Pia Bell - Realtor

🌀Prepare before the storm arrives🌀

From Now to June 9th you can purchase qualifying items related to disaster preparedness exempt from sales tax!

- portable generators
- batteries
- portable self-powered light source (flashlight, lanterns, candles)
- tarps or other flexible waterproof sheeting
- toilet paper/paper towels/paper napkins/tissues
- pet supplies
- trash bags
- sunscreen
- cleaning supplies (dish soaps and detergents, disinfecting wipes/sprays)
- laundry detergents
⛈️ and more

For more information on qualifying items and restrictions visit:
➡️www.floridarevenue.com

Get Ready for Hurricane Season! 🏡🌀

With hurricane season approaching, it's crucial to prepare your home to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are some essential tips to help you get your house hurricane-ready:

1️⃣ Trim Those Trees: Trim back any overhanging branches and remove dead trees or limbs near your home. This will reduce the risk of them falling during high winds and causing damage.

2️⃣ Secure Outdoor Items: Secure or bring inside any loose outdoor furniture, grills, or decorations. These can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds, causing damage to your property or neighboring homes.

3️⃣ Reinforce Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or use plywood to protect your windows and doors. Reinforcing these openings will help prevent glass shattering and minimize the risk of wind and water entering your home.

4️⃣ Clear Gutters and Drains: Ensure your gutters and drains are free from debris. This will prevent water from backing up and potentially causing flooding in your home during heavy rainfall.

5️⃣ Check Your Roof: Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles. Replace or repair them as necessary to prevent water from seeping in during the storm.

6️⃣ Backup Power: Invest in a generator or ensure your current generator is in good working condition. Power outages are common during hurricanes, so having a backup power source will help you stay comfortable and keep essential appliances running.

7️⃣ Stock Up on Supplies: Create an emergency kit with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and necessary medications. Don't forget about your furry friends—include pet food and supplies too!

8️⃣ Create an Evacuation Plan: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your area and establish a plan with your family. Determine where you will go and how you will stay in touch during an evacuation. Remember to pack important documents and valuables in a waterproof container.

9️⃣ Stay Informed: Stay tuned to local news and weather updates for the latest information on the storm's path and potential impact. Follow reliable sources and heed any evacuation orders or warnings issued by authorities.

🌪️🚨 Let's Be Prepared! 🚨🌪️

By taking these precautions, you'll be well-equipped to face hurricane season confidently. Prioritize your safety and the well-being of your loved ones. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay strong.

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
239-878-1904

If you’re having trouble finding your dream home in today’s market, it may be time to consider newly built homes as an option.
There are great perks that come with considering a newly built home.

Customization ✨
When you buy a new home under construction, you can tailor it to your unique needs and taste

Brand New Everything ✨
Another perk of a new home is that nothing in the house is used. It’s all brand new and uniquely yours from day one.

Minimal Repairs ✨
And, because everything is new, you’ll likely find there are fewer maintenance and repair needs up front. As Realtor.com explains:
“. . . if something does go wrong with your new home, not only are there likely some manufacturer warranties in place, but many builders also include additional home warranties . . .”

Energy Efficiency ✨
Lastly, building a home gives you the opportunity to incorporate more energy-efficient options that can help lower your costs over time – which can feel especially important when inflation’s raising many of the costs around you.

How does your brand new construction home looks like in your mind?

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Spring is here and there are several reasons why it can be a great time to buy a house:

Better weather: In many parts of the world, spring brings better weather with longer days, warmer temperatures, and blooming flowers. This can make house-hunting and moving more pleasant and enjoyable.

More inventory: Spring is typically a busy season for the housing market, which means there may be more houses available for sale. This can increase your chances of finding the right house for your needs and budget.

Timing: Spring is a popular time for families to move because it often falls between school years, giving children time to adjust before starting a new school in the fall.

Competitive pricing: The increased supply of homes for sale during spring can lead to more competitive pricing among sellers, as they try to attract potential buyers.

Tax refunds: Many people receive tax refunds in the spring, which can provide extra funds for a down payment or closing costs.

Ready to find your next house?

1. Buying a home can help you escape the cycle of rising rents

Rents have risen consistently for several decades.
When your rent rises, you pay more, and that can make saving for a home even harder.

2. Homeownership is a powerful wealth-building tool

When you own, you gain equity as home values appreciate and as you make your monthly payments. That’s one of the reasons why homeowners have a higher net worth.

3. Homeownership is typically a good hedge against inflation

With inflation high, landlords may be even more likely to increase your rent.
Homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage can lock in a monthly payment for 15-30 years.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, connect with us to explore your options!🌴

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
239-878-1904

An appraisal gap doesn't mean you have to cancel the sale, but it may mean you have to negotiate with the seller or pay the difference for the home out of pocket.

If you need help with the home buying process in Southwest Florida reach out to me and my team!

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Happy International Women’s Day to all women shattering those glass ceilings! Thank you for your contributions!

Thinking of moving to Fort Myers?

Some points to consider before moving:

🔅The weather
🔅Fort Myers is a family oriented city
🔅You can get more for your housing than other growing areas in FL!
🔅Beaches and preservation areas galore
🔅There’s room for professional growth

Do you think this is the place for you?

Pia Bell | Southwest Florida Realtor® on Instagram: "Thinking of moving to Fort Myers? Some points to consider before moving: 🔅 The weather 🔅Is a family oriented city 🔅You can get more for your housing than other growing areas in FL 🔅Bea 2 Likes, 0 Comments - Pia Bell | Southwest Florida Realtor® () on Instagram: "Thinking of moving to Fort Myers? Some points to consider before moving: 🔅 The weather 🔅Is a family oriented city 🔅You can get more for your housing than other growing areas in FL 🔅Beaches and pr...

Are you thinking of moving to Fort Myers? I can help you make a decision based on my experience in the article below!
📰🖊⬇️

Moving to Fort Myers Is Fort Myers the right place for you? McGregor Boulevard is the grande dame of Fort Myers roadways and is home to some of the finest communities in Southwest Florida. Fort Myers is …

There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of buying a home are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too.

Home means something different to all of us. Whether it’s sharing memories with loved ones at the kitchen table or settling in to read a book in a favorite chair, the emotional connections to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones. Here are some of the things that make a house a home.

1. You Can Be Proud of Your Accomplishment
Buying a home is a major life milestone. Whether you’re setting out to buy your first home or your fifth, congratulations will be in order when you’ve achieved your goal. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end of your journey will truly make your home feel like a special place.

2. You Have Your Own Designated Happy Place
Owning your own home offers not only safety and security, but also a comfortable place where you can relax and unwind after a long day. Sometimes that’s just what you need to feel recharged and content.

3. You Can Find the Space To Meet Your Needs
Whether you want more room for your changing lifestyle or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for entertaining, you can invest in a home that truly works for your evolving needs.

4. You Can Customize Your Surroundings
Looking to try one of those decorative wall treatments you saw online? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Or maybe you want to create an in-home yoga studio. You can do all these things in your own home.

Whether you’re planning to purchase your first home or you’re ready to buy a different home to meet your needs, consider the emotional benefits that can turn a house into a happy home. When you’re ready to make a move, let us know.

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home.

🔑Build Your Credit
Your credit is one element that helps determine which home loan you’ll qualify for. It also impacts your mortgage interest rate. While there are many factors that go into your mortgage application, a higher credit score could lead to a lower monthly payment in the long run.

🔑Automate Your Savings for Your House Fund
You might also be wondering how you can achieve your down payment savings goals. Bankrate provides buyers with a number of tips to help you save, including searching for down payment assistance programs and ways you can save more, faster

🔑Get Pre-Approved
As you prepare for your purchase, you’ll also need to have a good grasp on your budget and how much you’ll be able to borrow for your home loan. That’s where the pre-approval process comes in.
Pre-approval from a lender lets you know how much money you can borrow for your home loan. And having that knowledge, plus an understanding of your savings, can help you decide on your target price range for a house.

🔑 Have an Expert Advisor
Finally, the best way to make you’re prepared for your purchase is to connect with a trusted real estate advisor, this will help you make strong decisions throughout the homebuying process based on your specific goals, finances, and situation.

If you’re ready to get the homebuying process started contact us today!

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Lakes Park is open to the public! 🌳

Lakes Park is open! Some amenitites are not available at this time, including the Water Features/Splash Pad.

Bahamas is always a good idea 🇧🇸

Bahamian real estate is ready for you to give it a go! If like me you love The Bahamas and want to start digging into investment properties there, we can help!

Have a piece of paradise in The Bahamas Islands 🏝️ 🇧🇸 🛥️

📍Pearl Island, Bahamas

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But before you dive too deeply into your options, it helps to understand the true costs of renting moving forward. 🔑

In the past year, both current renters and new renters have seen their rent go up based on information from realtor.com:

“Three out of four renters (74.2%) who have moved in the past 12 months reported seeing their rent increase. The strain from recent rent hikes isn’t exclusive to renters who have recently moved. Nearly two-thirds of renters (63.2%) who have lived in their current rental between 12 and 24 months, and likely renewed their lease, have also reported increases in their rent.”

These rising costs may make you reconsider what other alternatives you have. If you’re looking for more stability, it could be time to prioritize homeownership. One of the many benefits of owning your own home is it provides a stable monthly cost that you can lock in for the duration of your loan. 💰

If you’re planning to make a move this year, locking in your monthly housing costs for the duration of your loan can be a major benefit. You’ll avoid wondering if you’ll need to adjust your budget to account for annual increases like you would if you left your housing payment up to your landlord and their renewal cycle. 🔒

Homeowners also enjoy the added benefit of home equity, which has grown substantially. 📈

If you’re thinking of renting this year, it’s important to keep in mind the true costs you’ll face. Contact us to see how can you begin your journey to homeownership today.

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Did you know homeowners spent up to $6,000 on average on repairs and maintenance in 2022?

We all know that homeownership comes with extra expenses, but what happens when emergency costs go beyond your budget?

According to recent CNBC article, homeowners spent an average of $6,000 dollars on maintenance and repairs.
A separate study from home services website Angi that measured similar 2022 costs shows maintenance averaged $2,467 and home emergency spending — i.e., an unexpected repair — was $1,953 on average ($4,420 altogether).

So, what can you do to manage these unpredictable expenses? Experts suggest the following:

💸Aim to set aside least 1% of your home’s value
For starters, the general advice is to annually set aside at least 1% to 3% of your home’s purchase price to cover a combination of home improvements, maintenance and repairs, said Angi Hicks, chief customer officer of Angi.
Maintenance costs may reduce repair expenses
While it’s wise to have money set aside, maintenance can help reduce what you spend on unexpected repairs.

💸Monitor and maintain your home’s systems
It’s worth getting your main systems, such as heating and cooling, serviced on a regular basis. Also keeping an eye on those major appliances, plumbing and electrical systems.

💸Don’t wait to wonder what to do when things go wrong. Save yourself the worry and plan on these expenses when you’re looking to purchase a new home.

Contact me for more information on how to plan your next home purchase, and how to include all those financial details you need to move worry free.

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Applying For a Mortgage? Here’s What You Should Avoid Once You Do

While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating after you’ve applied for your mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. Here’s a list of things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for your home loan.

☑️ Don’t Deposit Large Sums of Cash
☑️ Don’t Make Any Large Purchases
☑️ Don’t Cosign Loans for Anyone
☑️ Don’t Switch Bank Accounts
☑️ Don’t Apply for New Credit
☑️ Don’t Close Any Accounts
☑️ Do Discuss Changes with Your Lender

You want your home purchase to go as smoothly as possible. Remember, before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make major life changes, let me connect you to a lender – someone who’s qualified to explain how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.

DM, call or text for lending options

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Happy New Year 2023! ✨ 🥂🏠

What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year?

If buying or selling a home is part of your dreams for 2023, it’s essential for you to understand today’s housing market, define your goals, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus.

In the last year, high inflation had a big impact on the economy, the housing market, and likely on your wallet too. That’s why it’s critical to have a clear understanding of not just the market today, but also what you want out of it when you buy or sell a home. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, so that you can stay in your home long enough that buying is a sound financial decision.”

Here are a few questions you can start thinking through as you fine tune your goals for 2023.

1. What’s Motivating You?
2. What Does Your Next Home Look Like?
3. How Ready Are You To Buy?

Buying or selling a home is a big process that takes expertise to navigate. If that feels a bit overwhelming, you aren’t alone. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from your goals this year. Contact me to obtain the best advice and information about today's market!

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

As you set out to make a purchase this winter, you’ll need to be strategic so you can find a home that meets your needs and budget.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, . . . Another key point is to avoid stretching your budget, as tempting as it may be given the diminished purchasing power.”

In other words, it’s important to be mindful of what’s a necessity and what’s a nice-to-have when searching for a home.
Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:

🌿Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle.
🌿Nice-To-Haves – These are features that you’d love to have but can live without.
🌿Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner

Putting together your list of necessary features for your next home might seem like a small task, but it’s a crucial first step on your homebuying journey today. If you’re ready to find a home that fits your needs, contact us today.

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

December is here! 🎄

If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are also pursuing their dream of owning a home. The 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sentiment Report from Maxwell says:

“Many young adults have demonstrated their resolve to embark on the journey toward homeownership soon. More than half of millennials and Gen Zs plan to apply for a mortgage sometime within the next year.”

There are some of the top reasons why younger generations are looking to buy a home.
95% believe the cost of renting is too high
35% think owing a home is an important wealth building tool
16% seek the sense of security owning a home provides
37% plan to use it as an investment property

If you’re serious about becoming a homeowner, know it may be more in reach than you think. Let us help you overcome challenges and prioritize your next steps.

Pia Bell
239-878-1904
Paradise Realty of SWFL

Happy Veteran’s Day to those who have served in the armed forces. We truly appreciate your service and sacrifice.

Did you know we honor Veterans on November 11, because this particular date recognizes the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the formal agreement that marked the official end of World War I?
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, allied forces and Germany came together to sign the peace treaty.

Don’t forget to thank Veterans for their service today. 🇺🇸

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
Military Relocation Professional Realtor®(MRP)
239-878-1904

There are three measures used to establish home affordability: home prices, mortgage rates, and wages.

1. Mortgage Rates:
This is the factor most people are focused on when they talk about homebuying conditions today. So far, current rates are almost four full percentage points higher than they were at the beginning of the year.

2. The second factor at play is home prices. Home prices have made headlines over the past few years because they skyrocketed during the pandemic. Now, the most recent Home Price Index from S&P Case-Shiller shows home values continued to decelerate for a fifth consecutive month.

3. The one big, positive component in the affordability equation is the increase in American wages. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, wages have grown over time.

So, when you think about affordability, remember the full picture includes more than just mortgage rates. Home prices and wages need to be factored in as well.

Want to make an informed decision whether you're looking to buy, or sell?
Contact me!

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
239-878-1904

#2022

The U.S. Coast Guard is running waterborne evacuations for residents of Sanibel and Pine Island. There are no ferries BACK to the islands. The continuing Sanibel evacuation departs from Sanibel Boat Ramp, near the Causeway, approximately every two hours. The boat lands at Port Comfort where a LeeTran bus will be available to take passengers to a Lee County Shelter. The Pine Island evacuation is today. Residents should report to the Pine Island Fire Department at 5700 Pine Island Rd. NW, for a truck ride to Yucatan Waterfront. U.S. Coast Guard, other agency partners and volunteer vessels will then take them across Matlacha Pass to D&D Bait and Tackle, where Lee Tran buses will be available to take them to a shelter. Visit LeeGov.com/Storm for updated recovery operations.

About Pine Island, Bokeelia evacuations

Trash Pickup City of Fort Myers

Food and water distribution in Cape Coral

PLEASE BE CAREFUL! Myakka River is rising!

Be careful with generators, please!

Our Islands are destroyed. Our office —Fort Myers Beach—completely flooded and ended up underwater.

We will continue operating remotely for now as most of our business doesn’t need brick and mortar, but we’ve been here 30 years. Most friends, neighbors, clients are here—and this is our home along Sanibel Island and the McGregor areas.

