Naples Waterfront Real Estate

Waterfront can mean a lot of things depending upon where you are from...If I show someone from Michigan or Wisconsin, as an example, a home on a "lake' in Naples they just chuckle and say, "You call this a lake?" That being said, we do have lakes, rivers, canals with both direct and indirect access as well as those man-made canals that were dredged out years ago to build the surrounding infrastructure in certain neighborhoods...We have channels and coves, and of course, we have bays...Clam Bay, Venetian Bay, Moorings Bay, and Naples Bay. There is no shortage of waterfront properties in Naples Florida.

Today's blog post will concentrate on boating waters, specifically single family homes with direct gulf access.

If I do a cursory search in MLS I find 147 homes for sale in Naples with direct access. Starting prices at $224,900. for a quaint 1 bedroom bungalow off Haldeman Creek [oh, yes I forgot, we have creeks]. This cottage is located on a recently dredged canal and will accommodate a small boat. At the high end, a brand new, luxurious 5 bedroom residence boasting nearly 10,000 sq ft of living area priced at $14.9 million! Direct access homes [those on lots that do not have to go under bridges] are located in a variety of neighborhoods in Naples.

There are less than 60 single family homesites in The Moorings with direct access via Moorings Bay through Doctor's Pass out to the gulf. The rest of the Moorings waterfront as well as Park Shore and a handful of lots in Coquina Sands all contend with bridges, but have some of the best views in Naples! Currently there are 31 Active Listings of homes on the water in these 3 neighborhoods, prices starting at $1.5 for a 'tear down' up to $5.2 for a brand new home. Only 2 of the 31 homes presently listed have direct access.

Aqualane Shores is nestled south of Old Naples and borders Naples Bay to its east. From 3rd Street to the west, the lots on Aqualane are referred to as 'dry' lots. Presently there are 27 direct access homes for sale in Aqualane Shores starting at $1,275,000 for a charming 60's vintage pool home, on up to a newer bay front residence listed at $5.9. One of the nice things that this neighborhood offers is a boat in your backyard, walking distance to the beach, and a close proximity to the Third Street shopping district!

Golden Shores typically offers the best buys for direct access lots within the city limits of Naples--It is located on the east side of Naples Bay, still within a close proximity to all the downtown amenities. It offers unbelievable value starting in the $600's. Its 'sister' communities are Oyster Bay, which has both single family homes and condominiums, and Royal Harbor which generally has the deepest canals and larger lots in this location. Oyster Bay, however, has the only waterfront street in all of Naples where the homeowner actually owns the property on both sides of the street--a truly unique feature that add tremendous value as it offers 160' of frontage per household! Lots of extra docking for people that want more than one boat!

Another neighborhood on the east side of the bay, located in the Bayshore Redevelopment District is called Gulf Shores. Here we find smaller homes, mostly built in the 60's and 70's on navigable water and no bridges to the gulf listed in the $300's.

Last but not least, the neighborhood of Port Royal offers deep water yacht basins, wide channels, bay views, large estate-size lots, and membership to the exclusive Port Royal Club. Port Royal is bordered by Naples Bay to its east and the beach to the west. Upon the acquisition of the land now known as Port Royal, its developer stated his ambition was to "make this the finest place to live in the United States." Over a half century later, it is recognized as just that, and contains some of the most impressive mansions in the world! Presently there are 45 homes for sale in Port Royal starting at $2.5 million.

We hope this outline of the waterfront communities of Naples Florida has been helpful. My partner, Chip Harris, is a licensed boat captain, and many times we take our waterfront buyers out prior to making their final decision on one of our boats so that they can see the approach to their new home by water! If you are interested in looking at waterfront homes, please call us today! 239.370.0574

Thank you-Happy house hunting and happy boating!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*all info derived from the Naples SunshineMLS and is deemed accurate.

Happy Easter

Wishing you a new day, filled with hope and joy.

Any stone of despair lying heavy on your heart

will roll away into this bright morning light.

Happy Easter from all of us at NaplesRealEstate.com

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day from The Harris-Peppe Team

at The Coldwell Banker Previews International office

on Fifth Avenue South in beautiful downtown Naples, Florida.

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

Downtown Naples Update

What's happening in Old Naples?

When you open a map of Collier County, and realize that a lot of it even spills over to the reverse side of the map, you can visualize the size of our county. It is the largest county, land-wise, east of the Mississippi River! Then when you isolate the streets that typically outline the neighborhood of Old Naples, you really become aware of what a treasure our downtown area is indeed. Less than a mile wide, the MLS zone of NA 06, also known as Old Naples and sometimes spelled Olde Naples, runs from the golf course at the historic Beach Club Hotel south to 14th Avenue South, where Aqualane Shores begins. Within this magical rectangle lies several neighborhoods and shopping districts, but for those of us that know Naples, we just refer to it in general as "Old Naples". This is where Naples began. The history of Naples is rich, and that could be an entirely separate blog post, which I will attempt sometime. For now, since I work downtown, and really enjoy selling in Old Naples, I thought I'd do an update of what is currently happening in the Naples Real Estate market downtown!

HOMES:

• Presently there are 83 Single Family Homes on the market in NA 06
• The prices range from $549,000 to $13,900,000.
• There aren't any 'Short Sales' or Foreclosures currently listed in *MLS.
• Currently there are 22 homes under contract, approximately half have had their conditions met and are scheduled to close.
• Year to date there have been 18 closings ranging in price from $330,000 for an older home, about 7 blocks to the beach and 12 blocks north of 5th Avenue South to a beach front cottage which recently closed for $6 million.
• Average sale price in the past 12 months=$1,732,252.
• Median sold price in the past 12 months=$1,375,623.
• 36 of the 83 homes for sale were built 2000 or newer. The least expensive is listed at $1.4 million and is located on 3rd Avenue North, 4 blocks to the beach, built in 2008 with nearly 3,500 sq ft of LA.
• Only 5 of the 36 newer homes were completed in the past 12 months. Prices of these brand new homes start at $1.8 million up to $13.9 million, with homesite premiums depending upon lot size, and distance to the gulf.

CONDOS:

• Presently there are 182 Active condominiums listed in Old Naples.
• The condos for sale start at $112,450 for a 1 bedroom up to $3.2 million for a luxury condominium with amazing amenities.
• Currently 20 condos are under contract and there have been 34 closings year to date. The sold prices have ranged from $75,000 to $1,550,000.
• The average sold price of condos in NA 06 in the past 12 months has been $528,000.
• The median sale price was $396,998.
• There has only been 1 condo sell that was listed at or above $2 million in nearly 2 years!

There are some very good buys right now in Old Naples, but the bottom prices are creeping upward in single family homes due to a lack of inventory in the lower range. ~And, condos in communities with amenities [i.e. pool] are also going fast in the lower price ranges. The high end condominiums are still seeing buyer resistance. The list to sale ratio in both homes & condos over the past 12 months has been 93%. This is contrary to what a lot of media outlets are reporting about Naples. Again, taking a broad stroke of Naples skews the actual results in specific areas such as Old Naples. Old Naples is a treasure and it always will be. Call us today to request additional information about this charming beach front community! Your home in paradise is just a phone call away! 239.370.0574

Thank you and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*all information derived from the Naples MLS and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Coldwell Banker's New Commercials!

The 2011 commercials have recently been rolled out at the Annual International Business conference, and as always the marketing team has really outdone themselves. I wasn't sure if I'd ever like a real estate TV commercial as much as i liked the portraits of 'Coldwell' and 'Banker' coming to life and talking to each other after the hours, but these two really are going to put a smile on your face! take a few minutes to view the following Coldwell Banker commercials--and let me know which one you liked the best!

Coldwell Banker TV Commercial 2011 #1 Coldwell Banker TV Commercial 2011 #2 Thanks, and make it a great day! The Naples Real Estate Blogger

First Quarter 2011

The first quarter of 2011 is officially behind us. It's been a much busier 'season' than any we've experience since 2005. Prices are leveling off in most price points, and inventory remains low. Economists predict we are at or near the bottom. Homes and condos are selling, but it is only the most competitively priced properties that have gone under contract in the past 90 days in any given community. Realistic sellers can still expect a sale in the next two months as lingering 'snowbirds' wait out their return to their northern homes. Combine the late Easter with the inclement spring weather up north, and I believe we will also have some "be-backs" right into the late spring looking for the 'end-of-season' bargains.

Here are some local Naples Real Estate 1st Qtr 2011 Statistics that I thought you might find interesting:

• Presently there are 7,546 Active Residential listings in the Naples MLS. Down approximately 5% over the same time last year.
• Current Listings: 3,261 are Single Family Homes & 4,285 are Condominiums.
• 1 Qtr 2011 there have been 926 total closed single family home sales. Based on that number we could possibly close over 3,700 homes by the end of the year, making our present inventory of single family homes less than a 1 year absorption rate overall.
• Of the 926 closings, 583 were listed at or below $300,000-that is approximately 63% of the single family homes closed.
• 92 of the 926 closings were homes listed at or above $1 million-approximately 10%
• 1st Qtr 2011 there were 1,114 total condominium closings.
• 836 were listed at or below $300,000-over 75% of the closings.
• 63 of the 1,114 condos closed YTD were listed at or above $1 million, less than 6% of the total closings. Currently condos listed at or above $1 million comprises 11.8% of the total condo inventory. However, it is the luxury condominiums which have seen the greatest increase in number of closings when compared to the 1st Qtr of 2010, up nearly 8%.
• Total closed residential sales 1st Qtr 2010=1,945 vs 1st Qtr 2011=2,040
• 38% of the closings have been conventionally financed. Most buyers are still paying cash.
• The Median sale price in Naples is presently approx. $186,000.
• The Average sale price in Naples is presently approx. $349,000.
• In contrast, the Average sale price in Naples zip codes 34102 & 34103 is $1,199,242.
• NA06: Old Naples average sale price is up an estimated 12% in the past 12 months vs. the previous 12 months.
• NA05: The Crayton Road area average sale price is up approx. 3%.

Perhaps the best barometer in determining the real estate climate is measuring "Pendings". [see chart above]. This best demonstrates the trend line. Sales are UP, and well priced listings are selling fast! Call The Harris-Peppe Team today to discuss in more detail any specific neighborhood that you are interested in and we will gladly assist you. 239.370.0574

Thank you and make it a GREAT day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Select Vendor of the Week

This week's Select Vendor is Ken Watkins, the best Orkin Man in Naples!

Orkin says, "caring for your home is our business. We're not satisfied until you are satisfied. So, if you need pest control between scheduled visits we'll keep coming back until it's solved or we will refund your last service payment." Orkin's service is second to none! They have been in business for over 100 years, and have nearly 2 million satisfied customers to prove it. Here in Florida, pest control is a major issue. It is our pleasure to recommend Orkin, and specifically our Orkin Man, Ken Watkins as our Select Vendor of the week! You can reach Ken directly at 239.601.8496.

Here are a few tips to help you identify pest risk factors:

• An open garbage can stored under a kitchen sink can be a magnet for flies, ants, roaches and rodents.
• Mice and other pests can enter a home through tiny gaps, the size of a pencil.
• Food that is not properly sealed in a pantry can attract pests.
• Improperly sealed attics and crawl spaces can attract spiders.
• A leaking roof or blocked gutter can accumulate moisture and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Torn screens cannot keep out small insects.
• Wood stacked beside a home can attract termites or carpenter ants.
• Landscaping growing beside a home is the perfect "ladder' for pest to climb to get into a home's rafters.

Last year termites caused more than $5 billions dollars worth of damage. It is a good idea to call Ken today and have your home checked, then sign-up for an annual contract to have your home protected. Such a simple solution to protect your biggest investment, your home!

Thank you for your time. Make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Villas Calabria in Charming Old Naples

Located just steps from the world famous Fifth Avenue South, in beautiful downtown Naples, you will find a charming villa surrounded by lush landscaping and lovely private gardens...The side and back courtyards are accentuated with trellis & fountain, and colorful fauna. A romantic splash pool & spa with cascading water feature adds to the allure. Al fresco dining is convenient with the fabulous outdoor grill. The home boasts 3 spacious bedrooms plus a den, and 5 full baths. The home also features a private 2-car garage and a private elevator. The architectural details are reminescent of Italy with balconies and arched windows. The main living level offers a wonderful gourmet kitchen, or you could just make reservations and walk to the many fine restaurants nearby. Only 5 blocks to the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the location of this exclusive Naples residence is undeniably the best in town! The home, located at 591 4th Avenue South, will be open on Sunday April 3rd and Sunday April 10th from 1-4PM. Click to see a virtual tour of Villa Calabria. Please stop by if you are in the area. You won't be disappointed! Please call The Harris Peppe Team if you have any questions: 239.370.0574

Thank you, 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

To Buy Or Not To Buy?

To buy or not to buy? That is the question.

For the past two days I've been fielding a deluge of calls and emails from my clients and customers concerning the recent article published by CNNMoney. Let me try to clarify...Staff writer Les Christie reports that nearly 20% of Florida homes are vacant. He mentions clearly in the second sentence of his article that he got his information from the United States Census Bureau. He continues on to purport that Collier County is the worst-hit with a "whopping 32% of homes empty".

First of all, these statistics, as previously mentioned, were derived from figures given to Mr. Christie by the Census Bureau. I wonder if he is aware that when the census was taken last year, the "snowbirds" who reside up north, but who also have a 2nd (and sometimes even a 3rd or 4th) residence in Naples, had their properties listed as VACANT in Collier County: because they were UP NORTH! I wonder if the two rental properties I own in Collier County, which were BOTH vacant at the time of the census, were also used in his reporting. Probably. That would make 66.66% of the homes I own in Collier County "vacant", even though they are clearly seasonal rental investment properties. People buy vacation homes in Naples Florida! Many do not live here year round. There are certainly other counties in Florida [there are a total of 67 counties by the way] which have a higher percentage of year round residences. This is a distortion of what is true, and very damaging to the recovery that we are experiencing here in Naples right now.

Secondly, let's remember why most people buy in Naples Florida. They are looking for a haven to escape the cold. They are looking for a lifestyle that supports the years they planned to spend their retirement in a healthy, beautiful place. They are looking for outdoor activities such as a pristine beach and nearly 100 golf courses...boating, fishing, great restaurants, world class arts and entertainment...They are looking for a wonderful, safe place for their friends, their children and grandchildren to come and visit. They are looking for a sense of community, good hospitals, good schools...a place to raise children where they can play outside 12 months of the year. They are looking for an abundance of houses of worship, a convenient airport, several excellent colleges and universities. They are willing to look at real estate, and determine the value of all of these things in spite of some ill informed reporter trying to make my job more difficult!

I'll tell you what Mr. Christie, you just stay right where you are until the late 2030's, which is when you report Celia Chen thinks Naples will "come back"--and I'll just keep showing homes in amazingly beautiful Naples Florida. There are those who want to own a little piece of paradise regardless of whether we have hit the bottom already, or whether we will hit it next year. I believe that some things are more important...There is an intrinsic value in the quality of life to which you cannot put a price tag.

Thank you for letting me vent.

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Spring Cleaning

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

• Clean sliding doors and tracks and lubricate tracks if needed.
• Pull out and wash behind appliances.
• Thoroughly clean stove, oven and refrigerator.
• Wash blinds, shutters, dry clean drapes.
• Clean all cabinet doors, inside and out!
• Wash and reorganize all drawers interior.
• Wash inside and out all windows.
• Pull out and vacuum behind & 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 maintenance is needed such as screens repaired or replaced, decks pressure cleaned, regrouting and resealing tile, etc.
• Clean outside/porch furniture.
• Empty and reorganize your clothes closet and drawers. Start a bag for Goodwill or any other local charity. If you haven't worn it since last Spring, chances are it is out of style, or doesn't fit. Someone else will appreciate it, and you will feel better. PURGE!
• Plant Spring flowers!

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

Please let us know if any member of The Harris Peppe Team can assist you if you are interested in either buying a home in Naples Florida, or receiving a 'no-obligation' evaluation of your property in this ever-changing real estate market.

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from The Harris Peppe Team

at the fabulous Coldwell Banker Previews International office

in beautiful downtown Naples Florida!

Select Vendor of the Week

This week we are pleased to feature Hubbell Wall Designs as our Select Vendor of the week!

Sometimes I feel a bit guilty recommending Aaron Hubbell as a house painter because his talent as an artist is so extraordinary. However, if you look at the complete select vendor list on NaplesRealEstate.com you will find that he is the only painter on the list. That's because he is such a perfectionist, and everyone we refer him to just raves about the results. He never lets us down. We know we can count on Aaron to give our customers the most competitive price and the most meticulous work. He is a master at his craft, with a keen sense of color and texture. He also offers faux finishes in addition to his basic interior and exterior painting for both commercial and residential properties. I'd also like to add to this recommendation that Aaron is a wonderful husband and father, which he says is the inspiration in his art.

I always say, "Why not do business with a nice person?" Aaron Hubbell may make a living by being a fantastic painter, but he makes a wonderful life by creating amazing works of art. Please call Aaron the next time you need a great painter, and consider calling him for decorative tiles, or any of a number of different creations he offers. 239.290.4607 To get more familiar with his work I am inviting you to log onto his website, Fresco Studios.

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

The Green Silk Robe

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

Recently Joy called me--we had not spoken in years. She left a sweet message, but before I returned the call I did something I don't think I've ever done before--I search the local paper's obituaries...It was there that I found what I sadly suspected was the reason for Joy's phone call, her beautiful mom had passed away. Joy wanted me to know that her mom had told her a long time ago, "someday when something happens to me I don't want anyone else but Michele to sell my condo." Later that week I met Joy at her mom's home--she had already gone through much of Dottie's things...Together we walked through the bright and cheerful apartment, and I could just feel Dottie's spirit. I made a few suggestions on what needed to be done before we put it on the market, and I told her not to worry, I would get back in there myself and have the place staged...A few more things ended up in boxes, some knick-knacks, books, and some clothes that were headed to the local shelter...Almost all the personal things save this one lovely green silk robe hanging in the closet. It didn't look like it had ever been worn--Joy confirmed that it hadn't and when she saw how I admired it, she asked me if I wanted it. She and her husband had bought it for Dottie--guess she felt it wasn't practical--made me remember when my grandma died and all the pretty robes and pajamas that my mom had given her over the years were still wrapped in tissue paper. "Of course I'll take it, are you sure? Oh my God Joy, it's beautiful!"

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

Thank you,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Select Vendor of the Week

The Harris Peppe Team is pleased to announce this week's Select Vendor is Kelly Rebimbas of Sunbelt Lending Services. Kelly has been a loan officer for over 20 years. Her professionalism and attention to detail is beyond reproach! She states, "Although there are mixed feelings about the economy today, we have seen our business grow tremendously over the past few years. It is my opinion that now is a great time to buy with low housing prices and interest rates in the 5% range. We are still providing many new mortgages for our clients, as long as credit scores are fairly good I will try my best to make it work!" Kelly also says she attributes much of her success to the support of wonderful real estate agents. Chip & I feel exactly the same way...Kelly goes the extra mile to find exactly the right program for all our buyers that need financing. We consider the vendors with whom we refer business as partners in each transaction, and with Kelly we can always count on a positive result! Our customers cannot say enough good things about her either. She's organized, returns phone calls promptly, and manages to make each client feel like they are her most important client! Her motto is, "Give more than is expected"~and that pretty much up her work ethic! To call Kelly directly please phone 239.273.5239 or you can apply online at Sunbelt Lending.

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Just Saying "Thank You"

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

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

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

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

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Personality Tests

Survive Your Serengeti

The first modern personality test was used in 1919 by The United States Army to screen out recruits who might be susceptible to shell shock...The very well known Rorschach inkblot test was introduced in 1921....and over the years since, there have been hundreds more created for all reasons from marriage counseling to employment development to setting education goals...Today, if you are on Facebook, there are literally thousands of quizzes to determine anything from which Dirty Dancer character you are to what the color of your eyes signifies...Early on in my real estate career I attended a Steve Oniki seminar and was quite taken with the accuracy of his personality quiz and how something as simple as a handshake can help you determine what kind of a person you were dealing with in sales and in life...a method I still use to this day. Many years later, I attended another one of Steve's seminar's and it was amazing how he looked at my first test results and my second test results, and almost clairvoyantly he was able to tell me what was going on in my life.

I'm a sucker for these tests, even though quite often I am surprised by the results. The most recent best seller by Stefan Swanepoel, Surviving Your Serengeti, recommended in The Weekly Book Scan blog on Realtor.com, offers yet another personality quiz, but fittingly, it allows the test taker to find out what innate talents he or she possesses in order to best survive the tough times as exemplified by the animals of the Serengeti. This author urges workers in all fields, including real estate, to take this quiz to help us in "developing those skills which come naturally while also surrounding ourselves with people whose skills compliment our own".

Here are the 7 skills that Stefan Swanepoel determines help us to overcome obstacles and cope with challenges in business and in life: Strategic Lion, Enterprising Crocodile, Efficient Cheetah, Enduring Wildebeest, Risk-taking Mongoose, Communicating Elephant, Graceful Giraffe. Click here to find out what animal you are.

Once you take the test, please share your results! I am going to have everyone on The Harris Peppe Team take the test---I already know it's like a zoo sometimes when we are all at the office at the same time! (*smile*)

By the way, I am an Enterprising Crocodile (no wonder I did the Swamp Walk)! This means I possess energy, creativity and the ambition required to see future possibilities that others cannot. It states that I am passionate about work and learn from mistakes...that I understand my personal weaknesses as well as my innate strengths. It also states that I am able to recognize opportunity and can make strategic decisions with limited data.

Thanks for participating! Make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Select Vendor of the Week

Koenig Art Emporium

It is with great pleasure that The Harris Peppe Team recommends Koenig Art Emporium and recognizes them as our select vendor of the week. In this day and age, when so many businesses are succumbing to larger, national stores, the personalized relationship between the "shop owner" and the consumer is rare to find. Dick Walbert first opened his doors here in Naples over 25 years ago. He offers a wide selection of well priced art supplies, as well as very competitive pricing for custom framing. His work is impeccable, and it makes me happy to know that I am a patron of a locally owned, family business. You can find Dick and his friendly staff at 985 Central Avenue near downtown Naples. Please stop by the next time you need a treasured work of art framed---or better yet, create one yourself with their vast selection of paints and canvases. Click here for a video and more contact information: KOENIG ART EMPORIUM

Thank you, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

February 2011 Naples Real Estate Statistics

I cannot believe that February is already over and I am working on month end reports again. I know it's a short month, but didn't it just fly by? While reflecting back on last February, and comparing it to the activity here in Naples this February, I found some *newsworthy numbers that I thought you might find interesting.

• Listing inventory is down. Now, that could just be that we are all too busy working with buyers to concentrate on getting new listings...or it could simply mean that many sellers have decided to keep their properties off the market until the over-correction of pricing stabilizes. Whatever the reason, the lower inventory and higher pendings, is establishing a trend that we have not seen in years. In February 2010 in Naples there were 1,633 new Listings that came on the market. In February 2011 only 1,362! ~About a 17% decrease. Those new listings last year that were priced over $1 million numbered 180, and those listed below $500,000 numbered 1,229. This year, February 2011, of those new listings taken, 156 were priced at or above $1 million, while only 1,004 were listed below $500,000! This translates to fewer listings going active in both the higher & lower price points. Those that had been listed above $1 million last year are now feeling the downward pressure and are being priced below $1 million. The lower priced listings continue to be the most popular range in both pending and closed sales. ~and, The middle prices are beginning to see an increase in activity. I call this a trickle up effect. I think we will slowly begin to see an absorption of the better, well priced listings in the lower price range over the course of the next 90 days. Emphasis on well priced! I also believe that we will continue to see an increase in sales in the luxury market--But, since a much lower percentage of those listings are going under contract, they must be much more competitive with pricing in order to take advantage of what's left of the peak selling season!
• Overall Pendings in February 2010 were 1,188 compared to 1,221 in February 2011. Approximately a 3% increase...compound that with a 17% decrease in inventory! There are pockets in Naples where neighborhoods have seen a more substantial increase in sales then 3%. Those homes and condos listed at or above $1 million had 80 listings pend in 2010 and 81 of the 1,221 in 2011 were listed over $1 million. In 2010 February saw 988 residences listed under $500,000. go under contract in Naples, while last month the pending sales of listings priced below $500,000 were 1,038. Approximately a 5% increase.
• Closed Sales were almost identical in Naples MLS: In February 2010, 570 residential listings closed. In February 2011 there were 571 closings. 31 of the 570 in 2010 were listed at or above $1 million. February 2011 40 luxury properties closed, including a home in Port Royal which was listed at $13,900,000 and closed for $10,500,000. Luxury home closings represented 7% of the closings in February. In February 2010 there were 482 closings listed below $500,000 vs. 469 that closed in February 2011. The lower price range is driving the market.

Presently there are 8,015 Active Residential Listings in Naples MLS. 1,364 are Previews Properties: those listed at or above $1 million, which represents 17% of the market. 5,194 are listed at or below $500,000.

If you would like a market analysis of a specific neighborhood, please call a member of The Harris-Peppe Team today. 239.370.0574 Of course, this is a broad brush of the overall real estate market in Naples Florida and does not reflect the statistics of unique communities within Naples. It is always our pleasure to do a more in depth study of a particular area whether you are considering buying or selling, and it is always a no-obligation service.

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

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

Select Vendor of the Week

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

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

"Recovery to Normalcy"

Today I had the distinct pleasure of being in the audience and listening to Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for The National Association of Realtors. He spoke for nearly two hours. In addition to the 7 pages of copious notes that I took during his lecture, I will eventually have access to his power point presentation, as will all those who were in attendance. This will also include his charts and graphs, which I will share a link to at a later date. Some of this may lose a little bit in the translation without those graphs, but I will do my very best to post a few of his top talking points and statistics that I believe will be of interest. Although Dr. Yun's presentation was seamless, my recap likely will not be. Obviously, the seminar included many statistics and graphs charting the United States economy and Home Sales, but I will try to concentrate on those topics which will effect real estate values locally, here in Naples.

Here are a few:

• The present population of the state of Florida is approximately 18 million. This is projected to double in the next 20 years.
• If the pattern of new jobs created in Naples, as documented in the past 20 years, were to stay on its same pattern, not withstanding the short term fluctuation of 2008-2010, jobs in Naples will also double in the next 20 years.
• The "normal" migration to Florida, particularly the huge number of baby boomers, among them the more comfortably wealthy, will begin to increase again in 2011. [more people left Florida than entered in both 2008 & 2009-and 2010 was virtually even.]
• Newly built inventory in South Florida is at a 40 year low. New housing start permits in Collier County numbered about 1,000 per year for the last 3 years vs. an average of over 6,000+ in the previous 4 years.
• Currently, the cost of constructing a new home is higher than buying a newer resale. Buyers wanting newer homes will have to buy resales in most cases.
• Upcoming tighter mortgage regulations as well as the expectancy of home loan rates increasing in 2012 will prohibit some buyers without cash from purchasing.
• Nationwide, there have been no meaningful changes in Home Price Trends, they have gone 'sideways' for approximately 12 months. However there are some "wildcard" markets that may even see a 10-15% increase in prices after the 2008-2010 over-correction. Naples fits into this category!

Overall, the outlook was very bright for Florida, and specifically a recovery in Southwest Florida! Dr. Yun also touched on the influx of foreign buyers coming to Florida, consumer confidence levels, unemployment, business investments and commercial real estate, mortgage defaults and governments bail-outs.

Dr. Yun ended the seminar with two quotes, and this discussion: The countries in the world that prosper are those which encourage and support home ownership. He spoke from the heart of his own memories of his birth country, South Korea--the fact that the one true thing that separated the ideology of his homeland and North Korea was home ownership. He compared this to a current news maker and mentioned the fact that 90% of Egyptians do not have title to their homes. He said he believed there had been two 'transformational' Presidents in our modern history...and these were the quotes:

"A nation of homeowners is unconquerable." ~FDR

"We will preserve the part of the American dream which mortgage interest deduction symbolizes." ~Ronald Reagan

Thank you for your time. Make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Cannot Be Duplicated!

Royal Harbor Treasure!

Undeniably, one of the very best waterfront values in all of Naples Florida!

This professionally decorated, custom home boasts over 4,200 square feet of living area and has 4 bedrooms plus a den and 4 full baths. Additionally there is a library, an exercise room, a craft or hobby room, and separate formal living room & dining room as well as a family room which opens from the gourmet kitchen to the beautiful outdoor Lanai, pool & spa and built in grill. All new impact curtains exceed the 2011 Dade/Broward wind requirements for a CAT 5 Hurricane. The 60' deep water dock will accommodate a large vessel and features direct gulf access...In minutes you will find yourself in Naples Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, or the wonderful backwaters of the 10,000 Islands! Please join me today, Sunday February 20th at my open house from 1PM to 4PM, at 2031 Tarpon Road in Royal Harbor, or call The Harris Peppe Team to arrange a private showing of this immaculately kept waterfront residence in one of Naples finest communities! Drastically reduced to under $2 million! 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Fabulous New Listing!

Immaculate 2 bedroom plus den, 2 full baths, first floor end unit with an attached garage. Tastefully furnished, this lovely coach home is being offered "turn-key" and offers a lovely, tropical view. There are nearly 1800 spacious square feet 'under air', and 2258 total square feet.

Click here to see a virtual tour!

The amenities of this amazing Tom Fazio designed golf course community includes tennis, a world class marina with direct gulf access and a water shuttle to a private beach on Keewaydin Island.

This is a wonderful opportunity to live in a gated, golf course community right on Naples Bay, and within a few miles of Naples downtown restaurants, shoppes, galleries and pristine beaches! Huge price reduction, motivated sellers! Call us now for your personal tour of this fabulous new listing. $325,000. 239.370.0574

Thank you and have a great weekend,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger