Energy Saving Tips & Tricks

Did you know, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical American family spends $1,300 a year on energy costs? Everyone knows living in Southwest Florida those numbers could be astronomical in the summer months. Luckily, we are here to help. As the summer months are soon upon us it is the best time to takes measures to save money on energy costs. We have some tips and tricks that not only help you save money but may add value to your home.

The biggest things you need to remember in the health and efficiency of your air conditioning unit are maintenance and maintenance! Changing your air filters improve the efficiency and air flow. This will lead to overall lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. Also consider a maintenance contract. Many air conditioning companies such as AC Tech Professionals ,serving the Lee and Collier County, have various maintenance plans for different budgets. There are many benefits of a maintenance contract. The biggest benefit is the scheduled maintenance visits can find issues before they become a problem or a costly fix.

There are windows for all types of climates. Colder climates would want to make sure they have gas filled low-emissivity windows. These windows help prevent losing all that valuable heat. Here in Southwest Florida We need to make sure that strong sun does not cook us! Energy-efficient window films come in different grades to allow different interior appearances and energy saving levels.

Some of the BIGGEST energy hogs are old refrigerators, washer, dryers, and dishwashers. Energy efficient appliances are huge in the fight against your energy bill. Some utility companies will even give you rebates for having Energy Star appliances! Not sure what qualifies to be an Energy Star appliance, just go to EnergyStar.gov for a list of brands and models that meet those standards. Having new appliances in your home can increase your resale value as well!

Why not harness all that sun power with solar panels. The Sunshine State is the perfect place to install solar panels. Our favorite way to use solar panels is to heat your pool. Heating your pool is a bit of a luxury especially when it is usually so warm down here. But some homes are not lucky enough to have all the south facing sun to naturally warm up their pool.

If you are not ready to make the big repairs but still want to take the first step in saving money on energy bills, start with light bulbs. There are various styles and colors to suite all needs and preferences. The most common energy saving bulbs are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Making a decision as small as changing your bulbs can save you nearly $100 a year!

The most beautiful way to decrease your energy consumption is planting beautiful trees and shrubs on the SOUTH side of your home. This will not only increase your curb appeal but will also provide some much-needed shade to your home. This can of course also increase your home value!

Now it is time to put it into action! You may have already been researching energy saving costs before, or maybe this is the first you have heard of ways to save. Let us know! We love to hear from you and see what success you have had. Do you have any questions about going about these projects? The experts at Property Pros Home Services in Estero, Florida are here to help! Give them a call for your next project. They can provide you an estimate on just about any home project you may have. www.swflpropertypros.com

Estero Real Estate Market Report  ~ February, 2018

Summary market report for February, 2018 below. View the full interactive market update here, showings active, pending and sold properties in Estero for February. 

February 2018 Sales stats for Estero:

List Price: $394,318

Selling Price: $371,892

Average Price Per SQ FT: $180

Average Days on Market: 125

Watermark Villa For Rent

Just listed! Like New 2 + Den Villa in Watermark by Neal Communities. Live the laid back Caribbean vacation lifestyle at Watermark, a beautiful, new, maintenance-assisted community of single-family homes and paired villas in Fort Myers, FL.  At Watermark, you’ll find a friendly, welcoming neighborhood, meandering streets, exquisite lake vistas and resort style amenities. Lushly landscaped entrance welcomes you home to:

*Beautiful, modern kitchen with gas stove. 

*Large screened lanai with garden view.

*Spacious laundry room with HE washer/dryer included!

*Watermark amenities include a community pool, picnic/relaxation area with fire pit, playground, tennis, basketball courts and fitness center. 

Annual rental in Fort Myers

Available as of April 1, 2018.

$1,750 per month

$1,750 security deposit

View full details here: Watermark Villa For Rent

Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transactions

Realty Group of Southwest Florida works with many buyers and sellers in Lee & Collier county - Providing our clients with the best possible service is our top priority.  Ensure a pleasant and safe real estate transaction from contract to closing. Lately Premier Land Title, a company we trust and have worked closely with for many years has cautioned and educated our clients on the new wire fraud schemes! Below Premier Land Title has provided some further detailed information and statistics. 

PREMIER LAND TITLE CAUTIONS BUYERS AND SELLERS ON WIRE FRAUD:

Fraud is not a new topic in the real estate industry. But our familiarity has perhaps dulled our caution when it comes to a massive home buying and selling threat. Wire fraud can perhaps be more accurately called identity fraud. Let’s consider a few facts as a wake -up call to a trend that may be an epidemic:

• 5.3 Billion -  the amount targeted by perpetrators via business email compromise in 2016 (Source FBI)
• 480 % - the year over year increase in wire fraud scams reported by Title Companies and Attorneys closing Real Estate transactions in 2016 (IC3)2016)
• 2,370 % - the increase in identified exposed loses to the most typical of wire fraud scams between January 2015 and December 2016

Now consider one more number. All of these jaw-dropping statistics refer to reported cases. And yet it is believed that only 10 to 15% of fraud attempts are even reported!

