Fun Summer Activities in Naples Florida

Well, here it is again already...the first day of summer, and I am about to write what has become my most popular annual blog post: Cool things to do in Naples Florida during your Summer vacation! But, whether you are here on vacation or not, the locals also love this time of year--less crowds, great sales, amazing restaurant specials...May I suggest a few activities that will surely make the long summer days and nights a bit 'cooler'!

How about summer golf? For 17 years, the South Florida PGA Golf Pass program has been providing golfers the opportunity to play on hundreds of local courses at discounted rates....only $48 per individual! Look for GOLFPASS on the menu bar on their home page.

Do you want to be entertained? The Naples Beach Hotel's 26th Annual Summer Jazz on The Gulf concert series kicks off on Saturday June 25th from 7-10PM on the resort's scenic Watkins Lawn (see photo inset) with a local favorite group, Pocket Change. Circle the dates for the other concerts on July 16th, August 20th and September 17th. Also, don't forget the Evenings On Fifth as they continue all summer on the 2nd Thursday of every month. There you will find a wide variety of musical entertainment, side walk sales and excellent restaurant promotions. Or, click on this link to see what is happening at The Phil.

If Art & Culture is your thing, how about a day wandering through the 15 exhibit halls at The Jay and Patty Baker Naples Museum of Art, or perhaps the beautiful von Liebig Center downtown? Peruse the galleries on Fifth Avenue, or gallery Row off Third. Another hidden treasure are the working studios and galleries of The North Naples Arts Alliance in the Pine Ridge Industrial Park....my personal favorites are The Rosen Gallery and Studio, and The Sweet Art Gallery.

Maybe getting closer to nature is what you are hoping to do...Did you know that Naples residents can go to the Naples Zoo for free on the first Saturday of every month? If you haven't been there lately, the bear exhibit is wonderful, as are the giraffes--but I absolutely love Monkey Islands (probably as much as my grandkids)! A favorite way to spend a morning this time of year is wandering the trails and boardwalks at The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Maintained by The Audubon Society, it is alive with color during the summer months...you might just get lucky enough to view the rare and breathtaking ghost orchids. Why not rent a jet ski or a boat for the day? The backwaters in Naples lead directly to The Ten Thousand Islands and some of the most pristine beaches and mangrove islands in the world. It's the Summer of Sharks at Rookery Bay. Kids 12 and younger get in free on Fridays when accompanied by an adult, for stories, crafts, live animals and much more. Call ahead for more details: 239.417.6310.

Don't miss the Fourth of July Parade from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The parade begins at Broad Avenue South to Third Street then marches down Fifth Avenue South. Get a good spot early...there's always a nice crowd in front of The Coldwell Banker Previews office at 550! Later that same day, the downtown fireworks is a show not to be missed. This tradition begins at 9 p.m. when a remarkable pyrotechnics display appears off the Naples Pier...set to patriotic music, it is one of the best shows I've ever seen...and what better setting than watching it from the beach as the rockets soar over the gulf waters! Call 213.7120 if you are interested in parking and shuttle info.

Last but not least, summer is a great time to buy Naples Real Estate...In fact, I think that might be the coolest idea of all! Please call The Harris Peppe Team today to get a list of some of the areas very best buys and excellent values. We would be happy to prepare a list specific to your needs and wants. We've been selling the Naples lifestyle since 1981 and we would consider it a privilege to assist you or someone you now with a Summer Sale in Naples.

Thank you and have a great summer! The Naples Real Estate Blogger

The Real Estate Industry is Pro-Consumer

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

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

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

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Who is Ron Phipps?

"You don't do anything by yourself...."

~Ron Phipps

Ron Phipps. That name may not mean a lot to a lot of people, but to those of us actively participating in the real estate industry today, it's a familiar name. Ron is the current President of The National Association of Realtors. He was the guest speaker at The President's Luncheon yesterday at The Naples Area Board of Realtors, and I was one of the fortunate attendees.

Here are some of the highlights of Ron's address that struck me as being important, and note worthy:

First of all, Ron's passion for the real estate industry was very evident. He was inspirational as well as informative. Each of his stories related to a personal experience, assuring all of us he knows what we do, because he is an active real estate agent. He faces the same challenges and obstacles...he celebrates the same successes, too.

Ron shared with us that The NAR Team has been to Washington and met with members of congress, and "the banks" to discuss and offer suggestions to solve underwriting challenges and appraisal problems. He talked about how the current mortgage requirements have 'over-corrected' and he mentioned the term QRM [Quantitative Risk Management], also known by many as "skin in the game.". He is urging underwriting standards to take into consideration the entire person/family/entity when making loan approvals: reserves, assets, credit...the whole picture. He told us they are taking great measures to protect the mortgage interest deduction. This law has been in effect since 1913. Over 75 million people will be impacted if tax payers lose this deduction. 65% of the people who take this deduction earn less than $100,000! [91% earn less than $200,000.] The 2nd home mortgage interest deduction is also in jeopardy, which could greatly effect an area like Naples Florida, which has a much higher percentage of 2nd homeowners than the national average. I found this to be an interesting fact: the average net worth of a homeowner is $180,000. while the average net worth of a family that rents is $4,700.

Additionally, Ron spoke of several other issues such as flood insurance, a universal approval for condo association projects regarding FHA requirements, international buyers, mortgage caps, short sales and foreclosures.

He closed the program by urging us to be proud of our profession, stating that there are few occupations as pro-consumer as being a real estate agent. There are on average 147 entities involved in the real estate transaction from start to finish....which goes back to Ron's quote at the beginning of this post. No wonder the housing market drives the economy!

As always, thank you for reading my blog. If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving information about The Naples Real Estate market, please call us today. We look forward to hearing from you, and we hope to earn your business. 239.370.0574

Make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Is Season Really Over?

Where has the Naples Real Estate Blogger been?

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

Here are some interesting, recent Naples Statistics:

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

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

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

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

It's Hurrican Season~Be Prepared!

Today is June 1st, which officially marks the first day of the 2011 hurricane season. This will run for six months, ending on November 30th. Here are a few facts, as well as a few 'links' to informative 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. Stewart. In 1951 the United States adopted the plan to name the storms after the phonetic alphabet...Able, Baker, Charlie...But, then in 1953 the weather service returned to using only female names. This 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 was ever since. Once a system with a counterclockwise 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 a link to Collier County's Emergency Management website for those of you reading this in the Naples area. This site offers important suggestions such as having a family plan, among other things. Keep in mind, this post was not written to alarm you. Hurricanes are a fact of nature. Consider this: We are notified days in advance of an upcoming storm. We are very fortunate to live in paradise...I just want you to be prepared!

If you would like additional information about how to best prepare your Naples home or condo for this storm season, by receiving a free Hurricane Preparedness brochure emailed to you directly, please contact The Harris Peppe Team by email at : harris-peppe@naplesrealestate.com

Thank you, and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Rememberence

"I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers" ~ Ephesians 1:16

On this Memorial Day, The Harris Peppe Team would like to invite you to join us as we honor the brave men and women who have given their lives so selflessly over many generations to allow us to live in a country committed to freedom. It is our deepest prayer that we live a life worthy of their sacrifice.

As you go about the activities of the day, celebrations with a picnic, a family reunion, or backyard barbecue, I only ask that you will take the time to honor those who have given their lives so that we can all pursue a life of happiness and free choices. A prayer of gratitude all those who stand guard today. Wherever you are in the world, please come home soon, safe and sound.

Let us also not forget to offer up a prayer to those who have lost a loved one...the families who mourn their lost heroes must be comforted my our nation's commitment to freedom.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe,

to assure the survival and success of liberty."

~John F. Kennedy

Thank you, make it a great day, and God Bless America, The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Retirement?

What makes a person decide to retire?

This week a dear friend of mine at the office, a lady about 80, decided to retire....I remember when I met Pat for the first time when I joined Coldwell Banker back in 1986...She was then, about the same age that I am now...Where did those 25 years go? And am I still going to be doing this 25 years from now?

I watched the Oprah finale yesterday--I can't believe Oprah has been on TV for 25 years...This morning I decided to stay home and watch it again. Here in the quiet of my peaceful home, it was like listening to a great sermon...the kind of sermon that you could sit through for hours, that moves you to tears, and makes you feel the holy spirit...and like so many times over the years, Oprah was talking right to me...straight to my heart...my soul soaked up her words...and i began to think about who I am, what I do, and what is my calling...Over the years I've grown along with Oprah--and as many of you know, I could rival her many hairstyles and poor fashion statements...She and I share similar philosophies about life, and love, and God...and she has caused me more times of inner reflection than most of the people in my life that I've known intimately.

Today I needed to hear her message--her simple explanation of 'a calling' prompted me to write this blog post rather than to simply record my feelings in my journal...

There are times, after selling real estate for 30+ years that I ask myself, "Is this my true calling?" At times I wonder, 'is this industry changing so quickly that I cannot continue to keep up with the technology, the marketing, the consumer expectations?'...It is especially at this time of year, after a busy season, when I look back at both our successes and our failures of the past 150 days; the long hours, the seminars & classes, the committee meetings, the ad proofs, the open houses, the paperwork, the deadlines, the leaky roofs, the mold reports, the interruptions at the office, or the contracts that fall apart...yes, this is when i am a bit weary...this is when I ask myself, 'is this my calling?' ~and then all of a sudden, someone like Pat says her good-byes, and 25 years of memories come crashing through...and it is so funny that you don't remember the names of the inspectors that gave you trouble, or which house had termites and which mortgage didn't get approved...In this moment I reminisce about the fun we've had, the holiday parties, the real estate conventions...OK, here it comes, my 'Aha moment': I think about the lives I've touched...the people I've met...the relationships I've made and kept...My calling? Yes, this is my calling...I don't sell bricks and mortar, I help families find homes...I make a difference in people's lives...just like Oprah, just not on as great a scale...

So, what makes a person decide to retire? For each of us it is, or will be a different answer...For some it is the magic number of an age, or the number of years you've been with a company...for some it is the fast pace of an industry changing more quickly than they can keep up with, for others it is the desire to give back...the time to volunteer and serve in a different capacity, for some it is the idea of taking life easy and traveling, and for others still a need to care for a spouse, or to move closer to children...All I know is this: As long as I still feel like I am making a difference in people's lives, I will sell real estate. As long as people like Pat, (not just the Oprahs of the world) touch my heart, I will know that I am indeed, living my calling.

Thanks, and make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Ranks High On "Most Relaxing Beaches" List

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

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

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

Thank you and make it a great day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

What's Happening In Paradise?

Things got quiet around here pretty quickly this year...the seasonal snowbirds hung in longer than usual, possibly because of the later than normal Easter, plus the inclement weather up north...but, all of a sudden, in the past week or so, it has gotten very quiet. We didn't 'ease' into summer...it just kinda' happened one day. I found myself driving on an otherwise busy road this morning without another car in sight! Hello, where is everybody? The locals just finished celebrating the annual Naples City Fest which culminated on Saturday with The Great Dock Canoe Race...There are a lot of really neat things to do in Naples this time of year, and the weather is absolutely perfect! The glorious Royal Poinciana trees, the Jacarandas and the Tabebuia [see inset] trees are all in full bloom! People that leave before mid-May never get the treat of viewing these amazing flowering trees in person! I showed property over the weekend to a couple staying at The Residence Inn and they told me they were the only 'non-European' visitors at the hotel! Yes, we Neapolitans are getting ready for summertime...

Here are a few local Naples real estate statistics that I thought you might find interesting:

• Presently there are 6,717 Active Listings in the Naples area MLS. 2,996 of them are priced at or below $300,000. 1,152 are priced at or above $1 million, and only 612 of them are 'short sales'.
• Currently there are 2,359 homes & condos under contract [pending, or active with contingencies].
• There have been 3,438 closed sales year to date. Of those, 295 have been Previews properties: those listed at or above $1 million, and 2,321 of the 3,438 closed sales were listed below $300,000 which is approximately 67% of the closings.
• Short Sales get a lot of press, but only 13% of the total closings year to date were listed in MLS as short sales. In addition, only 11 total closings priced above $1 million were short sales!
• Of the 932 closings last month, nearly 700 were cash buyers!

I suggest you take advantage of this time of year, and come back to Naples to look around. The hotels and restaurants offer some fabulous discounts...the weather is beautiful, and there are some amazing real estate opportunities!

We look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope to earn your business. Make it a great day,

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

*info is derived from the local Naples sunshine MLS and is deemed accurate.

Naples Real Estate Blog: What is a QR Code?

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

Do We 'Own' Our Prospects?

I do my best to qualify buyers before beginning the house hunting process. Whether it be at an open house or a sign call, after 30+ years in the business, I have my list of questions readily at hand...One of the first questions I ask a guest at an open house, or an incoming phone inquiry is this, "Are you working with another real estate agent?" Sometimes the answer is 'no', and sometimes the answer is 'yes'...It doesn't mean I am not going to help them, or not answer their questions--it just establishes this unspoken boundary right from the start. If they tell me they are working with another agent typically I will ask them who the agent is...and if it is someone I know, I always tell them that they are working with a great agent, and how wonderful it is that they are loyal. This makes them feel good...you know, confirming that they have a great agent, and it also makes them feel less guilty about calling another agent to get answers to a few questions if their own agent is unavailable. It's happened to all of us--The buyer phones us to ask about a listing they saw on the Internet...we are unavailable so they figure, what harm can it do to just call the other agent...and it really shouldn't be that big of a deal. Most people still really don't understand how our business works exactly. Think how nice the world would be if we all just say nice things about each other, and help each other out...Alas, that is not always the case. So, what is proper etiquette? What is ethical?

Recently, an agent at another company received just such a call from a past customer of The Harris Peppe Team. This particular prospect has completed four transactions with us over the years. He told the other agent that he was working with us. [The reason he called the other agent was because he thought we did not have updated, accurate information about a listing which had been under contract, but had fallen through.] The point of my blog post is this: The other agent, even after knowing that the prospect was 'our' customer continued to contact him, and at one point said that his "knowledge and time was valuable", demanding to be told "who are you going to do this deal with, me or Chip Harris?" This was an unfortunate situation and a poor reflection of what can happen in our industry if we don't treat people the way we want to be treated--Needless to say, our customer was very uncomfortable with this, and he did not put an offer in on that agent's listing! There's a moral there, too!

So, "Do We Own Our Prospects?" No, we do not. But, I can assure you this: If another real estate agent's prospect calls me to inquire about the status of a listing, or information about a home that I am sitting open, I will be sure to tell them that you are a great agent...unless of course, you're the one that this blog post is about...then I just won't say anything.

Thank you, and Make it a GREAT day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

Naples Florida Residential Pending Sales UP UP UP!

I'm a very visual person, comes from my art background I guess, but you have to admit, a picture can paint a thousand words. Take for example the chart below [click on picture to enlarge]. This graph depicts the Pendings month by month for the past 4 years in Naples Florida. Who can argue that sales are up? If this doesn't convince the buyers that are on the fence that it's time to make a decision I'm not sure what will. As for the sellers: If you are not getting offers, there is probably only one reason: You are overpriced! Inventory is way down, less than 7,000 Active Residential listings in the Naples MLS...remember when we had over 16,000 listings? It wasn't that long ago! Activity has remained brisk even into May! I remain very optimistic about the Naples Real Estate market.

If you would like additional information about the listings available in a specific neighborhood, and/or details about the activity that an area that you either live in, or are interested in purchasing a home or condo in, please call or email us anytime: 239.370.0574

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

Zillow Estimates of Value in Naples Florida

More than once in the past few weeks I have had the same conversation with a potential customer having to do with the accuracy of the "Zestimates" on Zillow.com

I just hung up after trying to substantiate an asking price of a home listed on Zillow and decided to view those listings which I know for a fact are priced very well, just to see what value Zillow has put on them. In all cases, [and I checked over a dozen addresses], the zestimate was well below the listed price. In one case the list price for a home directly on Naples Bay was 'zestimated' at over a million dollars below the list price. I think, as an agent, we need to inform the public as to the reason why this happens so often on Zillow. Here's my attempt to clarify:

Let's take the example of a home listed in an estate area within a subdivision. Estate area being considered as one of the premium lots and larger, luxury homes. Also within this particular gated community there are garden apartments, villas and single family homes on zero-lot lines as well as the "estate-size" lots. A diverse selection in price and architecture. Zillow determines value based on the closed sales which have occurred recently in the geographic area closest to the subject property. If the subject property is listed at $1 million dollars, and 2 of the 10 most recent closed sales were also in the estate area of this community, but the other 8 closed sales were in either the villas or the homes on smaller lots, then the value will be based on non-comparable properties because zillow uses all the sales, not just the 2 that were most comparable!

I hope this makes a little bit of sense. In the end, buyers need to work with licensed, professional real estate agents so that they do not overpay for a home and condo--And seller's need to work with agents prepared to determine value by doing a Competitive Analysis based on the best comparables available in any given market.

Please call us personally if you have any further questions or comments. 239.370.0574

Thank you, and make it a GREAT day!

The Naples Real Estate Blogger

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