Cape Coral Vacant Land for Sale

Thinking of building a new home? Cape Coral’s vacant land for sale offers a wide range of possibilities. On the top end are direct access canal lots which will allow for sailboat access to the Gulf of Mexico. There are also more affordable canal lots which simply require navigating under a bridge(s) and fresh water canal lots which give you a canal system with lakes but no Gulf access. For those not requiring a canal there are a multitude of dry land lots.

Cape Coral covers an area of almost 150 miles. This means that there is still plenty of space for all, even as it is listed as one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Cape Coral’s vacant land for sale is still abundant and affordable.

The modern city of Cape Coral came into existence in the late 1950’s as a planned community. It was developed by the Rosen brothers who dug more than 400 miles of canals and marketed the property to snow-weary visitors from the north, as a place to retire or a new home in the sun. The brothers called the city a “Winter Wonderland” that would have more canals than the city of Venice, Italy. Today, Cape Coral attracts people from all over the world.

Investing in Cape Coral vacant land is also a popular option for those feeling limited by the investment options they have for their retirement funds. Self directed IRA’s allow the investor to choose where to invest their IRA money, as permitted under IRA rules. This includes real estate and many vacant land parcels have been purchased for this purpose. If you are interested in this as an investment alternative I can work with you to help you determine whether this may be an option for you.

Fort Myers Real Estate Agents

Fort Myers, FL was ranked by US News & World Report as number six on its list of “Best Places to Live Near the Beach” in February 2019. The list was based on the order of appearance on US New and World Report’s overall “Best Places to Live” list, which factors in the area’s affordability, job market, morning commute and access to quality health care.

Fort Myers was on US News & World Report’s 2018 list of “Best Places to Retire”, ranking number two and “Best Places to Live”, ranking number 41.

As you consider a real estate purchase in Fort Myers remember that your future profit will be made on your purchase. Your choice in Fort Myers real estate agents will be an important first step in making that profit. Fort Myers real estate agents that describe themselves as a buyer’s agent, but list property and also represent sellers have divided loyalties. They are transactional agents, not an exclusive buyer agent. If you want your needs to be fully represented by your Realtor, you need to work with an exclusive buyer agent.

Fort Myers City Council Approves Final Version of Midtown Vision Plan

On January 7, 2019 the Fort Myers City Council received and approved the Midtown Vision Plan. Midtown is an area immediately south of downtown Ft. Myers and sits between Cleveland Avenue to the west, Evans Avenue to the east, Edison Avenue to the south and Dr. MLK Blvd. to the north. According to a consultant with the University of South Florida there are currently fewer than 100 residents in the area.

The Plan calls for approximately 4,000 new residential units of affordable and work-force housing and close to 600,000 square feet of office and commercial space. Public and civic spaces are also included in the Plan. Under the Plan the City of Palms Park would be demolished and replaced with a town center.

The first phase of development could occur within the next four to six years and would include the town center, some housing and transportation improvements. The final phase of the Plan is scheduled in the next six to seven years.

In conjunction with the revitalization of downtown, the larger city of Ft. Myers has the potential to become a draw for new business, year-round visitors and conventions.

The Ft. Myers of the past was considered by many to be merely a stopping off place for those headed to the white, sandy, shelling beaches of Sanibel Island or elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico. Soon Ft. Myers could become the destination itself.

As we begin 2019 this may bode well for someone hoping to buy a condominium along the Fort Myer’s waterfront, a single family home along McGregor Boulevard or find affordable housing in Midtown. As the old real estate adage says, “The best time to buy real estate is today and ten years ago.”

Sanibel Island and the Algiers

   Courtesy of Betty Anholt

The Algiers was originally a car ferry operating on the Mississippi River. After 25 years of service it was sold at auction in 1958 to Helen and Lathrop Brown. The Browns were a wealthy couple from the east; Lathrop Brown was a former congressman from New York, Franklin Roosevelt’s college roommate and best man at his wedding. Helen Brown was a shipping heiress.

