The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA)that is one of the leading resources for Canadians that spend half the year in the United States has been pressing for changes in how long Canadians can stay in the United States. It has been meeting with American Senators and Members of Congress according to some news sources to promote U.S. legislation that is currently winding its way through Congress that would allow Canadians aged 55 and older to spend up to 240 days or approximately eight months, in the country without a visa, 58 days longer than the current 182-day annual limit. There are two proposed laws currently in play. The provision is not yet law, but it has the backing of powerful New York Sen. Charles Schumer.

The two proposed laws are different. For instance, Mr. Schumer’s bill applies to Canadians 55 and older, while the other bill applies to those age 50 and older. Both allow for a spouse to stay under the same rules. There are some stumbling blocks for Canadians regarding the longer stays that have to do with health care coverage many provinces in Canada still require six months of residency for health-care coverage.

Both bills would require vacationers to maintain a residence in Canada, and either own a home in the U.S. or sign a rental agreement for the duration of their stay. The visitors would be forbidden from working in the U.S. or claiming welfare. In Ontario, B.C. and Manitoba, for example, Canadians can spend a maximum of seven months outside the country each year if they wish to maintain their health coverage. Other provinces set the limit at six months. Some provinces grant exemptions, including New Brunswick, where residents can apply to leave for of up to 18 months every three years. The snowbirds’ group is pushing for all provinces to extend health coverage for eight-month absences. In many other provinces, including Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, the limit is the equivalent of six months.

The real estate market in Southwest Florida in gated communities in Estero continues to sell briskly for the first quarter of 2013. For the time period of January 1, 2013 through April 1, 2013, the average listing price was $332,031, the listing price per square foot was $141 per square foot, the average total days on the market overall was 162 days. The average sales price was $317,603 and the average sold price per square foot was $135.

In Fountain Lakes there were 4 sales during the this time period. The average listings price was $227,225. the average listing price per square foot was $129, and the total combined average days on the market for Fountain Lakes was 517. The average sold price was $216,250 and the average sales price per square foot was $123.

In Marsh Landing there was 1 sale located at 23176 Marsh Landing Blvd which sold for $222,000.

In Copper Oaks there were 2 sales from January 1, 2013 through April 1, 2013. The average listing price was $209,000, the average listing price per square foot was $102 and the average days on the market was 37. The average sales price was $199,750.

In Cascades at Estero there were 10 sales. The average listing price was $248,990, the average listing price per square foot was $130, and the total average days on the market was 149. The average sales price was $240,890 and the selling price per square foot was $126.

In Rookery Pointe there were 2 sales. The average list price was $399,950, days on market was 173 and the average sales price was $380,000 and the average sales price per square foot was $137.

In Bella Terra there were 7 sales. The average list price was $295,443, average days on market 79, average sales price $282,286 and average sold price per square foot $121.

In Colonial Oaks there was 1 sale located at 9950 Colonial Walk South sold for $245,000.

In Estates of Estero River there were 5 sales. The average list price was $294,480, the average days on the market 68, average sales price $284,422 and the average sold price per square foot $92.

At Island Club at Corkscrew there were 2 sales. The average list price was $144,950, average days on market 19, average sold price was $145,000 and the sold price per square foot was $120.

In Stoneybrook there were 6 sales. The average listing price was $297,916, the average days on market 75, the average sales price was $286,250 and the average sold price per square foot was $116.

In Villages at Country Creek there were 3 sales. The average list price was $210,133, average days on market 88, average sold price $194,333 and average sold price per square foot was $120.

In Bella Terra there were 7 sales. The average list price was $295,443, average days on market 79, average sold price $282,286 and average sold price per square foot $121.

In Wildcat Run there were 4 sales. The average list price was $524,125, average total days on market 111, the average sold price was $502,000 and the average sold price per square foot was $178.

In Savona there were 10 sales. The average list price was $354,019, the average total days on the market was 263, the average sold price was $339,300 and the average sold price per square foot was $158.

Need more information on the latest properties for sale in Estero call me at 239-887-4942 or contact me through this website. You may also want to get the latest new listings in other areas of Southwest Florida through my free MLS access click here to get access to the latest listings.

In a recent article about the economy and job growth in Florida Lee and Collier counties were recognized as two of the best counties for job growth in Florida. This is great news for us as our employment numbers get better and the real estate market continues to get stronger!

Newspress Article on job growth in Lee and Collier Counties

Florida Governor Rick Scott recognized Lee and Collier among three counties in Florida on Wednesday for having the fastest annual job growth rate in Florida for 2012.

