a few questions for locals... (Cape Coral, Sanibel: real estate, insurance, condo)

[runawayh2o]

Hi all.
I'm coming down in a few weeks to look at some real estate, I'll take whatever advice I can get regarging location etc. I feel like I want to be near the Caloosahatchee (the wide part) and hopefully someday buy a boat so I can run the river down to Sanibel on occasion. It appears Ft Myers and Cape Coral are the obvious choices but we are open to suggestions. My priorities are safety, price and storm surge protection, and would like some input as to what areas to look for or avoid. I also have a strong concern about the ability to secure a mortgage in the area and would like any details I can get regarding downpayment (%) and insurance. I am looking for a vacation home, single family ONLY and if any of you know a good realtor I would like their name and number. Realtors beware: I know the business and if you are not honest with me I will not buy from you. Period. I am looking to spend 100K max. Thanks to anyone who might answer.

[LewLew]

If you are looking for a single family home only, on the Caloosahatchee, Ft Myers wont' offer you much. Cape Coral will get you a canal home MAYBE in that price range.
We can't put realtor information here, so if you want to DM me, I have a great area realtor. She's helped many people on this board through referrals.
One other thing to consider is insurance. Being in that area, you will be required to have flood insurance on top of regular HO insurance. Total, this can run you a minimum of 2000 upwards of 4000 per year for both. A condo would obviously be less, and you might be able to find a home that gets some good discounts for you. However, not in Ft Myers for that price range. All the homes in that location are older.
I would focus on the Cape.
Good luck.

[Compression]

What lew lew said...but I would add...You might want to look further up river, toward Ft Myers Shores, or a bit beyond. Definatly a longer ride to the gulf, but being in an unincorporated area of the county will get you lower taxes, flood insurance may be less expensive(generally is east of I 75). And the river is still quite "wide" there offering all the room for water sports, and fishing. Might still be a difficult, but not impossible to find that price range however. Even in the Cape, a salt water canal for that $$ will likely have you spending another 50-100K to make the house livable if you find one for 100000 purchase. Good luck, and happy hunting....