Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte Real Estate News and Happenings!

It's a great time to sell or buy a home!

2006-11-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

Right now could actually be one of the best times to buy a home in SW Florida.

Consider these facts:
~Todays interest rates are comparable to 40 year lows...a great opportunity for homebuyers.
~We have arecord inventory of homes on the market...buyers now have the greatest choice of available homes in decades.
~Contracts for home sales are now going up, and the outlook is for home prices to increase in 2007.
~Greenspan recently stated "Most of the negatives in housing are probably behind us. The fourth quarter will show sales increases"
~Some things never change, and home ownership is a safe secure way to build long-term wealth.
~We offer 100% financing...why wait?

Hurricane Charley..the 2 year anniversary.

2006-08-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

August 13,2006 7:45 am: Well, 2 years ago at this time, many of us had no idea that our lives were about to change drastically within a few hours.
The news played in the background continually, and we were all aware that a hurricane was heading up the coast, but if we were to pay strict attention to the forecast, we believed it would pass the small town of Punta Gorda by, and continue on to the larger cities of Tampa/St.Pete. Not so...
By afternoon, it was evident that Charley would be hitting Punta Gorda, and hit it did. The experience was unforgettable, the damage was incredible, and none of us were left unaffected.
But, two years have passed, and it has been an amazing journey for the towns of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Older homes and businesses have been torn down and replaced by new, modern structures. Schools and hospitals are being rebuilt to provide an even greater asset to the community. Marinas, retail shops, dining establishments...the town has been reborn and continues to thrive and improve daily.
The community continues to stand strong...and I am proud. If you have not been to Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte since the damage, please visit us. You will not recognize the beautiful town before you!

Woodlands of North Port

2006-08-13T04:42:00.000-07:00

Our group recently attended a Caribbean flair Grand Opening of the Woodlands in North Port. What a great gathering, but mostly what a great community!
Centex Homes has purchased 2200 acres, and are now in the process of developing 2 communities, a 55+ with every amenity you can think of,
and a family friendly neighborhood, Cedar Grove. The homes are situated among beautiful lakes and preserves, a truly beautiful setting. An elementary, middle and highschool are planned for the site.
The rep stated that the full completion time for the full project is projected to be 5-7 years, but homes are available NOW!
The HomeChoice team is able to offer homes under $200,000, with no money down and a 2.65% interest rate for those who qualify.
This is an unbelievable opportunity to purchase in Southwest Florida!
If you have any interest, call Hollie at HomeChoice Real Estate, 800-748-3423

Charlotte County's Sheriff Department

2006-07-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

HomeChoice Real Estate has been chosen to be the exclusive agency for the Charlotte County's Sheriff Department!
Their team of outstanding agents will be involved in assisting new recruits to the department locate their new and affordable home in the area. HomeChoice Real Estate was chosen out of hundreds of local candidates..for their exceptional customer service, neighborhood expertise, affordable financing options, and attention to every detail of the transaction.

If you know of someone who may be considering a move to beautiful Charlotte County...give HomeChoice Real Estate a call at 941-575-9775!

Slowdown in Market

2006-07-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Things are fairly slow in the neighborhood these days. School are out, families are planning vacations, interest rates are on the rise, and the economy as a whole has slowed across the nation.
What this means for anyone thinking of buying in Florida is...it's an ideal time!
Sellers have dropped their prices, the inventory is plentiful.
What better time than now to accomodate the baby boomers on their way to retirement, or looking for a second vacation home.
Make a move...

Punta Gorda Block Party!

2006-04-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Punta Gorda's greatest party of all! Music, food and drink, games and fun...2006 Annual Block Party!
This year promises to be better that ever. Here is the Entertainment lineup:

As in the past, four stages will be set up.

Music will start at 12:45 p.m. on the West Marion stage with the Charlotte High School Jazz Band and at 2 p.m. on the East Marion and Courthouse stages.

All four stages will run continuously until 10 p.m. The featured performers this year will be The Classic Rock All-Stars featuring Mark Farner on the Courthouse Stage at 6 p.m.

You can visit the Punta Gorda Block Part website, designed by Zadiggle, at:
http://www.puntagordablockparty.org/

Buy Florida Land!

2006-03-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's still a great time to invest in land here in Florida. We have experienced our "peak" and now land prices have leveled off. Sellers are lowering their prices, making land purchases more affordable.
Where else can you purchase a lot to build your dream home priced in the $30,000's?
Charlotte County and Sarasota County land is a perfect investment...build in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port or Englewood.
Be close to waterways, the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, dozens of golf courses, warm, balmy days...you can't beat it!

Punta Gorda Home Sales

2006-01-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

For sale signs seem to be popping up on streets throughout Punta Gorda. They're a symbol of a hot real estate market, but the market appears to be changing.

Real estate prices have been going through the roof and everybody wants a piece of the action.

The number of homes on the market in Punta Gorda has actually doubled over the past year. With so many new homes on the market, buyers have much more to choose from.

