Captiva, FL

Will I buy: A) a paradise home on Upper Capativa Island, Florida on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world with views of unbelieveable sunsets or B) a red Tibetan mastiff dog named Hong Dong (Big Splash)? The Chinese business man did indeed purchase the pooch, Big Splash, in March of 2011 for 1.5 million dollars. For those of you who would have selected A, the house (and rescued an unwanted pet) here are more details of the nearly paradise home off Captiva, Florida.

Accessible by boat and your very own boat dock. It's time to settle in and write that novel, paint that painting and fish those fish.

2066 sq. ft. on .67 acres of beach property; 3 BR and 2 BA, Central heat and air, lots of marble, Gulf of Mexico frontage

I love cats and dogs and am truly happy that Hong Dong found a great owner. But, for me, and the money, my bet would be on A, this house and my rescued pets.

Okay, he IS a cutie, but still.......

Lee County Florida Home Buyer Assistance Program Process and Time Line

1. County sponsored home buyer education class is required.

2. Home buyer is APPROVED and signs contract for home.

3. Lender sends Reservation Form with contact to county.

4. With-in 5 days, home is inspected by county staff.

5. If necessary, lead based paint assessment is completed.

6. Lender sends loan package to county.

IF NO REPAIRS ARE NECESSARY......

7. County approves application package.

8. County contracted appraiser completes appraisal.

9. Home buyer meets with home buyer counselor.

10. Mortgage package e-mailed to title company.

11. Home buyer assistance check is released by county after HUD 1 is approved.

12. Closing occurs at the offices of the title company.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:

HUDS List of Home Buyer Assistance Programs in the State of Florida by County

For More Information on Government Loan Programs in the State of Florida Please Visit:

Government Home Loan Programs in the State of Florida

No Money Down Rural Housing USDA Loans in Captiva Florida are back and fully funded. The new sub-prime loans of today are the government backed or sponsored loans. The FHA Loan is one we are all familiar with but how many of you know about the USDA Rural Housing Loan.

Here's how it works

100% financing on homes located in certain geographical area's with borrower's who are in certain income ranges.

That's it!

Use this link to see if the property qualifies by falling into one of the designated geographical area's

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

Remember when income qualifying to use the income of the ENTIRE family.

Seller can pay up to 6% of buyers closing cost

The 3.5% Guarantee Fee is included (Financed) in with the loan amount

100% of borrowers cash to close can come from a gift.

Must have a minimum credit score of 640.

USDA Loans are Assumable

No Manufatured Homes

For a list of Income limits by Region go to:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HSF-Guar_Income_Limits.html

We spent our Sunday afternoon on Captiva Island, Florida

Mid 70s, light breeze, beautiful beaches, tons of shells...need I say more?

North Captiva Island is beautiful bridgeless island off the coast of SW Florida located just one island north of sister islands Sanibel and Captiva. Despite the close proximity to those two well-known destinations, North Captiva Island is barely known by even the longtime residents that live in the surrounding region. The island consists of about 300 homes, 300 vacant lots, a 350 acre state park preserve, miles of gorgeous powdery beaches, four restaurants, and a small resort ( with pools, tennis courts, tropical pool bar, kayaks, playground, etc). The close knit community is very friendly - as are the transient guests who frequently vacation here. Since the island can only be accessed by boat, there are no cars... so everyone scoots around on nice quiet electric golf carts. Despite the lack of cars and crowds, traffic jams on the island do occur frequently... that is when several of the friendly island neighbors or guests meet along the sandy roads for a friendly discussion (or block party?) that can last for hours. Due to the lack of city-like elements, North Captiva has little sound or light pollution. Visitors from the local area are amazed at how bright the stars are. The 350 acre state park is accessible to all who stay on the island. One can hike through the scenic walking trails or walk along the state park beach. There are very few places in Florida where you can live that allows you to walk the beach for two miles withough seeing a house.

North Captiva is a hidden gem that has been undiscovered by the masses. If you are looking for an escape from today's hectic world, check it out!