Blog

International Buyers

Posted on August 28, 2010

Chip Harris and Michele Peppe Cater to an International Clientele  According to a recent article in Florida Realtor magazine; Florida, California, Arizona and Texas account for 53 % of all purchases by international buyers and have remained the top destinations for the past three years, with Florida leading the way.  Over the years Chip and I have sold homes and condos in Naples to a wonderful array of international buyers. They hail

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Previews Luxury Symposium

Posted on August 25, 2010

Today, Chip and I attended the Previews Luxury Symposium. This is a continuing education program provided by the Coldwell Banker Southeast Region designed to give extensive, ongoing training to agents who work primarily in the listing and marketing of luxury residences. The Southeast region includes Dallas, Atlanta and Miami. This training is mandatory for us to be re-certified as Previews Property Specialists. There are approximately 12,000 Previews Specialists worldwide. Less than 1,000 in the state of Florida. It is an

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A Few More Recent Stats

Posted on August 20, 2010

Here is a smattering of statistics recently released by The Naples Area Board of Realtors that I think you will find very interesting: Pending sales up overall 28% in the last 12 months. Single family home pending sales are up 71% in the $1-2 million dollar price range in the past 12 months. Median closed sale price in the over $2 million price range is up 17% in the past 12 months. Single

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Plan Ahead!

Posted on August 14, 2010

It may only be August, but now is the best time to plan ahead for your winter vacation in SW Florida! Our Naples Rental Department is already heating up with a lot more inquiries than last year at this time...Reservations are being made now for the "2011 Season". Plan early to get the best selections! We've got a great team of leasing agents at The Coldwell Banker downtown location. Just give

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Naples Beaches Remain Clear

Posted on August 13, 2010

The article in today's Naples Daily News begins, "The infamous well is finally under control..."  Our beaches are as beautiful as ever...summer tourists are flocking to the area as was obvious last night based on the great turnout at the monthly 'Evening On Fifth' street event...many of the downtown eateries were packed...and the shoppes on 5th Avenue South were bustling! To read the complete article, click Emergency Official No Longer Worried

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Naples Previews Properties

Posted on August 09, 2010

What is PREVIEWS ? In 1933, Coldwell Banker established the "Previews" brand, and became one of the leaders of Luxury Property in the real estate industry in the world. Currently we have a worldwide network of nearly 1,000 International offices located in 50 countries.  Coldwell Banker Previews International has a distinguished clientele including some of the world's foremost dignitaries, actors, musicians and sports figures. The Previews Marketing Program is recognized as one of the

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Short Sale and Foreclosure Update

Posted on July 21, 2010

I like sharing statistics about the Naples real estate market...I'm known around the office as the one with all the data and percentages...it is important to me when showing homes to have facts to back up my reasons for why I selected certain homes to show over others. I am a bit of a 'numbers freak'. Lately, I have been asked quite a bit to share some facts about the short

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Gulf and Radio Waves

Posted on July 17, 2010

Earlier today Chip and I were interviewed by a correspondent from Deutschlandfunk, Germany's National Public Radio station.  [Similar to the BBC and our PBS.]  The reporter, Bettina Klein,  found us by doing an Internet search, and thereby locating our website, NaplesRealEstate.com. She called yesterday to arrange the meeting here at our office on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. She had never been to Naples, so we spent a good

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Cool Things To Do In Naples Florida In The Summer!

Posted on July 14, 2010

The long, hot days of summer are here, and if you are looking for something really cool to do, we can suggest a few of our favorites! How about summer golf? The South Florida PGA 2010 GolfPass membership is available for only $48 per individual. It offers play on over 200 South Florida courses! Look for GOLFPASS on the menu bar on their homepage! This is an unbelievable opportunity! If

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“I Should Have Taken That Offer!!!”

Posted on July 08, 2010

I can't even count the number of times over the course of my nearly 30 year real estate career that a seller did not accept a reasonable offer on their home, only to call me days or weeks later asking, "Has that buyer has bought anything yet?" Today's market does not lend itself to sellers holding out for top dollar...Unless of course, they really don't need to sell...and then I wonder, Why are

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News From The National Association of Realtors

Posted on July 01, 2010

In a letter dated today, July 1st, 2010, the National Association of Realtors President, Vicki Cox Golder, announced the extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline to September 30, 2010. This is a huge win for REALTORS and homebuyers as well as the National Association of Realtors [NAR] who all worked closely with members of Congress to make it happen! The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts

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We Are Now In 50 Countries!

