Cape Coral Florida's Real Estate Guide

I am a 10 pecent disabled Vietnam Veteran former Marine (combat). Until recently

my wife and I have been looking for a place in Florida (West Coast). We started looking

near Orlando for cheap air prices and close to Mickey to attract the kids and grankids, but now

feel that due to the market it may be better to go in as low as possible maybe even a "fixer

upper" in order to avoid large insurance and property taxes. Florida would be my second home

and I would consider becoming a resident to avoid NY taxation system.

To be honest with you after hearing the "horror stories" about HUGE surges in property taxes

and insurance, we had backed off and decided to go elsewhere, i.e. Arizona or Texas. We had actually

concentrated  our search in the Tampa St Pete area but have not found any deals which look

promising.

Recently I spoke with a friend of mine who owns 3 houses in your area (Fort M) has told me the taxes

started going down but only in increments, the same for homeowners insurance which he

says is down to about 1500. To a northern boy who is used to paying $750.00 for a 4000 sq ft

house good neighborhood,that still seems high. I assume that one follows the other and that

unless one comes down, the other will remain high. We started out looking in the $500K to $650K

range, however it appears necessary to change the strategy due to the current economic atmosphere.

As the Lee County area is one of the "epicenters", my question is; is it possible to purchase a home for

$80K which has screen enclosed pool, 2bdrs., 2 bths.,1 or 2 acres, possibly a barn for RV parking,

and on a canal. I don't mind a "fixer upper", as I can do some construction. The alternative of course

would be a condo or townhouse with an ocean view..Please let me know..Thanks in advance..

a