http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/miromar-lakes-a-waterfront-paradise.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/miromar-lakes-a-waterfront-paradise.html Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:39:32 -0500
Luxury open air dining, poolside bars, championship golf and the availability of every type of water sport imaginable, make this a vacation paradise, let alone a permanent residence.

Like a beacon shining in the center of the community, lies the 39,000 square foot Beach Club. The amenities are reminiscent of those found at any five star tropical resort.

The Beach Club features:

- The Blue Water Beach Grill, with open air seating with lake and beach views. It's so close to the docks you can watch the boats come and go.

- European-style spa with beauty salon, fitness center, pilates studio and aerobics room.

- 10,000 square foot zero-edge infinity pool.

- Complete concierge and marine services.

- Planned activities, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts and children's playground.

- The Beach Clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, beachside terrace, brick-paved courtyard with fountain and private beachside dining room with fireplace. After dinner retire to the indoor/outdoor bar lounge with wine rooms, or choose from library, billiards room, or card room. A 50-seat theater and business center is also available for private functions.

Miromar lakes Golf Club boasts an Arthur Hills Signature golf course (only one in Southwest Florida), and award-winning Tuscan style golf clubhouse. Future plans include the addition of a Robert Trent Jones II "Signature" championship golf course - the first of its kind in the world.

Residences:

The homes at Miromar Lakes have a Mediterranean style of architecture and a variety of designs and neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle. Many have outstanding water views or beachfront locations that otherwise would be difficult to obtain in a Gulf front location. Home Styles include:

Grand estates: These are larger homes, on generous homesites with sizes ranging from 4,858 sq. ft. to 6,224 sq. ft. Examples of additional rooms include cabana, outdoor kitchen, theatre/media room, wine cellar.

Estates: Ranging in size from 3,047 sq. ft. to 4,761 sq. ft., they are slightly smaller than the Grand Estates, but every bit as luxurious. Many have waterfront lots and views.

Luxury Villas: These contain upgraded features such as granite counters, Corian window sills, tiled tub and shower surrounds, security system, acrylic finished surface in covered screened lanai, professional landscaping and automatic sprinkler system. Sizes range from 1,880 sq. ft. to 3,296 sq. ft.

Luxury Coach Homes: Some larger than the villas, these attached homes range from 2,160 sq. ft. to 3,634 sq. ft.

Beachfront Cottage: The newest additions to Miromar lakes, these cottage-style homes boast views of 250-acre lake Como which connects to 450-acre Lake Maggiore.

Beachfront & Waterfront Residences: Low to high rise condominium style homes sitting on the beach or directly overlooking the water. Some include private boathouses under each building. Positano is a gated beachfront village of five-story buildings featuring a lazy river lagoon pool with island sundeck.

Neighborhoods:

These are as varied as the residents themselves and often include private clubhouse and docking facilities. Generally home owners choose from among, beachfront, water or golf views.

Miromar Lakes real estate prices range from mid-$300,000s to over $6 million.

Located off Interstate 75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road east to Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Turn left and continue 2.8 miles north to Miromar Lakes.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples Florida real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Olde Cypress real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/cant-sell-your-house-swap-it.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/cant-sell-your-house-swap-it.html Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:00:31 -0500
House swapping originally developed as an affordable vacation option, wherein homeowners from different places would get together and swap their homes for a short period of time. This helped both parties reduce their vacation costs, and gave both an insider's view of another community.

The practice of house swapping grew to be quite popular in the 70s, and is rising today in a new form. Permanent house swapping is based on the same idea (homeowners switch places), but in this case, each owner buys the other person's home.

So why are property exchanges becoming popular today? Many U.S. markets are seeing an influx of inventory but not a lot of demand, which makes it very difficult to sell. In addition, the economic downturn has resulted in large numbers of job loss, leaving homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments.

