HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE - Florida’s persistent battle with insurers over rates and coverage is spreading to other states and could have an effect on insurance customers nationwide.  Previously, it was noted that Louisiana is reviewing if an elaborate price-fixing scheme involving several large homeowner insurance companies. CONSTRUCTION - On Friday, Florida homebuilder Levitt and Sons announced that the [...]Click Here to Read More About Real Estate in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero 11/14/2007

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE - In the campaign to get federal disaster insurance, a major battle has been won though the outcome remains iffy. The U.S. House yesterday passed a bill that would allow disaster-prone states to ban together for coverage. The Senate has to consider the bill, however, and Pres. Bush’s advisers have suggested a veto if [...]Read More About Naples Homes For Sale 11/14/2007

DEMOGRAPHICS - University of Florida research finds that Florida’s population grows by about 900 people per day; slightly less than the 1,100 per day a few years ago. Top counties by rate of growth, in order: Flagler, Sumter and Osceola. Top growing counties by number of new people, in order: Orange, Miami-Dade and Hillsborough. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE - [...]Click Here to Read More About Real Estate in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero 11/14/2007

Smart Naples buyers and smart Naples investors know how to dig a little deeper to get the true Naples real estate facts.  Here's a snap shot of the Naples real estate market and the areas that are still in fact HOT: NA06 - Olde Naples Area 0-12 Months24-12 Months36-24 Months48-36 Months $1,597,183$1,410,882$1,196,814$863,592 The Olde Naples area is the geographic location around 5th Avenue and 3rd Street.  Up 13% for the last 12 months, 18% up the year before and 39% up the year before that. NA07 - Port Royal-Aqualane Area 0-12 Months24-12 Months36-24 Months48-36 Months $6,344,029$5,032,902$4,528,897$3,307,535 Port Royal and Aqualane Shores area is primarily the most affluent Naples Florida waterfront areas.  Up 26% this year, up 11% last year, up 37% the year before that. NA08 - Royal ... 11/13/2007

Something very curious is going on in Naples, Florida but before I go there, let's look at where we've been.  Starting with last year there was an overwhelming trend of people who were "just looking" and made it very apparent that they were not in the market to BUY.  They were only in the market to LOOK.  Out of those who said they would eventually "BUY" even went so far to state that they were going to wait til the end of season when the "prices were better".  So all of us Naples Realtors waited...waited...waited.  During those six to seven months we experienced somewhat steady open house traffic with some season flurry...hey, we didn't all starve to death...but we certainly didn't break any records either.  Then the end of season came.  All of us with pens and contracts ready to writ... 11/08/2007

We firmly believe and will hold true to the ideal that quality in education united with an honest business approach and a genuine concern for others is the key to long term continuing success.Naples Salon Cher's Hair Spa Would like to educate you women on the "fake nails"  or better said enhancement nails.  I mayself perfer gel nails.  They are light and feel like your own nails.  They are not as harmful as the acrylics are.  They do not pentrate the nail.  Acrylics have penetrating ingredients that may cause cancer.  I have heard peoples health changes because they stopped using the acrylic. One more thing,  do not I repeat Do Not let anyone drill your nails I have seen young girls nail beds damaged for life because they drilled to far.  The matrix is damaged for life and will always g... 11/08/2007

Naples FLorida Real EstateFor Bayfront residents, boaters, tourists and anyone else who enjoys a cocktail by the water, Shane's Cabana Bar will now be expanded to two stories.  The new building will be an improvement for Bayfront according to Kevin Stoneburner.  Drawing more people into Bayfront will help businesses located on the ground level.  Bayfront was the first of its kind in Naples.  It is mixed use with commercial on the ground floor with 4 levels of residential space above.  It is an upscale urban setting that appeals to people who like living in downtown Naples within an easy walk to 5th Ave.  There are also boat slips onsite that can be leased or purchased.  For the complete story with photos of the approved new waterfront bar, see the Cabana Bar Update Article in the Naples... 11/07/2007

