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Welcome to Paradise!

Looking to buy or sell a home on Sanibel-Captiva Islands? Team Petel is here to offer "the perfect blend of ingredients" for success in the sale and purchase of Southwest Florida real estate, with the highest level of professionalism and service using local market expertise, in-depth research abilities, creative, client-specific marketing plans for sellers and comprehensive information for buyers.

Kathy and John believe that moving to Sanibel in 1987 was the best decision they have made in their 30 years together. They know the secret: that Sanibel-Captiva Islands and Southwest Florida offer a lifestyle, not just a place to live.

If you are in the market for a new home, or are looking to sell your existing residence, look no farther. John and Kathy have you covered every step of the way! So stop in, call, or email Team Petel today and get started on the smoothest real estate transaction you will ever have!

Sanibel Sunset

Sanibel, Captiva, and South Fort Myers

                                      ARE WE THERE YET?

No, I'm not talking about the kids in the back seat continuously asking whether they are at their destination.

In the real estate market, this question is being asked by buyers and sellers alike.  Have we reached the bottom of real estate slide? 

Let's look at a few determining factors:

TYPE OF REAL ESTATE: 

The inventory of single family homes has reached levels that suggest price stability.  We have had record unit sales in Lee County each of the past several months which has significantly lowered the number of homes on the market. 

This is not the case with condominiums.  There is still an over-supply of condos on the market which would indicate further price erosion.

CONDITION OF A PROPERTY:

Buyers have had so many choices that only properties in updated, pristine condition have been selling.  Those in need of renovation and repair brought few offers and then only at very low prices.  While there are still plenty of pristine homes on the market, there are certainly not as many as last year.  Keep in mind that as the market improves, the better homes will continue to move first.

LOAN & FINANCING ISSUES:

Last year jumbo loan conditions were very unfavorable.  Rates were much higher than conforming loans and only 5-yr. ARM's were available.  Favorable jumbo loan conditions now exist.  Rates are lower and 30-yr. fixed loans are now available.

Condo loans still require a 30% downpayment in most cases.  It is also still very important to be sure that the condo complex that you are considering purchasing in is stable and that all owner fees are current.

So, what is the answer to our question?  It looks like homes on the islands and in certain areas of Lee County are at the bottom, while condos may still have some additional downward price pressure.  IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BUY .... NOW IS THE TIME!!!  







School Reports in Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Fort Myers, Florida
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Florida Public, Private and Charter Schools: Compare them using these top-rated, comprehensive reports.
  Schools in Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Fort Myers 




Real Estate Tips

Titles >Liens Against the Title

Occasionally homeowners who are trying to sell their home are surprised to learn that their title is encumbered by a lien. There are several types of liens; the most common are mechanic's or contractor's liens.

The lien (or debt) must be paid off in order to be cleared. If the owner prefers to challenge the lien, he can release it by posting a bond, pending adjudication. In some types of liens, a title search may disclose claims against the property by an ex-spouse or long-ago heir of a former owner. A simple "quitclaim" deed may be used in these cases. By signing the deed, the person involved signs over whatever rights he or she might have, without laying any claim to the property.

Most real estate transactions involve at least some minor unresolved issues on the part of either the buyer or the seller. This is where an experienced real estate agent can provide solutions to resolve the issues and conclude the sale.

See All Tips In The "Titles" Category >
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Real Estate Trivia

Q 
Where would you go to enjoy a soak in the world's largest bathtub?

A 
The Spa Resort Hawaiians in Fukushima, Japan, offers an outdoor soaking tub that occupies a total area of 10,760 square feet and can accommodate 1,500 persons at one time.
See More Real Estate Trivia >


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Kathy and John Petel, REALTOR®, real estate agent and broker for Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Fort Myers, Florida home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT

John and Kathy Petel
John R. Wood Realtors Island Real Estate, Inc.

1019 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2411
Fax: 239-472-1898
KathyPetel@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Offering "the perfect blend of ingredients" for success in the sale and purchase of Southwest Florida real estate.

Equal Housing REALTOR


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