All About Naples Florida

Are you familiar with the word Lanai?  What is a Lanai ?  How do you say it?  

Here in Naples, Florida ( and other Florida towns) homes often have a Lanai.  If you are unfamiliar with the word according to Wikipedia  Lānaʻi (in Hawaiian pronounced [lɑːnɑʔi is a Hawaiian Island. Lanai (without the okina) is the Hawaiian word for a porch or balcony.

Since we are not in Hawaii, you guessed it the term is used here in Naples to describe a porch or living area. This area is often shared with a pool/spa and often (though not always )is enclosed by a large screen structure.  It may incorporate a roof (covered area), fireplace, or outdoor kitchen. This " living area" is not counted in the living area square footage of a listing but will show in the total square footage on the MLS print out. 

Beachwalk

I have some friends from New Jersey ( whom I love dearly) who refer to this area of the house as the LANN - I. They will tell you we pronounce it the same ... I'll say La/ nigh and they'll say that 's what we said... the LANN -I.  In order for most Neopolitans to understand what you are talking about I would go with the La/nigh pronunciation to be safe.  

So you say you have a home with a Lanai or you want a home with a Lanai?  Here are some examples of what you might find....  They come in all shapes and sizes....  

 Belle Tara Ranch

Moorings

Imperial Golf

Often times outdoor living areas can be an asset.  Sometimes however a lanai can be neglected.  Some are simply amazing and sell the house; others are tired, bleak and need some tweaking.  

With a few simple and inexpensive pieces you can make your lanai fabulous. Better yet have it help sell the house !

• Add Plants - a few plants go a long way.  Check out Lowes, Home Depot or a local nursery. Try mixing different varieties of palms, some simple shrubs like Crotons, or ixora.  Hibiscus are nice but always remember with flowering plants especially Hibiscus they drop their flowers daily and you need to clean them up. A nice potted plant can also add tremendously to the end tables or outdoor dining table. Hanging plants are also inexpensive and attractive .  Choose carefully - ask yourself how often do I want to water?  Does it need shade or love sun - ask an employee for help.   Already have plants?  Well are they in need of some fertilizing or repotting?  A nice decorative pot can also spice up the area. 

• Patio Furniture - Now is a great time to flip the cushions (fading) or visit local shops to check out the end of season sales.  Several stores also have great outdoor throw pillows in some fabulous patterns and designs that can really add to your space.  You might also want to wipe down your furniture, clean off the spider webs, throw out the torn cushions. Ask yourself would you want to sit on it? with white pants? Check out places like Pier 1 they have some really cool candles, glass holders, place mats, etc   Make it inviting.  

• Outdoor Accoustics & other Electronics -Maybe now is the time to install those outdoor speakers, upgrade your lighting or install the flat screen television.  This area of improvement for reasons I can't explain seems to get the attention of men, whether buying or selling most think it's a good idea. 

• Surfaces - Is it clean? Do you have a nice doormat in place?  Have you considered adding an outdoor rug to an area that is out of the weather?  Is it time to consider resurfacing or having the flooring painted?  Are their cobwebs, dried leaves, holes in the screen?  Is it time to clean the glass doors? windows? Perhaps it's time to hire someone to powerwash areas you cannot reach?  Do you need to weed and mulch the area outside of your screens?

These are just a few tips on keeping your Lanai looking it's best.  Now go put your feet up and enjoy your outdoor space!  (Make mine with a lime ! )

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *What is a Lanai? 9/29/08 

I just noticed when I opened My Settings that I can NOW

Twitter - Announce new blog posts on your Twitter feed!

Thanks Active Rain for a cool feature and yet another way to get our blog posts OUT There!

As always for all your Naples Florida Real Estate needs and information I am here At Home By the Gulf

 R.I. P.  Rooster In Peace

Yesterday we overslept.  Not something that usually ever happens at our house.  At first I didn't think anything about it then when I went out to feed the horses I noticed it was really quiet. 

Now if you know me or have ever called me at home when I'm outside then you know where this is going.  Among the many animals at my house was also A.H. the Rooster.  Often I'm asked " Is that a rooster I hear?"

He wasn't always charming and occasionally had real moments, but still he belonged to our little group. Some of my least favorite moments were normal rooster teenage moments.  If you are at all familiar with roosters you know what I am talking about. 

