When I send out my monthly market report, I look forward to June, so I can pay tribute to my father on Father’s Day. But here I sit and I am almost lost for words. I know what I feel in my heart, but for some reason I cannot get those feelings on to paper.

My Dad and I have a very special relationship. He is always there when I call for advice; he is always there to just listen when I need an ear to vent. Growing up he was very supportive and encouraging when I played hockey in high school and college. When he is in town, he still comes to my games over at Germain Arena. At 72 he even went skydiving with me in April of 2010.  I think he thought I was kidding when I asked him to go, but… he came along and the moment was priceless to share with my Father.  He is my best friend and he knows I love him; but Dad do you really know? I do tell Dad I love him almost after every conversation we have on the phone, but it is almost a routine sometimes. This is my fault, for not taking just a bit more time and letting Dad know that he is the best and he is pinnacle of Father’s.

Dad I need you to know, you have made me into the person that I am today and I am very proud to be called your son. Sure life did not always work out as planned, but the trials and tribulations we went throughout life have made us into what we are today. I can hold my head up during the day knowing right from wrong that I treated my fellow man with respect and honor. I can lend a helping hand to my fellow man almost to a fault, but that’s ok… because between you and the Lord, I have been taught it is better to give than to receive. I am able to rest my head on my pillow at night, knowing that I gave it my best that day. Dad, you are the foundation of the peace and serenity I have in my heart, THANK YOU, because that is priceless to me.

Dad, I cannot thank you enough for you just being you, you are my rock, my inspiration and I love you more than words can say. HAPPY FATHER’s Day Dad!!!

Dad and I went Skydiving (Tandem Jump) in April 2010 check out the video links below:

Dad coming in for a smooth landing

Michael Coming in for his landing

Just making sure Dad was OK?…. The last thing I heard before Dad left the Plane…”Sir, you need to let go, Sir let got”  LOL too funny!  Thank God for Depends!

The after interview with Dad … Thank you Dad for a great moment I will always treasure!!!

Happy Father’s Day to all Father’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click here to view Grandezza Properties for sale

D. Michael Burke of Keller Williams Elite Realty has the honor of being the Top Listing agent again  for 2009 in Grandezza.  Michael Burke out performed all other agents by a 2 –1 margin in listing and selling more property than any other agent.  This is the 3rd year in a row Michael Burke of The Coconut Point Team has had this honor.  Michael was just award the 2009 Golden Bear award from the Bonita Springs and Estero Board of Realtors    Michael is a member of BEAR (Bonita Springs- Estero Association of Realtors) and he exceeded $5,000,000 in sales volume or closed more than fifty units in 2009.  (Click here for Press Release)

Michael Burke and his Coconut Point Team continue to turn heads in the real estate market place.  Michael and his team have developed very aggressive and creative marketing tools that are unique and exclusive to his team.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

As printed in the News-Press March 6, 2010 –

Last year was a fabulous year for me. I had a lot of clients, both sellers and buyers, and there was absolutely no shortage of sales to be had. As a result of my successful year, I was recognized by the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors (BEAR) as a recipient of one of their most prestigious awards for 2009, The Golden Bear. Real estate agents achieve a Golden Bear by achieving more than $5 million in sales volume, or having more than 50 sales during the year.

Record sales don’t happen all on their own, though. My point is, in order to provide my buyers and sellers with the best possible service, I put a lot of hard work into being an agent. In particular, I offer a number of resources that help me to reach my clients and give them what they need.

One such tool is my Monthly Market Reports, which consolidate sales statistics for each of the neighborhoods I specialize in. For each sale in the neighborhood, the Monthly Market Report gives the pertinent details – property features, list price versus sale price, final price per square footage, and so on. Whether my clients are choosing a listing price for their home or deciding how much to offer on a property they want to buy, these reports provide a valuable resource by illustrating current trends in the neighborhood.

I also credit a lot of my success to my newsletter, The Coconut Point Press. Sent out every other month, my goal with the newsletters is to make them informative and useful. Each edition contains news, advice and tips for both buyers and sellers, home listings, and other items of interest chosen with my readers in mind.

