High-End Living on the High Seas - The Yacht Life!

Here's a fun way of living! Would you take the plunge and live on the high seas? I think I might - maybe some day, right? -John Petel

High-End Living on the High Seas
Multimillion-dollar ships are sporting amenities more commonly found in luxury condos.

By Arian Campo-Flores

Looking for floor-to-ceiling windows, a terrace overlooking the ocean and poolside spa? You might consider a home on the high seas.

Builders are designing yachts that replicate the aesthetic and amenities of luxury lofts and condos, with clean lines, ample glass and indoor-outdoor spaces. Many are outfitted with cutting-edge technology, such as interactive, high-definition video walls for movies and art. High-tech toys range from Seabob water sleds to minisubmarines for underwater cruising.

A 140-foot Veloce by Italian boat maker Benetti recently made its debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The $45 million vessel, which can travel 21 knots, includes two pools, a gym and a massage room. At the touch of a button, part of the wall in the fitness center opens to become a balcony, bathing the space in natural light.

On the lower level, the back end of the boat folds down to create a "beach club," with a bar, grill and sun deck at sea level where guests can stretch out on lounge chairs or dive into the water. The decor is sleek and subdued, featuring white leather sofas and slate-gray wood flooring.

Yachts "are becoming more modern, more minimalist," said Daniel Ziriakus, chief operating officer at yacht brokerage Northrop & Johnson. "What you see with new buildings in Miami is transferring over to boats."

The trend is driven in part by a new generation of buyers. Unlike older boaters, who favor a traditional layout of distinct spaces, such as formal dining rooms and casual outside decks, younger ones want to break down those barriers, said Timothy Hamilton, director of Feadship America, the U.S. arm of Dutch shipyard.

He said the company is discussing a possible design with one client, a businessman in his 30s, for a 230-foot vessel that would feature a two-story, glass-walled garages to house a sports car, motorbikes and small boats. When the yacht is anchored and those items are removed, the space can be transformed into an enormous loft-like lounge and workout space. The prices hasn't been determined.

"That is completely breaking the mold of a boat," Mr. Hamilton said.

The most cutting-edge yachts are erasing divisions between interior and exterior spaces, said Michael von der Heide, project development director at Blohm+Voss. A new 260-foot yacht, the BV80, being built by the German shipyard has a beach club that blends into a spa with a yoga studio, a sauna and a Turkish bath. One level up, a large lounge has floor-to-ceiling glass panels that can open the space to the elements or seal it off the bad weather. The director wouldn't discuss the price.

Glass is more popular than ever. The deckhouse on the new $6 million, 85-foot yacht by Italian builder Arcadia Yachts that was introduced at the Fort Lauderdale show is made almost entirely of double-pane glass and topped with solar panels to recharge the boat's batteries. The design yields expansive views and a light, airy feel. "It gives a sensation of space, of freedom," said Francesco Guida, the boat's designer.

The 150-foot, Como, which Feadship completed this year, has a continuous band of glass panels around the yacht, and bulwark windows that are about 20 feet long. A sun deck that can accommodate 50 people is equipped with a bar, grill and pop-up TV, and is surrounded by glass that can be retracted.

Incorporating so much glass on a boat, where it must endure heavy loads and intense pressure, presents tough engineering challenges. Tests on the Combo's portholes, which are the maximum size allowed, included dropping a steel ball on the structure from 20 feet up.

Behind much of the innovation is a simple idea: People want to feel connected to the water.

Italian yacht-builder Wider is a making $31 million, 150-foot yacht. One novel feature is a rear space that holds a 32-foot boat. When the craft is removed, the area transforms into a beach club with lounge chairs, a movie screen and side doors that open to the sea. It also holds a pool that fills with ocean water cleaned by recirculating pumps.

"You have the security of your own swimming pool," said Darren Dotson, president of Wider Yachts USA. "But you look out and feel like you're in the ocean."

Source: Wall Street Journal

7 Ways to Keep Your Place Safe While You're Away

I know all of your snowbirds are ready to take off and fly South for the winter - especially with these cold weather forecasts. But before you leave, be sure to take a few extra minutes to protect your homes. Take a look through these 7 safety tips before you head to the beach. We'll see you soon!

-John Petel

by. Craig Donofrio

Whether you're lying on a beach in the Caribbean for a week, touring the country on a road trip or spending the holidays back home, the last thing you want to worry about is coming back to a ransacked apartment.