Collier, Lee and Palm Beach County Commissioners were on hand to receive the award at the Florida Association of Counties Legislative Meeting in Tallahassee.

Gov. Rick Scott said, “Florida’s economy continues to grow jobs because of the decisions we have made over the last two years. It’s working. Over the last two years, Florida’s private-sector has created over 294,000 new jobs. Our state is headed in the right direction, and I congratulate Collier, Lee and Palm Beach counties for helping lead the way.”

Lee County
Representative Heather Fitzenhagen, said, “The fact that Lee County was one of the fastest growing counties for job creation is welcome news. I applaud Governor Scott, Lee County Commissioners, and the Florida Legislature for helping keep Florida’s economy moving in the right direction.”

Chairman of the Lee County Commission Cecil Pendergrass said, “The Lee County Board of County Commissioners is very proud to accept the award for the 2nd highest job growth rate in the state of Florida. Lee County will continue its efforts toward job creation, such as our adjustment of impact fees to encourage business growth,”

Lee County’s 2012 annual job growth rate of 2.5 percent was impacted by growth in the following industries: leisure and hospitality (+3.9 percent); trade transportation and utilities (+3.7 percent); information (+3.4 percent); and construction (+3.1 percent).

Collier County
Senator Garrett Richter said, “I am happy that Governor Scott recognizes the work that is being done to help create jobs in Collier County. Our economy is headed in the right direction and we know how important it is to the families who call Collier County home.”

Representative Kathleen C. Passidomo said, “Collier County is a great place to call home and a great place for companies to move or expand. The fact that our county had one of the fastest job growth rates in Florida in 2012 is great news and we must continue to focus on job creation for the residents of Collier.”

Chairwoman Collier County Commission Georgia Hiller said, “As the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, I want to thank the Governor for his leadership in advancing economic development and job creation in the state of Florida. His formula for economic success when applied, works as evidenced by what we have achieved in job growth in Collier County.”

Collier County’s 2012 annual job growth rate of 3.4 percent was the result of growth in the following industries: professional and business services (+12.4 percent); construction (+4.4 percent); leisure and hospitality (+4.4 percent); and manufacturing (+4.0 percent).

If you are a buyer have been looking for luxury homes in the Southwest Florida market and have been sitting on the fence prices are going up not down. The luxury home market that have homes for sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach are becoming less of a buyers market during the first quarter of 2013. Since early December, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Market Action Index has risen 30 percent and is now only seven points away from reaching a seller’s market on a national level. The index, which is managed by Altos Research, measures available supply relative to the current level of demand.

What does a million dollar listing look like in the Naples area:

The ILHM National Luxury Composite Price has risen 2 percent since December 30, from $1,196,838 to $1,221,962, despite the slow winter season. Despite the fact that the number of new listings has increased 51 percent over the past six weeks, the average days on market at 204 has declined slightly, from 209 to 204. Luxury homes typically take longer to sell than less expensive ones and the ILHM average days on market (204) are much higher than Realtor.com’s January median of 119 days for all price ranges.

Brokers and agents around the country report accelerated sales around the country. “After a substantial slump in 2008-2010, migration to Florida is accelerating again and is expected to generate new jobs and boost the continuing recovery. Buyers of lavish mansions and luxury homes for sale led the wave of those heading into Florida at the beginning of 2013. Many of the luxury home buyers are coming from overseas with the biggest buyer percentages coming from Canada, United Kingdom, China and Brazil.

Million dollar plus listings in the Sanibel and surrounding areas:

Contact me anytime for a private showing of any luxury homes you find through your search on my website.

The Florida unemployment numbers continue to improve. February 2013 unemployment coming in at 7.7%, which is the lowest since October 2008. I have heard from various sources including my linkedin contacts that had been looking for new employment that they are seeing many new job openings and having much more luck getting interviews. This is a great sign that the recession here is fading and that will lead to a sustained housing recovery.

Article from Naples Daily News

ORLANDO — Florida Gov. Rick Scott today announced that February’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 7.7 percent – the lowest since October 2008.

The governor’s office said that since December 2010, Florida has created 294,200 private-sector jobs and Florida’s February unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 7.7 percent – the lowest since October 2008.

His office said since he took office, the state’s unemployment rate has dropped 3.4 percentage points, the second largest drop in the nation.

Here is the text of his office’s announcement:

ORLANDO — Governor Rick Scott today announced that since Dec. 2010, Florida has created 294,200 private-sector jobs and Florida’s February 2013 unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 7.7 percent – the lowest since October 2008. Governor Scott made the announcement at Amcor Rigid Plastics USA Inc. in Orlando, a plastics manufacturing company, which opened a new 500,000 sq-ft manufacturing facility in January, hiring 29 employees with a capital investment of $20 million.

