Comments for Gulf Returns

Comment on Zen Real Estate in Southwest Florida by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:11:31 +0000

West Bay Club in Estero also has a community Zen garden

Comment on Canadian Buyers Active In Fort Myers Real Estate by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:28:36 +0000

The Toronto Star reports on Canadians buying US property in an article titled Canadians flock to buy U.S. real estate.

Comment on Sniffing out Chinese Drywall by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:03:30 +0000

NBC-2 covers Snoop on his first field inspection for Chinese drywall.

Comment on Lenders Pursuing Deficiency Judgments by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:17:10 +0000

CNN Money reports on the growing number of deficiency judgments being pursued by lenders

Comment on Snowbird Activity Strong in Fort Myers by Precious Wilson

Precious Wilson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:47:34 +0000

You know, I’ve been reading and listening to all the whining about all the bad things we do here in Florida to snowbirds and I have to agree with Mr. Washburn. Yes, you can fly away. When you do, where will you fly to? Will it be less expensive? Will it have more to offer? Will it be in the United States?

A big part of the reason why Florida’s tax burden is what it is is because of snowbirds and investors. “Save Our Homes” was designed for year-round residents because our assessed values were skyrocketing as a result of second homebuyers and investors. If you live and work here year round, you will know that the wages are not commisserate with the cost of living here. You would also understand that businesses think the “sunshine” pays our bills and therefore, they don’t have to pay the wages they would have to pay elsewhere.

You would not be here if there wasn’t something wonderful that Florida offered. Weather, a more laid-back lifestyle, golf, beaches, etc.–that’s why most of us are here. If you don’t think so, then why are you here?

This isn’t the 70s, 80s, 90s, or even the year 2000 anymore. We’re in a phase where everyone (private sector and business sector alike) is trying to get back to basics and also figure out how to balance its budget. Everybody wants in when things are good. If you had been able to sell your initial $50,000 purchase in 1970 for $350,000 in 2004, I bet you would not been complaining!

Comment on Fort Myers Rental Market Update by properties in ocala for rent

properties in ocala for rent — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:31:37 +0000

I agree, I think lease to own options are going to become very popular! Because of the home sales market, the rental market will definitely pick up as well.

Comment on Cape Coral Foreclosures by Cape Coral Barometer

Cape Coral Barometer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:40:55 +0000

There is a lot more to Cape Coral than foreclosed homes! Cape Coral is the largest city in SWFL. There are restaurants, festivals, national chain stores, farmer’s markets, and cool mom and pop businesses. The weather’s wonderful and all the natural splendor and culture of SWFL from Fort Myers to Sanibel and Captiva are within a stone’s throw.

Comment on Cape Coral Foreclosures by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:31:44 +0000

Here is Goodman's 2007 NY Times article about the Cape Coral real estate bubble bursting.

Comment on Cape Coral Foreclosures by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:52:42 +0000

WZVN ABC-7 interviews Cape Coral Councilman Bill Deile about NY Times article

Comment on Duplex lots in Lehigh Acres by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:36:08 +0000

Just curious, why would you elect to build right now when you can acquire an already built duplex for a price well below replacement cost?

Comment on Duplex lots in Lehigh Acres by leon

leon — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:12:26 +0000

Can I build a triplex in Ft. Myers area? What permit would I need? What would be best areas to build a triplex or duplex? Thanks.

Comment on Buyer Tip: Beware of Unrecorded Liens by Cape Coral Barometer

Cape Coral Barometer — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:39:17 +0000

Lots of good deals in Cape Coral…but you’ve got to do your due diligence in an economy like this!

Comment on Celebration Cape – New Cape Coral Subdivision by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:46:30 +0000

Motor Home Magazine covers Cape Celebration.

Comment on Should I Walk Away From This House? by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:23 +0000

The Wall Street Journal covers the strategic default dilemma

Comment on Equestrian Homes in SW Cape Coral by Cape Coral Barometer

Cape Coral Barometer — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:35:38 +0000

I had no idea there was a horse-friendly community like this in Cape Coral…guess you learn something new every day!

Comment on Snowbird Activity Strong in Fort Myers by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:28:08 +0000

The issues you raise about milking snowbirds are real challenges for the State of Florida. This is certainly not a new phenomena, it has been going on since earliest days of Florida. The Save our Homes Amendment, which allows for different property valuations for residents vs. second home owners is very unfair. Poetic justice for snowbirds has occurred over the past couple of years as homesteaders property valuation reductions are limited to 3% annually and 2nd homeowners values can drop with the market. With the dramatic drop in property values, snowbirds unfair tax valuation burden has been significantly reduced and in some cases eliminated entirely.