But a few simple tips can boost your rental security and help you worry less if you're hitting the road by keeping your place safe in your absence.

1. Check the Locks

A few weeks before you leave, inspect the locks on all of your windows and doors. Make sure deadbolts slide into place, window locks aren't easy to pry open, and sliding glass doors have a security bar in place.

2. Stop Your Mail

As soon as you know when you'll be traveling, fill out the United States Postal Service's online form to stop your mail. Even if you live in a secure building, a thief might slip into the lobby, spot your overflowing mailbox and take it as a surefire sign you're away from home.

3. Don't Stand Out

While closing your curtains may seem like the obvious choice, it can backfire. A burglar casing your rental might notice the change and realize you're away from home, instead, leave a curtain or two open like you normally would - and move your stuff out of view.

And if you're traveling during the holidays, don't leave presents under the tree in plain sight. Ask a neighbor to pick up any packages left at your door.

4. Make it Look Like You're Home

Affordable automatic timers can make it seem like someone is home while you're away. Add times to lamps in different rooms and stagger the on/off times.

Hooking timers up to a television or radio can also make it seem like someone's home.

5. Keep Your Landlord in the Loop

Let your landlord know your travel plans, including your departure and arrival times. A landlord should be happy to come by and scope out the place while you're away, which will go a long wat to keeping your home safe.

6. Hire a House Sitter

Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to visit your apartment while you're away to collect delivery menus from the front door and check on the space.

If a thief watching your rental sees people going in and out, he'll think someone is home and move to an easier target.

7. Beef Up Security.

If you don't have an alarm installed - and your landlord doesn't want to pay to install a system - there are some cheaper, temporary alternatives you can use while on vacation. Wireless alarms and sensors can be attached to doors and windows. If a door is opened, an alarm will sound.

If you want an even cheaper option, buy a set of window decals and yard signs from an alarm company. Even if you don't actually have an alarm, thieves might not bother to test it.

Source: Realtor.com

Florida's housing market continues steady course in 3Q 2014

Orlando, Fla - Nov. 6, 2014

Florida's housing market reported higher median prices and gains in inventory during the third quarter of 2014, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors. Closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 64,633 in 3Q 2014, up 7.6 percent over the 3Q 2013 figure.

"Florida's housing market continues to show growth and stability over the past three months, with median prices rising and fewer distressed property sales," said 2014 Florida Realtors President Sherri Meadows, CEO and team leader, Keller Williams, with market centers in Gainesville, Ocala and The Villages. "More Florida residents are getting back to work as new jobs are created and our population continues to increase, which boost the state's economy and provide a strong foundation for the housing sector."

The 3Q statewide median sales prices for single-family existing homes rose 4 percent from the same time a year ago, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The statewide median price for townhouse=condo properties during the second quarter was up 6.9 percent over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the houses sold for more, half for less.

Statewide new listings for singl family homes over the three-month period rose 4.4 percent year-over-year, while new townhouse-condo listings slightly dropped by 1 percent.

Looking at Florida's townhouse-condo market, statewide closed sales totaled 26,506 during 3Q 2014, down 4.6 percent compared to 3Q 2013. The closed sales data continued to reflect fewer short sales over the three-month period: Short sales for condo-townhouse properties declined 59.9 percent while short sales for single-family homes dropped 50.8 percent. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

It's a good idea to step back and look at the housing market on occasion from a broader perspective, such as a quarterly basis, said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. He added that with so much real estate data available from many different sources, looking at numbers too frequently can sometimes suggest trends when none are there - or mask trends actually occurring.

"The third quarter numbers actually confirm what we have seen in the monthly data," Tuccillo said. "The housing market has settled into a stable pattern of activity that is reminiscent of the market before the craziness of the last year years. Sales and prices are up for single-family homes, but at sustainable rates. Inventory is fluctuating in a range that suggests a balanced market. The condo market is reflective of the general decline in new investor purchases in Florida. While prices and sales are strong in most of the state (especially when distressed sales are taken out of the numbers), some metropolitan areas continue to struggle.

"The good news is that this type of progress is the real estate market is likely to continue. We should see continued growth of the market for the rest of 2014 and into 2014."

Inventory was at at 5.4 month's supply in the third quarter for single-family homes an at 5.8 months' supply for townhouse-condo properties, according to Florida Realtors.

According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for at 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.14 percent for 3Q 2014, down from 4.44 percent average recorded during the same quarter a year earlier. \

Source: Florida Realtors

Is refinancing a mortgage worth it?

