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| E-Paradise Newsletter
March 2011 Edition
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Greetings!
Welcome to our March edition of E-Paradise.
March is such a great month on the islands! We have some of the most beautiful weather in the world in March. Makes one want to take a break and enjoy it all. Many will celebrate Spring Break, St Patrick's Day, Green Flashes and Green living with us this month.
We are so LUCKY to call PARADISE home!
Property on the islands IS SELLING! We still have some great opportunities for you but don't wait too long or they will be gone!
Finally, this month our Guest Columnist section will provide authoritative advice on "The Benefits of Land Trusts" from our very own Island Expert to help you optimize your real estate goals.
Happy St. Patty's Day! Come for Spring Break and if
you are LUCKY.......you might see a Bobcat, a Green Flash, an unusual bird, find a rare shell, see an impromptu parade, run into an island author or find the perfect place in Paradise to call home!
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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 | March Guest Columnist/ Get Educated
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The Benefits of Land Trusts
 | | Richard A. Collman |
Land trusts under Florida Statute 689.071, have unique characteristics which can be favorable for owners of Florida real estate. For example, interests of beneficiaries in a land trust cannot be disclosed without an order of a court, asset protection is available, a person's beneficial interest in a land trust is treated as personal property, and a land trust has favorable tax and homestead benefits.
Ordinarily, an interest in real estate is not considered to be personal property. However, a person's beneficial interest in a land trust may become personal property under the Florida Statutes provided that this interest is designated as a personal property interest in a land trust. Consequently, a benefit of a land trust is that the estate of a deceased non-resident may avoid the time and expense of a Florida ancillary probate of real estate owned by a land trust. In addition, if a beneficial interest in a land trust is personal property, then the owner of a beneficial interest may transfer this interest by an assignment to another party. The benefit of this is that unlike a deed, which will be recorded in the public records of the county in which the real estate is located, an assignment of a beneficial interest in a land trust is not a document which the public is entitled to obtain.
While the trustee of a land trust holds legal and equitable title to the property held by a land trust, the power to manage this property, including real estate, is held by the land trust beneficiary or beneficiaries. Specifically, a beneficiary has the right to control the management, operation, rental and sale of trust property as well as the right to the earnings from the land trust. The beneficiary (or beneficiaries) of a land trust may also be the trustee (or trustees) of the land trust.
If there are a number of owners (beneficiaries) of a land trust, the land trust agreement may provide for buy-sell arrangements which provide for buyout of another beneficiary who wishes to sell his or her beneficial interest. Because a land trust does not terminate at the death of a beneficiary, the land trust may also provide for the purchase of a deceased beneficiary's interest to insure that a stranger does not become a beneficiary.
A land trust is entitled to the Florida homestead exemption thereby protecting homestead property from increases in assessed valuations which exceed the statutory maximums. Furthermore, unlike a corporation, limited liability partnership or limited liability company, no filing of public organizational documents or public annual reports are required by the State of Florida. Lastly, the income tax advantages of individual ownership may be available when a land trust is properly used to hold title to real estate.
Richard A. Collman Henderson Franklin/Attorneys At Law Island Medical & Business Center
1648 Periwinkle Way, Suite B
Sanibel, FL 33957 Phone: 239.344.1352 http://www.henlaw.com/ richard.collman@henlaw.com THANKS FOR THE INFO DICK!
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| Featured Property of the Month
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 Did You Know That South Seas Island Resort Was Named Number Three Among The 10 Best Family Beach Resorts?
CHECK IT OUT HERE  | | The Bayside Villas South Seas Island Resort |
Bayside Villa #5124
· 1 BR/2 BA Bayside Villa
· Bay and Sunrise Views
· First Class Resort Amenities, Marina & Golf
· Guaranteed Income
Asking $327,000
 Bayside Villa #5104· 1 BR/2 BA Bayside Villa · Totally Renovated Caribbean Flavor · Pool, spa, marina, golf and more! · Income Producing Asking $390,000  | | SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT |
YOU DESERVE MORE THAN JUST SPRING BREAK OWN ONE OF THESE PROPERTIES! COME MORE OFTEN! GET INCOME! CALL US FOR ALL AVAILABLE PROPERTIES ON THE RESORT! |
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| Surf Sounds......
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| WOW......Do You See The Green?
The Beginning Of A Green Flash Captured Here...........
 | | GREEN FLASH ON SANIBEL ISLAND |
This photo was recently captured as the sun was setting over the Gulf of Mexico on Sanibel by John Hicks, Solar Astronomer, New Forest Solar Observatory, Lake Simcoe Region, Ontario, Canada. John and his wife Lorraine winters on Sanibel Island every year. Now you can say you have seen a Green Flash! Thanks so much John for sharing your talent and your photo with us!
Don't know what a Green Flash is? CLICK HERE for some Green Flash Facts.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Where the Shells Are On The Islands!......http://www.iloveshelling.com
 | | Bonnie Learning Shelling and Teaching Birding. |
Recently my friend Pam was getting a birding lesson from my friend Bonnie and they had a great time. Pam is an expert sheller and Bonnie an expert Birder! I am so lucky to have such wonderful interesting friends that share their expertise with others who love the islands. Maybe we can get Bonnie to start sharing some birding tips occasionally......??? GO TO: iloveshelling.com to see this more info on this expedition.
Know your fellow shelling lovers 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!
Everyone Can Be Irish At The Bailey's Center
Thursday, March 17th
4-7PM
Bailey's Center
Irish Food & Drink
Raffle Prizes
T-Shirts
Green Beer
Giveaways
Irish Dancers
Free Face Painting by Ms. Silvia
BIG ARTS Chorus
The Hat Boys
MDA Shamrock Campaign
Be there and bring out your inner IRISH!
Taking A Walk On The Wildside What a rare treat to capture this Bobcat taking a morning walk. How exciting that we are able to share this beautiful island with this beautiful creature! This Bobcat was spotted at Sunset Captiva. CLICK HERE for full story!
By the way......Sunset Captiva #33 is under contract but you can click on the following links to see other opportunities at Sunset Captiva and call us for more info. You too could be LUCKY enough to see a Bobcat!
Available Homes at Sunset Captiva
Available CondosSunset Captiva
A"Florida Literary Legend" Named In 2011 By The Florida Historical Society  | | Randy Wayne White |
"When my marina closed in 1987, I wasn't qualified to do anything, so I wrote Sanibel Flats. I had two young sons, a lot of bills, so failure wasn't an option. It is a rare day when I do not reflect on my good luck to have succeeded in a very tough profession."
-- RWW
Doc Ford and Tomlinson are featured characters in Randy's novels as well as on Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar and Grille's menu
Randy does a national book-signing tour every spring, and can also be found regularly at Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel Island and also at the Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Fort Myers Beach location.
For more info about Randy Wayne White visit:http://www.randywaynewhite.com/
It's Tradition on Sanibel for 74 years
The largest exhibition of its kind in the United States, it provides as opportunity to learn about shells in their natural state, and to see them put to use in all kinds of arts and crafts. http://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/events/72nd-annual-shell-fair-show/ |
| Beggs Best Buys
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If You Are Lucky Enough To Live On The Islands.....You Are Lucky Enough!
Waterfront Captiva Home
16171 Captiva Dr MOTIVATED SELLER WANTS OFFERS!
Waterfront Captiva Condos
15067 Captiva Drive
11410 Old Lodge Lane 2B WAS $1,049,000 NOW ONLY $899,000
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 NO LONGER AVAILABLE JUST SOLD!!!
11521 Wightman Lane
11517 Wightman Lane
33 Urchin Ct UNDER CONTRACT
MAKE OFFERS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
YOU TOO CAN BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO OWN ON THE ISLANDS!
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| Only On Captiva!
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The Mullets Marched Again!
 | | Captiva Marching Mullet Band |
The Captiva Marching Mullet Band is made up of local and visiting musicians, vacationers and residents who marched down Andy Rosse Lane playing instruments and dancing their way to the beach to greet the sunset.
GO TO: CaptivaSanibel.com for full story. CLICK HERE for additional photos of the parade and sunset serenade.
For More Captiva Fun........Take The Tour.......
 | | CAPTIVA ISLAND LIFESTYLE VIDEO |
If you didn't get a chance to see our new Captiva island Lifestyle Tour in last month's newsletter.........here it is again.......It is all the things we all LOVE about Captiva.......ENJOY!
