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

CDD Definition: A Community Development District (CDD) is a local, special purpose government authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes as amended and is an alternative method for managing and financing infrastructure required to support community development. CDD’s possess several powers as a legal entity, such as the right to enter into contracts; the right to own both real and personal property; adopt by-laws, rules and regulations and orders; to sue and be sued; to obtain funds by borrowing; to issue bonds and levy assessments.

CDD’s provide a mechanism for the financing and management of newer communities like The Colony, which is consistent with the local governments’ development procedures and regulations. They represent a major advancement in Florida’s effort to manage its growth effectively and efficiently.

The community development district may impose and levy taxes or assessments, or both taxes and assessments, on the property. In The Colony, the "district" is entitled, Bayside Improvement. These taxes and assessments are in addition to county and other local governmental taxes and assessments and all other taxes and assessment provided for by law. You can find this line item on your tax notice in the non-ad volorem section. The bond relating to each of our Colony neighborhoods have eight year term lengths remaining. Some of our Colony residents have elected to pay off the bond.

These taxes and assessments pay the construction, operation and maintenance costs of certain public facilities and services of the district and are set annually by the governing board of the district.

For most, the purchase of a home in The Colony Golf & Bay Club was lifestyle inspired. We love this place, our homes and our friends. Need for a different size home or having reached a decision to list your home for sale, I hope you would consider me for the job.

Here’s why I am qualified:

I have been with The Colony for years. I have accompanied homeowners through the building stages of their custom homes and I have sold our high rises from pre-construction through completion onto resale. The Colony is my passion.

I am the face of The Colony-my listing practice is focused on The Colony. I am on-site nearly seven days a week, in and out of season. I support member’s charitable Colony golf outings. I host social gatherings at some of the high rises. The Colony and you are the focus of my career.

Invest-I communicate regularly with Colony prospects with email updates, via local advertising, send notes and make lots of phone calls bringing buyers and sellers together! My listings follow a consistent promotional schedule of Open Houses, homes are professionally photographed and marketed.

Cooperation- I assist outside Realtors in understanding The Colony’s membership and fee structure, empowering them to present The Colony with confidence. I work closely with our Golf Club/Bay Club to promote the full story amenity offering.

I am looking forward to hearing from you how I may be of service in marketing your Colony home and would, as well, appreciate showing homes for sale to your family and friends interested in purchasing property The Colony Golf & Bay Club.

The definition of home staging is preparing a home for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make a home attractive to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Often staging suggestions include lengthy, sometimes expensive alterations to the existing space.

With due respect to the staging techniques used, as a listing agent for Colony Golf and Bay Club homes, I have succinctly listed the best counsel I can provide that applies with every single home preparation. The suitable adage is, "One chance to make a first impression."
#1 priority is to make sure the home is as clean as possible. I am referring to more than just tidying up. Clean the mirrors & windows, vacuum, and dust. Make sure the towels hanging are clean. Remove as much out of the closets as possible so the prospect can actually see the closet for its space. Maybe it's necessary to get some outside storage. Perhaps if you are no longer occupying the property, you want to have a house cleaning contract in place. Often sellers who no longer occupy property think there's no reason to continue cleaning it. That's a mistake. Ultimately we want to convey the message that the property has been well cared for.
#2 Put away 90% of your personal effects-photographs, memorabilia & tokens of faith. "Clean" trumps "cute" every time.
#3 A second pair of eyes to give you an honest opinion on the amount of furniture you have; if your home has too much furniture and/or artwork, it makes it very challenging for the prospect to see the home's spacial feature.
#4 Some people mistakenly believe giving a certain perfume scent to the home via candles, or plug-in air fresheners will improve the smell. I wouldn't recommend that; the best smell is a clean smell from a clean space.
Often sellers want to convey their personality in their home decor. While that makes perfect sense when the home is not being offered for sale, this theory is possibly one of the greatest obstacles showing agents encounter when showing a prospective buyers a property.
Remember: even when selling a furnished home, the condition of a home is almost always the most important factor to a prospect, followed by prospect's ability to envision living in the home. Put away the personality and bring out the clean!