New York - Nov. 3, 2014

The interest rate pendulum has swung in favor of homeowners again.

A steady decline in recent weeks brought down the average rate for a 30-year fixed home loan below 4 percent to 3.92 percent this week, the lowest level in more than a year. As recently as January, the average was 4.53 percent, according to mortgage giant Freddit Mac.

That's good news for homeowners who are locked in at a higher interest rate and weren't able to refinance before rates began ticking up last year. The decline in mortgage rates has spurred a surge in mortgage refinancing. Applications reached their highest level since November 2013 last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

A reduction in your mortgage interest rate can translate into significant savings. The key is ensuring they aren't outweighed by the charges and fees involved.

"You want to be careful to do the math and be sure you're coming out ahead," said Gary Kalman, executive vice president at the center of Responsible Lending.

Here are some tips to help you determine whether refinancing your mortgage will pay off.

1. Understand the fees

Lenders typically charge fees for the mortgage broker's services, credit reports, a home appraisal and title insurance, among other costs.

To get a sense of the total consts, start with a "good faith estimate," It's a form that lenders are required to provide that details the projected costs associated with the loan.

Although certain costs of the loan can't change, including the origination or broker's fee, costs such as title fees may change until the loan is locked, meaning the interest rate is set, notes Kurtis Baker, a wealth management advisor at Certified Wealth Management & Investment LLC in Princeton, New Jersey.

The loan officer should also be able to help determine what your monthly payment would be after the refinancing.

2. Get a low-enough rate.

The general rule of thumb is that borrowers need to shave at least 1.5 to 2 percentage points from their rate in order for the refinancing costs to be worthwhile.

To qualify for the best rate on a mortgage refinance, borrowers must have proof of income and have equity in their home. About 20 percent equity is ideal, though some lenders will require as much as 30 percent for jumbo loans, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

3. Do the math

Don't be fooled into thinking that you're getting a better deal when it's simply a new loan with a longer term, warns Timothy Watters, a certified financial planner at Watters Financial Services in Paramus, New Jersey.

To avoid this, tally up how much you're paying now in principal and interest and multiply it by the number of months left on your loan. Then do the same calculation using the figures under the new loan.

"If there's a substantial difference, it may be worthwhile to refinance," said Watters. "If there's not, it may not at all be worth refinancing."

Online calculators can help you estimate whether the savings in refinancing add up in your favor. Try this one from Bankrate.

4. Determine when you will break even

Even if refinancing will lower your monthly payment, it will take time to recoup your expenses. So think about how long you plan to stay in your home.

For example, refinancing from 5.5 percent interest rate to 4 percent would save $180 a month on $200,000 mortgage. But the fees - averaging around $2,500 - mean it would take about 14 months to break even.

To estimate how long it will take for your savings to offset the refinancing costs, divide the estimate costs by the projected annual interest savings.

Remember to factor in loan points, which borrowers can buy to lower their interest rate further. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.

As long as that is comfortably shorter than the time you plan to stay in the home, refinancing could be a good choice, Baker said.

The Federal Reserve has a more detailed calculator for determining the break-even point on a mortgage refinancing. 

5. Shop around

Get quotes from several banks and ask that they put their offers in writing, including an estimate for the closing costs and any extras, like loan points.

Some lenders will allow you to roll the refinancing fees into your loan, sparing you upfront costs. However, this will increase how much you owe - and pay interest on - for the life of your loan.

Ask that the lender provide you with a comparison of the loan costs upfront and rolled into the loan.

Source: Florida Realtors

Don’t Let the Stock Market Get You Down

by Jonathan Smoke

The stock market's roller coaster ups and downs dominated the economic news this week, but don't be fooled into thinking they indicate economic weakness.

Actually the stock market is experiencing a correction. These corrections are sometimes related to economic declines and other issues, but sometimes they occur independently and in the face of positive economic conditions - like now.

This stock market correction is more about company valuations and bad hedge fund bets. It is not indicative of the road ahead for housing, which is increasingly looking more positive, based on the following factors.

Key Factors Making the U.S Economy Look Good

Construction: New construction data for September were positive and slightly better than expected. Starts and permits are back above 1 million. Year-over-year, the level of new construction is up 10% over 2013. That's not a spectacular rebound, it's positive and the gains in new construction will life the economy.

