Gulf Coast Associates' Blog: All Categories

The Shark has announced a first class field of participants for this year's Merrill Lynch Shootout. The golf classic, a exhibition fundraiser, is in its 19th year and all proceeds go to research to fight childhood cancer. The game of golf as well as Southwest Florida is fortunate to have a goodwill ambassador the likes of Greg Norman.

The Shootout will be held December 5-9th at the Tiburon in Naples. This year's participants include 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson and tour event winners Woody Austin, Charles Howell III, Fred Funk, Mark Calcavecchia, Scott Verplank, Justin Leonard. Defending champions Jerry Kelly and Rod Pampling will also return along with other well known tour greats Fred Couples, Chris DeMarco, John Daly, Mark O'Meara, Kenny Perry,…

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both Pelican Landing home and condominium sales are listed below. Pelican Landing is an upscale gated golf community with excellent amenities that is considered one of Bonita Springs' premier communities.

Pelican Landing Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

•  32 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $749,028
• Average Days on Market - 185
• Price/Sq. Foot - $288.27

Pelican Landing Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007:

• 25 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $361,812
• Average Days on Market - 124
• Price/Sq. Foot - $194.28

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 18% decrease in the average price for homes and a 15% decrease in the average…

As of yesterday, Florida became one of the nation's toughest states for sexual predator penalties. The new law triples maximum sentences up to 15 years for child solicitation and child pornography. It also makes Florida the first state to criminalize the act of traveling to meet a minor for sex and requires sex offenders to register their email and instant messenger handles with authorities. The state will then share that information with social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook.

The Attorney General's office reported that Florida ranks fourth in the country in child pornography on computers and the Legislature wanted to make it clear that if you are caught, you're going to spend a substantial amount of time behind bars.

The new law classifies…

In a stunning ruling for Gov. Crist and the Florida Legislature, Circuit Judge Charles A. Francis has ruled their new Tax Relief amendment is unconstitutionally misleading and removed it from the ballot for January 2008. In his written ruling, Judge Francis referenced the ballot summary stating "the amendment would preserve existing property tax breaks", when in actuality, it phases them out. In particular, the Judge said voters are given little and inaccurate information with regards to the current Save Our Homes amendment and are "led to believe it is preserved or revised". The reality is the proposed amendment is designed to eventually get rid of the existing Save Our Homes protections which limit tax assessment increases on homesteaded properties to no…

Beginning October 1, the costs to replace a roof in Florida are expected to rise by at least 25% - and even more if you live in a coastal community. The increase in cost is due to a new law the state Legislature passed in May that increases the building code requirements to help strengthen homes against hurricanes.

Experts agree that adding such new protections can only help, but builders, consumers and insurance companies are seeking clarity. Liability issues and insurance discounts top the lists of concerns. In addition, some of the new requirements are structural in nature and most roofing companies are not certified to perform those types of changes. They will require the hiring of a general contractor and that is sure to drive the costs up even more.…

If you've found yourself in the nerve wracking and precarious position of not being able to make your mortgage payments - or you're consistently paying late and receiving phone and mail contacts - this information is custom made for you. It may surprise you that most mortgage servicers (the company that collects your payment) want to work something out with you. However, if you don't answer their phone calls or respond to mail inquiries - then you're not going to get any help and will probably lose your home and ruin your credit for years to come.

Based on the reason why you've become delinquent, the mortgage company may suggest plans to help get you current again. But, be aware that ignoring them will not make the situation go away and the longer you…

I first met Dean-O Hicks when I moved to Bonita Springs in 1998. He was running Master Bait and Tackle shop at the time and more than a few old timers said he was the man to see for anyone wanting to learn about fishing here in Southwest Florida. Being from the Midwest, I was well versed in fresh water angling techniques but had no idea what to do when it came to fishing in salt water.

All I can say about Dean is that he didn't know me from the next guy, but he never hesitated when I asked if he could help. Over the course of about a month he spent quite a few hours of his own time teaching me the ropes. He was patient, funny and kind. What struck me most about him, other than his wealth of knowledge, was his passion for the sport and his willingness to…

The Federal Open Market Committee, the monetary policy arm of the Federal Reserve, held their September meeting today and by unanimous decision, lowered both the Fed funds and Discount rates by 50 basis points each. It was a bold move to help an economy trying to deal with the recent developments in the financial markets; specifically, a tightening of credit conditions that was intensifying the housing correction.

The rate cuts are designed to forestall adverse economic conditions, foster price stability, sustain growth and hopefully ward off the potential for a recession. In addition, they will help with the growing foreclosure situation, keeping mortgage rates low and give a boost to the ailing housing market.

Recent evidence shows that the risk of…