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Estero, FL Real Estate News

By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Set amongst 514 acres, Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club is located in the Corkscrew area of Estero, Florida.  The community itself host an Arnold Palmer designed, 18 hole golf course, as well as other championship amenities.  Each hole of the Wildcat Runcourse includes four sets of tees and the course includes practice facilities and an unparalleled driving range with four target greens.Wildcat Run has recently undergone an update and remodel of most of their amenities.  The 26,000 square foot clubhouse and main dining hall has been renovated, as well as the pro shops and the new Grill Room with outdoor dining terrace.  Enjoy a set or two on any of the lighted tennis courts which are located just steps to the country club and pro shop.  Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club community is pe...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club, a WCI Community, is located in Estero, Florida off of Corkscrew Road.  The community is built around an Arnold Palmer designed golf course and features large lots with sweeping fairway, lake and cypress preserve views.  The community map below details the Wildcat Run neighborhoods of Wildcat Cove at Wildcat Run, Cypress Bend at Wildcat Run, The Pines at Wildcat Run, The Village at Wildcat Run and Lakeside Villas at Wildcat Run.To learn more read also: Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club.
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
                    Estero played their first home game Friday, Sept 14 against Baker.  Bummer, defeated - score is irrelevant.  It was tied minutes before half time.  The thunder started rolling and I made tracks.  Since I didn't have a kid on the field this year I didn't feel obligated to chance death sitting on metal bleecher in a thunderstorm.  Better luck next Friday, boys.  Estero plays Cape Coral Mariner next Friday at Home.  If you're looking for the full season schedule:  Estero High Football Schedule. 
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
What a treat I had Sunday afternoon.  First, if you're looking for something fun and free, Yes F-R-E-E, to do on a Sunday afternoon you have to go see the Southern Extreme Waterski Show practice and perform.  Bring the kids, they'll love it.  Bring the dog, it's a pet friendly mall. The Mission of the Southern Extreme Water Ski Show Team is to improve the quality of life for the people in the region by introducing them to the sport of water skiing.Through the vehicle of a Water Ski Team they will help build self-confidence while demonstrating a commitment to the Organization and the Community. Number one, they worked like a clock mechanism: setting up their ropes, stunts, costumes. Number two, I was impressed with the skill and strength.  From small fry to matured everyone was working i...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Just because I stink at golf doesn't mean you can't go drive a bucket of balls, right?   The Golf Coast Driving range is one of the few driving ranges open to the public in the Bonita Springs and Estero area. It's actually located by Estero High School on Williams Road and right beside the Estero Community Park.  Read also:  Go Past Coconut Road & Turn Right on Memory LaneApparently there are 26 practice tees at the Estero Driving Range just for driving balls.  Apparently? Well, somebody just told me that.  I never counted them myself AND frankly I am concentrating so hard to not hurt myself or anyone around me that the quantity of tees never entered my mind.  Ha! Not even once.  Don't get me wrong I have a deep respect for golfers and golfing.  I understand what a challenge it is. BELI...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Who doesn't want to know where to get the best slice in town?  Anywhere you go, you want to know....at least I do.  Well, I've saved everyone in Bonita Springs and Estero the bother wading through bad pizza.  Luna Pizza in Estero is the BEST in Bonita Springs and Estero.  Period.  It's over 10 miles from my home and I make trip past a dozen other pizza joints just to pick it up.  They offer pizza by the slice or whole pie.My favorite pizza at Luna Pizza is their version of a Martguerita pizza - Fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella - fresh basil.  I tried to sneak in last night just minutes before it closed and missed it, but took home a slice of white cheese and spinach and a whole plain cheese to go.  (which means I don't have to cook today)When's the last time you had a great piece of pizza...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
The rental market is alive and thriving in Bonita Springs and Estero Florida.  Both condominiums and single family homes, in a myriad of communities and neighborhoods are available for consideration.  A few things to consider, if you are a tenant, when renting a home in the Bonita - Estero areas are:•1.         There can be up to a 30 day waiting period BEFORE you can move in to a rental.  If the property you've set your heart on is  in a community with a condominium or homeowners association there may be  tenant applications, credit checks, and possibly a background check.  •2.         Some condominium/homeowner associations have vehicle limits (the quantity a unit can have) and vehicle restrictions.  Some restrictions include: No pick up trucks, no RV's, no commercial trucks or no mot...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Isn't this a pretty site?   On my way out of Moe's I went out through the courtyard and snapped this picture.  Besides the great wooden boardwalk dining and lake view with swans, yes swans, Moe's offers great southwest cuisine made fresh, to order and served fast.If you've never been to a Moe's you owe it to yourself to try it!  The food is great and it's such fun to watch the new people walk through the door and jump with the entire staff shouts, "WELCOME TO MOE'S!" every time the door opens and patrons walk in.  Moe's a great place to take kids because they can never get too loud for this restaurant.  The staff is shouting, for crying out loud.  Are you going to tell the kids to be quiet?Moe's is located at the Coconut Point Mall near the North entrance across the street from Marsh La...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Apparently it's shrouded in secrecy -  The Estero High Shool Football Schedule - but if you do enough digging on the internet, you'll find pay dirt!  I found everything on the Bonita Banner site including the Hurricane WV development report. ;)  I promised the cheerleading coach, Belinda Zivich, three games this year as their official photographer and I just need to know when to show up!Crimany, I even had to read a play by play of "Estero Faces South Opening Night" a "recap" story which included the name Nimitz.  Now Caleb Nimitz (a graduate) is a fine young man but why aren't we reading more about players on the team this year, in 2007 not 2006? I'm trying to figure out why the first time in years there is no Clewiston Game or Lemon Bay game. If you don't know they're basically in Egy...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
If you're an owner patiently waiting for completion or an investor that may be interested in The Residences at Coconut Point, enjoy the photo tour of the buildings.  The mall side of the buildings is visually complete and the side of the buildings facing The Brooks is entering the homes stetch.  Enjoy this article from the News Press about the project: CLICK HERE.  The buildings will be issued their occupancy permits in the near future.The Residences at Coconut Point are condominiums built in a mixed use environment at the boarder of Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida.  The developer is Kosene and Kosene.  If you are interested in learning more about The Residences call Chris Griffith, Keller Williams Elite Realty, 239-273-7430.   
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By Bob Pisa, Broker Associate, Commitment, Service, Satisfaction...
(Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. Naples, FL)
After writing about my day at Tuscany Reserve golf course (see previous BLOG entry) I began to feel guilty about not writing about Grandezza. Why? I live in Grandezza and I am a golf member too since March of 2006! However, I have only played my home course maybe a half dozen times with the last two rounds just this past weekend. Why, again you ask? Work. Grandezza is a beautiful golf course country club community in Estero which is where much of the booming growth is in the area. Just north of Grandezza, which is located on the east side of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, are Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Gulf Coast Town Center Mall, and the Southwest Regional International Airport (RSW). Immediately on the west side of Ben Hill is Germain arena - home of the Everblades hockey team ...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Lenders, Mortgage Brokers, Mortgage Bankers, Loan Officers and the like - Have at it.  I found this little beauty at the corner of Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parway in sunny Estero, Florida.  I just couldn't resist snapping the photo as I sat at the red light.Seller's call these numbers, don't they?  I thought to myself:How many calls do they get?What is the "angle" on this?How many people actually have their life improved by responding to a poster board on a phone pole - just under the "we buy junk cars" sign? (at least it isn't the same number on both signs)Maybe these people have the answer.  I don't know.  My heart broke just a little knowing that someone that is in over their head can roll the dice and may or may not be calling an honorable organization or they many be getting d...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Neat as a pin and Clean as a whistle! This Two bedroom/two bathroom ground floor "Devonwood" condominium home has been barely lived in. It's offered turnkey furnished, too! Enjoy a western exposure from your lanai with views of the golf course. Pinecrest at Stoneybrook condominium homes offer covered parking and additional storage. This home also has a front screened entry lanai. Stoneybrookis a golf community, but the golf membership is not bundled. The community center offers tennis, skating, swimming, bocce, tot lot playground and tons of activities. Stoneybrook is only minutes to FGCU, Southwest Florida International Airport - RSW and the white sugar sand beaches of Bonita Beach. Be sure to take the visual tour to see this beautiful home and all of the Stoneybrook amenities and feat...
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By Bob Pisa, Broker Associate, Commitment, Service, Satisfaction...
(Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. Naples, FL)
Be sure read the previous post for some background.Not having as much time to analyze and plot month-by-month...I had a quick look at single family home sales in Bonita Springs and Estero. All the trends seem to be the same.The average selling price in July of 2006 was just over $550,000The lowest average was in September of 2006 at just over $500,000 and it is all upward for the rest of the 12 month periodIn June of 2007 the average selling price was approximately $700,000.A trend line on the data indicates a 28% increase in selling prices.As for volume, the 12 month period averages 40 units per month with the trend line over the period beginning with 25 units and ending with 55 units.Bob Pisawww.BobPisa.com 
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By Glenn Ginsburg, Naples Florida Real Estate
(A Delta Realty of Naples Florida)
In the month of June, there were a significant number of real estate foreclosures in Lee County. For details about the number of Estero real estate that was foreclosures on - please read this article on Naples Florida real estate. Is this symptomatic of the sub-prime mortgage activity of the past few years or investors that can not afford the payments or have sufficient rents to cover monthly payments?
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
For all of you that get bent out of shappe by the lovely photos of Bonita Beach in the winter, I give you a snapshot of what pops up for us in the summer. Although the clouds appear formidable, they'll dump rain and the sun will be out in a matter of minutes.  We are the land of rainbows, right?  We are also the lightning capital of the world.  We do have serious weather in the summer.  A lot of the forest and wildfires that make the news are actually started by lightning.  It's a two edged sword:We need the rain due to draught.The grass and trees are so dry the lightning ignites anything it touches.Here are some tips you may find useful:Most lightning strikes occur either at the beginning or end of a storm. The average lightning strike is six miles long.  (who knew)Lightning reaches 50...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Welcome to Bella Terra!  Enjoy all the amenities this community has to offer, plus the security of a gated entry.  This Foxhall model at Bella Terra is of the most popular floor plans Lennar Homes built.  A great model with and it has a full, head on lake view and no neighbors behind!!  This home has three bedrooms, plus a den, two baths and room for a pool.  Over 2,275 SF of living space.  Offered at $379,900.Features of this home include: 16" diagonal tile throughoutUpgraded carpet in bedroomsKitchen has granite countersRaised panel, staggered cabinet package with crown moldingThere are even cabinets in the utility room. There are only a few Foxhall models left for sale in Bella Terra. This one has the advantage of upgrades and price point!  Be sure to take the visual tour which inclu...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Any and every style of home is available at Bella Terra in Estero, Florida.  Your choices:  Condominiums, attached villas, villa homes, estate homes.Perfectly located 3 miles East of I-75 in the heart of sunny Estero, Florida.Bella Terra is close to shopping, dining, schools, and entertainment. Northern Italian-style Architecture. Resort-style community with many amenities.Beautiful lush landscaping, water and nature views.Bella Terra is minutes from many of SW Florida's favorite conveniences which include SW Florida International Airport, Gulfcoast Towne Center Mall, Miromar Outlet Malls, the new International Design Center, Germain Arena and only 20 minutes to the white sugar sand beaches of Bonita Springs and Bonita Beach.In addition, the new Estero Community Park and Dog Park is onl...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Estero Community Park and Recreation Center is the largest within the Lee County Parks and Recreation system.  The community center is located in Estero Florida on Corkscrew Road, midway between US 41 and Three Oaks Parkway.  The Estero Community Park encompasses 55 acres and houses2 bocce courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 3 sand volleyball courts, shelters of varying sizes, a children's play area, 4 lakes, a 5K cross country course, a tortoise preserve, an outdoor amphitheater along with a 40,000 sq/ft. recreation center and an off leash dog park. Those of you who looking for a place to take man's best friend now have a brand new, safe and FREE facility to take the entire family (including Fido) for an afternoon of fun.  The dog area is located near the playground area on the east side of the...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Located in sunny Estero, Florida, Colonial Oaks is a gated, deed restricted community.   The community Colonial Oaks is:Comprised of only single family homes.Square footage ranges from about 1,500 to over 3,600.Priced From the mid $300'000's.Affordable amenity feeAmenities at Colonial Oaks include:Clubhouse with fitness centerSwimming poolPicnic and barbeque areaHalf court basketballPlayground and sand pitThe central location of Colonial Oaks makes it an ideal location.  It is only minutes from FGCU - Florida Gulfcoast State University, RSW - Southwest Florida Regional Airport, Lee County parks and the new Estero Community Center.  The Lee County South Library Branch is within walking distance.  Bonita Beach is only 20-25 minutes away.Colonial Oaks is on the west side of Three Oaks Park...
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