Labor: Fundamentally, the economy and housing are on solid ground as the labor market continues to show strength. The weekly unemployment claims number was 264,000, the lowest number since the spring of 2000. The share of the labor force applying for unemployment has never been lower. This reinforces the view the labor market is improving and tightening, and the October employment figures are likely to be very strong.

The labor market is strong because the economy and, specifically, industrial production continue to grow. Industrial production rose 1% in September, which was higher than the consensus estimate.

Continued Positive Outlook

The outlook for the economy and housing is positive, as the core fundamentals are all gaining strength. Pent-up demand remains large for housing but is constrained by tight mortgage qualification requirements, and supply for both new and existing homes remain below normal levels. Confidence is high despite blips from the stock market correction and nervousness about global deflation and Ebola.

Continued improvement in employment will be main driver for a quickening pace of economic growth, and this will drive growth in home sales and new construction, which will reinforce the employment growth. That cycle should result in significant job gains in the months ahead along with improving incomes and gradually improving access to credit. In such scenario, we should start to tap some of the pent-up demand that has been shut out of the housing market for the last several years.

We also now have two factors weighting the scales in our favor: substantially lower gas prices and 30-year mortgage rates below 4%.

Lower prices at the pump free up consumers' money for spending, paving the way for a good holiday season. Fixed mortgage rates below 4% won't last long, so they are the "last call" for qualified buyers to act on this rare opportunity. Plus, these lower rates provide a window for qualified buyers to refinance and reduce their monthly housing costs.

These factors will support greater economic growth overall and lift sentiment even further, setting the stage for a strong 2015.

Source: Realtor.com

The Warm and Cozy Home - Stay happy and healthy until your next trip to Sanibel!

The Warm and Cozy Home
by Deirdre Sullivan

We've got more than 9 mood-lifting ideas to make your home more welcoming and efficient this winter.

The dark days of winter can really do a number on your well-being. Shorter days trigger the blahs; freezing temps spark the sniffles. So we put together a list of ideas that'll turn your home into a comfy haven.

Cozy and Clever Energy Savers

Here's how to create a brighter and warmer home without using more energy or cranking up the thermostat.

1. Clean dirty light fixtures and dusty bulbs to make your home appear 30% brighter without turning on more lights. 
2. Seal sneaky air leaks. It's not just window and door leaks killing your cozy vibe. Don't forget to plug stealthy gaps around recessed lights, electrical boxes and wall outlets. Use a lit incense stick or a scented candle to hunt down draft spots while leaving behind a cozy scent.
3. Replace your traditional gas or wood fireplace. Why? Both suck out heated indoor air and send it up the chimney. A gel fireplace insert is an eco-friendly option that produces a burning fire without gas, wood, electricity or even a chimney. It's also smoke-free and emits fewer allergens than a wood fireplace; some options crackle like the real thing. A basic model costs between $100 to $210; custom models go up exponentially from there. A case of gel fuel comes with 12 cans that burn for three hours each (about $35). TIP:  Use a slow cooker to infuse your home with a warm and cozy aroma. Even better, slow cookers are more energy efficient than electric ovens, typically using less energy than a light bulb.
4. Get plants. some indoor plants, like golden pothos and gerbera daisies, are practically adept at sucking up nasty VOCs - the vapors emitted from household cleaners, paints and dry cleaning. And since plants increase humidity levels, they help decrease household dust.
5. Vacuum while your thermostat is set to "fan on." This helps filter dust that gets kicked-up while cleaning. Just leave the fan on for about 15 minutes after you finish vacuuming and switch it back to "auto" afterward. HVAC blowers aren't intended to run all the time.
6. Change your HVAC filter every couple of months (monthly if you have pets) to prevent excess dust from circulating. TIP: Combat superbugs with copper. If you're planning to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom fixtures, consider classic and homey-looking copper or a copper alloy like brass. A three-hospital study in 2011 found that bacteria can only survive on copper for a few minutes, but germs can live on stainless steel for weeks.
7. Make your windows pane-fully clear. Clean glass not only lets more natural light into your home, it's a feel-good task, according to a survey by the American Clean Institute. When ACI asked consumers what clean surfaces make them happy, "gleaming windows" made the top five above a "spotless sink."
8. Ditch your window screens in the fall and winter. They trap dirty and can make your home appear darker inside and out. It's a good curb appeal booster, too.
9. Add an interior window to a room next to a sun-drenched space to take advantage of natural light. TIP: Paint chilly rooms, especially north-facing walls that typically get sunlight, in reds, oranges, or yellow - cozy colors that can actually help the room feel warmer, according to a Michigan State University study.

