Jill Kushner - Specializing in The Colony Golf & Bay Club, Bonita Springs, Florida FL - Downing-Frye Realty Inc.

Some community designers and builders have really embraced the idea that large percentage of condo buyers own pets. The theory goes that because one of our leading demographic condo buyers are comprised of "empty nesters", people who have the time to re-direct their love and attention to their pets. Developers would be wise to permit pets for this reason lest they disqualify a very large group of prospects. Buyers prior to signing a sales contract on the perfect place would likewise be wise to fully comprehend the condominium rules on pets.
From time to time some of the older condominiums have more stringent rules. Some have absolutely restricted any pets whatsoever. The Colony Golf and Bay Club having (generally speaking) a more progressive opinion on the subject, pets are accepted by most of the neighborhoods.
But I have met people who contracted on a condominium, were presented with the required condominium docs and decided not read them. They learned after they were out of the 3-day rescission period that pets were not allowed in the building.
When you are speaking to your Realtor about a condominium in Naples or Bonita Springs, remember to mention you have a pet so that their search weeds out those less than forward thinking condo policy writers.

The day finally arrives. No longer a fantasy. We can buy a home in Bonita Springs, FLORIDA!

Couples commence their search to find this perfect Florida home. Upon flying in from points north, based on location and size criteria, they expect the home would soon reveal itself, then they’d write the check and move in.

The way it really works is that buying, what is often in our area, a secondary home is a process. Sure, folks have come to our area, found “exactly what they were looking for” and then came to understand that after actually living here, what was truly important, practical and befitting of their lifestyle.

I like to interview buyers and find out what is important to them. They fantasize about being close to the beach. But as it relates to the value of floor space, what’s more important? Buying something on the beach is often dated, small and/or expensive. Sometimes shackled with the emotional desire to possess such a property, they didn’t realize that the new red convertible won’t have a garage space, as an example.

How important is the relation of their new Florida home to the airport, shopping and entertainment? Is privacy and security important? Discovering what is inspiring a Florida home purchase is the key. And the key is usually lifestyle driven.

Typically the southwest Florida home buyer isn’t (any longer) concerned about the school system. But they are interested in what levels of tennis are being played in the tennis clubs or, is the golf course an equity membership or “bundled”. Because Bonita Springs and Naples are secondary “vacation” homes, the whole computation is different even for the seasoned real estate buyer.

Because this home purchase is often emotionally charged, a good Realtor understands the significance of asking the questions that assist the buyer to consider the long term goals and usage for the property. Buyers are quick to see the price opportunities now available without considering the practicality and their own personal usage for the property.

For example, I represent both buyers and the sellers of a high rise homes. Because of the available inventory of homes, prices looked mighty appealing. Yet the price is but a piece of the total picture. What are the annual homeowners and/or master association fees? Are there mandatory club minimums or membership requirements? We must know these figures to make a pragmatic, thoughtful, thought out decision.

What if you found out that the hospital was more than 30 minutes from you? Clear answers on your taxes and what a CDD tax is? How does your situation change in say, 2 years and, does your situation change again in 5 years? These and many other answers to questions help customize and personalize your search. After you recover from the excitement of actually realizing your goal in the purchase of your vacation home, then you can thoroughly enjoy the new home for years to come.

The Colony Golf and Bay Club