Interest Rates as Low as 5%???

I recently read an article in Realtor Magazine Online(R) which stated that the Fed may lower the 30 year fixed to less than 5.5%. Click here to read the article. This week alone rates on 30-year mortgages fell for the third straight week - to 6.24 percent - dropping to the lowest level in five months (Source:Freddie Mac). What does this mean for buyers? This may be a good time to buy - With increased inventory, low interest rates, and many sellers offering great incentives now might be the perfect time to buy your Florida home. For sellers? As more buyers come into the market, properly priced properties will sell.

Interested in the Naples - Bonita Springs area? E-mail me for tons more information! Click here to search the MLS!

Buying? Selling? Contact me today!

239 776 0090

Bonita Springs, FL Market Statistics

I get these questions all the time...How many homes have sold in my city? My community? Are you interested in the Bonita Springs market? Are you wondering if now is a good time to buy OR do you have a home to sell? Just curious? E-MAIL me for lots more information, statistics, and general information on the Bonita Springs - Naples area!

Here are some statistics on resale SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Bonita Springs:

Single Family Re-Sale in Bonita Springs, FL

November 1, 2006 - October 31, 2007

Month - Number Sold - Average Price

November 2006 - 8 - $669,333

December 2006 - 29- $744,190

January 2007 - 22- $840,172

February 2007 - 23- $929,136

March 2007 - 44 - $866,706

April 2007- 41 - $756,127

May 2007 - 39- $958,094

June 2007 - 32- $826,424

July 2007- 16- $933,125

August 2007- 27 - $765,643

September 2007- 23 - $678,458

October 2007 - 26 - $650,365

Please remember that these are SINGLE FAMILY homes only - this does not include condominiums. Interested in the condo market?

E-mail me!

Rebecca Dean - Amerivest Realty - 239 776 0090

CLICK HERE to search for Bonita Springs Property!
All information compiled from SUNSHINE MLS

Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed

Visit my WEB SITE!

Hunters Ridge - Listed to Contract in Less Than ONE week!

UPDATE on 12607 Glenn Hollow Drive - Bonita Springs, Florida

Hunters Ridge Country Club - Well maintained pool home with charter golf membership LISTED by Rebecca Dean and in contract WITHIN 7 days!

This home was listed with several other Realtors for over 1 1/2 years with NO showings or offers. How did I do it? PRICE. I price my listings correctly the first time. Over priced listings do NOT sell.

I know that it is tempting to go with the listing agent that is telling you the higher price, but please, be wary - realistic goals and prices are key for a sale in today's market.

Call me (239 776 0090) or e-mail me to discuss listing your home today.

Visit my web site to search properties and see my featured listings...

Hunters Ridge in Bonita Springs...Only $289,000! Includes golf!

Golf included for under $300,000...Minutes to Gulf Beaches!

NEW LISTING!
Hunters Ridge Country Club - 12706 Glen Hollow Drive - Bonita Springs, Florida 34135

This well maintained 2bedroom +den/ 2 bath pool home comes with a CHARTER GOLF membership! The charter golf membership is valued at $33,000 and you decide annually if you will use the golf membership or not...Please visit The Hunters Ridge Community Association home page for more information on membership fees.
Hunters Ridge is a private golf community just east of I75 in Bonita Springs, Florida. The community offers 18 holes of golf, tennis, fitness center, putting green, professional management, plenty of activities, clubhouse with restaurant, and so much more. The location could not be better - located on Bonita Beach Road, Hunters Ridge is just minutes to everything that is SW Florida...Minutes to Barefoot and Bonita Beaches, upscale dining and shopping, including the new open air mega mall, Coconut Point. Hunters Ridge is just minutes to Naples and a quick 20 minutes to Southwest Int'l Airport via I75.
ALL THIS FOR JUST $289,000!!! This is an incredible value! If you are looking for a golf course home with a pool - Look no further...This is the home for you!

Please click here to view listing information. E-mail me for more information or to schedule your personal tour of this lovely home.

If you are considering listing your property - PLEASE do yourself a favor...use a lock box!

