Quality AND Quantity

The quality of life in Naples is tough to beat...Our doctors and world-class hospitals are at the forefront of medicine...Staying fit and healthy comes naturally to Naples residents. The gyms and spas are too numerous to mention. -and There are so many natural attractions, too: beautiful beaches, preserves and parks...boating, fishing, eco-tours, sanctuaries...not to mention golf. More private golf holes per-capita than any other city in the world! So many wonderful outdoor activities...It is no wonder a recent article in Money Magazine rated Naples and Collier County #4 for longevity in the U.S.A. where life expectancy is 80.97. I'm not sure how they measure this, but I always knew there was a connection between "quality and quantity" and often wondered why Naples had not made the list before now. Just one more reason to consider a move to Collier County...Live good, Live long, make Naples your home!

Naples is now Under Valued!

We had two very positive articles about Naples Real Estate in the local paper this week. Friday's article even went as far as to say that Naples is now "under valued"! Allow me to share a few statistics with you that I think you will find interesting. Total Closed Residential Sales in Naples YTD, per the multiple listing service is 3,425. Currently there are 10,183 Active residential properties listed in the MLS. This means that at the current rate approximately 1 in 3 properties of the current inventory will go under contract. This is a broad stroke of the market. Of course, specific neighborhoods vary, but as a rule, this is an important statistic. If 1 in 3 listings will sell (and inventory is expected to increase in the coming months as it always does in preparation of season) pricing is more crucial than ever. In 2007 there was a total of 3,910 residential closings in Naples. 1,251 were listed under $300,000. In 2008 YTD there have been 1,604 closed residential sales listed under $300,000! The article in the paper pointed to the fact that if you took the "under $300,000" listings out of the equation, our market is actually up 5%. Residential Closed sale units in Naples in the last 4 years peaked in March of 2005 at over 1,000 closings for the month. The average number of per month closings in the past 12 months is 354, and continues to look like it will remain on an upward trend. (I have only used closed residential sales in Naples, not Marco Island or Bonita Springs in my calculations-I have not used closed lots either). Call us today with any questions or comments. Anyone of us on The Harris-Peppe Team would be happy to do a specific search and or a no obligation market analysis to assist you: 239-370-0574 direct. The number of sales is up, prices are at record lows and all indicators are that they have leveled out. There has NEVER been a better time to buy in Naples Florida! There remains an excellent inventory in all price ranges. Take advantage of this opportunity to own a piece of paradise! This is one agent who truly believes we are in for a fabulous season!

Naples Florida Real Estate Best Buys!

I believe these to be two of the best buys in Southwest Florida priced under $500,000!

If making a sound investment is your motivation, call today!

• Adorable, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, + den, single family home with a refreshing, below ground swimming pool! (check out the view) A bright and cheerful decor...ALL furnishings are included in this Key West-style cottage located in historic Goodland...move right in and begin to enjoy this lovingly maintained, charming home. Situated on a large bay with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the 10,000 islands where you will find the best fishing in Florida only a short boat cruise away! Here at "The Pineapple Hut" you are walking distance to all the fun that Goodland has to offer. -and Just a few minutes from all the convenient shopping and amenities of Marco Island...Plus only a 30 minute drive to downtown Naples! WOW! This is a true boater's dream. This turnkey furnished cottage can be yours for UNDER $500,000! MAKE OFFERS! All reasonable offers will be considered!

• Fabulous opportunity to own a rarely available 2 bedroom, 2 bath, turnkey furnished condo in Olde Naples just one short block to the beach and located directly on the World Famous Fifth Avenue South, Naples' main street! Here you are just steps away from breathtaking sunsets...PLUS all the amazing restaurants, pubs, galleries and fine shoppes that the downtown lifestyle has to offer. In addition to this, the condo, which is situated in a small and intimate enclave of only 14 units, can be rented out by the week! The rental history is excellent! Call for details. Lots of income to off-set debt! This would make a perfect get-away! No car necessary! Priced UNDER $500,000 to encourage offers!

Call today for appointments or for additional information about these or all other buying opportunities in Southwest Florida 1-239-370-0574 (direct) OR log onto our award winning website at: http://www.naplesrealestate.com/ You will find additional photos and virtual tours of these and our other listings on this site!

Sharpening The Axe

Well, I've been back at the office now for two full days and I must say, being away certainly helped my attitude. A couple of months away gives one a new perspective. Our colleagues were glad to see us...seems the office is lacking a little enthusiasm and they think I'm just the shot in the arm it needs. Gee, it's nice to be missed. I remember when I first got into this business and the more "experienced" agents took the summer months off and I used to think, "Someday that will be me"! They always returned refreshed and ready to face the season; full of new ideas and energy. That's just how I feel! Chip and I are fortunate to have amassed a team of professionals to handle the day to day business details in our absence. -And of course, with cell phones and laptops we are rarely more than a click away. We were more than ready to jump right back into it and we are eagerly looking forward to the opportunities ahead of us in the coming months. Sure, we know there are challenges; but hey, Naples is Naples! This is paradise! It's still 80 degrees in February, right? Plus, there are so many good buys on the market. It's a great time to be a buyer! We are busy getting up to speed with the current inventory, pricing adjustments, mortgage rates and appraisal issues and in addition to all the upcoming marketing campaigns we are designing a new and exciting website! We can't wait to unveil it! We've spent the last couple of months "sharpening the axe" and we are back and sharper than ever! Give us a call. We would love to hear from you. 239-370-0574 (direct)

Lest We Forget

On this day, "When buildings fell, heroes rose."

...and we will never forget.

Summer Sum Up

We are eager to get back to the office after spending the last 2 months out of town. While we were away we observed a few things which I thought I'd like to share in today's post: No matter how far off the beaten path we travelled; whether it was on a remote island in The North Channel, a quiet cove on Georgian Bay or a tiny seaside town along Lake Michigan, when we saw a real estate sign off in the distance it was nearly always a Coldwell Banker sign. The "blue and white" brand is universally recognized and respected. We are coming back to Naples more certain than ever that we are affiliated with the best real estate company. We never missed an opportunity to stop in and visit the Coldwell Banker offices we found along the way. We met and networked with agents and brokers from many of our feeder markets. Many of whom either knew someone who already owns a home in Naples or someone looking to buy! They were glad to have a referral contact. Unanimously, the internet was touted as the number one means of promoting listings and finding buyers as told to us by every top office and agent we met. Currently we are working on improvements to http://www.naplesrealestate.com/ and http://www.naplespreviews.com/. We will also be unveiling a third site by the end of the year which will highlight and feature only luxury homes and condos. There were days on end when we did not have reliable cell phone service and no internet connections--Krista, Meagan and Sam held down the fort like the competent experts we know they are and handled all situations with the skill and efficiency of seasoned professionals. The Harris-Peppe Team closed over $5 million in sales and currently has 7 contracts pending! We know there will be challenges ahead, but we also know we have the strength of three very important factors of success. An internationally recognized real estate company: Coldwell Banker; a winning sales team: The Harris-Peppe Team, and websites that dominate the Naples market! We look forward to earning your business. Give us a call. We'd like to put our knowledge and energy to work for you! 239-370-0574