Q: Bob, we are two “Baby Boomers” who up until recently, started thinking about our retirement options! We know, but better late then never, right? We would very much like your opinion on some current avenues to take for mid term investments that will assist us in our soon to be, “Golden Years!” Thanks Bob.

— Randy and Ann



A: Randy and Ann, I’m also a part of the “Baby Boomer” ranks but started quite a bit sooner in my retirement needs, but everyone is different and you’re right, “it’s never too late” to start a retirement plan. Among your standard options of CDs, short term bank investments, stocks, bonds and commodities, I would, for obvious reasons, suggest investment in our current real estate market. Not because I am a Realtor, but because of our current market. In Cape Coral alone, there are currently over 5,000 listed properties for sale! At press time, within a 24 hour period, there will be another 180 or so new listings added with 100 percent becoming inactive or expired. One hundred to 120 plus of the current listings will fall under pending and sold! Now, if these figures don’t make you think twice about investing in our current real estate market, consider the fact that within a 24 hour period, 300 or more of these current listings will reduce their current listed price! Randy, Ann, now might be the time to invest in real estate! The experts all say that when the market presents figures as listed above and you consider where and how we live here in Cape Coral or Southwest Florida for that matter, now could truly be the time to invest in our market. Oh sure, you’ll have those skeptics that will tell you to wait, that the market will continue to fall, but just like those that invested at the height of the market for top dollar and then a few months later, watched their dollars fly out of their investments as the property values started dropping drastically, you have to “know when to hold em and know when to fold em!” Do your research, read the current market analysis for your area and use this information to assure yourselves if the time is right or not. Regardless of how much homework you do, you’ll eventually have to make the choice, hopefully before the market starts to go back up because, after all, that’s the whole point of the investment, isn’t it? Now, if you choose to take the step, remember these vital points:

— Always work with a licensed Realtor as it will make your search easier and the entire purchase a smooth affair.

— Consider property that is “in the right direction,” meaning, near the places that would be meaningful to a potential buyer down the road. Shopping, restaurants, schools, churches and hospitals, just to name a few.

— Always consider the proper floor plan. This will assist in selling down the road. Consider current trends in floor layouts like large open kitchen, family rooms and huge master baths with double sinks, Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, complete with his and her walk-in closets! Sound great? You can bet that it will to that next buyer too!

Remember this you two, if you choose to invest in real estate you are doing just that, investing, not buying for yourselves. Keep an open mind on what a property may hold for someone else down the road that will make it go quick in the upswing of the market. Also, utilize the benefits of a good Realtor as they have many tools available to find that perfect investment as well as all the companies in line to assist in any finance. Title and insurance needs, just to name a few. With proper planning and direct, firm action, you could be looking at your share of gold in those “Golden Years” ahead!



Have a real estate question? Write, call, fax or e-mail:

Bob Jeffries, Realtor

Century 21 Birchwood Realty, Inc.

4040 Del Prado Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33904

239-540-6659 Office

239-542-7760 Fax

e-mail: bobjeffries@juno.com

Web site: www.c21birchwood.com