In order to distribute Monthly Market Reports and The Coconut Point Press, I use an email service called Constant Contact. In addition to streamlining the mailing process, Constant Contact  tracks how often my emails are opened and what links are clicked on. This enables me to make sure I am always providing my readers with useful information. The email service also manages my recipient list and allows my readers to easily make changes to their subscriptions, including opting out if they no longer want to receive the reports or newsletters.

Another important tool I use is my exclusive Elite Seller Feedback System, which encourages potential buyers and their agents to provide feedback after a showing. Every time one of my sellers’ homes is shown, the system follows up with the agent afterward by email – sending as many as five emails in order to make a response more likely. Getting a potential buyer’s feedback helps my sellers by telling them whether their listing price is too high, and what the potential buyer thought of the home.

Potential clients will also find my website to be a sophisticated resource. A mapping feature allows buyers to browse by neighborhood and see where available properties are located. I also provide links to the Monthly Market Reports and newsletters, as well as to a blog that I update regularly with relevant information on Southwest Florida and the real estate market in general.

These cutting-edge tools make my services more accessible for both buyers and sellers. Not only can clients find me more easily, but also I can market my clients’ homes more effectively. Without the hard work I put into my business and the technology I utilize to better help my clients, I wouldn’t have the sales numbers I do for 2009. These are the resources that put the Golden Bears award within my reach.

I am a firm believer that the right tools help to sell a home – not just quickly, but also for the best possible price. If you would like to talk about how technology can help you sell your home, or buy a new one, please feel free to contact me. I am always here to help!

Michael Burke and The Coconut Point Team Featured in the Florida Realtor Magazine March 2010 Issue

To Find Your Place in Paradise Click Here

Click here to view on line at Florida Realtor Magazine

As printed in the News-Press March 6, 2010 -

Last year was a fabulous year for me. I had a lot of clients, both sellers and buyers, and there was absolutely no shortage of sales to be had. As a result of my successful year, I was recognized by the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors (BEAR) as a recipient of one of their most prestigious awards for 2009, The Golden Bear. Real estate agents achieve a Golden Bear by achieving more than $5 million in sales volume, or having more than 50 sales during the year.

Record sales don’t happen all on their own, though. My point is, in order to provide my buyers and sellers with the best possible service, I put a lot of hard work into being an agent. In particular, I offer a number of resources that help me to reach my clients and give them what they need.

One such tool is my Monthly Market Reports, which consolidate sales statistics for each of the neighborhoods I specialize in. For each sale in the neighborhood, the Monthly Market Report gives the pertinent details – property features, list price versus sale price, final price per square footage, and so on. Whether my clients are choosing a listing price for their home or deciding how much to offer on a property they want to buy, these reports provide a valuable resource by illustrating current trends in the neighborhood.

I also credit a lot of my success to my newsletter, The Coconut Point Press. Sent out every other month, my goal with the newsletters is to make them informative and useful. Each edition contains news, advice and tips for both buyers and sellers, home listings, and other items of interest chosen with my readers in mind.

In order to distribute Monthly Market Reports and The Coconut Point Press, I use an email service called Constant Contact. In addition to streamlining the mailing process, Constant Contact  tracks how often my emails are opened and what links are clicked on. This enables me to make sure I am always providing my readers with useful information. The email service also manages my recipient list and allows my readers to easily make changes to their subscriptions, including opting out if they no longer want to receive the reports or newsletters.

Another important tool I use is my exclusive Elite Seller Feedback System, which encourages potential buyers and their agents to provide feedback after a showing. Every time one of my sellers’ homes is shown, the system follows up with the agent afterward by email – sending as many as five emails in order to make a response more likely. Getting a potential buyer’s feedback helps my sellers by telling them whether their listing price is too high, and what the potential buyer thought of the home.

