Best Homes 2012: Coolest Houses of the Year

Here's a fun look at the Coolest Homes of 2012!

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/12/31/best-homes-2012-coolest-houses-that-topped-our-list-this-year/

CLICK HERE to visit the Team Petel website to find your cool home in HOT Southwest Florida!

Shell Festival 2013 Theme

Seashells come in many sizes, shapes, and colors and with a multitude of patters. With this in mind, the Sanibel Shell Festival Committee has choose Color Your World With Shells as the theme for the 76^th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival March 7, 8, and 9. It is the major fundraising event of the year for both the Sanibel Community Association and the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club. The well-known even, previously known as the Sanibel Shell Fair and Show, draws shell enthusiasts from across the Unites States, Canada and the Caribbean.

Festival visitors have the opportunity to purchase shells and intricate shell crafted items at the Shell Festival. Throughout the year, volunteers meet outside the Sanibel Community House to sort donated seashells, while inside shell crafters create elaborate floral bouquets and other shell craft items. These seashells and craft items will be offered for sale during the festival. The funds raised through these sales are used to support the Sanibel Community House.

It has been said that shell collecting is the second most popular collecting hobby after postage stamps. The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club-sponsored Sanibel Shell Show is an integral part of the Shell Festival and it gives everyone the opportunity to see shells from around the world, as well as breathtaking artistic creations made entirely from shells and sea life that are entered in the Shell Show. There will be a special category in both the scientific and the artistic divisions titled Color Your World With Shells. A special award will be given in both divisions to the exhibits that best reflect the festival theme. This competitive show is open to all shell collectors. Membership in the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club is not required.

While there is no entrance fee to attend the Shell Festival grounds, a donation is asked of those going inside the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club-sponsored Shell Show. Funds raised by the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club from the admission donations are given out in the form of grants to several local educational and conservation organizations including a scholarship fund to the University of South Florida.

For more information about entering an exhibit in the Sanibel Shell Show, go to www.sanibelcaptivashellclub.com/SanCap_shellshow.html 

Island Sun (January 25, 2013)

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Historical Village Live Auction Items

Live auction items at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village’s February 5 fundraiser, It’s Paradise … Because, are varied enough to be on everyone’s wish list, and exciting enough to entertain everyone.

“Fire Chief Danny Duncan is offering lunch for four to six people with Sanibel’s firefighters right at the firehouse,” said Anita Smith, who is on the auction committee. “The lucky winners will have a tour of the firehouse, with demonstrations and conversations for children young and old.” (This prize must be booked on a Saturday.)

Another prize is an elegant evening cocktail reception with Larry Congress at his home. Ten guests will be entertained with his stories than range from working on the beach to founding the successful Congress Jewelers. The winner will also receive $1,000 in gift certificates to Congress Jewelers or the new Sealift by Congress.

Among the other items:

·         Dr. Bruce Neill of the Sanibel Sea School will host 10 to 14 people for a three-hour narrate cruise with him aboard the school’s boat, Ocean Tribe.

·         Catherine and Ed Anderson will host an Alaska seafood dinner for 12 at their home in The Sanctuary; the seafood will be flown in by their daughter Stephanie, who is a bush pilot in Homer, Alaska.

·         The Dunes has donated a one-year Social Membership and two golf lessons; the membership includes steep discounts on green fees.

“People and businesses have been incredibly generous, making our live auction one of the most exciting auctions around,” said Gail Garlinghouse, co-chair of the auction committee with Blair Wyatt. “I can’t wait to see the bidding take off.”

“We are so lucky,” Wyatt added. “So many people care about the Historical Village and are helping it continue to offer its charm and stories and education to all who come to or live in Sanibel.”

The fundraiser’s production will feature four of Sanibel’s treasured islanders and their stories presented in a unique and fun way. The afternoon will be highlighted with a little Sanibel history, a luncheon, plus the live and silent auctions.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It is located at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG ARTS). Admission is $5 for adults over 18; members are free. For more information, call 472-4846.

Island Sun (January 25, 2013)

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Housing Affordability Index to Set Annual Record for 2012

WASHINGTON (January 9, 2013) - With 11 months of data reported, 2012 will clearly go down as a record year for favorable housing affordability conditions, and a great year for buyers who could get a mortgage, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

NAR's national Housing Affordability Index stood at 198.2 in November, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power; recordkeeping began in 1970.

An index of 100 is defined as the point where a median-income household has exactly enough income to qualify for the purchase of a median-priced existing single-family home, assuming a 20 percent downpayment and 25 percent of gross income devoted to mortgage principal and interest payments. For first-time buyers making small down payments, the affordability levels are relatively lower.

For all of 2012, NAR projects the housing affordability index to be a record high 194, up from 186 in 2011, which was the previous record. November's reading was 2.5 index points below October, but up 1.5 index points from a year earlier.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said home buyers are able to stay well within their means. "Although 2012 was highest on record, the excessively tight underwriting precluded many would-be homebuyers from locking-in generational low interest rates," he said. "Rising home prices and a gradual uptrend in mortgage interest rates will offset improvements in family income, but 2013 likely will be the third best on record in terms of household buying power. A window of opportunity remains open for buyers who can qualify for a mortgage."

NAR projects the housing affordability index to average 160 during 2013, which means on a national basis that a median-income family would have 160 percent of the income needed to purchase a median-priced existing single-family home. Conditions vary widely, with the highest buying power in the Midwest. Even in the West, where the regional index is lower, they typical family is well positioned in most markets.

NAR President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif., said the minor erosion in affordability conditions moving forward could be mitigated by bank and regulatory policies. "Clearer rules from the government regarding future lawsuits and buybacks of Fannie and Freddie loans could encourage banks to use their massive cash holdings to originate more loans," he said.

"A more sensible lending environment that makes it easier for other financially qualified buyers to get a mortgage would allow many more households to enter the market, boosting home sales as much as 10 to 15 percent," Thomas said.

The National Association of Realtors^®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Home building surges 12%

By Emily Jane Fox @CNNMoney January 17, 2013

The pace of home building surged in December, as the market bounced back from the impact of Superstorm Sandy.

Builders started construction at an annual pace of 954,000 home last month, the Census Bureau reported, up more than 12% from November's pace. That's a nearly 37% leap from December of last year.

The reading smashed the 889,000 that economists surveyed by Briefing.com were expecting.

The Northeast saw a 19% increase in housing starts from November to December, as construction picked back up again after the storm put a halt to new building activity. Single-family housing starts also boosted December's strong reading, rising more than 8% from November.

Applications for new building permits, which are seen as an indicator of builders' confidence in the market, were little changed from November's rate. But the annual rate of 903,000 reported in December is up 28.8% from last year's level.

Thursday's reading is yet another sign of the housing market picking up steam, as record-low mortgage rates have spurred demand for homes. A recovering job market and a tapering off of foreclosures have also given the market a boost.

As distressed homes leave the market, that means that there are more buyers interested in purchasing fewer available homes. Home prices, in turn, have continued to rise, posting the biggest percentage gain in more than two years last month.

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Farmer Mike

Farmer Mike Clevenger offers patrons of the Sanibel Farmer's Market an array of fresh, local produce. After a freeze two years, Farmer Mike had to start over again and is excited to return to the farmer's market this year.

At Farmer Mike's homemade stand, patrons will find fresh strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, eggplant and sweet onions. Among the most popular items are the big, beautiful yellow and red peppers.

"We love the people at Sanibel's farmer's market," said Holly Nelson. "It's exciting to share recipes with our customers."

At Farmer Mike's U Pick in Bonita Springs, there are cucumbers, squash, radishes, beets, onions, assorted herbs, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, and assortment of hot peppers, carrots, potatoes, bananas, mangos, avocados, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges and grapefruit. U Pick is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. It is located at 26031 Morton Ave.

Find Farmer Mike's fresh produce at Sanibel's Farmer's Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Sunday at City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd.

Island Reporter (January 11, 2013)

The Sandbar is Making Waves in Sanibel's Resort Area; Tropical Setting Suits PocoLoco Well
by Anne Mitchell

Sanibel's dining scene just keeps getting better.

One new addition, The Sandbar at 2761 West Gulf Drive, reports brisk activity in the newly refurbished space, which now has an open kitchen and a fresh light and airy atmosphere.

Manager Brian Silveira said Monday, "Everything is great so far."

