Less than an hour north of Naples, you may be surprised to discover a unique blend of American history and award winning gardens. The Edison Ford Winter Estate is a great day trip getaway that is full of surprises.

Edison Ford Winter Estates is listed on the National Register Historic of Sites and received the Award of Excellence for restoration from both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Garden Clubs. The site is a Florida Historic Landmark and has been designated as a National Historical Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society. (While that may seem a bit obscure to most of us, remember that Edison was the consummate inventor; he did a lot of chemical and botanical research here in Florida!)

Here’s the history in a nutshell. Early in his career, Henry Ford worked as an engineer for Thomas Edison. The two struck up a close friendship. In 1885, when Edison first visited Florida, he purchased the property to build a vacation home. His home, completed in 1886 and later dubbed "Seminole Lodge", served as a winter retreat until Edison's death in 1931. Ford later purchased the adjoining property, "The Mangoes" in 1916. Often, Harvey Firestone joined Edison and Ford, where the three “vagabonds” camped and explored the mango forests of southwest Florida. 

Today, the Edison Ford Winter Estate covers some twenty acres of property. When you visit Edison Ford, the first thing you’ll notice is the landmark banyan tree. Over 400 feet tall, this banyan offers an acre of shade!

 Next, tour the indoor museum. Here you’ll learn more of the friendship and collaboration between Edison and Ford.  You’ll learn of the research that went on here in Southwest Florida, and the significance of the site before you begin your tour. You’ll see incredible photos of those camping trips, and learn details of Edison’s work that give great insight into his genius and work a a prolific inventor. 

Start your tour with a good look at Edison’s botany laboratory. During World War I, Edison partnered with Firestone and Ford to try to find a rubber tree or plant that could grow quickly in the United States. In 1927, the three men contributed $25,000 each and created the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in an attempt to find a solution to this problem. In 1928, the Edison Botanic Research Corporation laboratory was constructed. It was here that Edison conducted significant research. 

As you move into the gardens around the property, you’ll learn that Edison's botanical garden contains more than a thousand varieties of plants from around the world. The gardens feature plants grown for industrial purposes (such as bamboo, used in light bulb filaments) and those which his wife Mina planted for their beauty.  Your guide will be well-versed in helping you appreciate what is blooming any month of the year. 

 The Edison-Ford Winter Estate hosts a variety of special programs include Holiday Nights (rated one of the nation’s top ten holiday events), Black Maria Film Festival, Antique Car Shows, Garden Talks and a wide variety of special events throughout the year. The site can be reserved for events, weddings, corporate functions, meetings and group tours. 

Visitors are welcome to explore on your own, take a guided tour, or enjoy an audio tour. You might also enjoy a special “Behind the Scenes” tour or “Inventors’ Tour” for added insights into this historic attraction. 

After your visit, enjoy a meal at Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford. This restaurant is a new addition adjacent to the historic grounds at Edison Ford. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks overlooking the river. 

Add the Edison Ford Winter Estate to your list of things to do in Florida!

If you take a look at southwest Florida’s economy, you’ll see that tourism is up. 

Retail is up. 

Job growth is up. 

Airport traffic is up. 

Incomes are up. 

And of course, Naples is known worldwide as a peak Florida destination for home buyers. 

All of those positive economic indicators mean that home prices are on an upward track as well.

According to research firm Local Market Monitor, single family home prices in the Naples/Marco Island area sit as the highest in the state, and there’s still potential for prices to rise. Single-family home prices for the Naples area reached a median of $276,086, the highest in any of the 20 cities they tracked in Florida. That’s an 8 percent bump from the same quarter last year. 

More specific data from the Naples Area Board of Realtors show that the median sale price of an existing single-family home reached $375,000 in April,  an increase of 24% over the same month in 2013. 

Predictions are for double-digit price increases over the coming year. Prices in Naples-Marco Island are expected to rise an additional 11 percent by the second quarter of 2015. By the second quarter of 2017, cumulative price increases for the three-year period will have reached 29 percent in Naples-Marco Island. 

Naples continues to be a vibrant community with all economic indicators looking positive. Invest in YOUR piece of paradise - you won’t be sorry!

Resources: 

Fletcher, June. Area Home Prices Due to Jump by Double Digits in Next Year, Research Group Says. Naples Daily News. June 4, 2014. 

Naples Home Prices Spike. Business Observer. May 29, 2014.

We love the  beach! It’s our local treasure and one of the greatest natural attractions of Southwest Florida.

 But did you know that two of our local beaches rank among America’s Top Ten Beaches? That’s right, right up there with the beaches of Hawaii, California, and Cape Cod….two of those Top Ten beaches are in our own back yard. 

Ranking #2 on the list of “Dr Beach’s Top 10 Beaches for 2014” is Barefoot Beach. Located just south of Bonita Beach Rd. and north of Wiggins Pass, Barefood Beach Preserve offers 342 acres of natural beach access on one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the southwest coast. In addition to its beautiful beach access, Barefoot Beach offers great fishing, wildlife habitat, and natural vegetation. 

Ranking #10 on the list is Delnor Wiggins State Park Beach. A popular beach during “season, Delnor Wiggins is located at the end of Immokalee Rd/111th Avenue. Here you will find a full mile of natural beach. Five parking areas offer easy access to the beach, complete with sea turtle nesting sites, natural Florida grasses, diving pelicans, and dolphins splashing in the Gulf.

“Dr. Beach” is Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. Dr. Leatherman formerly directed the Laboratory for Coastal Research at the University of Maryland and the National Park Research Unit at the University of Massachusetts. He has authored and edited numerous books and journal articles, including work for the National Geographic. His work takes him to beaches all over the world and has been rating beaches nationally since 1991. Check out his website at drbeach.org. 

How are beaches rated? Fifty criteria contribute to scoring each beach, asking questions like these:

How soft is the sand?

What is the water temperature?

How many sunny days will we find?

Do we need to worry about rip currents?

Is the water affected by algae or red tide?

Will I need insect repellant?

What’s the view like?

Is it noisy? Crowded? Clean and well maintained?

How wide is the beach area?

“Dr. Beach” has told the world what we’ve known all along. There’s nothing like a day at the beach here in Naples!

 The Naples luxury real estate market shows great momentum as we head into summer. It’s clear that clients are serious buyers, not just “browsing around.” I’ve predicted for the last few years that Naples real estate was headed away from a seasonal market to a thriving year-round market, and that prediction has proved true. 

In April, our local Board of Realtors reported more closed sales than any month to date since it began tracking sales - over 1000 closed sales, and an additional 1000+ pending sales in April alone. That’s right, more homes sold in April 2014 than in any month since records have been kept!

And once again, the $1 million plus price category is solid, with a 25% increase in the number of sales over April 2013. Homes over $2 increased a stunning 56% over last year. 

Along with strong sales, we see a steady increase in prices across all categories. In every neighborhood from East Naples to Park Shore to Naples Park and Ave Maria, closed prices have increased by double digit percentages. 

Prices of both new and existing homes are up 14% overall. And new construction is on the rise across Collier County, as you’ll see on a short drive along US 41, Immokalee Rd., Collier Blvd., or Livingston Rd. These new homes add significantly to the pool of options for buyers. 

There’s no doubt that a home in Naples is a solid investment; prices have been on a steady upswing for the last two years. Single family homes and condominiums alike are moving steadily upward in price. 

 And the Naples market is unique in that sellers have no problem finding qualified buyers. Over 70% of home purchases in Naples are cash purchases. 

I anticipate a terrific summer season as our market continues its steady upward trend. 

For my Northern friends - if you think that now is the time to consider a home in Naples to escape from the brutal winter months - you’re right! 

For local clients who may be looking for a larger home or to make the “downsize” move to a condominium - let’s talk about your needs so I can keep a close eye out as new listings become available. 

New homes….condominiums…single family homes…existing homes….investment properites…vacation homes….the Naples area has something for you!

Once again, Naples garnered national attention for being one of the very best places to be. This time, Conde Nast Traveler listed Naples among the Top Twenty American Cities for Foodies.

That's right - Naples joined "the biggies" on the Top Twenty list, including New York, San Francisco, and Boston. Naples sits on the Top Twenty list with well known "foodie" destinations such as Aspen, Napa, and Santa Fe.

I've often wondered how long it would take to sample each of Naples' wonderful restaurant options without hitting the same place twice!

Conde Nast writer Jennifer Wood sums Naples' dining scene up this way:

Given its tropical climate and Gulf of Mexico perch, you’re going to get at least one seafood option at almost any restaurant you visit in Naples. And if that’s why you’re here, the boat-to-belly offerings at Truluck’s—including their famous stone crabs—are some of the area’s freshest. But Naples is a cosmopolitan city, and as such has a vast number of impressive international eats. For French Provencal, there’s Claudio Scaduto’s Côte d’Azur; for Spanish tapas off-the-beaten path, try IM Tapas. Caffe dell’Amore is a top choice for Italian, while Inca’s Kitchen serves up authentic Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado (sautéed beef loin) in a comfortable setting. If you can’t choose just one, Mereday’s offers an eclectic mix of flavors from around the world (think mussels with Indian madras curry and coconut milk.

So whether your tastes run toward international cuisine, seafood fresh from the Gulf, Classic American fare, or a simple night out for pizza and burgers with the kids, Naples has something to offer. Some of my own favorites are listed here:

http://www.naplespropertypreview.com/blog/bon-appetit-best-naples-dining/

Watch my blog for a future piece spotlighting some of Naples' great locally- owned eateries.

Enjoy discovering your own new favorites! 

There's something about Naples that we just can't put our finger on.

Visitors say it all the time: We feel good when we're here!

New residents speculate if it's the effect of living near the Gulf.

Maybe it's the beautiful surroundings throughout Collier County.

But this week,the American Lung Association pointed out one of the factors that makes a difference here in Naples. Our area of a Southwest Florida (including Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral) are ranked among the top cities in the nation for clean air.

Overall, the Naples area ranked in the Top Twenty nationally for lowest levels of air pollution year round. Simply put, our air quality is better than almost anywhere. The American Lung Association collects air quality data year round, and also uses 24 hour samples to calculate overall particulate pollution. Here in the Naples area, we have been awarded an "A" grade for our air quality in every category tested.

When it comes to ozone levels, Collier County leads the pack nationally, with zero days designated as ozone action days. That's zero days of alerts that may cause concern among those with asthma, with breathing difficulties, or the elderly.

Best of all, trends since 1996 show a steady improvement in southwest Florida air quality. It's one if those little-known facts that does indeed make a huge difference in our overall quality of life, health, and well being.

So take a deep breath and enjoy life in southwest Florida!

Our Naples real estate market continues to show lots of activity and strong performance month after month. Let’s take a look at some highlights from the first quarter of 2014.

Sales continue their upward trend. Homes priced at $1 million plus leaped forward a solid 83% over  the  first quarter of  2013. Driven by homes priced at $2 million plus, this high end market segment has carried the ball in the Naples market. 

 And those luxury homes continue to sell! Pending sales (those homes with contracts that have not yet closed) are up a stunning 45% over first quarter of 2013. 

 Yes, buyers have their eye on Naples luxury homes, but the action isn’t all centered on multimillion dollar properties. The largest median price jump was, in fact, seen in homes priced under $300,000. Here, we saw an overall price increase of 9%, from $159,000 in the first quarter of 2013 to $173,000 in the first quarter of 2014. Overall median prices are up 15% over last year.

 Condominiums remain a popular option, as well. Inventory tells the story here; current inventory is down 23% compared to last year. Many buyers are attracted to condos as investment properties, or for the maintenance-free lifestyle they offer. Most notably, the condo inventory is significantly tighter in North Naples and Naples Beach areas. No surprise here - the beach is always a fantastic draw, and buyers love the convenience and amenities of North Naples!

 Once again, I’ll remind you that foreclosed properties are few and far between in Naples. Only 10% of sales during the first quarter of 2014 were distressed sales; this reflects the stability of our market and is great news for homeowners.

 Our inventory of homes is constantly shifting - great properties are being listed, sold quickly, and the market is replenishing with new listings in a very quick turnover cycle. In every price bracket and every geographic area of our community, homes are selling much more quickly than a year ago. 

 Yes, in many ways, the Naples real estate market is where the action is!

At this time of year, many permanent residents of Naples notice car haulers heading north on I-75. It’s a sign that the Snowbirds have begun their exodus northward for another year. 

 But I’d urge my northern friends (and year-round residents alike!) to stay just a bit longer and enjoy the breathtaking scenes and activities that are part of springtime in Naples. 

 You’re sure to enjoy….

 ….the Naples Botanical Gardens in full blossom. 

 ….the International Food Fest at The Mercato, benefitting St. Matthew’s House.  Mark your calendar for May 4 and stroll along the sidewalks. Your sampling benefits a great cause!

 ….Moon over Buffalo, presented by The Naples Players at the beautiful Sugden Theater. Not a bad seat in the house!

….ArtsNaples World Festival, this year highlighting the cultural arts of Italy. Enjoy opera, concerts, fashion, photography, and food May 1-10, at various venues around town. 

….Dinner without a wait at your favorite restaurant around town. Spring and summer menus make their debut, and promotions and discounts encourage diners to try something new. 

….A round of golf at “off season” pricing. Check out Arrowhead Golf Club off Immokalee Rd., where a round of golf after 5 pm is only $32. You’ll catch a gorgeous sunset as an added bonus, and enjoy golf on Naples’ top rated public course. 

….The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Earth Day Festival on April 19. 

….An array of Easter activities. Vineyard’s Community Park hosts Peter Cottontail’s Garden Party, Waterside Shops holds its annual egg hunt (benefitting the Community School of Naples). Thousands of eggs and prizes await at the Naples Botanical Gardens’ annual hunt. And our local restauranteurs are planning spectacular holiday brunches and dinners for Easter Sunday. 

….An exciting trip aboard the Fort Myers Murder Mystery Dinner Train. 

….Laughter at Off The Hook Comedy Club on Marco Island. 

….Movies on the lawn at Cambier Park and The Mercato. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy family movies under the stars. 

….Ample room to browse at our local farm markets. 

….An evening drive down to Marco Island or out to Ave Maria, where you’ll enjoy landscapes and trees in full blossom or the  the beauty of Florida’s orange groves. 

There’s more, of course. Whether you’re snow birding or here year round, April and May offer spectacular opportunities for all of us here in Paradise. The joy of the Naples lifestyle doesn’t end when spring arrives!

Once again, Naples has made the news and garnered national and international attention for our community’s ambience, economy, and attractions!

Did you know that Naples ranks as one of America’s happiest and healthiest spots? A recent Gallup poll looked at 189 metropolitan areas across the country, conducting 178,000 interviews with residents of those communities. Measures of happiness and general well being included life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, healthy behaviors, work environment, and other criteria. Of those 189 cities, Naples is proud to rank #9 in the nation! Yes, we know it’s a joy to live here, and personally I’m not sure that those Gallup criteria adequately capture the intangible ambience that makes Naples such a special place…but it’s a delightful affirmation to see Naples so high on the list. You can check out the full Gallup listing here.

And the Naples luxury home market has captured national attention as well. A new luxury home survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Previews International ranks Naples #2 among places with the most active home listings of $1 million or more. Only New York City offers more selection in the $1 million plus market. Naples outpaced well known resort communities such as Scottsdale, Boca Raton, Palm Springs, and Honolulu. In our current market, an active high end market reflects confidence in the economy - and other cities that ranked highly on the Coldwell Banker survey were large urban areas (New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC for example). Naples can indeed hold its own against other luxury real estate markets nationwide. Check out more from the Coldwell Banker survey here. 

It’s a short drive north to Sanibel Island…one of the world’s best shelling locations, according to Travel and Leisure Magazine, and the #1 vacation destination in the world, according to Frommers. (That’s right. Sanibel beat out Paris and Tahiti.)  Whether you want to explore the Ding Darling Nature Preserve, pick up shells at Bowman’s Beach, photograph osprey at the lighthouse, bike the island, or just cruise over the Causeway and explore - the world’s best is in our back yard! Read more about day tripping to Sanibel here.

And finally, I’ll make mention of a brand new Naples attraction, the Revs Institute. This unique museum provides an opportunity to view exhibits of rare automobiles and a glimpse into automotive history. You’ll hear more about the Revs Institute soon, but don’t miss the chance to plan a visit. Learn about this Collier County attraction here. 

Naples and the surrounding area can’t be beat for its terrific combination of attractions and things to do, thriving local economy and real estate market, and overall health and happiness of its residents!