In 1959 the Browns brought the Algiers to a 25-acre plot of Sanibel beach-front property they had purchased. To reach the property they had workers cut a channel through the island’s interior which was filled in after the 150-foot ferry passed through. With a huge paddle wheel, feathered smoke stacks, thirteen rooms, five baths, pool, restaurant-quality kitchen and gold bath fixtures the Algiers was a whimsical marvel.

Before moving to their new home the Browns wanted to sell an existing home in Ft. Lauderdale. Helen sent Lathrop back to the east coast to sell the house but while there he contracted an illness and died. Helen left Sanibel and never returned. In 1981 she sold the beach-front property to the newly incorporated city of Sanibel for $550,000. 

The Algiers sat neglected and decaying on its Gulf-front property for 23 years until 1982 when it was finally stripped of anything salvageable that could be auctioned. Three pieces of the ferry, the captain’s wheel, the anchor and the bell are on display at the Sanibel Historical Village.

Today the 25-acre plot of beach-front property is home to Gulfside Park and what was once vacant land, directly on the beach is now a prime spot for beach-front condominiums.

Now, as then, Sanibel Island is a special place for special people.

Points to Consider When Choosing A Fort Myers Real Estate Agent

Fort Myers is Lee County’s center of government and the spring training home to the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. It has a year-round tropical climate that promises sunshine and an annual average temperature in the mid-70s. The city was ranked as a very desirable location for second home buyers and investors in April 2018 by US News and World Report with approximately 1,000 people moving to Lee County each month. 

Whether you are considering Fort Myers property as an investment, for a second home, or are simply moving into the area for work, below are some things to consider when choosing a Fort Myers real estate agent:

• Are you working with an exclusive buyer’s agent?  An exclusive buyer agent represents you exclusively and does not take listings. In many Florida real estate transactions the Realtor will represent the transaction (transactional agent) and not the buyer (exclusive buyer’s agent). Ask the agent if their agency lists property. If they do they have a relationship with the seller which can cause a conflict of interest for them.

• Can the Realtor direct you to professional and reliable mortgage brokers, insurance agents and home inspectors and will he/she be able to guide you through the buying process?

• Can the Realtor help you understand the additional costs you should expect to incur?  Even without a mortgage a home will cost money for things such as insurance, annual maintenance, or lawn and pool services. If the property is for rentals there may be property management fees to be paid.

• Does the Realtor know who is professional and can close on time and with the fewest surprises?

Important Things to Know and Do When Buying Real Estate in Ft Myers Florida

Buying real estate in Ft Myers FL is exciting because there is no shortage of excellent properties for those who want to invest or move to this side of the Sunshine State. However, buying property can be a complex process. That’s why working with an exclusive buyer agent, an agent who works just for you the buyer is the most important step you can take towards ensuring a successful purchase.  Here are some things you should know when buying real estate in Ft Myers FL.

• The importance of an experienced Florida Realtor and exclusive buyer agent cannot be stressed enough when buying property in the area. Having an expert to represent you in the entire purchase process will help ensure a smooth transaction. Hiring a good realtor and exclusive buyer agent is a critical first step to buying real estate in Ft Myers FL. The right professional will help make sure that you are making well-informed decisions. Your buyer agent realtor has access to multiple listings and will direct you toward properties that match your criteria and are a good fit for your budget and lifestyle goals.

• When looking at property, make sure to listen to feedback from your buyer agent and realtor so you can get local insight on your chosen neighborhood’s qualities, and whether or not your buyer agent thinks the location is good for your needs. Ask them if they think properties are overpriced or if you have other concerns.

• View properties on your shortlist of Ft Myers real estate. You can do this by frequenting open houses or booking showing appointments with your buyer agent. This will help you assess whether or not a property is a right investment for you.

• Get a mortgage pre-approval and plan your financing, so everything is in order before you make an offer. This way, your purchase transaction can move forward without delays. This also puts you in a better position as negotiation begins.