New Listing ~ Windstar on Naples Bay

The True Florida Lifestyle

Welcome Home to Compass Point South

 

 

Stunning views from this tropically furnished condominium in one of Naples most coveted country club addresses! Minutes to downtown, this gated community has wonderful amenities including an 18 hole championship golf course, fine dining over looking Naples Bay, a world class marina, tennis, fitness center and a boat shuttle to a private island beach! The immaculate 2 BR 2 BA home is spacious and bright & cheerful. Steps from the pool, and pet friendly! You can have it ALL for under $300,000.! Call The Harris-Peppe Team today for details 1-239-370-0574

 



 

This is one of very few condos of this caliber so close to downtown Naples, and minutes to the beach and fine shopping and restaurants on Fifth Avenue South. Windstar Country Club also is walking distance to The Naples Botanical Gardens. The neighborhood has miles of walking and jogging trails. We think it is one of the very best values in Naples Real Estate!

 

Thank you, and make it a great day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

 



 

 



Happy Thanksgiving

"If the only prayer we ever said was 'Thank You',

it would be enough..."

 

 

 

It's that special time of year again when we are reminded of the power of thankfulness.

 

We consider it an honor and privilege to have worked with all the buyers and sellers we have connected with this year. Thank you also to all the wonderful vendors: loan officers, title companies, inspectors, attorneys and appraisers. Thank you to our boss, our partners, our colleagues and our competitors.  Thank you to all the painters and landscapers, the architects, the movers and the homewatch service providers...I have always found it to be such an interesting fact that  on average 140 jobs are created for every transaction closed.  It is no wonder the housing industry is the foundation of our country's economy.

 

We are grateful to participate in one of the most important decisions our customers will make in a lifetime. We are thankful for the referrals you all continue to send to us year after year.

 

Thank you from the Harris Peppe Team at Coldwell Banker Previews International in Naples Florida!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

The Harris-Peppe Team Recognized in Top 1%

The Harris-Peppe Team was recently recognized among the

Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Associates
 

 

See if you can find Chip & Michele

 

 

The Harris-Peppe Team has been recognized among the top 1% of sales associates affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in the SE Region for 2014. The team attended a gala event in Palm Beach last month to honor the top regional associates from NRT LLC, the largest residential brokerage firm in the U.S.* The event included agents from Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Washington DC. [click on photo to enlarge]

 

"It takes a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication and passion to reach this level of business in real estate. The Harris-Peppe Team is among the best of the best," said Kate Rossi, executive vice president of the Southeast Region of NRT LLC.

 

Participating agents were treated to dinner, dancing, networking and professional development programs at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

 

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is a leading full-service real estate company with more than 85 offices and 5,100 sales associates serving Florida. Worldwide, the Coldwell Banker network includes over 3,000 offices in 51 countries and territories, with nearly 86,000 sales associates.

Everyday Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate properties are exposed to over 16 Million buyers on 750+ websites. NRT LLC closed over $151 Billion dollars in sales volume last year! Coldwell Banker sells $121 Million in Luxury sales a day! No one can come close to that number! For a direct link to all luxury listings in Naples Florida, please click here: Naples Previews
 

  

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

*NRT is ranked #1 in both closed residential buyer and/or seller transaction sides and sales volume from 1996-2014 in the U.S. data obtained by Real Trends Survey.

 

"Community of the Year"

Villa With Lake Views

Come see why we think this is one of the best buys in the award winning community of Verona Walk in Naples Florida! This immaculate 3 BR 2 BA villa has a 2 car garage and is situated on a corner lot with peaceful views. Very open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, complete appliance package, home security system, tile in all main living areas, and a wonderful screened lanai. Click here to see the Virtual Tour of this home!

 

Verona Walk was awarded Community of the Year in 2014 in the State of Florida and features 24/7 manned gate house, over 20 miles of jogging trails, resort-sized swimming pool, fitness center, lighted tennis courts, bocce and basketball courts, and a children's play area. Within the neighborhood, The Town Center has a restaurant, a bank, post office, travel agency, gas station, car wash, library, ball room and a full time activities director. This is the lifestyle you have been dreaming of!

 

 

 

Call us to make an appointment to view this immaculate home today: 1-239-404-4889

 

Thank you and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

What is Blue Zones?

We are on a mission to help people Live Longer, Better Lives!

