Spring Cleaning Tips for your Florida Beach Home

It's official: spring is here! When the sun starts shining more regularly and the weather starts to warm up, thoughts turn to getting outside more and hitting the beach. However, giving your beach home a spring spruce up is very important, particularly from a maintenance perspective. With just a little elbow grease, you can keep your house in tip-top condition and looking great.

De-clutter & De-junk

First on your spring cleaning list should be a full de-clutter of your entire home. It's remarkable what you can find or what you may have put away from the previous spring and summer. Dump any broken beach items, cracked planters and donate any of that warm-weather clothing you know isn't going to see the light of day this year. You can either look to donate these items to local charities or host a yard or beach sale. One man's trash is usually another man's treasure.

Go Through That Pantry

Those 2-for-1's or old spices do have use by dates, believe it or not, and spring is the perfect time to clear out older kitchen items. Seeing as spring and summer also bring unwanted bug pals to the party, this is a good time to pull out everything and give your cupboards, refrigerator and oven a full clean. You can use cleaning products, but a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts hot water does a fine job of both cleaning and disinfecting.

Make Outdoor Repairs

Even though areas like Florida remain warmer than other parts of the country, rain and wind can do quite a lot of damage to your outdoor landscaping, windows, decks and beach furniture. By landscaping your Florida vacation home now, you can make sure everything is ready to go for the summer. Be sure to keep an eye out for any cracks or rotted wood in your actual deck wood or walls, as this could be an indication of a bigger problem.

Wash Your Soft Furnishings

When you see something every day, like your sofas and window treatments, it's easy to allow them to fade into the background. However, a good once-a-year clean can improve the look and even the smell of your home. Take a look to see if your couch has a removable cover that can easily be thrown in the washing machines, and give rugs a good shampoo. Now's also a good time to ensure that fans and blinds are dusted off and ready to keep you cool in the hotter months.

Giving your beach home a good spring clean can actually make you fall in love with it all over again. If you are planning on using your Florida beach home as a rental, it also gets your beach home market-ready for the high summer season. Now pick up that broom and get ready for fun in the sun!

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Bonita Springs, FL 34135
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The Top Beaches of Southwest Florida

When you’ve had enough of the winter weather and you’re ready to get tan, then take a look at Southwest Florida for a spring break, or even a complete move. Southwest Florida is full of attractions, but their beaches top the list. From watching sea turtles hatch all the way to fishing for your supper, a visit to Florida isn’t complete with hitting these top beaches.

Bonita Beach, Florida

If you’re a nature lover, there are few spots in southwest Florida more perfect than Bonita Beach. Sea turtles regularly hatch here, so you’re sure to spot some of the cutest little heroes on the half-shell during your visit. Shell hunting is also an extremely popular activity here, so be sure to wake up early for the best finds. The Bonita Springs real estate is cheaper here than other beaches, another reason it is one of the best beaches in Florida.

Bradenton Beach, Florida

Looking for a great place to take the family? Bradenton Beach is an excellent spot, with crystal clear, aquamarine water and beautifully tanned beaches. Fishing is also top notch here, as are great seafood restaurants.

Cape Coral, Florida

If you love fishing for your supper, then Cape Coral, Florida is exactly where you should set your target. With over 400 miles of canals, fishermen and women have their choice between the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, meaning fresh and saltwater fish can hit the mark on any given day. As the canals are usually calm, they’re terrific for the kids to take a boat out or have a quick dip.

Captiva Island, Florida

This island boasts one of the top 10 beaches in the world, and gives a true taste of the tropics. Captiva Island, Florida is the home to many shell collectors, as its unique position on the Gulf of Mexico makes it a prime target for beautiful and colorful shells from thousands of miles away. It’s easy to enjoy a relaxing day on this surprisingly uncrowded beach.

Boca Grande, Florida

Though the name translates into “Big Mouth,” there’s nothing loud about the quiet community in Boca Grande, FL. Great for fishing or just sitting around with a lovely umbrella drink, it’s nothing but relaxation when it comes to this lovely beach. Top tip: take a ferry out to Cayo Costa State Park for some of the best seashells you’ll find in the world.

More about Golf-2-Gulf-Luxury-Properties
8200 Health Center Blvd #101
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 248-9483
http://golf-2-gulf-luxury-properties.com

Why Should I Move to Naples FL?

With one of the coldest, snowiest winters on record this year, life in the northern United States is becoming less attractive. If you've ever considered trading in your snow shovel for a umbrella drink, then there’s no better time than now to start looking at sunnier climates such as Naples, Florida. Located on the breezy Gulf Coast of southern Florida, Naples is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for those looking to make a move from the cold.

Golfing Galore
If you or a member of your family are crazy about the clubs, then Naples, FL should be your prime target for a move. Home to some of the country’s most challenging and beautiful golf courses, the city has played host to many state, national and professional tournaments. Many housing developments in the area are actually “golf communities,” where your new home comes with a community course.

Beach Bums & Babes Welcome
Have you ever dreamed of living just steps from the sun, sand and surf? In Naples, FL, you can. Sun-soaked white sand beaches give way to spectacular sunsets and gentle blue waters, making it perfect for topping up your tan or just dozing the afternoon away. As it’s home to some of the best beaches in Florida, Naples also offers an array of water-related activities from jet skiing to fishing.

Shopping and Dining and Bars, Oh My!
When you’re done with the beach and frolicking around in the crystal blue sea, it’s time for a little retail therapy. Naples boasts many terrific restaurants, from humble fish shacks to high-end steaks, and the nightlife is great for working it off with a spin around the dance floor. The shopping is also world class. They even offer various festivals all year round.

Thoroughly Modern Living
Naples has experienced rapid growth over the past couple of years, making modern, newly built homes abundant. Many new communities also have their own private amenities such as golf courses and swimming pools, and most new homes are already beautifully decorated making move-in a snap. As Naples continues to grow, the variety of Florida luxury homes will as well.

After this winter, it’s not surprising that many people are contemplating a move south towards the sunny beaches of Florida. With so many amenities such as golf, shopping, beautiful homes and beaches, it’s easy to see how the recent housing boom took flight. Perhaps the question should be why shouldn't you move to Naples?

More about Golf-2-Gulf-Luxury-Properties
8200 Health Center Blvd #101
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 248-9483
http://golf-2-gulf-luxury-properties.com

4 ways to update your Florida vacation home for renting

Updating your Florida vacation home to rent out can be a daunting task, not only do you have to take in account what needs to be done around the house as far as regular maintenance, you also have to consider what your renters may want to see when looking to book a rental. When renters go on vacation, they are looking for certain things in a home that will be both inviting and relaxing, here are a few tips to take your vacation home to the next level.

Paint

Updating the paint in your home is a task that shouldn't be ignored. Most renters will want to see a Florida vacation home that matches the theme and atmosphere. If it is a home right off of the beach, most renters will want to see a home that has a beach feel and that will include the paint on the walls. By changing the colors to a soft teal or blue, you are opening your home up to be more comfortable and inviting to renters.

Bedding

When you are getting ready to rent out your Florida vacation home, keep in mind that you should replace the bedding in the home with cheap reliable bedding that matches the theme of the home. You wouldn't want to leave your grandmother’s throw on the bed in case a renter wrecks it. By getting cheap bedding you will not be disappointed if something happens to it and it can be thrown in the wash after each renter’s stay.

Electronics

Updating the electronics in your home is crucial to getting it renting during busy season. Having the latest TV’s or DVD players will attract renters who are on vacation but they still want a piece of home. Renters also use it as a free way to keep their family entertained when they are not at the beach.

Flooring

Updating your flooring to a more durable reliable hardwood or laminate is a must. Some renters may be careless when it comes to how they take care of a rental home, so to protect you and your home’s value, you should choose something that can withstand the test of time.

More about Golf-2-Gulf-Luxury-Properties

8200 Health Center Blvd #101

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

(239) 248-9483

http://golf-2-gulf-luxury-properties.com

Southwest Florida is somewhere you want to be

Southwest Florida has an array of appealing attractions that will definitely allow you to fit in, bringing you comfort and entertainment. The pleasing weather, its tranquility and the untouchable scenery tend to be some of the top ranking amenities in the area.

Although, many feel like because of these amenities, the area tends to be too quiet and uneventful. They are mistaken, it is all up to your personality and individual preferences. There is something for everyone. Beaches, beautiful real estate, music, art, dining, entertainment you name it! Here are some of the most popular events that happen year round in Southwest Florida:

Stone Crab Festival – Late October, starring as guest of honor is the stone crab. Opens at the beginning of the Stone Crab Season and it features some of the most renounced cooks in the area.

Naples Winter Wine Festival – Late January, is a wine and dine experience bringing some of the finest vintners and chefs from the country; working side by side in one of Florida’s most spectacular waterfronts.

Annual Old Florida Festival – Early March, this event takes place in the collier’s county museum and invites everyone to take part in the English settlement era. This event brings together tons of time travelers including Seminole Indians, civil war heroes and Spanish conquistadors.

Naples Strawberry & Music Festival – Late February, This festival is a carnival with rides for all ages with strawberry cakes and all kinds of strawberry goods. It is a family event that everyone loves.

Southwest Florida is a place where you can experience many different activities and lifestyles. Southwest Florida has something for everyone, whether you are single, married, or have a family; you will be happy here. These and many other events in Southwest Florida await you.

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8200 Health Center Blvd #101
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 248-9483
http://golf-2-gulf-luxury-properties.com

Don’t you wish you lived in Bonita Springs, FL?

With cold temperatures almost everywhere in the U.S, and some cities sitting under 10 feet of snow, don’t you wish you lived in a luxury home in Bonita Springs? While Chicago (2 degrees) and Milwaukee (-1 degrees) have frigid temperatures and Atlanta is expecting snow; Bonita Springs Residents are soaking up some 81 degree weather sun! If you aren’t entirely convinced already, here are a few more reasons why you should get a vacation home in Bonita Springs.

Beautiful beachfront properties- Bonita Springs, FL is equipped with a 2.5 mile beautiful sandy white beach that gives its residents 10 different ways to access it. In some parts of the beach, you can even gain access to picnic tables, a boardwalk, and a swimming area. With beautiful weather all year round, how can you say no to that?

Real Estate tends to be cheaper- In the Bonita Springs and Estero part of Florida, you can find luxury at a cheaper price. In this area, real estate tends to be cheaper because the Naples area has a higher concentration of second home owners. With that, developers are not required to build a certain amount of schools or government services. Although the property taxes in Bonita Springs are higher for real estate (1.7%), the homes are cheaper. So not only do you have many different ways to access the beach, you also have cheaper and luxurious real estate to match.

Festivals, Restaurants, and more- This area offers great shopping, restaurants, and even festivals where you can please your sophisticated side and casual side at the same time. Even though most of Bonita Springs and Estero dining and shopping options exist mostly along the Tamiami Trail, it is still a great city to be in.

More about Golf-2-Gulf-Luxury-Properties

8200 Health Center Blvd #101

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

(239) 248-9483

http://golf-2-gulf-luxury-properties.com

3 Investment Tips for Buying a Florida Vacation Home

Affordability- Buying a Florida vacation home can be a great investment if it is done correctly. Making sure that are buying a home that you can afford with or without rental income is very important. Are you unsure of what you can afford? Google a mortgage calculator to help you figure out the estimated mortgage amount that you should take out on your second home. Usually, the calculators ask you how much you make, how much you owe, and what your down payment will be and it will estimate how much the banks will lend you. It is always recommended to go to your bank or lender and fill out the mortgage application to know how much you are pre-approved for. With the economy in the state that it’s in, most lenders will require a 20 percent down payment and your current mortgage or car note can’t be higher than 36 percent of your income.

Rental Potential- While a Bonita Springs, Fl vacation home is a good investment for rental income, that shouldn't be the only thing that you keep in mind while purchasing the home. You should make sure that the house and location will make for a good rental. Keep in mind that for some potential renters they may require certain things during their stay. So properties that are as close to the beach as possible with lots of space and cots for multiple people is a quality that vacationers look for. Purchasing a vacation home that is easy to find, with great parking and close to amenities, shops, and restaurants will ensure that your house will make a better rental.

Long-Term Profits- Having a vacation home is a good investment because most of the time, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and equity. They even appreciate with time because they are in “vacation areas” that appeal to buyers. Making sure that you are getting a nice quality vacation home in a prime area is a good chance that you will get a good return on your investment.

More about Golf-2-Gulf-Luxury-Properties
8200 Health Center Blvd #101
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 248-9483
http://golf-2-gulf-luxury-properties.com