SW FL REAL ESTATE
JAY BERUBE
As President and CEO of Encompass Realty Group, Jay focuses on delivering the best customer service possible, outstanding communication, and exceeding expectations for all of his clients. Awarded "1st Place in Sales" within Downing-Frye Realty's Bonita Division for 2009 (out of 150 agents), and 9th place overall for 2009 (out of 700 agents) Jay works within both the Sales and Rental Divisions, and is the vision behind Encompass Realty Group.
MARC COMISAR
Marc is one of our Lead Sales Agents, and works as both a listing and selling agent in Lee and Collier Counties. Recently awarded as one of Downing-Frye Realty's "Award Winners for 2009" out of the Bonita Division, Marc is a firm believer in communication and follow up, and will make sure to get you the property you need. As a seasoned Florida resident, Marc has a wide knowledge base of properties in both counties, and is an invaluable resource in the Real Estate market.
JESSE MCGREEVY
Jesse heads up our Buyer's Division, and is also a Buyer's Specialist that represents only buyers in a real estate transaction. This growing division currently consists of several other agents that specialize in finding clients the best home for the best price! Jesse makes clients his #1 priority, and will do the best he can to make buying or selling a pleasurable experience. Jesse was also recently awarded as one of Downing-Frye Realty's "Award Winners of  2009" out of the Bonita Division.
MATTHEW LIGUORI
Matt is a great advocate of customer service, and works hard to provide it to all of his clients. Recently awarded as one of Downing-Frye Realty's "Award Winners of  2009" out of the Bonita Division, Matt has played an active role in the real estate industry for over ten years, and has been our Lead Rental Specialist in placing tenants into properties. Matt specializes within the Bonita Springs, Estero, and Naples areas.
ADAM RUUD
Adam is one of our Lead Agents, and works within both the Rental and Sales Divisions. Recently awarded as one of Downing-Frye Realty's "Award Winners of  2009" out of the Bonita Division, Adam has a great knowledge base of properties within Southwest Florida, and currently specializes in the Fort Myers, Estero, and Bonita Springs areas.
RACHAEL PORTER
Rachael works within our Rental Division, and is known for her great customer service. Always one to listen to her clients, Rachael works diligently to find the best properties that meets her clients' needs and lifestyles. Rachael currently specializes in the Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero areas.
BRIAN FRYE
Brian Frye has been involved in the Real Estate industry over the past ten years, and is a great resource for people looking to relocate to the Naples area. Brian works in both the Sales and Rental Divisions, and specializes in the Naples and Bonita Springs areas.
MATT REED
Matt Reed is one of most recent additions to the Rental Division, and focuses solely on getting his clients the best rental properties available. Matt currently specializes in the Estero, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers areas, and works hard to provide excellent customer service to his clients.
MINH NGUYEN
Minh Nguyen is a Sales Agent that specializes in high-end Luxury Condominiums and Home Sales in beachfront communities. Minh has been active in the Real Estate industry for over seven years, and a Naples resident for over a decade.
LINDSAY STONITSCH
Lindsay Stonitsch is a native to Missouri, but has lived in Naples for the past 5 years, and has vacationed in Southwest Florida area for over 15 years. As a knowledgeable reference for the Naples area, Lindsay specializes in our Sales Division, and can assist you with any of your Real Estate needs.

HOMEOWNER TIP OF THE MONTH

ATM's are a convenient way to get money out of your account, but they can also be a way to commit a crime: skimming scams.
Criminals have gotten savvy over the years, skimming your PIN number off of your debit card is an easy way to make money. Here are some tips to keep your info for your eyes only:

*Scan the machine to look for any devices  on the face of the ATM where you slide your card - if there is something protruding, or you can pull it off, it's probably a skimmer.

*Look out for a side view mirror that looks out of place - an "extra" mirror may be recording your key strokes

*Cover the keypad so that others can't directly see what you are typing

WHAT?S ON THE WEB ? 
Comprehensive
MLS Search
This easy to use search engine allows you to search by neighborhood, price range, features, etc.
Information About Dining, Shopping, Recreation
Find out about the best places to see and be seen during your downtime in Southwest Florida from Jay and his team.
Learn About Schools
& Business
With a constantly growing and changing Southwest Florida, it is sometimes quite an effort to keep up with everything. Let Jay and his team educate you about some of the areas most important statistics.
DID YOU KNOW?

Searching for available listings may be as easy as touching a button - literally! One of the top real estate websites, Realtor.com, has come out with an app available for iPhone users that allow them to search for properties, take notes, and more! To find out more about what this app can do for you, check out our blog on our website at www.BuyRentSellFL.com, or go onto iTunes.com, and download the free application. Happy Hunting!
ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DISTRESSED PROPERTIES
BUYER SPECIALISTS HIGH-END SALES
LISTING SPECIALISTS RELOCATION DEPARTMENT
Dear Valued Client:

In this issue of the Encompass Realty Group Newsletter, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and prosperous 2010! 

