All About Naples Florida

Olde Naples Beach

Where do you find out what's really going on - you have to ask an agent who is out there every day- selling and listing. 

What is another source ?  Well the numbers confirm the activity ... READ the latest sales report and talk to a local agent. 

Third quarter closed and pended sales continued to show increases over prior years as has been

the case throughout the year. This trend is expected to continue in the fourth quarter and to gain

momentum throughout 2010.

Closings and Inventory

Third quarter closings are the highest for third quarter since 2005, and the third highest third quarter on record.

A 47% increase over third quarter 2008 makes this the seventh consecutive quarter to post gains over same

quarter, prior year. Properties priced below $250,000 continued to comprise 63% of all closings, a figure that

has been consistent throughout this year. Current inventory of properties priced under $250,000 is down 16%

from Q3 2008, with single family homes showing a 32% decrease and condominiums a 4% decrease. All price

segments show inventory decreases over Q3 2008 except condominiums in the $2,000,000 - $5,000,000 range,

which showed a 12% increase in available product.

NEW LISTINGS / CLOSED SALES AND PENDED SALES

The number of new listings placed on the market in the third quarter showed a 6% decline over the same

period 2008. All price segments showed declines over prior year with the exception of the under $250,000

category, which posted a 21% increase in the number of new listings taken when compared with Q3 2008.

The ratio of new listings to pended sales remains at approximately the same level as second quarter 2009,

which was its highest since mid-2005. With approximately one sale for each 1.4 new listings taken, the

market continues to show strong signs of recovery.

SUMMARY

During the third quarter there were 140 pended sales over $1,000,000, representing a 15% increase over Q3

2008. This is the category which we have been watching for some quantifiable data to support that recovery

has begun in this segment. Although one quarter does not establish a trend, activity levels remain strong.

The continually increasing number of showings during the third quarter, which is historically the slowest in

southwest Florida, would seem to indicate that this trend will continue and increase in the coming months.

Decreasing inventory, fewer new listings and higher sales activity continue. It is important to note, however,

that price remains the driving force in the current market, and well priced properties in all categories are

attracting significant buyer interest.

Disclaimer: All information from Sunshine MLS. Accuracy is deemed correct but not warranted.

Report provided by John R. Wood Realtors Market Research Department.

This First Floor 2/2 Condo is located just W of 41 in North Naples at Falling Waters North Preserve.

Falling Waters is a gated community with quarterly fees of $1470. The community has a nice preserve feel, a community pool, water features, and each unit has a detached 1 car garage in front.  Asking price for this condo is $178,000.  This is not a distress sale.  Please email me for additional information.  This condo has been lightly used and is very clean.  Liberal rental policy of 30 day minimum 12x per year.  Tile roof, screen lanai with outdoor kitchen hook up available, walk in closet, split floor plan, separate laundry room, and soaking tub in master. 

Location is a short drive to Wiggin's Pass, Vanderbilt Beach, Mercato and Waterside Shops.

Looking to end the telephone connection for the nightly ESYNC? 

  Check with your real estate board... I recently did and made the switch ... now when I want to update my Supra card I use my computer.  I wanted the option of not having a home phone and still being able to update my key card.  With software install via a disk  and return of all my old equipment ( cords, etc) to my local board I was able to make the switch.  (Our office is also using the computer linked esyncs and it is much faster and not tying up a phone line).  

 GE has a number for support 1-877 -699- 6787.

Happy Syncing!

Follow the Pot of Gold Saturday to an annual Olde Naples Downtown Tradition .... The St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Where :

Broad Ave. S, 3rd St. & 5th Avenue Naples Florida

When :

March 14, 2009 ( Saturday) 11 am - 12:30 pm.

Cost :

FREE

Suggestions:  

Arrive early , utilize public parking garages, side streets, bring sunblock, water, try sitting at one of Naples fine dining establishments on Fifth Avenue - eating Alfresco is not something you can do everywhere in March and you have a curbside view of the parade, wear your green, bring a camera, look for John R. Wood Agents in the balcony at 555 Fifth Avenue ( also for sale) ... See you there

On March the 17th the official St. Patrick's Day the events continue on Fifth Avenue 11 am - Midnight entertainment and bar set up in Sugden Plaza... Call Cathy 239 263 2807 for more info.

As always I am here At Home By The Gulf...

Peacock?  Yes, that's right I said Peacock or rather Peahen. One of the joys of having a home office is that you can go out in the yard during the work day.  On Monday my dogs were barking and barking  and then I heard the strangest bird call.... I won't even try to repeat it.  I did an imitation for my husband and his response was " Can you please do that again".  Funny guy...Ha ha I get it bird caller I am NOT! 

So I went to investigate and to my surprise there was a Peacock in the Pine tree. 

At first I was concerned it may be a pet since some larger farms in the area may have exotic animals.  I called Collier County Domestic Animal Services & there were no missing peacocks. They told me not to worry we have them here in Naples.  The officer told me they are wild and usually make their appearance around March ( they get a lot of calls).

Well this gal is hanging around probably looking for a mate.  She was back in the woods next door and I  just had to take another picture and share.  It isn't every day I see a Peacock in the yard! 

    Ok so maybe your are tired of trying to track down agents who have made showing appointments and you don't know if they went in or not?  Perhaps they aren't calling you back to give you the feedback you need to share with your seller?   Well are you a SUPRA key box user?  Are you utilizing your SUPRA KIM LOGIN system?

Not everyone is familiar with it so if I can help one person - great!  First visit your KIM LOGIN PAGE Now Use the menu you to locate your MLS.  Next enter your Key Number  ( on the back of your key pad)  and your  Pin ( code you use to enter listings 4 digits usually) .   Next and very important is to link your key boxes to your Listings.  This is accomplished by choosing Add New Key Box  from the menu on the right under Key box Inventory.   Remember to add your MLS property ID to the Key box so they are linked.  

 * NOTE  It is a good idea to inventory all your Key Boxes then you can just adjust the MLS ID's for various listings.  Also remember to change the ID's when you move your key box to another listing. 

Now visit Activity Reports and click on Showing Value.  You can then view the showing activity on your listing. The report will give you the agent's email address, showing time, showing location, phone number of the agent, and property id.  You can now easily email/call the agent for feedback. 

* Note if the agent has not updated their key the showing may not appear.  Also it usually takes 24 hours for showings to post.

Now if you hate not getting feedback on your listing why not set the example and give feedback on all the listings you've shown?

Simple again on the Activity Report just simply hit the view button on Reminders to Give Feedback and submit your feedback.  Many offices today have automated systems for feedback but not all.  This allows you to ask for , receive, and give feed back on showings.  

The Kim Login System is user friendly and if you haven't taken a few minutes to check it out you might want to .... 

As always I am here AT HOME BY THE GULF... for all your Naples Florida Real Estate Needs!

Looking for things to do in the Southwest Florida area?  Why not try going to a Red Sox game at the City of Palms Park in Ft. Myers.  The park is a short distance from the Naples Florida area exit 138 off I 75.  Parking is conveniently located in the surrounding area - expect to pay around $7.  

Highlights of the game are available on Boston.com . The highlight for me was having a great time with my parents and daughter!  I saw Jonathon Papelbon pitch, Jacoby Ellsbury played well and Josh Reddick made an amazing catch at the wall!  The Puerto Rican fans were entertaining with their rowdy behavior and I felt like I was sitting at Fenway with all the Boston accents flying around me.    Can you say Hot Dogs and a cold one?  Tickets are still available which is unusual but probably a reflection of the current economy.  For ticket information click here

For more real estate information about the Naples area I am here At Home By The Gulf. 

 Pelican Bay is a great area of Naplesand now is also a super time to consider purchasing a single family home there!  Not only do you get amazing amenities such as the private beach clubs, fitness center, tennis and optional private golf club opportunities, but you get locationand the fantastic Naples Florida weather and lifestyle!

View Larger Map

As of today our local MLS is showing 48 Active single family homes.

The price ranges is from  a 4+ den 10,000 sq ft : Gulf Front within The Strand at Bay Colony just listed for $15. 9 to a lovely cul de sac location 3+den with pool for only $899k!

To view all the current listings click here

As always I am here to assist you and can be found At Home By the Gulf.

Well it is with great admiration and gratitude that I have the pleasure of wishing my Gram a happy 100th Birthday!  Not only has she survived the ups and downs of a century but she has done so with great humor and zest for life.  She is an independent lady who shares my love of horses, dogs,a stiff drink ,  a good joke, spelling, and Johnny Carson.  Happy Birthday Gram and God Bless! See you in the Spring...

A Century of Memories  Article on Gram page 3

Recently I came across an interesting article via the Sarastoa Herald Tribune regarding an option for current State Farm customers that may also save them some money.   It appears that  Security First Insurance Co. is offering a " replacement program" to State Farm condo and single family homeowners.  This will allow current State Farm customers an opportunity to get coverage even before they lose their State Farm coverage.  The coverage is being offered to reportedly 50,000 and in all areas of Florida.  This will be done on a first come first serve basis according to the article.  Security First is promising competitive rates and wind coverage.  The company has a website Security First ( click )  Why wait to get dumped? Perhaps now is a good time to explore your options....

For more information on Naples Florida contact me directly...