Over the past year, we’ve seen the inventory of homes for sale in Naples decrease. For home buyers, the decreased inventory has two immediate implications:

First: If you’re interested in purchasing an existing home or condominium, you’ll want to work very closely with your Realtor to be sure to keep an eye out for listings that meet your criteria, 

and

Second: You’ll want to explore what Naples offers in new construction. Which, by the way, is plenty!

The construction slump has ended, as a quick drive around Naples reveals. Over twenty new developments are under construction in Naples. Each new community offers its own mix of features and amenities, but here are a few that are worthy of your consideration. 

 Treviso Bay: You’ve probably seen the striking entry off Tamiami Trail east of Airport-Pulling Rd. Let’s head over the bridge and see what this great community offers home buyers. First, as the old saying goes, Location! Location! Location! Treviso Bay is located just five miles from Fifth Avenue South, along East Tamiami Trail. The development is close to the county government complex, shopping, and minutes from beaches. Treviso Bay offers the best in golf, with its PGA Tour’s acclaimed TPC course. Homes in Treviso Bay are rich in amenities. Floor plans include a mix of estate homes, luxury coach homes, villas, and condominiums. 

The Isles of Collier Preserve: Another new development under construction along the East Trail (US 41 east of the Courthouse complex), The Isles of Collier Preserve will provide residents with wonderful community “neighbors” including the Collier County Museum, the Naples Botanical Gardens, Sugden Regional Park, and Rookery Bay Preserve. Coach homes and single family residences feature classic coastal style design, and the community is carefully designed to protect its rural surroundings. A private marina offers deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico - a delight for fisherman and boaters. 

Lakoya at Lely Resort: Located near the intersection of US41 and Collier Blvd., follow the dramatic entrance road to Lely Resort and Golf and Country Club. One of several distinctive neighborhoods within the Lely Resort, Lakoya is an exclusive community of single family homes with a private gated entrance, classical gardens, Italian-inspired fountains and elegant paved walking paths. If you are looking for a sophisticated lifestyle in an all-inclusive community, Lakoya is worth a look. Lely Resort and Gofl and Country Club offers a full array of amenities including three championship golf courses, tennis, dining, community activities, spa and fitness center.  

Lantana at Olde Cypress: Lantana is the newest (and final) phase of the well-established Olde Cypress development in North Naples. Close to shopping, with easy access to I-75, Lantana offers a limited number of single family homes nestled along the Olde Cypress Golf Course and natural preserves. Watch the beautiful Naples sunsets, listen to the birds, and enjoy the quiet of this North Naples location from your lanai, or enjoy the newly-refurbished Olde Cypress Clubhouse. Lantana offers 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans by noted builder Stock Development. 

Esplanade Golf and Country Club: One of the newest on the Naples scene is Esplanade, located just west of Immokalee Rd. and Collier Blvd. Here, you’ll be close to schools and community amenities while enjoying your new home and all that Esplanade offers. Championship golf is already available on the golf course; future plans include a community learning center, swim center with lap pool, pro shop, and more. In addition to the golf course, you'll enjoy over 1000 acres of nature preserve, wetlands, and lakes. Tour the seven model homes currently open for viewing, and learn more about Esplanade. 

Let’s get together and take a look at some of these new Naples communities!

Home prices have taken a remarkable jump compared to last year at this time, according to the most recent market data from the Naples Area Board of Realtors.

 In particular, homes in the top tier price bracket ($2 million and up) soared an astounding 24%. 

 And the number of sales of top end homes tells the story of a dynamic Naples luxury market as well. Closed sales in that top price range soared 173% when compared to last year. That’s right - closed sales almost tripled over last year. 

 Now, those are numbers that grab your attention. High-end buyers are buying! And they are buying their own piece of paradise here in Naples!

 What’s happening with more modestly priced homes?  In a nutshell, inventory is down and prices are up. Homes that may have been priced under $300,000 a few months ago have inched into higher price brackets, a phenomenon referred to in the industry as “bracket creep.” Thus, we see fewer homes available under $300,000; in fact, inventory is down 20%.

 The “under 300” category is worth watching, because last year it comprised 2/3 of our total market. Today, that market share is much smaller as prices move upward. And, as I have mentioned before, distressed homes (foreclosures and short sales) are vanishing from the Naples scene. 

 Single family home prices outpace condo pricing significantly. Median prices for a single family home in Naples are up 48% from last year, to $385,000.

 These kind of increases certainly grab the attention of buyers and sellers alike. Those ready to buy are making the decision to buy now.  (We’ve even seen the return of bidding wars on highly desirable properties.) Those who may have held off on listing their homes for sale are seeing this as the perfect time to list. 

 Builders have taken note, as well. Over 2 dozen new communities are under construction, and more development is teed up and ready to begin. 

 The bottom line for my clients and prospective clients is this: Don’t wait. Let me offer my help as you search for the home that will make your dreams come true. Great properties are out there, and we will find the one that is waiting for you! My experience and familiarity with our community will guide you through this exciting time in the Naples luxury home market. 

Not long ago, I was at a neighborhood get together and chatted with a few “snowbirds.” After exchanging pleasantries, one (who has spent the winter season in Naples for fifteen years or so) leaned over and whispered, “So…what’s it like here in the summer?”

 Maybe you’ve heard stories of Florida summers….but bear in mind that Florida is a large state! Summer in Naples is different from what you might discover in Orlando or Jacksonville.

So let’s take a more specific, real-life look at what you might experience in Naples during the summer months:

 Temperatures? Summer days in Naples top out in the low to mid 90’s. It is rare that we reach the 100 degree heat waves that the midwest and eastern states experience almost every year. Evening temps drop to about 70 degrees. Yes, we do rely on our a/c to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors, just as our northern friends rely on heating systems in the winter time. 

 Humidity? The best time (and least humid time) to enjoy the outdoors during the summer is in the morning or early evening. You may find that an occasional day is particularly steamy, but those aren’t all that common. Again, a/c systems provide all the dehumidification we need for comfort indoors. In fact, most year-round residents keep a sweater or light jacket nearby “just in case.”

 How’s the beach? Even on a warm day, the beach provides a breezy respite during the summer. You’ll want to aim for an early morning trip (8-11 am) or later afternoon (3 pm or later) to miss the strongest sun. (Yes, mid-day can get hot.) Gulf waters during the summer hover in the 80’s, so it’s great to lounge with your noodle or air mattress. And of course, the crowds dwindle even at the most popular beaches. You’ll have room to spread out and roam a bit more. Enjoy it! 

 Does it rain all the time? No. We do have rain almost every day during the summer, but those squalls come and go quickly and often are small, localized weather systems. It’s possible to leave downtown and drive through two or three short rain systems by the time you reach Immokalee Rd.! Most rainfall comes during the afternoon hours. Plan your day accordingly, and you’ll see that the sun comes right out again. A bonus? You’ll see more rainbows than anywhere else after Naples’ summer rains. 

 Aren’t the mosquitos terrible? The Greater Naples area is part of a mosquito abatement zone. So you won’t notice many of those biting pests as long as you are in the more populated or developed areas around town. Granted, if you head down toward the Everglades or out into Golden Gate Estates, you’ll want to bring a good repellant. (A little local trivia: even during summer, there is a minimal population of mosquitos at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. In this protected Audubon preserve, a naturally occurring “mosquito fish” feeds on mosquito larvae…so no issues with bites there!) 

 Do the stores close down? Not on a bet. A few small boutiques and galleries do indeed operate as seasonal businesses, but most of Naples keeps on going for year-round customers. Summer residents enjoy special sales and promotions from local businesses, and parking is a breeze. 

 Traffic? Local statistics on traffic tell us that Naples traffic drops in half during the summer. You’ll get to your destination faster, see fewer backups at busy intersections, and spend less time sitting at lights. 

 Restaurants? It’s no secret. Summer in Naples affords terrific access to our world-class dining establishments, often without a reservation. Keep an eye on the local newspapers and signboards in front of your favorites along Fifth Avenue South, in the Mercato, and in Waterside Shops for two-for-one specials and delicious summer menus. You’ll be spoiled quickly by how well our restauranteurs treat us during the off-season!

 But is there anything to do during the summer? There sure is! I encourage all summer visitors and residents to take advantage of the Naples Players summer musical - it’s always a treat! 2014 will feature “Gypsy” on stage at the Sugden. Fourth of July weekend brings a parade, fireworks, and special celebrations all over town. The Von Leibig Art Center maintains its schedule of exhibits throughout the year. Museums and outdoor venues roll out the red carpet for summer guests, and it’s always a great time to catch new releases on one of Naples’ big screens. Pack your lawn chair for jazz on the lawn at the Naples Beach Resort, or stop in for the Friday champagne happy hour at the Waldorf Astoria. And many new residents are surprised to see the Third Street South Farmer’s Market operating year round - a Saturday tradition for many!

 As you settle into your new Naples home, be sure to discover summer - the “off season season”!

From the hustle of Fifth Avenue South, it’s an easy day trip to Florida’s “River of Grass,” The Everglades.

 Whether you’re visiting or moving to Naples, you’ll want to plan a day to explore this one-of-a-kind National Park. 

 So pack your sunscreen, insect repellant, binoculars, and water bottles and head east! The Everglades are calling!

 Begin your visit with a drive east on I-75 to Exit 25 A, which leads you to the Shark Valley Visitor’s Center. (That’s about a 75 mile drive. Shark Valley is actually closer to Miami than to Naples, just to help with the geography a bit.) 

 Call ahead to reserve a seat on the Shark Valley Tram, or load up the bikes. The 14 mile Shark Valley Loop is open to bikers and trams, encircling this northernmost region of the park. Tram tours take about 2 hours, and well-trained guides give terrific information about the area. 

Two hiking trails originate near the Visitor’s Center: the Bobcat Trail, which is a short 1.4 mile walk, and the Otter Cave trail, about a mile in length. Scheduled ranger programs originate from the Visitor’s Center as well. 

 Either way, you’ll spot plenty of alligators and a variety of birds that call the unique ecosystem of the Everglades home. You’ll spot anhingas, ibis, cranes, herons, hawks, and even wood storks. Turtles meander along the side of the trail, and you’ll learn to spot baby gators in the shallow waters. Actually, you may meet up with your first gators alongside the parking lot! At the halfway point, you’ll be able to head up the observation tower to take in the panoramic vista of the grasslands that make up the Everglades. 

 One side note: If you’re headed to Shark Valley, concessions and snacks are available at the Visitor’s Center. However, I’d recommend packing a cooler with water, snacks, and a light lunch. From this point in the Everglades, it’s a good drive back to….well, to almost anything! 

 Another popular way to explore the Everglades is by airboat tour. Take the scenic drive out US 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to Everglades City, where you will find Everglades City Airboat Tours. This locally owned company will provide you with a licensed local captain on your six-passenger airboat. You’ll come away with a great understanding of the mangroves, native animals, and the entire Everglades region. Although there are a number of airboat ride companies serving the Everglades, Everglades City Airboat Tours remains committed to environmental protection and receives high ratings on TripAdvisor.  

After your tour, try the Camellia Street Grill for made-to-order lunches or dinners. And of course, drive around Everglades City itself for a glimpse of a “real” southwest Florida small town. Check out the Museum of the Everglades to round out your knowledge of the area. 

A final tip: Many veteran visitors to the Everglades prefer to make their visits during fall or winter seasons. The reason? The population of biting insects is much lower than in spring or summer. At any time of year, though, come prepared with your choice of insect repellant, and wear loose clothing. Long sleeves and pants help, too. Remember, in the protected areas that are our National Parks, mosquito abatement programs just don’t exist. 

So many Naples attractions center on dining, shopping, and shows that a day in the Everglades gives a great balance to your view of the entire South Florida region. It’s a great escape for you and your guests!

Our friends up north may be battling the coldest winter in years, but here in Naples the real estate market is HOT!

 Luxury condominiums are especially on the move this month. Sales of luxury condo have soared 70% over last year in the $2 million + price category. 

 Yes, you read that right! 70%!

 Condo sales in the $1 million - $2 million category jumped a solid 17% over last year at this time. 

 With sales strong, inventory is tightening. Now more than ever, desirable properties move quickly!  

 What about prices? Overall median prices (including both condos and single family homes) are up a dramatic 18% over last year. Only a small fraction (less than 10%) of Naples area sales fall into the short sale or foreclosure category; this is great news for our market and for prospective buyers. Our community has weathered the storm of foreclosure activity and has rebounded much more quickly than other areas of the state. 

And interestingly, the number of cash transactions have doubled in the past year. Without a doubt, buyers are standing ready to put dollars on the table when the right property comes along. 

 Recent media attention keeps Naples in the spotlight. Marco Island was recently voted the #1 Traveler’s Choice island destination in America by TripAdvisor. Just north of us, Hertz has broken ground for its new world headquarters. New home construction continues strong from Fiddler’s Creek to Lely Resort to Bent Creek…all the way to Ave Maria. 

 Shake off those winter doldrums and check out this exciting market.  Let me help you plan for your own piece of Paradise!

During the mid-winter months, our friends up north rely on imported produce. But here in Florida, the months of November through March are prime season for fresh, local farm produce. 

 And prime season for produce means prime season for Naples’ full array of Farmer’s Markets.

Throughout the week, you can indulge your tastes for fresh veggies, berries, citrus, avocados, fresh cut flowers and more by keeping an eye on local markets. No matter where you live, you can find a beautiful market just minutes away. 

Pack a cooler in the back of your car, and enjoy this special part of winter in Naples!

Here are a few favorites:

Third Street Farmer’s Market: The granddaddy of them all! Join in the festive atmosphere on Saturday mornings starting at 7:30. Park behind Tommy Bahama, pick up a coffee at Tony’s Off Third, and browse to your hearts content. Try the Honeybells, and don’t go home without fresh guacamole 

Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers Market: This market has grown quickly in the past year or so. Stop in on Fridays noon - 4, and Saturdays 8-2, in the western parking lot at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt (Airport-Pulling Rd. at Vanderbilt Beach Rd.) During summer months, the market moves indoors for comfort. 

Wednesday Market: A smaller market tucked into the parking lot at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church on Immokalee Rd. (just west of Logan). Produce, and fresh flowers partner with delicious barbecue sandwiches and fresh seafood to give wonderful variety to this market. Wednesday Market is open 1:30-5:30 on Wednesdays. Don’t worry about parking; attendants will guide you in the church parking lot. 

Pine Ridge Farmers Market: This one’s open on Sunday mornings starting at 9. Pick up a coffee at Starbucks at Livingston and Pine Ridge, then meander over to make your selections!

Marco Island Farmer’s Market: Cruise down to Marco to enjoy the Wednesday morning market at Veteran’s Park on Elkcam Circle. This one is a bit of a drive for most of us in Naples, but combine it with a delicious breakfast at NeNe’s Kitchen or lunch at the Snook Inn and make it a day to remember!

Finally, if you need a larger quantity of fresh produce, make the drive to the Immokalee Market. Open daily in the afternoons, the Immokalee market offers produce that has not been packed for transport by commercial customers. Immokalee is a key agricultural community for national produce distributors - between 150-200 trucks are loaded daily. Surplus produce is then offered to the public - you can buy small amounts, or get terrific deals by the case. This is a great place if you are canning, freezing, or cooking for a crowd. Selection varies by local supply - you may find a great buy on strawberries one day, and on tomatoes the next. 

 Farm markets provide a glimpse of Florida’s agricultural side, and allow us the chance to support our local farms and orchards while enjoying delicious, fresh food! Explore the markets this year!

Naples has been called “the best small art town in America.”

A brief stroll around town reveals that the visual arts play a central role in the Naples community. Galleries abound, inviting those seeking fine art pieces for their homes and browsers alike. Additionally, open gallery spaces provide top notch opportunities for Naples residents and visitors to explore a wide variety of art experiences. 

Where to begin exploring Naples’ gallery scene?

Try the First Wednesday “Art Alive” gallery/studio open house sponsored by the Naples Art Alliance, and make an evening of it! Over 26 studios and galleries, representing over 80 artists open their doors from 5-8 pm the first Wednesday of the month. See artists at work and enjoy a wide variety of artistic styles and media. Art Alive is located along Artisan’s Plaza, off Shirley Street (north off Pine Ridge) in North Naples. 

Another evening option is Art After Dark at Crayton Cove on Feb. 8. Seven galleries will participate in evening open houses and demonstrations - but don’t be limited by this one special date. Crayton Cove (8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S.) is a beautiful enclave of shops and galleries, anchored by the Naples City Dock. Enjoy a margarita at The Dock, or French food at Bleu Provence to top off your own gallery crawl. 

A bit north of Naples, but well worth a mention, is Yoko Ono Imagine Peace, a unique interactive  art display at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery on the campus of Edison College in Fort Myers. This display is open through March 29, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a Yoko Ono art installation. 

For the second year, The Mercato will host Peter Max: A Retrospective 1950-2013. You can stroll through this road show gallery at your leisure during regular business hours at The Mercato or join in one of the receptions, scheduled for Feb. 15 and 16. I had the chance to visit the first Peter Max exhibit last year and was thrilled to see the variety of pieces large and small, especially his “Angel” themed pieces. 

Don’t forget the Baker Museum at Artis Naples on Pelican Bay Blvd. The museum maintains numerous galleries with special exhibitions throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Enjoy the gift shop and courtyard, and take advantage of free admission during Art After Hours starting at 6 pm the last Wednesday of each month. Current exhibits include Florida Contemporary, Connected and Disconnected - the Sculpture of Hanneke Beaumont, and Rediscovering Egypt.

The Von Leibig Art Center features ongoing displays year round. Currently, the Center features a display entitled “Diamonds: The Naples Art Association Collection,” celebration the Association’s 60th anniversary. Admission is free and the location couldn’t be better - a block south of Fifth Avenue, adjacent to Cambier Park. 

Finally, enjoy browsing some of the fine art galleries around town. On Fifth Avenue South, stop in at Sheldon Fine Art and enjoy paintings and sculpture pieces, including works by a featured artist. DeBruyne Fine Art Gallery on Broad St. schedules special showings as well as its regular inventory of contemporary and antique pieces. And for a bit more whimsy, check out Gallery One, also on Fifth Avenue South. 

Whether you are an art connoisseur or simply “know what you like,” the varied gallery scene in Naples will have something to catch your eye and enrich your spirit!

Last week’s blog entry summarized important market statistics in Naples real estate. Over the past week, local business news has highlighted the overall upswing in the Naples area economy. Most especially, tourism, local spending, and airport traffic at Southwest Florida International Airport are trending upward. Great news for the local economy and for the Naples community at large!

 First, the Business Observer highlighted Naples real estate on January 20, 2014:

 The median price of an existing single-family home in Naples rose 37% in December to $340,000 compared to the same month one year ago, further evidence of the recovery in housing.

As home prices surged and inventory of homes for sale declined, the number of sales of existing single-family homes fell 25% to 301 in December compared with December 2012, according to the Naples Area Board of Realtors.

“This report indicates a tremendous market shift from home sales in the under-$300,000 category to home sales in the over-$300,000 categories,” says Bill Coffey, broker manager of Amerivest Realty Naples, in a statement. “Sales over $300,000 now drive the market.”

Meanwhile, existing condominiums exhibited a similar trend. The median price of an existing condo rose 19% to $215,000 in December compared with the same month in 2012. The number of sales of existing condos fell 25% to 306 in the same period, the association reports.

Next, from the Business Observer on January 21, 2014:

 Passenger traffic at Southwest Florida International Airport rose to a record 

735,739 people in December, breaking the three-decade record for the month.

“December 2013 was the best December in the 30-year history of the airport and our performance for the year was the best since 2007,” says Robert Ball, executive director of the Lee County Port Authority, in a statement. For the year 2013, passenger traffic through the Fort Myers airport rose 3.9% to 7.6 million people compared with 2012.

The last December record for passenger traffic in Fort Myers was in 2006, when 725,909 passengers passed through the airport. The airport’s best year also was in 2006, when just more than 8 million passengers passed through the airport.

“In addition, international traffic had a significant increase of nearly 12% in 2013 compared to 2012,” Ball added in the statement.

In December, Delta carried the most passengers, followed by AirTran, JetBlue, Southwest and Spirit. Airport officials say airlines have added service to Fort Myers to accommodate increasing demand.

And finally, from today’s Naples Daily News, writer Laura Layden puts tourism and local spending in the spotlight, in her article “Tourism is Flying High in Collier County,” excerpted below:

 (Collier) County saw nearly 1.67 million visitors staying in hotels and other vacation rentals last year, up 6.1 percent from 2012, according to a report by Tampa-based Research Data Services Inc.

“These are heads in beds,” said the firm’s president, Walter Klages, at a Collier Tourist Development Council meeting Monday. “It’s a 6-plus percent growth rate. These numbers are just extraordinary.”

Tourism spending also soared in 2013, growing more than 12 percent over the year, to more than $1.6 billion.

The biggest percentage increases came in the final three months of the year. Visitor numbers grew 10.6 percent to 412,700, while spending rose 17.3 percent to more than $377 million year-over-year in the fourth quarter.

With an early start to season, occupancy climbed in December, with visitor numbers rising 9.5 percent and spending increasing 16.1 percent in a comparison with a year earlier.

“It was an exceptional year, both in terms of occupancy and customer spending in the marketplace. Everyone felt the impact of the collective positive swing in the economies that affect Naples, and the customer segments that affect Naples,” said Bruce Seigel, director of sales and marketing for the Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.

Canadian visitation rose 11.9 percent, reflecting in part a smaller market (46,921 visitors). The European market grew 5.7 percent, with 254,268 visitors coming this way.

Last year, visitors booked nearly 2.4 million room nights in the county, up 4.7 percent from 2012. The annual occupancy rate rose 5.2 percent to 72.5 percent, with the average daily rate up more than 6 percent — at $176.20.

In the final months of last year, the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples had a strong showing of European visitors, helping to make it one of the strongest fourth quarters ever, LaPlaya general manager Ron Vuy said.

Likewise…demand at Naples’ two Ritz-Carltons remains strong. “We think 2014 is going to be even greater,” he said. “We’re in the middle of season right now and it is stronger than last year.”

All of these indicators work together and point to a vibrant economy, a vibrant community, and a vibrant place to live!

The Naples real estate market sits poised for solid performance in 2014. Recently, analysts at the Naples Area Board of Realtors recapped key indicators from 2013; homeowners and investors can rest assured that our market is stable and headed in a great direction for the future. 

 Let’s look at some common frequently asked questions related to the current Naples market trajectory. 

 How do these analysts look at the market?

Market stats compare performance over a twelve-month period. In other words, monthly reports  look at today’s market compared to January, 2013. Annual summaries compare all of 2013 to 2012. This allows a long-term view rather than just a snapshot. 

 What are the main factors that point to a solid market at this time?

The primary variables in the market are the same for buyers, sellers, and market analysts: Pricing, number of closed and pending sales, and current inventory of homes on the market. 

 In a market that includes a broad span of price ranges, can we take a look at “our” specific price range to see what things look like?

Yes. It’s true that in the Naples area, prices run the gamut from moderately priced condominiums to multi-million dollar beachfront properties. Our market statistics break down all key indicators into categories by (1) price ranges, (2) locations, and (3) types of homes. It’s a great help to buyers to be able to look at the specific market you’re interested in - condominiums in North Naples between $300 - 500,000, for example, or waterfront homes over $2 million. 

 What market segments are moving fastest?

The $300-500,000 market segment is hot! We saw a 27% increase in closed sales in this segment during 2013. In general, the number of closed sales of homes over $300,000 increased by almost 23% for the year. 

 Are condos moving as fast as single family homes?

Luxury condominium properties were hot in 2013! Condos in the $2 million plus price category realized a whopping 62% increase in closed sales. 

 Isn’t there a lot on the market right now?

Quite the opposite! Monthly trends have shown decreasing inventory, with 2013 wrapping up showing a 18% decrease in the number of homes for sale. Inventory in the condo marked dropped 23%. 

 And….how do prices look?

Overall, pricing has moved upward or stayed stable over the past year. The largest increase in prices has been in the most affordable properties. Prices of homes under $300,000 increased 16% last year. In short, bargain properties are getting harder and harder to find. 

 What else should a buyer be aware of?

One related statistic, especially if you are comparing a potential purchase in Naples as compared to another community. Over the past year, only 17% of sales in Naples were “non-traditional” sales; meaning short sales or foreclosures. The number of short sales and foreclosures can negatively impact the value of homes in a neighborhood, so it’s certainly something to watch for. The low number of these “non-traditional” sales in Naples is one more indicator of a market that is ready for great things to come. 

 So….how do I find the right house at the right time?

Without a doubt, our little piece of Paradise will be in demand in 2014! A skilled, professional Realtor is the key to helping you locate the right house at the right price when you are ready to make your move. Give me a call - I am happy to help you navigate this exciting time in the Naples market!

Travel Writer Ellen Creager put Naples in the spotlight in her recent column in the Detroit Free Press. That same article appeared on the twincities.com website in Minneapolis - St. Paul, on the delawareonline.com website in Wilmington, DE, in USA Weekend Magazine, and in local newspapers in Ontario, CA. Put it all together - Naples’ beauty and attractions have garnered attention from coast to coast! Here's what Creager has to say about our piece of Paradise!

Find The Hidden Treasures of the Rich in Naples, Florida

by Ellen Creager, Detroit Free Press

This is where the golden parachute lands. And the private jets. And the snowbirds.

A breezy 85 degrees in early December, this elegant southwest Florida gulf coast city draped along 16 miles of sugar-sand beaches is relatively empty at the moment. Nobody is sitting outside at the caviar lounge on 5th Avenue South. A beach umbrella has elbow room. You can even find a parking place for your Porsche.

All that is about to change, of course.

Naples, a darling of winter, is ready for its annual close-up.

Just after New Year’s Day, Collier County’s population jumps by about a third, with thousands of snowbirds flocking to Naples and nearby Marco Island.

What’s new here? The Detroit Symphony will perform at Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts on March 4. The Naples Zoo got honey badgers and may get an anteater. The botanical garden is getting new orchids. Residents still complain about too many private jets flying over the beaches. And an algae in the gulf, the red tide, has been lurking again offshore.

Other than that, well, Naples is pretty much cushy money, shopping, going out to eat and golf.

In other words, it’s absolutely nothing like real life.

With an average January temperature of 76, warmer than Miami, Naples reliably has some of the best wintering weather in the nation.

This town also has a refreshing European feel. Walk along the street and you can hear French, proper British English and German spoken, not just the flat Midwestern tones of people from Grosse Pointe or Bloomfield Hills.

Naples this year made the list of Forbes Magazine’s “top 25 places to retire rich,” which noted that 42% of its residents are age 65 and up.

There are no exact numbers of how many snowbirds come to Naples. However, Midwestern tourists dominate the west side of the state, and it sometimes seems like everyone is from the mitten state.

“I’m always running into Michigan people in Naples, and I love it,” says former Detroit resident John Findlater, who moved here permanently two years ago. He recently was asked by a clerk at the Publix supermarket if he was from Michigan — Findlater’s politeness gave him away

For all its popularity, Naples is somewhat of an insiders’ town. Yes, you can shop on the main avenues. But beyond that, a lot of restaurants, shops and beach access points are fairly hidden.

Locals know you can reach a stretch of beach called North Gulf Shore by taking back streets, but it’s unlikely a day visitor would find it. Locals know about the romantic patio at Alexander’s, but the restaurant is hidden in what looks like a strip mall and doesn’t advertise. Many of the region’s touted 90-plus golf courses are private. Even the hotels are low-key. Beyond a basic series of Hampton Inn-type spots on U.S.-41, the big hotels are the Waldorf Astoria and the Ritz Carlton, both tucked away far off the main drag.

Even Naples’ downtown attraction Tin City is a bit hidden. It is a warren of shops and restaurants in what used to be the fish-processing shacks at the harbor. Once you find it, it is nice. The other day I sat there at an outdoor restaurant eating sweet local pompano fish for lunch. Just then, a private jet flew low overhead in a blue sky. A tour boat glided past in the sapphire water. Pelicans preened on dock pilings fluffing their glossy feathers in the 84-degree sunshine.

It’s a rough life, but somebody’s got to live it.

SEE IT IN NAPLES

-- Fifth Avenue South: The main shopping street. Designer olive oil, antique jewelry, artwork, bronzes and patent-leather coats for little dogs. Dine on everything from caviar to cappuccino to calamari; fifthavenuesouth.com, 239-435-3742.

-- Naples Pier: Historic fishing pier now mainly used for strolling and people-watching. If Naples Beach there is too crowded, try other spots -- there is access at the end of nearly every east-west street (if you can find parking) along the gulf. 12th Avenue South at the water, naplesgov.com, 239-213-3062.

-- Artist studios: Art Alliance Naples has 26 working artist studios set up on Shirley Street in North Naples; buy direct from the artists twice a month. "People want to know where the real art is," says painter Susan Shipman of Grosse Pointe, Mich., and Naples. To hear a schedule, call 239-821-1061.

-- Tin City: Former fish shacks turned into stores and restaurants. A lot of T-shirts here but some interesting shops as well. 1200 Fifth Ave. S., tin-city.com, 239-262-4200.

-- Dream houses: Drive Gulf Shore, Gordon Drive and Galleon Drive to see enormous mansions, including two that sold for more than $40 million last year. 

-- Naples Botanical Garden: Best is the Brazilian garden with its colorful mural and pond with lily pads as big as car wheels. New visitors center and orchid garden will open next fall. 4820 Bayshore Drive, naplesgarden.org, 239-643-7275.

-- Naples Zoo: See the Snakes Alive! demonstration, featuring Florida's native poisonous snakes, and take a little boat tour. I was uncomfortable seeing the zoo's seven giraffes wandering in a barren pen, but a better habitat for them is planned. 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, napleszoo.org, 239-262-5409.