Kathleen "Kat" Bryce

One thing for sure, economically we may be in a recession and virtually everyone in South West Florida has been affected in some way. But what I am seeing more and more a overall physical malaise overtaking our beautiful area.

Sure the economy is in the tank, that is given. Our Real Estate markets are playing Filene's basement. And the cure for this is going to be a long and bumpy road. So what can you do you may ask?

Well you may not be able to fix the economy, solely on your own. But you can work on fixing your own personal depression. Here are a few tips to help you keep your chin up and stress levels down. Whether you are unemployed or not here are a few things that will help you get out of the doldrums.

• Exercise - after all we have the time to do it now.
• Go to the library - Amazing place, don't just go to the book shelves and leave. Explore you will be astounded at what you may find
• Volunteer - Get involved with an organization that will appreciate your help. Voluntarism goes a long way towards increasing the feel good chemicals in your brain.
• Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil or Flax seed supplements really help!
• No job to go too today, hop on the bus and go somewhere, anywhere. Take the bus to the beach, or to the park downtown. And just enjoy.
• Visit your friends or neighbors. It is well documents that those who have close friendships live longer and happier. Don't have any friends, maybe you should check out the self-help section at the Library.
• Get a Pet, if you can afford one. It's hard to stay depressed when there is someone else there that needs feeding, walking and loving.
• Put candles on the dinner table tonight and dine, even if it is macaroni and cheese.

I'm sure I could go on and on. But by working on our own selves we may help the overall malaise of the country and ultimately uplift our economy by feeling good again...

Kathleen "Kat" Bryce
State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser RD-4424
Fort Myers, FL
Email: appraiserkat@earthlink.net
Phone: 239-940-2225
Fax 239-275-4130

It's been a long time since I've heard the jokes about people being sold Florida Swamp land. But it sure was a popular theme not so many years ago... Even Dinsney World was once know as a swamp.

Well I had a very interesting Date of Death Appraisasal that I completed for an estate. The date of death was 3rd quarter of 2006. This lot was located in the Middle of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. If you are not familiar with it Fakahatchee Strand was the setting for Susan Orlean's book "The Orchid Theif" and the movie based on it "Adaptation". WE ARE TALKING SWAMP LAND FOLKS.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/fakahatcheestrand/

http://www.friendsoffakahatchee.org/

Would you beleive that I had no trouble finding sales for this report, lots of sales many were flipped several times. One party buying 4-5 of these lots! The problem is they can't be used for anything. You may camp on them but you may not Build any permenent structures, nor may you hunt in the strand. Further, you need a permit from the state to hike there.

The inset in this picture shows the individual lots. The white marks are 2006 sales.

This goes to show just how crazy the Real Estate Bubble got. And that people still buy Florida Swamp land

Kat Bryce
http://www.leecountyappraisals.com

No shock here, but there is an increasing volume of Florclosure sales in Lehigh Acres, but short sales are out pacing all.

One year ago there were very few foreclosure sales, 21 short-sales and 19 non-distressed sales. The number of sales has declined throughout the year and currently in the month of May no non-distressed sales have occurred and the number of foreclosure sales have caught up with short-sales.

It is clear to see that these types of sales have had a negative impact on market values with overall price declines in the Lehigh Acre marketplace. Typically, when homes are sold at foreclosure or offered as a short-sale they are offered at prices that will result in a quick sale, within 60-90 days.

What's happening in your marketplace.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the community. I am a Florida State Certified RE Appraiser RD-4424. My practice is in the SW Florida marketplace, specializing in high-end and water-front properties.

Real Estate Market analysis is another of my specialties so watch for ongoing installments of what is taking place in the SW Florida Market Place. Follows is a sample chart tracking sales trends in Cape Coral Florida.

What is your market doing?

Kat...

Kathleen Bryce
http://www.leecountyappraisals.com