The location on West Gulf Drive, west of Tarpon Bay Road, makes this restaurant a niche-filler on this stretch of the beach-front area.

The Sandbar serves lunch and dinner and is soon to add breakfast to the lineup. Also, a small fish and meat market in one corner should be open by Friday, January 18, with selections such as king and snow crab, scallops, mussels, oysters, a variety of fresh fish and pork chops.

Executive Chef Teo Diaz offers two specials each night - one seafood and one meat - in addition to a varied menu that includes such dishes as Thai mussels, stone crab claws, salads, sandwiches, bronzed and blackened local fish, steaks and chops. There's also a children's menu for $5 to $6 with free drink refills.

An open kitchen showcases the culinary staff and adds to the casual atmosphere.

Silveira boasts of "the islands' friendliest staff" - and the crew certainly is outgoing and welcoming.

The Sandbar can be reached at 579-0235 or 579-0247. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.

Besides a selection of coffees, drinks and frozen desserts, PocoLoco sells colorful, pop art ceramics by Romera Britto.

With its tropical atmosphere and parrot logo, PocoLoco - it means "a little crazy" in Spanish - fits seamlessly into its location in the lushly vegetated Jerry's Center, which the screeches of resident parrots and macaws startle and amuse visitors.

PocoLoco sells Love Boat Ice Cream, which is locally made just off-island and has had a following for decades, certainly for more than 35 years. The flavors say it all: Orange Creamsicle, Lemon Custard, Rocky Mountain Raspberry, Malt Whopper, Toffee Coffee, Gator Tracks and Mango are just a few.

Fine coffees and coffee based drinks, natural fruit smoothies and fresh pastries and sandwiches are also on the menu, which is hand written on colorful boards on the walls. You can order panini style grilled sandwiches too, such as Croque Monsieur, which originated in France.

The friendly face behind the counter the day I visited was Amy Wilmer but sometimes it's owners Susan and Paul Reynolds, longtime locals.

PocoLoco offers free wifi, which makes it a popular watering hold for laptop - and smartphone-toting types who can sit inside at the handsome granite-topped tables or outside on the umbrella-shaded patio area that's part of the garden-like shopping center. The parrots are in large cages dotted in and around the heavy foliage.

A pleasant surprise inside is the large selection of ceramics by noted pop culture icon Romero Britto. He has been described as one of the premiere artists of our time and the youngest and most successful pop artists of this generation.

The bold, vibrant designs, with elements of Cubism, are optimistic and likely to bring a smile to your face. At PocoLoco, the pieces include little bears, plates, mugs, book ends and teapots.

Embraced by the international community, Britto's paintings and sculptures are currently featured on five continents in more than 100 galleries worldwide, including Saatchi Gallery in London, as well as in private collections.

PocoLoco can be reached at 395-0290.

Island Sun (January 18, 2013)

Housing Affordability Index to Set Annual Record for 2012

WASHINGTON (January 9, 2013) - With 11 months of data reported, 2012 will clearly go down as a record year for favorable housing affordability conditions, and a great year for buyers who could get a mortgage, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

NAR's national Housing Affordability Index stood at 198.2 in November, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power; recordkeeping began in 1970.

An index of 100 is defined as the point where a median-income household has exactly enough income to qualify for the purchase of a median-priced existing single-family home, assuming a 20 percent downpayment and 25 percent of gross income devoted to mortgage principal and interest payments. For first-time buyers making small down payments, the affordability levels are relatively lower.

For all of 2012, NAR projects the housing affordability index to be a record high 194, up from 186 in 2011, which was the previous record. November's reading was 2.5 index points below October, but up 1.5 index points from a year earlier.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said home buyers are able to stay well within their means. "Although 2012 was highest on record, the excessively tight underwriting precluded many would-be homebuyers from locking-in generational low interest rates," he said. "Rising home prices and a gradual uptrend in mortgage interest rates will offset improvements in family income, but 2013 likely will be the third best on record in terms of household buying power. A window of opportunity remains open for buyers who can qualify for a mortgage."

NAR projects the housing affordability index to average 160 during 2013, which means on a national basis that a median-income family would have 160 percent of the income needed to purchase a median-priced existing single-family home. Conditions vary widely, with the highest buying power in the Midwest. Even in the West, where the regional index is lower, they typical family is well positioned in most markets.

NAR President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif., said the minor erosion in affordability conditions moving forward could be mitigated by bank and regulatory policies. "Clearer rules from the government regarding future lawsuits and buybacks of Fannie and Freddie loans could encourage banks to use their massive cash holdings to originate more loans," he said.

"A more sensible lending environment that makes it easier for other financially qualified buyers to get a mortgage would allow many more households to enter the market, boosting home sales as much as 10 to 15 percent," Thomas said.

The National Association of Realtors^®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Source: National Association of Realtors CLICK HERE

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CLICK HERE for the John R. Wood Island Real Estate website.

Lynx: America's Privateer Docks at FMB

All law-abiding, loyal and landlubbing citizens are urged to be steadfast in heading to Snug Harbor's pier to view heavily armed, 122-foot clipper Schooner Lynx in port for a short time before heading due north.

The Clipper Schooner will be available for tours and trips through Jan. 24 when it heads off to its next port, St. Petersburg. It's available for private charters, team building, receptions and school educational programs.

Upon arrival on Jan.3, she fired a salute from her main battery of six-pound carronades upon her grand entrance, celebrating 200 years since the War of 1812.

"We are very excited to visit Fort Myers Beach for the first time, and want to wholeheartedly thank Rob DeGennaro with Nervous Nellie's Waterfront Eatery for hosting our visit," said Jeffrey Woods, executive director of Lynx Educational Foundation. "It is through his generous support that area residents will have the chance to walk the decks and step back in time aboard Lynx, America's Privateer, our National Treasure."

Lynx is an interpretation of an actual privateer named Lynx build by Thomas Kemp in 1812 in Fell's Point, Md. She was among the first ships to defend freedom by evading the British naval fleet then blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering efforts.

Although captured early in the war, the original Lynx design was recognized as superior. With her rakish profile and superior sailing abilities, she served as an inspiration to those shops that would follow.

The Privateer and 1812-styled war ship Lynx was hired to train the cast and crew of the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

"Lynx 'America's Privateer' has arrived on the east coast, from Hawaii and California, and scheduled for a five-year mission along the East Coast of the U.S., The Gulf Coast, The Great Lakes and Canada, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner," Woods said. "Climb aboard and step back in time as you relive history and feel the adventure. Join the crew and hoist the sails, steer the ship, fire the main batter of six-pounder carronades and experience first hand life aboard a traditional, square topsail schooner. On decks, and below Lynx evokes the life, spirit, and atmosphere of a vanished age of sail."

Woods said all proceeds help support the educational programs taught aboard Lynx.

Boarding takes place at Nervous Nellie's Waterfront Eatery at Snug Harbor Marina, 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach.

If interested in getting your water wings and sailing with captain and crew to its next stop St. Pete, Woods said that's entirely possible.

"Sail with us on a Port to Port overnight passage. Be a part of the experience, from Fort Myers Beach to St. Petersburg. Visit PrivateerLynx.org or call 866-446-5969," he said.

For more information visit PrivateerLynx.org or call 866-446-5969.

Island Reporter (January 11, 2013)

Big Arts!

Have you experienced some of the fabulous events hosted by BIG ARTS?

With a variety of performances and programs BIG ARTS offers an array of entertainment and educational opportunities. Team Petel team member Ann's favorite time of year is when the Symphony on Sanibel begins their new seaon. The Southwest Florida Symphony (CLICK HERE for their website) comes to Sanibel each year to put on 3 fabulous shows for at the Schein Performance Hall at Big Arts. Here is a photo of her enjoying a performance last year.

CLICK HERE for the BIG ARTS website and join in the fun!

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Home Prices Hit a Milestone

The Wall Street Journal December 26, 2012

by Nick Timiraos

Home prices are on track to notch their first yearly gain since 2006, the strongest performance since the housing bust and a development that could accelerate the real-estate rebound even as the broader economy stutters.

The housing market's revival has had several false dawns in recent years, but a recovery that began in the spring has strengthened throughout the summer and fall. The latest confirmation came on Wednesday, when the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city index showed that prices rose by 4.3% from a year ago in October. Since January, prices are up 6.9% so far this year, the largest year-to-date gain since 2005. A separate index released Wednesday by Lender Processing Services Inc.showed that national home prices were up by 5.2% this year through October.

"The tide has changed," said Ivy Zelman, chief executive of research firm Zelman & Associates. "People feel it's OK to go back into residential real estate—it's no longer taboo—and that change in sentiment could have a very powerful effect."

Prices have risen this year amid stronger demand and sharp declines in the number of homes for sale. Banks slowed down foreclosures after abuses in processing paperwork surfaced two years ago. Since then, banks have become more aggressive at modifying loans or approving short sales, where the home is sold for less than the amount owed. The decline in new foreclosures has reduced the number of homes on the market that sell for large discounts.

Homeowners who normally would sell their properties have been holding them off the market rather than sell at what they perceive to be a lowball prices, leaving inventories of previously owned homes at an 11-year low.

Weak home construction in past years also is a factor and has left inventories of new homes for sale near the lowest levels in at least 50 years.

Demand, meanwhile, has picked up, first as investors scooped up perceived discounts on properties that can be rented out or resold quickly for a profit. Traditional buyers—those planning to live in the property and not flip it—also returned to the market, drawn by record-low mortgage rates, rising rents and steady job gains that are increasing household formation.

"People got tired of living in mom and dad's basement, and rents have gotten much higher than your mortgage payment," said Glenn Kelman, chief executive of Redfin, a real-estate brokerage.

To be sure, housing markets are still fragile and face stiff headwinds. Mortgage lending standards are still strict, as lenders scrutinize appraisals and borrowers' income history to make bulletproof mortgages. Millions of borrowers owe more than their homes are worth or don't have enough equity to sell their home and make a down payment on a comparable property.

Median sales prices of previously owned homes stood at $180,600 in November, according to the National Association of Realtors, and have posted year-over-year gains for nine months, the longest such streak since May 2006, when home prices peaked.

Still, sales of existing homes in November were up 14.5% from a year earlier, putting them on pace to reach their highest level since 2007. On Thursday, the Census Bureau is set to report new-home sales for November.

The upshot is that more buyers have been chasing fewer homes for sale, putting upward pressure on prices. "We've been seeing just crazy competition. Supply and demand has tipped in the seller's favor," said Nani Luculescu, a real-estate agent in Anaheim, Calif.

Last month, she represented a buyer who made the winning bid—among 52 offers—for a $320,000 four-bedroom home in Garden Grove, Calif., that sold for 10% more than the asking price. Although the home drew better offers, the owner sold to her clients, a newlywed couple buying their first home, after they included pictures of themselves and their pet dogs—two Pugs—in a cover letter.

Some buyers aren't only bidding above the list price, but also are making all-cash offers and forgoing home inspections in an effort to make the sale as easy as possible for the seller.

Frustrated by a lack of inventory, others are instead purchasing new homes. Sonal Basu, a real-estate agent in San Francisco's East Bay, said in August she noticed that prospective buyers began camping out in tents at the new-home development where she lives in San Ramon, Calif. Some of the "campers," she says, are being paid $250 a day by buyers to wait in line for them.

Since August, every area new-home development has also had campers waiting in line to buy homes, she said. "A year and a half ago, nobody wanted to move out here because they felt it was the boonies," Ms. Basu said. "Now, they're not hesitating with this commute."

Prices are rising in part because the share of "distressed" homes—those selling out of foreclosure or in short sales—has dropped. While 18 of 20 cities posted year-over-year price gains in October, the largest increases have taken hold in some cities hit hard by the housing bust. In Phoenix, for example, prices have jumped by 21.7% over the past year. Prices gained by 10% in Detroit and 8.5% in Miami.

Economists say many such gains aren't sustainable and instead reflect prices rebounding from very low levels. "They're not going to continue at that pace," said Thomas Lawler, an independent housing economist in Leesburg, Va. He said he expected prices to go up next year, but at a slower pace than this year.

Also, some states where banks have struggled to follow court-administered foreclosure processes have large overhangs of mortgages where borrowers haven't made any payments in at least a year. Those homes could eventually hit the market, putting pressure on prices if demand isn't strong. Prices in New York and Chicago, which both have large overhangs, saw prices decline by 1.2% and 1.3% in October from one year ago.

A more immediate concern is how consumer confidence might fare if lawmakers don't reach a solution to avoid the "fiscal cliff," a raft of automatic tax increases and spending cuts set to take place in early 2013.

For now, low inventories of distressed properties are finally boosting the fortunes of the nation's home builders that have long been sidelined by competition from cheap bank-owned properties.

The stock prices of U.S. home builders, as measured by the Dow Jones home construction index, were up more than 75% year-to-date as investors are betting that the housing recovery could be sustainable. Others are plowing money into startups that invest in single-family homes as rentals. That, in turn, is ramping up construction hiring and spending on everything from lumber to cement to air-conditioning units.

"It hasn't gotten to any big level yet, but our carpet businesses and brick businesses and all of that will come on with residential construction, and that has turned," said Warren Buffett, chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, in an interview last month with CNBC.

Real-estate executives say their biggest worry right now is that more homes aren't available to meet demand. Mr. Kelman says he is looking to increase Redfin's workforce of 400 agents nationally by 50% by the end of January. "I'm going across the country meeting with managers, and the only topic we're talking about is hiring," he said.

Earlier this year, the company ended up referring about half of its potential customers to other companies because "demand outstripped the supply of agents," he said. Redfin is unusual among real-estate companies because it pays a salary and benefits to its agents instead of commissions. "Our model means we have to go long on real estate," Mr. Kelman said, "and we did not go long enough."

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Florida Housing Market Improves During Last Months of 2012

This is encouraging news about an upsurge in home sales.

Summer Greene, 2012 Florida Realtors President, states that Florida’s real estate market has retrieved it’s ‘sizzle’. Credit for the hot market is due to things like the shortage of for-sale homes.

The regional manager for Fort Lauderdale’s Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1^st, Greene is in a position to observe market trends. More jobs and a better economy are bolstering consumer confidence for 2013. Mortgage rates are expected to remain low.

The Chief Economist for Florida Realtors, Dr. Jon Tuccillo, endorsed the optimistic outlook. Growth in home prices is the result of a solid recovery in real estate in Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida. Average prices have soared, resulting in actual marketplace appreciation that impacts median prices, which usually would be less as investors take on the lower end of the market inventory.

Freddie Mac reports the average interest rate dropped from 3.99 percent in November 2011 to 3.35 percent for November 2012 on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The overall savings that result led to an increase in Florida’s housing market pending and closed sales, as well as average and median prices. Florida Realtors reports a noticeable reduction in the inventory of condos and homes for sale during the final months of 2012.

According to industry analysts, a balanced market between sellers and buyers features a 5.5 month supply. November 2012 inventory statistics for Florida single-family homes showed a supply for 5.1 months. Townhome and condo properties also reported a lower amount, with a 5.3 month’s supply.

Statewide sales of townhomes and condos are up 18.3 percent from November 2011. November 2012 registered the monthly sale of 8,079 units across Florida. Pending sales, which are signed contracts that have not been closed or completed, have increased 30 percent when compared to townhome-condos statistics for November 2011. Although lower than the national condo media price reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for October 2012, the $112,000 Florida townhome-condo median reflects a 23.1 increase from last year.

Single-family existing homes statewide have a median sales price of $150,000. That represents an increase of 11.2 percent in the year from November 2011. The in same amount of time, pending sales show a 45.8 percent increase. Median prices across the nation include California ($341,370), New York ($209,000) and Massachusetts ($287,000). As of October 2012, the national median sales price raised 10.9 percent to $178,700.

Date from 10k Research and Marketing as well as Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis, showed 17,072 existing single-family homes sales closed statewide in November. That is an increase of almost 25 percent in just one year. Once the sales contract was written, closing generally took between 30 and 90 days.

Median prices reflect the midpoint. Half of the sold homes are less than that amount, while the remaining half represents a higher sale price. Factors affecting the median price in Florida and nationwide include discounted prices for distressed properties and foreclosure sales. Those prices are typically less than that of a well-kept, traditional homes.

Source: Tampa2enjoy.com/blog

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Around the Islands with Anne

Restaurant-As-Art-Gallery Trend Keeps Growing; Traders Adds Free Valet Parking; Antiques Show This Weekend

By Anne Mitchell

Il Cielo has joined the growing number of island restaurants that offer space for artists to display and sell their work.

Besides highlighting the glass creations of Sanibel artist Lu Century, Il Cielo also displays vibrant and colorful prints by Jupiter, Florida artists Carmen Lagos and Gustavo Castillo, all of which are for sale.

A focal point of Il Cielo, is Century’s original curved glass work called Cloud 9, which is 20 inches tall by 30 feet long and divides the bar from the dining room. More than 15 of Century’s individual pieces are also featured throughout the restaurant and are available for purchase.

General manager Bruce Ronty’s vision was to bring the island’s vibrant tropical foliage inside, said Suzanne Lurie, Sanibel resident and retired interior designer, who curated the artwork for Il Cielo. “As soon as he saw their work, he knew it was exactly the look he wanted.”

Lurie, who owns a number of Lagos and Castillo’s prints in her Sanibel home, brought one of own giclees of a banana leaf by Lagos and hung it in the restaurant’s foyer. She helped Ronty select the additional 15 pieces from Lagos and Castillo’s catalogue. The limited edition prints, which were personally framed by the artists, range in size from 30 inches by 40 inches to 50 inches by 70 inches.

Castillo and Lagos, who are married, will be displaying at the juried Bonita Springs National Art Festival at The Promenade on January 12 and 13.

Menu items at Il Cielo range from $4 to $38. Hours are daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Il Cielo is located at 1244 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel, phone 472-5555.

In the same vein, The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club is currently showcasing art by locals Myra Roberts and Andi McCarter as part of its Meet The Artist series. Some six to 10 local artists will be featured through the winter season, in additional to the monthly display of artwork from students of The Sanibel School in the foyer.

Paintings from Roberts’ Florida Vintage Collection and sculptures by McCarter can be seen in the lobby and clubhouse.

“The Dunes is wanting to play an active part in the art community of the island, as a tribute to all the talent that we have here,” said Leilani Sivsov, the club ‘s general manager.

On Saturday, January 19, The Dunes will host a Meet The Artists luncheon with Roberts and McCarter at 1 p.m. Cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Call 472-3355 for reservations.

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club is located at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel.

Meanwhile, over at George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille, art is also in the news.

In the tradition of big sales for Black Friday, artists Stacie Krupa of the Grille Gallery at George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille, posted on Facebook that all of her paintings would be available for $2,000 each on that one day only. John  and Cheryl Carrigan, regular customers of the Grille, didn’t hear about the sale until it was over. They were disappointed that they had missed it because they had their eyes on the elephant painting and had been debating a purchase for several weeks.

So, John Carrigan made an offer: the painting for $2,000 plus a $500 donation to charity. Krupa agreed and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, which normally gets five percent of every are sale from the Gille Galley, got a check for $500.

A couple of weeks later, the Carrigan family met the artist. Cheryl Carrigan commented, “We love the different textures, but the frame made the piece.” The unique frame is made of Jamacian dogwood. This elephant is now in its new home at the Carrigan house above the above the television in their family room.

Other paintings by Krupa can be seen at The Grille at 2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 395-1263.

Traders Store & Café is now offering complimentary valet parking Tuesdays through Saturdays now through Easter.

“It’s to assist our valued customers get to their reservation on time,” said Traders owner Joe Archambault. It’s on me. Come visit us soon and take advantage of this new service that takes you to and from our front door,” he adds.

Traders is at 1551 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-7242.

The Sanibel Island Antiques and Jewelry Show returns this weekend, featuring exhibitors and dealers from many states, some from as far away as Maine. They bring a diverse collection of items for sale including small pieces of furniture, postcards and comics, bronze statues, carved ivory miniatures, vintage furs, gold jewelry, oil paintings and watercolors, and Asian art and antiques. There will also be lots of silver and painted porcelain, Victorian glass and art glass.

The prices will be just as varies as the items, according to the organizers. They say whether you collect military medals, fishing lures, French bronzes or Lalique, there will be something for everyone.

Former Sanibel resident Pete Clapp of A Silver Chest has operated the show for 14 years. It runs three times a year in January, February and March. The January dates are this Saturday and Sunday, the 12^th and 13^th.

The show has been held on Sanibel for more than 30 years and takes place at The Community House.

