A NEW LISTING IN THE MAKING!!

Useppa suffered from the recession, as much of the country did, with our share of Short Sales and then foreclosures, followed by Bank Sales.

I think we are very near, if not already at

The End of "Zombie Properties."

As contracted agents to the bank holding  paper on 204 Useppa Island, "Take Five! Cottage," we are managing the renovation and think it will be fantastic! 

In the middle of a tropical jungle, with all kinds of garden potential, the beauty and privacy come through the weeds, disrepair, neglect and grime.  See if you can envision what it can become.

"BEFORE" PHOTOS

 Then...there's the 40' deep water dock/2 slips

.....and the view!

Can you envision it?!?!

THE PLAN:

• Re-plank the Dock 
• Clear and Maintain the Yard
• Paint Interior
• Pressure Wash and Paint Exterior
• Install Hurricane Windows/Doors

NOW....are you getting the picture?!

Stay tuned for our next installment of:

The Transformation of
"TAKE FIVE!" COTTAGE 

 

 

Our Neighboring Island, Little Bokeelia, aka Burgess Island, SELLS!!!

Fetching $14.5 Million

Less than a mile from Useppa Island and our long-time "social sister", Little Bokeelia Island resides in the mouth of the Charlotte Harbor.  This 104-acre island is a true "Fantasy Island" featuring tropical forests, beaches, flora and fauna cultivated to it's most beautiful....and is a true oasis in the middle of today's busy life.

Totally independent of the outside world, with the exception of electrical power, the island   showcases a large 1920s Spanish-style rambling home with a guest wing,  several small outbuildings, a pool, beaches, a tennis court,...along with the basic infrastructure and permitting rights for 29 construction-ready home sites.

Though we will miss Tom and Liz Munz, the owners/developers of Little Bokeelia AND neighbors and friends for over two decades, we are thrilled they have sold their property (we hear, to a really neat family) and are more than happy they have chosen to stay in the Fort Myers area.

We are also proud to say...This beautiful property was listed, aggressively marketed and sold by our company, Michael Saunders & Company.

The Newest Dock on Useppa Island

Introducing the Newest Dock On Useppa Island

Big private dock that will, not only, accommodate a 35’ boat, but is also wide enough for your golf cart. You don’t have to walk and carry your gear.  Great access to boating, fishing and tons of fun on the water.

Secret Islands of Southwest Florida

Discover the Secret Islands of Southwest Florida

Many of Southwest Florida’s barrier islands, spanning the coast from Marco north to Manasota Key, deliver seclusion — without the three-hour tour or that dunderhead Gilligan. The best are those accessible only by boat, chartered ferry excursions and, in some cases, a helicopter or seaplane. Bonus for resort amenities and grand, Old Florida-style cottages and estate rentals — or sleeping platforms for the truly adventurous who don’t mind starlit nights within the thick nothingness of the Everglades. This time of year, even those islands connected by bridge offer more room to spread out your beach blanket.

Find Your Key to Paradise

The Ten Thousand Islands

Just a smattering of the Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands are inhabited. Subtract Marco from the mix, and the majority of the remaining 9,999 are devoid of civilization or an inkling of man’s presence. Heck, some are merely walking-on-water mangroves with little to no actual land. Motorboats allow you to take the plunge deeper into the ‘Glades and the 35,000-acre Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge. The national park is part of the largest mangrove forest in North America and plays an important role in the circle of life with its bird rookeries and fish nurseries. You might spot the rare mangrove cuckoo or black-whiskered vireo, or a sea turtle nest along the refuge’s small slices of beach.

Opt for paddle power and you’re bound to hear and see more, the dip of your paddle the only man made noise within a natural soundtrack of bird calls, leaping fish splashdowns and, if you’re lucky, the distinguishable snort of dolphins and manatees. Florida panthers also live here, and the quiet back bay waters are home to snook, permit, flounder, pompano and sea trout.

Some of the islands also offer platforms for overnight campers.

Gasparilla Island

Boca Grande–the Palm Beach of Gasparilla Island. This easy-going, but upscale island boasts stylish shops and boutiques, as well as to-die-for seafood restaurants.

Long before roads opened southwest Florida to the masses, privileged northerners came by train to spend the winter on beautiful Gasparilla Island.  This picturesque town looks much the way it did a century ago.  In the off-season, beach goers can have the water to themselves, going the whole day without seeing anyone.

See the full article

Florida Weekly June 2015

MANGOES!! SUMMERTIME'S GIFT!!

        MANGOES....MANGOES....MANGOES
               AND, MORE MANGOES!!

We love this time of year.  Lots of sun, long days and afternoon storms to knock these luscious mangoes to the ground for easy picking. 

Then again....if you have a fishing net, you don't have to wait or take only the low hanging fruit!

They make very pretty centerpieces....

And, prep is easy....once you know the easy way to "peel'n'dice."  Cut lengthwise, on either side of the seed, then score...and turn the skin, inside out...

...cut out cubes, as close to the skin as you can and, you have it! 

They are wonderful!!  Sneak a bite (or few) during the prep.  They are sweet, creamy and juicy.  Serve them, just chilled... by themselves, on cereal, ice cream, pudding. 

Or, in Salsas...cold.

Or, Salsas...hot!!  With blackened Tuna

Or, in breads and muffins.

 SALADS!!

Or...Soup!  Cold'n'creamy

Or spicy hot!!

Steamy hot, too...

 And, then, there are always those odd pieces of mango or too much for your recipe. 

DEHYDRATE!!  Bake at 250 till almost crisp!

Odd looking, but.... Oh!! SO YUMMY!!!!!

Recipes....

Mango Blueberry Muffins

Mango Salsa

Tuna Steaks with Mango Salsa

Mango Margaritas

Mango Soup

Spinach & Mango Salad

PATRIOTIC USEPPA!!

       USEPPAN'S ARE PATRIOTIC SOULS!!
                           And show it!

On the front of their homes...

 
                            And, on the back

  

      Sides of their homes, too.  Right side...

 

                  .....and left side

Right side up...

...or not! But always starts to the left!

If there is a place to show the Flag

They will!!! 

....decorate anything they can!! 

Plant it??

Wear it??!?

Celebrate it!!

PARADE IT!!!!

And, not only when or where..

                         ....you might expect!

PROUD TO BE AMERICANS!!!

Bill Proposed to Protect Florida Second Home Owners from Flood Insurance Increases

WASHINGTON – July 8, 2015 – Reps. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.) and Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) want to extend a law that limits annual flood insurance premium hikes. The law currently covers owners of primary residences, and the lawmakers want it to also cover owners of second homes and rental properties.

While a number of Florida homeowners and investors would hail passage, however, its eventual passage is a long shot.

The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, enacted in March 2014, limited yearly increases for most homeowners to 18 percent at most. The bill averted sudden big jumps some homeowners faced under a 2012 law designed to shore up the flood insurance program's finances.

"Last year, by working with members of both parties, we made significant, positive changes to the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure Floridians' rates did not skyrocket," says Murphy. "Today, as we continue to improve upon that legislation, it's more important than ever for us to ensure access to affordable flood insurance."

Rental properties not only serve as primary income for the property owners, but they also "provide reasonably priced housing for the workforce in our coastal communities," adds Curbelo.

Second homes are prevalent throughout the Sunshine State, serving as the winter destination of many people who live in colder states during the rest of the year.

Nevertheless, the two Florida lawmakers face tough opposition. Former Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) said consideration was given to second homes in the original legislation, but many lawmakers felt that people who can afford vacation homes had sufficient income to pay actuarial rates for their flood insurance coverage.

FLORIDA Realtors® July 2015

Dressed for the 4th of July

All dressed up for the 4th of July! Let your banners wave.

New Laws for Florida Homeowners

New laws go into effect July 1

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 30, 2015 – A number of real estate-related bills passed by the 2015 Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Scott become effective July 1. They include:

Flood insurance

SB 1094 expands an effort that began last year to establish a private, primary flood insurance market so property owners have an alternative to the National Flood Insurance Program. It allows insurers to offer "flexible" flood insurance coverage that, among other things, may be for an agreed upon amount or cover only the building, and not personal property or additional living expenses.

Condominium termination

HB 643 ensures that bulk buyers cannot force condo owners out of their homes without providing adequate compensation.

Drones

The commercial operation of a drone is still prohibited, but SB 766 will exempt a "person or entity engaged in a business or profession licensed by the state." This exemption will prove valuable to Realtors when such activities are permitted.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

HB 715 allows some coastal properties that would have lost Citizens coverage due to reconstruction or renovation to maintain their coverage as long as the building does not exceed 125 percent of its original size.

Flood Insurance Guarantee Fund (FIGA)

SB 836 lengthens the amount of time insurance companies have to pay assessments to FIGA, the fund that pays the claims of insurers who go bust. This change is designed to attract private market capital to the state.

Recovery residences

HB 21 establishes a voluntary process for recovery residences – also known as "sober homes" and often located in residential areas – to become state certified. Federal regulations greatly restrict the state's ability to govern sober homes.

In addition, two other laws went into effect earlier this month.

On June 1, SB 608 gave the Florida Real Estate Commission the ability to reinstate null & void licenses when a hardship occurs. It also allows a brokerage to temporarily appoint a broker of record in the event of a death or other unexpected situation; and clarifies certain appraiser and appraisal management company record keeping requirements.

On June 2, HB 779 allowed buyers of foreclosed properties to provide a notice to the tenant that has the effect of a lease termination. The bill allows the tenant to remain in possession of the property for 30 days following receipt of the notice.

© 2015 Florida Realtors®

It's Hurricane Season...Again

Hurricane Season

More than 40% of Florida residents don’t prepare for storm season beforehand, according to a recent survey by the American Automobile Association.

It has been several years since a hurricane seriously impacted our state. However, it is critical not to become complacent about storm season. Take storm preparations seriously, each and every year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that as many as eight storms this season will become hurricanes, with wind speeds topping 111 miles per hour (mph) or higher; Category 3 wind speeds begin at 111 mph, Category 4 at 130 mph, and Category 5 at 157 mph, according to the revised Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Be prepared and stay safe this hurricane season!

We talk about the water, the batteries and non-perishable food items to sustain the humans, but what about those four legged family members (and maybe two-legged with feathers)?

Be sure to include your pet(s) in your family’s disaster plan. Often local shelters will not accept animals, so make plans ahead of time for your four-legged family members if there’s a chance you may need to evacuate.

In your hurricane kit, include non-perishable food, plenty of water, and any medications your pet may need, plus trash bags for clean-up.

Non-breakable food and water bowls are especially convenient for traveling or staying away from home. For cats, include a litter box and, of course, extra kitty litter just in case. Help keep your pets safe during storm season by taking care of the following items before bad weather strikes.

• Identification:Be sure that your pet is wearing a collar that includes up-to-date identification tags, such as your address and cell phone number. If your pet has a microchip, include a copy of the number along with your important documents in your hurricane kit. Just in case you and your pet are separated from one another in the confusion of the storm, include several recent photos to help in your search. Make sure to include photos showing you with your pet so you can prove ownership.
• Leashes & Carriers:Even for well-behaved pets, be sure to have a strong collar and leash, plus a sturdy portable carrier large enough for your pet to sleep in for traveling or hotel stays. Because pets need comforting too, include their favorite toy or blanket in the carrier.
• Vaccinations & Records:The rabies tag and county license tag for your pet should be current and worn on his or her collar. Before a storm is on the horizon, ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s most recent vaccinations or medical record. If your pet needs to be boarded or has to go to another vet for emergency medical treatment, having that information available could be a lifesaver.

Let's all be safe out there!!