As summer draws to a close, we look back on a great summer real estate market here in Naples. 

In fact, every market segment shows stability or growth in sales over 2013….with one notable exception. 

Sales in the “under 300,000” price category dropped 25%. Why? Not for lack of interest, but instead due to high demand. Inventory of homes under $300,000 also declined 25% when compared to 2013. 

Now, that’s not bad news. It means that the value of homes has appreciated. The home priced at $275,000 last year would now move up into the $300 - 500,000 category. And for home sellers, it means that the market is hot, increasing the  likelihood of a quick sale. These homes are in demand! 

It’s interesting to note the other hotbed of activity in our market: homes over $2 million. There, sales are up an amazing 47% over last year at this time. 

Indeed, prices continue to climb, making Naples real estate a great investment and making NOW a great time to buy. Overall, the median price of homes is up 16% over last year; single family home prices are up 25%. 

Inventory - the number of homes for sale at any given time - also tells the story of an active real estate market. There were more closed sales recorded in the first seven months of 2014 than there are available in our current inventory. Experts see this as an encouraging message to consumers looking to sell or buy.

More and more, new construction emerges as an option to home buyers in Naples. 15% of the total inventory of homes for sale at this time are newly constructed homes. With some 30 new developments under construction, new homes become a viable option for those scouting out Naples. So don’t worry - we’re not running out of houses for my clients! 

Let me know when you are ready to take a look at Naples real estate. Beautiful homes in great neighborhoods await. You can be part of Naples - a place of natural beauty, thriving business, great schools, and a community that can’t be beat!

It’s an easy drive from Naples south to Marco Island, whether you plan to head out for a great dinner or to spend the day. Just jump on 41 south to Collier Blvd., then head over the bridge to Marco and get ready to explore this “Naples neighbor.” You’ll be there in less than an hour!

Leave early and enjoy a casual breakfast try NeNe’s Kitchen on Collier Blvd. Known for oversized omelettes and crispy French toast, one Yelp reviewer referred to breakfast at NeNe’s as “the best breakfast in Florida.”  Now that’s a recommendation!

Next, try this driving tour to learn a bit about the history of the island. Marco Island is the largest of the 10,000 Islands region of southwest Florida, and the only one that is inhabited. Your driving tour will teach you a bit about the history, geology and ecosystem of the island, and even includes the sites of two archaeological digs. And did you know that the highest point in southwest Florida is actually on Marco Island? Besides all that history, you’ll get a feel for Marco in general as you tour the island - from quiet residential streets to the hustle of high rise resorts, from the marinas to the retail areas….this small community has its own special “feel.” 

If you want to gain more insight into Marco’s history, make a stop at the Marco Island Museum. Admission is free, and you’ll get to see the famous Marco cat, a remnant of ancient Calusa mound dwellers on loan from the Smithsonian. 

You can’t visit Marco Island without visiting the beach. One favorite is Tigertail Beach. The beach has ample parking for a reasonable fee (free for Collier County residents with a parks sticker), and you can rent a cabana, paddle board or kayak on site. Walk past the playground and follow the path to the main beach, or wade across the lagoon. There you’ll find an expanse of Gulf of Mexico beachfront and great shelling. Enjoy the peaceful Gulf waters, sunshine, and just wiggling your toes in the sand. You may catch some great photos of bald eagles and diving pelicans, too. 

What about shopping on Marco? Here you’ll find Sunshine Booksellers, the only independent bookstore in Collier County. Wander through the variety of appealing shops tucked into small plazas along Collier Blvd., or browse at the Esplanade Shops at the north end of town. Check out the On Marco Island website to preview a list of shops on the island and plan to visit those that interest you most. 

When it’s time for lunch or dinner, you’ll discover great options on Marco Island. A longtime favorite of the locals is the Snook Inn, a marina restaurant located at the end of Bald Eagle Drive. Enjoy live music under the thatched roof, or dine waterside and get a bit more sun. The laid back atmosphere, ambience, and great seafood will bring a smile. If you’d like something a bit more sophisticated, try one of the many dining options at the Marriott Beach Resort, a Marco Island landmark. Whether you choose a snack at the Tiki Bar, beachfront dining, or the white-tablecloth dining room, you’ll enjoy a glimpse at this Marco Island destination. And if you have golf on your mind, the Marriott is a terrific place to play! Their Rookery course was named as one of the Top 50 courses by Golf Range magazine. 

If your visit allows you to plan an evening on Marco Island, check out the well-known Off The Hook Comedy Club. Or during the fall and winter season, pick up tickets for the local Marco Players production. 

As you head home, take the scenic route. Head east on San Marco Rd. from the intersection of Collier Blvd. Pass through the residential area, then take in the landscape, pristine waters and mangrove forests that are part of the 10,000 Islands region. Leave the resort community behind and watch for nesting osprey, bald eagles, and shore birds. As you head through the little settlement of Goodland, you’ll skirt the edges of the Everglades. After just a few miles, San Marco Rd. meets US 41, which will bring you right back to Naples. 

You’re sure to enjoy a day on Marco Island - a close to home getaway! 

Visiting Naples to check out new homes?

A new resident just settling in?

Perhaps one of your interests is health and fitness. And if you’re looking for the right fitness club, you’ll find many great options without looking too far. 

Start in your own community. Many neighborhood community centers offer a variety of fitness classes including yoga, water aerobics, and more. Most community centers feature fitness rooms with weights and cardio equipment allowing you to create your own workout.  As we check out homes that may interest you, let me know if this is an amenity that is important to you. Communities such as Lely Resort, Island Walk, and others have plenty to offer. 

Naples Community Hospital (NCH) operates two large fitness centers. The Dr. John Briggs Wellness Center is located adjacent to the NCH hospital downtown location, and the Whitaker Wellness Center at Greentree Plaza on Immokaleee Rd. Both locations offer a full array of group fitness classes, personal training, cardio and strength training equipment, and flexible hours to fit your schedule. Seasonal memberships are available, as are 7 day passes for visitors who don’t want to slack on their workouts. Special programs at NCH include the Healthy Back program and Osteoporosis Exercise and Education. 

A great community fitness resource is Collier County Parks and Recreation, with fitness centers at the Golden Gate Fitness Complex, Louise Hasse Fitness Center, and North Collier Regional Park Rec-Plex on Livingston Rd. Personal training is available, and memberships include access to pools at Golden Gate and North Collier locations. 

Private gyms are another fitness option, and there are plenty to choose from. Among them are:

• LA Fitness: Located at Vanderbilt Beach Rd. and 41. Extensive equipment, personal training, fitness and yoga classes, and pool. The facility is well maintained and if you’re an LA Fitness member anywhere in the US, your membership will be honored at the Naples location.
• Naples Family Fitness: Tucked into a corner location at Vanderbilt Beach Rd. and Airport-Pulling, you will find assorted cardio and strength training equipment and high-energy fitness classes. One of the newer facilities in town, NFF is a sparkling and friendly place to work out. 
• Anytime Fitness, with two Naples locations, offers round-the-clock access for its members. Great for those who work late hours!

If you’re focussed on yoga, you might want to try one of Naples’ specialty yoga studios to begin or maintain your practice. 

• Love Yoga offers varied classes and has mats and props available for drop-in clients at its studio on 41 just south of Pine Ridge Rd. Classes run throughout the day to match your schedule. 
• Further north, near 41 and Wiggins Pass Rd., you’ll find the Naples Yoga Center. Classes here include beginner levels, hot Vinyasa flow, and evening meditation sessions. 
• Newest on the Naples yoga scene is the Yoga Loft, located in The Mercato. Here again you will find classes scheduled throughout the day, with reasonable single class drop-in rates. 

And that’s not all - not by a long stretch. You can also explore fitness options at….