I would say we are entering a buyers market because there is an increasing inventory. The market has changed noticeably. Skyrocketing prices are no longer the trend.

Prices have leveled off. We haven't seen any dramatic decreases in price at all. I don't believe we're going to see the same jumps we've seen in the past year or two years.

Right now there are 427 homes for sale in Punta Gorda. Real estate agents say it's the most they can remember on the market at the same time. Record high prices may not be dropping, but the market seems to be leveling off.

If you are a buyer or investor considering buying in Punta Gorda, this would be an ideal time. Contact me at hdustin@comcast.net, and I will be happy to send a package of available properties matching your criteria!

Saturday Boating at Boca Grande

2006-01-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 21st in Paradise...
A group of us headed off boating to spend an afternoon in the sun and sand! A beautiful day, in the 80's, did a little fishing,the dolphins followed alongside the boat, docked at Cayo Costa for lunch. Now, what were you Northerners doing that day?
Maybe you should consider moving here to Southwest Florida and have a bit of paradise all year round! Contact us!

Charlotte County Parade of Homes

2006-01-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

Southwest Florida home buyers and homeowners looking for the latest in remodeling ideas will have the chance to see the newest in quality home construction during this year's Parade of Homes, featuring 39 area home builders from Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and Port Charlotte.

The Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association is presenting the Parade of Homes with the theme "Footprints in the Sand" from Feb. 4-19. Single-family and multifamily homes ranging in price from $60,000 to more than $1.5 million.

"It's a chance for builders to show their best, and it highlights not only floor plans and elevations, but also imaginatively decorated interiors that bring the homes to life," said Gayla Lees, president of The Real Connection and chair of the 2006 Parade of Homes.

The 2006 Showcase Home, a focal point of the Parade, was built by Ryland Homes. The Sanibel model, located at Suncoast Lakes, measures 1,688 square feet and features a sunlit Florida kitchen, complete with island, and an expansive family room. Ryland, one of the nation's largest builders, is offering the two-bedroom, two-bath model for $247,490, making it one of the most affordable in the parade.

"Ryland is just one example of the high-quality builders this year's Parade of Homes is attracting," Lees said.

Habitat for Humanity will participate for the first time this year with an entry called the Learning House. Located at 320 Boca Grande Blvd. in Punta Gorda, the Learning House was built to educate the community about how Habitat for Humanity is answering the dream of homeownership for economically challenged families. The Learning House, sponsored by Elizabeth McCrea, is a 1,375 square-foot home valued at $60,000, including the lot.

Homes participating in the "Footprints in the Sand" Parade of Homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A special VIP Realtor Tour will be held Feb. 10.

View these homes with a knowledgable Realtor!

The end of the holidays!

2005-12-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

Punta Gorda was a great place to be this hoilday season! My daughter arrived with her fiance from California, and we enjoyed some great times together. Here is a picture of my daughter, Jasmine, son, Dakota and myself... enjoying a balmy Christmas Eve boat trip...all of the homes and boats passing by were lighted up in Christmas glory! Just another fine way to spend time in this community.

TEAM Punta Gorda

2005-11-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, much of our community was destroyed by Hurrican Charley in August 2004...
It has been over a year now, and some wonderful changes have taken place as we rebuild our town....
One of the most exciting was the development of TEAM Punta Gorda, a group of dedicated people in the community whose vision is to unite the city, county and community to preserve, rebuild, and revitalize greater Punta Gorda as a unique, environmentally attractive, and economically viable waterfront community.
I am proud to be a member of TEAM Punta Gorda, and urge anyone here in the community to also become members and become involved in this most exciting rebuild.
The Master Plan 2005 is finalized and can be viewed here:
http://www.teampuntagorda.com/Citizens%20Master%20Plan%202005%20--%20Final%20Report.pdf

See what is in store for the Town of Punta Gorda, Florida...you will be amazed!

Arrival of the snowbirds

2005-11-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it is November 1st, and for those of us living here in SW Florida, we understand what that means....the arrival of all of our friendly neighbors from up North. Which is actually where many of us come from.
I am originally from Massachusetts, and then moved on to New Hampshire...which I hear just received 2 feet of snow. That is something most of us do NOT miss!
I think the thing I enjoy most about our new life here in Paradise, is that you can pretty much rely on the fact that most days the sun will be shining. It is very rare that you don't have the option to be outside, enjoying the day.
We are fortunate enough to live on the water, with the boat in the backyard...in only minutes we are cruising the Charlotte Harbor, and heading into the Gulf of Mexico.
The good news is, that waterfront property is still affordable here on the west coast. If any of you have done your homework, you will discover that we offer some of the least expensive waterfront homes in the entire state.
We currently have some great, newer homes, with gulf access for around $400,000...prices like that are hard to find.
Now that the snowbirds are arriving, inventory will go quickly...be sure to check our web site often...or ask to be updated daily each morning with new listings matching your criteria...it is one of the services we offer for free.
Talk again soon....let us know how we can help you make Paradise your home too!