Those with rising financial pressures are motivated to sell quickly, so they often lower their asking price, and work with a real estate agent. Because times are tough right now, permanent house swapping is a trend that's gaining momentum because it brings together motivated buyers and sellers.

To find prospective swappers, homeowners join one of the many websites dedicated to real estate matchmaking. Sites like OnlineHouseTrading.com, DomuSwap.com, GoSwap.com, and even Craigslist.com allow owners to post an advertisement of their property and specify what they're looking for in return. Some sites are free to use, while others charge fees to access full listing details.

Many of the swapping sites also feature posts from international users, for people who want to look for a home outside American borders.

People who are trying to sell their home on their own, as well as those working with a realtor, are feeling hopeful about online house swapping as a new marketing arena. Hard numbers aren't available yet to tell us how many successful exchanges have occurred, but hundreds of people are joining these sites each month. Of course, the more members each site has, the more potential buyers there are. This increases your chances of having a successful home exchange.

One caveat involved with house swapping is the fact that each party must be willing to live in the other person's area. Matching location, price, and property needs can be difficult, especially if either party has a family that's moving in tow. Another thing to keep in mind is that house exchanges aren't straight trades—some houses simply cost more than others, regardless of whether the property's up for trade or not.

Each homeowner officially sells the house to the other, which means that all the standard paperwork, home inspections, closing costs, and financing issues are the same as in any other real estate transaction. This is why it's still important to have a real estate agent working with you. He or she can take care of the details of the sale, advertise your home using these swap sites, and market the home using other venues.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including how to get in contact with the most qualified Naples Realtors.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/the-secret-life-of-car-wax-aluminum-foil-and-carpet-scraps.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/the-secret-life-of-car-wax-aluminum-foil-and-carpet-scraps.html Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:46:30 -0500
Carpet Scraps: Give that old carpet a new lease on life by using it in a different way.

When you're moving furniture, put scraps of carpet under the legs (pile-side down) and watch your tables and chairs slide easily across the floor - scratch free! It also works great under washers and dryers to prevent that thumping noise.

Keep some extra carpet in the garage for handy out door uses. The next time your riding mower gets stuck in the mud, just slide a piece of carpet under the wheel to get some extra traction.

Next time you're gardening, laying or washing floors, save your knees by kneeling on a scrap of carpet.

Your pets will find plenty of uses for old carpet. Cozy up a doghouse by lining it with carpet, or make kitty a scratching post or indoor tree by gluing carpet to a post.

Aluminum foil isn't just for the BBQ, check out some of its other handy uses:

Crumpled up foil works great for rubbing off rust on anything from car bumpers to shower curtain rods, or the black grunge off your BBQ grill. For extra tough jobs - cover the entire grill, tuck in the edges, and turn the grill on high for 10-15 minutes. It works like a self-cleaning oven.

Restick loose vinyl floor tile by placing a piece of foil over the tile and ironing it until the heat melts the glue and sticks to the subfloor.

Sharpen your scissors by cutting through a sheet of foil that has been folded several times.

Foil works great for covering door knobs, pulls and hinges while you're painting.

Speed up decomposition in your compost pile during cold weather by covering it with carpet.

A strip of carpet stapled to your garage wall will help bear the brunt of opening car doors and keep them scratch free.

A piece of carpet soaked in warm, soapy water is great for cleaning screens.

Place a sheet of foil in the bottom of a stainless steel sink, add boiling water and a few spoonfuls of baking soda. Place your silver in for a couple minutes and wipe clean. If you don't have a stainless steel sink, this also works by lining a glass pan.

Car wax has so many handy uses, you'll want to make it part of your regular cleaning routine.

Use wax to keep your stainless steel appliances free of fingerprints and other marks. Just apply a thin coat and buff.

Lubricate the hinges of garden shears and scissors to keep them moving freely.

If you have a CD with an annoying skip, just add a small amount of wax and buff it clean, rubbing in the same direction as the scratch. Rinse with water and let air dry.

A think coat of wax applied to brass door knockers, mailboxes, and light fixtures will keep them tarnish free.

Once you've cleaned your shower door, keep the mildew away by applying a layer of wax to the inside and outside of the door and buff clean. In fact, wax applied to the walls of a fibreglass shower will help keep their shine and make clean up a breeze.

A small layer of wax added to your bathroom mirror will prevent condensation build up during a shower.

A dab of wax added to your drawer and window tracks will make them slide with ease.

Add some wax to your car bumper before applying any stickers. When you're ready to remove them, they'll come right off without the need for scraping.

Shovelling that wet snow in the winter is easier with a layer of wax applied to your shovel to prevent sticking.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Park Shore real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/does-your-air-conditioner-have-what-it-takes.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/does-your-air-conditioner-have-what-it-takes.html Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:38:09 -0500
Airflow: Although this seems like a simple point, most people don't realize that central air conditioners must have plenty of air flow to run efficiently. The following maintenance tips will help prevent any problems that may result because of lack of proper air flow:

Clean filters regularly.

Remove any debris or leaves from the unit.

Keep the condensing coils clean by brushing them and hosing them down.

Shrubs or plants that may inhibit air flow should be kept at least 18 inches away from the condenser.

Identify the condensate drain for signs of blockage or leaking. It's normal to see water dripping when the unit is running.

Inside the house, ensure registers are unobstructed and clear of furniture or other objects.

Professional Maintenance:

If it becomes necessary to hire a technician, make sure this person is a qualified air conditioning technician. Inexperienced or poorly trained technicians may not perform a thorough inspection of your unit, or may not take the preventative measures necessary to avoid future problems. The investment for a professional, but in the long run may lead to expensive problems that could have been avoided.

At the very least, the inspector should perform the following checks:

Check refrigerant levels and top up if necessary.

Test for refrigerant leaks.

Inspect the ducts for leakage and seal if necessary.

Clean the blower and all its parts.

Inspect the evaporator coil and measure the air flow.

Oil the motors and check the belts, replacing if necessary.

Look for leaks or backup in the condensate system.

Check the operating temperatures and pressures.

Ensure the thermostat is accurate.

The above tips are only guidelines and will not ensure you won't have problems with your central air conditioner. However, they may help to avoid costly repairs by catching them early.

Heat Pump Maintenance

Some homeowners get their air conditioning via a heat pump system. These too require regular maintenance, and although should be inspected by a qualified technician, there are some regular checks you can do yourself.

Replace filters regularly.

Lubricate components regularly.

Keep unit free of debris and dirt. Clean the updraft fans by turning off the heat pump, removing the grille (screwed to the frame), and vacuuming the fan blades.

Place a level across the top of the metal unit side to side and back to back to ensure the heat pump hasn't shifted since last season.

Check the pipe for any deterioration and replace any insulation that has worn away.

If you find the coil blocked with ice, chances are there is some sort of obstruction inhibiting adequate air flow.

If the pump will not run, it may have become overloaded. Wait 30 minutes and press the reset button on the outside of the unit.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples Florida real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Mediterra real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/buying-new-construction-why-hire-an-agent.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/buying-new-construction-why-hire-an-agent.html Tue, 19 May 2009 14:51:17 -0500
What about if you're looking to buy new construction? Why would a person hire a real estate agent when he or she can simply buy direct from the builder? After all, the house is brand new or still in the construction process, so there shouldn't be any flaws or major repairs needed. Also, many builders are offering flashy incentives to buyers who will sign with their lender. It seems like there's no real need for a realtor to be present during a new home sale.

Unfortunately, mistakes do happen during the construction process, and builders aren't looking out for your best interest. Just like when you're negotiating a deal with a private seller, you need to be on your toes when buying new construction.