 

The Blue Zones Story

 

What is a "Blue Zone"? Well, if you are living in Naples Florida, you will soon be hearing this term a lot. By definition, Blue Zones is a concept used to identify a demographic and or geographic area of the world where people live measurably longer lives. There are five regions in the world where residents live longer, healthier lives; they are: Sardinia Italy, The islands of Okinawa Japan, Loma Linda California, the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, and Icaria Greece. In a study conducted in 2009 it was found that 1 out of 3 people on the island of Icaria live well into their 90's and have about a 20% lower rate of cancer, 50% lower rates of heart disease, and virtually no dementia!

In 2004, Dan Buettner teamed up with National Geographic and the world's best longevity researchers to identify pockets around the world where people live longer, better lives. In these Blue Zones people reach the age of 100 at rates 10 times greater than the United States. After identifying these zones, the team of scientists scrutinized the lifestyle characteristics and found all Blue Zones residents shared nine specific characteristics. These are referred to as: Power 9. Dan's book, The Blue Zones, has been a big hit, and its success has prompted many to ask, 'How can we in prove the health and longevity of the United States'? You can watch a short YouTube video by clicking on this link here: Blue Zones

These are the  Power 9 'secrets' to a long, healthy life:

1. Move Naturally: Take the stairs rather than the elevator, stand rather than sit, park far away from the store entrance. Contrary to common thinking, those who exercise do not actually live healthier lives, but those who 'move naturally' do.

2. Purpose: Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to 7 years of extra life expectancy! Can you sum up your life's purpose in one or two sentences if asked?

3. Down Shift: Stress leads to chronic illness and inflammation and is associated with most major age-related diseases.

4. The 80% Rule: Most of us over eat. This rule suggests you stop eating when you feel no more than 80% full!

5. Plant Slant: Always favor plant-based foods over meats.

6. Wine: Yes, you heard it right! Having one or two glasses of wine in the evening, preferably with a companion, has health benefits.

7. A Sense of Belonging: It is confirmed, people who attend a faith-based service 4 times per month add many years to their lives.

8. Loved One First: Centenarians keep aging parents and grandparents nearby, are in a committed loving relationship, and invest emotionally in their children. 

9. The Right Tribe: The world's longest-living people chose or were born into social circles that support healthy behaviors.

 

Now, imagine if we [Naples Florida] could make small, incremental changes to the way we live and in doing so dramatically improve the well-being of our entire community---Well, we can, and we are! I suggest you log onto the Blue Zones website. You will be excited to read that Naples Florida is currently a Blue Zones project. I recently took The True Happiness Test, also offered on this website. Links are also available to printable versions of the "Check Lists", and great recipes, and sources to help you become more involved.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Coming up on Saturday November 14th at the North Collier Regional Park there will be a FREE community-wide celebration. Many of your questions can be answered here, and I hope you will attend!

I am so excited and proud to be living in a town like Naples Florida that is committed to helping its citizens lead longer, better lives! For more information on the local Blue Zones project and to read our community assessment, visit Collier County Blue Zones . 

Please contact me directly if you would like me to send you the Blue Zones Personal Checklist. 1-239-250-4370

Thank you, and make it a great day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

* Information gathered from several news sources including southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com and Wikipedia

 

True Florida Living

The Naples Lifestyle at its Best!

Are you looking for a place in paradise to escape to this winter? This might be your ticket to warm winter nights, and active days in this amenity-rich community that offers everything you've been dreaming about! The gated neighborhood features 24/7 manned gatehouse, a resort-style pool, 20 miles of jogging trails, fabulous fitness center, children's play area, bocce and basketball courts, a computer center, a ballroom, card rooms, PLUS The Town Center offers a bank, gas station, car wash, library, a travel agency, and a full time activities director! You'll really feel like you are on vacation all the time! Named "Community of the Year" for 2014, you owe it to yourself to check out this wonderful home!

 

 

The immaculate 3 bedroom home boasts a den and 3 full baths. A peaceful lake view from the newly screened expanded lanai offers the most desirable southern exposure...other features include a security system, poured concrete construction, volume ceilings, tile throughout, and an open kitchen concept that you will love! Additionally there is a 2 car garage and beautifully landscaped homesite. 