Source: House Logic

Great investment opportunity!

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath condo with over 1100 square feet at the Sundial Beach Resort and Spa. Updated and new furnishings! Great rental income history. If you’re ready for your next real estate opportunity contact me for more information!  CLICK HERE to view this great condo!  

The 4 Keys to Buying a Vacation Home

*I hope you find this article regarding Vacation Homes valuable. With nearly three decades of experience in Southwest Florida - specifically Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers - I can help you find the perfect investment to meet your real estate portfolio needs. Visit my website at www.teampetel.com and I'll help you find your perfect piece of paradise.
-John Petel

By Jodi Helmer

The second-home market is getting nutty, so follow these tips before making an offer.

Diane Daniel, 55, fell in love with Indian Rocks Beach, a small coastal enclave just south of Clearwater, Fla., after living there in her teens and 20s; she returns often to vacation.

"I have an emotional connection to that beach," says the freelance writer who lives in Durham, N.C. "A friend called it Mayberry with sunsets - and that's exactly what it feels like."

Daniel loves the area so much that she hopes to retire in the Indian Rocks Beach cottage on the Intracoastal Waterway that she and her partner just bought and currently rent out year-round. The couple also owns a two-bedroom condo in the area, purchased in 2007 and uses as a rental property during most of the year.

Second Home Sales Are Soaring

Daniel exemplifies today's vacation-home buying boom. Sales of second homes increased 10 percent between 2011 and 2012, according to the National Association of Realtors. During the same period, the median price for these properties went through the roof - up 23 percent, to $150,000.

In some popular vacation spots, the market is even crazier. Take the chi-chi Hamptons on New York's Long Island. There, the number of transactions soared by nearly 21 percent between the first quarters of 2012 and 2013, according to the Elliman Report, a real estate agency survey.

It's now not uncommon for buyers in sought-after destinations to find themselves in bidding wars, says Regina Tortorella, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty in upstate New York.

4 Tips for Vacation Home Buyers

If you're thinking about making an offer on a second home in this frothy market - perhaps a property that will become your eventual retirement place - here are four things to keep in mind:

1. Never forget that the key to vacation homes is location, location, location. Sure, this is a cliche, but that doesn't make it wrong. Before making an offer on a home, get to really know the area by visiting several times to explore the neighborhoods and check out the amenities.

Aside from exploring during peak seasons, Tortorella recommends spending time in there after the crowds clear out. "Different seasons bring different vibes to the area," she says. "Not only that, but some of the local stores and restaurants may only be open seasonally. You'll want to be familiar with what the area has to offer during the off-season."

2. Assess the property's true rental potential. Beaches and mountains tend to be the most desirable locations to pick up rental income when you're not staying in your vacation home, according to the National Association of Realtors.

If you think you'll want to turn a place you're considering into a rental property, check with the town and, if appropriate, the homeowners association, to be sure short-term rentals are allowed - before making an offer.

Be certain, too, that the home you're considering has the amenities renters expect.

Tortorella says that in the mountain resort area where she sells second homes, properties that double as vacation rentals must have hot tubs, fireplaces and mountain views to lure tenants. "These features help tremendously for getting the highest rental price and occupancy rate," she says.

3. Add up all the costs for buying and maintaining the vacation home. Mortgage rates are sometimes a big higher for second homes than primary residence, according to Walter Molony, economic issues media manager for the National Association of Realtors.

That's especially true if you'll be counting on rental income to qualify for the mortgage.

In that case, the lender will view your vacation home as investment property. Not only will you probably be required to pay a higher mortgage rate than normal, you may be asked to come up with a down payment of 25 percent of so, according to an article by CNNMoney's Sarah Max.

You'll have better luck getting vacation home financing through smaller regional banks, Molony says.

Renting a home to offset your costs will also mean paying additional fees, like the cost of professional property management. The manager who Daniel hired for her condo, for instance, charges 15 percent of the rental rate to market the property, process tenant applications, manage payments and maintain the place.

4. Before making a bid, sleep on it. Purchasing a vacation home is often the first step toward fulfilling a retirement dream. Too often, though, this emotional desire causes buyers to rush into making offers.

That's especially true in today's buyer-eat-buyer vacation home market.

