Select Vendor of the Week

MARTIN"S COOLING & HEATING, Inc.

It is my absolute pleasure to recommend Martin's Cooling and Heating, Inc. We recently hired them to do service work at our own personal residence. All the employees were hard working, personable and skilled. We have hired them many times before, and have referred them to many of our Naples customers over the years. They always do a fabulous job. They are reliable, and set a high business standard both in their job performance and knowledge of the industry, as well as their ethics. Their prices are very competitive..their website states that their main goal is to provide quality service and honest pricing.

The fact that they are a family owned and operated business is just one more reason why we feature them on the Select Vendor list on the home page of our website: NaplesRealEstate.com Please feel free to contact them today to find out how they can help you to improve the air quality of your home or condo. You can schedule a service call directly by logging onto their website: MartinsCooling.com or by calling them directly at 239.430.1685

A good rule of thumb is to change your air filters on the first day of each month, or on the day your electric bill comes in the mail as a reminder! Now, that's a "cool" idea!

Hope you are all having a great day, and remember, if you need anything related to The Naples Real Estate market, please give us a call: 239.370.0574

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

The Power of Being Thankful

The power of being thankful...it's not your typical real estate blog post...

I started keeping a journal when I was a teenager, although back then it was called a diary. Having moved from New York, to New Jersey, to California, to Texas, to finally Naples, many of those 'Notes To Myself' have been lost...or buried in boxes in storage...or simply read & re-read a few times before making their way into a shredder or burning bowl ceremony, where letting go and healing was much better than hanging on...Over the years I have come to believe that Being Thankful is one of the 2 most important aspects of living a good life...[The other is forgiveness]. Being Thankful...For EVERYTHING! Good and bad. Days that run smoothly like a gentle ocean breeze: T h a n k y o u...and, Days that wipe you out like a storm trying to demolish everything in its path. T h a n k y o u. I know, no "I KNOW", that it is all for my highest and best good...even the challenges, no ESPECIALLY the challenges! I mean, seriously, have you read a newspaper lately, watched the news? Can you find dozens of things to complain about, to be sad about, to be angry about, to worry about? Oh course you can...but can you also find thousands of things for which to be grateful? I am certain you can. ~and, I am certain that once one begins to count blessings, everything in life turns around. Someone once said, "You cannot be stressed and grateful at the same time." I agree with that!

Today I keep a Gratitude Journal, and I write in it almost every morning....I began this ritual a few years ago. Today I randomly opened it up and 'thumbed' through it...I couldn't help but smile when I read some of the entries: "I am grateful for...When Chip makes the coffee, A friend stopping by unexpectedly, The Yankees in post-season, Chocolate biscottis, Finding a $10 bill in my pocket, Firefighters, Three sons who call me to just say I love you mom, Having choices, my purple scarf, The ability to see the blessing in each situation, Clean sheets, Old photographs, being able to hear music, rainbows, The books on my coffee table"...well, you get the picture. Of course, it goes without saying that we are all grateful for the obvious things in life: Our loved ones, our health, our jobs, our talents, our homes...and sometimes, even those big things are taken for granted. But, being thankful for things when they are NOT going our way...Ahhhh, now that takes a bit more work indeed. I had a little medical scare this year that turned out to be a false alarm--I didn't tell anyone but Chip. Because I try to practice being thankful for everything, as soon as I got the initial news [and took that first deep breath], I simply said, 'Thank you God for whatever you hold in store for me. I know it is for my highest and best good, and the highest and best good for all those around me, and I can't wait to see the blessing that will come of it." This simple prayer completely turned my energy around. Being grateful gave me a different perspective.

So, on this very special holiday I would like to just say Thank you. Thank you to all the wonderful people who have added so much to the success of NaplesRealEstate.com...Thank you to our amazing customers, loyal friends and colleagues, the vendors, the staff at Coldwell Banker, our neighbors on Fifth Avenue South, The Naples Area Board of Realtors...Thank you that I get to sell homes in paradise...and, last but not least, Thank you to Chip and Sam!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Waterfront Real Estate

What's happening on the water in Naples Florida?