Posted on June 29, 2010

Coldwell Banker Expands to 50 Countries! Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC signed an agreement yesterday that expands the Coldwell Banker brand's presence in France, and adds Monaco! With the addition of Monaco, the Coldwell Banker international network is now represented in 50 countries and territories on six continents worldwide! Coldwell Banker France and Monaco is based in Paris, led by Laurent Demeure, president and chief executive officer of Demeure S.A.,

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Short Sale Pilot Program

Posted on June 24, 2010

A national average tells us that less than 9% of short sales listed will go through to closing! One in every 173 housing units in Florida are more than 30 days late on their mortgage payment. Approximately 30% of the listed homes and condos are "distressed"...80% of those are "underwater", or in a short sale situation. An example of the huge learning curve that all of us in the real

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Naples Real Estate Market Trends

Posted on June 14, 2010

Just another follow up to my most recent post (see June 9th, 2010) regarding some interesting trends going on in Southwest Florida. Here's a link to a couple of charts that give a good, clear picture of the strengths and weakness in our present market condition. For additional information about the Naples Real Estate market, please call The NaplesRealEstate.com Team today! 239.370.0574

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Interesting Naples Real Estate Stats

Posted on June 09, 2010

It is hard to believe it's already June! This year is flying by, isn't it? Here's a brief recap of some of the more interesting *statistics about the local real estate market here in Naples Florida: Currently there are 2,270 residential properties under contract in Naples per the MLS. This includes listings that are still considered "Active with Contract" [awaiting contingencies to be met or waived], and those that are

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The Coast Is Clear

Posted on June 03, 2010

In Naples, the coast is clear! The coast of Florida has miraculously been blessed with weeks of winds blowing mostly from the north and east, keeping "the spill" away...for now. This wind direction is the opposite of normal for this time of year! (photo insert taken on 05/31/2010 between Naples and Marco Island-click on picture to enlarge) Chip and I have not had many inquiries about the oil spill, but it did come up as

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It’s Hurricane Season~Be Prepared!

Posted on June 01, 2010

Today, June 1st, marks the first day of the 2010 hurricane season. This will run for six months, ending November 30th. Here are a few facts about hurricanes, as well as a few helpful 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

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Naples Waterfront Real Estate Information

Posted on May 12, 2010

Currently, if a buyer asked me to find them a newer home (built 2007 or later), on the water in Naples with direct gulf access; there are presently only 16 to choose from in *MLS. These homes list from $2,195,000: a 2-story Bermuda-style 4 bedroom boasting over 4,300 square feet of living area (that's about $500. per sq ft.) with a beautiful pool, spa, waterfall, outside fireplace, summer kitchen, elevator,

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Naples Real Estate Market Update

Posted on May 06, 2010

There's a lot going on in the Naples real estate market. Here's a brief recap. The average sale price in Naples is $357,010. In April 2009 the average sale price was just under $350,000. In March of 2010 it went above $400,000 for the first time since November 2008. In January through April 2009 there were 11,243 new listings taken in Naples compared to the first 4 months of 2010

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Come On Down to Naples CityFest!

Posted on May 04, 2010

Several years ago, the brainchild of The Downtown Naples Association, Naples CityFest, became a reality. What began as a celebration for the "locals", who endure the influx of our wonderful snowbirds from approximately October through April, has now become one of the best city festivals of the year! ~And, this event occurs not only in May to kick up our heels at the end of "season", but once again in

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The Poll Is Closed!

Posted on May 01, 2010

It's May 1st, and the polls are closed on the NaplesRealEstate.com blog. 60 days ago I posted this question: "How did you find NaplesRealEstate.com?" The results are in! 70% of the respondents found us by looking in a search engine, 20% read about us in a print media publication, and 10% by personal recommendation. It pays to be on the 1st page of Google where over a quarter of a

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Right On Naples Bay!

Posted on April 26, 2010

Get Ready for Breathtaking Sunsets! This luxurious bay front home is waiting for that special buyer looking for one of the most dramatic views in Naples Florida! Located on an estate-size lot measuring 100' X 175' with desirable western exposure in prestigious Royal Harbor! Boasting over 3,700 square feet of Living Area; this well cared for 3 bedroom +den residence features soaring ceilings, great room plan, custom built-ins, crown mouldings,

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Keeping It Green!

Posted on April 23, 2010

Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you will ever make. Many buyers today are interested in a green lifestyle. People want to reduce their "carbon footprint" by taking advantage of the long-term savings that a green home affords. Do you know your "carbon footprint"? I think you'd be surprised to find out what an impact your lifestyle has on our planet. Click HERE to take calculate your carbon

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Real Estate Market Trends

Posted on April 12, 2010

Current market trends in Southwest Florida. The data includes Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero. All information is derived from the SunshineMLS. Statistics have been tracked for these graphs going back to the 1st of January 2009 through the end of March 2010. I thought it was interesting to note that the list to sale ratio has been pretty consistent, around 90%, across the board. For a more detailed report of

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Photos of Paradise

Posted on April 09, 2010

Here's a link to some beautiful photos of Naples, Florida! If you have any photos of Naples that you would like to share, please send them to me in a jpg file, and we will feature them on our site! Michele@NaplesRealEstate.com CLICK HERE Thank you, and have a great weekend!

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