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Naples, FL Real Estate News

By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
  Do you have a young person who might be considering college? Are you facing Empty Nest Syndrome? ( I am !)   In the face of this challenging economy now more than ever an education can be an asset!  It's never to early to get teens excited about college ( sometimes it's a great motivator as well). Tonight in Naples at Golden Gate High School the annual College Night will be held from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. That is Thursday September 18th....There will be numerous colleges from all over Yale, Norwich University, Florida Universities, etc. For a complete list and links to explore the schools visit here!   Prepare before you go... this link has some great suggestions.  Also there is a printable brochure to take with you.  Golden Gate High School is easily accessed via I75 to 951 Collier Blvd...
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By Ginny Lee, CRS, Realtor, CDPE & ASP,Americas Best Agent,Naple
(Americas Best Agents, Inc/Premiere Plus Realty, Inc)
Real Estate Market Update...for Pelican Bay & Bay Colony A few months ago I wrote a Blog about no Gloom or Doom In Pelican Bay or Bay Colony and just for curiosity's sake I decided to up date it and it is even better then before!  I was just searching the MLS for a couple of buyers of mine and boy was I surprised! Sometimes the media says the market is so bad I think that there are no buyers...but that is not true. There have been 200+ sales so far this year in Pelican Bay as of February 9, 2008. These sales were priced from $350,000 to $16,350,000. There are only 300 properties on the market out of 6500+ residences so that means almost 10% of the properties on the market for sale have sold so far this year in less than 6 weeks. Just looking at the numbers the properties are selling fa...
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By Ginny Lee, CRS, Realtor, CDPE & ASP,Americas Best Agent,Naple
(Americas Best Agents, Inc/Premiere Plus Realty, Inc)
Have You Ever Searched Your Name On Google? Do You Want To Be #1 On The #1 Search Engine? Now more then ever the Internet is the place to go to find out anything you want to know about anyone or anything. Just for fun go to www.google.com and put your name in and see who or what comes up. I bet you will be surprised. I was. There was a Ginny Lee café and there is a banker in Alabama and a clothes outlet called Ginny. Try it and see what you find. I know some people searched Google and found some bad stuff and had it removed. It is important for you to protect your reputation especially if you are in business and you are definitely in business for yourself when you sell real estate. As you know I am always searching for new marketing ideas to help me stay ahead of the rest of the real e...
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By Greg Gorman, Naples Florida Real Estate
(John R Wood Properties)
DID you know many of the best properties for sale are never advertised? That many properties on the market do not display "For Sale" signs? That talking to several agents may not increase your chances of finding the right property? The best way to find the right property is to create a working relationship with a professional, a Realtor. FACT 1. Most buyers don't realize that the Seller, Builder or Developer usually (almost 99% of the time) pays the commission fee! FACT 2. You can go to new communities with a Realtor. Sellers, Builders & Developers of new communities encourage Realtors to bring Buyers to their properties and will not charge or add anything more to the price of property. You get an experienced third party opinion at no cost. The only stipulation is that we go with you on...
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Well if you guessed a long life you are right! Venetian Bay Live Long and Prosper.... Well who couldn't use some good news nowadays?  Yes it's true our very own Collier County , home to Naples Florida, has made the CNN Money.com " Long Life" List.  According to the article residents of these counties have some of the longest life expectancies in the United States.  Number What? Here in Naples, referred to as " the city of leisure" ( in the article)  we made it to number 4 out of 25!  The article also details our strong artist community and references one of my favorite places the Von Liebig Art Center.  The article does mention what a great place Collier County is for the outdoor activity lover!  With all your outdoor activity your life expectancy would be somewhere around 80+(according...
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By Ryan Chiodo, Engel & Völkers Luxury Real Estate Advisor
(Engel & Voelkers Luxury Real Estate)
I just thought I would share this article, which was published in the Naples Daily News. : In a brutal market slump, Ginn Cos. is struggling to pay off the debt it owes on four high-end resort communities, including Quail West in North Naples. Ginn-LA, an affiliate of the highly successful development company founded by Bobby Ginn in Celebration in Central Florida, failed to make interest and principal payments last month on $675 million in bank debt. As a result, Standard & Poor's recently lowered its credit ratings on Ginn-LA, and its ratings on the loans. Ginn is actively negotiating with its lenders, who have agreed to delay their right to foreclose on the loans for 30 days. "This is not a default yet," emphasized Ryan Julison, a Ginn spokesman. The debt_ led by Credit Suisse_ backs...
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Rates Rise Well the news is in and rates have risen.  They are apparently expected to continue to rise over the next few days. At the moment it looks like the have risen .50%.  Buying Power  If you are a buyer and looking to finance your purchase why in heaven's name would you wait?  Are you on the fence?  Maybe it's time to get the heck off!  If you are waiting for prices on homes to drop and getting a loan for your purchase you may be missing the big picture!  First and foremost lower home prices and higher mortgage rates do not a bargain make!   Think Long Term Prices in many places, Naples included, are much lower then they have been in the past.   The market fluctuates as many have learned.  Prices will not stay down forever.  (Think the law of supply and demand. ) Here is the lat...
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By Greg Gorman, Naples Florida Real Estate
(John R Wood Properties)
  The Segway Is Safe (And Fun) In Naples! Recently, a Naples city council member decided she didn't like the fact that Segways have a free ride on city sidewalks! She seemed to think that pedestrians were not safe sharing the space with Segway riders, mostly tourists. It's a reflection of someone who may have lost touch with the community and the reasons why people vacation here. Fortunately, there are State and Federal laws protecting the rights of Segway riders, marking once again, our city council is focused on the wrong issues. (The council lost a recent attempt at restrict mobile billboards...a right protected under the right of free speech). I applaud my friend and business owner, Randy Smith, who has given so much to the community through his businesses such as The Naples Trolley...
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By Garren Grup, REALTOR, ABR, CNE,CDPE, GRI, Naples & Bonita Springs, FL
(John R. Wood REALTORS)
Third Thursday on Third - Take a stroll down Third Street in the center of historic Naples and enjoy a variety of free performances including live music. Third Street SouthNaples, FL 34102Admission: FREEContact: (239) 434-6533 September 18, 2008 7 PM to 10 PM Presented by Bentley, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover of Naples, Porsche of Naples, and the Third Street Merchants Association. Manhattan Connection in front of Gattle's J Robert in front of Tony's Off Third. Numerous shops and variety of outdoor dining invites people to enjoy the flavor of Third Street. This monthly Event takes place the Third Thursday of every month with various live entertainment and sponsors from throughout the Naples area. Dining option include dining at Campiello's historic building, the casual and tropical ...
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
There can be many reasons why a home doesn't sell.....     Some of the Most Common Reasons Location Price Terms Condition What is the reason your home didn't sell?  Are you  helping or hindering your sale? Some important questions to ask yourself when selling .... What is my motivation in selling? Have I walked through my home and noted the features and points that might impress a buyer? Have I walked through my home and noted the repairs and problems that might turn off a buyer? How do I compare price wise to the other listings in my neighborhood? How do I stack up against the competition?  Have I over improved?  Am I dated? Am I a fixer upper? Am I priced accordingly? What kind of impression does my home make from the curb .... curb appeal?  What is a realistic market time, what is ha...
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By Bob Pisa, Broker Associate, Commitment, Service, Satisfaction...
(Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. Naples, FL)
Aqua :: Naples, FL With prices starting in the $2 Millions; Aqua, Naples' most elegant new address, offers a unique and private waterfront lifestyle for refined sensibilities, with amenities that include concierge services, a private yacht harbor with direct access and membership to Naples' most exclusive yacht club. Click the image to learn more...
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By Bob Pisa, Broker Associate, Commitment, Service, Satisfaction...
(Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. Naples, FL)
...in Overall Pending Sales. So the headline and sub-headline reads in the most recent press release from NABOR - Naples Area Board of Realtors - about the real estate market data for August of 2008. Notable points: In the over $300,000 category, home prices increased 5% in August of 2008 versus August of 2007 There is increased sales activity in the under $300,000 segment All other categories are stabilizing and trending upward All geographic areas show a 13% increase in overall pending home sales NABOR Summary: For the geographic areas tracked, overall pending home sales increased 92% to 527 compared to 274 inin August year-over-year For properties under $300,000 there was a 275% increase in overall pending home sales year-over-year. Single-family pending home sales increased 103% yea...
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By Shannon Lefevre, Shannon Lefevre, PA Your Naples Smart Girl
(John R. Wood Properties)
One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how we connect with our clients or maybe the "thing" that makes them remember us.  In my 12 years of doing real estate, I've had some awesome clients come my way through all sorts of obscure reasons.  If you're good at what you do and you care about your customers, you learn to expect repeat and referral business and if you're somewhat decent at marketing and branding, you can expect to see business off those two avenues as well.  I've had a great mix of both.  It's always an honor and a privilege to be called upon again by a past customer and even more of an honor when they send someone they care about your way but I guess I still get a real charge when a stranger calls because of something I've done through my marketing and branding.  Here ar...
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
 Naples Sunset The latest data has been released from the local area board of realtors, NABOR. In Summary it details that for the 7th consecutive month there has been increased activity reflective of an upward trend.  The report also details an increase in the $300,000 market median price of 5%. This  increase is evident when compared to August 2007.   To read the report in it's entirety click here If you are interested in more detailed statistical data then visit here This report is detailing information specifically on the Naples Market only not Naples Area ( Bonita, Estero) . For more information on the Naples market I am here At Home By The Gulf  
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
John R. Wood Realtors continues to be a home to Realtor®s  that care about giving back.  This October a team from John R. Wood will be helping to fight breast cancer by participating The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer noncompetitive walk.  The walk is a 5k or 3.1 miles.  This event is held all over the country.  You can find out where one is taking place by you by visiting http://makingstrides.acsevents.org .  Start your own team or join one.  If walking isn't your thing and you prefer to make a donation you can do that too... My page Venetian Village Shops This years event in Naples will take place on Saturday October 18, 2008 at The Village on Venetian Bay 4200 Gulfshore Blvd. North Naples Florida. There is a Survivor Reception 7:00 a.m.  The walk begins...
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
A lot of people like to speculate... will rates go up? down? median home prices? up? down? There are just too many factors that can come into play!  What we do know is this...what is happening now...  The news this week was big mortgage rates declined significantly upon the heels of the news that the federal government was taking over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  According to Bankrate.com the 30 year fixed rate fell on average 40 basis points( 1/100 of a percentage pt.) to a low of 6.15 %. Although this is news, it's not the lowest or the first time this has happened this year.  However it is an opportunity for folks to get out there and refinance ARMS.  This will be helpful for sellers who have been stuck with higher rates and for buyers who need and qualify for loans.  Now that the go...
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By Shannon Gilmore, CRS, Real Estate Sales Associate with Long and Foster
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
  Welcome to The Glades officially known as The Glades Golf and Country Club.  What makes this a popular spot with buyers and sellers?  Perhaps it's the location.... Minutes to the popular downtown Fifth Avenue Area , beaches, shopping, grocery stores and more!  Another little feature folks seem to like is that for owner's it's a popular place to rent your unit to snowbirds.... and it has BUNDLED Golf.  For the Golfers out there this is a huge feature.  There are two golf courses located within The Glades. .....There is The Pines an 18-hole( par 70 ) and The Palmetto an 18-hole (par 55 ).  You can walk or ride and there is a putting green to practice on as well.  Feeling hungry?  Why not dine at the cozy 19th Hole for lunch? or visit the pro shop for a new Glades Hat?   Pro Shop 19th Ho...
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By Shannon Lefevre, Shannon Lefevre, PA Your Naples Smart Girl
(John R. Wood Properties)
It appears people are getting better deals in Pelican Bay Naples, Florida this summer compared to last year at this time which is historically the best time to purchase in the neighborhood.  What does that mean for the season to follow?  Time will certainly tell.  Here's the latest happenings in Pelican Bay: ACTIVE PELICAN BAY LISTINGS: Current Listings: 304High: $17,700,000Low:  $320,000 PENDING PELICAN BAY LISTINGS: Current Pending Listings: 33High $16,500,000 CLOSED PELICAN BAY LISTINGS: Total closed in '08:  171Total closed last 12 months: 226Average sales price= 94% of list priceAverage time on the market= 208 days   What do all the graphs mean?  There's definitely a slow down in Pelican Bay right now but one of the important points is the fact that the differences between list pri...
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By Barbara J. Morley, PA
(John R. Wood Realtors)
Closed sales:Click Here I have a fabulous new listing in downtown Naples at Bayfront.  To view photos and listing details, please click here. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium listed at $599,000.  For specific information on this, and my other Bayfront listings, you can email me or visit my website. Bayfront is a destination location that incorporates the "live, shop, play" concept and, in addition, is a waterfront enclave with resident amenties including tennis courts, pools, spas, fitness and clubhouse.  It has a 12 times/year, 30 day minimum rental policy that is attrative to owners who wish to have income when not using it persoanally. In the heart of Naples, Bayfront is just a walk away from 5th Avenue, 3rd Street, Tin City and the beach. 
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By Garren Grup, REALTOR, ABR, CNE,CDPE, GRI, Naples & Bonita Springs, FL
(John R. Wood REALTORS)
The final Jazz on the Green for this summer at the Naples Beach Hotel is this Saturday September 13th, 2008 at 7:00pm. The annual concert that takes place monthly in the summer concludes with the Stacey Knights Group, lead by the talented vocalist/songwriter/saxophonist/flutist Stacey Knights, performing a blend of rythms with contemporary, pop & jazz influences.  The Naples Beach Hotel offers fabulous Gulf views with spectacular sunsets within ear shot of the tunes pumped out by various artists throughout the summer.     The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Resort is one of the few beachfront bar/restaurants that host large events on their lawn & beach area and is open to the public.  The outdoor bar seperates the beach from the pool area(which abutts the lawn).  Showing up early to enjoy t...
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