There is a very limited supply of new construction homes for sale in Naples Florida. Currently there are a total of 2,585 homes for sale in all 'NA' zones in Naples according to our local multiple listing system, SunshineMLS. When doing a search of the Naples MLS for single family homes presently for sale that have been completed in the year 2011 there are only 109. Interestingly enough, when I reduce that search down and request only those homes found on the water with direct gulf access [no bridges], again built in 2011; there are only TWO single homes, currently Active in the MLS, that are ready for occupancy! One is located in Port Royal listed at $8,450,000, and the other is in Royal Harbor [address links to a virtual tour and additional information and photos] located at 2178 Tarpon Road which is being offered at $2,890,000. That's it! TWO houses! If I extend that search to include homes built since 2005, using the same criteria: waterfront with direct gulf access, there are only 15 currently for sale in Naples! These range in price from the mid-$2 millions up to $14,900,000. Then, even if I recalculate and go back to homes built since 2000, there are still less than 30 homes currently for sale in Naples with direct gulf access. So, if you are looking to buy a brand new construction home on the water, and you don't want to go through the process of building, your choices are limited. The good news is, the homes which are available for immediate occupancy are exquisite.

I invite you to contact us today to get a preview of these lovely residences. Or perhaps you would like to do your own research first. If you click on this highlighted link you will be directed to a landing page on our "Naples Previews" website which allows you to view Luxury homes and condos in Naples Florida in boating communities with prices starting at $1 million and up.

For information, a private showing, or a color brochure with floor plans of any of these homes please call The Harris Peppe Team today. 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*This information derived from SunshineMLS and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Fifth Avenue South, The Heart of Old Naples

I work on the prettiest street in the world [click on image to enlarge]. Sitting at my desk, I face out in front of a big picture window...it's amazing to me that i don't spend more time daydreaming...As I look out, I can see the beautiful people passing by...Those who are lucky enough to live here are usually dressed for work, and the snowbirds that recently began arriving again for season can be spotted at the sidewalk cafes...while those that are here for shorter visits are quite noticeably "on vacation". This area of Naples called Old Naples, snugged up against the Gulf of Mexico, was founded in the late 1800's by pioneers with a vision for a place to winter in the sun. The allure remains today, as it is my opinion, few places on earth offer the beauty, ambiance and activity that you can find on Fifth Avenue South. Restaurants, bistros and coffee shoppes...World-class galleries, live theater and unbelievable boutiques. The mile-long avenue is alive with things to do each and everyday. There are holiday themed parades, open air art shows and city festivals. Why, just tonight we are celebrating our Evening On Fifth from 6-9PM...an event held on the 2nd Thursday of each month that brings out musicians, restaurant specials and sidewalk sales! There are days when I pinch myself, to think that I live, work and play in this magnificent place.

For information about the downtown area or receive a 2012 Downtown Naples Guide, please call The Harris Peppe Team today. 239.370.0574 Not only can we help you buy a home or condo, we can also assist you with accommodations, recommend a fine eatery, and direct you to the historic landmarks.

Fifth Avenue South is referred to as The Heart of Old Naples--come for a visit, and it will be clear to you why.

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Coldwell Banker Lists New Previews Residence

Perfection in Grey Oaks, Naples Florida

This magnificent estate is situated on a 1+ acre cul-de-sac homesite where you can savor the views of the preserve, lakes and greens of The Pine course from every vantage point. The home was designed by renowned architect Stofft & Cooney, and built in 2005 by Borelli Construction. It has 6 spacious bedrooms, 7 full and 2 half baths. Some of its many amenities include a detached guest residence, 4 car garage parking and motorcourt, a wonderful outdoor living area with a summer kitchen & outside fireplace...you haven't seen a more beautiful pool & gardens. Interior features include a gourmet kitchen with every imaginable "must have", a 850+ bottle climate controlled wine cellar, private elevator and state-of-the art home theater. Additional photographs and a virtual tour of the property can be seen by clicking HERE.

This world class estate epitomizes the best of luxury living in prestigious Grey Oaks!

For a personal tour of the home, or to request a brochure and floorplan of the property, please call Chip Harris today: 239.370.0574 ~Price upon request.

