Cape Coral Real Estate News & Lifestyle

The Cape Coral lifestyle ranks up there for people making the decision to make Cape Coral, Florida their forever or vacation home. We are committed to bringing you the best restaurants, things to do, nature and so much more. 

Thanks for stopping by our website. This webite has awesome features. We are excited to bring you quick, easy searches and convenient new tools to help you find your dream home. If you are an agent or considering being an agent we'd love to discuss the new tools we offer our real estate agents to help them with their real estate business. Check out our career page for more information!

If you are searching for your perfect Cape Coral home we would love to help you. Our licensed real estate agents are top notch in their field and love what they do. Take your time searching on our site for your perfect home but when you have questions about real estate or the Cape Coral area our agents are available to answer your questions. Whether you are looking for a multi million dollar river front estate or a a quaint condo, we have the agent to handle all of your questions and guide you through the process. Check out our powerful Cape Coral home search engine now :D

Thinking about selling your Cape Coral property? We've got you covered there as well. You can contact Susan or any of our licensed real estate agents to go over our detailed listing and successful marketing process. Our stats speak for us of course, however we are more than happy to sit with you to go over in detail how our plan is truly superior than our competition. From detailed market analysis, to upscale marketing photos and world wide advertising, you owe it to yourself to check with us first. Market & sell your Cape Coral house.

Again, thank you for making Florida Future Realty one of the top real estate brokerages in Cape Coral. We love real estate and Cape Coral, Florida. Our experience, growth & professionalism are points we are very proud of. We look forward to working with you.

Call us anytime at 239-542-8521 or fill out our quick contact form to have an agent get back with you. 

March 4, 2024

Nevermind Bar and the Hop

Cape Coral Restaurant Update

Awesome Bar and Hop recently organized a going away party for a restaurant called Nevermind in Cape Coral, which my husband and I used to visit frequently. They hosted a monthly event called Cult Carne, which we never wanted to miss. The restaurant had been serving daily lunches and dinners for years, and the owner and chef, Shannon Yates, unfortunately, passed away a couple of years back. Despite his passing, the restaurant continued to operate but eventually had to close down due to lease issues. However, after the NeverForget party, they managed to regain their lease and will soon be reopening at the same location. Nevermind, as it's now called, offers live music, and outdoor seating, and serves great food and cocktails. It first opened in 2012, bringing a new nightlife scene to Cape Coral's downtown dining experience. We are thrilled to see it will be back carrying on the same atmosphere we enjoyed before!

Nevermind

Article written By Eileen Woodham

Posted in Lifestyle, Restaurants
March 4, 2024

Cape Coral Parks ~ Crystal Park

Cape Coral Parks Update

Cape Coral, FL is set to welcome a new recreational gem: Crystal Lake Park. The park's master plan promises an array of amenities designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. At its heart lies a pristine 45-acre lake, adorned by a sandy beach offering a tranquil retreat. The park will be located at 4307 NW 36th st. near old Burnt Store rd.

Visitors can expect convenient facilities including restrooms, picnic shelters, and sun shelters for a comfortable outing. Adventure-seekers will be thrilled by the scuba diving area, fitness stations and playgrounds, while the hill overlook provides a picturesque spot to unwind.

For water enthusiasts, the park boasts both boat and kayak launches on its west side, seamlessly connecting to nearby canals. Accessibility is prioritized with ADA-compliant parking and pathways, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Safety measures are also in place with an emergency boat launch on the east side. With ample parking options including paved stalls and grass spots, the park will be ready to accommodate visitors year-round.

Crystal Lake Park stands as a testament to Cape Coral's commitment to providing quality outdoor spaces for its residents and visitors. As construction gets underway, anticipation for this natural haven continues to grow, promising endless opportunities for leisure and exploration. Crystal Lake Park broke ground on Feb, 23rd 2024 and is expected to be completed sometime in 2025. I can’t wait to see the area continue to develop and add so much outdoor fun for all of Cape Coral and it’s residents. To read more about Crystal Lake park and see all the exciting plans check out this link.

