Selling a Condo vs. Selling a House

Four Reasons Why Selling a Condo is Different Than Selling a House

Selling a Condo vs. selling a house is a delicate dance. From the initial marketing to the final price negotiations, everything needs to be tailored to the type of home being sold. However, because of their main differences, this process can look very different when selling a condo versus selling a house. 

Reason #1: The Homeowners Association or HOA

As all condo owners will know very well, almost all condos come with some type of HOA, or homeowners association. 

The HOA generally handles common areas like swimming pools, the exterior of the building, and landscaping. Sometimes, the HOA is also responsible for holding social events throughout the year.

However, all of this comes at a few costs. The first is money; a HOA cannot operate or pay necessary expenses without charging residents a monthly fee. The second is freedom; most HOAs have rules that need to be followed.

When selling a condo, potential buyers will balance the costs of each HOA with the benefits.

Reason #2: Real Estate Investors 

When selling a condo, it's reasonable to expect a larger number of investors considering the property than when selling a home. After all, renting out condos is a big business.

As a result, selling a condo could mean a faster closing, a cash offer, or even competing bids if the condo is on prime property.

Reason #3: The Type of Buyer

Different types of buyers look at a condo versus a home. For starters, condos are generally smaller, don't have yards, have all landscaping handled professionally, and frequently come with amenities like a swimming pool or fitness center. 

While a good majority of potential buyers with children would love a swimming pool with zero maintenance, they aren't willing to make the trade for a smaller space. This means that when selling a condo, potential buyers will generally be single adults, newly married couples, or retired professionals looking to downgrade to an easier property.

Reason #4: Location, Location, Location

Every real estate agent knows that one factor, above all others, is most important when selling a property: location. Being close to town versus far away from traffic, near downtown excitement versus in a quiet neighborhood, or near shopping centers versus on the edge of nowhere all come into play for a property's value and desirability.

Generally speaking, condos tend to be closer to urban areas, shopping, and entertainment. This also means that their price per square foot is frequently higher. As a result, owners looking to sell their condo should carefully consult with their real estate agent about the best way to market their property and a fair listing price. Please Contact me if you have any questions or like insight on the value of your property.

Down Payment stopping you from buying?

The down payment is everything

The Down Payment: Everything You Need to Know About Your Down Payment on a New Home

The downpayment is everything. Whether you're just starting to shop for a new home or you've found the perfect house and are crafting your offer, if you're taking out a mortgage to help cover your real estate purchase you've likely given some thought to your down payment. Let"s explore the topic of down payments and share how the amount you put down on your home will affect your mortgage.

How Your Down Payment Affects Your Mortgage

As you know, your mortgage is essentially a large long-term loan that is paid back with interest over a set time period. If you put a large down payment against the purchase, you will not only reduce the amount that you'll need to pay back, but you'll also reduce the lender's risk, and this may allow them to provide you with lower interest rates. Conversely, if you can't place very much down on your home and you're left borrowing as much as you can you may find that your mortgage comes with higher interest rates or that some mortgage lenders refuse your business entirely.

The Gold Standard: 20% of the Purchase Price

For the vast majority of homeowners, it's expected that they will be able to contribute at least 20 percent of the home's purchase price. For example, if you are buying a $200,000 house you'll need to have at least $40,000 available for your down payment. Note that the 20 percent figure isn't a hard requirement; some mortgage lenders will be willing to approve you with less, but you may be subject to private mortgage insurance, higher interest rates and more.

Saving Up Your Down Payment

Depending on your financial situation and the cost of your home you may find that saving up 20 percent of the purchase price to put toward a down payment places a strain on your finances. If you still have a year or more before you're ready to jump into the real estate market, consider putting some money aside each month that can be used for a down payment. If you receive any lump sum payments as a tax return, save this in your down payment fund as well.

Down payment help

Florida is the second most state in the nation only behind Texas that offers over 260 plus programs in assisting first time home buyers, home buyers as well as those with credit below par. Strong consideration and different guidelines to those that served or serving in law enforcement, Firefighter, healthcare, education and those serving in our military. There are programs for surviving spouse of a military member or public protector. Bottom line, there is help out there, and you may qualify for it. There nothing to lose and better to know about these programs before you buy that house you want and not after.

FHA, Home Step plus many other Programs

There are also many Fannie Mae programs that allow you to place as little as 3.5% down and in some few cases 3%. There are also, HUD, Government programs.  The is the information home buyers should be aware of and less frightened with when dealing with the home buying process. It can overwhelm and scare capable home buyers away. Work with leaders, and mortgage companies that your Realtor can best advise you to check on. They would know some reliable, and problem-solving lenders best suited to help people not capable of the 20% down payment. VA loans require zero % down.  Contact your realtor, hire one. Test them and work with just that agent.  You find loyalty brings home buyers the best service.

As you can see, your down payment is one of the most important considerations you'll have to make.

Remember to use the FIND DOWN PAYMENT HELP above.

Pathways to Real Estate Resources

USDA Mortgages: Take Advantage of These Low-rate Mortgage Loans to Buy a New Home

Are you thinking about buying a home in a rural or suburban area? If so, you'll want to take a look at the United States Department of Agriculture's mortgage programs as you may qualify for them. In today's blog post, we'll introduce the USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, explain the benefits of this mortgage program and how to determine if you qualify.  

What is a USDA Mortgage Loan?

  The USDA mortgage program is one of many programs in which the federal government will guarantee a mortgage loan as long as the recipient meets certain criteria. The intent of this program is to provide a boost to residents of rural or suburban areas who are struggling to obtain a traditional mortgage. USDA mortgage loans are an ideal solution for those who are looking for 15 or 30-year amortization periods as they tend to have lower interest rates than mortgages offered by banks and other lenders. There are many other programs available that can do equality as good as the USDA Loan. All one has to do, is click on the link below (Find Down Payment Help) and fill in the short questionnaire to receive what programs are available. Florida, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres as well as throughout SW Florida Lee County there are programs. Presently Florida has the second largest assistance home buying programs, over 250 plus various aid, in the country. Take advantage of them. Nothing to lose in filling out the form and receive your quick response.

USDA Mortgage Loan Benefits

  There are numerous benefits to USDA mortgages that make this an enticing option compared to a mortgage from a traditional lender. As these loans offer full 100 percent financing, you won't have to place a large down payment when buying the home. The USDA offers very competitive 15 and 30-year fixed interest rates, something you won't find from many banks or other mortgage lenders. There's also no maximum home purchase price with USDA mortgages, however, note that you'll still be limited by your risk and your ability to manage the monthly mortgage payment.  

USDA Mortgage Loan Requirements

The USDA mortgage program is open to all homebuyers that meet a number of initial requirements. The home you intend to purchase has to be located in a rural area (as determined by the USDA) and it cannot be a vacation home or investment property. As with any mortgage, you'll need a relatively clean credit history. Finally, note that your annual income will also be assessed, and you'll need to prove that you're within 115 percent of the region's median income.   As you can see, the USDA Rural Development Mortgage program can be an excellent option if you're planning on buying a home in a rural or suburban area.

Get help with your down payment, closing costs

Find Down Payment Money

Get help with your down payment, closing costs and more.

You realize just about every State offers programs that can help 

you move quicker and place you in your home sooner. Below is the list of the

top 10 States in the nation.

You have no need to wonder! Answer the few questions after 

pressing the link below and get your answer before you click to 

what they are~!

Find out if you are eligible? 

What the meaning of Housing Affordability ?

Aspects of  Housing Affordability

Aspects of  Housing Affordability: interest rates

Housing Affordability vs. Interest Rates

Housing affordability still have the buyer's advantage in what is now a seller's market that we are in. What has long been predicted and been expected, higher interest rates, has failed to occur. Anyone looking to fulfill their hopes of home ownership has yet to fall victim of higher interest rates. This is a good thing. How long can this good thing last, low-interest rates, is anyone guess. Higher interests rates are long overdue to have supposedly happened. The bad thing is, when interest rates do begin to rise, then sadly the purchasing power of potential buyers waiting to buy will go down. Great credit could be their saving grace.

Rented Prices

Another area of concerns is renting prices. As builders built new homes, and Condos, the pricing of rent are going to move higher; this is going to affect everyone's rent. If you have a lease, you could see increases in your monthly rent when your rental renewal least is presented to you by your landlord. If you are forced to move, you could be facing additional fees for background checks, applications, security deposits, pet deposit, first, and sometimes, even last month payments. It is not only a costly endeavor face with moving, but scary as well, especially if their competition in rentals. Many people are asking themselves, wondering; can they buy a house today? I wonder if these individuals are aware of the many opportunities that exist for them now, in today market! It still a buyer's dream market, however, not as good as a couple of years ago.