There are the moments when they start feeling their oats and run up behind you and try to jump on you and attack you ( usually chased off with a broom, a screech, and a few swear words).  Then of course is the learning to crow part... it's a little like a young man's voice changing only 10x worse.  It's like a strangled, screeching Cock- a - doodle- argh .  Best part of all is once they find their voice they crow as much as possible at all hours of the night and day.  The neighbors least favorite ( besides the learning to crow part) is the full moon crowing part.  Ah yes full moon can often induce rooster insomnia that results in more crowing.

What I did like most about him was; eventually we reached an understanding ... You do not bite, jump or run after the hand that feeds you.  He also finally figured his crowing out and reached reasonable wake up hours.  I loved how he and the dogs liked to chase each other with the fence in between guaranteeing that both dog and rooster looked equally brave and ferocious, and neither meaning the other real harm.  It was just a big game.

I liked that his best friend was my baby horse Blu.  He and Blu were quite compatible and there were days when I thought I even saw him perched on Blu's back.  When Blu dropped grain from his bucket A.H. was right there to gobble it up.  When Fay brought floodwaters to Blu's corral and he was afraid to leave his tiny piece of high ground A.H. stayed right with him. 

 Blu

So it was with a heavy heart that I found the evidence that something had murdered our farm rooster A.H.  I have had chickens for many years so it is something that happens but still is lousy. It made me sad to see he put up a valiant fight evidenced by the feathers.  I wondered why I hadn't heard a thing.  I am a very light sleeper as is my husband.  No horses making odd noises, no dogs growling, and not a sound of his attack.  I found the spot where the killer came under the fence and ultimately dragged him away. .  It made me feel bad that I hadn't been able to do a thing.  I guess life is like that sometimes... out of our control. 

It's a little quieter these days and I'm not sure I like it ....

 For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *A little quieter... 9/28/08

If you know me you know I'm an outdoor girl!  Being the weekend I like to try and squeeze in some fishing time.  Don't worry I am sitting here now at an Olde Naples Open House so I still manage to balance both work and fun! Remember all work and no play makes for a burnt out Realtor®.

So here is some of  what is happening on the local fishing front here in Naples.  Fishing has been hot along the shore.  The last week has been  great!  Sheepshead are being caught along the pilings & rocks with live bait (shrimp). Schools of Jacks have been going crazy and Snook are back in season ( Sept 1 -Dec 1).  Limits are 1 per day 28 to 32 inches.

Snook are large and hanging out along the rock walls.  Last weekend I watched a lady fly fishing off the beach.   She caught a few nice big ones.   When I was in the water I saw a few that startled me with their size ( don't you love when you see them swim by behind you?)  They were picky  however, and I did not have live bait with me. 

Fishing Permits and Regulations

This morning I headed out early to Gordon's Pass and caught myself a nice Bluefish and a Lady Fish with a scented rubber shrimp.  I had a few other hits and the Blue tore the lure up!  I did see lots of finger mullet, & a few sharks on patrol. Later ( after I quit fishing) I watched  the dolphin put on a good show, playing, chasing fish and jumping completely out of the water!  Once the tide came close to high things went downhill. Nothing was happening. I talked to several anglers,  no one was having any luck. It was fairly calm and overcast but no one was catching anything! 

Then the tide turned and the action was back.  Jack's hitting hard again, rubber shrimp, rapala's...Also spotted this afternoon a few rolling Tarpon & Yellowtail. My husband got spooled by something large...hmmm may have to get out there again tomorrow sometime.

If you have been out angling and have some great information to share please send me your news.  I will include it and would love to see your fishing pictures as well.

 For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Naples Fishing Report 9/27/08

Compass Cove Moorings

The latest numbers from the MLS for the Moorings show the following:

2007 Total Units Sold 109

2007 Total Single Family Homes Sold 32/109

2008 Total Units Sold To Date 99

2008 Total Single Family Homes Sold To Date 32/99

Presently there are 5 Single Family Homes Pending and 3  Pending Condo's, High Rise , Low Rise  * Total of  8 Pending Moorings Units

Leeward Lane Listing 

Also important to note are that New Listings in the Moorings are declining.  New Listings tend to increase during the winter months as indicated however the trend appears to be downward overall.

For more information on the Moorings, Naples Real Estate, Market Data and more I am here

At Home By The Gulf

Well whether you love it or hate it SURVIVOR is back... If you missed tonights premier you can have a look at all the contestants and read about our own Naples Resident Ace Gordon's Bio and see his video here.  

This years Survivor will take place in Gabon, Africa.  Survivor airs on CBS on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. 

With all the bad news it's a little entertaining to see someone from around town .... whether you end up liking him or hating him ...it's all in good fun and a nice break from the billion dollar bailout!  

 As always for all your Naples real estate needs and area information I am here www.FloridaHmz.com

  Professional Settlement Services, LLC have their Naples office up and running.

Many of us  in real estate are familiar with Marilyn Mannarino.  She is a charming lady with a huge heart.  Often she can be spotted at a NABOR ( Naples Area Board of Realtors) or WCR ( Women's Council of Realtors) Events. Recently I had the good fortune to join her for lunchand again at a WCR event.  As always she makes me smile and has some good promotions. Marilyn is more then a business aquaintance, she is a friend as well.

Marilyn Mannarino

Marilyn is the Sr. Underwriter and does a great job promoting Professional Settlement's  services. Wth over 30 years in the business Marilyn has seen her share of markets ( good and bad) and helped to close many deals.  Her daughter Susan Mannarino is the Managing Partner and oversees daily operations.  Susan has over 20 years experience.  This is a company that has experience and will handle your customers every need.

Professional Settlement Services handles both residential and commercial title insurance and closings.  They do this anywhere in the United States and Globally.   They have an office in Macedonia Ohio and a new office here in Naples at :

1100 6th Ave, S Naples Fl 34103 239-444-3123/ Toll Free 866-331-6737

 For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Professional Settlement Services, LLC Naples Office 9/24/08   

Vanderbilt Beach

This weekend there are two exciting events that will be happening here in Naples Florida.

On Saturday 9/27 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Outdoor Family Movie Night will be held on an inflatable screen at  the Cambier Bandshell in Cambier Park.  This is a FREE event and is a great idea for families or if you have grandchildren visiting. The featured movie is STREET RACER. You are welcome to set up your beach chair or blanket... (p.j.'s are a great idea then you can put the kiddos straight into bed when you get home!)...  and the concession stand will have some snacks if you're hungry.  Outdoor Movie Night  is a lot of fun and for many of us  brings back memories of sitting in the back of the station wagon at the Drive In.  My favorite  (it's one of the few still in existence )is the Wellfleet Drive in on Cape Cod.  I still go every time I visit! 

The second big event this weekend is Naples On The Run  a 20k Road Race held on Sunday September 28th at 7 a.m.  The Race will be held at Naples On The Run a fine local store specializing in all your running requirements. For more information or to volunteer to help at the run call  239 -434-9786.

 As always for more information on Naples and Naples Real Estate I am here At Home By The Gulf.

 Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Naples Movie Night and Naples On The Run 9/23/08

Do you have a young person who might be considering college? Are you facing Empty Nest Syndrome? ( I am !)   In the face of this challenging economy now more than ever an education can be an asset!  It's never to early to get teens excited about college ( sometimes it's a great motivator as well).

Tonight in Naples at Golden Gate High School the annual College Night will be held from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. That is Thursday September 18th....There will be numerous colleges from all over Yale, Norwich University, Florida Universities, etc. For a complete list and links to explore the schools visit here!  

Prepare before you go... this link has some great suggestions.  Also there is a printable brochure to take with you. 

Golden Gate High School is easily accessed via I75 to 951 Collier Blvd.  ..2925 Titan Way Naples, FL 34116 Nearby  are some quick spots to grab a bite McDonalds, Cracker Barrel... don't stress go and enjoy the excitement of college.

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. College Night Naples 9/18/08 

Well if you guessed a long life you are right!

Venetian Bay

Live Long and Prosper....

Well who couldn't use some good news nowadays?  Yes it's true our very own Collier County , home to Naples Florida, has made the CNN Money.com " Long Life" List.  According to the article residents of these counties have some of the longest life expectancies in the United States. 

Number What?

Here in Naples, referred to as " the city of leisure" ( in the article)  we made it to number 4 out of 25!  The article also details our strong artist community and references one of my favorite places the Von Liebig Art Center.  The article does mention what a great place Collier County is for the outdoor activity lover!  With all your outdoor activity your life expectancy would be somewhere around 80+(according to the article).

Golden Gate Estates

Also mentioned in the article was Golden Gate. Golden Gate Estates is one of the largest subdivisions in the United States and covers an area roughly the size of the District of Columbia.  If you like a little acreage with your home and aren't into participating or paying for a homeowner's assocation this may be a place to explore.  Many horse owner's live in this area.

For more information on this subdivison, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. Collier County One of the Best Places For ...