• Naples YMCA - Rebuilding exciting new facilities near Pine Ridge and Airport-Pulling Rd. 
• Pure Barre - No dance experience needed for the toning classes offered here. This studio is new to Naples and is located near South Street Grill at Pine Ridge and Goodlette-Frank Rd. 
• Crunch Fitness - Located near The Vineyards and Physicians Regional Hospital on Pine Ridge and Napa Blvd. 
• lululemon athletica at Waterside Shops offers its own strength training classes. Check their website for details and times. 

Wow! And that’s just the indoor options for fitness here in Naples! Grab your water bottle and go! 

When it comes to the local economy, all the news surrounding Naples is GOOD news! Naples tops the list of communities where your real estate investment is on the rise and where local economic indicators show growth. 

Naples is a vibrant community with a thriving business climate. Take a look at these examples from recent news stories.

First, let’s look at the GOOD news in tourism. According to the Collier Tourist Development Council, 2014 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for tourism and tourist spending. In the first half of 2014, Collier County welcomed over a million visitors. Tourist spending grew more than 11% compared to last year. In the month of June (notably, after the “season” had ended), tourist spending spiked at 14% higher than 2013 levels. Visitors stream to Naples from around the United States and around the world. It’s fun to stroll through the Waterside Shops or sit back at a cafe downtown and hear the variety of languages spoken! Spanish, Dutch, German, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Japanese - Naples draws them all when summer holidays arrive. 

Next, let’s look at the GOOD news in our local job market. According to Forbes Magazine, Naples leads the way nationally in job growth. Naples is expected to have the fastest job growth rate among the 200 largest US metro areas with an annual rate of 4.1% through 2016. Unemployment in Naples sat at just 5.4% last month. The Forbes article notes strong forward momentum in Florida’s tourism and retail sectors, with Naples leading the way in both areas. These gains are fueling local construction, service jobs, and retail businesses. 

There is more GOOD news when it comes to home values as well. Single-family home price growth is slowing nationally, but prices in Collier County continued to soar a a phenomenal pace according to two new research reports. Nationwide, prices were up 8.8 percent over last year. But here in the greater Naples area, prices increased 14.3 percent. Those who follow my blog get a regular glimpse of our local market; it’s great to see that Naples outpaces the national year over year numbers by a good stretch!

Put it all together and you’ll see that Naples rises to the top of the list. A strong economy is a sign of a community where great things are happening - and a community that invites you to be part of it all!

Summer restaurant deals are a hallmark of Naples “off season.” Local restauranteurs entice diners to sample something new with incredible food and wine offerings at prices that can’t be beat. 

Here are a few, starting on Fifth Avenue South:

• Wine aficionados will enjoy “Wine Wednesday” at Chops City Grill on Fifth Avenue South. Select from Chops’ extensive wine offerings for 50% off each bottle. 

• A favorite stop on Fifth Avenue South is Cafe Luna. Known for its summer dining deals, Cafe Luna currently features two dinners with a bottle of wine for $29.99. 

• Bistro 821 on Fifth Avenue also offers a choice of selected entrees and wines daily. Dinner for two is a bargain at $32.95. And don’t forget Bistro 821’s happy hour, featuring 2 for 1 drinks and half price appetizers. 

• Mangrove Cafe offers a great deal on Fifth Avenue South, with dinner for two priced at $35. Two salads, two entrees, and a bottle of wine…and for those with a valid Florida drivers license, a free dessert to share. 

• bha! bha! Persian Bistro catches my eye with a Kabob Feast platter for two, with a bottle of wine for $33. 

In North Naples, you’ll find:

• Delicious Prime Rib Fridays at Shula’s Steak House, inside the Hilton Naples. Enjoy an 8 oz. Shula cut for only $9.95 during lunch hour. You’ll want a reservation!

• Mr Big Fish in the Neapolitan Shopping Center offers a lobster tail dinner for two, including a bottle of wine, for $50. Diners may also chosee grouper, salmon, or NY strip steak entree. 

• Enjoy fine Italian dining at Amore, also in the Neapolitan Shopping Center. Between 5 pm and 8 pm, buy one entree and get a second entree free. 

• Is French cuisine your favorite? Sample great dinner specials at Cafe Normandie, where you can buy one entree and receive the second entree free. 

• Bricktops at Waterside Shops features early dinner specials from 3-6 pm. Entrees include parmesan chicken, Scottish salmon, meatloaf, baby back ribs, or rainbow trout with salad for $17.

• Lobster Mania has taken over at Watermark Grill. Enjoy live Maine lobster for $23.95, plus a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two entrees. 

• Up at The Mercato, sample the lunch offerings at Masa. Select two items from the special summer menu for only $12. Later, check out $5 appetizers during happy hour - ceviche, empanadas, tacos, or pollo quesidilla. 

• Bravo! at the Mercato and Brio at Waterside Shops feature three course dinner specials for $19.99. 

At Tin City:

• Watch the Sunday edition of the Naples Daily News for 2-for-1 dinner coupon specials from The Dock at Crayton Cove or Riverwalk. Good for any entree, coupons are valid on weekdays only. Weekends, check out the lobster special, with two one-pound lobsters just $26.95. 

• Pinchers Crab Shack entices summer diners with $10.99 shrimp specials. Choose from eight delicious shrimp entrees with two sides included in this summer bargain!

Of course, I recommend calling ahead to check the details of each dinner special. 

Naples dining options are always a treat. During the summer, take this opportunity to try something new or revisit an old favorite…and save money while you’re at it! 

It’s summer in Naples! And while the red hot real estate market of recent months has slowed just a bit, our most recent market report shows that home sales are steady and the market is stable. 

What’s happening right now in Naples real estate?

When it comes to the bottom line, prices are up. Overall, closed prices are up 10% over last year at this time. Great growth, for sure….but even more striking when we take a longer term look. In July, 2013, my blog reported that prices on single family homes had jumped 26% over 2012 prices. Let’s look at a typical home price and see what these price trends really mean. 

For a Naples home priced at $500,000 in 2012….

• Market price increase takes 2013 price to $630,000
• Market price increase takes 2014 price to: $693,000

As I have reported consistently over the past year, inventory in the Naples market remains snug this summer. While the inventory of single family homes is down slightly compared to last year, condominium inventory is down 20%. New home construction continues to offer options to buyers, especially in the single family home market. 

Where are the busiest areas in terms of sales? The Naples Beach areas, including properties west of US 41, and North Naples remain most popular. 

What price bracket is most active? Without a doubt, top end luxury homes are our strongest sellers. Sales of homes in the $2 million + price category continue to climb dramatically. 

My clients need to know that most desirable homes are selling fast. Our data show that last year, the average home was on the market for approximately five months. Today, that average is only three months. And that average is just that….an average. Yes, some listings linger on the market; but as you can imagine, these homes tend to be the ones that my clients choose to bypass. Others - those that have curb appeal, wonderful views, and the most-wanted amenities and finishing touches? In short, these homes fly off the market. 

As we move into the dog days of summer, I hope that all of my clients take the opportunity for some well deserved R&R. Enjoy!

New to Naples?

Visiting while you check out what’s available in real estate?

As this recent post noted, Naples covers a huge geographic area. Getting around town isn’t all that difficult - but can be time consuming, especially during season. Here are a few pointers:

Driving in general:

• Naples has a great infrastructure of divided thoroughfares. Traffic flow on six-lane divided roads makes for smooth traffic flow, even during season when traffic volume picks up. 
• Watch those medians; they’re great places for Collier County Sheriff deputies to clock your speed. And make no mistake - deputies maintain a high level of visibility all over Collier County and Naples. 
• U -turns are allowed at red lights, even at major intersections. 
• And be careful on rainy days. It’s surprisingly slippery! 

Around Town:

• Naples’ main roads are laid out on a simple grid, running (mostly) due N, S, E, and W. Things get a little trickier on US 41 east of 5th Avenue. There, the “East Trail” picks up, although it’s technically US 41 South.
• The most direct route may not be the fastest. You’ll find the lightest east/west traffic on Vanderbilt Beach Rd. during most hours of the day. North/south traffic is lightest on Goodlette Frank Rd., Livingston, or Collier Blvd. 
• Naples’ busiest intersection is at Airport Pulling and Pine Ridge. No surprise - this is the epicenter of many main shopping centers. Other busy intersections are Pine Ridge and 41 and Immokalee Rd. and 41. 
• Learn how the grid work of roads works so that you can easily spot alternate routes at busy times of day. Traffic picks up significantly after about 3 pm. 

Beyond Naples:

• Headed north to Bonita? If you’re close to US 41, just head north. If you’re close to 75, take the freeway.
• Fort Myers bound? 75 is almost always the best bet. US 41 will get you there - but heavy traffic and red lights will slow you way down.
• If you’re up for a day on Marco Island, just get to Collier Blvd. (FL 951) and head south over the bridge. 
• Need to visit Florida’s “other” coast? Jump on I-75 and take Alligator Alley. Southbound 75 makes a sharp turn at Collier Blvd; you will find yourself heading due east on southbound 75. Fort Lauderdale is just over an hour away via “the Alley.” Be sure to buy gas ahead of time, though. Alligator Alley takes you through the Everglades, and stops are few and far between. 

Before you know it, you’ll be cruising Naples like a local. Safe travels!

When you tell someone that you live in Naples, it may conjure up an image of boats, beaches and the lively scene on Fifth Avenue South. 

But the reality is that your piece of paradise in “Naples” could be almost anywhere in Collier County. And Collier County spans an area larger than the state of Delaware, with over 2300 square miles of land! Another reality: Almost all of Collier County has a Naples mailing address. (The exceptions are the communities of Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee, and Ave Maria.)

Within that huge area known as “Naples,” home buyers will discover diverse neighborhoods and home options. You’ll navigate the area more efficiently if you learn a bit of the “local-speak” for various areas of town. Real estate listings often use these terms to give a general idea of where a home is located. 

Here is a bit of a guide to finding your way around and honing in on the home listing that is in exactly the right spot for you:

City of Naples: Naples “proper” includes only 14 square miles of downtown. Naples’ meandering eastern boundary include the City Dock, Tin City and the Naples Airport. Many downtown activities center on Fifth Avenue South and Cambier Park. 

Olde Naples: Within the City of Naples, Olde Naples includes the area of Naples’ original settlement. It’s an easy walk to shopping, dining, and the beach. Olde Naples is home to the well-loved Naples Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Naples Pier. 

Park Shore: Also within the City of Naples boundaries, Park Shore lies west of US 41 between Golden Gate Parkway and Pine Ridge Rd. This area offers highly desirable homes close to the beach and major retail centers. 

North Naples: Traditionally defined as the area north of Pine Ridge Road and west of I-75, North Naples stretches about six miles north to Immokalee Rd. and now encompasses the area as far east as Collier Blvd. Here you will find major shopping areas and popular residential communities. North Naples is known for convenience and amenities with a “neighborhood” feel.

Pelican Bay: West of US 41 between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Pelican Bay is a large development of homes and condominiums featuring private beach access. 

East Naples: Located along US 41 east of the Courthouse complex (known as “The East Trail”), stretching to Collier Blvd. East Naples includes a mix of new construction, resort communities such as Lely resort, and established “old Florida” style communities. 

Golden Gate Estates: Located east of Collier Blvd. along Golden Gate Blvd., Golden Gate Estates offers large parcels of land and a more rural lifestyle. “The Estates” stretches north to the town of Immokalee and east to DeSoto Blvd. 

As you become more familiar with Naples and Collier County, you will discover that many residents identify their home’s location by the name of the development or by the nearest main crossroads. (For example, “We’re in Park Shore,” or “We’re just off of Livingston and Vanderbilt Beach.”  

A future blog will help navigate Naples roadways to find the best ways to get around town. 

It’s Independence Day! What’s on the calendar in the Naples area? 

It all starts on July 3, at Miromar Outlets in Estero. July 3 celebrations begin at 6 pm with live music, face painting for the kids, and balloon animals. A Bon Jovi tribute band performs at 7:30. The real treat is fireworks over the lake, beginning at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy! (And yes, there are sidewalk sales at the mall, too.) 

Closer to home, check out the Independence Day Kickoff Party at The Mercato. Enjoy live classic rock music, an outdoor bar, lawn games, and kids’ activities. Of course, you’ll enjoy the many options for casual dining at The Mercato. And The Mercato is one of Naples’ best places for just browsing and enjoying the crowd. 

Downtown Naples sizzles on the 4th with the annual 4th of July Parade at 10 am along Third St. South and Fifth Avenue South. The traditional fireworks show begins at 9 pm at the Naples Pier. 

Plan to arrive early for fireworks. Bring your beach chairs and a picnic, pick up some prepared foods from Fresh Market, Whole Foods, or Wynns, or get carry out for dinner at the beach.

You can view the display from all of our local beaches. Lowdermilk Park is a great viewing spot and offers a playground for the kids. 

A unique viewing venue is the rooftop barbecue at The Waterside Shops. Beginning at 7:30 pm, enjoy food, music, and prizes for the “most patriotic” dress. Reservations are required for this one, however, so contact the mall to reserve your spot. 

 Further north, if you wish to watch from Vanderbilt Beach or Delnor Wiggins State Park, the display will lose some of its magnificence….but you will still be able to “ooh and ash.” And on a clear night, you’ll be able to spot some red, white, and blue twinkles all the way from Marco Island to Bonita Beach.  

Have A Happy Fourth!

I’ve often said that the days of a traditional seasonal Naples real estate market are long gone. Naples isn’t “just” a resort community driven by a “snowbird” market.  Our market is busy and vibrant year-round, and current market statistics confirm just that as we move into summer. 

During the month of May, we saw over 1000 home sales in Naples. That’s over 30 homes a day….sold. 

Especially strong is the luxury real estate market of homes priced at $2 million plus. A look at May 2014 shows the number of closed sales for single-family homes in the $2 million and above market soared 73 percent when compared to May 2013. Sales of condominiums in the $2 million and above market more than doubled compared to May 2013. Pricing of luxury condominiums continues to rise; the median closed price for condominiums in the $2 million and above market increased to $2,900,000 in the 12-months ending May 2014.

What about more moderately priced homes?

In short, we see the trend we’ve watched for a while continuing: Modestly priced homes in Naples are harder to come by, and prices continue to move upward. 

Overall median closed prices (including both condominiums and single-family homes) rose 15 percent overall year-over-year from $220,000 to $253,000 in the 12-months ending May 2014.  For homes priced $300,000 and under, prices jumped 13% to a median of $170,000. The inventory of properties under $300,000 dropped 18% from May 2013 numbers. 

With that “price creep,” though, comes a net increase in the inventory of single family homes in the $300,000 - $500,000 price segment. This increase may be due to more homeowners listing their homes, but is also due to homes listing at higher price points. The home that may have sold for $250,000 in 2012 is now on the market at $300,000+. 

This month, we see an interesting trend in home inventory. May’s inventory of homes on the market was the lowest it’s been since tracking began in 2007. But the decrease is mainly in the condominium market where inventory decreased 19 percent. Why so? As prices for single family homes rise, buyers may consider a condo as a more affordable option. International buyers often prefer condominiums due to ease of maintenance. And while new home construction is helping fuel the inventory of single-family homes, fewer new condos are under development. 

Bottom line for buyers?

It’s been a tremendous winter season here in Naples. During the summer, we don’t anticipate a slowdown as our local buyers and international visitors will fuel a continued busy market. This steady growth contributes to the stability in our local real estate market. 

If you’re looking - or thinking of looking - I’d recommend that you remember that first statistic above. During May, over 30 homes a day were sold in Naples. For Realtors and for our local economy, that’s great news. For buyers, it’s a statistic that sends an important message. Don’t delay. Let’s start the search and find the perfect Naples home for you!