All About Naples Florida

Ok you get up early with the best intentions of getting everything accomplished... you sit down at the computer with your cup of coffee and start typing away.  You are working on an amazing post.  Your blogging away and then you accidentally click into something else and the whole thing is GONE!!!!  arrghh - 30 minutes of work just disappeared.... has this happened to anyone out there??? 

   Well to start your weekend off head over to the Farmers Market at the Third Street South parking lot behind Tommy Bahamas, but you'll have to get up early; it's from 7:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Saturday 1/12/2008.   

   Next you can head over to Cambier Park for the Naples Artcrafters Fine Art and Craft show this will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

    On Sunday, again in Cambier Park, you can bring a chair or blanket and listen to the FREE concert from the Naples Concert Band from 2- 4p.m.  Another thing you can do here in Naples that is FREE is take a fishing pole down the pier, the fishing permit for all who fish from the pier is picked up by the City of Naples.  Try your luck at fishing in the Gulf.  Finally one of the best things to do here also at no cost is to watch an amazing sunset.  The sun will set about 5:53 p.m. so get there about 5:30. 

    Last but not least what to do with the inbetween hours, tired from the beach why not visit a John R. Wood Open House.  This weekend in Sunday's Naples Daily News pick up a copy and look for the large magazine titled Homelook in it you find many of the listings for sale and in yellow the open houses for Sunday January 13th.  You can also visit my website and click on the Open house button for the same information.  Get out there and take a look there are wonderful properties for sale at great prices. 

This morning I have been reminded of the importance of networking in our business.  I recently closed a deal that came from an agent who is with the Sereno Group in California.  Mary Beth trusted my abilities and the end result was happy clients and a closed deal ( yes in this down market something sold ).

A few days later while I was sitting an open house I met two folks from Toronto.  They were also considering the Miami area.  I remembered that I had a contact in Miami.  Unfortunately I had lost his contact information when my hard drive crashed, but I had another source... I could go to California .... What? 

Well what I actually mean is my realtor friend in California had called me way back looking for a Miami agent for one of her customers, I gave her a name and now I went back to her to get the contact information again. 

So here we are Naples, Miami, Los Gatos, all working together.  Networking is so important in this business!!!  You may wonder why it is important to hold onto someone's card when you meet them and they are  from an area a million miles away...well the couple from Toronto, one of them was also a realtor, so you can see how one contact can build on the other. It is all about making those connections and keeping in touch.  When you think Network think referral, referral, referral. Wouldn't it be nice to be an agent that works only with referred customers?

  Well the temperature here in Naples Florida is currently 72 degrees.  We have temperatures in the 80's predicted for the next week so...we're back on track.  I was at an open house today and had a lot of people come through... more than previous weeks.  Although a bit unsure of wanting to get in the current market they are looking, learning, listening and getting ready to make a move.  They are exploring the area and thinking about what is available to them.  These buyers are much more savvy then the news media gives them credit for and realize there are deals to be had. 

   Naples is unique we will continue to have 80 degree days, blue skies, warm breezes, grouper sandwiches and smiling faces.  After suffering through a few cold  days ( and believe me I was suffering) I remember why I love it so much here... being cold is exhausting.  I had a strong urge on the day we had 40 degree temps to just get under the down comforter, grab the remote and stay there.  I was tired.... then the sun came back out, I went for a walk on the beach, watched a spectacular sunset and wa - la I'm back!!!

   Finally today the local paper reported accurately that there is more activity here and we are waiting for our December numbers.  Stay tuned more hard data to come

  ( picture of Vineyards Golf Course compliments of John R. Wood Realtors)

    Well here I go again talking about the great deals here in Naples Florida... just have to mention this one located in The Vineyards it is a 2/2 bath carriage home with 1 car garage on a golf course, end unit, estate sale for $199900 with the words Make an OFFER... come on people someone out there must be looking for a terrific buying opportunity.   

    Just in case you are not familiar with The Vineyards there is more information on my website under neighborhoods

Contact me if you want more information on amazing deals right here in Naples Florida ...

   Just a few thoughts on this ongoing dilemma... recent headlines here in Naples Florida proclaimed that the biggest story of the year was Real Estate: One tough year...the article goes on to detail the housing slump. 

   An interesting point of view considering in the past year one of the previous big headlines was how unaffordable housing was here in Naples. True the market has slowed and it has been tough on builders and there have been layoffs.  What buyers need to keep in mind is there are great deals and now is the best time ever to be a buyer.  You can negotiate, have many properties to consider, find amazing deals, and get great rates on your financing. Properties are more affordable than ever. Slump or Opportunity?

  Some buyers are waiting scared by headlines and media reports that often include generalizations about the industry and are not area specific. My question is are you going to let the media tell you when to buy? What are you waiting for ? Naples is a slice of paradise, a unique place with special homes, life is too short.  Call an educated and professional Realtor® and let them help you.

  Don't be fooled, the buyers are here and are purchasing.  I recently relisted a condo with a new price and it went under contract in 13 days.  It has since successfully closed.  Today our local MLS stats report 30 properties pending and another 22 sales closed.  The sales range from $95,000 to $2.2 million.  There is something here for everyone!  Call today and get the facts... what are you looking for?  Explore Naples and don't miss the boat. 

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There is a new project in Olde Naples .... Par La Ville.... these 3 story luxury residences will be just a short distance to the beach and the shops and restaurants of 5th Avenue.  A few features include fireplaces, outdoor living spaces with pool and two car garages.  Now taking reservations.....