LIVE ON THE ISLANDS

Traditions on the Beach at the Island Inn has live entertainment most nights. This week’s lineup include: Friday, Joe McCormick and singer Barbara Smith; Saturday, Joe McCormick and singer Marvilla Marzan; Sunday, Dusk Duo with Dean & Kathy Winkleman from Milwaukee on piano, guitar and vocals; Wednesday, Wood Brubaker on the piano, saxophone and vocals; and Thursday, dancing to Joe McCormick with popular favorites and smooth vocal stylings, R&B, jazz and pop. Traditions is at 3111 West Gulf Drive, phone 472-+4559.

Traders Store & Café features music by Chris Workman on Sundays and Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Danny Morgan and Friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Traders is at 1551 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-7242.

Sweet Melissa’s Café features Michael David playing light acoustic background music Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sweet Melissa’s is at 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 472-1956.

George & Wednesday’s Sanibel Seafood Grille has live entertainment every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as every other Tuesday. Karoake is on Wednesdays. Robbie Hutto, guitar and vocals, is the entertainer Thursday from 9 p.m. to midnight, and Friday it’s Bill Metts, folk guitar and vocals. The restaurant is at 2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, phone 395-1263.

The Jacaranda has entertainment nightly from 7 to 11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, it’s Jamaica “Dave” & Co., reggae and dance; Monday, Renata, jazz, contemporary music and dance; Tuesday, Steve “Scooter” Reynolds, acoustic guitar, contemporary music and dance; Wednesday, Buckeye Ken, contemporary, Top 40 and blues; Thursday, 2 Hot contemporary, reggae and dance. The Jacaranda is at 1223 Periwinkle Way, phone 472-1771.

The Mucky Duck on Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, features music by Mark dupuy on Mondays; Rich Lancaster, Wednesday; Gene Federico, Thursdays and Saturdays; and Buckeye Ken, Fridays.

The Crow’s Nest at ‘Tween Waters Inn has live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Crab races take place Mondays and Thursdays. The Crow’s Nest is at 15951 Captiva Drive, phone 472-5161.

The Island Cow on Periwinkle Way has live entertainment on Friday with Dan Confrey; Saturday, Diana Lynn; and Sunday, Buckeye Ken. Phone 472-0606.

RC Otter’s, 11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, has live music daily with dining inside and out, phone 395-1142.

Keylime Bistro features live music days and nights seven days a week with Ken Limeri playing jazz sax from 6 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday. The bistro is at 11509 Andy Rosse Land, Captiva, phone 395-4000.

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Home Prices Post Biggest Annual Jump in Two Years

CNN Money - December 26, 2012
by Chris Isidore

The recover in the housing market continues to pick up steam, as home prices posted the biggest percentage gain in more than two years in the latest reading of the closely followed S&P/Case-Shiller index.

The index showed prices up 4.3% in October compared to a year earlier. That’s the best improvement since May 2010. But that earlier increase was due to a temporary spike caused by a homebuyers’ tax credit of up to $8,000 on homes purchased in late 2009 and early 2010.

This latest rise comes as the housing market has shown numerous other signs of recovery in recent months. A combination of near record-low mortgage rates, lower unemployment and a drop in foreclosures to a five-year low means there are more buyers interested in purchasing fewer available homes. That in turn has lifted prices. October marked the fifth straight month that the index has been up on a year-over-year basis.

The improvement in housing market fundamentals has helped to lift the pace of both home sales and home building. But even with the latest rise in prices, the index is still down 29% from the peak reached in June 2006.

The continued rebound in prices likely will be another positive for both purchases and construction in the year ahead. Higher prices give current homeowners a better chance to sell their home and get the down payment they need on their next home purchase. They also encourage buyers who may have been on the sidelines because of uncertainty about home prices’ direction that now is the time to buy.

Of course, home builders benefit from higher price and increased demand. Leading home builders such as PulteGroup (PHA), Lenna (LEN) KB Home (KBH), D.R. Horton, INC. (DHI) and Toll Brothers (TOL) have all enjoyed better than a 50% rise in their stock price over the last 12 months, with PulteGroup’s stock

nearly tripling in value.

The increase in home values were widespread in this latest reading, with only two of the 20 cities tracked by index showing modest price declines from a year earlier. Prices were down a little more than 1% in Chicago and New York.

The biggest rise was in Phoenix, one of the cities hardest hit when the housing bubble burst. Price in Phoenix were 21.7% higher than in October 2011. 

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