Governor Scott said, “With an unemployment rate of 7.7 percent, the lowest in more than four years, and nearly 300,000 private sector jobs created over the last two years, we have proof that IT’S WORKING. Our efforts to reduce taxes, pay down state debt and grow the economy, demonstrates our success in growing jobs for Florida families. While today’s announcement is great news, we know we have more work to do to ensure that every Florida family that wants a job can get one.”

Over the month, the state experienced an increase of 7,700 private-sector jobs, while 139,200 private sector jobs have been created since February 2012. Since Governor Scott took office, the state’s unemployment rate has dropped 3.4 percentage points, the second largest drop in the nation.

More Jobs Being Created

· Florida has experienced positive annual job growth now for 31 consecutive months.

· Florida job postings increased in February 2013 compared to the previous February by 21,366 (+8.8 percent), for a total of 263,240 openings (seasonally adjusted) according to the Help Wanted OnLine data series from the Conference Board.

· Florida’s job growth month-to-month has been positive for 19 of the last 20 months.

· Florida is expected to create more than 900,000 new jobs by 2018, according to the Florida Economic Estimating Conference.

· The number of available online job openings in STEM-related (sciences, technology, engineering, and math) fields in Florida have increased since last year, up 10.4 percent, for a total of 57,488 postings in February 2013.

Unemployment Continues to Decline

· Florida’s unemployment rate has now declined year-over-year for 28 consecutive months.

Home Sales Robust

· Home sales remain robust as the backlog of existing homes on the market is down by 32 percent from February 2012 (Florida Realtors).

· Florida housing starts were up over the year in January 2013 (the most recent month available) by 52.6 percent and median home prices were up 12.8 percent in February 2013 over the year.

Economic Growth Trends Up Across State

· A recent U.S. Census Survey reported that Florida experienced an influx of people moving into the state. Florida also led the nation in migrations from Puerto Rico.

· Florida is running a trade surplus of over $24 billion – with $86.8 billion in exports and $62.4 billion in imports in 2011, up from $73.1 billion in exports in 2010 and $53.2 billion in imports in 2010.

Workforce Boards Assisting in Employment

· In February, the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards reported more than 38,000 Floridians placed in jobs.

· More than 426,000 Floridians were placed in jobs in 2012, with 111,173 former claimants finding employment.

If you have been thinking about buying a home or condo in Southwest Florida and have been sitting on the fence, now is the time to start looking as interest rates are still extremely low and can give you the extra buying power to get the home that you want. Contact me by phone or through the contact form on this page for a free list of the best buys in the neighborhoods that you want or to get a free market analysis of what your home is worth in today’s market.

In the news recently are some major developments that are being planned to build in the very near future. The most notable are Babcock Ranch, Ave Maria and Talis.

Newpress Article on Syd Kitson

Syd Kitson’s at ease now in his seat on the roller coaster known as Southwest Florida’s real estate market. In 2005 the West Palm Beach-based developer announced plans for a 19,000-acre, solar-powered town on the eastern edge of Southwest Florida.

That project went dormant after the housing industry collapsed a few months later.

But Kitson, 54, says that project has come back to life. He expects to break ground by the first quarter of 2014. Meanwhile, he’s busy with his latest venture: Talis Park, the new name for Tuscany Reserve, a failed WCI Communities golf community on the northern edge of Collier County.

Kitson bought Tuscany in 2010 for $30 million. That may sound like a lot, but WCI put $220 million into the project’s high-end golf course and over-the-top landscaping before selling to foreign investment group AB Naples LLC in 2008 for $65 million, considered a steal at the time.

Now, as the local real estate market staggers to its feet, Kitson’s confident Talis and Babcock are in the right place at the right time.

The News-Press caught up with him last week at Talis Park and asked him five questions about how he sees things:

Tell us about Talis Park and about your philosophy in developing it.

WCI was the original developer and they did a magnificent job. They created a great land plan and put in excess of $200 million into the ground. You can see it when you go through the community. And then there was a second buyer who came in and also did a great job maintaining the property, but this is all through the downturn. So we’re very fortunate to come in and purchase it at a favorable price. The future homeowners really get to take advantage of that. Because you have a project that is financially solid, you have a community that’s financially solid and you have a club that’s financially solid, not only today but into the future when they take it over themselves. So they get to take advantage of a situation that we were able to also.