 

Written by Sarah Rothenberg

Posted in SW Florida Parks
March 4, 2024

February 2024 Market Update

🏠 Monthly Market Recap - February 2024
Greetings, Southwest Florida Residents!
February brought dynamic shifts to our local real estate landscape. Throughout the month, mortgage rates fluctuated, starting at 7.04% and reaching 7.09% by month-end. Despite this volatility, buyer activity remained steady, with new listings varying from 587 to 503, indicating healthy inventory levels. However, sold properties experienced minor declines, moving from 244 to 236 over the same period.
Expired listings followed a downward trend, dropping from 106 to 60, suggesting sellers’ increased responsiveness to market dynamics. Meanwhile, pending sales remained consistent, hovering around 400, reflecting sustained buyer interest. Price adjustments were notable, with decreases ranging from 986 to 957, showcasing sellers’ flexibility in a competitive market. Despite some price fluctuations, the median sales price ended on a positive note, rising from $370k to $410k by month-end. As we step into March, let’s stay vigilant and adaptive to the evolving market conditions ahead.
Written By Brayden Milner
Posted in Real Estate Market
Feb. 7, 2024

January 2024 SW Florida Market Stats

January 2024 SW Florida Market Stats

Our January 2024 numbers are in and we wanted to share those with you. These figures were taken from our local MLS.

Here’s a brief recap of the key highlights from January in the Southwest Florida real estate market:
January 1: Mortgage rates stood at 6.67%, with 237 new listings, 229 homes sold, and 283 listings expired. The median sales price was $401k.
January 8: Mortgage rates saw a slight increase to 6.8%. New listings surged to 574, but sold properties dropped to 193. The median sales price dipped to $395k.
January 15: Mortgage rates decreased to 6.69%. New listings remained high at 595 but sold properties decreased further to 167. The median sales price spiked to $478k.
January 22: Mortgage rates increased to 6.92%. New listings decreased to 529, while sold properties dropped to 146. The median sales price saw a slight decrease to $429k.
January 29: Mortgage rates slightly decreased to 6.88%. New listings increased to 544, and sold properties saw a bump to 206. The median sales price decreased to $417k.
Overall, January showcased fluctuations in mortgage rates and market activity, with variations in new listings, sold properties, and median sales prices. Despite these changes, the Southwest Florida real estate market demonstrated resilience and remained active throughout the month.
(Contributed by Brayden Milner)
Are you wondering how this January compares to last January? Well, it's almost like a carbon copy. Considering just SFH (single-family homes) in our MLS we found:
January 2023
1,247 Total Sales
Average Sold Price: $823,736
Median Sales Price: $480,000
Average DOM (Days on Market): 35
SP/LP (Sales Price to List Price) 95.39%
January 2024
1,110
Average Sold Price: $863,357
Median Sales Price: $480,000
Average DOM (Days on Market): 44
SP/LP (Sales Price to List Price) 94.99%
As you can see besides a few fewer sales and a slightly higher DOM they are almost identical. So, if you didn't make your move in 2023 maybe 2024 is your chance!
Posted in Real Estate Market
Feb. 6, 2024

Valentines Day 2024 in Cape Coral FL

Valentine's Day 2024 in Cape Coral, FL:

Your Guide to Love, Music, and Fun!

Love is in full swing, and Cape Coral, FL, invites you to celebrate Valentine's Day 2024 with romance, music, and memorable experiences. From intimate dinners to live music and waterfront adventures, there's something for everyone. Here's a sampling of events and specials focusing on live music and romantic experiences:

Romantic Dinners:

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro: Indulge in a romantic waterfront dinner at Marker 92. Enjoy their exclusive Valentine's Day menu featuring delectable seafood and steak options paired with breathtaking views of the Caloosahatchee River.

Rumrunners: Elevate your Valentine's Day experience at Rumrunners with an exquisite menu of gourmet cuisine and fine wines. Reserve your table for an enchanting evening filled with culinary delights and intimate ambiance.

The French Press: Embrace the cozy ambiance and exquisite French cuisine at The French Press. Treat your loved one to a culinary journey with their special Valentine's Day menu, featuring classic dishes and decadent desserts.

Live Music and Entertainment:

  1. Dixie Roadhouse: Dance the night away at Dixie Roadhouse with live music and entertainment. Celebrate Valentine's Day with friends and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with great music and drink specials.
  2.  
  3. Cape Coral Yacht Club: Unwind by the waterfront at Cape Coral Yacht Club and enjoy live music performances under the stars. Bring your loved one and immerse yourselves in romantic melodies while savoring the coastal breeze and spectacular views.
  4.  
  5. The Dek Bar: Enjoy live music and a laid-back atmosphere at The Dek Bar. Celebrate Valentine's Day with a lineup of talented local musicians, refreshing drinks, and a friendly crowd.

Fun on the Water:

  1. Valentine's Day Sunset Cruise: Embark on a romantic sunset cruise along the Gulf Coast. Sail away with your sweetheart and toast to love as you witness the breathtaking views and unbelievable sunsets.
  2.  
  3. Kayaking at Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve: Experience the serenity of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve on a romantic kayaking adventure. Paddle through mangrove tunnels, admire native wildlife, and embrace the tranquility of nature with your loved one by your side.

Make this Valentine's Day unforgettable with these exciting activities and specials in Cape Coral, FL. Whether you're savoring a romantic dinner, enjoying live music, or exploring the beauty of the waterways, Cape Coral offers the perfect backdrop for love and celebration. Happy Valentine's Day!

(Article Contributed by Sarah Rothenberg)

 

Valentines Day house

 

Posted in Lifestyle
Feb. 6, 2024

Lehne Burgers Update

Lehne Burger is located on 1232 Cape Coral Parkway E. It has been here for about 6 years and now. They are getting a second location in the Edison Mall right at the food court coming in February!  They are a family-owned restaurant open Monday to Thursday 11:30-3pm and 5-8pm, Fridays evenings are 5-9pm and the daily 11:30-3pm, Saturdays 11:30 to 9pm and Sunday closed.  (Please verify with the business for current hours)

Lehne Burger Website
Lehne’s Burger offers all types of burgers from vegan to smashed burgers! They are affordable and always have great service! They are a husband and wife owners Mike and Christina. They originally started on Fort Myers Beach and now we are lucky to have them in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. It’s a must-see when you are in the area! 
Lehne BurgerBurger Yum
Lehne Burger Owners
(article contributed by Eileen Woodham)
Posted in Restaurants
Oct. 25, 2022

50% FEMA Ruling Cape Coral

50% Rule - what?

 

If you are currently living in SW Florida or considering a purchase here anytime soon you’ll want to understand what this means.

 

The 50% rule is a FEMA rule that basically states that if the repairs needed to the house are over 50% of the home’s value (depreciated/actual value - not market value is my understanding) then you may be obligated to bring the house up to current Hurricane Codes. 

 

What could this mean? Well, the exact information is still being worked on here in the City of Cape Coral. They have made a couple of posts about it but nothing seems to be official…yet.

 

However, this could mean that the house’s elevation needs to be raised to higher levels. Especially if the home was built many years ago it could be several feet below the current flood codes. Perhaps the house will need to be lifted and fill dirt put underneath or perhaps the house will have to be lifted with a stilt structure under it? Or maybe it would have to be completely torn down in extreme cases. 

 

The roof will most likely not just require a new reroof but most likely hurricane straps, additional brackets, and nails to be brought up to code. 

 

Understanding these figures before you begin work or take on a new project is critical. 

 

Cape Coral Post Hurricane Ian 2022 House

 

You can check with local permitting departments for information. At the present time, the city of Cape Coral is suggesting anyone with a home built prior to 1981 to wait until the information is made available to the public before making any repairs. They are suggesting a date of Dec 1, 2022. You can read the article here https://www.capecoral.gov/newdetail_T3_R683.php

Here is that current verbiage 

 

“The City of Cape Coral advises residents who own a home built before 1981 not to make repairs until December 1, 2022. 

The 50% Rule, a regulation of the National Flood Insurance Program, requires structures with damage exceeding 50% of their market value to be rebuilt consistent with the current flood elevation and Florida Building Code. The City doesn't want residents to pay additional costs to repair structures before determining whether it has received 50% or more damage.

Cape Coral’s City Council is expediting the approval of an ordinance that may remove regulations, to make it easier on the homeowner when determining calculations for the 50% Rule.”

 

 

You can also learn more at FEMA as well. Here is a link to a pdf https://www.fema.gov/pdf/floodplain/nfip_sg_unit_8.pdf

 

Here is a link to an article put out by the Florida Association of Realtors as well https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2022/10/sw-fla-owners-surprised-femas-50-rule

 

Please keep in mind that this is a time-sensitive post meaning the information contained in it may change. (Dated Oct 25, 2022) We will work to update this post as information becomes more available.

 

 

 

Jan. 20, 2022

Cape Coral Real Estate Market Recap

The Cape Coral real estate market is obviously increasing. I wanted to take a look at homes with gulf access as they are our most popular. 

This past year, in 2021, the prices in January were averaging $695,297 and by December 2021 they were averaging $908,070. This is a major increase over the course of 1 year. 