"There is this feeling that you have to buy now because prices are low and mortgage rates are low," Venezia says. "But you don't want to be in such a rush that you jump in prematurely. You really want to take your time and do your due diligence."

So proceed with caution. You'll want to be confident that the home will not only suit your needs today, but in the future. It's a good idea to consider the age-friendliness of the property, since you may be living in a place for years from now when it might not be quite as easy to, say, handle flights of stairs.

Daniel and her partner made the decision deliberately and wisely. They carefully analyzed all the potential costs of owning vacation homes in another state as well as in Florida. Then, they waited for the right properties to hit the market before pouncing.

"We needed to know that no matter what happened, we could afford both homes," Daniel says. Now it's just a matter of time before they'll kick up their flip-flops in their ideal retirement cottage.

Source: Huffington Post

Tennis legend plans Sanibel visit for benefit event

Nick Bollettieri this year was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. His extensive career as a tennis couch includes developing many leading players, from Andre Agassi and Boris Becker to Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters. The influential coach will be coming to Sanibel Island.

Bollettieri will be part of an exclusive tennis even from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 at Beachview Tennis Club in Sanibel, where there will be a Round Robin with instruction by Bollettieri and his professional coaching team. Players registered for the benefit will receive a signed photograph with Bollettieri, as well as the chance to win a Lily & Co. Jewelers 14-karat gold diamond tennis racquet necklace. The event will benefit FISH of Sanibel.

The Sanibel Catering Company by Bailey's will provide a delectable brunch and the experts at R.S. Walsh Landscaping have donated their talent for a crisp landscape. Spectators will be surrounded by Round Robin, Q&A session with Nick Bolletieri and have the chance to win a sterling silver tennis suite (earrings and pendant) donated by Lily & Co.

The tennis even will be followed by a public "Chocolates and Champagne" book signing from 2-5 p.m. at Lily & Co., which is sponsoring the day.

Bollettieri will sign copies of his authorized biography, "Changing the Game," in which he hopes to inspire others to get into the game whatever it may be. There will be a 2-karat diamond tennis bracelet by Benny Sofer up for the raffle, too.

"It will be an unforgettable day," said Lily & Co.'s co-owner Dan Schuyler, an avid tennis player who has been coached by Bollettieri. "We are honored to have Nick visit Sanibel. He has been a prominent coach who shares his knowledge and passion for the game with those around him."

Bollettieri, a New York native, opened the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy on 40 acres in Bradenton, where he transformed the way tennis was taught at the elite junior level. Today it is the IMG Academy, which purchased NBTA nearly three decades ago. Bollettieri remains pivotal in the development of the academy and its programs.

Fine jewelry. Tennis with Nick Bollettieri. It's all for a good cause, too. Proceeds benefit F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc., a non-profit organization that positively impacts thousands of lives each year through its much-needed social services, including a food pantry. The Walk-In Center on Periwinkle Way is a designated United Way House, which helps the organization essential, cost-effective services for clients.

"We are grateful for the work F.I.S.H. does in our community," said Lily & Co.'s co-owner Karen Bell. "It gives those who live, work or visit our island access to much-needed services. It is our pleasure to assist F.I.S.H. in its mission of neighbors helping neighbors."

Voted "Coolest Jewelry Store" in the nation by INSTORE magazine, Lily & Co. Jewelers is housed in a historical building on Tarpon Bay Road, which has been re-purposed over the past century from at Baptist church to a school, bank and podiatrist's office. It has been refurbished once more in include the in-house Design Center, where guests will receive personal service from master in jeweler, Nicholas De Stefano.

For details and tickets, contact Dan Schuyler at 239-472-2888, or at dschuyler@lilyjewelers.com Beachview is located at 1100 Par View in Sanibel.

Study: Landscaping boosts home values up to 12%

Blacksburg, VA - Oct. 15, 2014

Upgrading a home's landscaping from average to excellent can raise its overall value by 10 percent to 12 percent, according to research from Virginia Tech.

Alex X. Niemiera with Virginia Tech's Department of horticulture found that a $150,000 home with no landscaping could fetch and additional $8,300 to $19,000 more once surrounded by plants that vary in color and size.

The value of landscaping different greatly from state to state, however. For example, the change in value from a home with no landscaping to well landscaped ranged from 5.5 percent in Louisiana to 11.4 percent in South Carolina. Michigan homes saw the biggest difference in landscaping appeal, with a home's value being increased by 12.7 percent.

"The most preferred landscape included sophisticated design with large deciduous, evergreen and annual color plants and colored landscape," according to Niemiera. Adding different plant sizes to a front yard, for example, can boost curb appeal, as well as mixing fruit trees and flowers for added color.

The survey found the following landscape elements most important:

• Design sophistication
• Plant size
• Diversity of plant material type

Survey results showed that relatively large landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and will result in a higher selling price than homes with a minimal landscape," Niemiera writes in the paper. "Design sophistication and plant size were the landscape factors that most affected value."

Niemiera offers one reason why a boost in landscape can impact a home's value: "The resulting increase in 'curb appeal' of the property may also help differentiate a home in a subdivision where house styles are similar and thereby attract potential buyers into a home," he says. "This advantage is especially important in a competitive housing market."

Source: Florida Realtors

Sanibel Island could fly into top bird watching spot

Sanibel Island is known for world famous beach but could soon be nationally recognized for bird watching.

Sanibel is among 20 other destinations across the country in the running to claim the title, "Best Birdwatching Destination in the USA."

More than 245 species of birds call the island home, with the majority of them residing in and around the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

The public poll is being conducted by USA Today, which currently has Sanibel at the number 2 spot behind Maggie Marsh, Ohio.

You can cast your voice once a day until November 10th.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR SANIBEL ISLAND!

Not sure? Check out these great shots from around Sanibel.

Source: Wink News

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Rauschenberg exhibit to celebrate artist's birthday

Florida SouthWestern State College and lead sponsor Finemark National Bank & Trust announce the first solo exhibition of world renowned artist Robert Rauschenberg since his memorial at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery in 2008 and the first installation in the more than a decade of his monumental 100 ft.-long Chinese Summerhall (1984) photograph.

Rauschenberg: China/America Mix is the artist's sixteenth one-man show at the College (since the Gallery was founded in 1979) and celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Gallery's renaming and dedication in his honor.

The Rauschenberg: China/America Mix exhibition will open to the public from 7-9 p.m. on Bob Rauschenberg's Oct. 22 birthday, with musical performances by longtime friends Dickie Landry, Kat Epple and Sonic Combine.

Rauschenberg was born in 1925 and spent his most productive years at his Captiva studio.

A pre-opening lecture on "Rauschenberg in China" will be presented from 6-7 p.m. by distinguished guest, Dr. Donald Saff (founder of USF's Graphicstudio and Artistic Director of Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange/ROCI).

Widely acknowledged as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, Rauschenberg is credited with pioneering the transition from European modernism to American pop art and was a local Lee County resident for nearly four decades. His effect still looms large around the globe, but this is particularly evident in China. Inspired by his 1982 visit to Jing Xian and his work at the ancient Xuan Paper Mill on his 7 [Chinese] Characters collages (included in this exhibition), Rauschenberg returned to China in 1985 to mount his Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI) exhibition at the National Gallery in Beijing.

Open to the public for less than three weeks, Rauschenberg's ROCI/China show attracted more than 300,000 visitors and is still considered a seminal cultural event. To this day, the most recognized Chinese artists acknowledge his great influence and broader impact in describing art in China "before and after Rauschenberg."

These events are open to the public, free of charge. The first-come, first-served seating for the 6 p.m. lecture is limited. For additional information call 239-489-9313 or visit RauschebergGallery.com/Facebook

SOURCE: Sanibel-Captiva Islander

Mortgage rates down for third straight week

WASHINGTON (AP) - Oct. 10, 2014 - Average U.S. Mortgage rates fell for the third straight week, making it more affordable to borrow money to buy a home.

Mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday that the nationwide average for a 30-year loan fell to 4.12 percent from 4.19 percent last week. The average for a 15-year mortgage, a popular choice for people who are refinancing, also declined to 3.3 percent from 3.36 percent.

The 30-year rate is down from 4.53 percent at the start of the year.

Rates have fallen even though the Federal Reserve appears set at the end of this month to end its monthly bond purchases, which are intended to keep long-term borrowing rates low. Yet Fed officials have indicated that they will continue to hold shorter-term rates at near zero levels unit there are signs of rising inflation.

Fed actions often influence the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which affects mortgage rates. The 10-year note was trading at 2.32 percent at midday Thursday, down sharply from 2.41 percent a week earlier.

Mortgage rates are falling as the housing market has cooled off. Average price growth has slowed rising just 6.4 percent in August compared with a year ago, according to real estate data provider CoreLogic. That's down from annual average grains of as much 12 percent toward the end of last year.

