Naples Rental Requests Down Means Buying Will Be Up?

I've noticed I've had a drastic decrease in Naples rental requests so far this year.  This is FABULOUS news because:

•  I don't handle rentals.
• Most people I've talked to who are looking for a rental don't want to buy real estate!
  

Keep in mind it's still considered pre-season for the Naples real estate market so that trend could change, I suppose...sigh.  But I'm crossing my fingers that's a definitive sign that people are planning on purchasing this year instead of renting.  After all, people should consider purchasing this year...pricing is out of this world in many choice Naples communities.  If you were smart and have some money to invest, you might consider doing it in Naples.

Here are 10 reasons why now might be the time to purchase in Naples Florida:

1. There are 3 Pelican Bay condos under $300,000!
2. You can buy a single family home on the beach for under $6,000,000 with Gulf of Mexico access!
3. There are 35 Old Naples condos priced under $300,000
4. There are 5 homes priced under $1,500,000 in Quail West!
5. There's only 1 unit on the beach in Bay Colony left under $2,000,000!
6. There are 4 homes in the Port Royal area on the water for less than $3,000,000!
7. You can buy a Park Shore beachfront condo for less than $400,000
8. There are 9 Pelican Bay homes under $1,000,000 to choose from.
9. You can buy a Pelican Bay high rise unit for less than $350,000.
10. There are 10 units under $300,000 in Moorings on Gulf Shore Blvd. to choose from.

If you know anything about Naples...those are CRAZY prices!

And then of course if you are in fact renting in Naples, here's 139 of the 1,870 Naples rentals currently available. 

Best Regards,

Shannon Lefevre, PA
Your Naples Smart Girl!

225 N. Lake Drive Naples, Florida

I'm Here, I'm Just Busy!

After doing some research for a client today, I learned that I really should be posting a little something of interest as often as possible to let you know what I'm doing and why you might want to choose me to be your Realtor. So, here's the latest:

I'm currently working with a client in town from Chicago who is purchasing in Old Naples. I'd tell you more about the house but we're in the middle of negotiating and I don't want to give anything away for them. Ok...one hint...their selection is absolutely FABULOUS. I'll tell more when I can.

Also, I learned that I was featured in an article in Gulfshore Life Magazine this month. If you'd like to read the article in full you can check out your February issue of Gulfshore Life Magazine or read the article here:

I'm also having professional photos taken of my new listing in Contessa at Bay Colony the listing is a beachfront unit on the 10th floor and has been completely remodeled and is B E A U T I F U L! AND...it's priced at only $1,990,000! It is in fact the lowest priced beachfront with Gulfview condo in Bay Colony! CALL ME if you'd like to see it! :)

I'm also doing some investigating for some more buyers who are coming to town on Friday who are interested in Mediterra and Grey Oaks.

Phew, that's all for this evening!

Don't forget, if you're coming in town and you'd like my assistance, please give me as much notice as possible so I can do a fantastic job for you!

Best Regards,
Your Naples Smart Girl!

Naples, Florida Real Estate Update 5-12-08

Naples, Florida real estate buyers are still stirring!

I arrived at the office today to prepare for a showing appointment tomorrow with some customers from Sweden and fully expected to have plenty of quiet time to work on my Naples, Florida real estate website and catch up with some long overdue blogging.

The first surprise phone call of the day was from a really nice lady from France who's planning a trip in August to purchase in Pelican Bay. Unexpected phone calls and emails from buyers are actually not "unexpected" anymore but I do marvel at the fact that I had so many inquiries today. Not all new people. I've had some people who have been popping in from time to time as well.

For example, I have a client who is desperately seeking a single family home in Old Naples. She missed out on one last week due to another offer that came in before she could schedule a trip down here to take a peek before signing the dotted line so now we're emailing each other back and forth nearly everyday and in some cases often throughout the day discussing what's currently available and whether or not it will work for her and her family. Whew!
Then there's the guy who's been circling over a unit in Pelican Bay...waiting ever so patiently...sort of.

Needless to say, even though the air is heating up in Naples, Florida the buyers in the area are showing little to no signs of cooling off. Is it because they think now is the time to buy or because they're responding to the deals that are hitting the market. Maybe. In some cases like the Old Naples client, fears of cold winters up north are driving her motivation to purchase more than the prices are.

I think it is interesting that so many people have set appointments throughout the summer months. This is certainly a trend that I didn't expect and is defiantly a trend I saw none of last year at this time. If I were a polar bear expecting to hibernate through October I'd be grumpy about it but since I'm a Smart Girl selling Naples, Florida real estate my happy face is more appropriate and matches my summer wardrobe better.

So if you're thinking about purchasing property in Naples, give me a shout. I'm happy to assist.

Best Regards,
Shan

Naples, Florida Real Estate and Zillow

There's no mystery that Zillow has had their fair share of challenges when attempting to accurately provide real estate estimates for Naples, Florida real estate. But before anyone gets too excited, this is not a Zillow bashing post...just an update. Besides, I'd like to give a special high five to that Zillow representative who admittedly said they had been faced with the challenge down here. It was quite some time ago and they explained that they were "working on it" so I thought I would double check again to see what has improved especially since I recently wrote an offer with a very tech savvy buyer who tried to use Zillow as a point of reference. After explaining what I knew she quickly changed direction and successfully put an Old Naples condo under contract....yaeee for her!

So back to the latest comparison. What I did was pulled 3 closed sales today in our local MLS. I cross referenced the sales price and then pulled the addresses up on Zillow. Here's what I found:

8930 Bay Colony Drive #1504 - Salerno at Bay Colony - Listed for $2,295,000 sold by a fellow John R. Wood agent for $2,125,000 It took just under two months to go under contract...not bad market time! So, I pulled up the address in Zillow where it said there were 26 matching properties for that address and then another link directly under it said 44 matching properties for that address. When I click the first link a fast list of addresses show up and then disappear. I tried to open the link in another window and it wouldn't load. Hmmm.... I tried several times...holding my mouth differently each time...still no dice. So I clicked on the second link. Same results. I am happy to report that I did click on the building in the aerial shot and the building with the zestimates pulled up. Zillow shows #1504 worth $2,511,000. Was this a fire sale? No, did the buyer get a great ridiculous deal. Not in my opinion. The neighborhood is doing very well and has not been in depreciating mode so I don't know why there's a difference of that magnitude.

Difference between reality and Zillow= $386,000

2040 Sandpiper St. - Royal Harbor - Listed for $979,000 Sold for $850,000. It took just over 3 months for it to sell. The Zestimate for this home is $1,466,500. What I find curious is right under the Zestimate it shows $979,000 (what the house was listed for). This neighborhood has done well this year too...no huge difference in market value to point to.Difference between reality and Zillow = $616,500

8463 Abbington Circle #1021 - Crescent at Pelican Bay - Listed for $699,000, Sold for $600,000. It was on the market since last August with two price reductions. 17 days from 2nd price reduction in went under contract....and just as a coincidence...it was listed and sold by John R. Wood Inc. REALTORS...no kidding! Zillow says, $731,000...again, this neighborhood has remained the same in value for the last 24 months.

Difference between reality and Zillow = $131,000....we're getting closer.

I should include the fact that Zillow is not overpricing every property in Naples. In fact, while I was in the process of helping my client purchase in Old Naples, the unit she was interested in was showing it was worth substantially less. Just as I have seen on other Naples properties in the past. Again, this isn't because Old Naples properties have seen a significant depreciation...it's just that Zillow doesn't have their magic Zestimates down quite yet for our area.

From what I understand, Zillow is spot on in areas across the country and there's no doubt in my mind that Zillow Zestimates will get much better here in Naples down the road but as it stands today, your best resource to find out if you're overpaying as a buyer or under-listing as a seller is to contact a Smart Girl to help you know for sure!

Best Regards, Shannon

Naples, Florida Magnificent Properties

If there was ever a time to select a magnificent Naples, Florida property...now might be the time to do it. Not because prices are rock bottom or because "now is the time to buy" which is (in my opinion the most overused and least believed term in real estate)...but I believe now is the time to check out the inventory because now more so than any other time in my seven year Naples, Florida real estate memory have there been SO MANY INCREDIBLY AWESOME PROPERTIES to choose from.

I feel it's important to preface, I'm not talking about the really pretty Naples houses and Naples condos you've grown accustomed to seeing if you're familiar with my market. I'm talking about the kind of properties that will absolutely leave you breathless.

