naples: The Truth About our Naples Florida Real Estate Market
- 07/24/08 11:08 AM
We Live in an Amazing Country and an Amazing Destination How did you enjoy the recent Fourth of July celebration? Spectacular this year, wasn't it? It seems like each year is better than the one before. Independence Day reminds us to be grateful and cherish our freedoms that have been won for us by our forefathers. I just finished watching a mini series called John Adams and I was again struck by how much of a visionary he and his fellow patriots were over two hundred years ago in forming our country. It really is amazing! When I think of all of the (0 comments)
naples: Eco-Friendly Travel-A Growing and “Dangerous” Trend for our Planet
- 07/18/08 09:04 AM
Traveling, whether going to nearby campgrounds, our Naples beaches, or on a full scale globe-trotting adventure, can take a toll on the environment. Being careless on our journeys can damage the natural resources and lands we are visiting and also needlessly use up energy. With additional light being shed every day on the dangerous condition of our planet and the need to conserve and protect our natural resources, ecotourism and "green travel" are becoming increasingly popular trends. It has recently been announced that these green vacations or eco-tours may not be so good for the environment. As increasing numbers of persons tour (0 comments)
naples: Federal Government Steps in to Assist a Floundering Real Estate Market
- 07/15/08 11:23 AM
In order to prevent a repeat or continuation of the current mortgage crisis resulting in record high foreclosures, the Feds are adopting rules that will inhibit the use of shady or unethical lending practices for future homebuyers. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke stated, "These new rules... will address some of the problems that have surfaced in recent years in mortgage lending, especially high-cost mortgage lending." The plan applies to new loans made by all types of lenders, both brokers and banks. The rules would:
Restrict lenders from penalizing risky borrowers who pay loans off early. Require lenders to make sure (0 comments)
naples: Good News for the Naples Florida Real Estate Industry
- 07/14/08 02:01 PM
After more than 25 years in the real estate industry, I have seen the drastic ups and downturns that the market can take. To me this is part and parcel of the entire process, so it upsets me to hear the negative media reports from around the country concerning the current market downturn. I understand it is just that, a temporary dip in a constantly changing market. Whenever I hear good news that affects this real estate industry which I love, it is always my first and foremost concern to share that news with those I believe need to hear it (0 comments)
naples: Green Homeowner's Insurance Coming Soon to Naples Florida
- 07/09/08 10:39 AM
Have you heard about the new homeowner's insurance for residential green buildings? To qualify your home must currently be built up to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) standards, or have been destroyed, and either upgraded or entirely rebuilt (or in the process of being rebuilt) up to those standards. Being in the middle of a home remodel myself, I would love to learn more about the costs to upgrade a home to LEED standards. If anyone has any thoughts or personal experiences on this subject, I would love to hear your feedback. You can (0 comments)
naples: How to Protect Your Personal Information from Ruthless Identity Thieves in Naples Florida
- 07/08/08 01:50 PM
One hot topic on everyone's mind these days is identity theft. Identity thieves attack working individuals, the elderly, retired, children, teens, and businesses. Here are few tips you can use to protect the things that mean the most to you. •· Protect your Social Security Number - Do not carry your social security card. Only give out the number when absolutely necessary. Do not give out the number without inquiring about the way it will be used, and the security methods in place for protecting your identity. The same useful information applies to your spouse or children's personal social security numbers, and (0 comments)
naples: Going Green to Save the Planet, Naples Florida and Your Pocketbook
- 07/02/08 09:54 AM
In today's world of global warming and economic upheaval, there are a multitude of reasons to adjust our lifestyles and follow the trend of environmentally friendly living. Natural disasters are on the rise, energy and fuel prices are skyrocketing and no matter who we are we are all seeing the effects on our daily living in some way. Following are some tips on how you can make a difference in the Earth's future and in your bank account today. Replace standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs - These use about 75% less energy than standard light bulbs. You'll save energy (0 comments)
naples: Marketing Your Property to a New Breed of Buyers in Naples Florida
- 06/27/08 11:39 AM
Lately, there has been a lot of focus in the media on the increased number of international real estate buyers in the U.S. I have even commented on it in regards to our local Naples Florida real estate market. However, there is another growing group of buyers that is largely overlooked, but definitely deserves another look, because they are the up and coming. Sometimes referred to as “Generation XYers” or “Instapreneurs”, this group is quickly becoming a force to reckon with in the real estate buyers world. If you are a home owner truly interested in selling your home, do not (0 comments)
naples: Luxury Real Estate Not Escaping Financial Ravages
- 06/20/08 10:16 AM
According to Integrated Asset Services, LLC, increasing numbers of higher priced and luxury homes (homes priced $417,000 and up, considered jumbo loans) are heading towards foreclosure or short sale (when more is owned on the property than what it is currently worth). In April of 2008, California had 102 jumbo loan properties become real estate owned bank properties (REO's) compared to only 13 in April 2007. It's also taking lenders a much longer time to reach a sales price agreement for the jumbo loans compared to smaller loans as more money is at stake and the carrying costs (taxes, insurance, security, (0 comments)
naples: Pricing Your Property to Sell in Naples Florida
- 06/19/08 01:08 PM
On the whole, the nation is currently experiencing a buyers market for housing. House prices are continuing to fall month over month. Making the transition from a sellers market to a buyers market can be painful as you watch the value of real estate decline. In the recent past when it was a sellers market, a house could be priced above the going value because the market was guaranteed to catch up soon. However, if you truly want to sell a property now, and quickly, pricing it right will bring the results you desire. To read the remainder of this article, (0 comments)
naples: Mercato Uptown is the New Address for Luxury Real Estate
- 03/04/08 05:51 PM
My excitement seems to build a bit more each time I drive down Vanderbilt Beach Road and catch a glimpse of the new Mercato shopping center. As a real estate professional my interest is obvious, but my enthusiasm also comes from an understanding of what this shopping center will mean to our Naples Florida community. Here in Southwest Florida, and throughout the state of Florida, land is at a premium. The Mercato project was created by one of the founding developers of Parkshore Beach in Naples Florida, and is situated on 53 acres of prime real estate just 1.5 miles from (0 comments)