I have been working on a listing for a few months now. The sellers called me a while back - well before their listing expired with their last agent. The listing expired just a few days ago and we are meeting this weekend. Now, this is a great listing - good price, excellent upscale gated community, yet it had been on the market over a year! Upon picking the listing apart - I found the problems. Among them, very high starting price with many reductions down to the current price, bad pictures (angles were odd, etc.), the virtual tour was not actually a virtual tour but a photo gallery, no agent web site featuring the property (that I could find), and last but not least - NO lock box! I double checked - yup, it said, NO lock box - call listing agent. Now, I thought - this is odd. Why would the previous agent not use a lock box? In my market - we have many, many vacant properties because we are a second, third and so on home market. The norm is to put on a lock box if possible. This house is vacant with little personal belongings. When I spoke to the home owners again I asked why no lock box and they said their previous agent said they should not use a lock box but really offered no explanation why! They told me they were not against one. I explained the main benefit of using one : to get the buyers and their agents into the home quickly with little hassle. At least in my market, agents are much more likely to show a home that is on a lock box as opposed to getting the key in the listing office or waiting for the listing agent to show up and let them in. There is simply way too much to pick from - the homes that get shown are easy to get into.

So, please sellers, agree to use a lock box! It is perfectly safe and I can guarantee your home will be shown more.

Questions? E-mail me!

Woodlake at Bonita Bay...Market Update

Woodlake at Bonita Bay is a lovely, well established community of single family homes within Bonita Bay. Bonita Bay has 5 (member only) championship golf courses, social, sports, and marina club memberships, a private Gulf of Mexico beach club with free shuttle bus service, miles of walking trails, a state of the art fitness and tennis center...and so much more. All west of Route 41. Boaters can enjoy the Marina Club which offers top notch service with Gulf access.

There are currently:

5 active listings ranging in price from $764,900 (approx. 2400 sq ft) to $2,759,900 (approx 4300 sq ft).

1 pending sale (list price is $1,250,000 / 3200 sq ft).

My pick is a lovely 4 bedroom home that boasts approx 2900 sq ft of renovated living space along with tranquil lake views and a large pool and spa. Click here to view listing details. The list price is $1,100,000. Please call or e-mail me for your tour of this award winning community and this beautiful home.

Source: Sunshine MLS

Your E-mails will be answered!

I just don't get it. Why is it that I e-mail listing agents to make showing appointments or to inquire about their listing and they don't get back to me for two++ days? (The average response time is 2 days with some agents NEVER responding!?) I just think - Can you imagine how much business they are missing out on by not using or checking their e-mail?

Here are my thoughts on e-mail:

• First, and most important, CHECK YOUR MAIL at least 2x daily, morning and evening. I am always connected via laptop and PDA. Both devices alert me to new e-mail as soon as it comes in. Realtors that are not checking at least twice daily are doing themselves and their clients a huge disservice.


• 
  Respond upon opening even if all you have to say at the moment is something like, "thank you for your e-mail I will be in touch shortly"...anything to let the sender know you have received the message and you are on top of things. Then flag and respond later with more detailed information.


• 
  Upon responding - please use spell check. It is so easy and it makes you (and all of us as a whole) look well versed and intelligent. Full sentences are always nice, too.


• 
  If I am responding to a potential buyer I always add in some links. This looks professional and shows area knowledge. If the buyer has children I may link to school information. If they have told me being on the water is important, I will link to beach or boating information. Of course, this works for sellers, too.


• 
  Use a conservative signature. Please, nothing big and gaudy. It takes away from what you are actually saying. The signature should be consistent and simple. Ever see the signature that has three web sites, links to every designation, and a picture of the family dog? What did you think? The worst I have seen included LARGE, antique looking hibiscus flowers...Did I mention they were large and numerous? Our clients want the facts - they usually don't want to see flowers or your dog.


• 
  Use Outlook (or a similar mail program) to organize and save your mail in folders.


• 
  Save all mail from every client or lead and back your data up frequently...you never know when you'll need to retrieve it.

E-mail is a huge part of my business. For both my buyers and sellers it is my preferred method of communication and I find people like that. They want the information but they want it in the least intrusive way possible.

Village Walk of Bonita Springs -- More Pictures!

VILLAGE WALK of Bonita Springs ~~ Bonita Springs, Florida

I took some additional pictures of Village Walk this morning. Have a look! If you have any questions about Village Walk or any other community here in the Bonita Springs - Naples area please e-mail me! Click here to visit my web site where you can search for property!

Village Walk is known for its many walking paths and bridges like this one...We have seen Florida soft shell turtles and several types of fish while looking over this bridge!

The Town Center!

Don't forget to visit my web site!

Village Walk of Bonita Springs

Divosta's Village Walk of Bonita Springs has recently open its Town Center! Complete with:

Post Office
Bank
Cafe/Restaurant with pool side service (opening end of September)
Hair Salon
Nail Salon (opening within 2 weeks!)
Tennis Courts complete with pros for lessons!
Basketball/Bocce Courts
Playground
Resort style pool
Lap pool
Travel Agency
Gas Pumps
Car Wash
Fitness Center over looking lake and gazebo
Library/Computer Room
Beautiful Common Areas - complete with falt screen TV, fireplaces, comfy sofas...
Banquet Hall
On site Manager

The amenities are truly fabulous - you really don't have to leave your home! Unless you want to do some first class shopping at Coconut Point Mall, Waterside Shops, or the Promenade....all just a short ride.