 

 

 

For details about this wonderful listing, or to make an appointment to preview this home, please call The Harris Peppe Team at NaplesRealEstate.com today! 1-239-404-4889

 

Thank you and make it a GREAT day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

 

New Luxury Listing with a Guest House!

Welcome Home to Your New Estate Residence

 

Exquisitely appointed home plus guest house situated on 2.5 acres of lush tropical gardens; offering the utmost in privacy, quality of life and convenience. Natural palms and beautiful fountains abound in this fully fenced property. From the moment you enter the electric gates onto this well manicured estate you know you have arrived at a perfect place to call home. The main home features three spacious bedrooms plus a den, 3 full baths, a formal and casual eating and living areas. The gourmet kitchen is top-of-the-line, boasting an island design, granite and custom cabinetry, a coffee bar and a Viking range.   



There is an advanced home security system, an RO water filtration system with a 200 gallon reserve, a back-up generator which will run the entire home and pool, and too many other upgrades to name. The attention to detail is beyond reproach, evident in the soaring tray and coffered ceilings, moldings and shutters throughout. The master suite measures 18' X 21' and leads to the lanai as well as a luxurious master bath and 2 walk-in closets! The warm wood flooring enhances this homes beauty.

 

The enclosed salt water pool with thermal ledge and brand new spa with "moat" are also fully automated and can be monitored online. A video of the home can be viewed here: New Listing Naples Florida.  ~The guest house has 3 full bedrooms and a garage, and is strategically positioned on the property to insure privacy for both your guests and the main home. The total square footage of this fabulous residence is 9,364 sf which includes the guest house and 3 car parking, and 500+ covered lanai!

 

This wonderful new listing is being offered at $1,199,000. and you can call today to schedule your private showing by contacting Sam Wells, of The Harris Peppe Team at Sam@NaplesRealestate.com or 1-239-404-4889.

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 Reason I love Southwest Florida

The Naples Pier

 

 

Ask anyone, whether it be a local or a visitor, what the number one landmark is in Naples Florida, and undoubtedly you will hear a resounding: The Naples Pier!

 

The Naples Pier is situated on west end of 12th Avenue South in Old Naples. Originally built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock, the pier was designed to stretch out 1,000' feet into the Gulf of Mexico, due to the gulf's low depths, to provide a structure for incoming baggage, freight and visitors to our new town. In the early days, the pier was lined with narrow gauge train rails. The pier has been rebuilt several times, most notably in 1922 when a fire consumed much of the structure along with the post office that occupied the site at that time. The Naples Pier and is presently going through another improvement. Click here to see this video to get a bird's eye view of the famous landmark under construction: The Naples Pier.

 

For so many people, the Naples Pier is the ideal place to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Tourists and natives alike congregate at dusk, take a stroll, talk to the anglers, take photos of the pelicans and dolphins, and listen to the gentle sounds of waves touching the shore...the perfect setting to experience all the sights and sounds of nature.    

 

As an amateur photographer, I have hundreds of pier pictures that I've taken over the years. Recently, I asked our fans on Facebook to submit their own pier photos. I've received some beauties, and would love to collect more and turn them into a video. Send your submissions to: Michele@NaplesRealEstate.com

 

If you are interested in getting additional information about real estate offerings and values in  the [click link to see a short video]: Old Naples Community, or call the area experts: The Harris-Peppe Team is waiting to hear from you, and we want to earn your business! 1-239-370-0574

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

 

*The photograph pictured above was taken by my friend, Mary Popiolek. The Harris-Peppe Team uses it in many of their print media campaigns. It's one of my all-time favorites!  

A New Listing in Old Naples!

The Perfect Guest Suite

The Harris-Peppe Team, at the prestigious Coldwell Banker Previews office located on 5th Avenue South just listed the perfect guest suite, right in the heart of Old Naples! Contact us today to see why we think this is one of the best values in town! Totally redone and turnkey adorable! You are right around the corner from Fifth Avenue South, and just a few short blocks to the beach. This small and intimate condo complex has a refreshing pool, and it is pet friendly!

Call Gina Fischer for additional information, or to schedule your private showing of this impeccably appointed first floor condo! Reasonable fees, assigned parking, and light & bright SW corner unit! Call now! You will not be disappointed: 1-239-564-5475

 

If you are looking for the best location, comfort and convenience, look no more....this is it!!! 

 

Great for weekend get-aways, or can be used as a wonderful guest suite for visiting friends and family. Here you can walk to all the wonderful downtown amenities: fine dining, world class shopping, fabulous art galleries and live theater! Additional photos and a virtual tour is also available online: Naples Real Estate  

 

Thanks, and make it a GREAT day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

Naples Intown & Affordable!

New Condo Listing in Naples Florida

The Intown Club

 

Come see why we think this is one of the very best real estate values in Naples Florida!

 

Adorable 2 bedroom 2 bath 2nd floor condominium with soaring ceilings overlooking the pool in a quiet setting just minutes to downtown Naples. Nicely furnished, this home is ready for you to make it yours! Friendly complex comprised of only 24 total units boasts low fees and a super location!

 

 

Priced to sell at only $159,900. Call NOW for details 1-239-370-0574

 

 

Presently there is a lack of quality listings in this price point and location. This condo won't last long as it is smartly decorated, with low fees, and close to all the wonderful downtown Naples amenities. Please call us today for a private showing, or for a list of ALL the condos for sale in the Naples area! We look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope to earn your future Naples Real Estate business!

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Florida and Hurricanes...

It's Hurricane Season ~ Be Prepared!

 



June 1st marks the first day of hurricane season. This runs for 6 months, through November 30th. Here are a few facts about hurricanes, as well as a few helpful websites, that I want to share with you.

 

Did you know that for hundreds of years, hurricanes in the West Indies were named after the particular saint's day on which the storm made landfall? Using a woman's name became customary after a novel called "Storm" was written in 1941 by author George R. Stewart. In 1951 the United States adopted the plan to name storms after the phonetic alphabet...Able, Baker, Charlie...But, in 1953 the weather service returned to only using female names. This officially ended in 1978, some believe due in part to the feminist movement, when names from both genders were used to designate storms in the Pacific. One year later, male and female names were included for the Atlantic storms, too. It has remained that way ever since. When a storm is considered to have been "devastating" its name is taken off the list permanently.

 

Once a system with a counter clockwise motion is identified, and the sustained wind speed are at 39 mph, the storm is named. A list of this year's storm names can be found on the National Hurricane Center's Website. This site is also a very good resource of information pertaining to hurricane preparedness. The hurricane link on the Collier County government site shares good information about Emergency Management; offering important suggestions such as having a "family plan". NOAA recently released predictions for the 2015 Hurricane Season, expected to be a "below average" year for storms, but none the less, always be prepared! So many people who live in Florida have never experienced a bad storm, although these past few years have seen the likes of storms such as Sandy effecting areas that typically do not have to deal with hurricanes. With the increase in population, newcomers are encouraged to understand the importance of being prepared. I cannot stress this enough. [Our storm shutters went up yesterday.]

 

This post is not meant to alarm you; hurricanes are a fact of nature. Consider, we are notified days in advance of the potential of a storm making landfall. Another informative site is the Florida State Insurance website. It will answer some of the more frequently asked questions about homeowner's insurance, and the need for flood.  

 

We are quite fortunate to live in paradise...we simply want you to heed the advice of those of us who have been here a long time---It's not about the parties: It's about being safe...and, did I mention? ...about being prepared!

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

Naples Florida Condo Sales are HOT HOT HOT!

New Listing In North Naples

Check out this spacious first floor end unit with Southern exposure overlooking a well manicured garden area. This bright and cheerful "pet friendly" coach home boasts 3 bedrooms, a 2-car garage, lots of storage and tile throughout the living room and dining areas. The in-house laundry room is over sized and has a laundry tub!

 

The fully equipped eat-in kitchen has beautiful white raised panel cabinetry and a breakfast bar which opens up to the dining area.

 The community is gated and has fabulous amenities including a large pool, clubhouse, tennis, basketball, exercise room, BBQ & picnic area, and a children's playground. The fees are very reasonable, and they have very healthy financials.  You are close to the A-rated schools and great shopping and restaurants, as well as several public golf courses! You will love it here!

 

Possibly one of the nicest features about this community

is the peaceful nature trail. 