Happy 35th Anniversary To The Mucky Duck!  | | Ellen Mayeron and Victor Mayeron |
CORRECTION FROM LAST MONTH'S NEWSLETTER FUNDS WERE RAISED FOR The Heights Foundation http://www.heightsfoundation.org/ OUR APOLOGIES! Victor informed us that "Proudly the foundation raised over $8,400 and introduced ourselves to 100's of new people. " Please visit the website to learn more about this wonderful organization and contribute if you can. |
| Go Green
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Save Green by Going Green
Caulking and Weatherstripping for Energy Efficiency
Most experts agree that caulking and weatherstripping-two simple air sealing techniques-will pay for themselves in energy savings within one year. Applying these techniques will also alleviate drafts and help your home feel warmer when it's cold outside and much cooler in the hot months as it keeps humidity out and air-conditioning in.
Before you can begin, you need to know where air leakage occurs. For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment, particularly a blower door test.
There are ways to find some air leaks yourself. First, look at some areas that are a common source of air leakage, such as:
Door and window frames, Electrical and gas service entrances, Cable TV and phone lines, Outdoor water faucets, Where dryer vents pass through walls, Bricks, siding, stucco, and foundation, Air conditioners, Vents and fans.
You can also try these steps to depressurize your home to help detect leaks:
Shut all windows and doors. Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as bathroom fans or stove vents. Light an incense stick and pass it around the edges of common leak sites. Wherever the smoke is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft.
Now that you know the sources for air leakage you can begin the process of caulking and weather stripping. The US Department of Energy is a great source for more information visit <http://www.energysavers.gov>
If you are building a new home, there have been many advances in energy efficient construction methods. Contact Art Monahan of Seacoast Cottage Company for more information on the latest in green building or cost effective energy efficient retrofitting. <http://www.SeacoastCottageCompany.com>
Green tips courtesy of Seacoast Cottage Company, Art Monahan 239-462-2679
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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...
WE JUST SOLD 11541 WIGHTMAN LN ON CAPTIVA
Call us for other available homes on Captiva
Sale Price $1,400,000
 | | 11541 Wightman Ln, Captiva FL |
John and Denice Marched In
The Captiva Marching Mullet Band Parade
For More Details and Photos!
It Was Crazy Fun!
Check Out "The Only On Captiva Column"
 | | John and Denice Joined the Captiva Marching Mullet Band Parade |
Alan S. Maltz Gallery NOW OPEN on Captiva in the Royal Shell Building at the corner of Captiva Dr. and Andy Rosse Ln.
 | | "Wings Across The Water" |
This photo of White Pelicans in flight after sunset was taken off of North Captiva Island. 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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| February 2011 Sales Report
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Sanibel/Captiva Islands February Sales
Total Sales: $17,267,650
Residential Sales
$8,721,250
MLS Link for Home Sales
Condo Sales
$8,026,400
MLS Link for Condo Sales
Vacant Land Sales
$520,000
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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Doc Ford's Serves Up Fun & Adventure
Pan Seared Yellow Tail Snapper, served with tomato & artichoke ragout
Courtesy of Chef Kristopher Zook
6 oz pc. yellow tail snapper 2 ripe plum tomatoes, sliced without seeds 1/2 cup canned artichokes, drained and rinsed pinch arugula 1 oz. feta cheese 2 fl oz. white wine 2 oz butter tsp minced garlic 1. season snapper with salt and pepper, pan sear over med-high heat, sear till light brown, finish in oven for three min.
remove fish from pan and reserve
2. in the same pan over med-high heat add splash of vegetable oil, saute garlic till brown, add tomateos, artichokes and arugula, saute for 2 min, add white wine, reduce for 1 min. add butter and mix well, finish with salt and pepper, place fish on desired plate, pour the sauteed items right over the fish and served with a nice bottle sauvignon blanc or champagne, Bon Apptite!
Don't feel like cooking???.....
GO TO: http://www.docfordssanibel.com/menus.shtml to view the menu OR call 239-472-8311 ......then go find fun, adventure and awesome food.........you might see author Randy Wayne White doing research for his next novel! Tell him John and Denice sent you!
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| Quote of the Month
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Feeling Lucky?
Luck is when opportunity knocks and you answer.
Author Unknown
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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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