New Listing in Naples Florida

Walk to The Beach Plus a Separate Guest House!

 

Come see why we believe this lushly landscaped retreat is one of the finest residences in the charming beachside community of Coquina Sands. Perfectly situated on .6 acres, this captivating home features an expansive 40' pool, over-sized patio and entertaining area, beautiful gardens as well as a private 1 bedroom guesthouse. The home boasts 3 spacious bedrooms, a gourmet cook's dream kitchen, 18' soaring ceilings and wonderful wall space for all your art.  Best of all, this contemporary masterpiece is just a short stroll to the sugar sand beaches at Lowdermilk Park and just minutes to all the downtown Naples fine shoppes and restaurants. Offered at $3,850,000. call today to see why this is one of Naples best luxury homes for the price and location!  

 



A Serene Zen Retreat

 

For more information about this property, or to obtain other condo and home listings in the Coquina Sands area, please contact the resident specialist; The Harris-Peppe Team's Gina Fischer. She has made this community her home for nearly 30 years. She will share with you her knowledge and love for the area as well as arrange a private showing of this remarkable home! Call her today at 1-239-564-5475

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

This is Why I sell Real Estate...

It's About The People Who Touch Your Heart

 

The story of The Green Robe [quoted below] was written several years ago...I am re-posting it today because I just listed Joy's home...I sold Joy and her husband their home in 1992. Joy passed away suddenly over a year ago and I've stayed in touch with her husband, as I always kept in touch with her...When I got to their home the other day to go over the paperwork with him, he had a nice stack of notes, cards and papers on his desk neatly bound together. He said, "Do you know what this stack of papers is? This is our Michele pile..." Over the years they kept every note and card and letter I had sent to them--I couldn't believe it...and so, ask me why I sell real estate? It is all about the relationships I've made along the way...it's about touching people's hearts...some of the greatest friendships in my life have come from this calling...

"Over 20 years ago I sold a home in Naples to a wonderful couple...Joy was a teacher....we clicked immediately. We've stayed in touch over the years...Sometimes nothing more than just a few of my 'staying in touch' marketing postcards, the annual Christmas card or an occasional personal note to let her know I was thinking of her. When we did have an opportunity to reconnect, it was always like no time had gone by since our last encounter. I've sold over 1,000 homes in the past 30 years...to a lot of wonderful couples, but Joy and her husband's purchase was one that always stands out in my mind--it was such an enjoyable transaction! One of the most delightful aspects of the sale was meeting "Dottie", Joy's mom, who already lived in a condo in Naples. Keep in mind, this was over 20 years ago, and so to this real estate gal who was then in her mid-30's, and who has never been one to even try to guess a woman's age, I simply suspected Dottie was at least old enough to collect social security. She was deeply caring and so happy to be involved in the process--She wanted to see the homes Joy and her husband had narrowed down to, and be part of the excitement that her daughter and son-in-law were experiencing buying their first Naples home! She was even at the closing!

Recently Joy called me--we had not spoken in years. She left a sweet message, but before I returned the call I did something I don't think I've ever done before--I search the local paper's obituaries online...It was there that I found what I sadly suspected was the reason for Joy's phone call, her beautiful mom had passed away. Joy wanted me to know that her mom had told her a long time ago, "someday when something happens to me I don't want anyone else but Michele to sell my condo."

~Later that week I met Joy at her mom's home--she had already gone through much of Dottie's things...Together we walked through the bright and cheerful apartment, and I could just feel Dottie's spirit. I made a few suggestions on what needed to be done before we put it on the market, and I told her not to worry, I would get back in there myself and have the place staged...A few more things ended up in boxes, some knick-knacks, books, and some clothes that were headed to the local shelter...Almost all the personal things save this one lovely green silk robe hanging in the closet. It didn't look like it had ever been worn--Joy confirmed that it hadn't and when she saw how I admired it, she asked me if I wanted it. She and her husband had bought it for Dottie--'guess she felt it wasn't practical'--made me remember when my grandma died and all the pretty robes and pajamas that my mom had given her over the years were still wrapped in tissue paper. "Of course I'll take it, are you sure? Oh my God Joy, it's beautiful!"

Well, yesterday was the closing. Some really nice people bought Dottie's little condo, which made us feel very good. It rained like crazy yesterday...Joy and I held back tears at the closing thinking that the rain drops were Dottie's happy tears...It was really awesome to tell the closing agent how far back we all go and how I came to get this listing...and I came away from that closing with an incredible feeling of contentment. It is good to be reminded sometimes that what we do each day has nothing at all to do with contracts or closings...It's about people who touch your heart...it's about a green silk robe, which by the way, I love to wear...Thank you Dottie!"


~Fast forward now to today...I still love that green robe...I still think of Dottie every time I wear it! My friend Joy was a lover of books...her husband told me to look through her books and pick any I wanted--I selected one named 'Comfort and Joy'...Yes, It is still about the people who touch your heart!

Thank you for letting me share...make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

FIRPTA Changes Effective Today

Important Update on New FIRPTA Changes!

On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law the 'Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015'. This act includes significant changes to several tax laws, in particular important modifications to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, better known as FIRPTA. These changes become effective, today, February 16th, 2016. Since approximately 25% of the real estate purchase in Florida involve a foreign buyer or seller, it is our effort to keep you apprised of these changes. As of today, all settlement agents are required to withhold 15% of the gross proceeds from any sale of real estate by foreign sellers.

 

Here is a summary:

1. Unless an exemption or reduced rate applies, the withholding amount has been increased from 10% to 15%.
2. If the property is NOT acquired as a residence, or the transaction exceeds $1 Million as a sales price, 15% of the gross proceeds MUST be withheld.
3. For properties being acquired by the buyer for use as a residence, and which are $1 Million or less, and for which the buyer signs a "Statement of Intent to Reside" the following rates apply: a) If the sales price is $300,000 or less. withholding is NOT required.  b) If the sales price is greater than $300,000 but not more than $1 Million 10% must be withheld. *please note the 10% withholding is based on the full amount of the gross proceeds.

There are 3 general ways of dealing with FIRPTA withholding:

1. Have the 15% withheld and file a non-resident income tax return for a refund in the year of the sale.
2. File an application for a reduced rate of withholding from the IRS on or before the date of closing. This is also known as a "Withholding Certificate". The seller then is required to file a non-resident income tax return the following year.
3. The buyer can choose to sign a "Statement with an Intent to Reside" on properties $1 Million or less which triggers one of the steps listed above in #3. *Please note that under the current law, the buyer assumes the risk, as they are referred to as the 'withholding agent'.  It is then mandatory and required that the seller file a non-resident income tax return and pay any tax due. [This could incur penalties for underpayment if applied.]

If you're not confused yet, you're one of the few who isn't. Better yet, I suggest you contact a professional in U.S International Tax Services. We at The Harris Peppe Team recommend Roberge Poskus International. You can go right to their website for additional information by clicking here: Roberge Poskus International.

 

We welcome your comments and feedback. Do you believe we will see any negative fallout from this new law? What are the positives and negatives in your opinion? Remember to call a real estate professional when considering a purchase or sale. With well over 80 years combined experience in the Naples Real Estate market, The Harris Peppe Team, members of The Coldwell Banker Previews International real estate company, is the largest full service real estate company in the world.

Local knowledge, Global connections. Call us today 1-239-370-0574

 

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

 

Coldwell Banker CARES Foundation

Together We Can Make A Difference!

 



 

Many years ago, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, the leading real estate company in Florida, established The Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate CARES Foundation to provide charitable contributions and fund raising initiatives to a wide array of non-profit organizations in the communities and neighborhoods we serve. The mission of CARES is to give back to our local communities by providing charitable contributions and volunteer support. We are hoping this will strengthen and reinforce Coldwell Banker's commitment to creating a lasting source of unity, hope and vision in Florida.

We know Florida’s quality of life depends upon the generous donations of those who live and work here. We contribute our time, talents and resources to help build a brighter future for all our citizens who call Florida home. Coldwell Banker sales associates throughout the United States support the CARES Foundation by donating a percentage from every closing! Even our employees and managers contribute through payroll deductions and numerous fundraising events.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate CARES has chosen Ronald McDonald House Charities as its statewide initiative in support of families whose children are hospitalized. Our next fund raising initiative is an Art Auction being held in Fort Myers. [click on link for info about Marlin Fine Auctions] ~Featuring art in all media and price ranges, admission is only $10 per person and includes a complimentary glass of wine. Please call Tracie Hurley for additional information: 1-239-220-8151

Coldwell Banker offices across Florida are also very active with Habitat for Humanity and have sponsored the construction of dozens of homes in our local communities, with additional home sponsorships in progress. On Coldwell Banker's 100 year anniversary in 2006, as a company we committed to building 100 Habitat Homes across the country, a goal we more than exceeded! Coldwell Banker is proud to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s universally praised mission - to build simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with deserving families without regard to race, ethnic background or religion. What better partnership, than the largest and most successful real estate company in the world joining forces with a charity that builds homes for those who otherwise might not ever be able to obtain the American Dream of home ownership!

Through our pledges, donations and fundraising events, we are excited and proud to give back to the communities where we work and live. Coldwell Banker CARES has contributed nearly $2 Million to various charitable organizations since 2001! For a list of some of the dozens of charities that we have given to in South West Florida over the years, please contact me directly at blogger@naplesrealestate.com 

 

Together we CAN make a difference!

 

Thank you,

 

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 *Contributions may also be sent directly to Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate CARES, 5951 Cattleridge Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232.

Naples Florida Direct Gulf Access!

New Listing in Aqualane Shores

 

This home overflows with charm and character. From the moment you step inside you are captivated by its originality~

~This is "Old Florida!

 

The landscaping is tropical all the way around with mature growth and magnificent flowering trees and orchids, creating a very private retreat. The spacious patio measures 55' with the focal point a spa and rock waterfall. ~From the channel you are a very short boat ride to Naples Bay and the Gordon Pass, then out to the Gulf of Mexico to experience beautiful sunsets. From this special residence you can walk to the beach, the historic Naples Pier, and all the wonderful shops, restaurants and galleries on Third Street South in Olde Naples! The most perfect downtown location!

 

There has been some updating in this meticulously kept home, including a fabulous kitchen which opens up to the living areas, the formal dining room, and the outdoor pass-thru!





 

 

This 4 bedroom home has a den, and 3 full baths. An Aqualane Shores classic, ripe for a mid-century modern renovation, or build your dream home on this spectacular homesite. Call The Harris Peppe Team today for details about well priced property, and to learn more about the waterfront real estate market in Naples Florida. 1-239-370-0574

 

Thank you for reading our blog! Make it a GREAT day,

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger