Thanks to the perfect storm of low prices, attractive inventory, and affordable interest rates, this continues to be a lucrative time to invest in a home, whether it be a first home, a move-up home, or a second home.

Choosing a home is no easy process, however, and many factors must be carefully weighed before making your selection. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I advise my clients to pay careful attention to a few details in particular when considering a home—these important details will significantly impact your long-term happiness in the home as well as the home’s appreciation over time. So, as you begin to consider properties in our neighborhood, here are a few issues to think about that may help you find exactly the right home for you and your family:

Type of home: One-story or two, single-family, duplex or condo? How will paying homeowner dues affect your overall buying power? Will a swimming pool be a bonus or a hindrance? Making these decisions in advance will help you focus on the right types of home to look at.

New or existing: A new home is all shiny and clean, but will carry with it some hefty initial costs such as landscaping and window coverings. An existing home will have many of these things, but repairs or renovations that may need to be made will also impact your budget.

Features: Weigh the costs of gas vs. electric heating and cooling, and the possible need for fencing. How important is a fireplace? Does the home have enough bedrooms and bathrooms to support your family in the coming years?

Ease of maintenance: What is the condition of the roof? The appliances? Will you have to paint the interior or exterior and/or replace the carpeting? Be sure to factor in such costs in your budget and your negotiations.

Location: Do you want to be in the city or in the country? Nearer to libraries, parks and entertainment or set among tall trees and lakes? What about the need for public transportation? Nearby hospitals and schools?

Crime rate and public schools: Check with local enforcement and local residents to get a feeling for statistics and quality. I can also provide you with up-to-date statistics on this information.

Economic stability: Whether an area is growing or not can affect its future property value—as will the economic stability of the area.

Property tax: Examine the annual amount of real estate taxes and other assessments levied in the neighborhoods you are considering.

I can help find the answers to the above concerns as well as provide more suggestions on what to look for in a new home—just e-mail me. Also, please pass this article onto others who may benefit from this information

The 23rd annual Punta Gorda Block Party will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2010.  If you have never attended this event you should.  It is a great way to spend the day or evening and there is entertainment for all ages.  The party takes place downtown and the people are literally dancin’ in the streets.  There are four stages set up at various points of the city and you are sure to find a band playing some of your favorite tunes.

You won’t go hungy or thirsty either.  Street vendors offer a vast assortment of food and drink and there are plenty of activities for the youngsters, too.  Gates open at noon and close at 10:00 pm.  For more info go to:

http://www.puntagordablockparty.org

My parents separated when I was seven years old and my mom dragged me to Florida kicking and screaming.  I hated leaving the only world I had ever known, my friends, school and most of all my dad.  It took some time but I adjusted to my new life as most kids do. 

As an adult I realize how significant that twist of fate has been in my life.  I feel so fortunate to live in Florida and specifically, Punta Gorda.  Why?  Well let’s start with the obvious; the weather is glorious, there are beaches nearby, all kinds of water sports, scenic parks, and our greatest resource – the people.

As a realtor I work with people from all over the world and because much of our communication is done via email & phone we sometimes don’t meet until after the closing if at all.  When I do meet with my customers there seems to be a common theme.  No matter where they come from they seem genuinely amazed at how friendly the folks are here in Punta Gorda.  I have been here since 1985 so I guess I  take all that friendliness for granted sometimes but I know this to be true.

The people here are warm, kind hearted souls who are always willing to help their neighbor or support a cause or simply say hello when they walk by on the street.  Getting a hello from a total stranger seems to be quite a phenomena to many of the new arrivals to our community. 

The people here truly are our greatest resource.  They are what make our city unique, they are what make it thrive and they make you want to return.  They are the reason I love living here.

The 2009 Peace River Seafood Festival & Boat Show will take place on October 17 & 18 at the Laishley Park Marina.  Bring the family and enjoy delicious food, live music, boats, and great weather.  Activities include: fishing seminars, BBQ fish demos, kayak demos, business and craft vendors, seafood vendors, and an area for the litle ones complete with pony rides. 

The parking is free and the only a dollar to get in, so bring a chair and stay all day.  10am – 5pm on Saturday and 11am - 5pm on Sunday.

The Fat Point Board Shop, a surf and skate boutique is now open for business.  Fat Point is the English translation for Punta Gorda and Board Shop only begins to cover the treasures that can be found there.  The shop is the brain child and long time dream of owner and operator, Amy Dwyer.   Amy, a life long Florida resident, her husband, Rob and children, Oceana, and Colby are all avid surfers.  They recently enjoyed a surfing vacation in Costa Rica.

Amy’s experience in the retail business coupled with her love for ocean sports made this a natural fit.  She carries surf boards, skate boards, and all the apparel that true surf aficionados crave.

Skate Boards

Store owner - Amy Dwyer

If Board sports is not your thing do not let that deter you from stopping by.  Amy also carries all of the necessities for enjoying our Florida climate or a day at the beach.  She has a vast assortment of sandals, sunglasses, T-shirts, sun dresses, shorts, swim wear, hats, well you get the idea.  Did I mention jewelry?  The jewelry alone is worth the visit.  Earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces, in styles to suit any occasion.  I picked up a birthday present for a friend and got all kinds of great gift ideas for the holiday season.

Apparel for the Florida lifestyle

The Fat Point Board Shopis located in the newly opened Laishley Marina Complex on the water  in Laishley Park.  It is right next door to the Laishley Crab House Restaurant just a short walk from the heart of downtown Punta Gorda.      Be sure to put this on your things to see in Punta Gorda.  This is truly a unique shopping experience that won’t disappoint.    

Stop by and say hello to Amy.

If your business has not been affected by the economy considered yourself fortunate.  The real estate market has certainly been challenging for a while now.  Recently I found myself staring at my cell phone certain it must not be working properly because it was not ringing…at all.

Rather than stare at my computer and curse my cell I decided to do something for myself.  Golf is my passion and has been since I was a child.  I have always wanted to get a professional club fitting and it was something I had never allowed myself to do.  I made the appointment, over came my self induced guilt trip and went for it. 

Being the conscientious realtor that I am I of course brought my cell with me just in case it started functioning again.  The club fitting was quite an experience.  I hit golf balls for two and one half hours with every brand of club on the planet.  Did I mention I live in Florida and it was really hot, too?  During the course of this exhausting yet exhilarating  exercise my phone wouldn’t sop ringing.  Before it was over I had a new listing, two buyer leads and a transaction that was going to close ahead of schedule.  I also got a great set of clubs.

The point is you don’t have to be sitting in a office to be productive and sometimes getting out is far more productive.  The next time you feel like you have hit the wall go do something you really enjoy.  You might be surprised just how beneficial that can be.  I have to go  my phone is ringing.

A smile, a friendly greeting, answering a call or returning one.  These may not seem all that important but you never know how they may affect a customer or a potential client.  Random acts of kindness can be very powerful lead generators.

Far too often when meeting with sellers and buyers I hear the same mantra; My Realtor never calls me or communicates with me.  I don’t know why after hearing this repeatedly that I am still surprised or I guess puzzled by this.  Success in real estate has far more to do the with the efforts of the individual realtor than the company he or she represents.  How hard is it to make a call or make the extra effort?

I make it a point to call my sellers once a week.  During that period of time when it felt like absolutely nothing was selling these calls were not enjoyable but I did it anyway and tried to be as upbeat as possible.  At the end of those conversations without fail they all said thank you so much for calling.  They simply appreciated being informed no matter what the news may have been.  It is so basic yet so many Realtors just don’t seem to get it.

I was recently involved in a transaction and I had the buyers. The sellers had a limited service listing which only paid the buyers rep and they were handling everything for themselves.  These people were not experienced in the business side of real estate and when I arrived to present the contract they had numerous questions regarding the entire process.  I spent a great deal of time with them and took them step by step through the process.  In the days that followed I called and kept them updated on our progress.  The next time we met they asked me for a supply of my business cards.  They said they were so impressed with my service they wanted to recommend me to their friends.  All I did was give of my time and communicated with them.

The little things really do matter and they can pay tremendous dividends.

I am a golf nut…certifiable!  I started playing when I was seven and have been hooked, no pun intended, since.  I have played the game all over this state and Punta Gorda and Charlotte County have some exceptional courses.  Whether you want an executive style or professional layout it can be found here with glorious weather included.

Playing golf is certainly an asset to my real estate business.  Many of my customers are golf nuts too and often are looking for golfing communities in which to reside.  Finding the right course is almost as important as finding the right home.  It is a marvelous way to spend the day and a great way to get to know people.

If you would like more information on the courses in this area please visit my website: http://www.DebbieSaunders.com or contact me.

I guess the folks down here aren’t buying all of the negativity that the media is selling regarding the real estate market.  What they are buying is property.  Pending sales were up 6.3% in January in our area.  I have noticed the surge in activity and yes, I have been busy and no, I am not complaining.  I am also not surprised.

Home prices are extremely attractive and mortgage rates are as well.  What a great combination and the result is sales are happening.  Owning a home has been and probably always will be the great American dream.  The current economic situation has put a damper on morale and spending but Americans are a resilient bunch and we will climb out of this and be better than ever.

Real estate…Uh oh, gotta go that pesky phone is ringing again.

If you are a dog lover as many of our visitors are you probably do not like to leave your furry friend with strangers.  If your destination is Punta Gorda you don’t have to worry.  The Hounds on Henry awaits your arrival. 

THIS WAY TO DOGGIE FREEDOM

The Hounds on Henry is our local dog park.  The place where your dog can get off the leash, make new friends and get some exercise.  The park is divided into large and small dog sections but if you have a small dog with a big attitude he can run with the big dogs.

Water is always available and covered picnic tables are also provided.  It is a great way to spend the afternoon and enjoy our glorious weather.  Fido gets a workout and you might just make some new friends as well.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Punta Gorda recently passed an ordinance that allows pet owners to bring their dogs to restaurants that include outside dining.  Leashes are mandatory but at least the pooch can tag along.  No excuses now, bring your pet and come on down.