Multiple Buyer's Government programs are available today!

Are Today Buyers aware, of the many Federal, State, County, City governmental agencies opportunities that exist for them, and are possibly eligible to receive assistance in areas of their closing cost, down payment assistance, mortgage money, grants, and more. They could even qualify for more than one program. Question: why are they waiting?

A Case of FHA Loan vs. Interest Rates 

Let say some are now paying $ 700.00 a month renting another person place. You think they realize they could afford a house worth $ 92,426 or more, paying the same amount monthly as they are renting? All these numbers are subject to the interest rate they qualified for, as well as the assistance they could receive. Now with an FHA loan, and a 3.5 downpayment, amounting to $ 3234.91, they can be a homeowner. Never having to worry about signing another lease or force to move from a rented apartment, house. They could even get help with the $ 3234.91 down payment! A deal everyone should check out! See the chart below. You will find, the price of the home a person can expect to buy when interest rates begin to go up. You see the home Affordability is going down! Why wait till home affordability goes down when you begin to experience, realize renting gotten to be too expensive
.

What's your situation?

What programs are you eligible for?

Ever wonder what you can afford today if you decided to buy a house?

Ever wonder if you are eligible for assistance?

Are you overwhelmed? Lost? Do not know where to start?

Why not drop me an email letting me know how much rent you can afford now? Find out what your affordability is in purchasing a house with the same of money. Would it be best for you to know, how much of a home you could afford today before interest rates begin to climb? Are you qualified and eligible for Government Assistance Programs? Take the guess out of what government programs you could qualify for by answering a few questions. Explore your possibilities below!

You are more than welcome to visit my Site
Thank You
 Til next time
 Ronald Wolchesky                           Visit Real Estate Resource

Are Listing Agents Influencing the Market?

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Are Listing Agents influencing the Market?

Listing Agents Influencing the Market?

That “P“on the Listed Property in the MLS

 Recently I post about Home Pricing (What Price is your Home?). I have yet to conclude on that Post.

If you have ever searched the National Association of REALTOR® Multiple Service Listings, the MLS, for properties, you would have found it reports "accurately" updated market data. This data is in near real time, pricing, and current Status. You cannot be serious about buying or selling a property without using the MLS service. You are looking at the same information real estate agents start their deals with. 

Many public properties seekers bounce around site-to-site, looking for homes in all the wrong places, that they are fooled into believing they are getting accurate  information. Some third party sites may get a feed off of the main MLS however they don't update as quickly if ever. The property listed on their site most likely is placed there by the listing agent. The NAR MLS governs with "rules and regulations"; real estate agents are penalized failing to abide by these rules. Third party sites like Trulia, Zillow, HomeFinders, and countless others does not. They do provide a service, but it a self-serving one that generate profits until itself. Their primary existence is to capture the information about people, names, addresses and phone numbers. Then they will use their sites not only to sell advertising, but also leads from the capture information. Most information found about properties on these sites are questionable. 

The “P” on listing properties in the MLS, stands for PENDING. Pending means an agreement in principle was reach between a potential buyer and owner of that property at arms-length. There is an executable contract. he property is under a process of changing ownership. Listed in this agreement, is a date, closing date, of exchanging money to the owner, and key to the new owner, who was the potential buyer, and now the new owner.

The concern here, the status of that property was changed from active (being for sale) to under contract,( no longer for sale: off the market). The agreed price is kept from the public and others in many cases. How good are the CMAs or BPOs being performed.?

The troublesome issue here, this price is the actual fair market value at that present time of the agreement. Other houses for sale in the area are affected by this price. This price could be lower than the posted price, it can be higher if there were multiple offers subject to a deadline. Seller motivation can play a huge part here.

In my opinion, this is an injustice in multiple ways. First, the consumer is left in the dark. They won’t know what that house sold for till recorded, not when it went under contract. The listing agent won't give this information out to other agents, thinking it is not proper. The market is still a mystery. The MLS rules state: if the seller signs anything regarding pricing or status change regarding the listed property, these changes are made and are reflected in the listing in the MLS.

Second and perhaps most important, other REALTOR® won’t know as well. Why is this important? Real Estate agents value homes based on opinions of other listed properties, as well as other homes bought and sold, within a period. Sold homes are facts. Listing prices are opinions. The adjusted price that placed the home in Pending status is facts as well. This information was subject to market conditions at that time. Guidelines for CMA (Comparable Market Analysis) are, three listed properties (for sale), and three sold properties and three properties that under contract to close. The “P”, pending properties that are most similar to the subject property being placed on the market.

As pointed out in (What Price is your Home?), Real Estate Agent are placing properties on the market way above their value, based on pending and sold prices. Every day in Market Watch, the amount of price decreases are way too high, for the market that exist today. The Average DOM ( Day on Market ) was below 40 days in December. Just about the amount of time it would take to close on a home brought on financing.   

Do you see my concerns? What are PENDING properties? They are nothing more but an extension of listed properties~! Not the real, live, actual, fair market value at the time of the meeting of the mind between the buyer, and seller when the property went from Active Status to Pending as they should be. The percentage different could be small. But if small, that would have been done via negotiations. Collectively, it can add to the accuracy of the subject property, (a home about to be placed on the market for sale) when comparing and adjusting comparable houses to the subject to reach a price for sale on the subject home. This price, is based on others homes in the neighborhood. Those pending. Those sold within a year or less preferably. Being objective, the only reason for not changing the listed price, to the agreed upon price between buyer and seller, would it interferes and influences the market. Are listing agents interfering with the market? I thoroughly understand Sellers not wanting to have this information disclosed.  What is an educated consumer? How does this not stop other buyers from making the same offer on other homes in the neighborhood; Sellers from refusing the same offer? Some states do not disclose sold price information. Not even in the public records. Florida is not one of them.

The IRS define Fair Market value (IRS Publication 561): Fair market value (FMV) is the price that a property would sell for on the open market. It is the price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and a willing seller, with neither being required to act, and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts

CMAs and BPOs are not being done correctly.  Data in, won't produce an opinion based on known facts, alias, Fair MARKET Data, known Sold and Pending priced ( listing pricing adjusted to the agreed price between the owner and potential buyer).  

Thanks for taking your time to read this post. Your opinions matters.Comments are  welcome.

Till Next Time,

Ronald Wolchesky   Cell: 239-209-1923 Home: 239-349-4684Email to: Lee_Properties@aol.com/                                               

What price is your House?

What price is your House?

How much is your home worth?

The road many travels, on and down, only to reach a number recorded in the public records.

How do we get there?

It starts with the owners. There be no market without them. They decide for various life changing situations, the need to sell. Some being:

The house too big

 The house is too small

 Death in the family

 I got a job transfer

 I lost my job

 My child school

 The house is too costly to maintain

 A grateful/dreadful divorce

 I need new excitement

These are some. Sure you can add to this list. This situation can decide the original price for sale. Seller motivation is important.

Seller pride is equally important, however often blinded and misguided. I am sure and hope, the addition to the house, was done for enjoyment. There is little value to that enjoyment when it comes to pricing. Not saying additions does not add to value. Just not equal to the cost. However, true, the cost of these additions, does not necessary equal the addition in pricing the house. Home improvement rarely returns costs. The surprising return on investments in a house is in the front door entry recorded returning 101% of the cost; then a remote control, workable garage door. In studies, I read, deck, patios, backyard, are as attractive to buyers, as Kitchen and bedrooms. One would hope; sellers would make these room appealing to potential buyers for they were important to them in their living those places they are about to sell.

The location is critical. But how many "locations" follow the first one? (Location, location, location). However, you cannot do much about this other than what the neighborhood did to itself, the seller maintaining the house, natural disasters or the hands of government interference. Undoubtedly the reason the seller brought the house initially; will have potential buyers wanting the house for the same reason, or even better, the vast improvement of the neighborhood made since the seller first moved in. The home appreciated that much more when the community appreciated along with the house.

What is the price?

First, the price is determined by the seller. They are going to have certain motivation and pride to come to terms with according to market condition. The question is when? Then they have to decide if the house is going to sell by themselves or enlist the aid of a professional real estate agent.

He most likely going to get offers from many real estate agents, to do a free CMA, Competitive market analysis’s, to determine his range of pricing should be. Strange things can happen, in these meetings, a price is reached, and perhaps marketing plans are planned. 

