Right behind our office, in the alley behind the businesses on Naples' main street: Fifth Avenue South, there's a special little surprise in store for those of you who like to take the path less travelled. I always prefer to walk or bike in the alleys in Old Naples because there are so many wonderful treasures to discover. Recently Spring Lake underwent a beautiful restoration and this lovely deck and
Read MoreThe Coldwell Banker brand continues to be the most innovative and responsive real estate company in the industry today. Here are just a few examples of what we did in 2008 to solidify our stature as the # 1 real estate franchise in America! Coldwell Banker became the 1st national brand with presence in Facebook and 1st with a real estate Facebook application, Housetrology. Coldwell Banker is the 1st national
Read MoreTURN YOUR TVs OFF NOW! STOP READING THE PAPERS! Naysayers beware--I am tuning you out and tuning into my own optimistic, gut feelings, common sense, faith in humanity, observant, hopeful, inner child! "Business is great, Life is good" If I hear the word "CRISIS" one more time, I'm going to scream! Okay...so if a tree falls in the forest and there's no one there to hear it, does it still
Read MoreJust a couple of things today... I had the pleasant experience today of driving from CR 951 (aka Collier Blvd.), which is approximately 3 miles east of I-75, all the way to U.S 41, on the recently completed east-west artery, Vanderbilt Beach Extension Road! What a wonderful ride. I am sure that all the sub-divisions in that area are thrilled to finally be done with the road construction. This will
Read MoreSince unveiling our newest website: http://www.naplespreviews.com/ we've been asked, "What exactly is Previews?" Here's a little background... In 1906, a young real estate agent in the San Fransisco Bay area recognized that while people were trying to piece their families back together following the massive earthquake, there was a need for honest, knowledgeable real estate agents. Colbert Coldwell founded his company with, what was at that time, a revolutionary philosophy:
Read MoreAfter months of outlining, creating, editing, taking professional photos (Amber Fredericksen), interviewing clients for the concierge, working with our webmaster (exploritech), the IDX site tech ...hours, days and weeks of hard work by our very own wonderful and amazing marketing coordinator: Sam (thank you! thank you!)...After "tweeking" and streamlining, and eliminating, and adding on, and working it out and fitting it in...color selections, font selections, music selections, etc etc etc...We
Read MoreToday I am chosing not to talk about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act...Instead I thought we could all use a little more beauty in our lives...How about this photo for the "brighter side of things"? ...a sunset in Naples Florida in February! --ah yes, life is good!
Read MoreThis is an unbelievable opportunity to own a 4,908 square foot condominium directly on Naples Bay at the prestigious Olde Naples Seaport! Only two penthouses exist; and the South Penthouse sold in October 2006 for $3,100,000.! Now, the North Penthouse is "back on the market" and being offered for $2,395,000.! This spacious, never lived-in 3 bedroom plus den residence boasts attention to detail beyond reproach, a private 2 car garage,
Read MoreI heard on the radio one day last week that Florida's Senator Bill Nelson's office had received emails and phone calls encouraging him to vote against the Stimulus Bill at a 7 to 1 ratio...other reports said the American public was against this bill at a ratio of 9 to 1. With that being said, it is about to become law, if as planned, President Obama signs it on Monday
Read MoreThe Naples Daily News continues to do a disservice to the real estate community by reporting news that can only be interpreted by professionals as false and misleading, yet many of the consumers who read the paper are running scared...The paper quoted a Moody's economic report, but failed to take into consideration that by categorizing the entire "Naples-Marco" area as one market, they completely miss the mark. Real Estate is
Read More"Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." -Lou Holtz
Read MoreAt first, I was not a proponent of "stimulus"...I knew the same old "pork" add-ons were a sure bet. I know something's got to be done...but, I'm certain that we don't want to continue making the same mistakes in haste...Housing is the backbone of our economy. Careful consideration of those items which the experts feel would stimulate the slumping housing market are necessary... I don't know if any one item
Read MoreCurrently there are 10,783 Active Residential listings in Naples per SunshineMLS. Presently there are 1006 residential properties under contract, and of those pending, 29% are listed under $300,000. 7.2% are priced at or above $1 million. In 2008 51% of the closed sales were listed below $300,000., while an estimated 13% of the 2008 closed residential sales were listed at or above $1 million. The number of residential listings that
Read MoreI just received an email from our mortgage rep outlining the following update: Last week, in just two days, the 10 year yield jumped a total of 31 basis points, mortgage rates were up 20 basis points. Market volatility is at extreme levels as uncertainty over the stimulus package, whether taking bad assets of the books of banks will actually work to open credit markets, investors moving more towards high
Read MoreColdwell Banker Previews International Fifth Avenue South office here in beautiful Naples Florida is "Going Green"! Although recycling is currently not mandatory at business addresses here in Collier County, our office made the decision recently to begin a recycling program. This takes a little bit of effort on the part of the staff and agents, but with over 80 people recycling here at the Coldwell Banker office we now have
Read MoreIt just became even more difficult to finance a condo. Fannie Mae, which buys most of the residential loans from lenders, announced more requirements that only apply to Florida: If more than 15% of a condo's units are delinquent in their association dues or fees, Fannie Mae will not back the new mortgage.In new condos and condo conversions, at least 70% of the units must be sold, up from 49%
Read MoreIn an effort to explain what has become one of the most frequently asked questions of the 2009 season: "What is a short sale?", I will attempt as simple and as concise answer as possible with my limited experience in the matter... When the proceeds of a real estate transaction fall short of what is owed on the property, it is referred to as a "short sale". In many cases
Read MoreI know this is a real estate blog, but yesterday's inauguration will have its effect on all of us in the days and months to come...we must rally behind our new president, and reach across party lines and continue to wish only that goodness and prosperity come to our nation. The day we have long awaited has now come and gone...Our new president is wished nothing but safety and success
Read MoreWe are well into our "season" and there's been a lot of activity already. Chip was out of the office all day showing condos yesterday; and today he has a 9:00 o'clock, a noon and a 3:00 PM appointment with three different prospects! Our website leads are rolling in daily...If the past two weeks are any indication of what is in store, I think we are going to have a
Read MorePeople ask me how I stay "up" in such a down market...the answer is really quite simple. First, we know that there isn't anything that we can't accomplish together. This is a must: Be part of the solution, not part of the problem...Be creative, think outside the box, look at challenges as opportunities to learn and improve...A positive attitude, a strong faith. Be pro-active! Also, Chip & I made the
Read MoreThis is a wonderful opportunity to purchase two beautiful homes in Naples Florida for the price of one! The 3 bedroom main home is a well maintained ranch style residence featuring a split bedroom design, formal living room, a step-saver kitchen which opens up to the family room with vaulted ceiling and an oversized screened porch. There is a refreshing below ground pool surrounded by magnificent landscaping. The cottage style
Read MoreA lot of folks were glad to see 2008 come to a close. We certainly had our share of economic challenges, but I always believe, life is easier to handle when you count your blessings instead of your woes. A special thanks right now to all those who helped bring joy and happiness into our lives. Both family and friends as well as the wonderful people we've met through our
Read MoreBuyers ask, "Is there any place that I can get a view in Old Naples"? Frankly, most people don't buy in Old Naples because they're looking for a view- View just isn't the typical reason for living downtown. Most urban-ites want proximity to beach, the shopping, walking distance to great restaurants, galleries, the parks and the live theatre. It's a lifestyle choice...Dinner at Chop's...a play at Sugden Theater...parades, art shows,
Read MoreI always try to keep this blog as upbeat as possible. I would like to make a few predictions about where I believe the real estate market in general is headed in 2009. Most of the end results will be very positive, and by this time next year I predict the recession will be over! Sellers will continue to face falling prices because they are competing with 1.) banks with
Read MoreYesterday, December 16th, 2008: The Federal Open Market Committee voted to establish a target range for the Fed Funds Rate of 0% to 0.25% from 1%. American banks have responded by cutting their prime lending rate by 75 basis points! This translates to the lowest rate in history! Wall Street approved the move by closing the Dow Jones up 359 points...both the Nasdaq and Standard & Poor's 500 index rose
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