Bonita Springs is the land of fresh seafood. But on this one, and in the interest of full disclosure, I have to confess that I have an allergy to shellfish. However, I would like to chime in on the restaurants I frequently tag along to, as I wouldn’t want to miss out on spending time with Colony neighbors. So let me tell you what they like… Assuming the reader has some knowledge of franchise operations including, Roys Restaurant & Bonefish Grill or just staying at The Colony's Bay Club, permit me to suggest our local restauranteurs.

Let’s start casual….

Pincher’s Crab Shack, south 6 miles on US41 on the east side of the highway. The proprietors, the Phalen’s, have been in the Southwest Florida restaurant business for many years and have expanded to six local “Shacks”. Naturally, the #1 menu choice is yes,( you guessed it) CRAB!!! Their house specialty is blue crab but fear not! King crab, Dungeness and Snow crab are as popular. How about trying the crab cakes?!? Great place to take the kids, lots of basket food options and everyone enjoys the upbeat atmosphere.

Step off of US41 and discover what we locals also love…

The Fish House 4665 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 495-5770 is popular haunt for fish tacos. Located right on the water, weather permitting you may opt to sit outside or on the lanai. Big Hickory Seafood Grille and Marina is also directly on the water and offers a wonderful fresh seafood and fish menu. 26107 Hickory Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL 34134-3702 (239) 992-3945

Transitioning to a little more formal…

Consider our next door Colony neighbor, Tarpon Bay at the Hyatt Coconut Resort, very impressive, sometimes exotic seafood and fish options. In season, make a reservation at. 239-390-4295
On the other hand, if you want to take a little trip near 5th Ave. South, Naples, consider Truluck’s #1 treat for seafood lovers. Truluck’s is gourmet dining at its finest and there are multiple options for folks like me who are no longer able to eat seafood. Blue Water Bistro is really our most convenient choice located at the Coconut Mall and offers an extensive menu of fish and seafood in a contemporary setting.

One of the frequently asked questions I get after new Colony residents ask me what their property taxes will be on their new home is, “Where do we get a good pizza ‘round here?” This is important stuff!

Now in certain circles this is as hotly debated as politics; everyone has their own unique palette when it comes to pizza.

I personally like very thin crust, very little sauce, cheese and meat. I don’t like soggy or chewy pizza; I want to hear a little crunch. If you like that kind of pizza, let me suggest a great local option & easy to get to from The Colony; Grandpa's Pizza-south on US41, left on Terry St. right on Old US 41 and there it is on the right! This may be one of the better pizza pies I have ever had. Lots of varieties, Grandpa’s Pizza makes art of pizza…this is their exclusive business. 27030 Old 41 Rd Bonita Springs, FL 239-992-7119

Believe it or not, how about Carrabas Italian Grill for their classic, not fancy pizza from their brick oven. As easy to pick up as else but most of us consider Carrabas for their dine-in option.

Certainly close to The Colony is Tony Sacco’s at the Coconut Mall. They have a coal oven and it seems to do the trick. They have lots of fresh veggies atop their pies, a little more chewy a crust but always good. You can pick up a good salad to accompany your pizza, take it out or dine in.239-948-6697

Labels: Dining

There are just so many great Bonita Springs restaurants, I can’t imagine the necessity to drive all the way to Naples any more. Making the assumption the reader has experienced the convenience and variety of the fabulous dining options at The Coconut Point Mall, I would like to remind you that one of the best views available in southwest Florida sits right on the point of our very own neighborhood. If you feel like casual dining, the 3rd floor at The Bay Club often comes with the compliments of Colony favorite, Bill Jollie, singing all our favorite tunes from the last four decades. On the other hand, if it’s date night, consider the second floor at The Bay Club, where Chef Andy is always serving up a host of fantastic fish or beef and pasta entrees. Enjoy the sunset! Call Tammi Reyes at 239-390-4709

December sunset captured by our own Michaela!