The builder makes money only when you buy from him, so he's going to make the property sound like the best deal ever. He will likely either make commission on his sales, or he'll earn a salary with bonuses and incentives on top. This means that the builder's livelihood depends on your buying a property from him. You can't always trust a builder's motives, so it's imperative that you have someone looking out for you and your rights.

Because builders get paid only if you buy, they aren't likely to point out any flaws with the property. They'll gloss things over and make sure that you walk away with the most positive impression possible. A realtor on the other hand, has no vested interest in you buying that particular home, and is also bound by a professional code of ethics to provide you with all pertinent information. She will tell you about the upsides of the development, as well as any concerns she may have about the construction quality or future property values. She will also be able to tell you if the area is set to be a hot new neighborhood or not.

Upgrades are often not included in the flashy sales price you see advertised. A realtor will be able to advise you on which upgrades are worth going for, and which ones to skip.

Many builders will pressure buyers to go through their lending company. They will do this by offering incentives or by using high-pressure sales tactics. If you use their lender, there's a good chance that you'll end up paying thousands of dollars more over the course of the mortgage than if you shopped around. A realtor will be able to recommend lenders who can help you get the best terms and interest rate.

By having a buyer's agent at your side, the builder won't be able to bully you into an agreement. Because it's vital to their survival to have a good reputation in the industry, a builder will likely be on his or her best behavior when dealing with a real estate agent.

Having representation is also very important when it comes to contract negotiations. While it's also a good idea to consult with a real estate lawyer, an agent can help make sense of some of the common legal jargon. He will also make sure that the contingencies in place are fair, and that the builder doesn't try to take advantage of you.

Best of all, the services of a buyer's agent are generally free for buyers.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Pelican Bay Naples FL real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/edible-landscaping-with-tropical-fruit-trees.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/edible-landscaping-with-tropical-fruit-trees.html Wed, 06 May 2009 11:21:29 -0500
Here is a list of some of the tropical fruit trees you're most likely to have success with in the South Florida climate. In an effort to inspire you, we've, also included some of the more exotic varieties you may never have heard of.

Avocado: Introduced to the area in 1833, the South Florida climate is ideal for growing this nutritious fruit. There are over 56 different varieties with summer, fall and winter growing seasons. The thick skin is green, and can be smooth or rough textured, and teardrop, round or football shape, depending on the species. Avocados have more fat than most fruits, but they are an excellent source of potassium and Vitamin A, and are used in salads, guacamole, and taste great scooped right out of the shell.

Trees are 40-60 feet in height and produce large quantities of fruit that do not ripen until they are picked or fall to the ground.

Growing Conditions: Sunny location with well-drained soil. Season: January-June.

Caimito - Star Apple: This is an ornamental evergreen tree with sweet purple or green fruit and shiny green leaves with a brown underside. The fruit is sweet and gelatinous.The trees range from 25 to 100 ft in height.

Growing Conditions: Well-drained soil with no chance of flooding.. Season: Late May-March.

Carambola - Star Fruit: Plant produces a large fleshy berry, 2-6 inches in length, with a waxy, yellow skin. A cross-section slices produces a perfect star shape - hence the name. The trees are considered small to medium in height (35 feet max), with dark green leaves and flowers.

Star fruit is great served in salads or as an iced juice drink, canned, dried or preserved. Not advised for people with kidney disease due to high concentration of oxalic acid.

Growing Conditions: Sunny location with protection from the wind. Season: July-September, November-February.

Mango: Native to Asia and India, mango trees have been growing in Florida for at least 100 years. These medium to large trees (up to 100 feet) have a number of varieties and produce a hearty crop of tasty fruit. When first picked, mangoes are light green, but are best eaten when the fruit softens slightly and and skin takes on a yellow, red, or orange color. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C and tastes great in salads, breads, or pureed.

Growing Conditions: These trees are tough and easy to grow. Season: May-October.

Passion Fruit: This vine produces purple, yellow or reddish colored fruit surrounded by an sweet, orange pulp. The juice makes a wonderful punch.