A few cases:

1. Real Estate Closing Attorney in New York forwarded  1.9 million dollars of purchasers funds to a fraudulent account through an email scam.
2. Cape Coral Title Agent wired sellers proceeds of $67,000 to a fraudulent account caused by an email scam.
3. Lee County Housing Authority wired $15,000 to a scammer through email fraud.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR FUNDS?

In all cases the fraudsters procure compromised data about identity in order to insert themselves in the communication chain as qualified parties in the transaction. In almost every case, the closing agent, buyer, seller or lender lender unknowingly ends up wiring funds directly to the imposter or his agent.

Don’t be afraid to ask..Purchasers and Sellers should verify with their closing agent or attorney they comply as published by the American Land Title Association Best Practices, the GLB Act and FFIEC Regulatory Act. by asking if they have such certification from an external auditing firm. Secondly, do they have Cyber and Crime/Fidelity Insurance. After all, we are not discussing minor amounts of money.

We at Premier Land Title take your security and private information very seriously. We maintain both Cyber and Crime/Fidelity Insurance as well as being certified by the outside security firm SC Associates as to our compliance with information security systems and policies as noted above. Visit our website at www.premierlandtitle.net

Investing in Real Estate with your IRA!

Did you know you could use your self directed IRA funds to invest in Real Estate?!? After working with several clients on investment purchases through their IRA we thought it was time to touch base on the topic! It seems like many investors are unaware of this great opportunity.

How is it possible to invest in real estate with your IRA?

Well, first off you should contact an investment specialized agent in the local market you wish to invest, preferable an agent with experience working with IRA related purchases. Also, touch base with your IRA custodian to see what requirements they may have for you to make a real estate investment. Then its time to locate a piece of real estate to acquire! Of course you must have liquid funds in your IRA account ready to invest at the time of purchase. The basic rules are very simple… the purchase MUST be an investment, you cannot occupy the property. All income must be directed right back into the IRA and all related expenses MUST be paid directly from the IRA. The beauty here is that the income and appreciation from the sale stay within the IRA account and can be re-invested. Better yet the income and profits are returned to the IRA account tax deferred (or possibly tax-free!).

By not paying taxes on the growth, your real estate IRA retains more principal to build income for your retirement.

In today’s world diversifying your investments is the key to success!

Midland IRA is one of the custodians that we have worked with directly, you may find more information on their website as well: Midland IRA Website You may also contact me directly for more information on the topic in investing in Southwest Florida.

Browse investment properties for sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers here: Southwest Florida Investment Properties - MLS Search

As an investor you should always consult with your accountant or financial adviser to determine which form of investment is best to meet your goals.

Perhaps you’re a southwest Florida property owner looking for a property management company, or an investor looking to expand your portfolio. Today, we are introducing Realty Group of Southwest Florida, and explaining how we can assist with your real estate ventures.  

Property Management Southwest Florida: Personal and Local Service

 Founded in 2001, we are a family owned and operated real estate and property management company serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers. We service short term vacation rentals and long term annual rentals. Being a local family owned company, we have the benefit of giving our clients the personal service that’s usually missed in large corporations. Our online reputation and reviews certainly demonstrate the success we’ve had with our clients. 

Property Management Southwest Florida: Turn-key Services

Our services are truly turn-key. That means we can guide our investors and owners who want to expand their portfolios to the best property for their investment style. Whether it’s a single family house as a second home and a vacation property or a 10-unit apartment complex to maximize your ROI, we can guide you towards the right property, get the property under contract for the best terms, secure insurance for the property, make sure the utilities are active, inspect the property for needed repairs and maintenance, and then find a qualified tenant. From there, we’ll provide ongoing property management.  

 Property Management Southwest Florida: Technology and Communication

 The use of technology keeps us connected with owners and tenants, which best serves your property. You can access your owner portal from anywhere in the world. You can electronically sign purchase contracts and leases, view owner statements, and see your invoices as well as inspections. Tenants can pay rent online and submit maintenance requests with pictures so we can respond quickly and accurately. 

 Hopefully, this gives you some insight into our company and how we can help you. If you have any questions about southwest Florida property management, please contact us at Realty Group of Southwest Florida.