Potential clients will also find my website to be a sophisticated resource. A mapping feature allows buyers to browse by neighborhood and see where available properties are located. I also provide links to the Monthly Market Reports and newsletters, as well as to a blog that I update regularly with relevant information on Southwest Florida and the real estate market in general.

These cutting-edge tools make my services more accessible for both buyers and sellers. Not only can clients find me more easily, but also I can market my clients’ homes more effectively. Without the hard work I put into my business and the technology I utilize to better help my clients, I wouldn’t have the sales numbers I do for 2009. These are the resources that put the Golden Bears award within my reach.

I am a firm believer that the right tools help to sell a home – not just quickly, but also for the best possible price. If you would like to talk about how technology can help you sell your home, or buy a new one, please feel free to contact me. I am always here to help!

Florida Realtor Magazine: Tech & You  March 2010  Click here to read article

If you look at my previous post below, "2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers"  this give you a good indication was to what the consumer wants.  With my Monthly Market Reports along with our own personal publication, The Coconut Point Press, and our Elite Seller Feedback System we have been providing the consumer information and relevant  data for some time.   This is one reason our team, our volume and unit sales continues to grow over the last several years.   We continue to develop, research and refine superior tools to support our clients needs and wants

Michael Burke , Luxury Real Estate Expert in the Bonita Springs and Estero real estate market place was just featured in the March issue of the Florida Realtor Magazine, CLICK HERE to see why Michael Burke is one of the top producing agents in the Bonita Springs and Estero real estate market place.

2009 Golden Bears Recipient

Michael Burke of Keller Williams Elite Realty is recognized as one the the 2009 Golden Bear recipient’s.   Michael Burke is a member of BEAR (Bonita Springs- Estero Association of Realtors) and he exceeded $5,000,000 in sales volume or closed more than fifty units in 2009.

Michael is recognized as one of the Top Luxury Expert agents in the Bonita Springs / Estero Area.   Michael Burke and his team have developed proven methods to obtain results whether buying or selling a home in the Bonita Springs – Estero Real Estate market place.

His eye is always on our local real estate.  Yes, it’s a difficult market, but the right realtor can make a big difference in marketing your property, and getting it sold!

As one of the top agents in the Bonita Springs and Estero, Michael, has successfully sold many homes in our area.  His secret is simple and effective:  hard work, commitment to clients, out-of-the-box thinking, and cutting-edge marketing tools such as:

• Monthly Market Report (click to view) that presents you with the most accurate data all the closed and active units in your community.
• Michael Burke’s popular and exclusive publication, The Coconut Point Press, (click to view on line version) that prominently spotlights his clients’ listings.
• Sophisticated and exclusive Elite Seller Feedback System (click to view) that provides valuable feedback from your showings (emailed directly to you!) so you know what buyers are thinking.

To find out more about Michael Burke and his products and services, please visit, www.CoconutPointRealEstate.com

When you are selling your home, you need to be able to appeal to a potential buyer’s emotions and ideals.  No matter how unrealistic the vision is, buyers are swayed by perfectly clean, sparsely furnished, and artistically decorated homes.  Even if it won’t look that way once they move in, buyers want to see their dream home before they make an offer.

My point is, you will need to put some work into getting your home ready to sell.  Minor repairs will need to be done, the house will need to be cleaned from top to bottom, and you will need to declutter and pay attention to staging.  It may not be necessary to spend a lot of money, but a little bit of elbow grease will go a long way toward selling your home at the best possible price.

Repairs

When readying a house for sale, you really don’t want to spend too much, as it is unlikely that the repairs will increase the value enough to repay the cost of the repairs.  However, there are a number of little repairs that you can do that will improve how the house shows.  Here are some examples of repairs that you can and should make, most of which cost only a few bucks each.

• Replace cracked tiles
• Fix faucets that drip
• Re-caulk around sinks, showers, and tubs
• Patch any places in the walls that need it, and fill nail holes
• Repaint interior walls, preferably something neutral but not necessarily white
• Paint the basement if it’s not finished
• Replace or repaint the numbers on your house or mailbox if they are not clearly readable from the street

Cleaning

Cleaning is all-important when you are getting ready to sell your home.  You will literally need to clean from top to bottom, and keep it clean on a daily basis if you are still living in the home.  First there are the major things to clean:

• Vacuum and steam clean carpets
• Wax floors
• Wash the exterior of the house, porches or decks, and sidewalks with a pressure washer
• Wash windows, inside and out
• Sweep out the garage 

Just like with repairs, however, the small details can make a difference.  This often requires more labor-intensive cleaning, such as:

• Bleach dirty grout
• Scrub stained sinks, tubs, and showers
• Dust the seldom-noticed, hard-to-reach places, such as light figures, the tops of fan blades, and around interior trim
• Search for and clean out cobwebs, top to bottom, inside and out
• Clean oil-stained floors in the garage
• Polish bathroom mirrors, faucets, and other fixtures 

Obviously, if you are not living in your house while it is on the market, you will probably only have to spend a lot of time on these things once, and then come back for touch-ups periodically.  If you are still living in the home, however, be sure to vacuum, sweep, and mop every day, dust every couple of days, and check the details once a week to do touch-ups as needed.

Staging

The first thing to do when you get to this step is to remove all the personal items.  Potential buyers don’t want to see a picture of Great-Aunt Millie on the mantle, as it makes it harder for them to picture their own memories there.  Besides, the less clutter the better, and personal items are usually clutter – we just like them because of the memories they represent, but a potential buyer won’t have the same emotional connection.

Once you have removed all the personal items, keep going and remove all the clutter, too.  Pack away your knick-knacks and books – think of this as just getting a head start on something you will have to do anyway when you sell the house.  You might keep back a few unique decorative items for staging, but remember, less is better – so I really do only mean a few.

Next, your furniture gets the same treatment.  Remove everything but the essentials for each room – i.e., dining table and chairs for the dining room, desk and chair for the home office, and the bed, nightstand, and dresser for the bedroom – and put the rest in storage.  The purpose of this is not only to make it clear what the purpose of each room is, but also to make the rooms look as big as possible.  Setting up a room with a few pieces of furniture leaves a lot of open space, which makes a room feel large and airy, rather than small and crowded.

Finally, pay some special attention to the closets.  After boxing up everything you don’t need, rearrange what’s left so that if someone opens the door (and they will), they’ll see a neat, well-organized space.  Yes, this means you can’t store your packed-up clutter in the closets.  (No, you can’t shove it under the bed, either.)  In the buyer’s mind, an organized closet will reflect on how you have maintained your home,

Once you have taken everything down to the bare essentials, you can then add back a few accent items that will hint at a picture-perfect life within those walls.  This is the part that many people hire a professional to do.  The idea is to use artful understatement to capture the essence of that perfect life everyone dreams of.  A ribbon tied around a perfectly folded, fluffy bathroom towel; a pretty book and a pair of reading glasses on the bedside table; an elegant place setting at the dining room table – these are all ways to inspire interest and anticipation in a potential buyer.

If you won’t be living in the house while you are trying to sell it, you will find staging a little easier, since you won’t have to work to keep it picture perfect all the time.  Do be sure to leave some furniture, though, as a staged room shows far better than an empty room.

Landscaping

One of the most important things you can do to get your home ready for the market is to touch up the landscaping.  A potential buyer starts forming their impression of a home before they even step out of the car, so how your home looks from the outside can really set the mood for a sale.  Mow your lawn regularly, obviously, and trim your bushes; but don’t hesitate to put a few finishing touches on it, such as putting planters with flowers on the front porch, trimming the edges of the lawn nicely, and keeping sidewalks and porches swept.

A lot is riding on how you get your home ready for the market – not just whether it sells, but also how much it sells for – and a neat, clean, well-staged home tends to get better offers than one that looks dirty and lived-in.  Yes, of course it is a hassle if you are still living in the home, but if the price is right it shouldn’t be for very long.  For more suggestions on how to get your home ready to sell, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

From Michael Burke’s article as seen in the News-Press HomeFinder.com