The flurry of web traffic is at an all time high (at least on my Naples, Florida real estate website) but more importantly, the calls and emails are really starting to come in which is a very exciting and welcome change.  I'm sure it helps that the snow is flying and the temperatures up north are dropping so I wanted to take the time to let you know what you're in for when you call and or email me with questions about Naples, Florida real estate. First, quite a few people are asking questions that are really a matter of opinion and of course my opinion might not be the same as someone else's but I'll share it with you and give you reasons why I think the way I do and try to provide as many examples or perhaps pictures, resources etc. to help you understand why I think the way I do.  One... 01/03/2008

OH!  What A Wonderful Way To Welcome In 2008!  In the warm weather, on the beach with friends, listening to the sound of the waves and watching fantastic fireworks from a historical pier.  This is how I spent my New Year's Eve in Naples, Florida.  I though I would share a few shots of the those wonderful fireworks with my ActiveRain family.  "Happy New Year" from EliteOne Fine Properties.  01/01/2008

 LET THE NEW YEAR BEGIN  ---  Let us all keep an upbeat positive attitude for 2008 and forget about the woes of 2007, there is nothing we can do about them now.  This upbeat and positive attitude will keep everyone believing in us.  Wishing everyone a Fantastic 2008."HAPPY NEW YEAR" from EliteOne Fine Properties  12/31/2007

  Hello Folks,Living in Southwest Florida can be, and is, a lot of fun. One of the benefits of being here in the winter is the number of outdoor Art Shows which occur. This past weekend was the 12th Annual Naples Art Show on 5th Avenue in downtown Naples, Florida. I'm not a big art buyer, actually, I can't tell you the last time I ever purchased anything at an Art Show, but they are fun to attend. The creativity of the artist is amazing. Another benefit is that they are FREE to attend and generally packed with people. Generally from late December till March, we will see numerous Art Shows through-out Southwest Florida. Naples will have quite a few, along with Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers. They are always held on the weekends and a joy to attend. If you have plans to visit Southwest Fl... 12/30/2007

Fiddler's Creek - Series #4 Fiddler's Creek in Naples Florida presently consists of 23 villages of single family and coach homes (condominiums) ranging in price from $300,000 to $5,000,000. Each village is designed with the Mediterranean architecture that is associated with Fiddler's Creek. You will be in AH! as you drive over the cobblestone entrances and view the magnificent water displays as you enter a number of the villages. Fiddler's Creek expells a luxurious tropical aura you would expect at a five star Caribbean resort. Click on the Brochure Icon below to complete your Fiddler's Creek experience. 12/29/2007

Fiddler's Creek - Series #3 Nature abounds you when you live at this internationally renowned resort of Fiddler's Creek with its shimmering lakes and lush landscaping. One of my favorite pastimes living here is riding my bicycle around the many villages within Fiddler's Creek. The scenery is spectacular with beautiful tropical flora and wildlife native to the Everglades. YES, we do have alligators. Click on the Brochure Icon below to continue your Fiddler's Creek experience. 12/29/2007

Fiddler's Creek - Series #2 I had mentioned earlier Fiddler's Creek is "home" for me. So in my spare time I love to partake in as many amenities as possible. The Fiddler's Creek Club & Spa meets my needs, it boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center with spa and sauna, tropical lagoon style pools with waterfalls, world-class golf, tennis, a poolside grill and fine dining. What a lovely way to relax. Click on the Brochure Icon below to continue your Fiddler's Creek experience. 12/29/2007

Fiddler's Creek what a magnificent piece of land in the Southwest Florida Everglades. Perfectly situated between the World Famous 5th Avenue of Naples Florida and the tropical beaches of Marco Island. I call Fiddler's Creek "home" and wanted to share some of daily sites with you. In my next few blogs I will feature photos of this 4,000 acre piece of paradise for your viewing. Click on the attached Flyer Icon to begin the Fiddler's Creek experience. Enjoy! 12/29/2007

Well, Maybe it's just the sunshine here in Naples, Florida, but I can't help but be excited for 2008!  Once again, web statistics show record-breaking numbers for December, especially the daily numbers after Christmas. Folks from colder parts of the country like Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania are calling and setting appointments to see some of the greatest locations in Naples, Florida.I received a call today from a Chicago gentleman looking at condos in Pelican Bay, another email from a couple looking at beachfront homes in Old Naples, and just yesterday, an inquiry about The Strand at Bay Colony. Like many of you, I'm ready to toast a big goodbye to 2007, and I look forward to what 2008 will bring! If the cold weather starts to get to you, give me a shout!  It was 81 degrees her... 12/29/2007

  HOLIDAY EVENTS IN NAPLES FLORIDAFORSATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2007     Anglican Christmas Concert  --  Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 4:00pm, admission is Free Christmas at Palm Cottage  --  Palm Cottage-Collier County Historical Society, 1:00pm to 8:00pm, admission $3.00 to $5.00Christmas Trees & Trains at Naples Depot  --  Naples Depot Museum, 9:00am to 5:00pm, admission is FreeHoliday Arbor Lights  --  The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, admission is Free to $9.00Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  --  Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 5:30pm to 9:00pm, admission $1:00 to $15:00Holly Jolly Christmas  --  Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 6:00pm, admission $25.00 to $52.00Everything You Don't Know About Christmas  --  Bonita Springs Community Hall... 12/20/2007

Here is the latest stories coming from Marco Island Homes: It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Marco Island! There might not be snow on Marco Island but that is not stopping Marco Island Residents from getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas Island Style. Now that the Christmas Tree is lit at Marco Town Square Christmas Island Style swings into full force.There is no doubt about it, Christmas on Marco Island is special, and thanks to the countless volunteers Christmas Island Style makes it so!More About Christmas on Marco Island:Christmas Island Style The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Needs You! Marco Island is a Perfect Fit to Many.... Is it for you? *****************I have been enjoying reading the Marco Island Blog for some time now. It seems that they are the only ot... 12/20/2007

   HOLIDAY EVENTS IN NAPLES FLORIDAFORTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2007  Many wonderful events on Thursday.  My favorite is the Village of Venetian Bay Holiday Walk.  Browse the quaint boutiques and enjoy the lights and festivities along the bay front.  You don't want to miss this one!Christmas at Palm Cottage -- Palm Cottage-Collier County Historical Society, 1:00pm to 8:pm, admission $3.00-$5.00Christmas in Connecticut -- Collier County Public Library-Naples Branch, 2:00pm, admission is FreeChristmas Trees & Trains at Naples Depot -- Naples Depot Museum, 9:00am to 5:00pm, admission is FreeEverything You Don't Know About Christmas -- Bonita Springs Community Hall, 8:00pm, admission $25.00Holiday Arbor Lights -- The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, admission Free to $9.... 12/18/2007

 HOLIDAY EVENTS IN NAPLES FLORIDAFORWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2007 Christmas at Palm Cottage - Palm Cottage-Collier County Historical Society, 1:00pm-4:00pm, admission $3.00-$5.00Christmas in Connecticut - Collier County Public Library-Headquarters Branch, 5:30pm, admission is FREEChristmas Trees & Trains at Naples Depot - Naples Depot Museum, 9:00am-5:00pm, admission is FREEHoliday Arbor Lights - The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 6:00pm-9:00pm, admission Free to $9.00Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates - Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 5:30pm-9:00pm, admission $1.00-$15.00"Holly Jolly Christmas" - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, 6:00pm, admission $25.00 - $52.00Seacrest Holiday Choral Concert - Seacrest Day School, 7:00pm, admission is FREE 12/18/2007

     Holiday Events in Naples FloridaforTuesday, December 18, 2007 One week until Christmas, stop shopping for one day and enjoy the local festivities with family and friends.Barron Collier Choir's Winter Concert  --  St. John the Evangelist Church, 7:00PM to 8:00PM, admission ($10.00)Christmas at Palm Cottage  --  Palm Cottage-Collier County Historical Society, 1:00PM to 4;00PM, admission ($3.00 to $5:00)Christmas Trees & Trains at Naples Depot  --  Naples Depot Museum, 9:00AM to 5:00PM. admission is FREEHoliday Arbor Lights  -- THe Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 6:00PM to 9:00PM, admission (Free - $9.00)Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates --  Edison and Ford Winter Estates (Fort Myers), admission ($1.00 to $5:00)"Holly Jolly Christmas" --  Broadway Palm Dinner The... 12/17/2007

Holiday Events in Naples FloridaforMonday, December 17, 2007The holiday season is truly upon us, so take some time to enjoy all the wonderful activities with family and friends.Christmas Trees & Trains at Naples Depot  --  Naples Depot Museum, 9AM to 5PM, addmission is FREEGingerbread House Workshop  --  Collier County Public Library-Headquarters Branch, 6:30PM to 7:30PM, addmission is FREEHoliday Arbor Lights  --  THe Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 6:PM to 9:00PM, admission (Free - $9.00)Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  --  Edison and Ford Winter Estates (Fort Myers), 5:30PM to 9:00PM, admission ($1.00 T- $15.00)   12/17/2007

Naples Real Estate Market Update November Analysis: Using a year over year analysis for November '07 - Single family homes in Naples * Single family homes listed were 832, 53 less homes than last November. * Closed sales in November '07 was 118 homes with a median price of $405000. Compared to a year earlier, 34 less homes closed and the median price was down $30000. * Pending sales are 178 homes, only 6 less than one year ago. * Months of inventory to be sold is up slightly to 34 months from 31 months as of the end of September 2007. Commentary: - The number of new resale listings is trending down in the Naples area - this is good for the real estate market. - The number of closed sales is down. On the surface this does not appear favorable, however, since the reduction of loan program... 12/17/2007

   Holiday Events in Naples FloridaforSunday, December 16, 2007       What a wonderful time of the year to enjoy the many holiday events with your family and friends.Anglican Christmas Concert -- Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 4:00pm, admission is FreeBonita Strings Holiday Concert -- Naples First Church of the Nazarene, 6:00pm to 7:00pm, admission is FreeHoliday Arbor Lights -- The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, admission Free-$9.00Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates -- Edison & Ford Winter Estates (Fort Myers), 5:30pm to 9:00pm, admission $1.00 to $15.00Holly Jolly Christmas -- Broadway Palm Dinner Theater (Fort Myers), 6:00pm, admission $25.00 to $52.00Holiday Pops Concert -- The Philharmonic Center for the Arts, 8:00pm, admission $18.00 ... 12/16/2007

  Congratulations Naples High School 2007 Golden Eagles as Florida's Class 3A State Champions.  What a remarkable feat to beat St. Augustine 17-10.  Four years ago these 31 seniors took to the field with little fanfare.  But under the guidance of coach Bill Kramer they had their first undefeated season in school history.  What A Great Ending! 12/15/2007

It is with great sadness that I announce that I am no longer with Keller Williams Realty.  Keller Williams Platinum Realty on 5th Avenue in Naples, Florida closed its doors 31 October, 2007.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the Keller Williams family.  The training and people will always be with me and are the foundation of how I conduct my business.I am now with Engel & Voelkers LLC Florida.  We are the largest seller of Luxury Real Estate in the World.  Our Headquarters is in Hamburg, Germany with it's United States Headquarters here in Naples, FL.  We have 320 offices world wide, in 25 countries, on 5 continents.  Take a look at our global website at http://www.engelvoelkers.com./  As some of you have already found out, I am honoring the referrals that are al... 12/14/2007

BUYERS - It’s good to be a buyer, and buyers today know that they’re in the driver’s seat. Most buyers, are flush with available inventory, can take their time to find the home that’s “just right.” And many find great deals if they’re patient. Beside being patient, buyers should concentrate in a neighborhood that meets [...]Read more about suggestions for buyers in today's Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero real estate markets. The market update for the Estero real estate market should be completed and posted on Tuesday, December 18th. 12/13/2007