June 2008

One of the great things about living in Southwest Florida is being able to enjoy all its wonderful surroundings. However, problems tend to arise when we humans infringe on the natural flow of things. Thankfully, most folks who live here take their responsibility to protect our environment seriously so when things start to get out of hand, they are usually corrected quickly and accordingly. To that end, there's a new rule from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about feeding pelicans. Simply put, "don't do it."  Brown pelicans, due to their social nature, can easily become dependent on discarded fish and fish…

On Monday, the IRS announced it is raising the automobile mileage rate that self employed individuals and business owners can claim on their tax returns. The agency said the "standard rate it allows to calculate deductible operating costs for business vehicles will go up to 58.5 cents from the current 50.5 cents and will be available for use for the last six months of 2008."

Citing rising gas prices as having a major impact on individual and business finances, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said "given the increase in prices, the IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the real cost of operating an…

While were only six weeks into the turtle nesting time (May, 1 to October, 31) here in Southwest Florida, the 2008 season is off to a good start. As of last weekend, there were 194 known nests on the beaches in Lee and Collier counties. That's up from 131 at the same time last year. In 2007, scientists only found a total of 28,500 nests on 19 surveyed beaches in Florida, down from almost 50,000 in 2006. With overall sea turtle populations down its good to see we may not have a repeat of last year. And, while many factors can influence any one particular season, this year's start is encouraging for both scientists and nesting…

Southwest Florida home buyers are back! In May, home sales rose again in the Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples markets. The move marks five straight months of gains and has continued into the month of June, too.

While many folks were predicting a slow down as season wound down, it just did not materialize. If anything, things are getting stronger as buyers recognize that their opportunity to grab an affordable slice of the Florida lifestyle is now. Overall sales in Naples grew 6% in May and pending sales rose 37%. The rise in sales was led by an 18% jump in single family homes with pending sales for this category up a whopping…

Under a new law signed by Governor Crist, landlords can now charge liquidated damages or an early termination fee if you break your lease. However, the new law also provides limits and rules that must be followed before a tenant may be charged.

For instance, the early termination fee cannot exceed two months' rent, and the landlord cannot require the tenant to give more than 60 days notice. The law became effective Monday and only applies to new or renewal leases. The primary requirement is prior tenant agreement to pay the fees being part of the lease contract and, to collect an early termination fee; a landlord must present the…

For those of us who inhabit the real estate blogosphere, this is one situation that needs your attention. Please take the time out of your busy schedules to read and become aware of the facts regarding this case. I believe once you do, you'll see how important it may be to us all. EPerks sues real estate blogger over online comments...Read more.

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Rates on 30-year mortgages have jumped to their highest level in nearly eight months, reflecting the markets increased concerns about what the Federal Reserve might have to do to battle rising inflation. The MBAA reported that 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.24% last week. That was up sharply from 6.17% the week before. It was the highest level for 30-year mortgages since they averaged 6.33% for the week ending October 26, 2007.

Analysts attributed the big jump to increased concerns in financial markets that the Federal Reserve might be preparing to start raising interest rates again in order to control inflation and…

We ran across this item the other day in the NAR Newsletter and thought a synopsis might be helpful. A link to the actual Final Rule is provided below. The Federal Trade Commission has revised its rules implementing the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM). Can-Spam regulates commercial emails and since its enactment in 2005, has clarified what qualifies as a commercial email subject to the Acts requirements.

The revisions to the rules help in part to clarify the following four items:

1. What constitutes an acceptable method for opting out of future emails;
2. Revised…

The number of FHA loans issued shot up 126% in the first quarter of 2008 even though they still make up a just small part of the overall mortgage market. Demand for these often-neglected mortgages is surging because they do not require the higher down payments or stellar credit scores that lenders expect from borrowers for conventional loans. In addition, the amount of money people can borrow on these loans is up dramatically this year and many homeowners now find them attractive once again for both purchases and refinancing alike.

FHA's market share is currently about 10% - up from 2% in 2005. The program made its biggest gains…

The first quarter 2008 Brooks real estate market statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Encompassing 2,532 acres of natural Florida surroundings, The Brooks is master planned gated community consisting of five major and distinct communities - Copperleaf, Lighthouse Bay, Rapallo, Shadowwood and Spring Run. Each community is gated and sports a different kind of lifestyle. All five communities pivot around The Town Center and The Commons Club at The Brooks which also provides numerous amenities. With its central location in Bonita Springs and its variety of lifestyle choices and price ranges, The Brooks is a…