Comment on Snowbird Activity Strong in Fort Myers by Robert Pott

Robert Pott — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:27:37 +0000

You’re increase in taxes and perception of milking the snow birds is going to bite your market in the butt. Restrictive access to beaches and user fees will stifle most people with assets less than a million. Government had better pare down and lose the fat because snow birds can fly away. The most recent tax increase spoke of a 68% increase in Cape Coral. Both tax assessment and collection are biased toward permanent residents. I bought with cash at the low end that doen’t mean I can’t sell if I am not pleased. I had lived in Florida in the 1970’s and really regret how developers and government have screwed this place up since then.

Comment on TRIM Notice week by Small Business Tax Guru

Small Business Tax Guru — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:49:03 +0000

I’ve been included in taxes for lengthier then I care to admit, both on the personal side (all my working life story!!) and from a legal viewpoint since satisfying the bar and pursuing tax law. I’ve provided a lot of advice and righted a lot of wrongs, and I must say that what you’ve posted makes complete sense. Please carry on the good work – the more people know the better they’ll be equipped to deal with the tax man, and that’s what it’s all about.

Comment on Fort Myers Foreclosures Impacting Middle-class by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:13:39 +0000

The News-Press reported on an increase in higher-end foreclosures:

That expensive house you covet might not be quite so expensive in a few months.

Experts say more high-end foreclosures are being filed, more houses are under construction and fewer people are moving in — all adding up to pull down prices in Lee County.

The article mentioned that about 1/3 of the single-family foreclosures filed last month included a pool, an amenity typically associated with a higher-end home.

Comment on Save Our Homes Amendment Irony by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:49:17 +0000

Absolutely no propaganda here, just stating the fact that the very homesteaders that were supposed to be protected by the Save Our Homes Amendments are now getting a raw deal as their valuation reductions are limited to 3%. The irony is that non-homesteader taxable values can slide with the market.

Now that homesteaders are getting the short end of this stick, I expect Tallahassee to take notice!

Comment on Save Our Homes Amendment Irony by Joe Simon

Joe Simon — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:59:41 +0000

The statement above sounds to me like some kind of ridiculous propaganda to make people believe there property taxes would go down if the save our homes amendment were repealed.It talks about our tax reduction being capped at 3%.”BOLOGNA” There is no reduction,there will never be a reduction of property taxes only unfair increase’s if the save our homes act is repealed.It talks about second home owners in Fl.being unfairly taxed.To repeal the S.O.H.amendment would not help second home owners one bit, it would only make a way for Homesteaders to be unfairly taxed right out of our homes.If the person who wrote this article(which I see no named signed to it ,as I am required to do in order to voice to my opinion here) is worried about the unfair taxing of second home owners then that person should go to Tallahassee and fight for an amendment to protect second home owners.I myself would greatly appreciate it since I am a second home owner,but unfortunately do not have the time to do so myself because I have to spend every waking moment working in order to pay my property taxes.

Comment on Builders Face Up to Drywall Liabilities by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:50:32 +0000

I have not heard any news reports or seen any disclosures in the MLS about Chinese drywall at Heritage Palms. If you are considering purchasing a condo that was constructed in the 2002-2007 times frame at Heritage Palms, make sure that you use a housing inspector that is experienced at identifying Chinese drywall.

Comment on Builders Face Up to Drywall Liabilities by Mary Goley

Mary Goley — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:47:35 +0000

I would like to know if Chinese drywall was used in the condos at Heritage Palms, Ft. Myers, Fl

Comment on Fort Myers Foreclosures Impacting Middle-class by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:52:55 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reports on foreclosures increasing for high-priced homes

Comment on Chinese Drywall Update by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:36:57 +0000

The Naples Daily News reports that investors are targeting homes in Lee County constructed with Chinese drywall.

Comment on Bonita Bay Deposit Dispute by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:03:49 +0000

The Naples Daily News covers the Wall Street Journal article about Bonita Bay Group

Comment on Foreigners Attracted to Southwest Florida Real Estate by Ralph D Bredahl

Ralph D Bredahl — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:50:32 +0000

About 10% of my sales are Canadians. Either for second homes or investment.

Comment on Hovnanian Checks Out by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:15:01 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reported on Hovnanian exiting the Fort Myers market.

Comment on Hovnanian Checks Out by Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:50:06 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reported on the Chinese drywall issue and potential impact on Hovnanians earnings: Drywall Clouds Hovnanian Horizon

Comment on Cape Coral Freshwater Homes by Waterfront homes | Waterfront Houses

Waterfront homes | Waterfront Houses — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:58:27 +0000

[...] Cape Coral Freshwater Homes | Gulf ReturnsWaterfront living in the low $100000s Homes on Cape Coral’s freshwater canals offer the same wonderful water views without the price tag of a gulf access. read more… [...]