August 2008

According to their survey on the most expensive states for homeowners insurance costs, Forbes magazine ranks Florida number six in the country. The survey is based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners most recent study of insurance premiums, drawn on 2005 data due to lags in state reporting procedures. Multiple factors are used in the analysis, not necessarily just the threat of a single disaster. Hurricanes, tornados, and floods make the headlines, but hail and wind cause more damage on average. Building costs are another important consideration. Insurance typically pays out at replacement cost (the amount it…

The mid year 2008 Pelican Landing market statistics for both homes and condominium sales are listed below. Pelican Landing is an upscale gated golf community with excellent amenities and is considered one of Bonita Springs premier communities. Pelican Landing distinguishes itself by being the only community in the area to own a private barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. The island includes a 32 acre beach park that residents have daily access to via a community run boat shuttle service. Residents can also opt for membership in the Pelican's Nest Golf Club. Its two 18 hole Tom Fazio designed golf courses are considered by many as…

According to their annual loan closing costs survey, Bankrate.com had Florida ranked number three behind only New York and Texas for being a high loan closing cost state. The new ranking was the second year in a row Florida held the number three postion and is up from being ranked number 5 in 2006.

This year's top ten states included:

• New York - $4,016.00
• Texas - $3,975.00
• Florida - $3,683.00
• Oklahoma - $3,558.00
• New Mexico - $3,047.00
• New Jersey: $3,432.00
• Pennsylvania: $3,411.00
• Alaska: $3,409.00
• Colorado: $3,358.00
• California: $3,321.00

The bottom five states included:

• North Carolina -$2,650.00
• …

While growth has slowed somewhat for parts of the region, the numbers released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau for 2007 shows the areas population is not only still growing, but also diversifying in both age and race. In fact, Lee County, which includes Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero and Ft. Myers, had the fastest growth rate in the state.

Lee County saw a decrease in its population's median age from 45.2 in 2000 to 42.4 in 2007. Residents between the age of 25 and 34 grew almost 65% during the period while residents age 65 and older fell to only 22% of the overall population. Minority residents also grew substantially…

The mid year 2008 Bonita Bay market statistics for both homes and condominium sales are listed below. Bonita Bay is Bonita Springs premier gated community and is a highly sought after place to live. Encompassing 2,400 acres, Bonita Bay is also the flagship community of the Bonita Bay Group here in Southwest Florida. More than half the community is devoted to open space, including three Arthur Hills-designed golf courses and 12 miles of biking and walking paths. Golf Club members also have access to two Tom Fazio courses at the Bonita Bay Club East. Located on more than 1,000 acres of Cypress wetlands, there will be no residences…

One of the lesser talked about parts of the new housing bill is homeowners who do not itemize on their tax returns will now get the opportunity to get some credit on their 2008 federal tax return for their property taxes.

Under the new guidelines, homeowners who take the standard deduction ($10,900 for married couples and $5,450 for singles) will get an additional standard deduction of $500 for single filers and $1,000 for married couples who file jointly. It is estimated that about 40% of homeowners don't itemize including many in less expensive homes, those with small outstanding balances owed on their homes and folks age 65 and…