Growing Conditions: Passion Fruit vines should be planted in an area where they can be supported by a fence or trellis in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Season: June-December.

Tamarind: This is a large tree (up to 80 feet), with rough bark, twisting branches and evergreen foliage. Flowers are a pale yellow with red veins that appear in early summer. The fruit is hidden in brown pods and contain large seeds in a sticky, brown edible pulp. The "molasses like" pulp can be used to flavor sauces and steak sauce. Season: April-June.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Park Shore real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/quail-west-on-the-auction-block.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/quail-west-on-the-auction-block.html Wed, 06 May 2009 11:20:36 -0500
The Quail West vision was indeed grand. The Ginn-LA developers promised an exclusive private club lifestyle with luxurious surroundings. The minute attention to detail was reflected in the landscaping that included European-style cobblestone streets, courtyards, exquisite fountains, Spanish tile roofs and detailed ironwork. The exceptional amenities catered to members every whim and included use of a private wine cellar, private concierge and in-home catering.

Unfortunately, when these grandiose plans collided with a failing economy, they resulted in a multi- million dollar loss. The recent sale included 262 undeveloped homesites, two golf courses, a clubhouse and sales center. Thankfully, John McGarvey, developer and one of the principal owners, believes there is a future in luxury golf real estate. "The auction was a rare opportunity to purchase quality lots in the Naples area, which are getting harder to find", McGarvey said.

For the most part, the two courses, clubhouse and restaurants have remained open throughout the Chapter 7 filing, but it has taken a toll on the number of new members. None of the services have been cut back and there are about 180 active employees still remain. Hopefully, now with the sale out of the way, public confidence will improve in Quail West. In addition, there is talk of a promotion that will temporarily waive the $175,000 membership fee and offers a trial membership for the cost of "dues only".

Quail West Amenities include:

- State-of-the-art tennis complex with red-clay hydro-grid courts.

- World-class spa, men's and women's whirlpool baths and steam room, fitness center with an extensive list of classes and members programs.

- Outdoor pool

- Recently updated 70,000 square foot clubhouse that includes:

- Wine Room - that even includes a reserved area to store members private collections.

- Dining: indoor-outdoor bar overlooking the 18th hole of the Preserve course and formal restaurant.

- Gathering areas for playing cards.

- Golf and tennis pro shops

- Locker rooms

- Future plans were in the works for a club expansion and creation of a Riviera-style beach club.

36-hole Arthur Hills designed courses include:

The Preserve: 150 acres of forest and natural beauty provide natural hazards and challenges for the most skilled golfer in this 18-hole course.

Lakes: An 18-hole course in a natural setting provides gorgeous views with winding fairways through acres of lakes, marshes and waterways.

Members also benefit from a premier practice facility and professional instruction.

Quail West Homes:

Finished home prices range from $2.2 million to over $10 million. These are exceptional custom homes, reflecting the style and exclusivity of this golf community. A current model home available for viewing measures 8,347 square feet, has four bedrooms, oversized lanai, and every extra you can imagine including a temperature-controlled wine room. It comes fully furnished and is listed at $4,885,000..

Six beach lots off of Hickory Boulevard in Bonita Springs were also up for sale. These were initially destined to be part of the Quail West Beach Club slated for future development.

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples FL real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Port Royal FL real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/free-google-site-to-advertise-your-vacation-rentals.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/free-google-site-to-advertise-your-vacation-rentals.html Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
If you want to find out more about this, then sign up for a free Google.com account and agree to the terms and conditions of the service offered by Google Base.

Google Base offers the same service as the now-famous Craigslist, but they aspire to more professional looking web pages. With already over 180,000 listings on the site, this will be an outlet for your business rentals that is not to be missed.

The majority of these listings are from such popular online vacation rental web sites as Vacapedia.com, VROB.com and others. With this Google site still in its testing period, you are now encouraged to take advantage of this free service.

