Pelican Bay Naples Florida Market Update 11.28.12

I performed an extensive analysis on Pelican Bay today to help a buyer better explain his price position on his offer. If you've been following my Naples real estate blog or if you've had your ear to the ground here in Naples, you've heard two things repeatedly.

1. There's no inventory
2. We're expecting a very busy buying season

With sales steadily increasing buyers are losing power in negotiations.  It's been an interesting pre-season to say the least. As an example there were 1,604 sales from October to December 28th last year in Naples Florida.  This year there were 1,923 (up 18%). That has clearly put a new tone in listing agent and seller's voices and you can't hardly blame them...they've been waiting a long time to get the upper hand again and many feel like they have it...but do they?

Having a thorough understanding of a market is one of the most valuable assets a real estate agent can possess and sadly few can analyze a market well enough to have an undeniable understanding.  Unfortunately the data can be difficult to figure out and in some cases there isn't enough data to properly assess to get a true value of a property.  That's where my Pelican Bay analysis came in today. 

For the sake of confidentiality, I'm not going to discuss the exact location within Pelican Bay my buyer is targeting but because there was a strong discrepancy regarding current values in the location, I broadened the scope of my analysis to check my accuracy of understanding the Pelican Bay market. 

This is when negotiating can get tricky. The listing agent in this case was clearly holding tight to the idea that just because one buyer clearly over spent means that there's a well defined much higher market value in the neighborhood...total bummer.  So I held tight to the other Pelican Bay sales that made more sense while finding visions of holding hands merrily to the closing table were quickly fading...eh...been here before. So here's what I found out about our current Pelican Bay real estate market.

Stay Safe My Northeastern Friends!

Hello My Northeastern friends,

After listening to the news today I must admit, the forecast sounds quite alarming for you.  I've experienced a few hurricanes myself but simply can't imagine what would happen if some of that rain turns into snow....seriously scary to me.


Please listen to these warnings and consider taking the following steps to prepare for the safety of you and your family because quite honestly, I can't be me without you!

Here are some tips shared by my local insurance company to help you do just that:

Gulf Coast Insurance wants to alert our valued clients to be prudent during this time and take all the necessary precautions.

Below is some information that we hope you find helpful.

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• You should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

• Know your surroundings.

• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are expected.

• Take video or digital photos of your home, inside and out, and store at a location that is off premise.

• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there in the event of an evacuation.

• Make plans to secure your property,

• Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

• Determine how and where to secure your boat.

• Install a generator for emergencies.

• If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

• Consider building a safe room.
  

• Here are some links you may find helpful also:

• Weather.com

• http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your home or business, contact Gulf Coast Insurance.

By the way, flood insurance is some of the least expensive insurance you can buy!

If you'd like to talk with my Insurance company, Gulf Coast Insurance, You can talk with Jennifer or Shelby at 239-403-3940.

Your friends in Naples Florida are depending on you!

Stay safe!

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl

Real Estate Wars In Naples Florida

My experience tells me Naples buyers will be encountering considerably more competing offers this year compared to the last several but the rules on the contracts have changed...I want to hear your thoughts and opinions about it!

With Naples real estate inventories shrinking considerably, Naples buyers are going to find themselves amidst some serious competition this season especially on properties of magnificent appeal and Naples listings that are priced to sell.

...and just in time for the battle there's an interesting change on our Naples listing contracts.

Here's the Naples Listing Contract Change:

Paragraph H (lines 48-50) of the NABOR Listing Contract now requires the Seller to choose  (1) shall or (2) shall not  disclose the existence of offers on the Property to buyers and/or cooperating Brokers.  If disclosure is authorized and if asked, Broker shall disclose whether the offers were obtained by the listing licensee, another licensee of Broker, or by a Cooperating Broker.

So what this basically means is the listing agent isn't necessarily going to offer the information that there is another offer on the property.  When they're asked if there's another offer, they will be required to follow the terms of the listing agreement...either tell you there's an offer or tell you something like, I'm sorry I can't disclose that.

I've had several buyers throughout the years fall into a competing position. The majority of my clients have chosen to compete.  This is what I personally would do.  I wouldn't let some maybe other party take what I like without at least putting up a fight. Of those buyers who competed, a HUGE majority (probably 95% or more) have won the competition.  In fact the only time someone has lost a competition I was involved with is because they chose not to follow my advice and the other party's terms won.

Every once in a blue moon somebody doesn't want to compete and will either take a stab at something else or go away without purchasing.  That's a sad day when someone leaves the Naples real estate market because they're not getting their way but it happens...it will happen alot more in the next upcoming years if the market continues to strengthen because there is always a certain group of people who want to feel like a buyer.  Other times people take off because they price themselves completely out of the market...sigh.

I've also had considerable experience with Naples listing agents who have told me there's an offer working on a property and has given me the option to show the property anyway. Sometimes the offer comes in while we're at the showing appointment.  Some are leery about telling me because there's never a guarantee the first offer is going to work out and they don't want to scare off my buyer. It can be a really uncomfortable situation.

My competing experience as a Naples listing agent is vast as well. While negotiations can sometimes get out of hand, for the most part it's a positive experience.  I look forward to competition because it usually means the seller's getting their absolute best price and terms.  It definitely helps when I'm working with experienced professionals who know how to communicate effectively with me and their customers, while there may be heartache, the losing part ultimately knows the competition was fair.

Do you know why it's vital you work with a proven professional? The mistakes rookie or simply unintelligent agents make during competition can make negotiations really sad and difficult for almost everybody involved. I remember the first time an agent handed me my butt during a "surprise" competition. I think I cried the entire night because I knew I had lost the deal for my client.  Calling my client to tell them they had lost their house and why was one of the hardest calls I ever had to make.  That happened sometime around 15 years ago and it was through the agony of that defeat that gives me just some of the intelligence you get today when you choose me to be your Naples real estate agent.  If you'd like to hear the rest of that story, email me direct and I'll send it to you...it's a good one. :)

If you are working with an intelligent agent they are going to know how to meet your objective.  Based on that knowledge they are going to formulate the terms of your offer accordingly to give you your best shot at your desired results. Dummies don't know how to do that.

Ok, that's all I have for you today.  You want to be diligent on your Naples searches (or allow me to do that for you) AND you want to act swiftly...now through season. 

About 9.9 out of 10 of you never leave your comments here :( but I really would like your feedback on this one.

Here's the questions: 

If you are a buyer and told there's another offer on the property (or one coming in) do you:
A. Choose to compete.
B. Choose to punt.

If you are a seller and are asked to choose to allow or deny your listing agent to disclose other offers do you:
A. Allow your agent to disclose other offers.
B. Deny your agent to disclose other offers.

I'm really looking forward to your comments which you can leave here in the commenting section of my post or you can email me direct at: shannon(at)shannonlefevre.com

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl

Hello Naples Fans!  I'm here to announce I have completed my first full circle of experience in Naples real estate and it only took me 9 years and 10.5 months.  There's something to be said about experience and fortunately for those who put in the time and effort, there's a real payoff.  It's still the one thing that can't bought or acquired through gaming a system in fact....it can't even be gained through just showing up.  You have to be in it to get it. So that's why the few agents who "can" include on their business card, "selling Naples real estate since 200BC".

I used to see all sorts of lingo like that in the old newspaper advertising and used to think, so what! Just because you've been here for that long doesn't make you a great Naples real estate agent.  I must admit I was jealous of all that inside intelligence those agents had and sort of I guess maybe bitter because in my defense, I would've gladly gotten here sooner had I known Naples existed before I did...But, now that I have that full real estate cycle successfully under my belt, I get it and now, I'm one of "them".

How do I know I have the full circle in my pocket?  I'll tell you exactly how the market was when I started selling here in 2002.  We had just dealt with that whole 9-11 tragedy and many of the other agents around town were very detailed about their stories about how miserable the market was for Naples after all that happened.  By the time I got rolling here, the market had somewhat recovered and after awhile the large tone of the buyer prospect base was if I had to sum it up in one word, regretful. They were regretful that they did not purchase when pricing was low.  I met several people who felt like that. They all streamed into town as they often do at the beginning of season and describe in detail that deal they had seen the year before and didn't pull the trigger.  Many went back to where they came from only to be largely disappointed when they came back down.  Some bit the bullet and paid more for similar Naples homes and condos they found of interest. Some lost their window of opportunity all together.

The Naples real estate market moves very quickly here.  I'll never forget the day I was walking through the lobby of my office and overheard a young couple who were looking at a huge map of Collier County.  She said, I can't believe there isn't one house on this whole map we can afford.  I was in the parking lot of our office by the time I thought to myself...didn't you know that before you came here???  How did you not get on the internet to do some peeking around before you got on that plane, forgetting that not everybody shopped for real estate that way then.
Then the Naples market went into that crazy feeding frenzy where buyers bought everything even if it didn't make sense no matter what you said to try to talk them down.  The best example from that time is the argument I had with a lady who was planning her arrival the day before Hurricane Wilma was supposed to hit...do you know it took 4 separate conversations with her to get her to cancel her flight...shesh.  There's several other turns in the natural real estate cycle as many of you know already and I won't bore you with all the details here but I want you to know:

Where Naples Is Now ~ This Is Important.
Pricing has already started to go up in many Naples luxury neighborhoods and listing inventory in some locations is ALARMINGLY low meaning pricing is going up.

Here's a snapshot from Trulia last week:

While it is customary for new listings to slow down this time of year it sure as heck isn't customary for pricing to go up or for the number of price reductions to go down.

This is the time of year when sellers mourn the loss of their successful negotiation they were hoping for during high-season.  The average listing price went up over 1% in a week...the second week of May...WHAT?

Sales are up 16% for the month of May compared to the first 21 days of May last year. Up 19% compared to 2 years ago during the same time.

The reason why I think this is SO important is because I was completely bewildered by the amount of people who seemed to be so caught off guard about the price increases Naples recognized back then.  How do you find yourself priced out of a market?  I remember thinking to myself, had I been working with you last year, you would've bought because I would've told you it was going to go that way.  I guess I always assumed agent were giving potential buyers a heads up.

Just last week I showed 3 units in Pelican Bay with what should be considered a fabulous Gulf view under (a certain price range).  I only showed 3 because that was really all there was...I didn't even know that myself until I offered to find more product for my customer only to be equally blown away at the lack of inventory currently available.  It had been a month or so since I'd been nosing around in that exact product and now...not much was left.

Of the three available, one was a smelly dog (hard to believe), the second was an ok deal and the last, an outstanding deal. I do not expect this one to be around for too much longer. Contact me direct if you want more information about any of those 3 because after these I expect this to be it.

Earlier this year you could purchase beachfront in Bay Colony for $1,325,000.  Now it's $1,975,000 That prices some who were looking earlier this year completely out of the market unless something more affordable hits the market between now and next season.

I sadly have discovered that now there are probably 5 customers who will be among the group who will come back sometime within the next several years and say, "we should've bought that one...". It honestly makes me sad to come to this realization.  Was there something more I should've said or maybe did I say too much?  Maybe I'll just write a blog post to the rest of you in hopes of preventing more of this in the future.

So while it may not have been a first priority for you to come and see what's available right now, it might be best financially for you to make a plan and get down here. Of course you can always purchase site unseen as well and we'll make the process as easy as possible should you identify something you like.

If you want to come down and look for yourself, PLEASE let me know in advance so I can do my best to accommodate you. After all, I have that full Naples real estate cycle on my side along with a fabulous knowledge of the Naples real estate market and excellent negotiating skills.

For more questions on Naples real estate or to simply get the ball rolling give me a shout or shoot me an email direct.

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Naples Daily News Naples Choice Awards

It's time for the Naples Daily News Naples Choice Awards! This is your chance to get online and vote for all of your favorite Naples Florida businesses and entities including your Naples Real Estate company and your favorite Naples Realtor...

Vote Here!

If we've worked together and/or you're enjoying my site and would like to show your appreciation, please take the time to vote! It only takes a moment!

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Naples Smart Girl's Method of Operation

Hello Naples Friends,
I've noticed there seems to be a common thread with many of the Naples real estate customers I've worked with this season that begins with a bit of perhaps...bewilderment. 
The first phone call starts out with something like:

• Hi, this is _______ we've been using your Naples real estate website and we're thinking about buying and wanted to call you first...
• Hi this is _______ we're in town and saw these properties on your site and wanted to see if you're available...
• Hi we're not sure if we want to purchase or not but we're considering doing something in Naples Florida can we meet...

While I get many calls and/or emails every year there seems to be a little more uncertainty about how it all actually comes together.
As an example, I worked with a F A B U L O U S couple this past week. After initialing the last initial on a contract they had successfully negotiated, she expressed how mystified she was that she could call at the beginning of the week to request a "let's get acquainted" meeting and at the end of the week she's going home with a fully executed contract to purchase a fantastic Bay Colony condo. 
Friends, I am highly trained to hear your every detail when describing what it is you want to accomplish when you speak of purchasing your Naples real estate desire. I can competently point you in the best direction possible to help you locate the exact property that will best fit your wishes within your budget if it exists and can quickly assess if your goals can be reached.  What I mean by that specifically is sometimes what people want in Naples real estate and what they're prepared to spend don't always match up.  If the budget is a little off, I can accurately prepare you for what adjustments need to be made to get you where you will be most happy. Sometimes that means Naples isn't for you.  Most of the time it means Naples will fit perfectly and I can cut out what could be a great deal of wasted time.
It used to be that people wanted to spend hours and hours, days, months, years to find the perfect Naples property to purchase.  Today with the help of the Internet, it doesn't take nearly that long and provided you're able to help me visualize the prize, in many cases I can take you straight there.
Many of my customers today would like to spend maybe a day or two to identify a Naples property they can be excited about and consider it a bonus when they can spend the rest of their time in Naples doing something fun like playing golf, hitting the beach or maybe a little shopping. Because I'm able to quickly identify your needs and wants and have productive conversations with you so you can best understand the "lay of the land" if you will, you're able to accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time.  That's just another benefit you receive when working with me and another example of my continued commitment to make buying and selling Naples real estate super easy and fun.


Even though Naples is now technically in "off season" there are still quite a few people in town looking and purchasing. I want to take care of you. Please help me help you by giving me plenty of time to clear my schedule for you when you come to town and I will do my best to help you reach your Naples real estate objective. 

Naples Florida Videos

Hello Naples fans!

As some of you may remember, I'm exploring the vast world of video and trying to figure out how to incorporate it in to my site her to make your Naples experience that much better. While doing some research at a tech conference I'm currently attending, I found some Naples related videos I thought I'd share with you.



Here's one of my favorite restaurant, Trulucks:



Here's one of Waterside Shops, one of my favorite places to shop:







Venetian Village...this one is kinda funny:





Finally one of Naples beaches:





This is just to warm you up. I'll be tip toeing into the world of video shortly and providing you some fabulous Naples tid bits for your enjoyment.

In the meantime, stay warm and if you have any Naples real estate needs, I'm happy to assist!

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA

Your Naples Smart Girl!

Naples Real Estate Update 12.12.11

As you can see there is some REALLY GOOD news for the Naples Florida market!  Here's the latest Naples area real estate update from our fabulous C.F.O., Dottie Babcock.  As you can see there are still terrific buying opportunities in Naples and there's also places where inventories have leveled and are even in an under-supply scenario. 

Inquiring minds are always asking me what's going on with the Naples real estate market. While I do believe we saw a bit of a successful pre-season, I along with all of my super intelligent Naples real estate colleagues agree that it is too soon to know for sure. I always ask every agent I know at least one Naples real estate question in my constant quest to have a my finger on the pulse of the market...the question lately has been: What do you think will happen this season...??? What I have found is the most successful agents in town say they don't know yet which is interesting because I haven't formulated my answer either. We all watch our own set of indicators but I haven't seen anything consistent or compelling enough to place my bet. Neither have they. 

If I were in the Naples market to buy a house right now: I would probably focus on locations where the market hasn't leveled if I could get what I want...if I couldn't get what I want in a market that was still over-supplied with inventory, I would want me in my corner helping me with my 5 point negotiation strategy.  If you're a buyer considering purchasing Naples real estate, give me a shout and we can discuss this strategy in detail. 

If I were considering selling my Naples real estate: I would concern myself with the current inventory in my Naples neighborhood and make my decision based on that.  If my home was located in a location where the inventory was level or under-supplied, I would go forward with intelligent pricing and enthusiastic advertising.  If my home was located in an area where inventory is oversupplied I would consider the reasons why I wanted to sell.  If I really wanted to sell regardless, I would price well and come up with a 5 point strategy to compete against my competition. That strategy might include points like:

1.  Best Location
2. Best Priced
3. Best Looking
4. A compelling compensation package
5. Purchasing perks

Then I would market the fool out of it and be excited to negotiate.  For more details about how to get your Naples property sold fast, call me direct!

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Brighton At Bay Colony Naples Florida Update

Here's your Brighton at Bay Colony Naples Florida update. Brighton at Bay Colony is one of the most fabulous Bay Colony high-rises but her sales record has had a little trouble during the last couple of years.

There is a whopping 8 units or (4 years of inventory) currently on the market with an 80% list price to sales price ratio for the 2 units that did sell last year.  That's not as great as some of her sister buildings performed this past year but then again, Brighton at Bay Colony didn't break any sales records the year before either with just 2 sales in 2009 as well. 

While some of these just hit the market in preparation for the 2011 selling season, some have been on for a LONG time....in fact there are 2 that have been on and off the market for around the 2 year mark...so what's the story?  What could possibly be going on with Brighton at Bay Colony? 

Don't get too excited there is no deep dark secret...at least as far as I know and while there are some sellers who will hold until the end of time...or until they get their price (trust me, I know) there are others who might be interested in dealing.  History often repeats itself and if you try to strike a 20% off deal, first of all, you're well documented.  Second of all, it doesn't cost you anything to give it a shot!

While we're on the topic of market time, I think it's important to clear up some thought process here.  Many people assume that if the market time is really long, there's either something wrong with the unit or the seller will be more interested in dealing.  Actually, I have found the seller is less interested in dealing because they have the ability to hold and have for quite awhile so they're typically not going to give up miraculously when you come along.  Most of the Brighton at Bay Colony units are in good condition so I doubt there's something super creepy about the integrity of the units. Of course you want to have inspections done regardless of what you purchase...but something to take note on is the Naples Florida buyer prospect base is limited when it comes to purchasing a project.  Projects are properties that need to be remodeled and should be listed at a slight discount while properties that have been recently remodeled can be listed at a bit of a premium.

Bay Colony isn't really that old but she IS starting to show her age and I think the buyer prospect base has been behaving differently for that reason. 

• If you're a Brighton at Bay Colony seller, it's important to price your property correctly if in fact you really want to sell.  You WILL stand out for that reason. 
• If you're a Brighton at Bay Colony buyer, let's see what we can do for you.  I have inside intelligence on a couple of units that I can't post here but I can help you determine the best option for you.
  

  Brighton at Bay Colony  is one of my most favorite Bay Colony high-rises so don''t let the sales record deter you.  She's still something truly special and now might be the time to negotiate a SUPER deal.  We just need to get some action going on in there! So, let's see what we can do about some negotiating!

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Biltmore at Bay Colony Update. 1-3-11

Biltmore at Bay Colony Naples, Florida did not lead the Bay Colony community in production or stabilization during the past 12 months.  In fact this is one Bay Colony high-rise that on paper isn't performing as well as some of her sister buildings and some heavier negotiations might be possible for this reason.  At least there's an intelligent, argument we can discuss when presenting an offer.  During the last 12 months only 3 Biltmore at Bay Colony units sold with 6 presently on the market. The average list price to selling price is only 85% which reflects the concept that sellers are maybe a little more optimistic about the value of their unit than maybe they should be.  That number is down compared to the overall Pelican Bay average which sits at 91% right now.


While we're on the topic of list price let's discuss negotiation strategy for a moment.  Naples Florida attracts people from all over the globe who have already pretty much learned negotiation strategy from their experiences in other locations.  Because of that Naples doesn't have a universal way of thinking when it comes to pricing or purchase negotiations which can be aggravating for people who think it should be done the way they've "always done it back home".  For reasons like that, it's always best to take a look at the numbers and have an intelligent explanation as to why you as a buyer or seller are doing something but unfortunately, I've been involved in a great number of transactions here when I ask the listing agent how they determined their price they just shrug their shoulders or if I ask the buyer's agent how they decided to offer the amount on paper they just look at me with a blank look on their face. 

Have a detailed plan when negotiating no matter what side you're on.  I can help you come up with a plan whether you're a buyer or seller that will make your number make sense to anybody who will listen.  Of course, I can't guarantee the other side will listen but I can help your success rate overall. :) 

• Buyers: it takes more than cash/quick close to get special concessions in Naples.  Over half of our transactions are typically cash...so while that's unusual in your market, it's mostly expected in ours.  Especially when it comes to Naples luxury real estate. 
  
• Sellers, it takes more than a new roof, water heater and air conditioner to bump the price up past fair market value.  Despite what your agent thinks, most people expect those things to be in good working condition when they purchase and if you end up footing the bill on those sometimes expensive maintenance issues, it's never considered an upgrade you'll make money on.

In a "normal" market, the listing agent educates the seller about the average spread between list and sales price and for that reason the seller has priced their unit accordingly.  Typically, they won't be insulted when a motivated buyer comes in close to or just under that difference on the initial offer. This IS Naples though and it's not out of the question that you'll come across a bullheaded seller who thinks their property is worth way more than the numbers prove even if they haven't done anything special to their unit.  I know of two units in Bay Colony right now where the seller believes their property is worth considerably more than the rest of the world does.  Market time, multiple lower offers and everything else hasn't been enough to sway the seller's opinion and because the seller has the ability to hold....so it sits. 

Every once in awhile sellers and seller's agents are not most interested in holding on to every penny on the deal.  This is largely due to the fact that the seller has a definite plan and they're not going to let something like a few dollars prevent them for accomplishing their plan.  I know a few of those kind of sellers in Bay Colony as well...these are the reasons why you work with an agent who has some inside intelligence.

There is a 2 year supply of inventory in Biltmore right now and while there are some units that are obviously priced better than others there is no clear "if I don't write an offer on this today it will disappear" deal. That's ok.  Let just take a peek at all of them, you pick your favorite and we'll see where it goes.  Don't have the time?  That's ok too.  I can run over, shoot video and you can determine the unit you want to take a stab at from the comfort of your own chair.  It's all part of my drive to make buying in Bay Colony really easy!

For more information about Biltmore at Bay Colony, contact me direct!

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Cyber Monday For Naples Real Estate

When most people think Cyber Monday, I doubt seriously anybody is wondering what kind of discount they can get on a Naples property by purchasing online today...in fact I'll bet that most people wouldn't even imagine clicking their way to purchasing a property in most places. Of course the more tech savvy the town is, the more house purchasing click happy buyers are but when many people think, "Naples Florida", we're barely what many would consider tech advanced.  In fact, I once saw on Fox News that Naples was at town rated "least likely to tweet".  Being @NaplesSmartGirl on Twitter, I was naturally offended. 

So back to those online Naples real estate deals.  Can you believe somebody actually purchases Naples real estate online?  They do! As a matter of fact, more of the buyers I worked with a couple of years ago purchased online than in person! 

I actually have a plan to make it easier for you to do so in the works right now! 
But for now it's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1.  You click around www.ShannonLefevre.com and find something you like, contact me to get the additional details.

2.  I'll go take a peek at it and take some video and shoot just about anything there is you want to see.  Granted, this is not cinematography at its finest but it lets you see exactly what you're purchasing before you purchase without having to rush and get on a plane and deal with all that new hocus pocus at the airport.  Besides if it's a great deal do you think you're the only one interested in it? I hope your answer is "no" because my dear...you are no longer alone in your quest for Naples Real Estate!

3.  When you've seen it and you're sure you love it, we'll write an offer, work on getting it accepted, run inspections, get title work and get it closed for you just in time for winter...or Christmas or New Year's...whichever you want your deadline to be. 

Can you believe it can be that easy?  It happens all the time.  So in the spirit of Cyber Monday, I've put together my top 10 deals in my most favorite top 10 Naples neighborhoods.  Call me when you're ready to roll and in the meantime, Happy Clicking!

1. Aqualane Shores Deals
2. Bay Colony Deals
3. Grey Oaks Deals
4. Mediterra Deals
5. Old Naples Deals
6. Park Shore Deals
7. Pelican Bay Deals
8. Pelican Marsh Deals
9. Port Royal Deals
10. Quail West Deals

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Call Me! Email Me! Help Me Help You!

We're busy and sometimes it's just plain difficult to think ahead BUT as you prepare your travel to Naples Florida to purchase real estate, CONTACT ME in advance!  That way I know you, what you're looking for and what you're objective is so I can help you achieve it when you get here. 

I LOVE that you visit my website and do your own research.  I love those of you who know Naples like the back of your hand and those who don't really know it at all.  I LOVE to help you accomplish your goals.

I HATE when you call me the day you want to see property and I can't assist you because I already have appointments.  I HATE when you have a true goal and not enough time to accomplish it.  I HATE when you don't get done what you came here to do through lack of preparation.

Listen, I'm here to take the majority of the time consuming, dumb, "un-fun" stuff you don't want to do anyway but I can't do it unless you call or email me first.

So it's ok...email shannon@shannonlefevre.com or call 239-595-6223 cuz really that one little contact will do it all!

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Homes Built Before 1950 For Sale In Naples

Somebody searched, "Homes Built Before 1950 For Sale In Naples" today according to my Google analytics statistics.  I doubt they foundd what they were looking for easily so I thought I would pull the search for them and post it here.  Since they did not contact me direct, I may never know if they find this link. :(

There are 19 homes available in Naples Florida built before 1950 and some of these are amongst the most charming homes in all of Naples. Pricing ranges between $69,000 for a tiny 1 bedroom home in Whispering Pines to a whopping $11,600,000 for a Gulf view home believed to have been built by Addison Mizner.  You can see all of the homes here:

Homes built before 1950 For Sale in Naples

This link will remain live and continue to update itself for about 3-4 weeks...if you want me to update it, just let me know.

It's easy to get what you want.  My goal is to be the most responsive and helpful real estate agent in Naples.  If you have a special interest in Naples real estate, just contact me direct and I'll make every attempt to assist you.

Best Regards,


Shannon Lefevre, PA

Naples Florida Real Estate Inventories Nearly Level

Naples Florida real estate inventories are at 13 month supply.  This is the lowest it's been in quite awhile suggesting if you've been waiting to purchase Naples Florida real estate, now might be the time to do it before:

1. All the best deals are sold
2. Sellers start increasing pricing
3. Product no longer exists in the areas you find most attractive

If you're looking under $500,000...you're not alone.  Be prepared to act fast, offer smart  and be diligent.

Best Regards,
Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

225 N. Lake Drive

Crackle Cottage
225 N. Lake Drive is a FABULOUS Olde Naples home listed at $1,795,000
Contact me for more details!
Best Regards,
Shannon Lefevre, PA
239-595-6223

Thank You For Your Continued Support!

I've been working on my Naples Florida real estate website now for about 4.5 years. I am continuously amazed at it's success and I've been truly blessed with the people I've been introduced to and the people I have had the luxury of working for because of it! Blogging here on Active Rain has been terrific for my business but ShannonLefevre.com is my number one most productive real estate marketing tool.

One of the aspects of web marketing that always continues to intrigue me are the keywords people use to find my site. While many find it through search terms related to Naples and the finer neighborhoods Naples has to offer, I am overwhelmed at the number of people who search my site everyday with words directly related to me and my site. I am equally overwhelmed at the gratitude I receive from people who have used and appreciate my hard work.

Afterall, I didn't have some tech guy build ShannonLefevre.com with a thoughtlessly written out check and a wave of a finger. I carefully wrote all of those descriptions and took over 1,000 pictures of Naples myself. Every new page I design, I design with you in mind. It would have cost me well over $100,000 to have the equivalent built but had I contracted all that out, I wouldn't have the same commitment to my client as I do today. All of that research and time spent building the site I did to insure I would be the best agent for the job of helping you buy or sell your Naples home or condo.

By the way I still improve and expand ShannonLefevre.com nearly everyday and welcome your ideas, suggestions, criticism and of course your business.

If you have stumbled upon ShannonLefevre.com by accident, if you have been referred or perhaps you are a repeat visitor, I want to thank you for your time. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your business because without your business, I would not have the ability to continue to provide the service that ShannonLefevre.com offers.

Best Regards,

Your Naples Smart Girl!

Shannon Lefevre, PA

Provence at Park Shore Naples Florida

I just launched Provence at Park Shore pages on my Naples Florida real estate website. From www.ShannonLefevre.com you can:

• Learn about Provence at Park Shore
• See Provence at Park Shore condos for sale
• Review Provence at Park Shore floor plans
• Research Provence at Park Shore past sales

Currently there are only 7 units available in Provence at Park Shore including one listed for under $2,000,000...WOW!

This is part of my continued effort to help make purchasing and selling in Park Shore both fun and easy. These are just a few reasons why you want to use me to assist you with your next Park Shore transaction.

For more information regarding Provence at Park Shore, contact me direct!

Best Regards,

Your Naples Smart Girl!

Aria At Park Shore Naples Florida Update!

Aria at Park Shore Naples Florida could certainly be called a Naples Florida high-rise success story for 2008. Last year 12 units sold! Currently there are only 11 units on the market making that less than a 12 month inventory. I've recently updated my Aria at Park Shore pages on my Naples Florida real estate website. From www.ShannonLefevre.com you can:

• Learn more about Aria at Park Shore
• See Aria at Park Shore condos for sale
• Review Aria at Park Shore floor plans
• Review Aria at Park Shore site plan
• Research Aria at Park Shore past sales

Aria at Park Shore was the last building to be built on the beach at Park Shore and it truly is a fabulous condominium but I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see a neighbor or two come down either in Park Shore or the Moorings area with new construction to replace...it's just simply that time.

For more information regarding Aria at Park Shore, contact me direct.

Best Regards,

Your Naples Smart Girl!

Savoy at Park Shore Naples Florida

I just launched the Savoy at Park Shore portion of my Naples Florida real estate website. From www.ShannonLefevre.com you can"

• Learn more about Savoy at Park Shore
• See Savoy at Park Shore condos for sale
• Review Savoy at Park Shore floor plans
• Review Savoy at Park Shore site plans

This is part of my continued effort to help make purchasing and selling in Park Shore easy and fun. This is just one of the reasons why you'll want my assistance with your next Park Shore transaction. For more information regarding Savoy at Park Shore, contact me direct!

Best Regards,

Your Naples Smart Girl!

Naples, Florida Buyers And Where They Come From!

Naples, Florida buyers come from everywhere...at least in the United States anyway! Of course they come from abroad as well but here is a quick run down of the people who own property here in Naples but have a primary address somewhere else in the USA.
IL- 7,870

NY- 6,623
MI- 5,491
OH- 5,300
MA- 5,070

NJ- 4,640

PA- 3,640

MN- 2,332

IN- 2,299

CT- 2,165

WI- 1,887

VA- 1,477

MD- 1,427

TX- 1,219

CA- 1,160

MO- 1,074

KY- 1,071

NH- 826

GA- 810

NC- 789

RI- 716

TN- 609

IA- 536

CO- 463

AL- 360

ME- 354

SC- 334

AZ- 296

DE- 233

KS- 230

WV- 186

VT- 173

WA- 141

OK- 119

NV- 111

NE- 109

LA- 101

AR- 79

SD- 78

OR- 67

ND- 65

MS- 57

VT- 45

NM- 41

HI- 32

MT- 32

WY-30

AK- 27

ID- 21

If you're considering purchasing property in Naples, Florida but want to know what the people are like...chances are many of them are just like you! Although we seem to have more of a mid-west influence, we have our east coast influence as well. We aren't in as much of a hurry on this side of the state and yeah corny as it may be, alot of people still clap their hands at sunset but I think that's kinda sweet.

The languages spoken in Naples, Florida are mostly English, Courtesy and Respect and some others as well like Spanish, German and French but really any of the first three languages will get you through any situation.

If you'd like to work with an agent who has West Coast Roots (Mom came from California) and East Coast Roots (Dad came from New York) and Midwest Roots (I grew up in Kansas and spent 7 years in Texas) Then give me a call. I know whether or not you're drinking pop or soda or coke or if you prefer your tea "sweet" just as well as I can probably quickly identify what type of property you're going to be most interested in as well! That's why they call me "Smart Girl"!