Village Walk of Bonita Springs is located on Bonita Beach Road 3 miles east of I75 between Fort Myers and Naples. Just 20 minutes south of Southwest International Airport. Minutes to the white sand beaches of the Gulf.

There are several models to pick from:

• Capri III1526 Square Feet2 Bedrooms2 Full Bathrooms0 Half Bathrooms





• Cayman1720 Square Feet3 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms0 Half Bathrooms





• Oakmont2000 Square Feet3 Bedrooms2 Full Bathrooms0 Half Bathrooms





• Carlyle2506 Square Feet4 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms0 Half Bathrooms

If you are interested in waiting for pre construction - E-mail me and I will register you. You need someone on your side when buying from a developer. Please remember you need your Realtor with you the first time you visit!

Don't want to wait? There are plenty of re sales at great prices. Please click here to search all available homes. Any home you see I can show you. Currently there are:

• 58 active listings ranging from $547,000 - $245,000





• 1 active w/ a contract (Cayman model)





• 2 pending sales - a Capri and Oakmont models




• Last closed sale was on 8/23/07 - a Carlyle model

Source: Sunshine MLS 8/27/07
___________________________________________________________________
E-mail or call (239.776.0090) today to find out how you can live life beautifully in Southwest Florida!

Visit my web site for more information!
Rebecca L. Dean - Amerivest Realty - 239.776.0090

Chihuahua saves baby!

As a Chihuahua mom I had to post this - as the article states, these dogs don't get enough credit due to their size. These little dogs may be super tiny but they are smart and dedicated to their family....Click here to read the story!

Here is my girl - Lola Lilly!

Internet Marketing

I have long relied on the power of the World Wide Web in my marketing plan. This article from The Naples Daily News really backs up what I already knew. Newspaper advertising is becoming a thing of the past as more and more buyers and sellers take to the Internet when looking for homes and the professionals who sell them. Click here to read the full story.

In my experience, (and I have spent thousands of dollars on print advertising) is that for the most part - it is a complete waste. I never wanted to believe it, but it is. Tried and true.

Now with that said...You ask, do you EVER advertise in the paper? The answer is yes, I do. When? When my sellers ask me to. I will advertise in local newspapers if my sellers really want me to - it is something we discuss before I take the listing.

So, you are wondering if I do ANY print advertising...I do indeed. I advertise every month (October -May) in Homes and Land. Homes and Land is a full color magazine that is distributed in local, high traffic public areas (ie: Publix, Perkins, Gas stations, etc.). It can also be read on line. When I place an ad in Homes and Land the ad is immediately posted on their web site! Perfect! I get quality print advertising and the power of the web. I also advertise in other quality, color magazines depending on the community and the price of the home...

And remember - each marketing plan is different. This post is not to say I will never run newspaper ads it is merely meant to show potential and existing clients that the future is in the Internet...

If you have property you'd like to sell in Bonita Springs - Naples or if you are already listed with another realtor and are not seeing any results....ask yourself these questions:

• Does my realtor have a web site and blog? Have I even visited their site and blog? Is my property on their sites? If the answer is NO to any of these. Stop here and E-mail me today.



• Do you get bi weekly or monthly market updates e-mailed to you that pertain to your home and community? A realtor should be in touch...often.



• Wait, does your realtor have e-mail? E-mail is a very easy, fast way to communicate. It is not intrusive - and you can reply whenever you want. If your realtor is still calling and saying "they just don't do e-mail"...STOP and E-mail me. Today.



• Is my realtor tech savvy or behind the times? Unfortunately, many Realtors who have lots of experience, 20, 30 years, are behind the times. No amount of experience is going to make up for not understanding e-mail and the Internet..because, as you just read - the Internet is the future of successful marketing. Not to mention the fact, that in today's fast paced business world contracts and other important documents are e-mailed, faxed, scanned, etc.



• Is my realtor available by e-mail 24/7? And if so, will my e-mail be answered the same day? You should not get "away messages" - Most successful Realtors have PDA's and can answer e-mail anytime, anywhere.

Call me to discuss your property. Did I mention that I don't charge any early termination fees? If your not happy with my services - we'll terminate our agreements. It is that simple.

Visit my web site! You can search thousands of properties, get local information, and more!