This price can be the results of three possibilities. The most promising, the price reflected the results of the CMA. Assume the CMA is correctly done. The other reasons, the real estate agent surrender to the pride of the seller, and listed a price, the seller wanted, just to get the listing and free advertisements. The real estate agent, could not care, he distorted the pricing of other CMA in the neighborhood about to have a CMA done. Remember, garbage in, garbage out? More reason to pay attention to sold prices more than listing prices. Pending prices, what are they? What was the actual price agree upon at execution? Is it the same price listed on the MLS? The agree price the house change its status from active to PENDING? 

The other scenery is motivation, quick sale. Here the pricing can be lower than opinionated value a CMA gives. This number does not show up anywhere than in the comment section of the MLS listing. “House under value, Seller motivated to sell.”

All these possibilities exist when pricing a house about to go listed in the MLS. Again, what the houses sold for, offers better insight to what true value is when considering the market condition. However how far back did the sale take place? What was market conditions, then or now? What is the percentage difference of that sold house vs. the price of the new house about to go listed? Does this give more insight to pricing new listings as to what that price should be? Could this add value to opinions when a real estate agent priced a house? Do the know what present Fair Market price of homes in the neighborhood, defined as Pending Houses?  How is a CMA are done? Three listed, three pending, and three sold. 

I am sure, you may be thinking, the price is that between a buyer and seller, dealing at arm’s length that will determine the price. The seller’s finally going to accept the offer a buyer is willing to pay for the house.

My question I have asked myself…. Is this true value? The market value? Is Pending pricing Fair Market value, a fact, or extension of an opinion, the listed price, before an executable contract? 

What is your opinion? I would add my thoughts in a future post.

Thank you for spending some time with me. Please leave your comments.

Till Next Time,

Ronald Wolchesky        What price is your House?

values for the area I am interested in.

Closing Cost has increase, Where Stands Florida?

 

Closing Cost has increase, Where Stands Florida?

According to Bankrate.com

"The table below ranks states by average closing costs, from most expensive to least expensive. Your final charges probably will be higher than shown here because the most highly variable costs are not included: title insurance, title search, taxes, other government fees and escrow fees.

Bankrate requested good faith estimates for a $200,000 mortgage loan from up to 10 lenders in each state, plus Washington, D.C. The hypothetical loan was for a purchase of a single-family house in the state's largest city, using a 20 percent down payment, with excellent credit. An asterisk denotes a tie in the rankings."

The State with the highest closing cost is Texas at      $ 3,046.00

The State with the lowest  closing Costs is Nevada at $ 2,265.00

Florida is the eight highest closing Costs at                 $ 2,648.00

Florida is only $ 383.00 difference higher than the lowest state, and $109.00 

difference above average. 

Summary: 

2014  State    Lenders Origination Fees    3rd Party Fees  Origination + 3rd Party

#1   Texas              $ 2,280.00                           $ 766.00           $ 3,046.00

# 51 Nevada          $ 1,570.00                           $ 695.00            $ 2,265.00
#  8  Florida           $ 1,982.00                           $ 666.00            $ 2,648.00
Average of all:      $ 1,877.00                           $ 662'00            $ 2,539.00       

 

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/closing-costs/closing-costs-by-state.aspx#ixzz3T8rk2bcq 

To follow the Real Estate Market in Lee County just as I and other Realtor s do  get your free account. Check out the video and sign up now! > Live updated Prices on Properties

Thank you for reading. Please email me your suggesting about information YOU like me to post about at:  lee_properties@aol.com/   Thank You

Till Next time

Ronald Wolchesky

How Goes the Housing Market in Fort Myers - Cape Coral Florida

January Monthly Market Data Cape Coral - Fort Myers Florida

If you note above, Median days on market, Active listings, and Month supply of inventory are all showing negative numbers. This does not mean it is bad for the housing market. What is being shown is the housing market is in demand, that prices are more in favor of the sellers, because homes are being brought at brought quicker than a year ago. Buyers may find it hard to negotiate lower prices when you are competing against other buyers and having fewer houses. The law of supply and demand is enforced. Chances of future prices are in favor of moving higher because of new bottom of prices are moving higher in the overall market.

Keep Track of the Market as all Realtors do. Sign up for your free professional Web site the real estate market uses. > Free Real Estate Site; No obligations or Costs.    

Now Buy that Home in 2015

Now buy that Home in 2015

Easiest time to buy   

Mortgage interest rate are still low..

