Linda Flack- Cape Coral, Fl

I just received another call from a buyer prospect looking for the listing agent. The OLD story of I will save money with the listing agent is really so laughable.

Buyers, PAY ATTENTION! Many of the REO (Bank owned property ) listing agents don't work with buyers. They don't have time. They usually refer you to a buyer's agent. Some think a buyer can get a better price and the listing agent will take less commission. Not in this market. Brokers are not permitting this practice. Commissions have nothing to do with the buyers. SW Florida's market is moving at lightening spead because of the foreclosures and short sale deals.

These properties are selling quickly and if you don't have a buyer's agent working for you and looking to meet your wants and needs, you will be too late to the party every time. You really need someone who is paying attention, has many contacts and avenues to find you your best deal. If you are shopping for a particular item, you don't just wait for that item to go on sale at one store. You look at all of the stores. The best bet is to Google the price for that item. Having a good buyer's agent is like having Google. Now you will get the best deal.

The News is "property IS selling!

Housing is a hot commodity in Cape Coral. The stock market have you scared? I don't blame you. It scares me to death. What kind of interest are the banks paying? 2%-2.5%. Yipee!

My advice is not free but it is priceless.

Come on folks. Don't miss this bus. I don't think we will ever see this again. We have people flying in from all over the world to buy these deals. We have multiple offers on most everything. Who wouldn't? Prices are far below anything you could build. There is still plenty of inventory, but those who hesitate... .

Have you dreamed of your vacation home in Florida or your permanent residence; blue sky, crystal white clouds, palm trees swaying in the breeze and the occasional pelican cruising by. What are you waiting for?

Looking to make money on rental property? Well, get off that fence. I have investors taking their money out of the bank and buying as much property as they can. They have the five year plan. The rent alone makes good interest on your money. Now, factor in the market increase in 5 years. Now we're talking a real investment.

As of today 8/22/2009 these are the statistics on single family homes in Cape Coral.

Foreclosures 236

Short Sales 691

Regular Listings 1081

Total Listings 2008 homes

Pending 937

Active Contingent Short 1126

Ready to close 2063 homes

Closed past 60 days 1205 homes

You tell me, is this market hot? I certainly think so.

We had one bright spot in the foreclosure mess. Folks that couldn't afford their first home have had an opportunity to buy an affordable home at the bottom of the market. GREAT! We also have had a run of folks buying their second dream home. Again because it is affordable. GREAT!

Enter the banks into the scenario:

First, they were the greedy culprits that led us into this huge mess. Can you say "predatory lending"?

Second, we the people of the USA bailed them out. In plain English, the kids were very bad but let's give them tons of money because not doing that would be worse. Now they are trying to work quickly thru their losses but they are giving the homes to investors over new homeowners for less money. Time and time again buyers that are very qualified for a new mortgage are being rejected for cash buyers. I've seen the difference as much as $10,000 less from the cash buyer. That just makes me MAD! That also continues to drive prices down along with appraisals.

Finally, is this a good business decision? NO it isn't. It's just easier. It seems they don't care about their losses. We give them money on the back side with free money. It's like a garage sale at the end of the day. "Just take it, I don't care."

Just when you think this mess could get cleaned up with some benefit to real people, big business ruins it. We gave the banks huge amounts of money. We need to insist those same banks encourage lending to real homeowners and let these same people get a leg up ahead of investors in buying these foreclosures. That's good business. That's good for the economy.

Inventory is continuing to reduce. That is great news for the economy. If you are looking for your piece of paradise, it is time to BUY! Hesitate not! The word has spread and folks from all over the world have come to buy their dream in SW Florida. The national news talks about the amount of foreclosures in our area. They are such amazing deals.

Plus, First time buyers can snag $8,000 in government money. This is huge!

The builders are looking to come back to the marketplace. That is the sign of recovery. Don't despair, the deals are still there. I imagine the super deals will be around at least till the end of the year, but the prices are starting to creep up and there is competition in snagging that deal.

We were first in, first to drop and first to recover. The numbers say it loud and clear. In April, Cape Coral had nine new building permits and there is a large increase in remodeling permits. These permits are for pools, docks, commercial and other fix ups. The deals of neglected homes are being snapped up and fixed up. These homes are fulfilling lots of dreams. It is a 27% increase since the beginning of 2009. That is huge.

Folks bemoan the loss of property values and the foreclosures. This news made national media attention and has brought buyers from all over the world. One mans trash is another mans treasure.

Even Jim Cramer of MSN Money stated this morning housing has stabilized, banking nightmare over. Banks are starting to pay back the tarp.

It is that intangible positive attitude that can be felt everywhere. Buy SW Florida NOW. Prices are starting to rise.