Rebecca Dean - Realtor, Certified e-Pro

Amerivest Realty

239.776.0090

San Mirage Update

San Mirage is a gated, amenity filled community located off of Rt. 41 in Bonita Springs, Florida.

If you have not visited San Mirage - Please e-mail me for your personal tour!

Here is what is happening at San Mirage:

There are 28 active listings consisting of 1,2, & 3 bedroom condos

• 3 - 3 bedrooms/2 bath ranging in price from $250,000 - $215,000
• 14 - 2 bedrooms/2bath ranging in price from $299,900 - $199,900
• 11 - 1 bedroom/1bath ranging in price from $249,900 - $164,900
• There is 1 pending sale - a 1 bedroom/1bath

Remember: Price depends on where the condo is located within the community, what floor it is on, if there are any upgrades, if there is a tenant in place, if it is furnished or not, if there are extra parking spots or carports, and of course, seller comfort. Please keep in mind when considering a purchase - you can make an offer!

MY FEATURED San Mirage LISTINGS

• 2/2 on the 1st floor with a courtyard view and a CARPORT! Freshly painted, new carpet, new kitchen counter, and VACANT! Move in and enjoy the winter in Florida! Asking $229,000. Click here for more information/pictures.

• 2/2 on the 2nd floor - WITH A TENANT in place! This is a fabulous opportunity for the savvy investor - Buy now with a tenant in place while prices are low! Tenant has just agreed to stay another year! Asking $236,900 - Click here for more information/pictures.

• 1/1 on second floor (only two floors in this building!) with courtyard view, steps from pool. This condo is totally renovated with GRANITE, WOOD, 18" TILE, new bathroom, new raised cabinets, modern track lighting...Condo is partly furnished for only $179,900! This is the BEST 1/1 at San Mirage and is one of the lowest priced units! To see pictures - Click here!

Don't forget San Mirage's LOCATION! San Mirage is located between Old and New Rt. 41 on Signal Rd. in Bonita Springs - across from the movie theatre. This is an excellent location! Minutes from Gulf Beaches including Barefoot Beach (listed as one of America's best beaches!), shopping (brand new MEGA-MALL Coconut Point is 3 miles away!!), fine and casual dining, movies, and so much more...San Mirage is affordable luxury in the heart of Southwest Florida.

E-mail me to discuss the possibilities.

Click here to visit my web site where you can search for property and get local information...

Remember: The average temperature in January/February in Bonita Springs is 70-75 degrees!

The Reserve @ Naples...2 bed/1bath

Here is another great deal courtesy of Rebecca Dean of Amerivest Realty in Naples!

Newly renovated (and vacant) two bedroom, 1 bathroom @ The Reserve in Naples offered at $245,900.

The Reserve at Naples is centrally located off of Pine Ridge Rd - Just west of I75, minutes to everything Naples has to offer! Minutes to the Gulf Beaches, Waterside Shops, movies, 5th Avenue....This location is unbeatable!

• Granite in kitchen and bathroom



• 18" porcelain tile in wet areas



• Hard wood floors



• Fresh neutral paint



• 2nd floor - steps to huge pool



• Low monthly fees which includes "valet" garbage, cable, and water



• One of the lowest priced 2 bedrooms @ The Reserve with upgrades!



• Perfect for snowbirds and/or investors



• Owner/agent

Click here for more information! Call Rebecca for a private showing...239.776.0090.

Southwest Florida Real Estate Market Update

I have personally seen more activity over the past few weeks. Buyers seem to be ready to make their move. Sellers are ready for offers.
The response to my marketing has been the best it has been all season. Just yesterday I received the second call this week on the same property...Which resulted in a buyers' agent previewing the condo for her client. Her client is coming into town within a week or two to invest in Southwest Florida real estate. According to this article from The Naples Daily News I am not alone...many agents have seen a flurry of activity since Easter.
Typically, Easter marks the "end of season" here...however, this year may be different. The difference is most likely due to the fact that many buyers were waiting for "the bottom"...since we are now starting to see signs of leveling off many buyers are ready to make their move. Many properties have been reduced over $60,000+ since the beginning of season. Buyers are feeling like they are getting a deal and sellers are happy to be receiving offers....Signs of normalcy.

1 bedroom 1 bathroom available @ San Mirage in Bonita Springs!

1 bedroom 1 bathroom @ San Mirage back on the market! Don't miss this chance to own a piece of Bonita Springs for $179,900!

• Perfect location between Gulf Beaches and the new Coconut Point Mall.
• Fully renovated with tile and wood floors, new cabinets, fresh paint, and granite.
• Partially furnished.
• For more info and pictures click here.

If you are interested in listing a property please contact me and don't forget to visit my web site for more information.

