Say "hello" to a good buy!

Call today to see this lovely home perfectly situated on a peaceful preserve. Unbelievable opportunity to own a 3 bedroom single family home with a 2 car-garage, private pool and spa, intensely furnished turnkey and brand new carpet! This great community is a friendly neighborhood with quiet winding streets, sidewalks and cul du sacs. There's a world class clubhouse offering fabulous amenities including a huge swimming pool and excellent tennis facility. The gate house is fully manned and adds security and always a warm welcome! Come see why we think at only $349,000 this is one of Naples Best Buys! Call soon...this wonderful opportunity will not last long! 239-250-4370 direct.

It's what's on the outside that counts!

A recent study produced by Hanley Wood LLC in cooperation with the National Association of Realtors' REALTOR Magazine found that the most profitable projects for return on your dollar around the house were outside projects. When looking for the top returns for the dollar, upscale siding and/or fresh paint on the exterior recouped the highest percentage at 88%. Buyers first judge a home by its curb appeal. The "Cost vs. Value Report" purports that 3 of the top 4 projects with the highest return were outside investments. Following siding upgrades (or exterior painting), the addition of a deck (in our case that would be a new "lanai":-) and new windows both returned over 80%. On the national average, the only interior job to generate over 80% was a kitchen remodel. First impressions mean the most, so put your best "face" forward. Did you know a buyer develops an opinion of your property in 15 seconds! So, sweep those eaves and sidewalks, touch up paint & paint the front door a fresh, new color...plant seasonal, flowering plants...make sure all landscaping is neatly trimmed. There is more competition than ever; make sure at the end of the day your home is the one they remember first...and for all the right reasons!

Zen and the Art of Selling Real Estate

It was about 30 years ago when I first came across "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An inquiry into Values". It is Robert M. Pirsig's first text in which he explored his theory of metaphysics and reality. Reading it reconfirmed a core belief instilled in me by my father...basically, Everything you think, you are. This mantra has become part of the fiber of my being and is reflected in everything I do, including and very importantly, my work. I don't know if there ever was a text written, ..."Zen and The Art of Selling Real Estate" specifically, but that practice of keeping good thoughts has never been more needed and or more important than it is now... Today's real estate agents face more challenges than ever before...Therefore, keeping lofty thoughts, making positive affirmations as well as maintaining an optimistic outlook while being receptive and open to communicate with each seller and buyer as they need...this "value" of customer service: the customer is always right...the customer comes first...This is the true value of selling real estate...The relationships we have taken the time to nurture and build. This is the truest measure of success. Just the other day I received a phone call from a very frustrated seller. (A lot of today's sellers are frustrated) He and his wife are two of my most favorite customers. They have bought and sold quite a few properties from us over the years. They are kind and loyal and easy to work with. After several moments of conversation he said to me, "Michele, you have the most calming voice." It was such a nice thing for him to say and it reminded me yet again how very important it is to stay in that positive place...Reacting to a person's frustration, making excuses, defending the market...none of this works. What sellers (and buyers) need is knowledge & honesty...about the price, about the market and the trends, but mostly they just want a "calming voice"... Yes, a lot has happened in the world since Mr. Pirsig first wrote about the zen approach to maintaining a motorcycle, but his theory isn't science after all, it's just the truth...Everything you think, you are --And I think I'm the luckiest person in the world to have made so many friends in my 27 years of selling real estate here in Naples. That is my value...Everything else will just fall into place.

Global Connections

Coldwell Banker and The Harris-Peppe Team opens homes to the world in 46 countries, on 6 continents...and our network keeps growing & growing. The Coldwell Banker brand name is known worldwide. Because of correcting real estate prices, historically low interest rates and the value of the Euro, the Canadian dollar and other foreign currencies, Florida real estate is "on sale" like never before! With favorable exchange rates and our global network of 120,000 sales associates in more than 3,800 offices in 46 countries, we are uniquely positioned as one of very few international real estate brands. Savvy international buyers recognize that NOW is the perfect time to buy their Florida Dream Home. On a recent online survey, Coldwell Banker in Florida determined that 47% of the agents that responded reported working with international buyers from 90 countries in the last 6 months. This is significantly higher than the national average of 33% in 2007. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, working with a team and a company that offers this global reach is of utmost importance. We know that many of our international home buyers are going to the Internet first to find their Florida home. Florida accounted for 26% of the all international home purchases in 2007...many of whom have discovered the beauty and value of Naples! At Coldwell Banker and The Harris-Peppe Team we are committed to broadening our international reach. We are committed to educating ourselves on the business protocol and buying habits of potential customers from around the globe. I'm sure you've heard the expression that "real estate is local", however, real estate has gone global and we pride ourselves in our Global Connections.

New Feature on our site!

We love getting feedback and input from the public and our customers who frequent our website. We take all suggestions into consideration and today I am happy to announce a few improvements to our already awesome site! First of all, as a buyer you will now be able to search in better price point increments to help you zero in on listings that are closer to the actual purchase price you desire. Second, we will now be changing our "Featured Property" on our home page weekly instead of monthly. With so many wonderful listings in our inventory, and with featured properties getting so many "looks" we thought this would be a way of better exposing our fabulous "best buys" and change them out regularly. By clicking on that link on the home page you will be able to get details of each listing as well as lots of photographs and a virtual tour! So thank you for all the great comments! Keep them coming! We aim to please! --and remember, to see any of these listings, please call The Harris-Peppe Team today! 239-370-0574 direct