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        <title>Cape Coral Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate/</link>
        <description>Cape Coral real estate news and info, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. Search Cape Coral real estate property. Information for sellers and buyers of Cape Coral Real Estate. The latest on homes for sale in Cape C</description>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/selling-your-cape-coral-home-in-any-market-with-buyer-incentives.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/selling-your-cape-coral-home-in-any-market-with-buyer-incentives.html</link>
            <author>david@davidsporleder.com (David Sporleder)</author>
            <title>Selling Your Cape Coral Home in any market with buyer incentives</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling
your Cape Coral home doesn't have to be a confusing and frustrating process.
There is a right way and a wrong way to put your home on the market.
Unfortunately, many sellers try it the wrong way first. 


Before
we give you the details on buyer incentives, let's quickly go over the reasons
why it is absolutely vital to put your best foot forward right out of the
starting gate. 


Psychology of a Home Sale 



There
are plenty of ways to sell your home the wrong way. A short list would include: 




Putting your property on the market
before repairs or updates have been made.


Pricing your home too high, thinking
you can always lower it later.


Listing your home as a FSBO just to
test the waters. 




Those
are just a few possible scenarios. Why are they wrong? I'm glad you asked. In
order to understand the psychology of a home sale, you need to see it through
the eyes of the potential buyer. Here's the break down. 


As
soon as your Cape Coral property hits the market and is available on the MLS,
the clock starts ticking. The first two to three weeks from the day it is
listed is your 'sweet spot.' That's when your property will get the most online
views, the most attention from other agents, and has the best selling
potential. Now, let's say your property is overpriced or you haven't updated
that 1984 kitchen, "just because you wanted to see if it would sell the
way it is." While you think you
are testing the waters, you are actually losing valuable time before your
property falls into the "red flag" category. 


After
a couple of months on the market without any offers, new potential buyers won't
view your home with the same excitement they did when it was first listed. Once
you become an aged listing the speculation begins. Buyers wonder why your home
hasn't sold. After all, if it was such a good deal, why didn't anyone else
think so? The longer your home sits on the market while you are testing your
theories, the less selling strength it has. 


Buyer Incentives that Work 


So,
what's a seller to do? Do you have to undercut everyone else's price just to
compete in today's market? No! Here are three buyer incentives that offer a
win/win situation. You'll still enjoy a fair selling price, and you're
potential buyer will have that extra reason to choose your home above the
competition. 




Interest Rate Buy-Down - The budget conscious home buyer will take an
interest rate buy-down as a huge incentive. When the seller offers to pay discount
points to the lender to lock in a lower interest rate, this lowers the buyer's
monthly payment, and the points are generally tax deductible as well. Offering
this buyer incentive is a powerful way to put your Cape Coral home at the top
of a potential buyer's list. 






HOA
Credit - Selling your Cape Coral condo? Homeowner's association
fees can be a lot to get used to, especially for first time condo buyers.
Writing that monthly HOA check may be no big deal to you, but you'd be
surprised at how often a prospective buyer will walk due to these monthly fees.
This, of course, is the perfect opportunity to put your condo above similar
units by offering to cover the HOA dues for even six months. 






Closing Cost Credit - Coming up with the down payment often stretches a
home buyer to their limit. Closing costs can run anywhere from 3 to 6 percent
of the loan that the buyer has to come up with in cash. A smart seller can
attract buyers who are right at that tipping point of their budget by offering
to pay a percentage of the home's sale price to defray the buyer's closing
costs. Your listing agent can help you determine how much of a credit you can
afford to offer and how to present it in the listing in order to attract the
most prospects. 




These
are just three simple strategies to put your Cape Coral property ahead of the
other listings from day one. By sitting down with your agent and coming up with
a plan of action right for your situation, you won't have to worry about your
property sitting on the market for months without any offers. 


The
vital key to remember is the fact that the clock starts ticking the day your
home is listed. Put yourself above the other Cape Coral listings by having an
aggressive selling approach from the beginning. 


For
more information on listing and selling your Cape Coral property, don't
hesitate to give us a call. With decades of experience right here in Cape
Coral, we know what buyers are looking for. 


 


 

Tweet
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            <pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:29:57 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-property-uncovering-unethical-real-estate-practices.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-property-uncovering-unethical-real-estate-practices.html</link>
            <author>mray@davidsporleder.com (Mary Ray)</author>
            <title>Cape Coral Property: Uncovering Unethical Real Estate Practices</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Cape
Coral Property: Uncovering Unethical Real Estate Practices

 

The "marketing
technique", and I use the term loosely, of bait-and -switch or other
unethical, shady practices have been around since the first person ever decided
to exchange currency for goods. In the world of Cape Coral real estate,
unethical tactics usually take the form of amazing deals that sound "too
good to be true." Unfortunately, many a naive home buyer has fallen prey
to these schemes, so we're going to break down the mentality behind a few of
them today. Ready for the excitement?


Cape
Coral Real Estate Tactic #1: The Bidding War


Okay, so we've all heard
the term, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is." Do
yourself a favor and take that statement to heart. Cape Coral properties that
are offered at ridiculously low prices can have a variety of reasons. One of
the most common, is to spark a bidding war.


Of course, from the
seller's end, bidding wars are wonderful, and what good would a listing agent
be if they didn't try to get the highest possible price out of the Cape Coral
property they have listed? As a buyer, your best defense against a bidding war
is simply to be aware of the fact. Avoid becoming emotionally attached to a
prospective home. It could be the ideal Cape Coral waterfront property with
exactly the square footage and in the right neighborhood, but if a bidding war
is going to drive the price up substantially, it's best to bow out of the deal.


Cape
Coral Real Estate Tactic #2: The True Bait and Switch 


Yes, the true, authentic
bait-and-switch still lives. Here's how it's done in real estate. Unscrupulous
agents or agencies will advertise beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath pool homes for
under $55,000, or waterfront homes for under $150,000. This is a lure, the true
bait-and-switch. Here's how it will go down.


Joe Buyer will call the
real estate agent and be invited to come in and talk to the agent. If Joe Buyer
has been using another agent, there will most likely be side comments made
like, "Oh, I can't believe your agent isn't showing you the deals that are
available right now!" Excitedly, Joe Buyer rushes over to the new agent's
office, only to be driven around town and shown homes in need of major rehab
work. Of course, Joe Buyer is disappointed. "No worries! If you'd like to
go up in price about $50k, I can show you some really sweet deals," says
Mr. Unscrupulous Real Estate Agent. This dance will go back and forth a few
rounds until Joe Buyer either walks away wondering if all real estate agents
operate in this crazy fashion, or Joe Buyer will crack under the pressure and
make an offer on a Cape Coral property that he really can't afford.


Ethical
Cape Coral Real Estate Agents


I hope this article has
enlightened, if not slightly entertained, you about some of the practices that
some people are still trying to get away with. The funny and somewhat sad part
of it is the fact that Cape Coral property (especially Cape Coral waterfront
property) is such an excellent investment that these insane tactics are a waste
of time and completely unnecessary. At Sporleder-Ray Realty Group, we just
refuse to operate that way. The agents here live, work, and play in beautiful
Cape Coral, Florida and we absolutely love it here. Cape Coral property prices
and interest rates are lower than ever, the economy is on the rise, and Florida
is one of the top 5 states for budding businesses. The time is right to invest
in your own slice of paradise. Call our offices today. No, we won't try to show
you Cape Coral waterfront properties for $50,000, but we WILL help you find the
exact property that is right for you. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:49:10 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estatesmart-investing.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estatesmart-investing.html</link>
            <author>mray@davidsporleder.com (Mary Ray)</author>
            <title>Cape Coral Real Estate.....Smart Investing</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


Cape Coral Real Estate Smart Investing: Leveraging a Preapproval Letter

So, you've been dreaming about your retirement investment or
vacation retreat? Maybe you've got your eye on a particular Cape Coral
waterfront property or pool home. Congratulations! You're taking the first step
to an enjoyable, relaxing future here in Southwest Florida. Before whipping out
your list of 'must have features' or scheduling an appointment for your first
home showing, do you have your letter of preapproval in hand?

What is a Preapproval
&amp; Why Do I Need it?


If this is your first real estate investment or if you
haven't been actively searching for a Cape Coral property for long, you may not
have considered the benefits of preapproval. We're going to break it down for
you and show you exactly how to leverage this all important first step. First
of all, let's take a look at the difference between 'preapproval' and
'prequalification.' Yes...there is a difference.


Prequalification: Home
buyers often get the terms 'prequalification' and 'preapproval' confused.
Prequalification is nothing more than a verbal estimate provided by a lender
after calculating your income and financial situation based on verbal
information you provide. Prequalification doesn't give a buyer with any real
credibility or leverage with sellers since none of the information provided has
been checked out. Prequalification is more for the buyer than the seller. It
can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford, but really serves no
other purpose. 


