Quality AND Quantity

The quality of life in Naples is tough to beat...Our doctors and world-class hospitals are at the forefront of medicine...Staying fit and healthy comes naturally to Naples residents. The gyms and spas are too numerous to mention. -and There are so many natural attractions, too: beautiful beaches, preserves and parks...boating, fishing, eco-tours, sanctuaries...not to mention golf. More private golf holes per-capita than any other city in the world! So many wonderful outdoor activities...It is no wonder a recent article in Money Magazine rated Naples and Collier County #4 for longevity in the U.S.A. where life expectancy is 80.97. I'm not sure how they measure this, but I always knew there was a connection between "quality and quantity" and often wondered why Naples had not made the list before now. Just one more reason to consider a move to Collier County...Live good, Live long, make Naples your home!

Naples is now Under Valued!

We had two very positive articles about Naples Real Estate in the local paper this week. Friday's article even went as far as to say that Naples is now "under valued"! Allow me to share a few statistics with you that I think you will find interesting. Total Closed Residential Sales in Naples YTD, per the multiple listing service is 3,425. Currently there are 10,183 Active residential properties listed in the MLS. This means that at the current rate approximately 1 in 3 properties of the current inventory will go under contract. This is a broad stroke of the market. Of course, specific neighborhoods vary, but as a rule, this is an important statistic. If 1 in 3 listings will sell (and inventory is expected to increase in the coming months as it always does in preparation of season) pricing is more crucial than ever. In 2007 there was a total of 3,910 residential closings in Naples. 1,251 were listed under $300,000. In 2008 YTD there have been 1,604 closed residential sales listed under $300,000! The article in the paper pointed to the fact that if you took the "under $300,000" listings out of the equation, our market is actually up 5%. Residential Closed sale units in Naples in the last 4 years peaked in March of 2005 at over 1,000 closings for the month. The average number of per month closings in the past 12 months is 354, and continues to look like it will remain on an upward trend. (I have only used closed residential sales in Naples, not Marco Island or Bonita Springs in my calculations-I have not used closed lots either). Call us today with any questions or comments. Anyone of us on The Harris-Peppe Team would be happy to do a specific search and or a no obligation market analysis to assist you: 239-370-0574 direct. The number of sales is up, prices are at record lows and all indicators are that they have leveled out. There has NEVER been a better time to buy in Naples Florida! There remains an excellent inventory in all price ranges. Take advantage of this opportunity to own a piece of paradise! This is one agent who truly believes we are in for a fabulous season!

Naples Florida Real Estate Best Buys!

I believe these to be two of the best buys in Southwest Florida priced under $500,000!

If making a sound investment is your motivation, call today!

• Adorable, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, + den, single family home with a refreshing, below ground swimming pool! (check out the view) A bright and cheerful decor...ALL furnishings are included in this Key West-style cottage located in historic Goodland...move right in and begin to enjoy this lovingly maintained, charming home. Situated on a large bay with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the 10,000 islands where you will find the best fishing in Florida only a short boat cruise away! Here at "The Pineapple Hut" you are walking distance to all the fun that Goodland has to offer. -and Just a few minutes from all the convenient shopping and amenities of Marco Island...Plus only a 30 minute drive to downtown Naples! WOW! This is a true boater's dream. This turnkey furnished cottage can be yours for UNDER $500,000! MAKE OFFERS! All reasonable offers will be considered!

• Fabulous opportunity to own a rarely available 2 bedroom, 2 bath, turnkey furnished condo in Olde Naples just one short block to the beach and located directly on the World Famous Fifth Avenue South, Naples' main street! Here you are just steps away from breathtaking sunsets...PLUS all the amazing restaurants, pubs, galleries and fine shoppes that the downtown lifestyle has to offer. In addition to this, the condo, which is situated in a small and intimate enclave of only 14 units, can be rented out by the week! The rental history is excellent! Call for details. Lots of income to off-set debt! This would make a perfect get-away! No car necessary! Priced UNDER $500,000 to encourage offers!

Call today for appointments or for additional information about these or all other buying opportunities in Southwest Florida 1-239-370-0574 (direct) OR log onto our award winning website at: http://www.naplesrealestate.com/ You will find additional photos and virtual tours of these and our other listings on this site!

Sharpening The Axe

Well, I've been back at the office now for two full days and I must say, being away certainly helped my attitude. A couple of months away gives one a new perspective. Our colleagues were glad to see us...seems the office is lacking a little enthusiasm and they think I'm just the shot in the arm it needs. Gee, it's nice to be missed. I remember when I first got into this business and the more "experienced" agents took the summer months off and I used to think, "Someday that will be me"! They always returned refreshed and ready to face the season; full of new ideas and energy. That's just how I feel! Chip and I are fortunate to have amassed a team of professionals to handle the day to day business details in our absence. -And of course, with cell phones and laptops we are rarely more than a click away. We were more than ready to jump right back into it and we are eagerly looking forward to the opportunities ahead of us in the coming months. Sure, we know there are challenges; but hey, Naples is Naples! This is paradise! It's still 80 degrees in February, right? Plus, there are so many good buys on the market. It's a great time to be a buyer! We are busy getting up to speed with the current inventory, pricing adjustments, mortgage rates and appraisal issues and in addition to all the upcoming marketing campaigns we are designing a new and exciting website! We can't wait to unveil it! We've spent the last couple of months "sharpening the axe" and we are back and sharper than ever! Give us a call. We would love to hear from you. 239-370-0574 (direct)

Lest We Forget

On this day, "When buildings fell, heroes rose."

...and we will never forget.

Summer Sum Up

We are eager to get back to the office after spending the last 2 months out of town. While we were away we observed a few things which I thought I'd like to share in today's post: No matter how far off the beaten path we travelled; whether it was on a remote island in The North Channel, a quiet cove on Georgian Bay or a tiny seaside town along Lake Michigan, when we saw a real estate sign off in the distance it was nearly always a Coldwell Banker sign. The "blue and white" brand is universally recognized and respected. We are coming back to Naples more certain than ever that we are affiliated with the best real estate company. We never missed an opportunity to stop in and visit the Coldwell Banker offices we found along the way. We met and networked with agents and brokers from many of our feeder markets. Many of whom either knew someone who already owns a home in Naples or someone looking to buy! They were glad to have a referral contact. Unanimously, the internet was touted as the number one means of promoting listings and finding buyers as told to us by every top office and agent we met. Currently we are working on improvements to http://www.naplesrealestate.com/ and http://www.naplespreviews.com/. We will also be unveiling a third site by the end of the year which will highlight and feature only luxury homes and condos. There were days on end when we did not have reliable cell phone service and no internet connections--Krista, Meagan and Sam held down the fort like the competent experts we know they are and handled all situations with the skill and efficiency of seasoned professionals. The Harris-Peppe Team closed over $5 million in sales and currently has 7 contracts pending! We know there will be challenges ahead, but we also know we have the strength of three very important factors of success. An internationally recognized real estate company: Coldwell Banker; a winning sales team: The Harris-Peppe Team, and websites that dominate the Naples market! We look forward to earning your business. Give us a call. We'd like to put our knowledge and energy to work for you! 239-370-0574

Success!

We said we were "gone fishing"...and we did not tell a lie! Here are a few super shots of Captain Chip taken at South Benjamin Island in the North Channel in Ontario Canada...he fishes almost as successfully as he sells real estate! We will be back home soon making things happen and "reeling" in those buyers! ...After all, we are "Reel"-tors!

"Gone Fishing"

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I blogged. Forgive me, but even Realtors take a break once in a while. Our break just happens to be a little looooonger than the usual... Truth is, we are about to embark on perhaps our longest stretch "away" and out of touch ever! Up till now we have been very connected...whether near or far, whether we take a few days or take a few weeks, it is always with cell phones and laptop in hand. We "work" almost every day on vacation and back at the office we have our trusted Sam, Krista and Meagan always close by to pick up where we've left off. --and in a pinch, we don't mind leaning on Broker Bill. We've been gone about a week and have actually closed several sales while "on the road"...the beauty of doing business in the 21st century! --so, we will try to keep the blog going from time to time over the summer months...and most of the time we will be a phone call away (239-370-0574) or closer yet if I can find a Wi-Fi hotspot...Don't forget to check out our weekly featured property online at www.NaplesRealEstate.com or our videos on YouTube! In the meantime, have a safe and happy 4th of July celebration....and a great summer!

Naples Real Estate "Best Buy"

Brand New and Beautiful!

It's all in the details in this brand new and beautiful single family home. Situated in the magnificent, gated community of Fiddler's Creek; the amenities include a full service marina, a beach pavilion and a fabulous, resort-style Club & Spa. Fiddler's Creek is comprised of approximately 4,000 acres of which only 1,100 acres will be used for residential purposes. A firm commitment to nature and the environment; 2,600 acres are designated as lakes, golf course, parks and preserves. A 5.5 mile creek meanders through the community. There is an abundance of wading bird habitats, a nature park with boardwalk and gazebo overlook.

This lovely home is located in the newest and most exclusive village in Fiddler's Creek ~ Sauvignon. Comprised of only 10 homes in a private enclave. Hyacinth Drive overlooks the exciting 9th green and boasts breathtaking views of sparkling lakes.

Some of the custom features of this residence include a huge pool and spacious outdoor entertainment area, over 4,000 square feet, 3 large bedrooms plus a den, formal dining room and living room as well as an amazing casual room which opens to the granite kitchen. The separate guest cabana would be ideal for out of town guests or used as a studio or private owner's retreat! There's a brick paver motor court and private over sized garage.

Additional photos and a virtual tour can be found online at http://www.naplesrealestate.com/ or call us today for your personal showing at 239-370-0574. This is the kind of place you will want to call home!

Coldwell Banker CARES

Coldwell Banker is more than a real estate company.

Through our statewide efforts, the CARES foundation has raised over $2 million dollars in support of a wide variety of non-profit educational, health, environmental and cultural arts organizations throughout Florida! As real estate professionals, we cherish the value of our community and strive to improve the quality of life for every citizen. Collectively and individually, the agents in the Coldwell Banker Previews Fifth Avenue office here in Naples support hundreds of local charities. In addition to the local charities that we all choose to participate in with both our time and treasures, we are actively involved in the CARES program. Across the state, Coldwell Banker has sponsored 17 Habitat for Humanity homes. Now, we have decided to support the Ronald McDonald House as our newest statewide initiative. The Ronald McDonald House assists families in need during the hospitalization of their children. Please help us to celebrate Foundation Month in June. All year, every year; every sale or listing sold that we participate in, the Harris-Peppe Team makes a donation to this amazing charity. As a leader in your community it is up to us to make a difference. Together we ARE making a difference in our community! Thank you. Coldwell banker Residential Real Estate CARES is a chapter of the Realogy Charitable Foundation, Inc. A 501 (C) (3) public charity incorporated in Delaware. Chapters principal place of business is Florida. A copy of the official registration and financials can be obtained from the division of Consumer Services. Registration does nor endorse, approve or recommend by the state. The Foundation Tax ID # is 20-0755090

Fun Summer Activities in Naples Florida

The long, hot days of summer have arrived and if you are looking for something really cool to do, we can suggest a few of our favorites! Don't miss the Fourth of July Parade, Friday July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The parade begins at Broad Avenue South, north on Third Street, then up Fifth Avenue! Get a "good spot" early! Later that same day, the Downtown Fireworks is a show not to be missed. This annual tradition begins at 9 p.m. when a remarkable pyrotechnics display appears off the Naples Pier out over the Gulf of Mexico. Call 239-213-7120 if you are interested in parking and shuttle info. How about Summer Golf? The South Florida PGA 2008 GolfPass membership is limited to 5000, so call today! For only $48. per individual, it offers play on nearly 200 South Florida courses, including 25 country clubs. Contact them at 954-752-9299 or www.sflorida.pga.com If Art & Culture are your thing, a day wandering through the 15 exhibit halls at The Naples Museum of Art, or perhaps the beautiful von Liebig Art Center downtown? Peruse the galleries on Fifth Avenue or Gallery Row off Third. Both the Collier County Museum and Palm Cottage have summer hours. ~And let's not forget The Fifth Avenue South Gallery Walks scheduled for July 13th, August 10th and September 14th from 6-9 p.m....and circle the date now for The Labor Day Weekend Arts and Crafts Festival on Fifth Avenue South on September 6th and 7th from 10 to 5! Want to be entertained? The Naples Beach Hotel hosts FREE Jazz concerts on their lawn...mark your calendars for July 19th, August 23rd and September 13th! You won't want to miss The Evenings On Fifth either. They will occur on July 10th, August 14th and September 11th. If you want to check out what is happening at the Phil it's easy, just log on to their website at www.ThePhil.com They already have their 2008-2009 season online! Great! Maybe getting close to nature is what you are yearning for...Did you know that Naples residents can go to The Naples Zoo for free on the 1st Saturday of each month? Also, The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is alive with wildlife and color in the summer months. Maintained by the Audubon Society, this is a magnificent way to spend the day. Of course, let's not forget so many of our favorite restaurants offer summer specials...and this time of year there aren't any long waits to be seated! Perfect! Last, but certainly not least, did you know it's a great time to buy real estate? Please call a member of The Harris-Peppe Team today: 239-370-0574. We have been selling the Naples' lifestyle since 1981 and we would consider it a privilege to assist you or someone you know with a summer sale! Thanks and have a safe and happy summer!

House-Spouse magnet

This may well be one of the weirdest real estate blog entries ever, but I felt it was worth the time for those ladies out there looking for a husband...okay, don't laugh, but here goes. We have a cute little condo listed in a neighborhood and price point that we do not normally handle. The mom of the owner is a real estate agent in another Florida city and found us on the Internet. Given her daughter's situation I decided to take the listing myself hoping that someone would do the same for one of my kids. I promised her I would take care of her daughter as though she were my own kiddo. I know it gave her a good sense of comfort knowing my years of experience. Well, never did we think a year ago that the market would have continued it's downward spiral and at such a pace...This lovely little condo is a super buy, located just a few short miles to downtown Naples and all the wonderful amenities Naples offers. Further, it boasts a spacious bedroom plus a den, covered parking, cute furnishings, in-home laundry, a wonderful community pool, a nice park-like setting, golfing nearby and best of all...are you ready for this? The last two ladies who owned this condo moved in single and met their husbands shortly thereafter. Now, this might be pushing the envelope, and of course I cannot make any guarantees, but thinking outside the box is my specialty and in this crazy market I figured, what did I have to lose, right? Oh, by the way. This sweet little condo is priced at $100,000 even. Call us if you're interested in the details or check it out yourself on our website: http://www.naplesrealestate.com/

Save $$$ On Your Home Insurance

Recently my husband (and business partner, Chip) had a Windstorm Inspection done on our personal residence here in Naples. We live on the water. The results, which we turned into our insurance company, gave us approximately a 30% savings on the wind portion of our homeowner's insurance premium. This is substantial when you consider the cost of insurance. If you are reading this, and have any questions pertaining to this type of inspection, please feel free to call Chip as he would be happy to assist you. 239-370-0574 It is important to note that Governor Charlie Crist signed a new law: SB 2860, which will require beginning in 2010, all homes insured by Citizen's Property Insurance for more than $500,000 which are located in the "windborne debris region" to disclose the home's windstorm rating at the real estate closing. This means these homeowners will have to complete the windstorm mitigation inspection prior to selling their homes. This program also applies to condominums, so it might benefit an association to check into getting such an inspection. ~AND...Starting in 2011, all homes located in the windborne debris regions must disclose this rating at closing, not just those insured for more than $500,000.

Counting Our Blessings

Well, as you can see I started out "gang-busters" when I first created this blog earlier this year...10 posts in January, my first month of blogging...Now as I look back, I haven't published an entry in about 2 weeks! Ahh! I just don't know where the time goes. Days and weeks are running together. I hear from other agents how "slow" things are and I wonder what planet they're on! We are busy! We are very busy! Internet leads, sign calls, floor calls & "walk-ins", referrals from past customers, open house prospects, making sales, managing listings and marketing. We do not know a dull day. If it isn't happening we make it happen!! Last month we had nearly a half million organic visitors to our website. There just isn't enough time in the day to follow up with all these potential prospects! Add to the mix a private life filled to the brim with children, grandchildren, friends and family...wonderful loved ones...Well, our cup runneth over...and we are not complaining. Quite honestly, just the opposite, we are counting our blessings! I had a great experience this morning. My broker is out of town and I volunteered to run our weekly sales meeting. Well, it was a great meeting if I may say so myself...not just the context, but the interaction. This office has some very talented agents...I have the best co-workers in the business. We are a family here at The Coldwell Banker Previews office. The meeting was upbeat and happy, positive and motivational. There are a lot of really good stats out there...Our market is turning in certain key segments in and near downtown Naples. One neighborhood in particular, Aqualane Shores is on track to close nearly 50 homes this year and currently only has 24 active listings. That's a 6 month absorption rate folks. You better check it out now before it's too late because Aqualane Shores is selling and it won't be long when the other waterfront communities follow! Our office pended 65 sales in May! We are up nearly 18% over the same time period last year! Buyers are making plans to come back to Naples to make decisions! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you would like information and current statistics about any particular neighborhood or community in Naples I hope you will give The Harris-Peppe Team an opportunity to earn your business. We look forward to hearing from you...now, gotta' get back to work!

1031 Exchanges

Today I attended a seminar on 1031 exchanges. I've been selling for over 27 years, and I have done my fair share of exchanges, but I went to the class anyway just to see if I could pick up any *new info to share with my customers. The class was given by a gentleman named Marshall Beene who is an exchange account coordinator with U.S. National 1031 Exchange. An investor in real estate understands how important it is to preserve wealth and assets. The investor is fortunate to have this tax code which gives them the ability to defer taxes on their gain and rollover equity of "like kind" properties. Thus, the investor continues to build wealth through real estate investments and maintains the hard earned equity. First of all, let me define what an IRC 1031 Tax deferred Exchange is: A 1031 Exchange is a transaction which specifies if an asset (a form of real estate such as land or a commercial building) is sold and the proceeds of the sale are then reinvested in an asset of a similar kind, therefore no capital gain or loss is recognized, allowing the deferment of capital gains taxes that would otherwise been due on the first sale. The actual law is Title 26, section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. All clients should refer to their CPA for tax or legal advice, but if you have basic questions about what an IRC 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange is we welcome your call. Many of these questions can also be answered by logging onto http://www.usnational1031.com/ Okay, now for the *new info...I thought this was interesting...If you, an investor, purchased a property for $200,000. and the current market value is $500,000...BUT, if you have taken equity out of the property over your time of ownership, you will still owe capital gains on the estimated $300,000 difference--known as gain (less added improvements, less depreciation, less selling expenses,etc...I'm just trying to keep the example simple) even if your current mortgage debt is $400,000 or more...The tax due on the sale is based on the estimated gain on the sale regardless of whether you have refinanced or gotten equity out of the property. In this instance, it would be better to consider a 1031 exchange and "roll" the sale into another like kind property of equal or greater value and continue to build wealth rather than get "stuck" owing taxes on a property you now have little or no equity in. Again, I always recommend you call your CPA, but I thought that in today's market there might be a few investors out there in similar situations that might find this info helpful. If you own an investment property here in Naples Florida and want more info about the 1031 exchange and how it could benefit you, please call The Harris-Peppe Team today. 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Name Brand Recognition

1. Did you know that 96% of consumers know the Coldwell Banker Brand? What's in a name? EVERYTHING! A strong brand can command a premium price and influence buying decisions that shape the ownership experience. Put the strength of the Coldwell Banker to work for you. With over 100 years as an industry leader and a 96% brand awareness, Coldwell Banker is in the same league as Coke, Pepsi and Nike! 2. Did you know that 80% of today's consumers begin their home search on the internet? What's in a name? EVERYTHING! That's why NaplesRealEstate.com is fast becoming the most popular website used by today's consumer looking for a home in Naples! 3. Did you know that over 70% of The Harris-Peppe Team's real estate transactions are a result of repeat and referral business? What's in a name? EVERYTHING! The Harris-Peppe Team, "the name friends refer to friends" Coldwell Banker, http://www.naplesrealestate.com/ & The Harris-Peppe Team... Call them today to put this winning combination to work for you! 239-370-0574

Market Hits Bottom!

A week or so ago our local newspaper reported that the housing market in Collier had "hit bottom" and was back on track. I'd say a lot of folks read that article because showings on our listings are up again after experiencing a bit of a lull earlier last month. At a recent real estate forum, organized by The Naples Area Board of Realtors, Hank Fishkind, renowned Florida economist spoke the words Naples real estate agents have been waiting to hear..."The markets are not eroding further". Yes, it looks like prices have leveled off, but it will probably take another 6 to 12 months for sales to really start improving in the Naples area. Fishkind described the unsold inventory of new homes in Collier County as "fairly small" while he predicts it will be "years" before prices go up again. He also spoke about the decline in housing starts which will also "bottom" out in 2008. This will make finding new homes around town more scarce in a couple of years. Certain neighborhoods are already rebounding. Why just today I selected 7 homes to show a prospect tomorrow and 2 of the 7 went under contract over the weekend! In the first weekend of May! Yahoo! Usually by this time of year Naples is pretty quiet, but people are coming back to make decisions that they didn't make in February! For a list of what we think are the areas hottest properties email or call us today! michele@naplesrealestate.com or Chip's direct line: 239-370-0574

Say "hello" to a good buy!

Call today to see this lovely home perfectly situated on a peaceful preserve. Unbelievable opportunity to own a 3 bedroom single family home with a 2 car-garage, private pool and spa, intensely furnished turnkey and brand new carpet! This great community is a friendly neighborhood with quiet winding streets, sidewalks and cul du sacs. There's a world class clubhouse offering fabulous amenities including a huge swimming pool and excellent tennis facility. The gate house is fully manned and adds security and always a warm welcome! Come see why we think at only $349,000 this is one of Naples Best Buys! Call soon...this wonderful opportunity will not last long! 239-250-4370 direct.

It's what's on the outside that counts!

A recent study produced by Hanley Wood LLC in cooperation with the National Association of Realtors' REALTOR Magazine found that the most profitable projects for return on your dollar around the house were outside projects. When looking for the top returns for the dollar, upscale siding and/or fresh paint on the exterior recouped the highest percentage at 88%. Buyers first judge a home by its curb appeal. The "Cost vs. Value Report" purports that 3 of the top 4 projects with the highest return were outside investments. Following siding upgrades (or exterior painting), the addition of a deck (in our case that would be a new "lanai":-) and new windows both returned over 80%. On the national average, the only interior job to generate over 80% was a kitchen remodel. First impressions mean the most, so put your best "face" forward. Did you know a buyer develops an opinion of your property in 15 seconds! So, sweep those eaves and sidewalks, touch up paint & paint the front door a fresh, new color...plant seasonal, flowering plants...make sure all landscaping is neatly trimmed. There is more competition than ever; make sure at the end of the day your home is the one they remember first...and for all the right reasons!

Zen and the Art of Selling Real Estate

It was about 30 years ago when I first came across "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An inquiry into Values". It is Robert M. Pirsig's first text in which he explored his theory of metaphysics and reality. Reading it reconfirmed a core belief instilled in me by my father...basically, Everything you think, you are. This mantra has become part of the fiber of my being and is reflected in everything I do, including and very importantly, my work. I don't know if there ever was a text written, ..."Zen and The Art of Selling Real Estate" specifically, but that practice of keeping good thoughts has never been more needed and or more important than it is now... Today's real estate agents face more challenges than ever before...Therefore, keeping lofty thoughts, making positive affirmations as well as maintaining an optimistic outlook while being receptive and open to communicate with each seller and buyer as they need...this "value" of customer service: the customer is always right...the customer comes first...This is the true value of selling real estate...The relationships we have taken the time to nurture and build. This is the truest measure of success. Just the other day I received a phone call from a very frustrated seller. (A lot of today's sellers are frustrated) He and his wife are two of my most favorite customers. They have bought and sold quite a few properties from us over the years. They are kind and loyal and easy to work with. After several moments of conversation he said to me, "Michele, you have the most calming voice." It was such a nice thing for him to say and it reminded me yet again how very important it is to stay in that positive place...Reacting to a person's frustration, making excuses, defending the market...none of this works. What sellers (and buyers) need is knowledge & honesty...about the price, about the market and the trends, but mostly they just want a "calming voice"... Yes, a lot has happened in the world since Mr. Pirsig first wrote about the zen approach to maintaining a motorcycle, but his theory isn't science after all, it's just the truth...Everything you think, you are --And I think I'm the luckiest person in the world to have made so many friends in my 27 years of selling real estate here in Naples. That is my value...Everything else will just fall into place.

Global Connections

Coldwell Banker and The Harris-Peppe Team opens homes to the world in 46 countries, on 6 continents...and our network keeps growing & growing. The Coldwell Banker brand name is known worldwide. Because of correcting real estate prices, historically low interest rates and the value of the Euro, the Canadian dollar and other foreign currencies, Florida real estate is "on sale" like never before! With favorable exchange rates and our global network of 120,000 sales associates in more than 3,800 offices in 46 countries, we are uniquely positioned as one of very few international real estate brands. Savvy international buyers recognize that NOW is the perfect time to buy their Florida Dream Home. On a recent online survey, Coldwell Banker in Florida determined that 47% of the agents that responded reported working with international buyers from 90 countries in the last 6 months. This is significantly higher than the national average of 33% in 2007. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, working with a team and a company that offers this global reach is of utmost importance. We know that many of our international home buyers are going to the Internet first to find their Florida home. Florida accounted for 26% of the all international home purchases in 2007...many of whom have discovered the beauty and value of Naples! At Coldwell Banker and The Harris-Peppe Team we are committed to broadening our international reach. We are committed to educating ourselves on the business protocol and buying habits of potential customers from around the globe. I'm sure you've heard the expression that "real estate is local", however, real estate has gone global and we pride ourselves in our Global Connections.

New Feature on our site!

We love getting feedback and input from the public and our customers who frequent our website. We take all suggestions into consideration and today I am happy to announce a few improvements to our already awesome site! First of all, as a buyer you will now be able to search in better price point increments to help you zero in on listings that are closer to the actual purchase price you desire. Second, we will now be changing our "Featured Property" on our home page weekly instead of monthly. With so many wonderful listings in our inventory, and with featured properties getting so many "looks" we thought this would be a way of better exposing our fabulous "best buys" and change them out regularly. By clicking on that link on the home page you will be able to get details of each listing as well as lots of photographs and a virtual tour! So thank you for all the great comments! Keep them coming! We aim to please! --and remember, to see any of these listings, please call The Harris-Peppe Team today! 239-370-0574 direct

Naples Real Estate Update

Like any commodity, a home's value will follow supply and demand trends.

Our current MLS inventory in Naples for active residential listings has hovered at 12,000 for several months. Competition is abundant and many buyers are waiting for prices to fall even more. Investors, for the most part, are out of the market, thereby making ours a user-driven market with price being the # 1 consideration when offers are being negotiated. Even if Naples stays on track with approximately the same number of sales this year as 2007, we have a 3 year absorption rate.

Last year MLS reported a total of 3,903 closed residential sales, down from 4,516 in 2006. There were a total of 8,859 closings in 2005 following a record of 8,995 in 2004. (I can track this back further if you are interested)...

Probably the best barometer for determining what is happening NOW in any real estate market is pending sales (actual written business). Year to date in Naples, per the MLS, we have had 1572 listings pended as compared to 1539 in 2007. Up slightly. Each neighborhood should be focused on individually, as statistics vary in certain price points and communities...even absorption rates can vary widely from neighborhood to neighborhood. Please call or email us today for details on any specific property, we are happy to be of assistance and look forward to earning your business and referrals!

239-370-0574 (direct) or harris-peppe@naplesrealestate.com

Excellence is a Habit

"We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Aristotle

Chip Harris & Michele Peppe are proud to announce that recently at their annual awards banquet, they were awarded the distinction of being named the top listing and selling agents at the prestigious Coldwell Banker Previews office on Fifth Avenue South in Naples for 2008. They were also named as one of the top 10 agents for Coldwell Banker in the region, as well as in the top 100 of all agents statewide!

"Chip and I believe our success can be credited to a number of factors; but mostly it is our commitment to hard work, integrity and customer service. Our market knowledge is stems from our 40+ years of experience selling the Naples' lifestyle...and we want to put this experience to work for you! Please call us today."

While past results may not be the only measure of success, for The Harris-Peppe Team, excellence has become a habit!

Spring Cleaning!

Whether your house is listed or not, these following tips are recommmended for your annual Spring Cleaning!

• Clean sliding doors and tracks & lubricate tracks if needed
• Pull out and wash behind appliances
• Thoroughly clean stove, oven and refrigerator
• Wash blinds, shutters, dry clean drapes if needed
• Clean all cabinet doors, interior & exterior
• Wash and reorganize all drawer interiors
• Wash inside and out of all windows
• Pull out and vacuum under all furniture and beds
• Clean all interior room access doors, closet doors and louvre doors
• Organize linen closets
• Empty and sanitize under bathroom vanities
• Determine if any painting or corrective maintenence is needed such as screens repaired or replaced, decks pressure cleaned, regrouting and sealing, etc.
• Porch furniture cleaned
• Plant spring flowers

Remember, this is not your normal routine cleaning...this is the getting down to the "nitty-gritty' cleaning! So, roll up your sleves, open your windows wide to let the fresh air in, play your favorite tunes and have a Happy Spring!