Florida real estate has certainly had its share of ups and downs over the past few years, making statistics on real estate a prime focus for realtors and consumers alike. Studies and surveys on real estate have been closely monitored and reviewed more than ever, to show whether the market is improving, or taking a turn for the worse. Here is a quick snapshot of Florida's real estate market for the year:

* Homebuyers
 - 41% of homebuyers were first-time buyers, versus 47%  nationwide
 - 29% of homebuyers cited the desire to own their own home as their primary reason for buying
 - The median income for first-time buyers came in at $59,300, while repeat buyers had an average of $73,100
 - 16% of homebuyers bought a foreclosure, versus 10% nationally

* Purchased Homes
 - 78% of buyers purchased a detached single-family home
 - The median price of a Florida home (purchased) was approximately $176,000, versus $185,00 nationwide
 - The average home purchased was built in 2000, and was 1,850 sq ft

* Searching for Homes
 - Over one-third of homebuyers began their search online and looking for listings
 - The average time frame to find a home was around 12 weeks, and buyers viewed an average of 15 homes before purchasing

* Sellers
 - Approximately 85% of sellers used the services of a realtor
 - Recent sellers sold their homes (on average) for 93% of the listing price
  - 86% of sellers listed or advertised their property on the internet
 - A whopping 84% of sellers reported that they would most likely use their real estate agent again, or recommend them to others

Click here to read the full profile of 2009's buyers and sellers!
Home Demand Strong for 2010!
Thanks to the extension of the homebuyer's tax credit, prospective homeowners, or people even thinking about jumping into real estate have a great reason. Click here to read more how the credit is influencing buyers, and how it can affect you!
Foreclosures Affect Home Appraisals
When home appraisals come in lower than expected, that magic number can put a big wrench in the deal. Click here to read more about how foreclosures can affect appraisals, and the overall sale.
Consumer Confidence Holds Steady
Florida?s overall consumer confidence remained unchanged  in December, with increasing pessimism about personal finances offset by an improved outlook about the U.S. economy over the next five years, according to a new University of Florida survey. Click here to read more details about the survey!
Banks Take Losses on Short Sales
Banks are now beginning to embrace the idea of a short sale, rather than risking a bigger loss. Click here to read about how this new attitude can affect you!
Mortgage Mediation - Is it the Answer?
Some may not be so sure - according to several mediators, homeowners may not be fully aware of the pros and cons of mortgage mediation. Click here to read about mediation, and the cons versus doing a modification.
Modified Loans Can Affect Credit Score
Getting your home loan modified may seem like a victory, but there are definitely some strings attached - namely, your credit score. Click here to read more how modifying your loan can adversely affect future purchases.
Buyer 

Featured Property 

INVESTOR DREAM, rented through season this year - lowest priced first-floor coach home now available in highly-sought after Spanish Wells community! This home is well-priced, and owners are ready to sell! Take note of the beautiful new clubhouse within walking distance of this home. Beautifully turnkey furnished, this home has decorator's touches everywhere you look - custom bedding, pillows, and drapery treatments, attractive wallpaper in kitchen and both baths, eye-catching accessories, and lovely artwork. The master suite has a very large walk-in closet, a sizeable second closet, a three-way full length mirror, dual sinks, a large shower stall, and separate tub. The community boasts a beautiful new 32,000 sq ft Fitness/Activity Center. Spanish Wells is a gated community convenient to shopping, dining, and only a short bike ride to the beach! Various levels of golf and social memberships available.

Price: $249,900 Type: Condo
Sq Feet: 1886 Living Bedrooms: 2 + Den

Community: Spanish Wells

 Bathrooms: 2
City: Bonita Springs

Seller 
New Rules on Sinkholes and Property Taxes
The start of 2010 brings with it the enactment of new state rules and regulations relating to sinkhole insurance and property taxes. Click here to read more about the rules, and how they could affect you!
Renter 

Renting Tips 101
From signing your lease to turning in your keys, renting a property can have some unforseen challenges. Click here to read some useful tips on moving in, and how to keep happy by the time you move out!

Featured Rental Property
Turnkey furnished, two bedroom, two full bath unit conveniently located within Spring Run at The Brooks. Enjoy GOLF COURSE VIEWS from your screened in lanai, along with an eat-in kitchen area, volume ceilings, and kitchen pantry. Spring Run is a gated community that offers resident amenities including a Fitness Center, Clubhouse, Tennis Courts, and more! Great location provides easy access to the Coconut Point Mall, fine dining, and recreation - don't miss out on this furnished rental!
Price: $1100/month Type: Condo
Sq Feet: 1333 Bedrooms: 2
Community: Spring Run at The Brooks Baths: 2