We’re coming out of a very serious slump, both nationally and especially in Southwest Florida, for the home-building industry. Tell me a little bit about how you feel about the opportunities and perhaps some of the perils ad pitfalls that lie ahead

New Ave Maria community

A new home builder is coming to Ave Maria, with plans to construct at least 1,500 single-family homes in a community that will mirror one of its most successful ones on Florida’s east coast.

Naples-based Barron Collier Cos., a co-developer of Ave Maria, will build the new neighborhood in a joint partnership with CC Devco, based in Coral Gables, minutes from downtown Miami.

Longtime developers Armando Codina and Jim Carr founded CC Devco in 2008 and have been involved in more than 40 residential projects across the state, including one called Monterra in Cooper City, southwest of Fort Lauderdale. Monterra is one of Florida’s fastest growing communities — and it’s the one that will be repeated in the growing town of Ave Maria, 40 miles east of Naples.

CC Devco is buying out the interests of Ave Maria University and Tom Monaghan, the founder of the town and the university, in a chunk of undeveloped land south and east of the town center. The deal, which is expected to close in the next month or two, involves 618 acres that will become Maple Ridge at Ave Maria. The purchase price of those interests was not disclosed.

Monaghan and Barron Collier Cos. formed a 50-50 private partnership called Ave Maria Development to own and develop a new town surrounding a Catholic university. At build out, Ave Maria is expected to have 11,000 homes on its 4,000 acres.

CC Devco will join the town’s two other homebuilders: Pulte, the primary and original one, and Lennar. Those two are national builders, unlike CC Devco that has its eye on Florida.

Prices will range from the $190,000s to the low $300,000s. There are nine one- and two-story floor plans, spanning from 1,900 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet. Six of those models are the same ones built at Monterra, which came out of the ground three years ago.

Here is the latest news from the National Association of Realtors about the recovering United States housing market

National Association of Realtors

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2013) – February existing-home sales and prices affirm a healthy recovery is underway in the housing sector, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Sales have been above year-ago levels for 20 consecutive months, while prices show 12 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases.

Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.98 million in February from an upwardly revised 4.94 million in January, and are 10.2 percent above the 4.52 million-unit level seen in February 2012. February sales were at the highest level since the tax credit period of November 2009.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said conditions for continued housing improvement are at play. “Job growth in the improving economy and pent-up demand are causing both home sales and rental leasing to rise. Though home prices are rising much faster than rents, historically low mortgage rates are still making home purchases affordable,” he said. “The only headwinds are limited housing inventory, which varies greatly around the country, and credit conditions that remain too restrictive.”

Total housing inventory at the end of February rose 9.6 percent to 1.94 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.7-month supply 2 at the current sales pace, up from 4.3 months in January, which was the lowest supply since May 2005. Listed inventory is 19.2 percent below a year ago when there was a 6.4-month supply.

The national median existing-home price3 for all housing types was $173,600 in February, up 11.6 percent from February 2012. The last time there were 12 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases was from June 2005 to May 2006. The February gain is the strongest since November 2005 when it was 12.9 percent above a year earlier.

“A strong rise in home values is contributing to housing wealth recovery, which has risen by $1.4 trillion in the past year and looks to top that increase this year,” Yun said. “The extra consumer spending arising from growth in housing wealth is expected to be $70 billion to $110 billion this year.”

Distressed homes4 – foreclosures and short sales – accounted for 25 percent of February sales, up from 23 percent in January but down from 34 percent in February 2012. Fifteen percent of February sales were foreclosures, and 10 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 18 percent below market value in February, while short sales were discounted 15 percent.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.53 percent in February from 3.41 percent in January; it was 3.89 percent in February 2012.

NAR President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif., said interest rates remain extraordinarily low. “In the history of mortgage interest rates since 1971, the 30-year fixed rate has been below 4 percent in only 15 months, and those have all been in the past 15 months,” he said. “Even with rising home prices, affordability remains historically favorable because home prices over-corrected during the downturn. This means there is still great value for buyers in the current market.”

The median time on market for all homes was 74 days in February, which is 24 percent below 97 days in February 2012. Short sales were on the market for a median of 101 days, while foreclosures typically sold in 52 days and non-distressed homes took 77 days. One out of three homes sold in February was on the market for less than a month.

First-time buyers accounted for 30 percent of purchases in February, unchanged from January; they were 32 percent in February 2012.

All-cash sales were at 32 percent of transactions in February, up from 28 percent in January; they were 33 percent in February 2012. Investors, who account for most cash sales, purchased 22 percent of homes in February, up from 19 percent in January; they were 23 percent in February 2012.