Similarly, sales of existing homes also declined in August. Fewer investors bought properties, and first-time buyers have yet to return to the market, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Sales of new homes shot up in August, yet it remains below historic average, according to Commerce Department data.

To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country between Monday and Wednesday each week. The average doesn't include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.

The average fee for a 30-year mortgage rose to 0.5 point from 0.4 point last week. The fee for a 15-year mortgage remained at 0.5 point.

The average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 3.05 percent from 3.06 percent. The fee stayed at 0.5 percent.

For a one-year ARM, the average rate was unchanged at 2.42 percent. The fee held at 0.4 point.

Source: Florida Realtors

The controlled wildness of Sanibel, Captiva islands

Michael Billheimer hands me a jar of strawberry preserves as I leave his Lighthouse Cafe. "It's just a little taste of our island for you to take home," he said. Now THAT'S hospitality. The Lighthouse Cafe on Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island is reputedly home to the best whole wheat blueberry pancakes in Southwest Florida. The cafe is small and cozy, and every available wall space is clad with framed photos or drawings of lighthouses from around the world, most of them sent by fulfilled customers. Just down the road, and by the beach fronting Gulf of Mexico, is the beacon of Sanibel, an authentic lighthouse - a landmark since 1884 when the entire island was a nature preserve.

The lingering "taste" I have of Sanibel Island and its smaller sister island, Captiva, is complex. There's a controlled wildness to it. On the one hand, the islands are spoltlessly clean; no buildings taller than the tallest palm tree; the roadways have no ruts; even the policemen who control the traffic (as there are no stoplights anywhere) are neat and courteous. Yet the mangroves, the beaches, the small inner islands are wild havens for multitudes of birds including white pelicans, alligators, tree crabs, dolphins and those permanently folded manatees. It's still a preserve, but accommodations have been made for humans: biking (on the 23-mile bike path), kayaking, sailing, swimming and sightseeing.

One evening I took a sunset cruise from McCarthy's Marina in Captiva. Just before the red ball dropped below the horizon, a trio of dolphins entertained us with their acrobatic leaps in the boat's wake. The eco-system in this part of Florida is so rich and so protected that most creatures thrive there with, dare I say, wild abandon.

Many of the two-legged creatures of the human persuasion who congregate along the seashore are searching for seashells in this world class seashell trove of over 400 varieties. If you can't find what you're looking for on the beach, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will satisfy all your mollusk and cephalopod cravings. (Positively no shucking allowed). They even have a computer with seashell recipes from all over the world that you can email to whomever you wish. (I sent a whole whack of them to friends.)

Down the road from the museum is the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. This center offers a rare opportunity for visitors to witness the care for injured and orphaned wildlife. It's a great place for kids to play "vet" as they follow the cases of four animals from admission to release, live on video. From there I took a narrated tram tour of the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge. Besides being one of the top bird-watching destinations in North America, I got a kick out of our well-informed and no-nonsense guide who, like an army squad leader, yelled out the Latin names of the critters we saw or were about to see from the horseshoe crab to the rare alligator sighting.

Charming arts and crafts stores dot the islands and cafes and bistros are a plenty. One morning I had breakfast in the sunshine at the Island Cow. If the Lighthouse Cafe was filled with photos, then the Cow practically mooed with its whimsical decorations and its "udderly" delicious menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, for hands-down most visually interesting restaurant to eat at The Bubble Room in Captiva. Three floors of nostalgia, a bizarre cross between Hollywood and Christmas. I happened to be ushered to a table where my eating buddies were pint-sized figures of W.C. Field, Laurel and Hardy, Frank Sinatra and that presidential actor, Ronald Reagan. The desserts are piled high and are larger than life. I chose a modest but delicious carrot cake, partially because it was the smallest offering of the evening. Even at that, I couldn't finish it and Laurel and Hardy weren't interested in helping me.

During my four-day stay, I came "home" every night to Casa Ybel Resort. This award-winning resort has catered to families since the 1890s. I lounged on my private screened-in porch, (part of my one-bedroom suite) overlooking the gulf, and dined at their Thistle Lodge. The food was superb and the atmosphere quiet and romantic. What else does a gal need for the last night of a charmed vacation?

Source: MSN Travel

TODAY! Opening day of Sanibel's Farmer's Market - Sunday October 5th

Will we see you at the Sanibel Farmer's Market today?

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