San Mirage is affordable luxury. Click here to search all of the available properties in this gated community.

E-mail me

San Mirage - A Gated Community in Bonita Springs, FL

San Mirage is a gated community consisting of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos located just off of Tamiami Trail (Rt.41) in Bonita Springs. San Mirage offers many amenities sure to please everyone...Along with the ideal location - between Gulf Beaches and the new mega-mall, Coconut Point - this community is one not to be missed if you are in the market for a place to call home!

San Mirage is within walking distance to the movies, shops, and restaurants.The Promenade @ Bonita Bay is just a stone's throw away....The Promenade provides upscale dining and shopping that is sure to please.

San Mirage truly offers a luxury lifestyle at an affordable price, with units available under $200,000! The price, the location, and the resort like amenites make San Mirage a great value!

Amenities include:

• Huge Resort - Like Pool and Spa
• Cabana's
• Outdoor Wet Bar (complete with television)
• Clubhouse
• Fitness Center
• Car Wash Station
• Tennis

SEARCH FOR SAN MIRAGE PROPERTY

E- Mail me for more information!

Mortage Rates Unchanged

Mortage rates are unchanged - staying near the lowest levels for the year. To read full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n2-033007.cfm

Village Walk of Bonita Springs...A Great place to live!

Village Walk of Bonita Springs is a gated Divosta community located on Bonita Beach Road three miles east of I75 - Minutes from Bonita Beach and a short 20 minute ride to Southwest International Airport. Village Walk offers miles and miles of walking paths that take you over bridges that are abundant with wild life. We have seen otters, turtles, beautiful birds, and fish on our walks. As if the lush landscaping ,walking paths, and bridges were not enough the Town Center will be completed in May 2007. The Town Center will offer a gas station, a post office, a restaurant, bank, hair and nail salons, basketball, tennis, and bocce ball courts, a large resort style swimming pool, a playground, fitness center, and a car wash station. Village Walk also offers a full time activities director that provides many fun social events.

Village Walk offers homes from the $300,000's - both new construction and resales are available.

• Capri - 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms - Approx. 1526 sq. ft.

  Cayman - 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms - Approx. 1720 sq. ft

  Oakmont - 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms (with a split master bathroom) - Approx. 2000 sq. ft

  Carlyle - 4 bedrooms/3 bathrooms - Approx. 2506 sq. ft

Pools are optional

If you are interested in a pre construction sale PLEASE ALLOW ME TO REGISTER YOU at the Village Walk Sales Center. As your buyer's agent I will work in YOUR best interest. Sales associates at on site sale centers DO NOT work in your best interest - They are working for the developer. Why not have someone on YOUR side? Commissions are paid by the seller/developer.

If you cannot wait for a new construction please visit my web site to view all of the current listings in Village Walk - And remember, I can show you ANY property you see. There are many fabulous homes available for purchase immediately! No need to wait....

Local news

For local news please visit http://www.bonitanews.com

Boating Estero Bay

WOW! What a gorgeous week! We spent much of our week here hitting the water...It was just simply too nice to ignore our boat. The seas were calm and the bay calmer - High tide was after lunch each day...The bright blue/green Gulf water flowed beautifully into Hickory Pass.

Some feathered friends enjoying the water....

Don't forget the ART SHOW at The Promenade this weekend from 10- 5 both Saturday and Sunday! The Promenade at Bonita Bay is located on Rt. 41 (Tamiami Trail) in Bonita Springs. For more info: http://artinusa.com/bonita/

Intro

Hello and welcome!
After living in rural New York and Connecticut all of my life in the Summer of 2006 my family and I decided to move into our Florida vacation home to escape the misery of another winter in the Northeast.

I am a licensed realtor with Amerivest Realty in Naples, Florida. I am also a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor with businesses and property in both New York and Florida. My family (husband and two daughters) and I divide our time between New York and Florida.

As I write this in early March, all I can say is that we count our blessings each day as we wake to another beautiful Florida day! We can always count on the sun here in Bonita Springs as even on cloudy days it tries so very hard to peak out - even if it is just for an hour or so...Please know that my pictures and raves barely scratch the surface of this beautiful area we call home - From white sand shell filled beaches and gorgeous sunsets to the fine dining and upscale shopping...And did I mention the golf? The boating? The fishing? What about the Arts? Read on for more information....

I hope you all enjoy my blog - I created this blog to share information, links, pictures, and my thoughts on the Bonita Springs/Naples area and local and national real estate. Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and of course, search my web site http://www.RebeccaLDean.com to search thousands of listings...Just maybe you'll find your piece of paradise.....