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| E-Paradise Newsletter
January 2010 Edition
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Greetings!Welcome to our January edition of E-Paradise.
Happy New Year! We leave the past behind and enter into this new fresh year. No looking back! Instead, we enjoy this new clean slate and make plans for the future.
Make your New Year's Resolution to OWN YOUR OWN "Piece of Paradise!" CHECK OUT the Beggs Best Buys for wonderful properties and the NEWEST price reductions.... UNBELIEVABLE VALUE! You can also contact us for other available Sanibel and Captiva opportunities!
We are also thrilled to invite you to view our NEWLY created Captiva Island Lifestyle tour located in Company News section.
Finally, this month our Guest Columnist section will provide authoritative advice on how "Professional Photography Pays Off" from our very own Island Expert to help you optimize your real estate goals.
"OUT with the OLD and IN with the NEW!"
Make a FRESH start on the islands! Come for a visit.....you'll want to stay for a LIFETIME.....and we can help you make it happen......Remember: NO PASSPORT NEEDED!
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 | January Guest Columnist/ Get Educated
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| Professional Photography Pays Off!
 | | Michael McVay |
"The holiday season has past and now the "real" season begins! Our picturesque paradise plays host to thousands of visitors every winter and many of our guests will be searching for a place to call their second home. If you are placing your home on the market for sale or for rent, ask your agent to have your home photographed by a professional real estate photographer."
Photography is the new curb appeal! According to the National Association of Realtors®, over 80% of interested buyers will start their search on the internet. And a recent article by the Wall Street Journal reports that homes probably photographed by professionals received 61% more views than their peers across all price levels.
With the lush foliage, sandy beaches and captivating sunsets you already have the "location, location, location". So you need to focus on the best features of your home to draw buyers and renters to your door. Whether you choose to do-it-yourself or go with a pro, follow these few hints to make your home picture perfect:
Eliminate Clutter Pay close attention to the kitchen. Clear counters of appliances and take notes and magnets off the refrigerator. Remove tissue boxes, bottles and extra "stuff" from bedroom dressers and nightstands. If you have a home office, put away any printers, fax machines and unnecessary equipment and paperwork.
Add Place Settings Tables look bare and boring if left empty. Set a formal dining room as you would for a holiday and place casual settings in breakfast nooks, high-top counters and patio tables.
Replace Burnt Out Light Bulbs Your rooms will be photographed from floor to ceiling with all lights on (including lamps).
Wash the Windows Let the Florida sun shine in! The views are an important selling feature of any home. Make sure they can be captured with clarity.
Tidy Up the Outside Our lanais, patios and roof-top terraces are the biggest draws of the house. Remove grill covers, reel in hoses, and open umbrellas. Make sure your exterior lights and features are all in working condition and that the agent is aware of how to turn them on.
So let the season begin! And if your home is for sale or for rent, with these few hints you can turn visitors into neighbors.
Michael McVay Photography
239-398-8250
www.michaelmcvayphotography.com
THANKS FOR THE INFO MICHAEL! AND THANKS FOR CREATING OUR CAPTIVA ISLAND LIFESTYLE VIDEO!
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| Featured Property of the Month
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Who Needs Park Avenue When You Could Have This View From Captiva Drive? Nothing Comparable Exists!
| | 15067 Captiva Dr, Captiva Island |
A PENTHOUSE VIEW
3 BR/3.5 BA Direct Bay Front Penthouse
Boat Slip & Lift with Gulf Access
Private Gated Enclave
Intimate 5 Residence Complex
Tropical Pool and Spa
4200 Square Feet
Luxurious Appointments
Near The Beach In Captiva's Village
ASKING $3,695,000
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| Surf Sounds......
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| Polar Bears On Sanibel? Who Knew? It's A New Year's Tradition?
| | sanibelcaptivadaily.com |
GO TO: sanibelcaptivadaily.com and captivasanibel.com for the scoop!
Everything You Wanted To Know About Where the Shells Are On The Islands!......http://www.iloveshelling.com
| | Shelling Trip Video |
Well my friend Pam has been producing videos again! Start your New Year Shellabration by joining Pam on this live shelling trip at Blind Pass on Captiva. GO TO: iloveshelling.com. I suggest watching FULL SCREEN to get the full effect and because you will be so inspired..... then GO TO: http://www.iloveshelling.com/blog/shop/ to order your shelling uniform from Pam's great new line of gear and hit the beach and go shelling!
Announcing A New Coalition!
Five Sanibel Island attractions have joined forces under the auspices of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) to create the new Sanibel Trails & Tales. The alliance recently launched a Web site at
This alliance embraces the island's rich preservation history and is dedicated to sharing this powerful message with visitors from around the world.
For more info: GO TO: sanibeltrailsandtails.com
Trout Season Is Open!
| | Captain Eric Napier |
"My New Year resolution is to catch at least one fish every single day of the year in 2011."
For trout and other local fishing tips GO TO: http://coastalanglermagazine.net/2010/12/30/sanibel-and-captiva-14/
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| Beggs Best Buys
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| BEAT THE WINTER BLUES! Make A Fresh Start In This New Year In Your Very Own Island Home!
Waterfront Captiva Homes HUGE Price Reductions AGAIN!
14971 Binder Dr WAS $3,795,000 NOW ONLY $3,295,000
16171 Captiva Dr WAS $2,325,000 NOW ONLY $1,985,000
Waterfront Captiva Condos
15067 Captiva Drive
11410 Old Lodge Lane 2B
11400 Old Lodge Lane 1B WAS $949,000 NOW ONLY $649,000
5104 Bayside Villas
5124 Bayside Villas
Captiva Near Beach Vacant Land
11517 Wightman Lane
Near Beach Opportunities
11515 Chapin Lane NEW TO MARKET VIEW TOUR
11501 Laika Lane
11541 Wightman Lane
11521 Wightman Lane
11517 Wightman Lane
33 Urchin Ct WAS $849,000 NOW ONLY $718,800
MAKE OFFERS NOW BEFORE YOU MISS THESE OPPORTUNITIES!
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| Captiva Holiday Village ......A HUGE Success
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The Holidays Are Behind Us But The Merry Memories Live On. If You Missed Captiva Holiday Village Events You Can Still Catch A Glimpse Of The Festive Photos On The Website. They Are Available For Purchase As Well
First Annual CAPTIVA HOLIDAY VILLAGE Extravaganza
November 26-December 19
GO TO: captivaholidayvillage.comAND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS TO SEE THE FULL MONTAGE OF PHOTOS OF ALL THE EVENTS!
See the Christmas Tree lightings, fireworks, lighted boat parades, opera singers at sunset, fire dancers at dusk, astronomy cruises, golf cart parades, art shows, live musical entertainment...and much, much more!
Ringing In The New Year Captiva Style! 
| | Last Sunset of 2010 on Captiva Island |
Did You Modulate?
| | THE MODULATORS |
If you didn't Modulate for New Year's at the Crow's Nest at Tween Waters Inn Island Resort......there's still time but.. HURRY......you only have til January 15th! And while you're there wish the Crow's Nest Happy 30th Birthday and Tween Waters Happy 80th Birthday!
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS:
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| Go Green
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| Money Saving Green Tips For The New Year
 | | Money Saving Green Tips |
Any financial goals set for 2011?
If saving money is part of your New Year's Resolution here are some facts and tips to consider:
40% or more of a typical Florida home's energy use is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the largest portion of which is devoted to cooling. This year, give your HVAC some attention by trying these energy savings tips. Your monthly electric bill will prove the results.
Ceiling Fan - Ceiling fans should run clock-wise in the winter and counter-clockwise in the summer.
Thermostat - Install a digital, programmable thermostat. Program it to turn off or adjust for overnight or when you are not at home. Potential savings of $150/year.
Duct Leak Repair - Air leakage can drive up a your heating and cooling expense. Consider hiring a contractor to evaluation ductwork and seal leaks that occur between duct work junctions and around air handler cabinets.
Insulation - Update your home's attic insulation to R-30. A closed-cell, spray foam insulation applied to the underside of the roof deck is one very effective method of improving insulation.
For an energy efficient retrofit, or for more information, call Art Monahan of Seacoast Cottage Company (239)462-2679. Additional tips can also be found by visiting the Dept of Energy's website at www.energysavers.gov <http://www.energysavers.gov>
Green tips courtesy of Seacoast Cottage Company, Art Monahan 239-462-2679 seacoastcottagecompany.com
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| Company News
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| Why Choose Royal Shell???......We Are Community Minded....and Care About You and What You Care About...
Introducing Our New Captiva Island Lifestyle Tour: Now You Can Virtually Visit The Island At Your Leisure Courtesy of Us! Enjoy!
| | CAPTIVA ISLAND LIFESTYLE TOUR |
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE TOUR
Alan S. Maltz Gallery NOW OPEN on Captiva in the Royal Shell Building at the corner of Captiva Dr. and Andy Rosse Ln.
| | "Kindred Spirits" |
This photo of 2 Snowy Egrets was taken on a remote island of of North Captiva. "Kindred Spirits" is featured in the "Visions of Beauty" coffee table book available for sale in the Gallery. Many other beautiful photos are displayed and available for sale. Please come in and enjoy the Gallery!
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN WITH ART!
http://www.alanmaltz.com/
Now you can follow us on Facebook too! We invite you to become a fan and to "Suggest to your Friends!"
| | john and Denice Beggs |
Check out my blog: THE DISH-DENICE'S DIARY
to keep "up-to-date" between newsletters!
To read archived editions of E-Paradise: CLICK HERE
REMEMBER.....whether SELLING, BUYING, RENTING, OR IN NEED OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT........WE GOTCHA COVERED!
GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT!
The treatment you expect.
The treatment you deserve.
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| December 2010 Sales Report
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| Sanibel/Captiva Islands December Sales
Total Sales: $30,153,500
Residential Sales
$17,378,000
MLS Link for Home Sales
Condo Sales
$12,300,500
MLS Link for Condo Sales
Vacant Land Sales
$475,000
MLS Link for Vacant Land
*All statistics taken from Sanibel-Captiva MLS.
*ALL INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED
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| Recipe of the Month
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New Year's Resolution .....Challenge Your Tastebuds! Explore Different Textures and Tastes Created By Melissa.....
Conch Chowder
Courtesy of Sweet Melissa's Cafe
˝ cup diced bacon
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup chopped fennel
1T chopped garlic
1 16 oz. can of crushed tomato, drained( put a stranier over a bowl and squeeze all of the liquid out of the tomatoes)
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup red stripe beer
2 cup fish stock or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper
1 lime
1 cup chopped conch
3 kaffir lime leaves
In a large sauce pan, over medium heat render the fat from the bacon. Do this slowly because you do not want to burn the bacon. Add the garlic, onion, fennel and carrot and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the beer and coconut milk and reduce by half. Add the tomato water - you can also elect to add the tomatoes - and the kaffir lime leaves. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for about 20 minutes. Before serving add the conch, stock and squeeze the fresh lime juice into the chowder. Check the seasoning and remove the kaffir lime leaves.
Mmmmmmm.....I THINK THIS COULD REPLACE CHILI ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!
Don't feel like cooking???.....
GO TO: http://www.sweetmelissascafe.net to view the menu and call 239-472-1956 for reservations.....then go enjoy a NEW experience and tantalize your tastebuds!
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| Quote of the Month
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A Fresh New Year!
"Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!"
~William Arthur Ward
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| Get Updated! |
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Stay Up-to-Date...
We invite you to visit our website to get to know us better and to search for your own piece of paradise!
Email us at info@beggsrealtors.com if you would like to receive automatic updates when new properties become available, or
Give us a call at 239-357-5500 if you're thinking about selling and would like us to prepare a comparative market analysis.
We are happy to be of service whether you're buying or selling to help you achieve your real estate goals.
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