Looking to end the telephone connection for the nightly ESYNC? 

  Check with your real estate board... I recently did and made the switch ... now when I want to update my Supra card I use my computer.  I wanted the option of not having a home phone and still being able to update my key card.  With software install via a disk  and return of all my old equipment ( cords, etc) to my local board I was able to make the switch.  (Our office is also using the computer linked esyncs and it is much faster and not tying up a phone line).  

 GE has a number for support 1-877 -699- 6787.

Happy Syncing!

Follow the Pot of Gold Saturday to an annual Olde Naples Downtown Tradition .... The St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Where :

Broad Ave. S, 3rd St. & 5th Avenue Naples Florida

When :

March 14, 2009 ( Saturday) 11 am - 12:30 pm.

Cost :

FREE

Suggestions:  

Arrive early , utilize public parking garages, side streets, bring sunblock, water, try sitting at one of Naples fine dining establishments on Fifth Avenue - eating Alfresco is not something you can do everywhere in March and you have a curbside view of the parade, wear your green, bring a camera, look for John R. Wood Agents in the balcony at 555 Fifth Avenue ( also for sale) ... See you there

On March the 17th the official St. Patrick's Day the events continue on Fifth Avenue 11 am - Midnight entertainment and bar set up in Sugden Plaza... Call Cathy 239 263 2807 for more info.

As always I am here At Home By The Gulf...

Peacock?  Yes, that's right I said Peacock or rather Peahen. One of the joys of having a home office is that you can go out in the yard during the work day.  On Monday my dogs were barking and barking  and then I heard the strangest bird call.... I won't even try to repeat it.  I did an imitation for my husband and his response was " Can you please do that again".  Funny guy...Ha ha I get it bird caller I am NOT! 

So I went to investigate and to my surprise there was a Peacock in the Pine tree. 

At first I was concerned it may be a pet since some larger farms in the area may have exotic animals.  I called Collier County Domestic Animal Services & there were no missing peacocks. They told me not to worry we have them here in Naples.  The officer told me they are wild and usually make their appearance around March ( they get a lot of calls).

Well this gal is hanging around probably looking for a mate.  She was back in the woods next door and I  just had to take another picture and share.  It isn't every day I see a Peacock in the yard! 

    Ok so maybe your are tired of trying to track down agents who have made showing appointments and you don't know if they went in or not?  Perhaps they aren't calling you back to give you the feedback you need to share with your seller?   Well are you a SUPRA key box user?  Are you utilizing your SUPRA KIM LOGIN system?

Not everyone is familiar with it so if I can help one person - great!  First visit your KIM LOGIN PAGE Now Use the menu you to locate your MLS.  Next enter your Key Number  ( on the back of your key pad)  and your  Pin ( code you use to enter listings 4 digits usually) .   Next and very important is to link your key boxes to your Listings.  This is accomplished by choosing Add New Key Box  from the menu on the right under Key box Inventory.   Remember to add your MLS property ID to the Key box so they are linked.  

 * NOTE  It is a good idea to inventory all your Key Boxes then you can just adjust the MLS ID's for various listings.  Also remember to change the ID's when you move your key box to another listing. 

Now visit Activity Reports and click on Showing Value.  You can then view the showing activity on your listing. The report will give you the agent's email address, showing time, showing location, phone number of the agent, and property id.  You can now easily email/call the agent for feedback. 

* Note if the agent has not updated their key the showing may not appear.  Also it usually takes 24 hours for showings to post.

Now if you hate not getting feedback on your listing why not set the example and give feedback on all the listings you've shown?

Simple again on the Activity Report just simply hit the view button on Reminders to Give Feedback and submit your feedback.  Many offices today have automated systems for feedback but not all.  This allows you to ask for , receive, and give feed back on showings.  

The Kim Login System is user friendly and if you haven't taken a few minutes to check it out you might want to .... 

As always I am here AT HOME BY THE GULF... for all your Naples Florida Real Estate Needs!

Looking for things to do in the Southwest Florida area?  Why not try going to a Red Sox game at the City of Palms Park in Ft. Myers.  The park is a short distance from the Naples Florida area exit 138 off I 75.  Parking is conveniently located in the surrounding area - expect to pay around $7.  

Highlights of the game are available on Boston.com . The highlight for me was having a great time with my parents and daughter!  I saw Jonathon Papelbon pitch, Jacoby Ellsbury played well and Josh Reddick made an amazing catch at the wall!  The Puerto Rican fans were entertaining with their rowdy behavior and I felt like I was sitting at Fenway with all the Boston accents flying around me.    Can you say Hot Dogs and a cold one?  Tickets are still available which is unusual but probably a reflection of the current economy.  For ticket information click here

For more real estate information about the Naples area I am here At Home By The Gulf. 

 Pelican Bay is a great area of Naplesand now is also a super time to consider purchasing a single family home there!  Not only do you get amazing amenities such as the private beach clubs, fitness center, tennis and optional private golf club opportunities, but you get locationand the fantastic Naples Florida weather and lifestyle!

View Larger Map

As of today our local MLS is showing 48 Active single family homes.

The price ranges is from  a 4+ den 10,000 sq ft : Gulf Front within The Strand at Bay Colony just listed for $15. 9 to a lovely cul de sac location 3+den with pool for only $899k!

To view all the current listings click here

As always I am here to assist you and can be found At Home By the Gulf.

Well it is with great admiration and gratitude that I have the pleasure of wishing my Gram a happy 100th Birthday!  Not only has she survived the ups and downs of a century but she has done so with great humor and zest for life.  She is an independent lady who shares my love of horses, dogs,a stiff drink ,  a good joke, spelling, and Johnny Carson.  Happy Birthday Gram and God Bless! See you in the Spring...

A Century of Memories  Article on Gram page 3

Recently I came across an interesting article via the Sarastoa Herald Tribune regarding an option for current State Farm customers that may also save them some money.   It appears that  Security First Insurance Co. is offering a " replacement program" to State Farm condo and single family homeowners.  This will allow current State Farm customers an opportunity to get coverage even before they lose their State Farm coverage.  The coverage is being offered to reportedly 50,000 and in all areas of Florida.  This will be done on a first come first serve basis according to the article.  Security First is promising competitive rates and wind coverage.  The company has a website Security First ( click )  Why wait to get dumped? Perhaps now is a good time to explore your options....

For more information on Naples Florida contact me directly...

Christmas or Holiday  Shopping in Naples has definitely been a little snow, I mean slow , sorry I have family in the Northeast.  Anyway If you have some last minute shopping to do, or perhaps you are just getting into town here are some great hints. First from the picture above lose the long coat and gloves - don't need that in 75 degree heat.  Now grab a water bottle and consider.....

We have a new Kohl's in North Naples, off of Airport Rd. on Naples Blvd. close to Starbuck's (coffee is key when shopping) Lowe's, Costco , Best Buy, Staples, and more.... The store is well stocked, has a ton on sale , is extremely clean and organized and best of all is open at 6 a.m.  I was there at 8: 30 a.m. and had the store to myself! 

Another local favorite with super sales is Bealls.  There are a few in town, one conveniently located near Kohl's on corner of Pine Ridge Rd. and Airport.  They also have extended hours starting at 6 a.m. ( open until 11 tonight) and offer  Senior savings, post office services, free giftwrapping, and Beall's bucks ( coupons for after Christmas shopping based on how much you spend).  If you have someone who likes to fish they have tons of Columbia PFG's ( men and women) and other outdoor tee's.  Almost everything is on sale and Christmas wreath's were 70% off.  

Finally if some food, books, music, movies, or movie tickets are on your list you might want to venture into Costco .  Costco is also located on Naples Blvd. ( cautiously approach due to crowds) I was there earlier today and put my cowboy boots on.  Choice of footwear is something you might want to consider because this time of year you are most surely going to have someone run a carriage into your heel.  I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

Anyway Costco was having a seafood road show today with stone crabs, little necks, shrimp, mussells, snow crab, and more.  The line was long and so I predict they will sell out quickly.  They do have some frozen seafood yummies like scallops with bacon, and ever present crab and lobster dip.  Champagne is a great deal at Costco with Verve Clicquot at $39 , Perrier - Jouet at $34, Chandon $15,  and good ole' $10 Korbel. 

All the latest best sellers are there ( at prices that make you crazy if you bought your copy somewhere else) and a great stocking stuffer are  Costco membership cards $50 or the movie tickets that can be used at our local theaters.  Costco has gas currently priced at $1.70.  The biggest thing to remember about Costco is that you try to go early or at dinner time - after 11 a.m forget it! 

Of course there are plenty of local merchants with unique gifts and who love our support! They are on Fifth Avenue, Third Street S, and at the  Village on Venetian Bay.  Finally there are also some new shops at both Waterside and Mercato.  There are many sales, and just be sure to drive carefully, season is upon us! Happy Holidays!

For more information on market areas and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf  1-800-633-7161 ext 2209

 Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Naples Holiday Shopping 12.23.08 

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

If your Christmas or holiday plans include a visit to warm and tropical Naples Florida you might consider taking in a show at the Naples Philharmonic.  Dress ranges from semi formal to business casual and if you arrive early you can enjoy a cocktail while you enjoy some of the artwork that is on display. Here is a hint* If you want a beverage at intermission just pay ahead and the bartender will have it waiting on a cocktail napkin with your name!

Billy Joel's "Movin' Out"  will be at the Naples Philharmonic aka " The Phil" from Friday, December 26 to Sunday, December 28, 2008.  The Philharmonic is centrally located in Naples, in Pelican Bay, at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.  The contact number for The Phil is 239- 597- 1900. Admission is $69 for adults and $42 for students.  Showtime for December 26th is 8 p.m and 2p.m and 8 p.m for both the 27th and 28th. 

I have seen " Movin' Out" and Twyla Tharp's choreography is amazing and the music of Joel takes you down memory lane.  If you haven't been to the Phil this might be a great time to try it out before the winter crowds arrive!  Happy Holidays!