Thank you so much for praying and infinite appreciation to our responders and volunteers for coming to help us rescue our neighbors.
We will rebuild little by little. It might take a long time, but we’re a resilient community. I’m completely heartbroken, this is surreal.

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
📲239-878-1904
📧[email protected]

Household garbage only, storm debris will be collected separately.

Solo basura común de diario será recolectada el día Lunes 3 de Octubre, restos de la tormenta serán recolectados por separado.

* Lee County Solid Waste garbage collection will resume Monday, Oct. 3, on the normally scheduled day for all routes in Lee County franchise areas that are accessible to collection trucks. This collection is for household garbage only − everyday trash items and all spoiled food. Storm debris is collected separately from household garbage. Visit https://fal.cn/3siSr for more information.

Lee County Solid Waste garbage collection will resume Monday, Oct. 3, on the normally scheduled day for all routes in Lee County franchise areas that are accessible to collection trucks. This collection is for household garbage only − everyday trash items and all spoiled food. Storm debris is collected separately from household garbage. Visit https://fal.cn/3siSr for more information.

STORM SURGE THREAT is increasing for SW Florida. The forecast now calls for 5-10 feet of surge for Charlotte & Lee counties; 4-7 feet of surge in Collier county. Please take evacuation orders seriously if you live in a surge zone. Ian is not a storm to mess around with.

Pets are allowed in all Lee County shelters, but you’re responsible for bringing what they need. Pack your pet a Go Kit. Make sure there’s a collar, leash, ID tags, and health records. Have a photo of you with your pet in case you become separated. Bring a crate or pet carrier. Include a week’s worth of water; food and treats; clean-up supplies including waste bags for dogs and litter box with litter for cats; remember any medicines your pet needs. You can find out more about preparation at leegov.com/hurricane.

Lee County will be opening general population shelters as of 9 a.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 27. Only the listed shelters are opening at this time. All shelters are pet-friendly, but you will need a crate or carrier, collar and leash as well as up-to-date vaccination records for your pet . Please remember you must bring your own personal hygiene items, sleeping bags/cots, blankets, towels. medication and comfort items to the shelter. Your pet will need a Go Kit, too. It should include water, non-perishable food, medications and clean-up supplies. Visit http://www.leegov.com/storm for up-to-date information and follow Lee County Government on Facebook.

Attention people looking for shelters in Lee County ⚠️

Lee County will be opening general population shelters as of 9 a.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 27. Only the listed shelters are opening at this time. All shelters are pet-friendly, but you will need a crate or carrier, collar and leash as well as up-to-date vaccination records for your pet . Please remember you must bring your own personal hygiene items, sleeping bags/cots, blankets, towels. medication and comfort items to the shelter. Your pet will need a Go Kit, too. It should include water, non-perishable food, medications and clean-up supplies.

Visit http://www.leegov.com/storm for up-to-date information and follow Lee County Government on Facebook.

Happy Rosh Hashanah 2022!
L'Shana Tovah tikatevu! 🍯 🍎✡️

Happy New Year 2022 to our Jewish community, friends, family and clients!

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
📲239-878-1904
📧[email protected]
Se habla español

Yes! ✨

Happy Sunday! 🏃🏻‍♀️🍁 ☀️
I had a great run today under the 87° heat!

Hurricane Ian is on its way, and we have to be prepared not only logistically, but mentally. Do not let fear control you!

Remaining calm and and being physically ready is crucial to make better decisions under any circumstances.

Are you prepared for the storm? Great!
Now go for a run, walk, or stretch your body, hydrate and breathe! This will reduce your risk of blood pressure and stress. 🙏

Despite economic uncertainty, homeownership remains a cornerstone to achieving the American Dream. 🇺🇸

Some 70% of Americans surveyed said that owning a home remains critical to achieving their dreams.
In addition, 75% of homeowners said they feel very happy that they own a home versus 17% of renters who are very happy to rent. 🔑

If you are unsure you could make your dream come true this year, just contact us and and let us help you find out!

Pia Bell
Paradise Realty of SWFL
📲239-878-1904
📧[email protected]
Hablamos Español