I 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
Read MoreSeveral of our sellers have called us to ask if they should decorate their homes for the holidays. Most of the time this is absolutely appropriate. I always like going into a beautifully adorned home this time of year...especially one with a "real" tree! It always smells so nice. I would say you really must use discretion, but it has nothing to do with holiday displays. If your home is
Read MoreBeautiful new listing located directly on over 150' of Naples Bay waterfront! Breathtaking views of sunsets and city lights across the bay...sit by the pool and watch dolphins jump as boats cruise by...This is waterfront living at its best! Spacious 4 bedroom residence has been meticulously maintained. Close to beaches and all the wonderful downtown amenities. Additional photographs and a virtual tour can be viewed at https://www.naplesrealestate.com/ or call today
Read MoreChip and I are up at our cabin in the mountains of North Carolina with 3 of our kids and 5 of our grandkids. When I woke up this morning and looked outside the early sun was peeping over the distant mountains, streaming through the trees and dancing on the frosty branches. Bear Pen mountain is visible through the bare trees this time of year...the back of the house faces
Read MoreThis bar graph depicts the market share of 7 of the top real estate companies in Southwest Florida based on information obtained from SunshineMLS and FtMyersMLS for the periods beginning on January 1st 2007 through October 31st, 2008. The blue bars represent 2008. As you can see, Coldwell Banker Residential is #1 with a 12.3% market share. You can make the graph full size by moving the cursor over it
Read MoreI started my day early (about 4:00 am) working on the details concerning a counter offer...the home is listed around $1 million...the buyer offered considerably less...the seller would not even counter...NEVER has the divide between what a seller thinks his home is worth and what a buyer is willing to pay been so great! Next, I went to see a very nice couple who bought a condo from me about
Read MoreA lot of good things come out of our weekly sales meetings...I've been attending sales meetings every Wednesday morning for over 27 years. Some are better than others; some have interesting guest speakers, MLS trends & statistics...We get to tout new listings, share ideas, discuss price adjustments... This morning my broker wrote 3 things up on his easel... 1. Stocks 2. Real Estate 3. A Coffee Can With one question
Read MorePresident Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th Armistice Day to commemorate the end of WW I. Congress changed the name to Veteran's Day in 1954, now a legal holiday in the United States. On this Veteran's Day, please join us in remembering those who have served our nation with valor and bravery. We salute you and respectfully recognize the selfless act of putting ones own life on the line for freedom
Read MoreThings really picked up the first week of November. Showings are up, sign calls are up, Internet leads are up...even morale is up. I thought I'd share a few more stats with those readers who have called and asked questions about specific neighborhoods and the market in general. In the first week of November 2007 the local multiple listing system reported 98 residential properties going under contract (also known as
Read MoreI have always loved this time of year... When I was a little girl, I used to look forward to raking leaves with my grandpa...the laughter, the jumping into piles and the smell of burning leaves vivid in my memory. I would say the changing colors of the leaves is the one thing I miss the most living here in Naples...Oh, snow on Christmas morning always a child's favorite, but
Read MoreTwo wonderful speeches last night... McCain's words brought tears to my eyes as I watched this hero concede in a most honorable and gentle manner. I believe the world looked at him with admiration and the utmost respect which few people have ever deserved more.. Obama's speech inspired a nation. I was equally proud of his accomplishment, the obvious emotion as he expressed so eloquently his awareness of the place
Read MoreMy alarm was set for 6:00 am, I was up and out of the house with such enthusiasm this morning. Wanting to get to my precinct early, expecting long lines...at first I thought they moved the precinct without telling me. "Am I at the wrong place?" I actually found a parking place right up front and once inside I checked in immediately...It felt a little funny going back to the
Read MoreOctober, which is typically a big listing month, saw a 7% decrease in listings taken when compared to last October. New listings this year totaled 1,696, in October 2007 new listings totaled 1,818. This information is based on data derived from the Naples Multiple Listing System known as SunshineMLS, and only Residential listings in Naples were used for the results. The really good news is our "Pending" sales were way
Read MoreIt will be nice for this election to be over...I can't count how many times in the past month the prospects I have talked with have used it as an excuse to put off making a decision...."Oh, after the election we will be in a better position to make a decision"...or, "We are waiting to see who wins before we book a trip to Naples to look at real estate..."
Read More