“There was an upward bump in the shares of investor and all-cash closed purchases in February. These sales result from purchase offers during the holidays when shopping activity by traditional home buyers slows, but investors, who typically pay cash, remained active,” Yun said. “This is a seasonal pattern, but we’re now seeing a general increase in buyer traffic, which is 25 percent above a year ago.”

Single-family home sales slipped 0.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.36 million in February from an upwardly revised 4.37 million in January, but are 8.7 percent above the 4.01 million-unit pace in February 2012. The median existing single-family home price was $173,800 in February, which is 11.3 percent higher than a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales rose 8.8 percent to an annualized rate of 620,000 in February from 570,000 in January, and are 21.6 percent above the 510,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $172,500 in February, up 13.9 percent from February 2012.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 3.1 percent to an annual rate of 630,000 in February but are 8.6 percent above February 2012. The median price in the Northeast was $238,800, which is 7.6 percent above a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest slipped 1.7 in February to a pace of 1.14 million but are 12.9 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $129,900, up 7.7 percent from February 2012.

In the South, existing-home sales increased 2.6 percent to an annual level of 2.01 million in February and are 14.9 percent above February 2012. The median price in the South was $150,500, up 9.3 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the West rose 2.6 percent to a pace of 1.20 million in February and are 1.7 percent above a year ago. With limited choices and multiple bidding, the median price in the West rose to $237,700, which is 22.7 percent above February 2012.

As the overall United States economy continues to improve with housing and job growth, Florida’s unemployment rate has dipped again to 7.8%. In December 2012 the unemployment rate was 7.9%. The construction trades are starting to come to life again as the real estate market for new homes has been a shining stop in the real estate recovery.

Florida’s unemployment rate for January was its lowest since November 2008, and fell below the national average unemployment rate for the first time since January 2008. Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday that Florida has created 282,200 private-sector jobs since December 2010.

Collier County’s unemployment rate remained the same at 7.5 percent in January and in December 2012. Lee County’s unemployment rate also stayed at 7.9 percent in January and in December 2012, the Department of Economic Opportunity reported Monday. Collier County’s unemployment rate decreased, from 8.7 in January 2012 to 7.5 percent in January. Lee County’s unemployment rate also dropped, from 9.6 percent in January 2012 to 7.9 percent in January.

This was recent article about a piece of land in Cape Coral that is to be rezoned as a marketplace residential zoning district to allow for buildings, specialty retail, and office space.

NW Cape Coral rezoning article and video
CAPE CORAL – A wildlife group is opposing a potential move by the city of Cape Coral to ‘re-zone’ a particular area of land on the east side of Burnt Store Road just north of Van Buren Parkway to allow for buildings. Right now, the group contends its one of the last big pieces of ‘green-space’ in the city

The City Council has adopted a Marketplace Residential Zoning District. It encourages a variety of pedestrian-oriented neighborhood retail, specialty retail, office, services and residential uses.

This area is one of the last few large parcels of open space in the NW area of Cape Coral. Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife feels that this large parcel is an extremely environmentally sensitive wetlands area which should not be subjected to such a zoning change.

The request was reviewed by Danielle Handy in the city planning division who recommended approval for the zoning change.

How’s the real estate market for condos in Cape Coral? I get asked this question by many of my out of state buyers that have been looking to buy a condo in Cape Coral and surrounding areas. Is buying a condo in Cape Coral a good idea versus a single family home. This really depends on your own personal preference and what types of amenities that you desire if you are looking to buy a condo in Southwest Florida. Here is a summary of the condominium sales in Cape Coral for the time period of January 1, 2013-February 28, 2013.

There were 76 sold Cape Coral condominiums that sold during the first 2 months of 2013. The average listing price for these sold units were $149,715 and the average square feet for the condos were 1416 square feet. The listing price per square foot was $97 SF, and the average total days on the market was 150 days. The average sales price was $143,188 and the average selling price per square foot was $93 SF.

If you are a Canadian looking to buy real estate in the Cape Coral area, buying a condo may be a better and less expensive alternative than looking for a single family home. Some benefits of buying a condo that many developments have is gated security, community pools and recreation areas, landscaping and upkeep of the grounds.

Since each condominium building is different it is essential that you weigh your options of whether you want to buy a condo instead of a single family home in Florida, by seeing how much the monthly condo association fees are and what they cover. Also it is a good idea to make sure that each seller that sells a condo for sale provides a sellers disclosure on the property which includes all the financials on the building so that you can make an educated decision about the financial health of the condominium building.

If you are interested in learning more about the great deals available for sale on condominiums for sale throughout Southwest Florida contact me through this website and I will help you get the answers you are looking for.