See how your mortgage payments go up  as interests rates move higher in the chart below as rates increase. 

Remember Mortgage payments are made up of interest payment along with payments you are actually making payments on the home you want to buy, similar to car payments.

Consider too, housing prices has gone up the past 18 plus months. If you  purchase a home in the past 18 months, your equity already been building. Your return on your investment is better than if you had placed money in a bank, savings account, checking accounts other places. This equity would only increase more when the economy improves more. With the economy growing  will only cause raising home prices, interest rates, and rent payments, if you are a renter. Renters make owner richer. 

We all have to live somewhere. Your rent is subject to increases with every new lease you sign. In owning your home, your mortgage payment, is your "rent"; your rent payments is your mortgage payment. These payments are lock in for the length of the loan, which is normally 30 years. 

After 30 years, you no longer paying rent! Now if you did not buy a house. You be perhaps paying higher rent or living with other people, perhaps with your parents if they are still alive, or you be living in a dump. 

I can not predict your future. Ofter this are determined by decisions made in the past. Being a real estate coach. I am capable of mapping what your possibilities may be if you do take the present, look  into your possibilities now, and see if you can make buying a home a real opportunities for yourself today. You are responsible for your decisions. If you are a responsible person, I can tell you. Your wealth would be more buying a home as oppose to paying rent and moving around. If your rent goes up, your income stays the same or increases slightly, the amount of expendable income you have to do the things you want, can go down. Budgeting, sacrificing are going to be needed.

Below is a chart of a Fix 30 year loan (360 month of payments) on a $ 100,000 dollar home in increments

of 1/8%.This the PI portion of the PITI payments, consisting of the combination of principal and interest payments. The way to look at the chart, take the difference between the monthly payments, multiple that by 12 (12 months) then multiple that by 360 (this is the term of the loan in months)

 Therefore, Using 4 1/8 % and 4 ½ %. Will be $ 22.04 difference multiplying 12 months, will give 264.48 a year more in mortgage payments. Multiply this by 30 year, gives you a good idea how much more money you be paying on the loan for the home. ( 264.48 x 30= $ 7934.40) This overall view gives a good idea why raising interest rates are important and what the cost is when interest rates are raising. 

       

$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.00 %	$477.42 MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.1/8 %	$484.65 MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.1/4 %	$491.94  MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.3/8 %	$499.29  MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.1/2 %	$506.69  MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4. 5/8 %	$514.14  MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.3/4 %	$521.65  MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 4.7/8 %	$529.21 MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$ 1000,000 Home loan at 5.00 %	$536.82  MONTHLY PAYMENTS

 2015-year-to-buy-a-house.

Lee County Florida is the Place To Be.

Lee County Florida is the place to be.

  Southwest Florida market itself

Lee county presently is a mid-size county that is growing fast and attracting more industry to the area. Recently Hertz Corporation has moved their Corporate headquarters here from New Jersey. It is Corporate headquarters of Chico's Fashion. Other companies are beginning to take note of Southwest Florida and the great potential the location and weather offers along with the low corporate taxes, growing education facilities, and educated workforce.

The population is growing at a fast pace. More talent is moving to the area. There still a lot of building to do. Florida is now the  third largest state in the nation, passing New York.  And Lee county is the 6th largest county with Cape Coral being the largest city within the county.

Estero or Bonita Spring are looking to built a new high school in the area as new communities are being built or old one are expanding. 

Demand for IT professionals are great and in need. The medical industry is healthy. Right now, retail, construction and tourism is the biggest source of employment. 

The county cost of living is lower than the national average.  

The weather is idea. Fishing among the best in the world.

There is no State income tax. The sale tax varies by county, presently Lee is at 6%.

Property taxes is based on the assessed value of the property on January first of each year, minus any of many exemptions that is offered.

Properties taxes also can not increase more than 3%. The exemptions and tax caps are part of Florida Constitution, all help in keeping taxes low now and into the future.

You can read more about where interest and what South west Florida is doing to promote the area from Southwest Florida-markets itself in New-York

Hope you found the post of some value. Please leave a comment or drop me an email if you are in need of more information or have a question. Maitto: lee_properties@aol.com

If you interested in properties in the area give Search For Homes plus more.com  serious consideration. Get your free professional web site that I use to make deals on.

Till next time, Happy home searching

Ronald Wolchesky