The Naples Daily News ran an article reporting on the "state of the area" at Southwest Florida Regional Economic Outlook Conference in Fort Myers on Thursday afternoon. According to economist Henry Fishkind, Southwest Florida's real estate housing market is at the bottom of its slump as indicated by a leveling of real estate transactions. Although the absorption of the 12 month inventory in Collier may take time, if Fishkind is correct, maybe the time to jump off the fence is now. In Naples, there are some bargains to be had in quality locations such as waterfront, west of 41, downtown and select gated private golf course communities. Since most sellers in highly desirable locations have the ability to hang on forever, although prices have adjusted, there are fewer opportunities and the... 11/07/2007

When it comes to the media, most of us find ourselves in one of two positions:1.  Defending our real estate market.2.  Duck, cover and wait for the drama to end. Our Naples newspaper is not exempt from the constant barrage of negative press regarding our Naples real estate market.  Closer to the end of last year and in the beginning of '07 I took a defensive stand on their blog hoping to "make a difference" in the views of our local consumer.  I even went so far as to personally form a verbal defense attack against a news writer who thought it would be "newsworthy" to attack our real estate market and our Naples Realtors by writing a 3 part series about the year in review.  4 of the 25 points in his first segment basically said, home prices are dropping, sales are slowing...Realtors are... 11/06/2007

Naples FloridaSPOLETO FEST AT CHARLESTON SQUARE A good time was had by all last Saturday during the local Spoleto Fest held not in Charleston, SC but at Charleston Square in Naples, Florida.  On hand were performers, bands, artists, food and great weather!  Compliments of John R. Wood Realtors  Concordia (above) created a most festive mood.  Also shown is one of the performers whose photo I had to take while he zoomed past.  I guess there is not stopping once he got going. Charleston Square is located just across the street from the beach and Lowdermilk Park.  There are many wonderful real estate opportunities in a variety of price ranges in this desireable part of Naples, so if you have an interest, please do not hesitate to contact me.  11/06/2007

I would LOVE to tell you about what happened this weekend.  But I can't.  I'm afraid I'll jinx it.  Do you ever feel that way?  That along with a handful of other things I do are all part of my silly Realtor superstition.  Here's my list and feel free to include your own:1.  Don't talk about a deal you don't have yet, you'll jinx it.2.  Don't remove the sign and the lock-box until it is closed!3.  Don't kill anything that has flown, walked or slithered into a house.  It is an "unwelcome" visitor and to do it harm is bad luck.  (according to the bible)4.  Bury St. Anthony in the yard of a hard selling house.  Ok, I've only done this twice...I sold both of them.5.  Don't tell a seller you're getting a contract unless you have it in your possession.  If you do and you don't get one you hav... 11/05/2007

              Fall in Florida....                                                   How's the weather you might ask?  Well there comes a day here in Naples Florida when you turn the thermostat to off and joyfully open the windows.  I am happy to report that day has arrived.  As I lay in bed this morning nestled under my sheet and light blanket I thought how lucky I am to be living here ... I took a deep breath of the cool morning area and thought yes Fall has arrived.      The temperature here this morning was 62 degrees.  Just delightful.  I threw on a light jacket as I fed the horses  ( yes I was wearing a jacket).  I listened to the hawks scream as they hunted on the canal and the rustling of the palms and thought yes this is where I want to be.  We are expecting a high dry 80 degree... 11/05/2007

Many of us today are tired with the " standard" way of treating health problems and are seeking althernatives.  Some of us just want to feel better and improve our health. Now physicians are starting to catch on,  Dr. Mehmet Oz ( noted author, physician and frequent Oprah Special Guest)  commented on a recent Oprah show about how with diet and exercise most often the body can heal itself from such things as high blood pressure, diabetes, and bad cholest. In this industry with our sometimes long hours, high stress, and tendency to scarf down coffee and a muffin, or worse  why not think about taking better care of yourself? Your customers will appreciate your happy glow and increased energy and more importantly you'll feel better and your body will thank you.  We must not forget to take c... 11/03/2007

Ever since about 3rd quarter of "05, people considering buying Naples real estate have been sitting and waiting  ever so patiently.  It was literally as if that little storm we had that October blew all the interest right out of people.  What is interesting is last year at this time people who were interested in Naples properties would make inquiries and would peck around but no serious action was taking place.  The general consensus was, "We're going to wait til the end of season when prices are lower".  End of season came and they all said, we're going to wait til summer's over.  The end of summer came and still no sales records were broken. Equally curious is the blast of activity Naples, Florida real estate agents have experienced within the last week or so.  Here's a portion of an ... 11/01/2007

 Trick or Treat! I thought you all would be interested in reading about the purposed property tax amendment.  The Naples Daily News has a good article  on it you might want to read.  This purposed amendment will have to be voted on January 29, 2008.  Homesteaded residents will have the amount of homestead exemption increased and be able to have portability under Save our Homes.  People owning vacation homes will be limited to a 10% cap per year tax assessment increase.Allowing homesteaded residents to have Save Our Homes portability will more than likely help move the real estate market.  Many homesteaded residents have chosen to stay in their residences rather then buy up or down because of the tax impact that would occur.Vacation home owners more then likely hoped for a lower cap on t... 10/31/2007

A couple from Canada are coming on Friday to purchase a Naples Beachfront Condo.  Because she is very particular in what she is looking for and because she is expecting me to perform to the best of my ability, I thought it was only appropriate to preview the 18 or so Naples Beachfront listings that may fit her requirements.  My challenge is that what she really wants, Naples, Florida really doesn't offer.  What do I mean by this?  She really wants something with an up close and fabulous view of the Naples beach.  But the challenge is that she wants something newer and she doesn't want to spend a trillion dollars.  Unfortunately most of Naples, Florida beachfront properties were developed a long time ago leaving the less desirable lots to be developed out last.  Although Naples grandfath... 10/30/2007

I was recently asked to write an article as a media opportunity;  the editor emailed me back and said he liked what I had to say and was going to use my work in an upcoming article.  This is what I stated about why people should buy a home in Naples, Fl.I have been in Real Estate in Naples for 7 years and lived in Naples for 26 years.  We were definitely an undervalued market in 2005 and then, due to a lot of media hype and excitement, Naples prices went too far in the other direction!  We are now back to where the pricing needs to be and there are some great deals here as far as waterfront properties, golf course communities and more.  The media loves to say negative things about the real estate market because that is what sells their periodicals!  The smart realtors are the ones who w... 10/30/2007

Finally last night we had some great news about the local real estate market.  Yes, prices seem to be stabalizing slightly and yes, some buyers are buying now!  They are tired of waiting and don't want to miss out on the incredible pricing opportunities.  One lady was interviewed and said they had bought now because she wanted to be in her home now, enjoying it, the holidays, etc. and not wait any longer.  She firmly believed prices are going to start going upwards again and didnt want to miss out.SO-let's get the buyers off the fence!  Yes, sellers are still willing to negotiate and be more flexible-but how much longer will that last?  Buyers: buy now, enjoy your home and live in it as a "home" and start making some terrific memories now.  Want some great deals? Call me!  I'll find you... 10/30/2007

What are the signs Season is coming to us South Floridians???It starts with fewer rain clouds.  In the summer it rains almost everyday here so when the rain becomes more infrequent...you know the season isn't too terribly far away. Have you ever tried to holiday shop when it's 85 degrees outside?  It takes some acclamation let me tell you.  There's no blistering cold howling wind.  You can actually break a sweat at Waterside Shops...I know, I've seen me do it....I prefer it though.Another sign season is right around the corner...these:              and this:  A lot of people have their cars hauled from where ever they live normally so you know it's either the beginning of the season or the end of the season depending on which direction they're going.  I don't know about anyone else but ... 10/29/2007

The best kept secret for golfers who like a great location, condo's with large spacious floor plans, priced under $300K and resort amenities, including unlimited golf on Par 70 and Par 55, courses that are in great shape, and yes, we're only 3 miles to the heart of Old Naples, and the best beaches in southwest Florida.  This is old Florida value. Call Heather now 239 580-8019. 10/27/2007