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

 

 

 

Perfect Winter Get-Away!

New Listing in Naples Florida

 

This is the perfect Naples winter get-away! Conveniently located right across the street from beach access with pristine sand and endless views! Also, short drive to all the wonderful downtown amenities, this immaculate 2 bedroom 2 bath condominium has been meticulously maintained! Features include updated kitchen, walk-in closets with built-ins, charming Florida room with sunset views, and many lovely touches throughout!

Beautiful landscaping, steps to the pool, close to all the wonderful Naples restaurants and world class shopping...this is the Naples dream condo that you have been waiting for, and the winter get-away that you deserve! Click here for virtual tour: New Listing!

 

Call us today to preview this awesome new listing, or to request a color brochure with floor plan, a list of furnishings that are included in the price, and additional details: 1-239-370-0574

 

Thanks, and make it a great day,

 

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Mortgage News

New FICO Scoring System

In a recent article published by the National Mortgage Professional Magazine, it was announced that the FICO scoring system will be restructured in order to help borrowers qualify for loans more easily. One of the primary differences we will see is that median FICO score for consumers whose only derogatory references are unpaid medical debts will increase by 25 points.  It has been determined that medical collections should have a lower impact on the score since in most cases it is not commensurate with the credit risk they represent, nor the borrower's ability to repay a mortgage loan.

 

The FICO Score 9 also supports a lender's desire to better assess the risk of a consumer with a limited credit history. Most of the mortgage lenders we have spoken with believe this will open up the housing market to a greater number of qualified buyers. The system will run more efficiently and consistently, and will more precisely assess new applicants.

 

If you would like specific information about local mortgage rates and trends, please call us anytime. We have a full time lender on our team who always welcomes calls from our prospective customers.

1-239-370-0574

 

Thank you, and make it a great day!

 

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

 

Another New Listing In Naples Florida

Located in the beautiful gulf side community of Coquina Sands, this custom built California mission-style residence embraces you immediately upon entering the charming entry courtyard. 

~ Coquina Sands Masterpiece ~

Designed by the prestigious architectural firm of Stofft Cooney, and constructed in 2006 by BCB Homes of Naples Florida, this spacious home features 3 large bedrooms plus a study. Each guest suite has its own private full bath and has direct access to the outdoors! There is a formal living room & formal dining room as well as a casual gathering room with soaring ceilings, and a morning breakfast nook located off the island kitchen surrounded by bright windows! All the windows in the home are impact resistant. Additionally the home includes a 3-car garage, and lots of storage! The below ground pool is spectacular and measures 14' X 40'. Perfect for doing laps! The private backyard boasts tropical fruit trees and lovely gardens.  This is truly a place you'd love to call home!

The architectural detailing in the outside living space is captivating. 

 

The over sized home site is nearly a 1/2 acre and is within walking distance to the beach, and very close to wonderful shopping, golf, fine restaurants, and all the wonderful downtown Naples amenities.  Are you interested in seeing this lovely residence, or perhaps you know someone looking for this style home? Call us. We would love to arrange a private showing at your convenience. In the meantime, here is a VIRTUAL TOUR that you will enjoy! We look forward to hearing from you soon! 239-370-0574

Thank you and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

 

Naples Real Estate Update

The Naples Real Estate Market Continues to Heat Up

While Cold Temperatures Up North Keep Snowbirds

Flocking To South Florida This Winter!

 

The Naples Pier at Sunset

 

Last week The Naples Area Board of REALTORS^®, known locally as NABOR® published the most recent numbers for the month ending on January 31st, 2014. Here are some of the findings based on the data derived from our MLS for year-over-year comparisons:

 

As Reported by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS^® on February 14, 2014, sales in the Naples luxury condo market soared as shown by a 70% increase in closed sales in the $2 million+ category, and an increase of 40% $1 million – $2 million category for the 12 period ending January 2014. Demand for luxury condos is strong as evidenced by a 29% reduction in inventory in the $2 million+ category and a 17% reduction in inventory in the $1 million – $2 million price range. This is according to the January 2014 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

Overall home sales increased by 5% from 9,273 properties sold in the 12-months ending January 2013 to 9,754 properties sold in the 12-months ending January 2014. While overall sales were up slightly, overall inventory continued to decline, down another 15% in January 2014. The overall median closed sale price saw a dramatic increase of 18% from $205,000 in the 12-months ending January 2013 to $242,000 in the 12-months ending January 2014.

Statistics compiled by NABOR® for January 2014 show pending sales, which is the best indicator as to what direction the market is moving, have increased 66% for condominiums in the $2 million+ price range. That category is outselling  all other price categories above $300,000 from 12-months ending January 2013 to 12-months ending January 2014.

Some other statistics that you might find interesting are as follows: 

• Closed Sales in the under $300,000 category fell 4 percent from 6,153 properties in the 12-months ending 2013 to 5,900 properties in the 12-months ending 2014. I believe this is due to a drop of inventory in this price range.
• As stated earlier in this post, overall median closed price rose 18 percent from $205,000 in the 12-months ending 2013 to $242,000 in the 12-months ending 2014.
• Overall inventory decreased by 15 percent from 5,642 properties in January 2013 to 4,776 properties in January 2014.
• Closed sales in the condominium market rose 9 percent from 4,679 properties in the 12-months ending 2013 to 5,100 properties in the 12-months ending 2014.
• Inventory in the condominium market decreased by 21 percent from 3,092 units in January 2013 to 2,447 units in January 2014.
• Median home prices in the single family market rose 23 percent from $240,000 in the 12-months ending January 2013 to $295,000 in the 12-months ending January 2014.
• Presently there are 2,204 single family homes for sale in the Naples MLS, and 2,493 condominiums, and a total of 1,820 listings priced below $300,000.

For more details about what is for sale, pending or closed year-to-date in specific Naples neighborhoods, please call a member of The Harris Peppe Team today. 239-370-0574 They are standing by to assist you with all your real estate needs!

 

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Facebook and Linkedin and Twitter, oh my!

...Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! Yes, like the old quote from one of my favorite movies goes...there's a lot of scary things out there on the road to Oz! The road to Oz being the successful path to social media...

Everyday it seems I am being introduced to a new method of social networking--Yesterday I discovered Mailchimp [don't ask]...I subscribe to Hubspot, Activerain, The Real Estate Tomato,  Market Leader...to name a few...Plus various blogs and bloggers...newspapers and magazines...When I first turn my laptop on early each morning I generally have between 300 to 500 emails to sort through...On Linkedin I am a member of dozens of groups...I also check in on Foursquare [we especially like foursquare when we are out of town as it helps us to locate restaurants--seriously!] I tweet when I remember to tweet [still haven't figured out the real benefits to that one]...and when I think of it I use Hootsuite as it allows me to tweet, facebook and link in all at the same time...I have 3 pages on Facebook [four if you consider that I usually post for Chip--although he does give the ok as to what is written on his page]. ~Recently I created a Pinterest account, and I must admit, this could possible become my most addictive form of networking/sharing [which is why I stay off of it during business hours]. I get requests from friends for Branchout, Yearbook, and Farmville...and various other sub-groups and games and networking opportunities on facebook, which quite frankly I also have trouble figuring out the benefits. I just can't do them all! I'm in a few Google+ circles, and although I am certain I am not using it to its best potential, I do Google+ all my own blog posts [ha ha--why not?] Let's not forget Youtube...NaplesRealEstate.com has had a Youtube channel for nearly 5 years!

Anytime I have a free moment I am researching how to write better blogs, how to better optimize landing pages, how to measure successful email marketing...learning new ways to integrate current links and sites and how to better engage both personal and business contacts...This is the age of agents staying tethered to their electronic devices 24 hours a day...How then does one set boundaries and create balance? 

I've had people ask me if I am on facebook all day long--quite the contrary. I log on usually first thing in the morning to see what activity has transpired overnight. I log directly into our business page which allows me to write a quick post...sometimes a 'quote of the day' or a photo of Naples...I then switch over to my personal page and send out birthday wishes to friends, comment on a few posts and pictures, send out a few links so that people know I am thinking of them...and that's about it! Throughout the day I get alerted to friends updates via my cell and email...I can opt in to read the posts and give a quick *like* and/or comment, or wait till I log in again at the end of the day to get a better look. I make sure most of my Naples Real Estate website's blog posts go onto our facebook business page directly where I also promote listings, events, and other business related stories. I was taught years ago when I first got into facebook to keep the business and personal pages as separate as possible--None of my real estate agent friends want their customers and friends to read all my posts about open houses and such. It's a good tip that few follow...

The best recommendation I can give is to try to actually schedule social networking. That's right...Put it on your calendar! Block it in and stick to it. Thirty minutes in the morning--once or twice throughout the day depending on how busy you are, and again in the evening. This is still a people business, and all the Internet marketing in the world cannot take the place of good old fashion belly-to belly communication. With that being said, I would be remiss not to mention the fact that The Harris Peppe Team dervives approximately 50% of their business as a direct result of Internet Marketing!

I hope you will take a few moments to click on the links above and check out our channels and pages! Please feel free to *like* us, follow us, Google+ us...or any of the other forms of keeping us top of mind. When you think of  Naples Real Estate, please think of us!

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

22 Shopping Days 'til Christmas!

Have you made your "list" and checked it twice? As any of you who know me well know, I am a list maker...I have lists for everything!

1. The everyday "To do" list
2. The "I never go to the Grocery Store without a" list
3. The Books I want to read list
4. The Birthday and anniversary cards for the month ahead list
5. The Things that need to get done around the house list
6. The Guests attending our Christmas parties [yes, I'm having more than one party] list
7. The What to cook at each party list
8. The Christmas gift list...card list...

Well, you get the picture. It comes from being a first born, organized, sometimes compulsive, cannot say "no", overachiever...lists are what keep me sane! I actually like lists. When I get a little behind, I've even been known to put things on my lists that I've already done...gives me a sense of accomplishment..."check!" ~Have you seen the commercial on TV lately of the woman who goes to the check out and asks the clerk if he can read anything on her list and he says, "No, there's a line through everything."...and she smiles and gives him a "Boo-ya"!

Anyway, I know a lot of you reading this like lists, too. In fact, one of the most requested blog post suggestions I've gotten recently is for me to post lists of what's selling and what I think are some of the best buys around Naples. So here's a short recap of what happened in the market in November, and what is currently for sale in some of the neighborhoods where The Harris Peppe Team lists and sells:

• There were a total of 231 single family homes and 243 condos that closed in Naples in November 2011. Down less than 1% over the same time period a year ago.
• Of those 474 closings, 89 were listed as "Short Sales"...that's about 18%
• 43 of the 89 short sales were priced below $300,000!
• 98 were listed as "foreclosures"...about 20%
• 91 of the 98 were priced below $300,000!
• There was a total of 33 closings priced at or above $1 million
• 3 of the 33 were short sales, and only 1 was a foreclosure!
• There was a total of 20 single family homes that sold last month in NA 04 to NA 08 [this includes but is not limited to Pelican Bay south to Port Royal along the beach and includes Old Naples, and the Royal Harbor Area as well] 3 of the 20 were short sales. There were 49 condo sales in these same areas, and only 2 were short sales.
• Presently there are 67 single family homes for sale in Old Naples [NA 06]. Only 9 are listed below $1 million! The least expensive home for sale in Old Naples as of this writing is priced at $549,000
• There are 139 condos listed in Old Naples starting at $109,000 for a 1 BR/ 1 BA on up to a luxurious villa for $2,550,000
• There are 102 homes for sale in NA 05 [Crayton Road corridor]. With just a handful priced below $500,000, on up to a waterfront home boasting 5,400 sf built in 2004 with an asking price of $5,250,000.
• One of the hottest neighborhoods is NA 15, the area between US 41 and Goodlette Road, which showed a 7% improvement in the past 12 months as compared to the previous 12 months. Presently there are 46 single family homes available. 15 of the 46 are listed as short sales, and 36 of the 46 are priced below $300,000.

Well, that's my list for the day--I hope it helped you get a better picture of what is happening in some of the areas in Naples Real Estate. Please call us if buying a home in Naples is on your list! 239.370.0574

~And remember, Naples is usually Santa's last stop!

Thanks, and make it a GREAT day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*Data is derived from the Naples multiple listing system, SunshineMLS and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

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

"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

Ready or Not, Here "I" Come!

I can't believe we are more than half-way through September. Where has this year gone? And, it's not just me...everyone I talk to is saying the same thing. Honestly, today's newspaper fliers were filled with ads for Halloween decorations and winter clothes! You know what that means, don't you? We need to start asking ourselves, "Where are we having this year's office Holiday Party?" That, among the many other questions that we haven't had to ask ourselves in awhile...think about it...what questions do you have running around in your head?

We have already begun to see the arrival of the car transporters...much earlier than usual I might add. Who can blame them, check out the map to see today's highs in all of our feeder markets...yupper, there's already frost on the pumpkins in many areas! Typically we don't see the 18 wheelers with their cargo of automobiles rolling into town until mid-October. These cars, with their Michigan, Indiana and Jersey plates [to name a few] will soon be crowding our roadways, making illegal u-turns, honking their horns and running red lights. Now, don't get me wrong...I love our loyal snowbirds-- With the crowds come mostly good things. This is when we prosper. This is when all the service industries in Southwest Florida thrive. We look forward to the return of the snowbirds [just not their driving habits]. It is a good thing that they come back to this beautiful place someone named Naples long ago...It is a good thing that it gets so darn cold up there so that we can sell some of them pretty houses and condos in paradise!

So, ready or not, here comes "season"! Please be extra careful on the roads everyone...and please let us know if we can help you or someone you know find a winter home or condo in Naples!

Thanks, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Select Vendor of the Week

We are very proud to feature the Professional itMan, LLC as this week's select vendor! Some of the many services that the ProitMan provides includes: Complete Homewatch Services, Storm shutter installation, Arrival & departure services, Airport pick-up, Furniture set up, Furniture assembly & repairs, Picture hanging & artwork placement, Delivery services, and Complete cleaning services. Born and raised in Naples, owner Rocco Comperatore III prides himself in customer service. His hometown roots afford him the rare ability to have a personal relationship with other service providers in the area, many of whom he has known and done business with for years. These select vendors all share a common goal: to offer his clients the very best in customer care. When Rocco says, "If you need it done, I'll get it done" he has a proven team of professionals at his disposal to make certain any job, big or small, gets the same consideration and superior results! He WILL get it done!

In addition to his credentials and philosophy, I'd also like to add that Rocco is a really nice person, and I always say, 'why not do business with a nice person!?" One of the recent homeowners that we referred him to told us they had never met a harder worker or nicer guy than Rocco. If you are looking for someone who isn't afraid to tackle any job, please call Rocco today. Even his voicemail message states that Whatever it is that you need done, he's the man to get it done! Naples will always be his home. His reputation speaks for itself. References are available upon request.

Professional it Man, LLC

Rocco Comperatore III

Naples, FL

239.777.3564

comperatore@comcast.net

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

How Do You Say, "Lanai?"

Many times, while getting to know a buyer's wants, especially when they are relocating to Florida from a northern home, the square footage needs differ greatly from what they originally specify to what they ultimately buy...People forget, or don't realize, what an intricate part of their home's living space the lanai [also known as a screened porch] becomes. Downsizing from a 4 or 5 thousand square foot home into less square footage may seem daunting to some, until they get here and begin to recognize the lifestyle that outdoor living provides throughout most of the year. Here in Naples people decorate their outside living areas with outdoor wicker & teak and other moisture resistant materials and create wonderful entertainment areas with 'summer' kitchens and bars, dining areas, TVs with comfortable seating arrangements as well as open air patio areas that incorporate the landscaping and lighting. Most rooms in a home open up to the outside and even in private yards, those without views, an outside environment can be created to incorporate the inside out and the outside in. Chip and I have coffee on our lanai almost every morning...we love to sit outside at the end of a long day and enjoy our evening meal together...we cook outside, watch TV outside...much of our home life revolves around our backyard.

So, the next time your real estate agent tells you that you cannot get a 3,000 square foot home in your price range, don't consider it "settling" for less--consider it opening up the possibilities to the true Naples lifestyle of outdoor living--Sometimes less really is more!

Please let us know if we can help you find a pretty lanai in Naples Florida where you can have your coffee each morning! 239.370.0574

Make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

The Real Estate Industry is Pro-Consumer

As a follow-up to my most recent post about how the real estate industry is so "pro-consumer", I'd like to share some ideas about the other occupations directly effected by a home sale from start to finish. I have thought about this a lot since Ron Phipp's talk here in Naples last week, and the idea that an average of 147 entities are involved in each and every real estate transaction is a pretty amazing fact! I started to piece together the timeline from the point of taking a listing through to closing...Here are a few of the people and businesses that benefit from this economically:

In addition to the support staff on my team, and at my office...I then make keys, call the sign company, photographer, virtual tour company--sometimes a carpet cleaner is called in, a house cleaner, a painter, a landscaper, a stager...the person who draws the floorplan, the printer, the advertising outlets and all their staff members...Contracts are accepted then the file gets turned over to inspection companies: pest inspection, mold inspection, radon, structural inspector and his or her assistants, airconditioner, roofer, pool inspector, seawall & dock contractor...a mortgage rep, a title company or attorney and their support staff and underwriters...wind mitigator, insurance agents and their staff, home watch services, furniture stores, movers...not to mention the closing gifts and the shops where they are purchased and their staff, the client appreciation dinners and those that cater and serve...the gift certificates and thank you notes...Is it any wonder at all that REAL ESTATE and housing is indeed the driving force behind a successful and flourishing economy?

I would love to hear from you if you are an individual whose job benefits from the real estate industry. Please comment on this blog post, or email me directly at michele@naplesrealestate.com. Your input is very important to me, especially if you live in Southwest Florida and think that The Harris Peppe Team should consider your services to assist our customers. Currently we have a 'Select Vendor' list featured on the menu bar on the home page of our website at www.NaplesRealEstate.com as well as a concierge list on our Naples Previews Luxury Website.

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Is Season Really Over?

Where has the Naples Real Estate Blogger been?

It's been a busy couple of weeks at NaplesRealEstate.com. Chip and I have been showing homes to prospective Neapolitans almost everyday for the past 2 weeks. 'Season' might technically be over, but buyers looking for real values are coming back to town now that the crowds are gone to look hard at those listings that are still available...And the best buys are going quickly! Regardless of the price range, we are seeing the 'bottom' inventory across the board being bought up by shrewd investors, smart second home buyers, international visitors, and first time home owners alike.

Here are some interesting, recent Naples Statistics:

Current Naples inventory is at 6,341 active homes & condos for sale per our local MLS data. That is approximately a 10% decrease in inventory over the same time last year. Single family homes make up 2,576 of those listings. Of the homes presently listed, 15.9% are short sales and less than 2% are foreclosures. 26% of today's homes for sale in Naples are Previews Properties [those homes listed at or above $1 million dollars]. 30% are listed at or below $300,000. Of those homes listed under $300,000 over 35% are categorized as short sales! Total closed residential sales in Naples year-to-date comprised of 16.5% short sale properties.

Currently there are 67 single family homes for sale in Old Naples. Only 1 is listed as a short sale in the MLS, and only 1 is listed as a bank foreclosure. There have been 36 single family home closings in Old Naples year-to-date. 75% of the single family homes which have sold since January 1st, 2011 were listed at or above $1 million!

For an up-to-date analysis of any Naples area in which you have interest, please contact a member of The Harris Peppe Team today. We have served the Naples area since 1981, and I believe our knowledge and enthusiasm is unmatched in the industry today. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, we hope you will interview us to assist you with all your real estate needs. 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Ranks High On "Most Relaxing Beaches" List

A recent article in U.S. News Travel magazine ranked Naples Florida beaches as the #5 "Most Relaxing Beach" in the United States and the Caribbean. [although I am a bit perplexed as to how Corfu made the list at #6 since I believe it is in Greece, yes?] Anyway, Naples beaches are pretty spectacular. When customers tell me that they are first time visitors to Naples, but follow that comment with: 'I really don't like Florida, but have heard so much about Naples that I wanted to check it out', I tell them: "Naples is unlike any other coastal town in Florida!" Whereas many other Florida beaches are lined with hotels & motels, bars & restaurants, and neon signs leading you into souvenir & T-shirt shops...our beaches are predominantly lined with quiet residential neighborhoods, including the entire beach front south of Coquina Sands comprising of only family homes, mostly mansions, along the gulf. Each avenue ends at the beach with public beach accesses. The multiple entrances guarantee less crowded beaches, even during our peak season there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out. You can walk south for nearly five miles from Golf Drive, past the historic 1000' Naples Fishing Pier, all the way to Gordon Pass without seeing a highrise. The beaches are wide, the sand is soft & pristine white...Very few 'Spring-breakers' come to Naples because it doesn't have the same draw as, let's say, a Ft. Lauderdale or a Clearwater Beach...Not a lot of loud music or frisbee throwing going on here.

I think "relaxing" best describes our beautiful beaches...hope to see you getting a little bit of Naples' sand between your toes soon!

Call us to get information on Naples Real Estate beach properties today! 239.370.0574

Thank you and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Real Estate Blog: What is a QR Code?

First posted 7 months ago, long before most of the QR Code murmers began, I thought it was a good idea to re-post--for those of you still unsure of the future of QR Codes! Trust me, they are changing the way we send and receive information! Click on the link below to read the full article as previously posted by The Naples Real Estate Blogger. Naples Real Estate Blog: What is a QR Code?: "Once again, Chip and I are leading the charge in new marketing ideas! According to Wikipedia, a QR Code is a ' matrix barcode, readable by ..."

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day from The Harris-Peppe Team

at The Coldwell Banker Previews International office

on Fifth Avenue South in beautiful downtown Naples, Florida.

The Green Silk Robe

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 in her mid-30's at the time, 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 & her husband had narrowed down to, and be part of the excitement that her daughter & 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...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!

Thank you,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Just Saying "Thank You"

From the time I was old enough to hold a pencil in my hand I was taught the art of the Thank You Note. Even before I learned to write my own name, I learned how to write the word 'love'--the perfect salutation for the many notes I would write from a very early age to the wonderful friends and family to whom I wanted to show appreciation...Still to this day I send notes and cards...and I still think the 44 cents the post office charges to get a card from my mailbox to a friend's mailbox anywhere in the USA in just a few days is a bargain indeed for the joy it gives both me and the receiver.

Chip & I like to say 'thank you' in various way to the people who make a difference in our lives--both in our personal lives and in business. A few years ago we tried our hand at a Client Appreciation Party--a beautiful venue, caterers...The entire Harris Peppe Team was there to visit with the attendees, including my amazing mom who was assigned to greeting the guests. I don't think many people there were aware of my disappointment in the turnout, and it precluded me from organizing any such gatherings since...until yesterday! Last night Chip and I hosted the first, of what I believe will be many, Client Appreciation Sunset Cruises on the Ithaka! We comfortably included 5 couples, and hired our middle son Bobby to take care of all the serving details so that I could enjoy our wonderful company. I did all the cooking, which I love to do, and Chip of course captained the boat...The weather cooperated and we saw a magnificent sunset. All 12 guests were from the same general area, but some had never met, so new friendships were made. We all talked about how we met and our connections. We joked about my many hairstyles over the years. We talked about the real estate market, The Great Circle Loop trip that Chip and I completed last year, our children & grandchildren and we talked especially about how good life is in Naples Florida.

It is a deeply satisfying for me to realize that I have made a difference in their lives...they thank me all the time...yet, I continually want to find ways to let them know that I am thankful...not only for the business and referrals that they have given to me over the years, but absolutely without a doubt, I am most thankful for the relationships that I have made over the years. These are great friends...this is a great place to live...this is a wonderful career...and I am truly grateful.

Just Saying THANK YOU, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Select Vendor of the Week

Since Guy Guerra opened the doors in 1984, Coastal Plumbing has grown into one of the leading plumbing contractors in Southwest Florida. Whether you are looking for a contractor to handle a large commercial job, residential construction, or service work--it is our pleasure to recommend you call Coastal Plumbing at 239.643.3278. As you drive around town you will find some very familiar landmarks that Coastal Plumbing has been involved in such as Naples Community Hospital, Hollywood 20 Movie Theater and The Collier County Public Library [*see photo inset].

We have been referring our customers to Coastal Plumbing since their inception. One of the things that truly stands out to us is the fact that most of Guy's core management team has been with him for over 20 years! To me, employee longevity says so much about an organization. We cannot say enough good things about this company and the quality of their work, the professionalism of their staff, and their competitive prices. Thank you Coastal Plumbing for being the Harris-Peppe Team's select vendor of the week. Make it a great day, The Naples Real Estate Blogger