Ristorante Farfalla has been a consistent award-winning performer for over a decade and is located in the Publix strip mall cornering Corckscrew and US41 in Estero . Open for dinner 7 nights a week. I suggest you make a reservation; 239-495-9912 I’ve enjoyed Farfalla for years.

Elegant but not pretentious, white linen table cloths and candle light, Ristorante Farfalla’s intimate restaurant serves a few so that both wait staff and chef Michael can pay significant attention to each patron, serving fresh, delicately seasoned handmade Italian creations. Every dining experience has been an absolute pleasure. Some of my favorites from their menu include: risotto dishes, the Antipasto Farfalla, and the filet Tagliata. When my father comes to visit, he considers it a highlight of his trip to order Farfalla’s Linguine Ai Frutti Di Mare.

The best steak I have had in Bonita Springs is at Chops. Located across US41 from Pelican Landing north gate, this is a hip, contemporary restaurant with wonderful beef cuts from which to choose. I love the petite filet and start with their Chops Big Bowl salad. While each plated presentation is a work of art, the cuisine always agrees with my classic “meat and potatoes” desires. Comfortable and consistent, I love Chops for a steak. In season, it’s a real good idea to make a reservation. 239-261-3962

Labels: Dining

Hopefully you have had a chance to experience The Colony’s Golf course and the Club for lunch where I recommend one of the member favorites- gorgonzola crab cakes!

The Golf Club veranda overlooking The Colony Golf Course

And a short distance from the Golf Club is a personal favorite of mine, called Stir Crazy . Diners are presented a small wok to fill with their own vegetable choices selected from a salad bar-style arrangement. Included on the bar are various sauces from which to choose that will ultimately create the flavor of the concoction. Receiving the diner at the end of the bar is the stir fry chef who anxiously tosses the vegetable creation with chicken, beef or maybe tofu, if desired. Moments later the chef the presents a masterful al dante finish to the creation accompanied by your choice of white, brown or fried rice or can toss your veggies with one of several noodle options. No M.S. G. is used and even the chicken stock is homemade and fresh. Stir Crazy is quick and healthy and provides the perfect sustenance to restore energy for …MORE SHOPPING!!!

If you are out and about some convenient to Colony honorable mentions for lunch include:

British Open Pub- outparcel to Shoppes at Pelican Landing and The Colony Golf and Bay Club. Try the Fish and Chips or the Cottage Pie for a unique alternative to the American midday offering. 24630 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239-949-0302

Tijuana Flats-8350 Hospital Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 and their phone number is 239-948-8820. Everything is made to order, is super fresh, you can dine in (which I recommend) or order ahead for easy pick up. My friend Jenny says they have the best queso she has ever had. I fancy myself a bit of a nacho aficionado, and though hardly light on the calories, a delicious creation nonetheless.

Big Als Sports Grill-25101 S. Tamiami Trail; Bonita Springs, Florida 34135; (239) 948-7444 Great place to get caught up on the sports news or take in a game, enjoy a beer & get out of the heat. Place is plastered with big screen t.v.s . Very good burger.

Labels: Dining

We love Skillets http://www.skilletsforbreakfast.com/ for breakfast, a local chain serving the world’s best hash brown casserole, according to my son Max. From The Colony Golf and Bay Club Located 4 miles south on US41, left on Bonita Beach Rd. and then left again into the east end of the Springs Plaza and open every day at 7am. Hometown flair and good home cooking, Skillets is the place for the breakfast lover.

The Bay Club serves a breakfast buffet starting at 10am on most Sundays during season including made-to-order omelet station. The absolute best view in town and modestly priced. The Bay Club also provides a very popular complimentary pastry and coffee gathering, 7-10am, NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK! While out on the morning jog, walk or bike ride, Colony residents find their way to the third floor of the Bay Club, chat with their neighbors and often hang around to the read the NY Times or one of the local daily publications, compliments of The Bay Club. Call Tami Reyes for more details at 239-390-4709 (or to make a reservation for dinner).

Occasionally, I meet the gals at the The Survey Cafe where friends are invited to bring their dogs in the outdoor setting. Named after Bonita’s original namesake, Survey, Florida, The Survey Café is a converted historical Old Florida style home. There they brew a terrific cup of coffee and offer sumptuous breakfast sandwiches, bagels and wraps. Probably not more than 10-minute drive from The Colony.

Some other honorable breakfast mentions convenient located:

Dolly’s Produce Patch: For locally grown produce and best pies I have ever eaten (Life’s short. Eat pie for breakfast);

First Watch: Close to The Colony, south on US41 for 2 miles on the east side of street tucked behind Robb & Stucky.

Perkins Restaurant:just because it is an all around favorite known to many of our northern friends. Located on the northeast corner of Bonita Beach Rd. and US41, Bonita Springs.

Labels: Dining

Who'd thought that the Coconut Pointe Mall would redefine the go-to place for shopping and dining. When I first moved from Naples to Bonita Springs (and slightly before the Mall's opening), I resigned myself to the idea that I would necessarily have to drive south to find good food, entertainment or for major purchases such as furniture or appliances.
I love Naples and moved there in 1984. I am well acquainted with its attributes. But I soon came to realize that we residents of Bonita Springs, including The Colony Golf and Bay Club, and Estero no longer relied on the commerce provided in Naples and Fort Myers. In fact, we found that, with much thanks to the Coconut Mall, everything from appliance purchases to fine dining were at our fingertips.
In many ways, Bonita Springs now represented the perfect mix of new, state-of-the-art infrastructure lacking to our south. Much improved and new building code requirements for a good portion of our homes. With humble and approachable beach access to the Gulf of Mexico.
Many veteran business owners saw the merits of moving or opening business in this new frontier. Frankly its almost inconvenient to drive to Naples with all the restaurant choices, movie theatres and great shopping options within a short, aggravation-free drive from my front door.

The first response I have to the prospective buyer after he proclaims, "I want one of those foreclosure steals", is to forewarn that the transaction is likely to have many obstacles including repairs gone unseen even by the trained eye. That an "As-Is" contract provides for only a small period of time to reveal property defects and customarily doesn't allow any warranties.
While the price agreed upon may be downright newsworthy, rarely is the occasion I see the buyer interpret say, for example, the time value of money. The time that the (often) abandoned, uncared for property has endured and what the replacement of time and money will the property ultimately require.
I think it foolish to purchase any property without inspecting and always advise a thorough investigation. Further experience has taught me that buyers should remember, in distressed sales in particular, to assign a value to the time and aggravation associated with readying the property to be occupied.

Recently I read the opinion of a Realtor who believed pocket listings to be unethical on the basis that the agent showing the property would be motivated to "steer" prospects to that property because the agent would get the full commission. Pocket listings are based on an agents understanding that would-be seller would accept a predetermined price but is unwilling to list in the customary way. In the community where I do most of my work, this is often because the would-be seller is opposed to lots of strangers looking at his house. Then there are occasions when the terms of the deal are not in keeping with market conditions (price is too high) but there exists a special reason the property is worth more.
My experience suggests that prospects want to see as many many options as possible. I specialize in high rise homes in The Colony Golf & Bay Club. I work with both buyers and sellers. Always do I show all the available listings to prospects, even in such cases where the price is lower or higher than their suggested budget would allow.
How many times have I witnessed a buyer walk into something that didn't meet their stated specifications only to hear them , "this is just what I wanted!" I think it's my job to open the doors even at the risk that my commission will be somehow compromised, i.e. short sales, foreclosures and/or reduced seller commissions.
My mantra, as a Realtor is, help people and the rest will work out. Further, I think the attitude of cooperation is ultimately the most important element between listing and selling agents.
Jill Kushner, Realtor
Downing-Frye Realty