Cape Coral Market Stats

I went ahead and also pulled a report to show the past 10 years trends as well:

 

If you would like to invest in a Cape Coral Gulf Access home, we'd love to help you find the one!

Start your search now for your own beautiful Gulf Access home in Cape Coral, Florida.

 

Cape Coral Waterfront

March 30, 2021

Investment Rental Property in Cape Coral Florida

 

So, you want to invest in real estate in SW Florida? Well, you have arrived at the correct place for assistance. Our team has been helping real estate investors through multiple up and down real estate markets over the past 20 years right here in beautiful Cape Coral, Florida! While some of our agents are newer they have experienced the training from our dedicated real estate broker & experienced mentor agents to help guide you to the right investment for your needs.

 

This article is going to address rental opportunities. I will write another article about potential remodels in another post. 

 

Please also keep in mind that if you are finding this post in the future, it was written in the Spring of 2021 so prices and rental rules, and expectations could have changed by now. For up to the minute stats and advice always reach out directly to one of our highly trained licensed real estate agents at our office, Florida Future Realty, Inc.

 

We have real estate investors from beginner/novice, to experienced reaching out to us about the right rental investment for their portfolio. In this article, I am going to cover the 3 most sought-after rental opportunities we see in our current market. I hope this information assists you with deciding if our area of Cape Coral (and surrounding markets of Naples, Ft Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, Sanibel, Captiva & Ft Myers) is for you.

 

Most of the investors I speak with are looking for a hybrid investment model. I just made up this term because they are wishing to rent out the home (or condo) often but they would also like to use if for their own personal use as well. Most of these investors are not heavily looking into returns and are mostly interested in covering all or some of their costs.  They see this as a long-term investment and may be moving down in the next few to several years as well.

Cape Coral Gulf Access Homes

 

Waterfront Cape Coral

 

Depending upon your budget in this case, I often suggest either a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom pool home or a larger pool home on the water. Cape Coral has waterfront both with Gulf Access and also waterfront homes on what we call fresh water that do not lead out to the Gulf of Mexico. Both can be furnished to make great vacation rentals but if you are an avid boater you will want to look at homes with the easiest and quickest access out to the Gulf of Mexico. Obviously, these homes are the most expensive of them all. 

 

At the time of writing this, homes with very quick, direct (meaning no bridges or locks to contend with) access, that are in the right location and condition to be a lucrative vacation rental are starting in the 600s and going up from there with the average cost being around $800-900k. For these prices, you can acquire a very nicely appointed vacation rental, or a home that would make a great vacation rental with some minor updates and/or furnishings. Homes in this price range are renting between $8-12,000/ month during season. Our peak season is typically described as Jan-March however many owners find themselves getting vacation rental rates as early as November and as late as through April. Our “off-season” is the summer months. While you can absolutely still rent your house out during the summer months, we find that the rates are about half of the seasonal rates and also come with a vacancy rate as well. In the summer months, it is also common to find people looking to rent for just a week or two versus in season you often have people wanting the entire 3 months or at least a full month rental. 

 

Does this sound ideal? Get started with a search for Gulf Access Homes in Cape Coral.

 

Cape Coral Pool Homes - Off water

Cape Coral Pool

 

With off-water homes, you can imagine that the rental rates are not nearly as high however it can still be lucrative. A typical 3/2/2 (That’s 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage) pool home that would make a nice vacation rental can be purchased for around $350-400k in today’s current market. This home can rent for about $3000-3800/month during the seasonal months (see above) depending upon location and amenities. Start searching for pool homes in Cape Coral now.

 

Annual Rentals in Cape Coral

 

The third investment I want to touch on are the annual rentals. With an annual rental, you do not have to furnish the property and you get a long-term tenant. You also save on having to pay for electricity, water, sewer & internet. We still suggest that you handle the pool & lawn maintenance though. Off water homes are usually more ideal for this as with an annual rental you are asking much less per month and with the holding costs of a higher-priced luxury waterfront home, this just doesn’t make much sense to most investors. But a nice pool home can easily rent year-round for about $2,000-2,400 in today’s market. A house without a pool can rent for about $1600-2,000. These homes, without pools, can be purchased right now for under $300,000.

 

In Cape Coral, Florida at the present time, the only rule for rentals is that they require a minimum of 1 week stay. They also just passed an annual registration as well to go into effect Oct 2021.

 

If you are looking inside of an HOA or Condo Association there will be additional rules. Many complexes do not allow rentals and most of the ones that do have stipulations in place like you can rent up to 4 times a year at a minimum of 90 days stay, etc. So each complex’s rules will need to be studied carefully.