On Google Base, you can describe your vacation rental property in detail, as well as its amenities and any surrounding attractions. Google Base allows you to list your property by number of rooms, availability, location, type of property and other search words.

For no extra charge, you can attach up to 20 megabytes of files to further boost your listing and a variety of formats are offered. For images, you can use jpg, png, gif, tif and bmp files. For text and publishing you can use pdf, Microsoft Word, Power Point. Excel, Word Perfect documents, html, plain text and others.

This Google service is not only available to vacation rental property owners; it is actually for anyone to sell any property that is for sale or rent. It also offers many other items for sale or rent- and all free to the advertiser.

As Google is the Internet's number one search engine, and more than 56% of all Internet searches using the term 'real estate' access the Google web sites, the exposure on this site will be considerable.

With so much space allowed for exposure of your vacation home, you will attract many types of traveler, from the person looking for a homey vacation rental that is 'home from home' to the last minute business couple.

Who says nothing is ever free?

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples Florida real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Mediterra real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/challenges-of-ocean-front-landscaping.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/challenges-of-ocean-front-landscaping.html Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
If your plants are yellowing, burnt, or hard to establish, chances are they aren't the best choices for your seaside growing conditions. You may have to make some adjustments to your garden or re-think the type of plants that will grow successfully.

The five main challenges that confront oceanfront gardeners are:

1. Damage from strong winds
2. Drought
3. High salt levels in the soil
4. Sandy soil
5. Contributing to ocean pollution

Dealing With These Challenges:

Wind and Salt Spray - Plant a natural wind guard using a combination of trees and smaller shrubs in a front row. Do your research – you don't want trees that will grow large enough to block your view.

A man-made trellis may be required to supplement your natural wind break. Solid fences or brick walls work well, but may also block your view.

Ocean or Seaside Drought - Combat this problem with a thick layer of organic compost and use plants that do not require constant watering.

Salty & Sandy Soil - Salt is the most common cause of severe leaf burn and shedding leaves. It also affects the plant's ability to thrive. Choose plants that thrive in salty soils and use wind blocks to prevent the passage of salt into the soil. (See list below)

Mixing in plenty of organic compost with the soil will help improve the quality and add much needed nutrients.

Using Green Practices to Reduce Pollution - Often times the run off from ocean front gardens contributes heavily to ocean pollution. This includes waste from the yard, fertilizer, and other chemicals that seep into storm drains. In an effort to improve the quality of our gardens, these pollutants can poison fish and contaminate ground and ocean water.

Ways to alleviate this problem include:

Cover piles of organic waste, or other materials with tarps to prevent run off during rain and storms.
Do all your excavating during dry weather conditions.
Make small dams or ditches to divert runoff from storm drains.
Prevent erosion on your property by planting native plants and grasses to bind the soil.
Don't overwater. Instead employ the use of drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
Do not blow or rake leaves into storm drains or on the street.
Use organic or non-toxic fertilizers.
Store chemicals in a covered area to prevent run off.

Plants that grow well in salty, sandy soil, and don't cower from high winds include:

Trees

Acacia longifolia var. sophorae (Coast Wattle), Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle), Allocasuarina littoralis (Drooping She Oak), Arbutus unedo (Irish Strawberry Tree), Callitris columellaris (Coast Cypress Pine), Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm), Eucalyptus ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum), Olea europea (Olive), and Phoenix canariensis (Date Palm).

Shrubs

Banksia ericifolia (Heath Banksia), Brachysema lanceolata (Swan River Pea), Dodonea viscosa (Hop Bush), Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree), Murraya exotica (Mock Orange), Nerium oleander (Oleander), and Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary).

Groundcovers

Alyssum maritimum (Sweet Alice), Cerastium tomentosum (Snow in Summer), Osteospermum cultivars (African Daisy), and Mesembryanthemum sp. (Pigface).

