be awesome.  There is no shortage of restaurants either, from a quick and casual bite to a full on fine dining experience.  Cape Coral is a relatively short distance from superb shelling on Sanibel and the unique beauty of Captiva Islands.

From the youngest to the oldest, no matter your marital or family status, Cape Coral has something to offer.  The level of diversity this SW Florida city has been able to achieve while still maintaining the natural beauty and wonder of the landscape is what makes Cape Coral so special.

Cape Coral Waterfront Property

Cape Coral is often thought of as a paradise and with the natural beauty found in the one hundred square miles that is the city, and it’s not hard to understand why. Cape Coral boasts over four hundred miles of beautiful, winding canals, both freshwater and saltwater.  Owning a piece of this waterfront real estate gives you the deed to your own personal piece of paradise.

What Type of Cape Coral Waterway Property is Right for You?

Both saltwater and freshwater canals are equally beautiful, but each will offer different opportunities for enjoyment.  Either way, you get the perk of enjoying your waterfront SW Florida real estate without the busy tourist traffic that comes with beachfront property.  But the activities you enjoy and the lifestyle you lead should be taken into consideration before you make any decisions on any canal property.

Cape Coral Saltwater Canal Property

Saltwater canals are ideal for those who enjoy boating and deep sea fishing.  These canals provide access to the gulf and open waters.  Just because a property is located on a saltwater canal, however, doesn’t mean it’s just a quick trip down the stream to the open sea.  The further away from the gulf you are, the longer it will take to get there, and there are strict restrictions on boat speeds and no wake zones.

If your boat of choice happens to be a sailboat, there are other things to consider.  You’ll need to make sure that there aren’t any bridges or other restrictive areas that could impede the passage of your boat.  You also need to make sure that the canal is deep enough to accommodate your boat.  Inspect the canal carefully before you jump at any particular property. This is why it’s so important to deal with a real estate agent who lives, works, and plays right here in Cape Coral. When you deal with us, we will provide reliable waterfront and canal information. No surprises.

Cape Coral Freshwater Canal Property

Rather than providing direct access to the gulf, freshwater canals usually lead to calm lakes.  Occasionally, however, they don’t go much of anywhere at all, so if you intend to take a trip in your boat you need to make sure that the canal you’ve chosen to live on isn’t going to lead you into a marsh.  Again, inspect the canal to make sure it will meet your own personal needs.  Freshwater canals offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy fishing, canoeing, and even swimming. The best part is that it will all be available, right outside your back door with your Cape Coral waterfront property.

Location and Depth Affect Property Value

Like everything in nature, no two things are alike and this applies to Cape Coral waterfront properties as well.  Widths between banks generally start around 80 feet and some exceed widths of 200.  The width of the canal your real estate is on will have an effect on the price.  Wider canals generally offer better views and are therefore considered more valuable. The closer your Cape Coral waterfront property is to the Gulf of Mexico, the more valuable it is as well.

Whether you are looking to purchase SW Florida real estate as a permanent residence, a vacation retreat, or an investment property, Cape Coral waterfront homes are a sound investment.  Call David Sporleder to discuss the current properties available. With today’s prices, it’s never been easier to make your dream a reality.