Punta Gorda Real Estate

Let’s face it, a fixer-upper home can be quite tempting, but when the home requires significant work to get it back in livable condition, the prospect of updates can be a turn off to homebuyers.  However, the government recently instituted an energy tax credit, allowing homeowners to install energy saving updates to their home (solar panels, insulation, double pane windows) and write off up to 30% of the cost of updates.  This tax credit alone can make the prospect of purchasing real estate much more appealing.  New homeowners can purchase a home and then update it at lower costs, and current homeowners can do the same. 

Here in Punta Gorda, homeowners would be wise to look into solar panels.  With all the sunshine we receive, a well implemented solar panel system can eliminate traditional energy costs for heating, cooling, and electricity all together.  Now’s a great time to invest in Punta Gorda Florida real estate with all the federal tax breaks, and historic lows on interest rates and home prices.  Most economists predict that the areas that were hit hardest by the recession will be the first to recover, so don’t wait, invest now and reap the benefits later!

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While in the past, owning a prime waterfront home might have just been a pipe dream for some, now, owning a dream home is more practical than ever.  With the real estate market in a slump, mortgage interest rates and home prices have fallen, while available homes and incentives for homebuyers have risen.  There are prime properties available at unprecedented prices all over the country.  In Florida, which has been an area of the country hit hard by the recession, home prices have fallen.  When the government instituted its $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers, the real estate market started to rebound.  In Punta Gorda, located in scenic Southwest Florida, property values have decreased allowing people at several different levels of income to afford their dream homes.  Punta Gorda waterfront real estate is available, and accessible to people who couldn’t have afforded it before. 

Now’s a great time to browse Punta Gorda real estate and real estate all over the state of Florida.  With the $8,000 tax credit, low interest mortgage rates, and the promise of future growth, now is the best time to make a quality real estate investment for the future. 

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Here in Southwest Florida, we’ve all felt the effects of the economic recession, especially when it comes to housing.  But with mortgage applications surging, home builders back at work, and a spike in home sales around the nation, now is the time to buy or invest in a home.  While Florida has been one of the areas hit hardest by the recession, potential homebuyers now have an excellent opportunity to browse real estate.  For example, in Southwest Florida, there are a number of Punta Gorda homes for sale at an excellent value.  These homes, renowned for their prime location near the water, are ideal for people living or working in Southwest Florida.  With beautiful scenic vistas and hundreds of recreational activities, Punta Gorda is a great place to live or retire. 

When browsing homes in Punta Gorda or other areas across Florida, be sure to speak with a local real estate agent to find the best deal.  Punta Gorda real estate agents, for example, can help locate the ideal home in the right neighborhood and price range.  With thousands of affordable homes, you’re near guaranteed to find what you want! 

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While the entire country is suffering from the current recession and a significant downturn in the housing market, some areas have fared better than others.  Florida, for example, is one of the areas hit hardest by the recession.  However, the good news is that most economists believe those areas hit hardest have bottomed out and are now on the path to recovery.  While some areas of the country will continue to decline, it’s believed that the areas most affected by the recession will recover first.  With hundreds of thousands of beautiful properties, Florida is one of the areas poised for an upturn in the housing market. 

Southwest Florida, in areas like Punta Gorda, have already started to see some signs of life despite the dour recession.  While the upturn in the real estate market is good news, even better news is that even the most beautiful Punta Gorda waterfront homes are now available at discount prices.  These homes have some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean in the entire world.  Don’t miss the once in a lifetime chance to own these one of these homes before they’re snatched up! 

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With the housing market in a decline, mortgage interest rates have also declined, and now is a great time to refinance or purchase a new home.  However, it’s also important to live within your means, or you run the risk of defaulting on a loan.  When choosing a new home, the general rule of thumb is your monthly payments should be approximately 30% of your collective (if you have a spouse) monthly income.  While you can spend more than this and still pay all your bills, it’s also good to save, because living paycheck to paycheck is a lifestyle nobody wants, and is some of the reason the entire economic crisis started. 

In areas of the country that have experienced a steeper decline in the housing market, states like Florida and Michigan, it’s a great time for qualified homebuyers to test the housing market.  Even in tropical Florida, Punta Gorda real estate is quite affordable and now is an excellent time to buy while you can lock in a low interest rate and receive a great deal on the price of the home as well.

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The news media has been abuzz of late about the $800 billion government stimulus that is passing through the House and Senate.  Specifics about the bill have been released, and tucked among the expenditures is substantial tax credit for first time homebuyers.  The tax credit will come in the sum of $7,500 dollars, and all first time homebuyers are eligible, as well as others who have not owned a home in the last three years.  The tax credit is designed to jump start the housing market, and housing industry specialists seem to think it will do just that.

When we’re talking about Florida, which, let’s face it, has suffered a bit since the economy turned sour, it’s a great time to purchase a new home.  Even in tropical locations like Punta Gorda, often considered one of the most beautiful areas in Florida, real estate is available and you’ll soon be able to get a great deal.  You can’t go wrong when it comes to Punta Gorda realty; even if the home isn’t spectacular, you can’t match the beauty of the environment!

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I’ve seen the sun rise on the east coast, and set on the west coast, and visited most every coastal location in between.  I’d like to say I’ve seen more beautiful sunsets in my retirement than most people have seen their whole lives (even people who live on the beach!).  However, throughout all my travels I’ve never found a location quite like Punta Gorda, Florida.  The sunsets in Punta Gorda reflect on the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and allow the viewer to appreciate colors like green, purple, and fuchsia that you just won’t find on the east coast or west coast.  In addition, beaches in Punta Gorda possess such scenic qualities that you could spend a whole day there and not have seen all the beach has to offer. 

Whether as a young person or a person in their retirement, I recommend you experience a sunset on the Punta Gorda waterfront; once you’ve been there you’ll never want to leave! 

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In 2004 the western Florida coast was devastated by hurricane Charley.  I flew in to Florida to visit my mother and father about a day after the hurricane had been through.  My parents lived in Punta Gorda, and it was apparent that the town had been hit hard when I encountered a National Guard roadblock about fifteen minutes outside the town.  Though the damage to things like the gutters, street signs, and select buildings around the town was intense, my parent’s house had avoided all but cosmetic damage. 

Despite the imposing risk of hurricanes, the town as a whole proved quite durable.  One year later I visited my parents again, and the town appeared as if nothing had happened.  Punta Gorda real estate values were normal, all the visible damage had been removed or repaired, and residents I spoke with remembered the storm as just a passing memory.  It’s remarkable to encounter such resilient people.

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Punta Gorda, like many towns in American history, had a rough beginning before it settled into the haven of Southwest Florida waterfront homes it is today.

Punta Gorda was first settled by the Howard brothers in the late 19th century, about 10 years after the end of the Civil War. The railroad came through the town about ten years after that, making Punta Gorda the southernmost stop on the South Florida Railroad, which attracted industries and business and gave the town the impetus it needed for growth.

By 1887, Punta Gorda was officially incorporated, and mayoral elections and city council elections were held. The town, situated at the end of a railroad line that attracted dubious characters, struggled as a rough place for a while, where more than 40 murders were reported between 1890 and 1904. But as the early years waned, and the city grew, Punta Gorda developed into the gorgeous, beachfront town it is today.

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Many people are finding themselves in the crest of leisure when they reach their retirement age, but if you’re anything like me, then you’ll know that you get restless really quickly.  A few months ago, I purchased a Punta Gorda property, but weeks into my retirement and I was bored.  As much as I like golfing and fishing – all activities here in Florida – I found that they really only filled a fraction of my week. 

Then last month, I decided to operate a website for my daughter’s independent bookstore, which, thanks in part to my boredom/diligence, includes an online store where people can order rare books.  The best part is that she lives in New York!  I don’t even have to leave my house and I get more done in a day than I have before – plus, I get to enjoy the beauty of Punta Gorda.

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