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

   

Select Vendor of the Week

The Harris Peppe Team of the Coldwell Banker Previews office on Fifth Avenue South in Old Naples is proud to announce this week's select vendor of the week is Carroll & Carroll, Inc. They are an independent fee appraisal firm practicing in both Lee and Collier counties. The principals, Ray and Cindy Carroll, are a brother sister team. Their family were some of the earliest pioneers in Naples, dating back to the late 1800's. They believe "that kind of history brings insights and a sense of community" uncommon in such a fast growing region. Ray and his dad, Ernie, practiced together for 10 years overseeing the apprasial division for a local real estate company before forming Carroll & Carroll in 1984.

We have personally used the services of Carroll & Carroll for over 25 years. They have both a residential and commercial division. As their website states, they are 'Experienced and Reliable'...their integrity is second to none. Their mission says it all. "Carroll & Carroll, Inc translates their unique experience of the history, geography and economy of southwest Florida into appraisals that are trusted and reliable."

If you are considering buying or selling in the Naples area, and would like a consultation with Carroll & Carroll, I am certain they would be very receptive to your questions. You can reach them at info@carrollandcarroll or call or email any member of The Harris Peppe Team today for more information. 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

"Real Estate is NOT Real"!

Again we are faced with the media presenting erroneous information to consumers based on data that is inaccurate and far too broad-based to carry water. As one of my colleagues so eloquently put it earlier today in remarking about various newspaper and magazine accounts of the current real estate market, "Real Estate is NOT real, it's the perception that is real"!

As stated in CNNMoney this week, according to FISV, a financial analytics company, home values are expected to fall another 3.6% nationwide by next June. Naples Florida was used as an example as a region that will be hardest hit, with an anticipated drop of another 18.9%" In addition FISV states that Naples has already dropped 61%. What they, and others, fail to take into consideration is the vastness of Collier County and the gaping range in housing values from one zip code to the next. The areas around Naples which have experienced the greatest setbacks are now some of the most resilient. As an example, Golden Gate Estates, a rural community of Collier County with a Naples mailing address, has seen values decrease as much as 75%! As short a time as only 3 years ago that community had approximately a 7.2 year's supply of inventory! Presently there is less than a 6 month supply, and enough demand to absorb any shadow inventory that might come up on the market in the foreseeable future. Across the board we are seeing signs of stabilization. The trend lines in almost every Naples neighborhood are up!

The Naples Luxury Real Estate market has shown strong signs of recovery. Cindy Carroll with Carroll & Carroll, Inc. a Florida State Residential Real Estate Appraiser, was guest speaker at The Coldwell Banker business meeting last week. According to her market statistics: Old Naples single family homes currently have a balanced supply with 64 Active listings, 7 pending and 62 sold in the past 12 months. The Moorings/Park Shore/Coquina Sands single family homes currently has a shortage of inventory: 104 Actives, 16 pending and 115 closed in the past 12 months. Port Royal and Aqualane Shores both have approximately a 1 1/2 year supply of inventory. Royal Harbor, which had a 9.6 year's supply in April of 2007 now has about a 1.5 year supply...talk about a 'come back'!

Despite the challenges that we, and everyone else in the real estate industry are facing today, The Harris-Peppe Team remains bullish on the housing outlook in Naples. Just a few factors that we believe back up that opinion are: 1.) It just snowed as far south as Virginia last week and 1.6 million people are still without power....people want to spend winters in paradise! 2.) 78 million baby boomers will begin retiring within the next 10 years and many of them will be looking for housing, either to buy or rent, in warmer climates, and #3.) Our interest rates remain at record lows, making housing more affordable than ever for the 35% of the buyers in Naples that finance!

The media may try to do their best to scare away the investors, snowbirds and our international friends, but these factors will come into play more times than not. We all just need to continue to get the word out there that Naples is a safe and beautiful place to live, with well priced listings and a limited inventory.

If you would like information about a particular neighborhood or zip code in Naples, please do not hesitate to call The Harris Peppe Team. 239.370.0574

We welcome your comments. Please make it a great day!

Thank you,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger