LEHIGH ACRES, FL- A real estate company, tired of having their property burglarized over and over again decides to fight back!
They hired an armed former marine to keep watch and didn’t have to wait long for results.

Owner of Sandbill Realty Group Courtney Neuhausel says, “Until someone actually makes it a point to go out and do something about this, it’s actually going to get worse and worse.”

That’s why Neuhausel the co-owner of Sandbill realty group says he did about the reoccurring thefts to his Lehigh acres property.
He hired a security guard to stay overnight.

Neuhausel says, “We were just fed up, enough’s enough.”

The AC unit had  been stripped as well as the copper wiring in the attic, the last straw was when thieves bent the hurricane shutters and forced open a window.

“We saw indicator that they were setting the house up for an evening hit.”

So his company hired Chris Atchley of CT security solutions to watch the house.

The former marine armed with an asp, a gun, and pepper spray, sat in the dark home, with no AC, and waited.

At around 11:30 at night, two men entered the house through the back door.
Atchley hit them in the face with pepper spray.

He says, “Both men, started screaming extremely loud and sounded ,like little girls, I’ve never heard grown men scream like that.”

Atchley chased them for two blocks.

“They got away from me.”

They left a four wheeler, apparently their escape vehicle.
Neuhausel isn’t complaining.

“Our motto right now to criminals is ask yourself two questions when you stand in my driveway. The first question is, is that house really vacant? The second one is, when I get in how am I getting out.”

He says next time, the thieves may not be so lucky.

That was his tongue-in-cheek advice for potential home buyers who may find 2011 will bring interest rate increases that could erase any savings from further home price declines.

Grimes, president of Denny Grimes & Co. at Royal Shell in Fort Myers, was one of the four speakers Tuesday at The News-Press Market Watch, an annual symposium on the state of real estate here and around the country.

He and the other speakers at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers sounded a common theme: After taking a fall from the glory days of the boom, Southwest Florida is “bumping along the bottom” but the worst may be mainly over.

Especially for homes under $200,000, Grimes said, a likely rise in interest rates could effectively increase the cost of a house even if asking prices stay low.

Prices for low-end houses probably have fallen about as much as they can, he said, although there’s a backlog of expensive homes that likely will result in continued declines.

National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun predicted a 3.8 percent increase in gross domestic product in 2011, and said if businesses start spending in earnest that could jump to as much as 5 percent. Continued economic growth will eventually benefit the housing market nationally, he said.

Areas such as Fort Myers and Las Vegas, where the crash was especially severe, are close enough to equilibrium between supply and demand they may get a “surprise on the upside” as the economy turns around, Yun said.

But all four speakers mentioned the possibility a housing recovery could be derailed by larger events.

One of those events is the unrest sweeping the Middle East, said economist David Jones, a former Wall Street executive who lives on Sanibel and teaches at Florida Gulf Coast University.

He gave Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke an A-minus for stimulating the economy after the credit crisis but said those gains could be reversed by rising oil prices caused by uprisings in the Middle East.

“We will do damage to this economy if oil prices move much above $100 a barrel” for an extended period as happened in 2008, Jones said.

Real estate broker Stan Stouder, a founding partner with CB Richard Ellis, Fort Myers-Naples, said events starting to take place in larger real estate markets could have good effect here.

Although the sector’s been hard hit in recent years, “trophy properties” in major markets such as San Francisco, New York and Chicago are getting multiple offers, he said.

That, Stouder said, will drive investors to smaller markets such as Fort Myers-Cape Coral where better deals are available.

Commercial real estate broker Randy Thibaut, owner of Land Solutions in Fort Myers, attended the MarketWatch and said he’s seeing signs this area is close to better times.

“I think we have turned the corner,” said Thibaut, who specializes in brokering sales of large tracts of land. “I’m seeing early trends of significant land sales in Lee and Collier counties and there are more in the pipeline for this year.”

That’s significant because it’s the type of activity that must occur before construction resumes and the overall market recovers, he said.

The big players buying up land clearly believe that’s coming soon, Thibaut said. “They wouldn’t be buying if they were going to have to hold it for 15 years.”

Written by

Dick Hogan

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110222064

Sounds simple, right?

Those in the industry say there’s money to be made but a lot of ways to lose money as well.

The rush to rehab peaked last summer, said Courtney Neuhausel, president of Fort Myers-based Sandbill Homes, which specializes in rehabbing houses and selling them.

Back then, he said, “Every Tom, Dick and Harry was getting in. You saw some guy making 20 grand and everybody and his mom thought they could do it.”

That was before concerns about the validity of foreclosures by the big banks swept through the housing market.

Many properties for sale by lenders were abruptly pulled back and the number of foreclosures dropped sharply. Buyers became scarce.

“What happened was, most of my competitors got scared,” Neuhausel said. “They were not funded in-house but with investors. When the properties weren’t moving in November and December, we saw a majority of our competitors liquidate their inventory. We decided to ride the storm out and not give the store away.”

Now, he said, with foreclosure concerns fading, money can be made again.

But even in a generally favorable market, there are a lot of reasons not to get into the rehab-and-sell-for-more business.

Thomas Bruzzesi, owner of Thomas Realty in Fort Myers, said he used to buy and rehab houses for resale but now finds it less risky and more profitable to just buy a house at a bargain price and sell it for more as quickly as possible.

Often, he said, the buyer is someone who wants to do the work himself anyway if the house is in ill repair.

Time is of the essence, he said, because prices are so low in many areas that it doesn’t make sense to spend money rehabbing. “You buy a $20,000 house in Lehigh Acres and put $20,000 in it, and it’s not making sense” because even the fixed-up house can’t be sold at a profit.

Instead, Bruzzesi uses his skills scoping out houses that are being sold at public auction after the lender has foreclosed.

Some viewers want to know why these fireworks were used on Saturday when last July 4, the city of Fort Myers said it was too broke to afford them.

The answer: the Edison fireworks were privately funded, according to the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency.

“I think it’s just a sign of the times,” said Don Paight, the group’s executive director. “The [Edison] festival has a very, very large staff of volunteers that work on sponsorships all year long. And the city just doesn’t have a fundraising component.”

The fireworks cost around $30,000 for a 30 minute show. The July 4 festival costs around $80,000 in total to put together.

But last year, Courtney Neuhausel with Sandbill Realty offered to pay for the whole thing. The way he tells it, after six months of calling, by the time the city responded it was too late.

“One hundred percent” they dropped the ball, said Neuhausel. “You gotta give credit to the Edison festival they have a great planning committee. And i really believe that that’s the whole heart and soul as to why fireworks took place.”

“The city in my opinion,” he said, “didn’t step to the plate.”

Paight says Newuhauel’s donation was generous but not enough to cover every expense. He says there wasn’t enough time to get permits, a process that can take two months.

“Unfortunately when budgets are cut,” he said, ”and it’s decisions between funding public safety officers or fire or some essential services something has to go.”

But will the fireworks go this year?

Fireworks aren’t in the city’s budget this year, according to Paight. And with five months to go, the Redevelopment Agency still does not have a sponsor.

On top of that, he says, their budget has been cut in half.

Without a sponsor, this will be the second year in a row the skies will be dark over downtown, Paight said.

But he’s still hopeful something can be worked out and is urging anyone interested in becoming a sponsor to contact the agency.

Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency

Matt Grant
mgrant@fox4now.com

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO

http://www.fox4now.com/global/story.asp?s=14079591

Sandbill Homes, LLC has developed a proven track record of providing high-quality rehabilitated homes throughout Lee County and Southwest Florida.  Hundreds of happy home buyers are currently enjoying our commitment to excellence and value in even our most modest properties.  Our attention to even the smallest details is evident in every home that we offer and we take pride in knowing that our quality stands above all others.

Therefore, in response to unprecedented demand, Sandbill Homes is pleased to announce that we will be increasing our inventory of upscale “lifestyle” homes, including direct (sailboat) access pool homes, stunning estate homes, prestigious townhouses and coach homes, and so much more.

The one thing that will remain consistent, however, as we expand to include a premium line of homes is our dedication to providing the highest quality product on the market. Discriminating buyers will immediately recognize that our custom remodeled homes feature distinctively superior craftsmanship, high-end features and obvious designer touches.  Additionally, all of our extraordinary waterfront properties are selected with the boater in mind.  Canal position, time to open water, obstructions, canal width and ease of dockage are all taken into consideration when we select our homes for rehabilitation.

We look forward to working with you to find the lifestyle home that best fulfills your dreams.

Eight kids graduated from the inaugural class of Bob Tabarrini’s eight-week, free music course.

“Oh yeah, I’m a rock star,” said 17-year-old student Kayla Bishop. “When I started out, I didn’t know a single thing about guitar.”

He created the Tabarrini Foundation after his father died in July and he says next month’s course will be triple the size.

“We’re giving the kids that don’t have a chance to play – a chance to play,” he said. “Talent doesn’t really know economic boundaries. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.”

“We just couldn’t afford guitar lessons, so this gave us an opportunity to do both. She got another guitar and lessons that we would not have ever been able to afford,” said Kayla’s mother Angela Bishop.

To keep the music playing after kids leave graduation, the foundation gave each kid a free guitar if they did not already have one. They also got a lesson from Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke, who lives locally.

“Artistic expression is very important,” Medlocke said.

He says the Tabarrini Foundation is needed in Southwest Florida because so many art and music classes have been cut from schools.  Without it, Kayla Bishop says she would probably be up to no good.

“Maybe getting into some sort of trouble,” she said.

Instead, like seven other graduates, she now has an outlet and roots to start growing into that rock star dream.

By Paul Gessler

Fort Myers students graduate from real school of rock

(Click link to watch video)

There will be rides and country music artists. Cheerleaders and fire dancers. Corn dogs, but probably not coconuts. Well, maybe just a few.

About 40,000 people are expected to celebrate Cape Coral’s 40th birthday at the city’s sixth annual Coconut Festival.

The event takes place Friday through Sunday at the Sun Splash Festival Grounds. Parking is free and admission is $5 per person.

“It is my opinion that it is the largest family-friendly event in Cape Coral,” said Todd King, special events coordinator with the city. “It has elements for all ages.”

Among the elements are about 25 carnival rides that twist, turn and twirl. Tickets for rides can be bought at the event or an all-you-can-ride wristband can be purchased at any TIB Bank in Cape Coral for $20 through today.

On Friday, visitors will have a chance to sing happy birthday to the city and have a slice of a giant birthday cake.

Fire and hula dancers will perform each day and fireworks will be lit off on Friday and Saturday nights.

For the first time this year, the event features a cheer fest that will highlight some of the area’s best cheerleaders in a competition format.

Visitors can get plenty to eat at the festival, too. They can purchase festival favorites such as elephant ears, funnel cakes, hot dogs and corn dogs.

“(The Coconut Festival) is what we consider a mini Disney World,” King said. “I think as tight as it is out there financially … we try to keep it cost-effective so families can enjoy themselves.”

Musical entertainers will hit the stage to close out each day beginning with the local band Geek Skwad on Friday and Foghat on Saturday. Foghat, a British rock-’n'-roll band dating to the 1970s, is best known for hits such as “Fool for the City” and “Slow Ride.”

Josh Thompson, a country music artist up for an American Country Award, will take the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday.

It costs the city about $90,000 to host the event every year. But with big sponsors such as TIB Bank, The News-Press, Lee County Electric Cooperative, Budweiser and The Resort at Marina Village, the city only has to foot about $45,000 of the cost.

Last year, the event netted a $30,000 profit. The funds are used to host free events offered to the community such as the Veterans Day Parade.

Cecelia Donohue of Cape Coral and her family have never been to the event, but are planning to go to the festival this year.

“I don’t know why we have never been to it, but it’s something different for the kids to do,” Donohue said. “I think they would enjoy it.”

Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan likes that the event also brings visitors in from other areas of Southwest Florida.

“It brings them in for more than the festival itself,” Sullivan said. “Hopefully, they’ll come back to eat or go shopping or do other things within the city.”

Sun Splash Family Water park (In Parking Area)
400 Santa Barbara Boulevard Cape Coral, Florida 33991 Sun Splash Family Water park is easy to slide into. We’re just: 2.5 miles north of Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral, Florida.

If you are traveling on I-75, turn west at Exit 136 and cross the Midpoint Memorial Bridge

Admission is $5.00

Children under 5 years old admitted for free
Day of ride wrist band $25.00, plus $5 admission

Advance ride wrist bands (includes admission) available at TIB Banks through 11/10/2010

Advance ride wrist bands (includes admission) on sale online through 11/10/2010

]]> http://www.sandbillhomes.com/sandbill-homes-will-be-coconut-festival-this-weekend/feed 0 http://www.sandbillhomes.com/sandbill-homesrealty-oktoberfest-2010 http://www.sandbillhomes.com/sandbill-homesrealty-oktoberfest-2010#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:43:51 +0000 admin http://www.sandbillhomes.com/?p=519 Continue reading →]]>
Oktoberfest in Cape Coral had a great turn out with approximate 40,000 attendees.  Sandbill was there to reach out to our community, letting them know that if they are having mortgage troubles that foreclosure is not their only option. We had a great response from everyone who stopped by and we hope this helps not only our neighbors but the recovery of our local  economy.

Southwest Florida’s largest Oktoberfest Oktoberfest has its roots in Munich, Germany originating in the year 1810. During the month of October of that year, a royal wedding took place. Bavarian King Max Joseph decided that a royal wedding party for Crown Prince Ludwig who later became King Ludwig I, should be a party for all to remember. Indeed, it was a party that everyone did remember, evidenced by the fact that it became an annual event in Munich and it is known as OKTOBERFEST! While OKTOBERFEST has evolved into what we all recognize it to be here in the U.S.A., the traditional concept is retained with the strong German flavor of its origin. The formula for an enjoyable, festive occasion is quite simple — great food and drink, superb German style music, all together in an atmosphere that immediately imprints the mind with festivity! Ticket prices: $6/person at gate, $5/person advance tickets (list to follow) – Children under 12 years are free – Free Parking ! The facilities are all located on 25 acres of the German-American Social Club grounds. A huge tent is in place for this occasion with two alternating bands located on two separate stages, playing continuous music for your listening and dancing pleasure and a very large dance floor is located between the band stages. One band is the featured band direct from Germany! The music never stops. Don’t miss the “Chicken Dance” or other favorite music pieces. Nearby, is the Bavarian Garden area with more musical entertainment. Several bands, including the Club’s own HAFENKAPELLE, a 32 piece brass band will be playing your favorite folk music with another dance area for your dancing enjoyment. And raise your glass and sing along with everyone when the German musical toast “EIN PROSIT” is played. Club members and guests will be dressed in traditional German fashion such as lederhosen or various colorful dirndl dresses. Delicious food and drink – you will not go hungry — or thirsty! Traditional favorites as Sauerbraten or Schnitzel are served in the beautiful, air-conditioned clubhouse in the “von Steuben Hall”. THE ever popular Potato Pancakes with Applesauce, Half Roasted Chicken, three different kinds of delicious German Sausages and more are offered in the Bavarian Garden. Variety of ethnic food such as Italian Pizza or Greek Gyros also available. To add to your fun filled experience at OKTOBERFEST 2010, there are rides and games available for people of all ages. The kids love to ride around the Club grounds on the “Oktoberfest Kidde Train”. Try your hand at hitting the bell with the huge mallet. There is also a smaller version for the younger set. Daily Prize Drawing for a round trip ticket to Germany with airberlin: Drawing on October 23 is from 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm. Entrance Ticket is your ticket to win. Sunday October 24 & Sunday October 31: GRAND PARADE from 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm Authorized advance

The Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation is a new, local, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide instruments and lessons to those children who may not otherwise be able to afford it. To honor their late, music loving father, the Tabarrini family has set up The Tabarrini Foundation. Lew believed that a boy or girl with a musical instrument in thie hands is less likely to get into trouble, and he personally provided more than one child with their very first musical instrument.

The Tabarrini Foundation is making plans for its First Annual Sand Blast Family Fun Day! It will be a day of music, food and fun activities for the kids! The event is being held on Saturday, November 20th at Sandbill Homes/Sandbill Realty on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. The success of this event is credited largely to our sponsors, who lend their names and financial support to the event. The money we raise goes to providing instruments and lessons to local children.

By participating as a sponsor, your business or organization will benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns and promotional efforts directed toward the supporters of Sand Blast 2010. For a small donation, you’ll be able to enjoy excellent exposure to this important segment of your target audience.

We’re counting on your support, and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Summit any questions to Mmatthias@sandbillrealty.com

The Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation’s goal is to change children’s lives one guitar at a time. With your help, we will be able to realize that goal.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to support the efforts of The Tabarrini Foundation and make a difference in our community.

To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Since 1974 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County has helped strengthen the community by providing a safe, positive, constructive place for youth. The Clubs offer young people a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural, and social programs. We seek to enrich the lives of the youth we serve and foster opportunities for personal growth and achievement.

The Boys & Girls Clubs is an afterschool and summer enrichment program for boys and girls 6 to 18 years old. We operate 7 sites throughout Lee County and serve over 1,700 youth a year. These youth rely on the Clubs and the staff to guide them through their adolescents and provide the structure for successful adult lives. Many of these youth live at or below the poverty line and in many instances are being raised by a single parent. Though they face many obstacles the Club is a constant positive in their lives. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is committed to helping those who need us the most BE GREAT!

In every community throughout Lee County, boys & girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home alone without adult supervision during those critical hours after school. Young people need to know someone care about them.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County offer that and so much more. Clubs are open every day after school and during summer months. They are staffed by youth development professional that have been trained to instill a sense of belonging, competence, usefulness and influence to the youth we serve.

Our key characteristics that define a Boys & Girls Club and are critical to exerting a positive impact on a child’s life:

Dedicated Youth Facility – The Boys & Girls Place is an actual community based building designed for youth programs and activities. Youth consider the Clubs theirs and consider it a second home.

Open Daily – The Clubs are open every day after school and some on weekends. Clubs provide a positive safe place for kids to go during those critical hours after school and summer months.

Professional Staff – Every club has dedicated full-time, trained youth development staff. This staffs provides guidance and leadership as positive role models in the communities they live and serve. Volunteers provide key support to our programs as well.

Available and Affordable all Youth – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County seeks to enrich the youth the need us the most. This means making the membership affordable to all youth. Membership dues are low at just $10 per year.

http://www.winknews.com/Sports/2010-07-25/Johnson-ready-for-Dolphins-Training-Camp