 

 

Please call us today for additional information about this Best Buy! Being offered at only $224,900. we think this is one of Naples best values! Call Sam Wells at 1-239-404-4889

 

Thank you and make it a GREAT day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

Coastal Contemporary ~ Naples Florida

Direct Gulf Access

Welcome home to this exquisite residence, located in one of Naples finest waterfront communities. Beautifully updated, this 3 bedroom home boasts direct gulf access and includes a fabulous dock with an oversized lift, and situated on an oversized lot in Royal Harbor! The total renovation is meticulous in every way and the fine attention to details is beyond reproach! Wait till you experience the enormous lot; with privacy and amazing, tropical landscaping! Seeing is believing!

 

 

 

Granite counter tops, shaker cabinetry, stainless appliances and top of the line fixtures all enhance the open concept kitchen. You will love entertaining in this wonderful space that offers lots of natural light! 

 

 

The bedrooms are spacious, with clean lines and tasteful décor including wood flooring and Bahama shutters, beautiful fixtures and custom moldings.  

 

 

Call us today for your private tour of this modern masterpiece. The latest home trend in Naples is the new Coastal Contemporary. We would love to share with you our knowledge of this home, and others with similar features and architectural appointments. 1-239-370-0574 or email us at harris-peppe@naplesrealestate.com

 

Offered at $1,299,000.

 

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 



 

Facebook for Business

Personal Facebook Pages vs. Facebook Business Pages

Right on the top of my list of pet peeves is people using their personal Facebook page for business purposes. I can see an occasional posting about a long day at the office, or an upcoming open house...a comment about a really awesome customer, or an experience with a wonderful vendor---but I think it is important that users understand the difference. Business pages are more professional, plus you get special features such as ads, traffic stats and post scheduling features! I can't tell you how many times I open up my Facebook account only to see a "friend" marketing real estate on their personal page...The old 80/20 rule of social media should apply. Even on your Business page, 80% of your content should be about lifestyle, customer interest, local updates about restaurants and upcoming events in your area. Only 20% should actually be about your product!

 

 

Here are a few tips from The Naples Real Estate Blogger to make sure your Facebook strategy is on target:

 

1. For those of you in the real estate industry, it's worth mentioning again: Don't use your personal Facebook page to highlight your real estate services. Get a Facebook Business page!
2. Post about your neighborhood or farm area. Let people know your passion for this community.
3. Post as many images as possible--I suggest at least one every day! Images are more apt to create engagement, which is the #1 reason we post to begin with...The more images you post, the more likely your posts will get shared or commented on, and the more likely they will be viewed by your followers and friends of followers.
4. Use geo-targeted ads and pay extra to boost certain posts.
5. Ask questions! People love to share their opinions.
6. Highlight area vendors who have helped your business. It's one of the nicest compliments you can give; to tell your fans about a good experience, especially when it is unsolicited! 
7. Comment on other business pages. Share and tag! Recognize someone's accomplishments. Congratulate a job well done...Engage, engage, engage!
8. Quotes and positive affirmations are always fun to share.
9. Jokes are fun, too, but keep it clean--remember, it's your business page! 
10. Watch grammar and spelling. DETAILS matter!

Facebook is still the largest social network site. I hope this post has helped motivate you to take the next step towards creating a business page!

 

For information about the many social networks that The NaplesRealEstate.com Team uses to promote their listings as well as their success, please call us today; or better yet, log onto any one of our sites [see links below]. 1-239-250-4370

 

Real Estate is a "Social" business, and NO ONE does social better than us!

 

 

Naples Real Estate on Facebook

 

Naples Real Estate Blog

 

Naples Real Estate on Twitter

 

Naples Real Estate on YouTube

 

Naples Real Estate on LinkedIn

 

Search Homes and Condos on Naples Real Estate

 

Naples Real Estate Luxury

 

Check them out today, and let us k now what you think! Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

The Artist's Retreat ~ Naples, Florida

Contemporary Artist's Retreat

Welcome home to this classic modern residence, designed and owned by two of Naples most loved artists. Created out of their passion for their art, from the moment you walk through the sculptured iron gate you are inspired! Every nook and corner captures the natural light, and all rooms open to the sparkling salt water pool! Single story and built in 2012 to the highest standards...additional photographs, a floor plan and virtual tour can be emailed to you!

 

Less than a mile to 5th Avenue South, the European-styled 4 bedroom is perfect for the buyer looking to be close to all the downtown amenities, yet situated on a private oasis surrounded by tropical flora. The open floor plan boats soaring ceilings and lots of wonderful wall space! Other features include impact glass and high-end fixtures and granite, bamboo floors, and a lush backyard which is fenced and pet friendly! Please call us today for your private tour of this unique home which will appeal to the creative soul looking for a place to express and enjoy life in paradise!

 

The team at Naples Real Estate is waiting to hear from you! Call us at 1-239-250-4370 to set up an appointment today!

 

Thank you, and make it a great day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

 

Naples Home On TEN Acres

The Ultimate in Privacy!

This winding driveway leads you to the charming two-story Florida-style pool home. Secluded, and located in one of the up and coming areas of Golden Gate Estates, right down the street from Palmetto Elementary School. Beautifully wooded, and ready for your personal touches!

The top level has a Master Suite, 2 guest bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and formal living room with fireplace, plus a HUGE deck overlooking the peaceful trees.

The lower level features a family room, a full bath, a den with a separate entrance, and an oversized 2-car garage. The pool adds to the value of this wonderful residence. Priced to sell, and recently reduced to under $400,000!

 

Call us today for details about this perfect country retreat! 1-239-404-4889 You can view additional photos, including an aerial, plus a virtual tour can be found on our award winning website at: NaplesRealEstate.com

 

 

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 



 

Beautiful Naples Florida Estate Residence

Colliers Reserve.....Naturally!

 

This estate residence has been meticulously maintained and features many custom upgrades. The home boasts 3 spacious bedrooms plus a den with closet, a formal living room and a casual gathering room off the updated gourmet kitchen which features a gas stove and new granite. Colliers Reserve offers both full golf or social memberships!

The focal point of the formal dining room is a dramatic mural by renowned artist Don Kettleborough. [click photo below to enlarge] Additionally the home features a wonderful outdoor kitchen, custom designed heated pool with fountain and lovely landscaping that frames the fabulous view of the 4th fairway while ensuring privacy. This is the ideal home for the golfer looking for a private club, in a natural setting, with an active lifestyle, in an intimate community of exclusive single family homes. This truly is one of the most beautiful communities in all of Naples Florida!

 

Don Kettleborough Mural

Call us today for additional information, or log onto our Naples Real Estate website for a virtual tour, additional photographs, or to arrange a private viewing of this magnificent home! 1-239-370-0574

 

 

Thank you and make it a great day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 



"Home's Best Friend"

Coldwell Banker

to unveil the

'Home's Best Friend'

commercial during the Academy Awards show!

 

For over 109 years, Coldwell Banker has helped people find a home.

Our mission now expands to 'man's best friend'...

We have teamed up with Adopt-a-Pet, North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website...

~to help dogs find a loving home.

 

It's no surprise that we believe every loving animal deserves a loving family...and a loving place to call home! "But, we're not the only one!" As reported in the gmnews.com website today, the 'Home's Best Friend' commercial was the brainchild of the marketing group, Siltman & Partners, the national agency for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC; and although the full ad is currently available on the Coldwell Banker website, most of the nation will see it for the first time during the unveiling on Sunday night during the Oscars! They anticipate over 40 million viewers will be tuned in, making this a tremendous opportunity to raise the awareness of this project.

 

Coldwell Banker is legendary in helping people find homes; since 1906 they have been the premier provider of full-service residential real estate in the United States. Abbie Moore, the executive director of Adopt-a-Pet says she's, "amazed and inspired by the desire of Coldwell Banker to launch this amazing program." ~and, Trust me when I tell you, it is one of the most heart warming TV advertisements I have ever seen! Even the behind the scenes footage on the Coldwell Banker YouTube channel is great fun to watch!

 

The Harris Peppe Team has always been big supporters, both philanthropically as well as giving countless hours as volunteers at out local shelter here in Naples Florida. This new program has motivated us to continue helping adoptable dogs find homes in our community. 

 

If you have photos of a pet you've adopted, please send it to me at blogger@naplesrealestate.com so we can feature your 'Best Friend" on our website! We have several 4-legged grand dogs, all from our local shelter! ~And, the last time my broker and I went to the Naples shelter to give a donation from the Coldwell Banker CARES Foundation, one of the fuzzy doggies caught her eye, and is now part of her loving home!

 

As every dog lover knows, there's not much that compares to the unconditional love you get from a pet. I am proud to be affiliated with a company that understands this and has done such a remarkable job capturing that love!

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

Mortgage Hurdles and How to Overcome Them

4 Annoying Mortgage Hurdles & How to Overcome Them:

As recently reported on Credit.com, there are some common stumbling blocks that borrowers encounter, and here are some suggestions for helping you to overcome them:

1. A High Debt Ratio: It doesn't matter how great your credit score is, or how much money you earn; your housing payments plus your credit obligations cannot exceed 45% of your monthly income! If you have debt preventing you from getting a home loan, one way to possibly overcome this is to consolidate debt into lower payments. Most loan officers can look at your finances and give you advice of what needs to be reworked in order to go forward in the loan process. It is definitely worth your while, if you are looking to buy a home, to work with a reputable lender, build a relationship, and review all options of reducing debt.

 

2. When the Solution to a Problem Creates a New Problem: Tell me this isn't frustrating? Imagine your lender requests your end-of-year pay stubs, but this year's income is less than previous years; so the lender creates another condition of the loan based on this information. A letter of explanation is required about "declining" income. In short, conditions brought on by mortgage conditions due to underwriting require more documentation. I'm here to tell you, resubmissions are normal. Most of the loans I deal with, even with the most meticulous borrowers require 3-4 resubmissions during the loan process.

 

3. Undocumented Funds: Even if it's "your" money, you cannot use it if you cannot document it! Any deposits going into your bank account separate from your stated income need to be documented. Even if you are self-employed, lenders will require you to document your funds. Avoid depositing any monies in your bank account that you unprepared to document. In some cases gifts can be used in down payments. Check with your mortgage loan originator to see what programs allow gifts.

 

4. Business Expense Write-Offs: This is a big one...and your lender will not ignore this issue. Tax preparers will suggest writing off expenses as a way to offset a tax liability, but it could hurt your chances of getting a mortgage by reducing your income. Banks typically average two years of write-offs and subtract that from your income and use that figure when determining your income to debt ratio. Just because the IRS allows these deductions isn't always in your best interest. Again, check with your lender to discuss what is the best alternative for you when preparing to begin your search for a new home. In some cases buyers need to wait a year or two in order to meet the strict mortgage guidelines that are enforced today.

 

Even if you have a solid payment history, excellent credit, and low debt, there are factors on how you are "viewed on paper" that are important to understand when beginning your real estate process. Lending guidelines are meant to be used as a way to predict whether a borrower will default on a loan, it's just that simple. It isn't very likely that we will see these guidelines loosened up anytime soon, so I cannot stress enough the importance of working with a professional loan officer. The Harris-Peppe Team uses the services of Kelly Rebimbus at Sunbelt Lending. You can reach her at 1-239-273-5239 or you can apply online by clicking here: SUNBELT LENDING APPLY ONLINE

Although, the majority of the transaction in Naples Florida are cash sales, and our team closes approximately 75% cash transactions, many of today's buyers are considering financing because the rates are still so low. Please let us know how we may be of service to you. Our company is a full service real estate company handing both residential and commercial sales and leasing, mortgages, title and closing services, as well as vacation rentals. We are here to make your real estate transaction as stress free and convenient for you as possible! 1-239-370-0574

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Direct Gulf Access in Naples Florida

Wonderful Waterfront Opportunity

Truly one of the best waterfront opportunities in Naples Florida. The home features 3 spacious bedrooms plus a den, and has a formal living room as well as a casual family room which opens up from the beautifully updated kitchen. Custom details throughout include high ceilings, large closets, a fabulous laundry room, luxurious master bath, and pocket sliders leading out to the lanai. The southern exposure homesite is situated on a lovely tree-lined street and faces an oversize channel that leads right out to Naples Bay, The Gulf of Mexico and  The10,000 Islands! For additional photos and a virtual tour, click HERE: Naples Waterfront Best Buy

 

 

The backyard is amazing. The pool is screened in and leads to a wonderful deck, perfect for entertaining! The 40' dock comes equipped with a lift, and plenty of waterfront decking for extra seating and sunning! Imagine dining al fresco water side! Also, you are just minutes to Old Naples by car, or a short walk to The Naples Bay Resort shops and restaurants, making this one of the best locations in Naples! 

 

Call us today to preview this lovely home in paradise!

1-239-370-0574

 

 

Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you to answer all your Naples Real Estate questions.

 

Make it a great day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger