first lets start with a budget that will determine wether it be a fresh water canal or gulf access canal once we know that we can get you the answer tony

Dusty,
My name is Robin Speronis and I am the Broker/Owner of Zen Real Estate, http://www.AskZenRealEstate.com. You want to start your search with a Listingbook account that allows to search the MLS like an agent, and will give you a lot of information about Cape Coral that you can't find anywhere else.

You can sign up for a free Listing account at http://www.AskZenRealEstate.com.

Hello Dusty, there are several important factors to keep in consideration when buying a canal home. First of all ask yourself "do I want it for boating or for views?" the answer to this question can affect how much you spend for two reasons. If your answer was for boating then you might want to look at canals with gulf access, and again costs for these will vary depending on the type of access you require. For instance, a 28ft sailboat isn't going to be a lot of fun if you have multiple bridges to maneuver, so you would want to find something labeled sailboat access. Also bear in mind Cape Coral has 499 miles of canals and some of them go nowhere.

Southeast Cape Coral has some of the best gulf access, but also is the slightly more mature part of the city. Many neighborhoods were established 20-30 years ago and are currently experiencing their turn at redevelopment.

The Southwest part of the city has many of the newer homes and is still growing, areas around Cape Harbour, Tarpon Pointe Marina, and Surfside Blvd provide some elegant homes.

The Northwest section ( staying west of Burnt Store Rd) provides some of the newer homes as well. In addition the boat lift that limited access for so many years is in the process of being removed.This will really help in opening the Northwest up.

The answer to your question regarding assessments is that the purpose of the assessments is that Cape Coral in undergoing a long term utility expansion. Water and sewer lines are being run to areas not yet serviced. The assessments will vary depending on your area of choice, and your payments may be paid as a one time shot or they may be amortized over a period of time. Some existing homes may have already paid off the assessments, while others may not even see them begin until 2011. The city of Cape Coral website CapeCoral.net is an excellent resource for researching this further.

As far as finding a home any agent can show you any home, but it all comes down to finding one who will listen to your needs and will go and exceed them. Please visit http://www.Moneytrein.com and use our home search that allows you to set the parameters to exactly what you want.

Contact me with questions and the best time to get started.

Sincerely,
Neil G. Blair-Bennett
Broker-Associate
Alliance Realty Group
(239) 645-3798 Direct Line http://www.Moneytrein.com
NeilBlairBennett@Gmail.com

Good Morning Dusty-
I may be a little late in answering your question but I was out boating and fishing all weekend!.
If you want to have central water and sewer, Southeast or Southwest Cape is the place to be.
Southeast has had that for YEARS so most assessments have been paid. (you can spread out the payments for 15 years). Parts of the Southwest just recently got central water/sewer so many are still paying for it. The assessment goes with the property when it is sold.
Other areas north might not get it for a long time as there are many people fighting the expansion.
Cape Coral has a great website where you can find out a ton of info -- http://www.capecoral.net.
Go to the drop down ment of GOVERNMENT, then PUBLIC WORKS, then UTILITIES EXPANSION.
Good luck in your search.
Carolyn Giandonato
239-243-4082

Here are some good neighborhoods with gulf access homes to look in:

http://www.greaterftmyers.com/yacht-club.php

http://www.greaterftmyers.com/gold-coast.php

http://www.greaterftmyers.com/eight-lakes.php

Please take a look and let us know if anything looks interesting

Hey Dusty, We recently had a 2005 built REO that had 2100 sq. Ft. with a pool for $275,900 in the SW cape on a gulf access canal. We are starting to see these! They will not last long! If you are serious give me a call and I will find what you are looking for! I have been in the Cape for 8 years, I live and work here! Have a great day!
Mike

Now is definitely the time to buy, prices are very reasonable. When you say you're interested in a canal home, do you mean salt water (what we call Gulf Access) or fresh water? Gulf access means you will be able to get to the Gulf of Mexico. As Jesse said, the assessments have to do with city water/sewer. There are beautiful, newer gulf access homes in the northwest but the homes are still on well & septic. Some of these areas aren't scheduled for city water/sewer until 2011 or later.

Fresh water canals are great for bass fishing and many lead to beautiful freshwater lakes. Cape Coral is a boater's paradise. We love living here!

Give me a call or email with further details about what you are looking for and I can set you up with an account that will allow you to search the MLS. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Kate Painkin
Prudential Florida Realty
239-823-6883
kateandjerry2006@yahoo.com

I would focus on the Southwest Cape or Southeast Cape areas. The Southwest area has some newer homes. The assessments are for homes built in areas without city water and city sewer. Eventually the city will put these in and thus the homeowner of benefit will be assessed. Feel free to give me a call.