 

I hope this article helps you get an idea of what our current real estate rental market in Cape Coral looks like. Obviously, this is a very broad picture and once we connect we are happy to narrow down the picture for your specific goals. 

April 26, 2019

Cape Coral Real Estate Property for Sale Statuses Explained

Cape Coral Real Estate Property for Sale Statuses Explained

 

Have you ever wondered what certain statuses mean that you see in the real estate marketplace? Some are very local in nature while others are universal. In this article, we will discuss the different statuses you may come across in the Cape Coral real estate market.

 

FOR SALE

Properties that are for sale are available for viewing, placing an offer and purchasing. They may or may not also be available for rent.

 

FOR RENT

Properties that are for rent are available for leasing/renting. They may or may not also be available for sale.

 

LEASE PURCHASE / RENT TO OWN / LEASE OPTION / LAND CONTRACT / SELLER FINANCING

This generally is used for a property where the seller is open to alternative selling scenarios. The seller may be open to seller financing or lease purchase terms. You should discuss the terms and pros/cons with your real estate agent.

 

 

Active Status

 

First of all, when a property is listed for sale it is known as “Active”. This means it is active on the real estate market. MLS is a term used by real estate agents to denote their “Multiple Listing Service”. The MLS is a data share program for licensed real estate agents to cooperate with each other. This means that they are working with other real estate agents and also share their commissions with another real estate agent to bring a buyer.  Most MLSs also share or syndicate their listings to other real estate websites/portals and even other real estate brokerages’ websites. This should mean that there are no accepted offers on the property and that is available for showings. There could however be offers on the table but until an offer is accepted by all parties it remains in ACTIVE status.

 

 

Pre-Listed or Coming Soon Status

 

Sometimes you may see something marketed pre-listing. Real estate agents may use terms such as “coming soon” or “not on the MLS yet”, etc. You may also hear of a term a real estate agent uses as a “pocket listing”. This typically means that the listing agent (real estate agent working for the seller) has an agreement to list & sell the property but they have agreed to keep it off of the MLS until a certain date in the future. Why would a seller want this? There are a few reasons but most likely the listing agent has suggested it to try to find a buyer on their own without the help of other real estate agents. They may have a buyer pool through their own database or their brokerage where they can tap into buyers searching for homes. This allows the agent to sell the home quicker and possibly to work with both the buyer & the seller themselves. This is completely legal in the state of Florida as we are all transaction brokers unless otherwise noted. We can get into representation in another article but for this article, I will keep on track to discuss the statuses. As a seller, you may want to “test” the market before you actually go live on the MLS. Perhaps you are still working on staging or repairs to prepare for the market or you don’t want many showings right now, etc. The cons of going under contract before the house is actually listed on the MLS is that you may end up with an offer below market value or for less than you could have otherwise received after being marketing thoroughly. Obviously, this is something you’ll want to discuss with your real estate agent and does not happen with all transactions. Some MLSs do NOT allow properties to be pre-listed or marketed prior to being active on the MLS.

 

Active Contingent

 

When a property is listed as “active contingent” this means that there is an accepted offer on the property however there are still contingencies to be met. A contingency in a real estate sale is usually for an inspection period or a financing period for the buyer. This means that the buyer has so many days to complete their home inspections and obtain financing. Usually, during the active contingent phase, the seller will still allow others to see the property or put in back up offers but a buyer should understand that it is under contract with another buyer. Sometimes this is also called “under contract”.

 

Pending 

 

When a property is marked in a pending status this means that the property has an accepted offer and the contingency time periods have passed or have otherwise been removed. This typically means that the closing will be happening soon. There is still a slight chance that the property may not close but in most cases, this means that the property is no longer available to see or place offers on. Sometimes this is also called “under contract”.

 

Back on the Market

 

This status means that the property had been under contract for purchase with another buyer but something went wrong. It could have been an issue with the property but more times than not it has something to do with the buyer. Either they changed their mind or were denied their financing in most cases. You can always have your agent ask what happened. If it was due to an issue of the property it must be disclosed.

 

Closed / Sold

 

Once a property is marked as closed or sold the property is no longer “on the market” & has transferred ownership from one (seller) to another (buyer). 

 

I hope this has helped you with your real estate search. Should you have any other questions please reach out to our office to speak with a licensed real estate agent to discuss. We look forward to working with you!