Beach wormwood (Artemisia stelleriana, Z3-7)

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa, Z4-9)

Catmints (Nepeta spp. and cvs., Z4-8)

Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum, Z6-10)

Salt spray rose (Rosa rugosa, Z2-9)

Sea lavender (Limonium latifolium, Z4-9)

Summersweet (Clethera alnifolia, Z3-9)

Wand flower (Gaura lindheimeri, Z6-9)

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Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Aqualane Shores real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/adjustable-attitudes-instead-of-adjustable-mortgages.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/adjustable-attitudes-instead-of-adjustable-mortgages.html Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The truth is that it's in a Realtor's best interests to encourage clients to stay well within their means. Successful homeowners make for better references. A Realtor known for honesty concerning a client's income and the amount of mortgage they can *really* afford is going to be in demand by people who want someone who is going to look out for their best interests. So here it is: the facts of buying a house that costs more than you can afford on a normal mortgage. In short, don't do it.

The foreclosure crisis has clued some - certainly not all - people to the fact that buying a house that you can't afford ends up badly. Somewhere between the public's rabid fascination with the rich and famous and the American Dream is the attitude that it is permissible for people to risk their credit rating, their health and their family's security in order to live in a home that is so far out of their budget that it might as well be on another planet.

What is sad is that home ownership is still a good investment - as long as it is entered in upon wisely and carefully. The power you have with your own property is considerable. You could buy a fixer-upper and, with some judicious repairs and decoration, sell it for thousands more than you invested. You could buy a property in a market that becomes hot and see your home slide up the value scale. These things are all possible for homeowners who know their limits.

Living in our society has given some people a grossly skewed notion of what needs are vs. wants. A person might think that they "need" a car, that they "need" TV, that they "need" the Internet. They don't stop to think that, barely 100 years ago, a person in their financial bracket often didn't have anything of the sort and there are millions of people on the earth who still don't.

This is not to say you should ditch your car, cable and Internet. However, you should be taking a long, hard look at your income and your spending habits before pen touches the paper of a mortgage contract. You need to be aware of how much it's smart of you to be spending on a mortgage every month. Forget what you're qualified for; figure out what you can afford along with the attendant expenses of a house: maintenance, repairs, taxes, and insurance, not to mention non-house-related debt. If you can buy cheaper without sacrificing house quality or getting into a bad location, seriously consider it.

What do people really need to survive? Food, water, shelter. Shelter includes adequate living space and appropriate clothing for the elements. You might also include heating and cooling in with this. That's it. And that's what a lot of people spend their lives struggling to attain, while we sit and whine about how hazard it is to drive a 10-year-old car.

Our perception of what we "need" in a home is warped. Many people think they "need" extra rooms for material objects that do nothing for their lives except accumulate. Others think they "need" extra rooms to entertain or house the guests who come once a year. Do they? Sure, it's nice to have extra space, but if you don't have the extra money to pay for it, you might find that the expenses far outweigh the benefits in the long run.

A little perspective can go a long way when you're considering a house purchase. You don't need a house that is outside of your budget - some simple math should clear that up. You also can't separately calculate your debts to credit card companies, student loans, etc. in terms of your income. You must know how much you spend each month and whether the mortgage you're thinking of taking on will end up benefiting you.

Another item: You are not your house. So what if your friend has a huge McMansion with its own in ground swimming pool? Can he afford it? Good for him if he can. Can you? Better check. You'll look a lot stupider going into foreclosure on a property you couldn't afford in the first place, then being the proud owner of a modest home with a reasonable mortgage.

In conclusion, adjusting your attitude towards your "must-haves" in a home will drastically change your financial picture to one that you can maintain over the years instead of bringing you to financial dire straits. Knowing what your true needs in a house are and being willing to stick to them makes you a lot more likely to be a success in the home ownership arena. Forget the Joneses. Keep up with your personal financial obligations and leave the rampant spending to the fools who will soon pay for it with their credit and their debt load.

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>