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

 

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.

 

Beachfront Home on Gordon Drive Sells for $7.6M

The Nautilus

Naples, FL (May 15, 2013) Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is pleased to announce that Chip Harris & Michele Peppe of The NaplesRealEstate.com sales team located on 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, has sold the beach front estate at 3630 Gordon Drive for $7.6 million dollars. They represented the seller in the transaction. The 8426-square-foot home is in the exclusive Port Royal Beach Estates neighborhood. The centerpiece of the home, a dramatic 4-story spiral staircase, is what prompted Peppe to market the home as 'The Nautilus' capturing the attention of thousands of online views of the home over the course of their listing. When asked why the seller selected them to market his home, Michele replied, “You don't win today's games with yesterday's home runs. Today's luxury real estate market is a whole new ballgame and incumbent leaders are not keeping up with technology. The seller is very technology oriented and he appreciated our dedication to including the Internet and social media in our marketing campaign.”

The Coldwell Banker brand dominates the luxury market worldwide, while Chip and Michele's web presence dominates the local market. Peppe went on to say, “NaplesRealEstate.com isn't a grand slam, it's like hitting a grand slam in every single game...what seller wouldn't want to be part of that exposure?”  Chip added, "The last 3 beach front homes in Naples, in the past 6 months, have all been marketed by the Coldwell Banker Previews brand"!

*Presently there are 41 homes being actively being marketed in the Port Royal neighborhood with list prices at or above $5 million. There have been 15 closed sales in this community year-to-date, nine of which sold for $5 million or more. Presently there are 8 homes for sale on the beach in the 34102 zip code ranging in price from $9.5 to $19.9 million. Two of the 8 are located in the Port Royal area.

Chip Harris and Michele Peppe and their sales team have over 50 years combined real estate service experience exclusively in Naples, Florida. The team members are certified Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialists. In addition, members of their sales team cater to an increasingly international clientele and speak German, French and Spanish. Recently they were named in the 'Top 30' agents in the state by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. The name Previews® has been synonymous with luxury real estate since 1933. Previews sells $70 million+ dollars of luxury homes every day! This exclusive group of luxury certified Previews property specialists consists of approximately 10 percent of the 82,000 Coldwell Banker® sales professionals located in 3100 offices in 50 countries and territories worldwide. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is a leading full-service residential real estate company with more than 80 offices and 4,900 sales associates serving Florida, with eight offices in Southeast Florida. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is a subsidiary of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company.

Congratulations to my entire team at NaplesRealEstate.com for the efforts involved in getting this sale together!

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

This is in part, a copy of a press release, submitted to various news agencies for release post closing. *data derived from SunshineMLS and is deemed accurate and reliable.

Realogy Shares Began Trading on the NYSE Today!

Realogy Prices IPO

Guess who rang the bell this morning at the New York Stock Exchange? That's right, the executive leadership team and members of The Realogy Board of Directors were guests this morning at the NYSE, where they commemorated the new listing by ringing the signature Opening Bell. Up until now, Realogy has been a privately owned company that provides real estate and relocation services. It owns several of the leading real estate brands and brokerages in the world including NRT LLC, Better Homes and Gardens, Century 21, The Corcoran Group, ERA, Sotheby's International Realty, and of course, the company that we are with, Coldwell Banker. Realogy operates in 103 countries and territories around the world with a sales force nearing a quarter of a million associates. 

Realogy is led by Chariman, CEO & President Richard A. Smith who is a prominent figure on the national housing scene. In Mr. Smith's latest post on the company's internal social media site, Conversations That Matter, he was quoted as saying he was 

"pleased to inform you that we have successfully completed our IPO...and have priced the 40 million shares at $27.00."  *The shares will trade under the symbol RLGY. This will make Reaolgy the 3rd largest IPO in the United States this year, and the 10th largest IPO internationally to date! In conjunction with the IPO, Realogy also unveiled a new logo [pictured above] which incorporates a distinctive 'house within a globe' icon, but keeps the same colors and similar look. This was done to emphasize the company's focus on their international reach. 

It is our great privilege to be associated with a company of this magnitude. The services that we, at The Harris Peppe Team can offer you, far exceed any other real estate company. In addition to residential real estate and relocation services, we can also provide you with resources for investment opportunities in the commercial real estate arena, seasonal and annual rentals, title and settlement services, lending services and homewatch services. We ARE full service! We ARE Naples Real Estate! We have local knowledge and global connections! Please call us with any comments or questions. 239.370.0574 We hope to hear from you soon, and we look forward to earning your business!

Make it a GREAT day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

     

*information derived from a Realogy Communication dated October 10th, 2012 6:10 PM 

Naples Real Estate Listing of the Week

Architectural Masterpiece

Located in the prestigious neighborhood of Terracina, and within the gated golf course community of The Vineyards, this Naples residence features a main home boasting 3 spacious bedrooms plus a study with custom built-ins, and two detached & separate guest quarters with private baths which are ideal for visiting friends or family, adult children, in-law suites or live-in au pair. The king-sized lot offers the ultimate in privacy, amazing trees and vegetation, and the pool & spa and outside kitchen & entertainment area is perfect for enjoying the tropical Florida lifestyle. Nearly 3500 sf of living area surround the huge covered lanai with brick pavers. The home also features a 3 car side entry garage, a 180 bottle wine cellar and a gourmet granite kitchen with gas stove. Please call The Harris Peppe Team today for additional information about this week's featured property. 239.370.0574

Thank you and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

"Real Estate is NOT Real"!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Real Estate 3rd Quarter Stats

Nothing indicates what is happening in the real estate market more accurately than listings going under contract. The graph below depicts pendings of Naples residential listings over the past 4 years, per the local multiple listing service: SunshineMLS. This is a clear illustration [click on graph to enlarge] of the peaks and valleys in our local market. Obviously, our pendings go up during "season"-- that just makes sense. But, what I am hoping to show here is the "trend line"...regardless of what is happening in markets across the country, we are definitely seeing an increase in sales in Naples Florida.

Here are a few more *statistics that I think you will find interesting:

1.) January 1st, 2011- September 30th, 2011: Total Closed Sales = 6,598.

This averages 733 closings per month.

We are on track for an 11% increase in sales this year over last year.

2.) January 1st, 2010-December 31st, 2010: Total Closed Sales = 7,837.

This averages 653 listings sold per month.

2011 Year-to-date, of the 6,598 closed residential sales:

• 3,000 were single family homes
• 1,800 single family homes were listed under $300,000.
• 586 of the 3,000 were 'short sales'., of which 78% were listings under $300,000.
• Of the 3,000 single family home closed sales year-to-date, only 17 were short sales listed at or above $1 million
• 709 of the 3,000 were foreclosed homes, of which 89% were listed under $300,000.
• 3,495 were condos/villas
• 2,505 condos/villas were listed under $300,000.
• 506 of the 3,495 were short sales, of which 94% were listed under $300,000.
• 552 of the 3,495 were foreclosed condos/villas, of which 96% were listed under $300,000.
• There was a total of 237 closed condos/villas year-to-date listed at or above $1 million. Only 1 of the 237 closings was a short sale.
• There haven't been any condos/villas closed year-to-date, listed at or above $1 million that were categorized as foreclosed properties.

A few more stats: Current inventory in Naples, residential listings, is down 18.5% over this same time period last year. With pendings up 11% and inventory down to approximately a 9 month supply, I believe we are beginning to see a seller's market again in some choice neighborhoods. The absorption rate varies from community to community, and I would be happy to do a more specific analysis for you. The lower priced listings are still driving the market, but there is no question we are seeing a dramatic rebound in the Naples luxury market. Also, the lack of inventory in new and newer homes due to the slow down in construction has created opportunities for sellers in neighborhoods built since 2000. We are even seeing multiple offers in some cases when homes and condos are priced fairly. There are also some fabulous values to be found in the "tear down" market in the neighborhoods along the beach and waterfront. Royal Harbor as an example, which had approximately a 9 1/2 year absorption rate just a few short years ago, now has less than a one year supply. Old Naples presently has 63 Active single family homes listed, whereas there have been 55 closings year to date...another example of less than a year's supply of inventory.

For additional details about The Naples Real Estate market, please call a member of The Harris Peppe Team today. We look forward to hearing from you soon and hope to earn your business. 239.370.0574

Thank you and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*The source of this information is compiled from data obtained from SunshineMLS. The accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed and should be independently verified if one intends to engage in a transaction based upon it.

Naples Florida Welcomes Students and Teachers back to School!

Welcome Back!

Today marks the first day back to school for students here in Collier County. To assist those families considering a move to our area we have created a page on our website which lists all Public and Private Schools in Naples, as well as links to each school's website. We also offer links to zoning maps and the 2011-2012 school calendar. We have also provided information about colleges and universities in Southwest Florida and a link to the Florida Department of Education site. Here is another link which is the most recent Collier County School Grades obtained from the state, dated June 2011.

As a 30 year Collier County School volunteer myself, I can tell you firsthand that our schools are filled with hardworking & dedicated teachers, excellent administrators, and the most beautiful children in the world...They are our future, and we are in good hands.

Please contact me if you would like additional information about volunteer opportunities, or to find homes for sale in Naples Florida, please call The Harris Peppe Team today. 239.370.0574.

Thank you and make it a great day, and please remember to slow down in the school zones!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

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.

Is It Really Almost May?

I don't know about you, but I am amazed that it is almost May? I don't know where the season has gone! We have been so busy...between work and kids and grandkids and volunteering and the day-in and day-out routines that somewhere along the way February and March slipped into April without any warning and I now find myself scheduling summer activities...Being a real estate agent in Naples Florida, we don't keep regular weekly hours. There are no weekends per say...We work most Saturdays showing homes, and Sundays holding open houses. Mine is a crazy, mad calendar filled with colors coding the daily activities in green, orange and pink highlighters...Now that season is indeed winding down, I thought I would share what we think are some of the best buys in Naples Real Estate!

• Best Buy over $2 million: Look no more if you are searching for a large family compound! This southern exposure residence boasts bay views from most rooms! Over 10,000 total square feet, the many features of this home include a private elevator, billiards room, wonderful vanishing edge pool, impact glass & shutters, sauna, master suite sitting area, and so much more. Click here to view the Virtual Tour.
• Best Waterfront Single Family Home Value between $1.5-$2 million: Seeing is believing in this professionally decorated direct access 4+den, 4 full baths, pool, 60' dock, library, indoor air-conditioned storage, reverse osmosis, gourmet kitchen. The list goes on and on! Click here for the Virtual Tour.
• Best In-Town Buy! This is the Olde Naples lifestyle at its best! Only 1 block to all the fabulous 5th Avenue South restaurants, shopping, galleries and live theatre. Beautifully appointed, this home has every imaginable upgrade and feature that one would expect in a luxury property in downtown Naples. Private pool, private elevator, private gardens with fountain and pavers meander around this picturesque Mediterranean-style villa. You won't want to miss viewing the Virtual Tour here!
• Best Bayfront Condo Buy! Choose from two spacious townhomes in the intimate community of Bayview Estates. Totally updated, with docks included, these 3 bedroom 3 bath residences live like a private home with attached 2 car garage. Tropical pool is shared by only 8 condominums. This lovely complex is located at the end of a tree-lined street directly on Naples Bay! The views are priceless! Click here to view both properties: Virtual Tour 1 and Virtual Tour 2.
• Best Buy between $500,000-$1 million: A remarkable single family home located in a gated community in central Naples. 4 bedrooms + bonus room, 3 1/2 baths. Modern, hip & trendy best describe this custom built home. Soaring ceilings, walnut plant flooring, GE monogram appliances. The backyard is a peaceful oasis. To view this spectacular home click here for the Virtual Tour.
• Best Investment Property: Located a short walk to the pristine gulf beaches, and directly on world famous Fifth Avenue South-this exciting 2 bedroom 2 bath condo allows 52 rentals per year and generates an excellent income! Turnkey furnished, the other amenities include a heated pool, large open patio, plus a new roof & freshly painted exterior. Priced to sell at only $329,900. Click here for the Virtual Tour.
• Best Golf Community Condo: First floor end unit with attached garage and spacious lanai, this 2 BR + den is being offered turnkey furnished. Located in a gated community within a short drive to downtown Naples. The community features a Tom Fazio golf course, tennis, fitness center and lovely clubhouse with Naples Bay views. You won't believe the value at $299,900. Check out the Virtual Tour here.
• Best Condo Buy under $250,000! Bright and cheerful, with south exposure and lake views-this 3 bedroom townhome has an attached garage, vaulted ceilings, large lanai, eat-in kitchen, and best of all: It is located in a gated Resort Community featuring a social center, tennis, fitness center, multimedia room, catering kitchen, lap pool plus a resort-style pool. This is Florida living at it's best! Watch the Virtual Tour and see for yourself!

For more information about these Naples Best Buys, please call The Harris-Peppe Team today. 239.370.0574 It may almost be May, but we still have some excellent buys in Naples Florida!

Thanks, and make it a GREAT day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Is In The News

"Naples Rises From Florida Housing Swamp as Wealthy Buyers Return to Market"

At last, there's some really good news being reported in today's Bloomberg Real Estate News. Read the full story here as Dan Levy puts a positive spin on the Naples Real Estate housing market, while other reporters continue with their gloom and doom! I'd like to commend Dan and his editor Kara Wetzel for taking the time to do the proper research necessary to write an accurate account of what is really happening in our town. Dan hits on several key topics including our popularity with International Buyers, the Luxury market in Naples Florida, Foreclosure Ranking and Consumer Confidence. He also quotes several authorities including Karl Case [the other half of the well respected Case-Shiller index], "Wealth determines housing, and the good places pick up first", and as I had previously mentioned in an earlier post, Lawrence Yun, chief economist in Washington for the National Association of Realtors, also predicts home prices in South Florida may show a "surprise upward." [Go to my website to read my entire blog]

Click to read the full story: Bloomberg reports Wealthy Buyers Return to the Market in Naples Florida.

I'm thrilled that what I have been reporting for months is finally making it into the mainstream!!

Thanks for reading my blog! Make it a GREAT day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

More On Florida Vacancy Percentages

Just logged onto the Florida Realtors website, and lo and behold, today's feature story is yet another rebuttal to the CNNMoney article which I referenced today in an earlier post. Check out this report for more accurate information concerning Census Bureau and Florida Housing Vacancies.

Thanks again for reading my blog! I am just trying to get the most accurate information out to the public concerning Naples Real Estate!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

It's Hurricane Season~Be Prepared!

Today, June 1st, marks the first day of the 2010 hurricane season. This will run for six months, ending November 30th. Here are a few facts about hurricanes, as well as a few helpful websites that I'd like 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. Stewert. In 1951 the United States adopted the plan to name storms after the phonetic alphabet...Able, Baker, Charlie...But, then in 1953 the weather sevice returned to only using female names. This officially ended in 1978, when some believe was 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 Ocean storms, too! It has remained that way ever since. Once a system with a counter-clockwise rotation is identified, and a sustained wind of 39 mph is measured, the storm is named. A list of this year's names, as well as other good information for storm preparedness can be found on The National Hurricane Center's website.

I am also including, for those of us in Naples Florida, a link to Collier County's Emergency Management website. This site offers important suggestions such as having a family plan, among other things. Keep in mind, this blog post was not wriiten to alarm you.  Hurricanes are a fact of nature. Consider this: We are notified days in advance of an upcoming storm. All in all, we are very fortunate to live in paradise...we just want you to be prepared!