Aqualane Shores is one of the most desired communities in Naples, Florida.  Primarily a boating community with some off water locations available, it is highly regarded mostly because of it's superior location to 5th Avenue and 3rd Street, two of Naples finest shopping and dining locales and the fact that the waterfront lots offer a close proximity to Naples Bay and then an easily navigable shot to the Gulf of Mexico.  So what's it take to "break in" to Aqualane Shores these days? Get your wallet out, the lowest priced listing in Aqualane Shores today comes in at: $1,890,000 For this price you can choose between two listings priced exactly the same. Both homes were built in the 50's, offer 2 bedrooms plus a den and provide right around 1,600 square feet of living space. One offers a dee... 11/30/2007

There is an informative Web site that rates Florida's performanceon public safety, health and family, education, economy and taxes, transportation, and environment/conservation.  Good news as well as not so good new is posted.  This site, in my opinion, is a good reference site for Florida buyers and sellers.We once again have a drop dead gorgeous day in Naples today.  Pelican Bayis in the process of dressing up for the Christmas holiday.......pictures to follow in my next blog. (This translates to I have to go down to the beach to take some photos.)  L'Ambiance already has its Christmas decorations up.  While my friends and family up North may be in the process of thinking about putting up outside Christmas decorations, many of the subdivisions in Naples have to begin this process earl... 11/30/2007

I was just checking our Naples Area Board of Realtors Multiple Listings for a downtown, waterfront destination called Bayfront. It's a mixed use, "work, live, play" community that consists of 156 condominiums. One of the owners had emailed me about the current market because she was thinking of listing her condominium. In establishing pricing in a buyer's market, one thing that seller's need to seriously consider is their competition, and, believe me, there is plenty of competition. Until the amount of inventory shrinks, the basic law of economics will prevail. Supply and Demand. My college economics professor, taught us that when there is an oversupply of a particular product, pricing must come down until the demand is equal to the supply. Once supply depletes to below the demand level... 11/28/2007

The day before Thanksgiving my brother, his wife and a friend flew down to Naples from Chicagoland to have Thanksgiving with us and enjoy a week in the sun.  It was an absolute pleasure to have them but I can truly say that I am EXHAUSTED!I cooked a 20 pound bird with our Mother's stuffing recipe and I can report that my brother who has not had Mom's stuffing in YEARS was in 7th heaven.  Because I am such a good sister I also made our Grandmother's recipe for carrot cake.  The weather was absolutely perfect on Thanksgiving day.  Cooking for my family and friends in my new kitchen was a joy.Even with all the hustle and bustle this week, my husband and my brother still managed to find time to go fishing on Naples Pier.  Unfortunately they never caught any fish!My family left today to retu... 11/28/2007

I am a web statistics junkie!  I watch it throughout the day, everyday like some people watch a stock market ticker. It amazes me how in depth Google Analytics provides data regarding my website.  Here's a run down of the activity in the last 30 days regarding www.shannonlefevre.com/ What Countries are looking at Naples, Florida (in order of activity with 1 being the highest):1.  United States2.  Canada3.  United Kingdom4. Ireland5. Australia6. Germany7.  Netherlands8.  France9.  Brazil10.  ItalyWhat States are looking at Naples, Florida (in order of activity with 1 being the highest):1.  Florida2.  New York3.  California4.  Massachusetts5.  Illinois6.  New Jersey7.  Pennsylvania8.  Texas9.  Ohio10.  MichiganHow are they finding my site:1.  Direct searches2.  Google3.  MSN4.  YAHOO5.  A... 11/24/2007

Thinking about buying or selling Pelican Bay real estate?  The latest findings are as follows:12 Month Activity (ending 11/23/07)Total Listings:      341Avg. List Price:     $1,280,532Sales (2007):     242Avg. % Sales Price:  92% of List PriceAvg. Market Time:  180 DaysIf you are planning on making an offer in Pelican Bay, 92% is median difference between list price and sales price this year.  There may be better opportunities for you which I can help you identify. Listing inventories are a little on the high side right now which is normal for this time of year.  Because of other factors it also means your buying power is better than it's been all year!Average Sales Price (ending 11/23/07)0-12   Months   $1,361,152    Down 11%24-12  Months   $1,526,131  Up 21%36-24  Months   $1,260,990 ... 11/24/2007

FLORIDA HOME SALES - In third quarter 2007, Florida’s housing sector in many markets continued to report high inventory levels of homes for sale, median prices edging down and sales activity levels reflecting the impact of mortgage disruptions. Statewide sales of single-family existing homes totaled 31,910 for the quarter, a decrease of 29 percent compared [...]Read more about this and the Naples real estate market conditions. 11/24/2007

Mel's Diner is having a Classic Vehicle Cruise In to benefit Helping Kids With Cancer.Over 100 classic vehicles will be on display in the parking lot of Mel's Diner in Fort Myers, on US 41 - ½ mile south of Colonial Blvd. this Sunday November 25th from 6:00-9:00 P.M. Proceeds raised during the car show will benefit Helping Kids with Cancer.Helping Kids With Cancer helps children up to the age of 19 with cancer in an outpatient setting.  The benefit is to raise funds to build an inpatient facility.  The Children's Hospital of Soutwest Florida serves - Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, DeSoto, Charlotte and Sarasota counties in southwest Florida.There is NO admission charge.For additional information please call Mel's Diner at 239--275-7850 or Richard Karp - Director of Marketing at 239-489-0... 11/21/2007

FORECLOSURES - Created to combat a rising flood of mortgage foreclosures, the Hope Now alliance began a nationwide mail campaign Monday to 300,000 homeowners, offering help to those who may be having trouble meeting their mortgage payments.  Hope Now alliance, is backed by the Bush, is a partnership of mortgage companies and nonprofit housing counselors.  It [...]Read More Real Estate News affecting Naples real estate. 11/20/2007

Coming to Naples, Florida for Thanksgiving?Good!  We're happy to have you!  Here are a few tips to consider when traveling:It's supposed to be beautiful this week (highs in the 80"s during the day) with a slight chance of rain on Thanksgiving Day and possibly on Friday.  See the 10 Day Forecast Here.No Liquids!  Don't forget there is still a liquid ban.  Don't bring your liquids on the plane with you.  Checked bags only!Bringing gifts? remember you can't wrap them before you come.  Airlines will make you unwrap your presentsIf someone is picking you up at the airport.  We have a cell phone lot where your pick up person will be required to wait for your arrival.  Don't forget their cell phone number.What To Wear:Ladies:During the day it's mostly casual attire in Naples, Florida.  Except ... 11/20/2007

That was a question asked by a gentleman who called today asking for alternative accommodations for his mother who was planning on making a visit to Naples, Florida in January.  He started of by wanting to know where other than the Ritz Carlton he might be able to find a place for her to stay because he was not excited about spending $700.00 per night especially if she plans to stay for the week to ten days he's expecting her to stay.  So we discussed alternative accommodations where I gave him the phone numbers of all the hotels that might fit their requirements.  Read more about the post I wrote regarding accommodations in Naples, Florida Then he asked about rentals.  He stated that they stayed in a place in Pelican Bay last year for a week but couldn't remember the name of it.  My re... 11/19/2007

Several people have asked lately where they should stay when they come to Naples, Florida.  Here are some fabulous accommodation options:Naples Ritz Carlton Hotels Beachside is located on the north side of Bay Colony in Pelican Bay or just south of Vanderbilt Beach.Naples Golf is located within Tiburon, just under two miles from the beach on a golf course.Both of these locations are awesome, but if you were thinking of something a little less pricey, you might want to try:Naples Grande Resort, Their proximity to the beach, is still very nice (within a couple of blocks from the beach and less than a mile from Waterside Shops)Another fantastic beach-front option is Edgewater Beach Hotel.  This one is older but has recently been magnificently renovated and is located closer to Olde Naples,... 11/19/2007

  Hello Folks,Visiting Naples, Florida anytime soon? Already live here or moving here? If so, you need to visit Clam Pass. Clam Pass is a state park in Naples directly behind the ‘Naples Grand" hotel (formerly known as the Registry. Clam Pass is a wonderful place to go and hang out for the day. Beautiful Gulf Beach, nice restaurant to get a light lunch or early dinner, and plenty of things to keep you occupied. The actual beach & concessions area is a nice stroll through a canopy of mangroves. If you aren't up to the walk, they do run regular shuttles from the parking lot to the beach. Shuttles run non stop about every 15 minutes. Rarely is Clam Pass packed with people like many of our beaches. Because of it's secluded location, few people know it exists.   While on the beach you can re... 11/17/2007

ANOTHER HOME BUILDER IN TROUBLE - Homebuilder TOUSA Inc. of Hollywood, Florida says it may not survive the housing slump. The company’s announcement comes less than a week after Fort Lauderdale-based Levitt and Sons filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from its creditors. (see Florida Real Estate News - 11/12/07.) MORTGAGE RATES - Rates on 30-year mortgages were [...] Find More About Naples Homes For Sale. 11/16/2007

HOMEBUYERS - If homebuyers want a new home, it’s worth checking out the builder’s financial status early on. If a builder declares bankruptcy before closing, the deal probably won’t go through on time; and owners who recently closed could get hit with liens and face other problems. But financial troubles may be easy to spot.  [...]Find detail information about Naples real estate market. 11/16/2007

REAL ESTATE TAXES - Now it’s the voters’ turn: Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday signed into law a bill that would implement real estate tax cuts, providing voters approve the proposed constitutional amendment in January. PENDING HOME SALES - A modest recovery for existing-home sales is expected in 2008 as the impact of the credit crunch subsides, according to [...]Read More About Bonita Springs Florida real estate. 11/16/2007

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - If you are a residential property owner and looking to rent your residential property here is something that might help you or assist you with covering the carrying costs of your second or seasonal property.  This could be an idea for real estate investors in vacational areas. The Internet is doing for [...]Read More About Bonita Springs real estate 11/16/2007

Real estate auctions have seen an increase in gross sales in the last three quarters of 2007, according to recent industry surveys by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA)*. This is an important trend to consider given the current slump in the real estate market. But it is conceivable in light of the forecasted rise in foreclosures. Investors are waiting on the market to show favorable conditions to buy--but real estate auctions and foreclosures may be just this opportunity! Consider that the current real estate market has led to an increase demand for persons or entities to (1) actually sell their property, and (2) sell it quickly to cut further losses. Auctions then become an ideal venue to "liquidate" and get out from under that property, especially when there are multiple prope... 11/16/2007

This summer produced a pretty quiet real estate market.  Since August 5th, there has only been eight pending low rise sales in Pelican Bay.  We have only had 7 closed sales since that time.In doing the statistics this time, I decided to include all the unsold units because I wanted to see a larger picture of what is failing to sell.  The Unsold/Expired category now includes all the terminated and withdrawn listings.  Many times if a unit fails to sell the listing agent will terminate the current MLS number and then re list the unit under a different MLS number with the lower price.  Since January 1st , there have been 248 price changes for low rises in Pelican Bay.When I included the terminated and withdrawn listings, the percentage of unsold properties was startling.  As of today, 70% ... 11/14/2007

Audubon ~ Naples, Florida and the Audubon Golf & Country Club  is a beautiful and environmentally conscious developed area conveniently located west of Tamiami Trail and considered within close proximity to Vanderbilt Beach and Bonita Beach.  There are only 408 residences including the Audubon estate homes, the Audubon villas, and low-rise garden condos all with views of golf, lake or natural preserves.  The Audubon Golf Course is designed by Joe Lee and is a challenging course and fabulous backdrop.  Audubon Naples Florida is a secret in Naples because the prices are very reasonable compared to other developments offering the same location to the beach. The starting price for single-family residential in Audubon Golf & Country Club at this time is *$695,000 (as of 11/18/07). It's worth... 11/14/2007