Golden gate estates? (short sales, foreclosed, loans)

[Joy12345]

Actually, my cousin goes to Ave Maria University & she would be more than happy to live in the house. RMD~ where are you? A lot of empty homes in your area? How long have you lived there? Do you have any problems with your well & septic? I'm really more worried about that than anything. What is the zoning like? Can people do whatever they want? That concerns me too, where I live now is zoned Agricultural and the rednecks do whatever they want.

[RMD3819]

1. I am off of White Blvd.

2. Naples since 1986, GG Estates since 2001.

3. There are a few on my street. GGE is HUGE. I would assume there are empty homes all over. GGE was the target of speculators and flippers during the boom. Compared to Naples, lots were cheap and there were plenty of builders wanting your business. When the collapse came all those homes couldn't be sold and now are empty. Part of the whole foreclosure mess.

In general, GGE was developed from west to east. The older homes are towards Collier Blvd. When the flipping and speculating began most of the vacant lots were in the eastern part and I would assume that is were most of the vacant houses are. I have no data to back that up, it is just my opinion.

4. I don't have well and septic problems but I also take care of them. An inspection will probably be required for both of these. If you need to make repairs, don't be cheap. There are a zillion options for a well system and if you go cheap you will regret it. See what the neighbors have since they will have similar water quality. Pump the septic out. A common misconception is well water is "free". While not having a monthly bill is nice there are costs involved. One repair can easily cost the same as several months of a city water bill. You need to keep salt in the system and clean the tank. Don't let this deter you- it is simply an expense you have to work into your budget.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/flori...er-should.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/flori...-how-they.html

5. The estates has different zoning than other areas of Naples. Most lots are 2.5 or 5 acres although there are exceptions. I'm not sure what you mean by "whatever they want". There is a mix of folks out here, rednecks included.

[jlawr]

Not to interject, since I am a newer resident, but true about the wells & pumps. If you take care of them, salt, rinsing every 6 mos, they are good to go. We needed all new pumps (they were stolen during the empty house scenario) and it was about 2500 $, new pipes, pumps, softener, & system. We were lucky, we found an outstanding handy man.
We are furthest from Collier, and were pretty spread out & the neighbors are all quiet & keep to themselves. I have an atv & ride every so often. the neighbors kids do too, but rarely ride it. All good here have to say that for sure!

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by jlawr

All good here have to say that for sure!

That's what I wanted to hear!

[Joy12345]

I do have a well & septic here in Wisconsin. However, if you treat it right you don't have to pump very often. The county I live in requires I have it checked every three years, but that does not mean pumped. The wells here are drilled so deep that is not an issue either. How deep can they be drilled there? Just wondering how that works. I too have an ATV but I am respectful with it. Motocross bikes are big by me. The big loud ones & the cops well..... Thanks for the info guys, this is great!

[RMD3819]

You don't have to get it inspected here other than when you buy the house. I pump mine every other year but it is only the wife and I plus the daughter when she is in between apartments (like now).

I don't know well depths. You can get an iron well which is not as deep as the sulfur well and is cheaper to dig. Iron well systems are harder to maintain. I've had both and will never have another iron well again.

[Joy12345]

How much do you pay for flood insurance? And that is on top of homeowners insurance correct? Have you seen flooding out there? Last year we had the "100 year flood" and that was quite a sight. Lots of houses that look high & dry were not anymore.

[RMD3819]

I do not have flood insurance. It is different than homeowners.

Some areas are wetter than others and therefore require more fill dirt to elevate the structure.

It depends on your perception of "flood" but the only times we have problems is a hurricane or severe tropical storm. In those cases low lying areas will have stagnant waters and may be impassable (at worst) for a few days. This is not some huge debilitating problem. Homes are elevated enough and are far enough away from coast not to have water rising into their homes. Some driveways and streets that are low enough get flooded, including mine. You just deal with it. It is more a PITA than anything else. It has happened three times in the eight years I've lived in GGE. I don't worry about this-and I live on a canal.

[Joy12345]

By flood I did mean water coming into the house. Outside & roads whatever. Anyone know how much flood insurance costs? I've read about sheet flow? What is that all about? It's nice to hear that you are on a canal & don't have problems. Do you have any critters in these canals?

[RMD3819]

Sheet flow refers to the movement of large amounts of water. It is used in reference to the flow in the Everglades.

FEMA Floodsmart

I'm sure there are alligators although I haven't seen any. We did have a baby gator in our yard once. I missed it as I was at work.

A few months ago we had a bear in the yard. I didn't see it but it knocked down part of my fence and left bear tracks. Some of the neighbors have seen one in the area.