Joni Gordon

On November 14, 2009 Prudential Florida Realty in Cape Coral, FL will be having a Poker Run and Block Party to benefit Sunshine Kids, children with cancer.

The Block Party begins at 1:00PM at the Pine Island Foundtain Shoppes. There will be Food, Fun, Prizes and Freebie, Silent Acutions, 50/50 Raffle, Face Painting, Christmas Craft Sale, Fun Photos, and a Bounce House for the kids.

On behalf of the Sunshine Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization with a 501(c) (3) classification, we invite you to join our dynamic fundraising team this year.

Your generous donation will help children with cancer by providing emotional support, group activities and adventure trips for the kids during their treatment.

We are asking for your contribution of an auction item - all proceeds will be donated to the Sunshine Kids. Auction items might include a service that you or your company provide. In lieu of a product or service, you can make a cash donation; checks should be made payable to: The Sunshine Kids Foundation, Tax ID#76-0020802 and can be mailed or dropped of to Prudential Florida Realty, 814 Pine Island Rd. SW, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

We also are in need of sponsors at $250, $500, or $750.

Registration for the Poker Run begins at 10:00am at: Harley Davidson Fort Myers, Colonial Blvd.

For more information, please call 239-443-3160 and ask for Kitty Madden.

We really need your help!!

YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST SELL YOUR HOME - NOW WHAT?

It's only natural for you to think that your home is the best in your neighborhood and of course, worth more than the one down the street that's for sale.

You think back on the hours you spent lovingly daubing paint into the stencil for your child's bedroom just to achieve the "look" that fits their personality perfectly.

The days or weeks that you spent pouring over pool and landscape designs to achieve that elegant look for your backyard but also maintaining a design that was functional for your family's lifestyle.

All the personal touches that you incorporated into your home to make it your own personal paradise.

Surely you'll find a buyer who'll walk into your home and "feel the love". So, you search for a Realtor who is willing to list your home for the price you feel reflects its "true value".

Don't worry about that house down the street listed for $50,000 less than your price. Sure it's the same size and also has a pool, but it can't hold a candle to yours.

Weeks go by; the house down the street sells. Those buyer's saw your house but chose the other. They must have no taste at all!! More time goes by; no showings.

Your friends down the street are also in a position where they must sell. They list their home for $75,000 less than yours. You know that Bill and Mary have a pool AND a spa and their house has a 4^th bedroom. A week later Bill and Mary are under contract. Well, if they want to "give their house away" that's their choice. You "stand pat" on your price.

Your listing expires and the current economy has taken a toll on the real estate market and your home is now worth less than your mortgage. Six months ago you could have listed your home for "fair market value" and although you wouldn't have gained a lot, you would have sold and been able to move on. Your "willing" realtor didn't do his job.

Your situation has not changed, you still MUST SELL. What do you do now?

THIS IS AN ALL TOO FAMILIAR SCENARIO!

DON'T PUT AN EMOTIONAL PRICE TAG ON YOUR HOME!

If you must sell to avoid foreclosure, heed the advice of a professional Real Estate Agent who lives and works in the area and knows how to get your home SOLD. If you can "walk away" without leaving money on the closing table, that's terrific. If you can't, then you must consider a Short Sale. A short sale is when you list your home for less than the amount you owe on your mortgage. Of course you must get approval from your lender to do this. A good Real Estate Agent can walk you through this process.

Call today and let me help you through this difficult time.

STOP SITTING "ON THE FENCE"

With all due respect to Ethel Merman, everything really is coming up roses...well, sort of. Sure, some weeds remain, but they are becoming fewer and farther between.

Of course we are talking about the housing market, where prices posted their first monthly gain in three years, climbing 0.5% in May according to the Case-Shiller Price Index - a closely watched housing-price monitor. The price increase offers yet another sign that the formerly battered-and-bruised residential real estate market is stabilizing

It is worth remembering that there is no such thing as a "perfect market." Home prices, mortgage rates, and the economy will never be "just right." It's also worth remembering not to give one side of the argument more weight than it deserves.

In this market, we still think too many potential borrowers and home buyers are overweighing negative news while holding out for perfection. Unfortunately, perfection doesn't exist, which is why waiting for it guarantees missing opportunity.

If you're a first time home buyer, waiting will definitely guarantee a missed opportunity. First time home buyers only have until November 30, 2009 to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.

After the deal is closed and you've been paid, how much contact do you have with your clients?