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

Naples Florida Real Estate Update

Inventory Is Down ~ Inquiries Are Up!

January is now behind us, and Easter is early this year, which means we are now technically 1/3rd the way through our "season". There are a lot of buyers in the market place....open houses, floor time opportunity, sign calls and Internet leads have all increased substantially. Even the media, for the most part, is reporting good news on the real estate front. Inventory is way down, and in many cases when working with buyers, in just about every price range, we are having trouble finding quality listings that are priced right.

Here are a few examples:

• Presently there are only 2,636 Active single family homes for sale in all of Naples.
• 265 of the 2,636 are listed as "short sales"
• There are 701 single family homes in MLS priced below $300,000., and of those 181 are listed as short sales, which is nearly 70% of all short sales on the market.
• 2,373 single family homes sold and closed in Naples which were listed at or below $300,000 in the past 12 months. Therefore, based on the 701 currently for sale, this equates to approximately a 3.5 month absorption rate. Those buyers looking for decent low-end housing are running out of options. Many of the listings that are selling are being purchased by investors.
• Contrary, there have been 370 single family homes sell in Naples in the past 12 months listed at our above $1 million.
• Presently there are 735 single family homes Active in the Naples MLS priced at or above $1 million. The Naples luxury real estate market is still soft when looked at as a whole, except in those areas where inventory in the under $1 million price point has diminished, such as Olde Naples or Naples waterfront Properties.

If you would like information about any specific neighborhood, or for information about what we believe are today's BEST BUYS, please contact any member of The Harris Peppe Team. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and we hope to earn your business. 239.370.0574

Thank you and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*data derived from the Naples multiple listing system, SunshineMLS, info deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

2012 : The Year We Have All Been Waiting For...

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in...A pessimist stays up till midnight to make sure the old year leaves."

~Bill Vaughn

So, has there ever been another year written about as often as 2012? Of course, 1984 comes to mind...as does the new millennium. Ah yes, waiting for the clock to strike on December 31st, 1999 at 11:59 PM--I'm sure you remember where you were at that moment....ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...Wasn't the world supposed to end then, too? But, the Twenty-12 phenomenon has crept beyond ones own imagination into the mainstream with impending fears of cataclysmic events that are predicted to change the world as we know it...Movies have been made [the disaster film made in 2009: 2102], scholars have studied Mayan history and culture [it's their calendar that many of the predictions are based upon], and New Age beliefs about galactic alignment are taking notice among even the less mystic-minded souls...Doomsday theories have spread like wildfire, especially with the use of Internet, Youtube...Dan Brown's book, The Lost Symbol...why even The History Channel aired a special series about "The Last Days on Earth" and "Nostradamus 2012". The Discover Channel also aired "2012 Apocalypse"...supposedly more evidence that earthquakes and volcanoes will throw us all into a black hole...just more doomsday hype?

What do you think all the hype is about? And, what do you think we should be taking seriously, or not so seriously? What are you planning to learn from all this sensationalism, and where do you intend to be on December 21st, 2012? I'm sure, if you are being honest, you've thought about this. For me? Well, I've seen Gregg Braden live, I've read his books...I'm interested in what he says and very open to his explanations. I've studied Mesoamerica prophecy, although not as in-depth as many, but enough to feel pretty comfortable about hosting Christmas Eve at my house again next year--

I believe this...Typically, in trying times, the greater the challenge the greater the lesson. An example; if you have ever spoken to someone who is a cancer survivor they will tell you that event changed their life forever...and almost always for the better---Difficulties teach us to prioritize. They teach us to remain calm during a storm. They teach us to live life to the fullest. They teach us to appreciate those things that we might overwise take for granted. They teach us that "this too shall pass..." They bring out the best in us that we might otherwise have never been called forth to dig as deep to find our inner strength...So, it's not necessarily the END OF THE WORLD, but rather the end of the world as we know it...from the smallest scale to the largest. And maybe, just maybe it will be a kinder, gentler world--now wouldn't that be wonderful! I believe everyday can be our "doomsday" or the "first day of the rest of our lives"...Only you get to decide.

Let's make 2012 the best year yet!

Thank you, and Happy New Year,

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

More Naples Real Estate Updates

A Diminishing Inventory in Naples Florida Real Estate

The Naples Daily News article from the weekend paper touted the continuing market stability of our local real estate values. According to The Naples Area Board of Realtors, key indicators such as 'pending sales, current inventory and the median closed price' show signs of real estate stability during these otherwise challenging economic times. Their report further states pending sales were up 2% in July 2011 when compared to July 2010. Another contributing factor is the decrease in non-traditional sales such as short sales and foreclosures. In one of my recent posts about waterfront homes in Naples I calculated that there were 214 homes for sale in the Naples MLS with direct or indirect gulf access. Of those only 12 were short sales and there weren't any foreclosures reported. According to NABOR, 'inventory continues to drop at a rate of 19%. Across the board we currently have less than a 9 month supply of inventory'. This is the lowest seen since NABOR began tracking absorption rates in April 2007. Since April 2007 inventory in Naples has declined over 5,000 residential units. Thanks mostly to smart money investors who are taking advantage of the great values!

Here is a synopsis of one aspect of our market which I believe will help illustrate the current trends in a very popular price range here in Naples, as an example:

Currently Active Single Family Homes priced below $500,000=1,300

When you add to that general search criteria more specific search parameters such as: Year Built 2000 or newer, homes with a private pool, located in a gated community, that number goes from 1,300 Active listings down to only 158 Homes for Sale in all of the NA zones in Naples. Now, take into consideration all homes that meet the very same specifications that have closed in the past 12 months: and there have been 298 closings. That equates to approximately 24.8 closings per month. Based on those closed sales and today's current inventory, we are left with only a 6.37 month absorption rate in that priuce range and specifications! Typically a 12 month absorption rate is considered a 'healthy market, therefore it is this writers' belief that we are experiencing a stabilizing real estate market in Naples Florida.

For additional information about homes for sale in all price ranges, please contact a member of The Harris Peppe Team today! 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

data derived from the Naples area MLS is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

The Language of Luxury

Chip and I took two new listings this week. In each case we were up against our 2 main competitors in the Naples Luxury Real Estate market. In both instances, the sellers selected The Harris Peppe Team because of Coldwell Banker's global reach, our technology and Internet presence, and the networking capabilities of Cartus Corporation, which manages the relocations of more than 140,000 customers annually.

Why do International Homebuyers choose Florida? *31% of all international homebuyers who purchased in the United States in the past 12 month chose Florida as their top destination. The reasons given are: Ease of ownership, Value, Location, and Lifestyle. In Florida, Coldwell Banker has 4,600 sales associates which are highly trained to help buyers find Florida properties that match a purchaser's investment, rental and vacation needs. Collectively, our associates are in 83 offices statewide, they speak 100 foreign languages and they connect with nearly 100,000 Coldwell Banker agents worldwide.

Our Internet presence is unmatched in the industry today. In addition to the 350 websites on which we feature our listings, we also have access to a 'rapid response' device known as Leadrouter, we are the most 'followed' real estate company on Twitter, and we've received over 25,000 visitors from 99 countries on our blog! We have partnered with REALTOR.com, Trulia, Zillow and Yahoo Real Estate, the four leading real estate search websites. To top it all off, sellers who list with us get their home showcased on Naples Real Estate.com, our very own website, on which you can search all active listings in The Naples multiple listing system!

If you or someone you know is thinking about selling a home in Naples Florida, you owe it to yourself to interview Chip Harris & Michele Peppe. The Language of Luxury sums it up best, "To the extent that incumbent market leaders rest on their laurels, do not stay focused or do not keep up with technology, market leadership is up for grabs for any real estate marketing professional with a superior proposition and the right brand strategy." We are dedicated to providing old fashioned service combined with state of the art technology. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope to earn your future business.

Thank you and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*according to the National Association of Realtors-2011 profile of international buying activity.

Select Vendor of the Week

"If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share."

~W.Clement Stone

As many of you already know, Naples is a very service oriented community. From lawn care to pool care...cleaning services, professional shoppers, home watch services...you name it. An exclusive area like Naples simply lends itself to creating entrepreneurial opportunities for those willing to take care of the needs of others, and do a good job! Each week we are trying to share with you some of the good experiences we have had over the years with service providers in our area. This week are are very pleased to announce that Premier Polishing is our Naples Select Vendor of the week!

Premier Polishing is a small, family operated company that caters to a clientele that demands perfection. Chip and I highly recommend them. They have taken care of the detailing of our boats and cars for many years. Owner, Nathan Moran is a true professional...a great young man that always delivers the utmost in customer satisfaction. He uses a combination of products that creates a high gloss finish that protects and lasts longer in the hot Florida sun than anything else in the industry today. He is also a master at restoring faded finishes. Whether it is an automobile, boat or yacht, RV or aircraft, Nathan is the one to call to keep your vehicles looking as exquisite as they should! Just today his crew came right to our office and detailed both mine and Chip's cars...how convenient! And, we won't have to have them waxed again for a year! His prices are competitive, but I think you'll agree-once you hire Nathan and his team, you will make his service part of your annual maintenance. Call Nathan today at 239.404.5174.

For a complete list of The Naples Real Estate select vendors, please call us...we'd be happy to share! 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Coldwell Banker Previews International

• The Coldwell Banker Previews International program has been a world leader in the marketing of luxury homes since 1933. Previews was acquired by Coldwell Banker Real Estate in 1980. This exclusive program is the only program of its caliber in the world. Previews does not sell art, Previews does not sell antiques, Previews does not sell wine...Previews sells luxury real estate around the globe. The elite group of certified Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialists make up about 8% of the Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. In 2010, these agents participated in nearly 14,000 transaction sides of homes priced at or above $1 million! The average price for luxury home transactions listed and/or sold by the Coldwell Banker Previews International program in 2010 was $1.85 million. On average, Previews handles $68.9 million in luxury home sales every day*!
• Ultimate Homes Magazine: "In 2010, Coldwell Banker was the only brand to sell one of the top 10 most expensive homes in The United States, 'Le Belvedre'...listed at $85 million. Previews has a track record of being selected to represent some of the world's most exquisite properties, including 3 out of 5 of the priciest homes in the U.S."
• Zillow.com: "3 of the top 10 homes that sold for $12 million or more in 2010 were listed by Coldwell Banker Previews International**".
• Forbes.com: The most expensive celebrity real estate in the US, 'The Manor', was listed by Coldwell Banker Previews International at $150 million***!
• Wall Street Journal: In a recent survey of Wall Street Journal subscribers, Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranked #1 among all measured real estate companies they would consider using for future real estate transactions****!

If you or someone you know is considering a luxury home purchase in Naples Florida, or if you are thinking of selling a luxury home, don't you owe it to yourself to interview the leading luxury real estate brand in the world? Please call a member of The Harris-Peppe Team today for a no obligation consultation. 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a great day! The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*data based on closed and recorded transaction sides of homes sold for $1 million or more as reported by the U.S. Coldwell banker franchise system for calendar 2010.

**Ultimate Homes Lists of Most Expensive Homes in the U.S. 2010 ***Zillow.com December 20, 2010 ****Forbes.com January 14th, 2011

Florida School Rankings!

An article in the National Association of Realtors News & Events today announced that Florida public schools ranked 14th nationally with an overall grade of C+ on a report card issued by Education Weekly magazine. Much of the credit for Florida's finish, which was up from 31st last year, goes to high marks for its teaching profession and system of standards, assessment and accountability. The "B" that Florida received for its teaching profession gave the state a 4th place nationally in that category!

If you are interested in finding out how the schools here in Naples (Collier County) rank, please visit our website, NaplesRealEstate.com and find "School Information" on the menu bar!

Remember, you may be a retiree looking to buy a second home in Naples and wonder why a school ranking would effect your decision...Good schools are important to ensure the quality of life in a community!

For additional information about schools in Collier County and homes in different school zones, contact a member of The Harris Peppe Team Today!

Thank you and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger