Naples Florida Real Estate

Casa Mar Lane - Park Shore

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:30:52 -0800

22 Casa Mar Lane Naples, Florida

This has to be one of the most inviting villas being offered in Park Shore. The price has just been reduced from $3,395,000 to $2,975,000.
This is your sunset view that is alone with every penny.

If you walk fifty paces, you will find treasure. The beach is that close to your door. How many beaches look like this one? If you enjoy privacy, you'll love it here.

A private heated pool and spa are located just outside the 1300 SF screened lanai complete with kitchen and full bath. Entertain in style.
Seen on the upper right is the spacious master bedroom terrace where sunning and watching sunsets is a real pleasure.

To see more photos and details, please Click Here . For a private showing of one of Park Shore's best buys, call or email me. It is one of my exclusive offerings.

A Ray of Sunshine in Naples Florida!

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:59:09 -0700

I'm always most delighted to pass along stories that report good news about the Naples Florida real estate market. In my last two market updates, I provided statistical information that supported that sales were increasing each month in 2008. The prices, as I always emphasize, were still down in certain geo locations. Again, if you buy or own property in what I refer to as the "it" locations, you may have already seen the bottom.

Today, the Naples Daily News (story below) cites an interview on CNBC where Naples is said to be slightly undervalued. Oh la la! Finally the story we have all been waiting for. Enjoy and, take heart, for some the bottom may be here at last. A word to buyers - if you're intent is to buy in the market over $300,000, west of 41, waterfront, downtown Naples or certain gated golf course communities, now may be the time.

Buyers, with whom I have worked this year, will attest that some of the best buys they considered are now off the market. Why? Because someone bought them. As these "deals" disappear, and they will, the prices will increase to the level of the next lowest listing in that locale. The sun is shining again today in Naples. Just another great reason to live in this little world we call paradise.

Story by Laura Layden
NAPLES - In one economist's eyes, the Naples real estate market is now seen as "slightly undervalued."
In an interview with CNBC Wednesday night, Richard Dekaser, a senior vice president and chief economist at National City Corp., singled out Naples in talking about the "first rays of sunshine on a possible end to the housing crisis."
"Three years ago, the poster child for excess valuation in America was Naples, Florida," he said.
Not anymore. Through the second quarter of this year, prices have dropped 33 percent, he said, leading him to judge the market as "slightly undervalued." That means home prices are actually lower than where they should be.
"Now it could become even more undervalued and I suspect it will," he said in the interview. "But I think we have to appreciate the adjustment that has already occurred."
He said prices could hit bottom within six months as foreclosure rates begin to fall.
"I don't want to overstate the case," he said. "The housing bust is not over. But we are in a later stage of stabilization," he said.
Dekaser is the same analyst who labeled Naples the most overpriced market in the U.S. a few years ago.
At the end of the first quarter of 2006, National City judged that with a median home price of $383,000, prices were more than double what they should be in Naples.
Prices continue to fall.
In August, the median home price - the price at which half of the homes sell for more and half for less - dropped to $238,000 in the Naples area. That was down from $375,000 a year ago, according to a monthly report by the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
For seven straight months, sales have picked up.
It was nice to see Naples shown in a positive light in the media, especially with so much bad news going on in the banking and financial markets, said Brett Brown, president-elect for the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
He said if you took out the under-$300,000 market, where most of the foreclosures and short sales are happening, the median price would have been up 5 percent in August. Short sales are sales made for less than the bank is owed to avoid foreclosure.
Naples was the only market mentioned in the interview with CNBC.
"It shows we haven't fallen off a cliff," Brown said. "We are here. Properties are selling."

New BAYFRONT Listing and Closed Sales

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:04:05 -0700

Closed sales:Click Here

I have a fabulous new listing in downtown Naples at Bayfront. To view photos and listing details, please click here.

It is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium listed at $599,000. For specific information on this, and my other Bayfront listings, you can email me or visit my website.

Bayfront is a destination location that incorporates the "live, shop, play" concept and, in addition, is a waterfront enclave with resident amenties including tennis courts, pools, spas, fitness and clubhouse. It has a 12 times/year, 30 day minimum rental policy that is attrative to owners who wish to have income when not using it persoanally.

In the heart of Naples, Bayfront is just a walk away from 5th Avenue, 3rd Street, Tin City and the beach.

Closed sales

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:29:59 -0700

Closed Sales 9/7 - 9/8/08: Click Here

Save this link for Local weather as reported by Fox 4 News. It will keep you up to the minute on our local weather as it changes.

Naples Florida - Closed Sales

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:00:53 -0700

Closed sales 9/4/08: Click Here 9/5/08: Click Here

Hurricane Update: Ike
I know a lot of you who read this blog do not live in Naples full time but own property here. I always receive phone calls asking me about the weather when storms are approaching. We lucked out with A thru H with Hannah taking a turn north east and missing south Florida. As always, we have to wait it out for days to see where Ike is headed. With a nice high pressure system in place, it looks like he'll head southwest and miss us. Good news so far. We'll know in about 36 hours what the most likely track will be. Again, we'll be on the eastern side, like Gustav, so we may get some wind and rain. I'll update again on Monday.

Naples Florida Closed Sales

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:00:36 -0700

Lots of new listings to check out in Naples.

9/4/08
Closed sales: Click Here

9/2/ - 9/3/08
Click Here page 2
Closed sales: Click Here

As always, let me know if you need additional information.

Naples Florida Real Estate

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:53:21 -0700

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Here is what happened in the real estate world.
Closed Sales 8/30-9/1/08: Click Here

Naples Florida - Closed Sales and Open Houses

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:17:41 -0700

Closed Sales: Click Here
Sorry for the delay in posting today. Busy day. Things are definitely picking up in Naples. If you're planning on listing your property, even if not until November, give me a call so we can get a head start on advertising. We have a one to two month lag time for major publications.
Open this weekend Sunday 1-4 pm - Downtown Naples: 450 Bayfront Place #5301, 410 Bayfront Place #2404 and 15539 Monterosso Lane #202 in Mediterra.
Thanks for your business - have a great labor day weekend!

Blog comments

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:47:42 -0700

It's frustrating after spending time writing a blog you think is worthwhile that no one comments. I wonder if - is anyone reading them. Was it too long? Too short? Boring? So, today, I'm going to comment on as many blogs as I can. I want you to know that if I have time to read your blog, I will take the time to comment. Good, bad or ugly - Keep on bloggin!

Don't believe everything you read - or hear

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:55:46 -0700

I just read the 2nd quarter Real Estate Market Trends in Naples, Florida that is posted on Zillow that states:

"According to the latest Zillow Real Estate Market Report, home values in Naples decreased 19.90%% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to the second quarter of 2007. Nationally, home values decreased 9.9% during this same period."

Actually, when I did the calculation, I came up with a 22.56% decrease. Why? Maybe I'm not good at math or maybe it's because Zillow used Naples and Marco Island and I used only Naples average values provided by our local MLS. Using only Naples is reason enough to say - please stop using all of Naples to calculate market trends - especially value! There - I said it. It's not only Zillow, it's our local and national newspapers and television.

The reason is obvious to Realtors in Naples but maybe not to a buyer from Wisconsin. Our local market varies tremendously even within a geo area. Our MLS includes everything from mansions on the beach to rural properties on septic and well. Just to illustrate this point, I used NA11 - the geo area where I live. If I use single family homes only, the values have increased 10.8% in the 2nd quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter in 2007. However, if I use only one community within NA 11, I get an entirely different result. In Mediterra, again where I live, single family home values increased by 13%.

Now that paints an entirely different picture doesn't it? So if a buyer is considering moving to Naples and wants to buy a single family home, they may decide it's not the right time to buy. They may think that if they wait, the prices will be even lower. Maybe they or maybe not. I would say that buyer just may miscalculate when to buy in NA11.

Whether a buyer, seller or fellow Realtor, we should not rely on statistics that are generic in nature and not reflective of a geo area in a regional market. This holds true for all areas nationally. We can all add value to the service we provide, especially if working with a buyer who wants to buy outside our area of expertise, by consulting with a fellow rainer.

Closed sales 8/26/08 - foreclosure market report

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:22:15 -0700

Closed Sales: Click Here

This morning, Phil Wood of John R. Wood Realtors, sent an email saying that he was interviewed yesterday and did some research on foreclosures that included Naples/Bonita/Estero. The following statistics were included and I wanted to share them with you.

· Thru July of this year, there have been 3,754 closings in Sunshine (our MLS), in the specified areas. (a few more than our previous stats since some closings have now been added to the system).

· Only 163 of these were foreclosures, which is a very small number as compared to what media reports would lead one to believe. (4.3%)

· 45% of the foreclosures were in Golden Gate City and Golden Gate Estates, so there are only 90 closed foreclosure sales in ALL other areas.

· 84% of the 163 foreclosures sold at $300,000 or less, so it is primarily confined to the lower price ranges.

If I can add my two cents, when I conducted my own research a few weeks ago, I also found that many of the foreclosures were also taking place in what we call condo conversions - another market under $300,000 . This is another good reason to check specific locations within Naples so you get the real buzz on the real estate market. When the media reports, they sometimes use national statistics or lump local statistics together skewing the numbers. You can request information on any Naples geo area by emailing or calling me.

I'll be writing a follow-up blog later about a new federally insured mortgage program that will certainly benefit first time home buyers when they find a bargain in our market

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/23/08 - 8/25/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:59:41 -0700

Closed Sales: Click Here

I just spoke at length with an appraiser in the local Naples Florida real estate market and he indicated that "in some local markets" prices have stabilized. More good news to back up the data from the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR). As I have reported in a previous blogs, July 2008 Market Report and Market Rebounding, it appears that, at least in certain geo areas, we have seen prices bottom out. I will report the August market figures once they become available and hope that this trend continues. Stats on specific Naples locations are available upon request.

Mediterra - Parque Celestial

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:08:16 -0700

Natural wetlands and gardens surround astrological elements borrowed from the Renaissance.
The Elements: The Stargazing Pavilion and Water Gardens, The Sun Clock, The Solstice Pathway, The Lunar Terrace, The Zodiac Terrace and The Labyrinth.

Climb up a few stairs to The Stargazing Pavilion that sits atop a low knoll and overlooks the nature preserve. To better see the evening skies, the site has limited artificial light. The pavilion's dome is open metalwork that is made up of circle, star and moon motifs. Flanking the pavillion are Water Gardens containing soothing fountains and tropical plants.

The Sun Clock is an interactive sundial measuring the daily movement of the sun. If you stand on the monthly marker in the center, your shadow will mark the time of day. I've tried it and it really is accurate.

Radiating out from the sun clock is The Solstice Pathway. It is aligned with sun's path on the brightest night of the year, the summer solstice. This path leads east and west to two special places.

The Lunar Terrace to the east contains images of the phases of the moon in its perimeter. An Armillary Sphere is actually a sundial. The shadow cast by the center bar strikes a band that indicates the time in Roman numerals. Developed by early astronomers as a way of studying the heavens, the sphere modeled the movement of planets with the earth as the center of the universe. This sphere combines the concepts of time, history and the changing universe.

The Zodiac Terrace to the west has representations of the twelve signs of the year according to the Greeks. Each sign is associated with the constellation through which the earth passes at that time of year. At the center of this terrace is a Compass Rose showing the orientation of east, west, north and south.

The Labyrinthis an ancient form of walking meditation using one well-defined path winding inward to a center and then outward again on the same path. Labyrinths blend visual symbolism with the process of walking to increase awareness. The labyrinth leads, and we follow. It is designed to keep the mind focused on the path itself. The center is a place of reflection and illumination. The path outward is preparation for re-entering the world, transformed by knowledge gained while in the labyrinth. A visit to the parque can be a peaceful escape from the everyday. Choose a different element each time and enjoy.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/22/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:43:31 -0700

Closed Sales: Click Here

Tonight, The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club will host another "Summer Jazz on the Gulf" event. This will mark the 23rd consecutive year of the fun, free concert series, which combines the smooth sounds of Jazz with beautiful views of the Gulf, exquisite sunsets, refreshing breezes, and a relaxing atmosphere. Featured this evening are "Women's Blues Revue" made up of 8 of Florida's best blues, jazz, R&B and rock musicians who come together a few times a year to perform. www.womensbluesrevue.com
Tonight, August 23rd from 7-10 pm - free. Bring a beach chair or blanket.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/21/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:40:08 -0700

Sold Properties: Click Here

If you're taking a look at new listings and solds, would you let me know if you find me posting them helpful?

For those of you not in Naples, here's a little update. Tropical Storm Fay is in her 5th day in Florida. She first stopped in Naples, then made her way to Immokalee, hung out at Disney World for days, headed out to the Atlantic a couple of times, changed her mind and came back to see the home of the Florida Gators at U of F in Gainsville. Where will she go next?
She is just the fourth storm to make landfall in Florida three separate times, and the first in nearly 50 years. Before it crosses the Panhandle by the weekend, she could bring buckets of rain and power outages.
In Naples, we are still getting outter bands of rain passing through. The good news is that our lakes are filled and look fabulous, the grass is green and we no longer have a water shortage.
All in all, in Naples, it was little more than a day of wind and rain but a good excuse to stay home to watch the Olympics.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/20/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:54:57 -0700

For the greater Naples geo areas NA01-NA18

Sold properties: Click Here
For additional information, email or call me.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/19/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:46:37 -0700

For the greater Naples geo areas NA01-NA18
Sold properties: Click Here
Despite Tropical Storm Fay, there were some new listings and closed sales. I stayed at home and updated my data base.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/18/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:16:27 -0700

For the greater Naples geo area NA01-NA18
Sold properties: Click Here

For additional information, please email or call me.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/15 - 8/17/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:21:09 -0700

For the greater Naples geo area NA01-NA18
Sold Properties: Click Here

What a great weekend watching the USA win medals in the Olympics. I'm thrilled that Michael Phelps took 8 for 8. What an inspiration.

Good news for the Naples real estate market

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:29:44 -0700

Today, the Naples Daily News ran an article about the July sales reports as provided by the Naples Area Board of Realtors. Those reports are included in that article as PDF files if you have an interest in viewing them.

The numbers for July show an increase of 31% over July of 2007. Good news for sellers who want to sell and buyers who recognize a good deal when they see one.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, when buyers see a property they want, at a price they are willing to pay, they will return to the market. As much as owners in Naples resist, prices have come down and will continue to do so until more inventory is absorbed. When that happens, prices will stabilize. This is especially true in areas where there are the most foreclosures. The total number of listed property has dropped 5%. Not dramatic, but a start.

I cannot emphasize enough that these numbers have to be broken down by geo area. Not all real estate in Naples is the same. The "it" location is still the area west of 41 from Port Royal to Pelican Bay, areas within walking distance to 5^th Ave. known as the downtown area and, waterfront. In today's market, what may make one more desirable than another, is whether or not they have been renovated, meet today's hurricane codes, proximity to the beach and view. Additionally, newer homes in unique, upscale golf course communities, such as Mediterra, with low density and highly desirable amenities such as a private golf and beach club on the gulf, will remain more stable.

After reading the article, post a comment below it or feel free to email one to me. I would like to know your take on the Naples real estate market.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/12/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:48:27 -0700

For Naples Forida geo areas NA01-NA-18
Sold Properties: Click Here
For more information email or call me.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/12/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:21:32 -0700

For Naples Florida geo areas NA01-NA18
Sold Properties: Click Here

Congratulations again to Michael Phelps 5 of 5 and 11 total golds. Go USA!

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/11/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:56:06 -0700

For the greater Naples geo areas NA01-NA18.
Sold Properties: Click Here

Congratulations again to Michael Phelps on winning his 3rd gold medal for the United States. He now holds 9 total gold medals and is tied as holding the most Olympic gold medals ever. Also to Natalie Coughlin for taking the gold from Coventry last night. Wow. GO U.S.A.

Mediterra - Calusa Play Park

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:17:48 -0700

Living in Mediterra certainly has its advantages. Not only have its golf courses been certified as the world's first 36 hole Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary, its parks were also created with the same emphasis on nature and design.

Having lived here since 2002, I have enjoyed walking the community taking photos along the way. So you can get an up close and personal look around, I'd like to share some of them with you.

Mediterra offers three outstanding park themes. The first one I'd like to feature is the Calusa Play Park that honors Florida's first inhabitants, the Calusa Indians. It even has its own "chickee hut".

The park is adjacent to Mediterra's expansive nature preserve and wetland prairie. Designed for children of all ages, it's a place to climb rock walls, swing high into the sky, run up and down grassy knolls, or gather around the fire pit to toast marshmallows and tell stories. There is even a half basketball court.

Even if you don't want to play, just being there is like a visit to the Everglades. Quiet, peaceful, relaxing and home to Bald Eagles, Osprey and Kites.

The next park I'll write about is Parque Celestial featuring astrological elements popular during the Renaissance.

Prices for Mediterra property start in the $700's to over $7 million.

Naples Florida Closed Properties 8/9 and 8/10/08

Barbara J. Morley,PA (John R. Wood Realtors) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:57:22 -0700

For the greater Naples geo areas NA01-NA18
No closed sales over the weekend.

Congratulations to the United States relay swim team for taking the gold from France last night. The finish was incredible. What a difference eight one hundredths of a second make! Go U.S. and good luck to Michael Phelps. Two golds down, six to go.