Preapproval: A
letter of preapproval is an entirely different story and can make all the
difference in the amount you pay for your Cape Coral property. In order to get
a letter of preapproval, you will be asked to provide proof of income, bank
statements, credit history, and tax returns. As opposed to prequalification, a
letter of preapproval is based on factual information that has been verified.
So, how can this help you in your next home purchase? I'm glad you asked:




Negotiating
a Deal - When purchasing a Cape Coral property, or any property for that
matter, you have to keep in mind the fact that the seller has his or her own
set of reasons for the home sale. Maybe the seller has taken a position with a
new company and is required to move out of state. If that's the case, there may
be deadlines involved.




Let's say this motivated seller is asking
$180,000 for his Cape Coral home. He receives three separate offers. Two of
them come in right about $175,000 but they are from potential buyers who DO NOT
have a letter of preapproval. The offers sound pretty good, but without any
guarantee of financing, the buyer knows that accepting either one of these
offers has a pretty high risk factor. Now, if you come into the picture with an
offer of $170,000 WITH a letter of preapproval, you have just been pushed to
the front of the line. Even though you have offered less, the seller knows that
yours is more solid. The only thing that trumps a letter of preapproval is cash
in hand. Now do you see how a letter of preapproval can be used to your
advantage and potentially save you thousands of dollars? Wait...there's more:




Anxiety
Free - Another tremendous benefit of obtaining a letter of preapproval
first is the fact that it will allow you to look for your new Cape Coral
property 'anxiety free.' You'll already have a price point in mind and you
won't have to worry about the deal falling through because of financing.
Imagine the stress involved in finding the Cape Coral home of your dreams,
showing it to your spouse and family members, and then experiencing a huge
let-down if you are unable to secure financing. This doesn't have to happen to
you. 




We hope this information has helped you to recognize the clear
benefit of preapproval. A few hours spent with your lender can add up to
thousands of dollars in your pocket. 


If you are ready to look at Cape Coral properties, we'd be
happy to show you around. Give our offices a call today  239-410-5821 
or  239-691-0157 !
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:16:17 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate-how-to-sell-in-the-summer-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate-how-to-sell-in-the-summer-market.html</link>
            <author>mray@davidsporleder.com (Mary Ray)</author>
            <title>Cape Coral Real Estate, How to Sell in the Summer Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Cape Coral Real Estate, How to Sell in the Summer Market


If you
think summer may not be the ideal time to put your Cape Coral real estate on the
market, think again. Over the past several months, home prices and sales have
been steadily climbing, and now that foreclosures and short sales have had
their run, the interests of buyers has returned to traditional home sales. Last
month, traditional home sales were responsible for more than half of the
overall homes purchased in the Greater Fort Myers area. With low interest rates
and a recovering housing market, smart investors know that now is the time to
buy. 


That's
excellent news for Cape Coral real estate owners who are looking to sell. During
the summer months, when all the vacationers have returned north, you may not
have as large of a turnout at your open house...but guess what? That's because
the buyers who are here in the summer are here with a purpose...to buy. They
aren't window shopping or just looking for a way to waste an afternoon. The
summer buyers will make real offers because they aren't here on vacation with
time to kill. They are here to purchase Cape Coral real estate.  With that in mind, here are some keys to
making your Cape Coral home 'the one' the investors are bidding on. 


Want to Start a Bidding War for Your Cape Coral Real Estate? 


First
appearances are everything. Whether the potential buyer is looking for an
investment opportunity, vacation property, or a future retirement residence,
they will still be making a decision 
based on two distinct factors, reasoning and emotion. In order to make
sure your potential buyer won't look elsewhere, your Cape Coral property should
appeal to both. 


On the
reasoning side, your buyer will be looking for a sound investment that has the
highest possible potential for appreciation in value. Factors such as location,
age of your Cape Coral home, square footage, condition of the roof, plumbing,
flooring, and features (think pool home or corner lot) come into play. Some of
the things on your potential buyer's mental list are out of your hands. You
can't increase your square footage and you can't do anything about the location
of your property. So, what CAN you do? I'm glad you asked... Your buyer
is also going to make an emotional connection with the property as well. Here
is a list of 'must do's' in order to make a stellar first impression:


Tips for a Stellar First Impression




·        
Crank that A/C - Remember, you are showing your home in the
summer. The last thing you want is for your potential buyer to walk into a
muggy atmosphere. If it's too cold for the buyer's liking, that's a good
problem...at least they know the A/C is in tip top shape!


·        
Let the Sun Shine - No one wants to live in a cave. Open your
blinds and remove heavy drapes completely if possible. If you have energy saver
window panes, now is the time to talk that feature up, and show it off!


·        
De-clutter - Small rooms with large pieces of furniture,
such as entertainment centers, look even smaller. If your home is packed with
furniture, you may want to put some of it in storage while you are showing your
home. Make your home look as open and roomy as possible. 


·        
Have Your Carpets Cleaned - Believe it or not, numerous stains in your
carpet scream, "I don't take pride in my home." Your floors, carpets,
and furniture should be spotlessly clean and dust free.


·        
Create a Peaceful Atmosphere - Your potential buyer should feel relaxed
and at ease walking into your home. Take the time to create an inviting
atmosphere. Scented candles, fresh cut flower arrangements, lightly playing
music, and the absence of any yappy dogs, dirty laundry, or other distractions
will make sure your open house or scheduled showing is a success. 


·        
Landscaping  - No,
you don't have to spend thousands to spruce up your yard, but a freshly mowed
and edged lawn and trimmed shrubbery that is free from weeds will go a long
way. 


·        
Home Exterior - Is it time to paint the exterior of your
home? A faded, dirty, or moldy exterior can make your home look older than it
actually is. A good pressure wash is a minimal expense and your entire exterior
can be painted in one weekend. While you are at it, take a look at your
driveway. If you can't remove those unsightly oil stains or if your driveway is
cracked, it may be time to resurface. 




Those
are just a few quick fixes that will help your potential buyers to make the
emotional connection you want them to with your Cape Coral property. Of course,
if you are looking to sell your Cape Coral waterfront or pool home, you'll need
to take a look at the condition these as well. Anything that is considered a
selling point, such as a dock or a pool should be just that...a selling point.
If your pool is dirty or your dock is unsafe it will be viewed as a burden and
your potential buyer will see dollar signs instead of the potential benefits of
these features. 


It all
comes down to common sense, so take the information we've provided and get your
Cape Coral property into top selling condition for the summer!


If you
are ready to put your home on the market, give us a call today! It's going to
be a great season for Cape Coral home sales!





 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:16:00 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/the-inside-scoop-on-purchasing-your-retirement-home-after-season.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/the-inside-scoop-on-purchasing-your-retirement-home-after-season.html</link>
            <author>mray@davidsporleder.com (Mary Ray)</author>
            <title>The Inside Scoop on Purchasing Your Retirement Home After Season</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Inside
Scoop on Purchasing Your Retirement Home After Season


Summer has officially arrived. The Cape Coral locals are
waxing their boats, working on their backyard gardens, and relaxing at the
beach. Many of the vacationers and snow birds (our loving term for our part
time residents) have packed up and returned north now that the ice has finally
thawed. What are savvy investors doing right now? I'm glad you asked. This
year, the waiting game is over. The combination of low interest rates and a
recovering housing market has drawn the attention of individuals wanting to
take advantage of this prime opportunity. This summer has all the ingredients
of a great real estate deal. Here's why...


Summer Months Can Be
the Best Time to Buy


When you are in the market to purchase a home, it's
important to look at both sides of the real estate process. Sellers in Florida
are motivated for a variety of reasons, and if you hit on the right one you can
land yourself an extraordinary deal. Let's break that statement down and
explain:




Distressed Homes and Foreclosures: Over the past few years much Cape Coral real estate was available largely due to foreclosure,
     short sales, or otherwise distressed situations. That's no longer the
     case. Although there still are distressed properties available, recent
     statistics have shown that traditional home sales are on the rise. In
     April of 2011 over half of the homes sold in the Greater Fort Myers area were
     traditional home sales (51% to be exact). Distressed properties come with
     their own share of problems. Some have been abandoned and require quite a
     bit of work. If you are looking for a 'ready to move in' situation, a
     distressed property may not be right for you. Now that traditional home
     sales are on the rise and prices are still low, it's the perfect
     opportunity to invest in your dream home.


Motivated Summer Sellers: As we mentioned, when looking at
     Cape Coral real estate, you need to look from the sellers perspective as
     well. Many of our sellers are much more motivated to take an offer as soon
     as the warm weather arrives. Why? Because many individuals with their
     homes and condos on the market were taking their last vacation here during
     the winter season. They were enjoying the sun and although their homes
     were listed, they weren't in a big hurry to cut their vacation short. Now
     that they've packed up and headed north, the For Sale signs are still in
     the yard and many of them are ready to strike a deal. If you are a smart
     buyer and have your finances in order along with preapproval from your
     lender, you are in a prime position to make an offer that will be
     accepted. 


A Word to Buyers Waiting for Prices to Fall:  Most investors realize that the
     combination of low home prices, low interest rates, and a nice inventory
     of available homes won't last forever. If you're still waiting for one
     more drop in home prices before you buy, take this into consideration.
     Home prices are slowly but steadily climbing, but even if they were to
     fall again, let's say by 10%, your monthly mortgage payment will increase
     if interest rates rise by even more than 1%. Low mortgage interest rates
     are even more important than overall home prices, and right now you've got
     the best of both! 




If you are ready to take a look at Cape Coral real estate and
want the knowledge and experience of a realtor who lives, works, and plays
right here in paradise, please contact our office.  We know Cape Coral real estate and we are
ready to serve you!


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jun 2011 07:06:48 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/first-time-home-buyer-confusion-buster.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/first-time-home-buyer-confusion-buster.html</link>
            <author>david@davidsporleder.com (David Sporleder)</author>
            <title>First Time Home Buyer Confusion Buster</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
First Time Home Buyer Confusion Buster!


If you are a first time home buyer  you've got two things on your mind right now.





First, you have the dream and the goal of owning
your own Cape Coral real estate. Maybe you're family is about to grow or
possibly you are just wanting to break out of the renter's rut. Renting can fit
a certain lifestyle for a while, but there comes a day when living in such
close quarters just isn't cutting it anymore. 


Second, you are wondering what you really need
to know about making that all important first purchase. Maybe you've never
followed the real estate market. Why would you? Now you are searching for
answers and feel like you are taking a crash course in home buying 101. 




If this sounds familiar, you've come to the right place. Are
there certain things you need to know? Of course, but they may not be what you
think. Many first time home buyers make the mistake of trying to understand
real estate values and spend a lot of unnecessary time looking for the hidden,
hot deals that might be out there, when they aren't even fully prepared to make
their first home purchase. Those things should be left in the hands of your
qualified real estate agent. Here is a list of the things you'll need to do before
you begin your search for that perfect Cape Coral property. 


First Time Home Buyer
Checklist




Get Your
Credit in Order - Pull up your credit report (it's free online) from both
major credit bureaus. Find out what your credit score is and check it for
inaccuracies. Your credit score will play a big part in your ability to secure
financing. 




 




Get Pre-approved
- Once you are certain your credit score is accurate, it's time to contact your
potential lender. Start with your bank. You'll want a letter of pre-approval.
This is completely different than getting pre-qualified. Pre-approval is a
guarantee that your lender will loan you a certain amount of money, just as
long as the Cape Coral property you are looking to purchase appraises higher
than the amount you are looking to borrow. 
Securing a pre-approval letter not only lets you know exactly what your
home budget is, but it also will put you in the front of the line when it comes
to bidding on a home. Often, a homeowner will accept a lower bid from a
potential buyer who has pre-approval from their lender just because it's a sure
thing. Another potential buyer may talk a good talk and offer a higher bid, but
without pre-approval, there's no way the homeowner can be sure their loan will
go through. Bottom line? Pre-approval gives you the upper hand.




 




Get Your
Finances in Order - The down payment and the closing costs are two expenses
you will be expected to come up with upfront. To be safe, expect your down
payment to be 10% of the entire  loan, so
a $100,000 Cape Coral property would need a $10,000 down payment. If you
qualify for certain loans, your down payment could be as low as 3.5%, but the
more you have tucked away, the more opportunities you will have.




 




Make Your
List -  Before looking for a home,
have a good idea of the size, the location, and the features you are looking
for in your ideal home. Divide these into two columns. The Must Have Column
could possibly include number of bedrooms, garage size, or proximity to
shopping or activities. The other column should list extras you are looking for
in your ideal home, but can live without. By committing a list to paper, you'll
apt to be more rational when you start looking at homes and won't become easily
confused. 




By doing these things before contacting  your real estate agent you will be a well
prepared, serious buyer, and you will be able to make a quality decision based
on cost, location, and features. You won't spend countless months window
shopping for a home that you aren't even sure you can afford. 


By bringing your list of specifications with you when you
meet with your real estate agent there will be no question as to the home that
is right for you. Your agent will be well equipped to find the perfect home at
the lowest possible price, and since you are pre-approved your agent will be
able to negotiate with confidence on great deals that have just hit the market.



If you are looking to purchase your first home, whether it
is a Cape Coral waterfront home or another Cape Coral property, give us a call
today. You'll be glad you did!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:38:54 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/so-you-think-youre-ready-to-list-your-cape-coral-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/so-you-think-youre-ready-to-list-your-cape-coral-home.html</link>
            <author>david@davidsporleder.com (David Sporleder)</author>
            <title>So, you think you're ready to list your Cape Coral home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
So, you think you're ready to list your Cape Coral home? 


You've made the necessary repairs, provided a fresh coat of paint 
where needed, and fixed that leaky faucet. But before you put your home 
up for sale in today's Cape Coral real estate market, here is a final 
checklist to make sure you are appealing to your target market.Identify Your Target MarketAssuming
 you've lived in the home you are selling long enough to meet the 
neighbors, you've probably got a pretty good idea of what the average 
homeowner in the area is like. Keeping this information in mind, work 
with that to define your target market.Are you near a school or a
 playground? Is yours a boating community? Is your neighborhood full of 
young families and small children? Whatever your answer is, that is your
 target market. Staging your home to appeal to this group is key.More
 individuals make costly mistakes in this area than you might imagine. 
It's kind of the 'tunnel vision' syndrome. We mistakenly assume that 
potential buyer share our taste and approve of our hobbies. Check out 
the following list to see if you are guilty of seller's tunnel vision:Signs of Tunnel Vision 

If you can relate to any of the following statements, we have a 
problem. Tunnel vision can greatly reduce the number of people who will 
find your home appealing, and of course that is NOT what we are after.1.
 Is your decorating all over the place? Keeping a consistent theme 
throughout the home is important. If your exterior says Spanish 
architecture and wrought iron, but your living room says Little House on
 the Prairie, we've got problems. Don't make noticeable changes from 
room to room or outside to interior. If your house has a Mediterranean 
feel, keep it flowing from front yard to back.2. Are you a single person living in a family oriented neighborhood? Believe it or not, most people don't have the imagination
 skills you give them credit for. If your home has three bedrooms, but 
you use two of them to display your sports paraphernalia, you guessed 
it...problem. Always stage your home to make practical sense to 
potential buyers. If that means borrowing bedroom furniture from your
 sister to stage the rooms, do whatever it takes. Set up each room for 
the purpose intended.On a similar note, if you have a family, and currently have bedrooms or a bathroom decorated with fairy princess wallpaper
 borders or Tonka trucks...problem. Everything in the home should appeal
 to everyone in the home. Your home should be staged as 'move in ready.'
 Wall murals or childish decorations may reduce your potential buying 
audience.3. Community feel. Are you right in the middle of a boating or golf community but work against it? Individualism is important,
 but not in a specified community. If everyone is into fishing, boating,
 and water fun, but you've decided to go with a country or Amish type decor...problem. It is best to stick with the general feel of the 
community.For a boater's paradise, stick with neutral seaside 
colors, an open and airy feel, and a simple, non-cluttered look. Trying 
to stand out from the crowd with a completely different feel, will only 
make your home look out of place.4. Are you hanging on to 
outdated flooring or cheap window treatments? Speaking from experience, 
there are generally two things that affect the overall look of your home
 as much as a fresh coat of paint. The first is new flooring and the 
second is your window treatments.It may end up being a small investment, but that navy blue carpet in your living room really isn't going to appeal to anyone.
 Everyone is going to notice it and (you guess it), it's going to be a 
problem. It is worth the time and effort to pull up that eyesore and put
 down some wood or neutral tile.Another fix is to transition 
from $10 roll up blinds to inviting and warm window treatments. Wood 
blinds and/or fabric drapery will warm and freshen the look of your 
home. During the walk through, don't forget to open the blinds and let 
the natural lightening in.Those four quick tips will make a big  difference in defining your target market. Proper staging, neutral colors, removal of eyesores, and keeping with a basic theme will all work to your advantage.For more tips on listing and selling your home, feel free to contact us at 239-691-0157. We will gladly answer your questions and assist you any way we can. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 06 Mar 2011 20:28:53 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/why-real-estate-professionals-make-all-the-difference-in-todays-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/why-real-estate-professionals-make-all-the-difference-in-todays-market.html</link>
            <author>david@davidsporleder.com (David Sporleder)</author>
            <title>Why Real Estate Professionals Make All the Difference in Today's Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the world of yesterday, real estate professionals were skilled experts that many people chose to utilize but not everyone felt were necessary for their home buying or selling transaction. Today, however, the general attitude toward real estate professionals has seen a drastic shift. When looking to buy or sell Cape Coral real estate, roughly 95 percent of the population feels that having a skilled realtor heading the project isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.


Changing Times, Changing Markets...Stable Realtors


Today, whether you are looking for Cape Coral homes or trying to sell your Cape Coral waterfront property, a professional real estate agent can make the difference between success and total failure. It isn’t just that real estate transactions are complex and time consuming; it’s the completely different playing field that is the current real estate market. With foreclosures on the rise and the plethora of financing options available, most people recognize that this is not a task to take on without the help of someone in the know.


Professionals are like the glue that holds a Cape Coral real estate transaction together. The best realtors have been around the block more than a time or two and keep up with changing technology and marketing practices. They know what needs to be done in order to sell a house and they also know how to get the best deal on that Cape Coral waterfront home that was made just for you. 


Finding the Balance Between Realtors and Technology


While it is very true that home buyers and sellers have more resources at their fingertips than ever before with regard to their Cape Coral real estate needs, technology will only carry you so far. Use the MLS system to research the market if you are selling. Use it to search for Cape Coral homes if you are buying. Explore all there is to explore and take advantage of the vast resource that is the internet. But when it comes time to act, a staggering majority of people know that going it alone is a bad idea. 


This is particularly true if you are interested in a home that has been listed as a foreclosure. While not all foreclosures are the deal most people dream of, many of them can be. For that reason, foreclosed Cape Coral homes are a particularly competitive market with real estate investors heading the line. If you want to make an offer that’s going to get attention from the financial institution holding the property without offering so much that it’s no longer a deal, then a real estate professional is your best and quickest route to that end.


Ultimately, today’s real estate market calls for a careful balance between user friendly technological resources and skilled, expert, and experienced real estate professionals. When both are working together in harmony, it provides an avenue that, in most circumstances, leads to a favorable outcome for both the buyer and seller of whichever particular piece of Cape Coral real estate is involved. 


Whether you are looking to buy or sell, we would be more than pleased to serve you as your real estate professional. Give our office a call today. You'll be glad you did!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:55:48 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate-101-why-not-to-call-the-number-on-the-for-sale-sign.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate-101-why-not-to-call-the-number-on-the-for-sale-sign.html</link>
            <author>david@davidsporleder.com (David Sporleder)</author>
            <title>Cape Coral Real Estate 101: Why not to Call the Number on the For Sale Sign</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Cape Coral Real Estate 101: Why not to Call the Number on the For Sale SignSo, you are ready to invest in your own slice of paradise. You've come to visit for your last time now that you're finally done with the sleet and snow. It's time to stop dreaming and invest in your own Cape Coral property. Congratulations! You couldn't have made a better decision. Now that you're ready to call Cape Coral your permanent home, here's some sound advice that might help your pocketbook. As you're driving around looking for the perfect Cape Coral property to invest in, don't call the number on the for sale sign in the front yard! Yes, you heard me right. That's the mistake that a lot of prospective home buyers make, but you don't have to be next. Why Shouldn't You Call the Number on the For Sale Sign?Let's look at this issue with a new perspective. Buying your Cape Coral property isn't the same as buying a car or a new couch. When you purchase a home, there are two real estate agents involved. One, represents the seller and the other represents the buyer. If you go ahead and dial the number on the for sale sign, guess who you are calling? You guessed it; the agent who is representing the seller. The listing agent, or the phone number that's on the sign, has a contractual obligation to the seller. The listing agent's entire purpose is to negotiate the highest possible price for the Cape Coral home they are showing. Now, if you do call the number on the sign, the listing agent will not turn you away, but it's really not going to benefit you financially to use an agent who isn't 100% on your team. If you were going to court, you wouldn't want to use the same attorney as the other party, would you? You'd want someone who was going up to bat with your best interest in mind. Real estate is the same.How to Choose Your Real Estate AgentSo, what should you do? As a serious home buyer who is looking to invest in a Cape Coral property, you should contact a real estate agent before you ever start looking at properties. Doing so will save you from looking at properties that might give you more of a headache than they are worth. An experienced real estate agent, who lives, works, and plays right here in Cape Coral will be familiar with all the little things that you may not think of while you are looking at potential properties. If you are new to Cape Coral, maybe you aren't aware of the fact that some of the homes in Cape Coral are on well water and some have city water either with or without assessments. Eventually, all of Cape Coral will have city water, but you may want to look at homes that already have water assessment fees paid for. That's a smart financial move. If you are using a real estate agent who is only representing you, and not the seller, he or she will tell you the pros as well as the possible cons of a property you are considering. Why? Because a real estate agent that is really on your team is not only interested in the sale they are about to make, but they want to be referred to your family members and friends as a person that can be trusted. When you choose to work with our office, we will sit down with you and find out what your parameters are. Are you looking for a Cape Coral waterfront home? Do you want to be near the golf course? Do you need to stay in a certain price range or square footage? All these are important issues. Once we know exactly what you are looking for, we will go to bat on your behalf. We will negotiate the very best deal for you based on our knowledge of the area and current home prices. If you start looking at homes on your own, without an agent, it can be very easy to get caught up in the benefits of a property without looking at it from a sound, financial perspective. We want you to be happy with your new Cape Coral property today, and ten years from now. So, don't just call the number on the sign. Call us first and we will help you find the Cape Coral home of your dreams.   ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:08:27 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate-101-deciphering-the-terms.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.davidsporleder.com/blog/cape-coral-real-estate-101-deciphering-the-terms.html</link>
            <author>david@davidsporleder.com (David Sporleder)</author>
            <title>Cape Coral Real Estate 101: Deciphering the Terms</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Cape Coral Real Estate 101: Deciphering the Terms Cape Coral real estate sales terms can be quite confusing to those who are not familiar with them. Conventional sales, short sales, and foreclosures all create varying buying conditions and have unique circumstances surrounding them. In order to get through the process unscathed, you’ll need to make sure you have a professional and qualified realtor working on your behalf. However, knowing a little bit about the different situations that could come up with your prospective Cape Coral property can help make the process a little less confusing. Here's some basic terminology to get you started in Real Estate 101. Conventional Cape Coral Real Estate SalesConventional sales are those that are exactly what most homebuyers expect. You and your realtor find a property, you make an offer, sign a contract, and close. Ok, well it can get a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the general idea. Sometimes you may have to amend or extend a contract to deal with delays in appraisals and financing, but most people can expect to close on a conventional sale within about 30 days.Cape Coral Real Estate Short Sales


Don’t let the term “short sale” fool you. Short sales are typically anything but short. Closing on a Cape Coral waterfront property or any other home listed for short sale can take up to 6 months in some cases. It’s a complex procedure that usually involves placing a offer on the home, inspecting the property to determine value, and waiting on the financial institution to decide whether the bid  is too low, too high, or too anything else.


 Generally speaking, short sales aren’t for homebuyers who are looking to move into their new Cape Coral property right away. They can be good buys sometimes, so long as you don’t mind making some repairs and waiting to move. Sometimes, these repairs can be quite extensive, which can create problems if you are obtaining financing for your purchase.  If the home will cost too much to repair, they may not be willing to lend the amount of the offer.


Short sales require the work of experienced realtors who understand the process. In most cases, the goal of a short sale is to unload the property before it enters into foreclosure and minimize any losses for the bank. In ideal cases, closing may be possible in about a month, but don’t set your heart on that goal. A good realtor can help, but there isn’t much that will motivate the banks to work faster except a rapidly approaching foreclosure date.


Cape Coral Real Estate Foreclosures


We’ve already discussed foreclosures in detail in a previous post, so we won’t spend a lot of time here today. The basics of foreclosures, however, is that the property owner defaulted on their mortgage repayment and ownership of the property reverted to the lending institute. Foreclosures can be a great way to pick up Cape Coral waterfront property that may otherwise be out of your price range, but you still need to have an experienced realtor helping you through the sometimes-complicated process. Whichever type of contract you choose to enter, a little bit of foreknowledge can go a long way toward easing your anxiety and making the experience a pleasant one.


If you are looking at Cape Coral waterfront property, we'd be happy to assist you. You'll find our friendly and knowledgeable staff to be a breath of fresh air. We know the industry...We know Cape Coral, and we are here to help you find the Cape Coral property of your dreams. Give us a call. You'll be glad you did! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:25:54 -0600</pubDate>
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