All Forum Posts by: Don M.

 Don -

You've got quite the fan base here on Bigger Pockets all wishing that you have a positive outcome.  Having said that, any updates that you can share?  We're all rooting for you!!!

 The first build is about 2-3 weeks away from CO.  We're awaiting culvert inspection so they can finish the site grading, driveway, entrance way and landscaping.  They're doing the backsplash and electrical + plumbing finishes now.  Tile done, trim done, final painting happening as well.  I did a punch last week with the builder.  

I'm on the move, will share a few pics when I get back to my PC.  

You're almost there, Don Miller.  I'm rooting for this to be wrapped up! 

You're a trooper @Don M. for hanging in there. It hasn't been an easy ride for lots of folks building in Cape Coral over the past several years, but one silver lining is the property values have nearly doubled since Covid, though the market has cooled recently. 

@Don M. - I did a flip in Cape Coral around that same time and the permitting took 5 months as well.  I should have finished that flip in early Sept '22, but we basically just started around then, and then in late Sept '22 Hurricane Ian came through.  I needed a new roof and some more, but it could have been worse, many lost everything.  I lost money on that deal, but learned a ton.  Good luck finishing yours up!  Are you local?

@Don M. I live in fort myers beach. I thought I saw my roof on CNN so I biked in 3 days after the hurricane to find out if I still had a house. Thankfully I did.  

When I was reading your updates I was thinking how your permit timing was lining up vs the upcoming disaster. 

I’m a big fan of the area in the long run, and the SWFL communities have proven their resiliency the past 1.5 years and will continue to do so. 

While we don’t have state income tax here we do have the hurricane tax that comes with high insurance premiums and little real insurance benefits/help when it’s needed. As long as you’re building with future hurricanes (wind and flood) in mind you can ensure that you’re prepared for future storms. 

 I took that approach with everything I rebuilt at my property in FMB and there is a peace of mind from knowing exactly how to handle the next hurricane. The unknown is always the worst and now knowing what to anticipate from all sides (fema, insurance, SBA, damage, cleanup, repairs and rebuilding, etc.) makes every future storm a little more tolerable.

Part of it just comes down to the price we are willing to pay to live in such an amazing area. Beyond the actual dollars. 

I do believe that our area will all bounce back much stronger than before and what would have taken at least the islands another 30-50 years to redevelop is now reduced down to likely a 7-15 year rebuilding period. 

The only thing constant in life is change AND ultimately the only thing we control in life is our Response to what happens. 

Great to see some progress finally! 

Did they tell you what is their estimated completion date and what was the price of your contract again? Do you also remember appraisal value?

This is why I build outside city limits. In TX. 3 months from the time I purchase the land until they (I build small apartment buildings) are ready to be rented.