I've been previewing and showing pretty much solid for the last few weeks. I've also been keeping my eye on the market almost as often as I did during our crazy days back in '04 and '05 because I have buyers who want specific product that simply isn't available right now.

Just this evening I noticed a new listing that hit the market in the Strand at Bay Colony...one of the most exceptional locations in all of Naples. Currently there are three for sale there which is unusual but more importantly the FINEST OF THEM ALL just went on the market today. I had the luxury of dining there during the Naples Winter Wine Festival a few years back and I simply can't tell you how phenomenal this property is. Anybody who has walked by on the beach knows which one I'm talking about and anyone who's "anyone" knows how truly amazing this place is.

This estate along with the other two fabulous listings located in The Strand are not properties designed for the weak at heart. It will take a pretty penny to purchase one of those magnificent homes with prices beginning at a cool $14,990,000 and increasing from there but I think they're worth it. The owners know they are too and will be the type of owner who will wait for the right person to step up to the plate.

Now before you get your hopes up in taking a drive by or perhaps scheduling a showing, be prepared. There are two gates preventing you from doing a drive by and even the sweetest talking driver can't get through them. Also, be prepared to show a little documentation proving you have the means to make the purchase. There won't be a broker's tour and they won't open the door for just anyone.

If you find those choices to be a little out of your budget or perhaps estate homes are not your style, l'd love to introduce you to some of the luxury high rise condos I've been previewing as of late. The Windsor is considered THE building to be in on the beach at Bay Colony and there is every good reason for that. There are currently three units available there starting at $5,699,000 and continue to increase in price to slightly over $10,500,000.

I've only previewed two as the last is entirely out of my customer's desired price range but the two I saw are guaranteed to tickle your "I gotta have that" bone. There's also a magnificent unit in Remington that cannot go without mention. The decor there is absolutely awesome but when it comes right down to it, there's a unit in The Windsor that made my eyes water. The decorating and lay out may be the absolute best I've ever seen....EVER.

Continuing to Park Shore there's a high rise condo at Le Rivage that I would give another highest rate of approval on. Again the floor plan and decor here was above exceptional. The location for those who prefer more of a city feel might choose this location over Bay Colony and between this one and the one in The Windsor, if it were my money well, I might have to buy both and try them out for awhile before finally deciding...they are that great.


I also had the opportunity to preview one of only two beachfront villas for sale in Park Shore. Again a spectacular place offering something unique and special that the Park Shore beachfront high-rises can't do. A private pool with view of the beach, soaring ceilings and ample square footage with a fabulous floor plan are just a few of the superb attributes this place has to offer. A must see if nearly $4,000,000 is within your range.



Continuing South I could not complete my post without mentioning three more fabulous Old Naples homes I've either shown or previewed within the last couple of weeks. Price ranges start at a "wiggle" over $2,000,000 and increase to a whisper under $6,000,000. All of them are remarkable in their own outstanding ways. The lowest priced one I firmly believe is the best deal in Old Naples and is an absolute knock out. The character and appeal displayed throughout every inch of this home will please the most discriminating buyer and if that buyer is somehow attached to the most number driven counterpart, even they will find no reason to turn it down. This home is a perfect match for both parties.

My next favored property is located just over a stone's throw to the beach and within a tiny distance to 3rd Street where fine dining and shopping awaits. It has been masterfully decorated and the home design must have been brilliantly selected for the lot overlooking a beautiful lake. It will take a tiny bit more ranking in at almost $6,000,000 but again, the buyer who "wins" this one is winning something truly sweet.

My last notable property I've had the luxury of previewing is not on the market yet and I doubt it will be on long. It's a brand new construction single family home on a fabulous over-sized lot with every custom feature included. It's beautiful, unique and exquisite not super formal or casual but possesses the ability to swing either way. The builder is one of the most highly regarded builders in all of Old Naples and there's no mystery as to why he holds such an outstanding reputation. You can see just by touring the home that he loves what he does and what he creates loves him back.

This has been a remarkable time for me. To see the magnitude of real estate I've seen has always been a dream of mine.

If you'd like to see what I see or if you'd like me to talk about your property the way I've described these, I'm happy to take your call.

A friend of mine asked me the other day what my favorite restaurant in Naples was. My response, was, "gosh, do I have to pick just one". I eat out all the time, too much in fact and enjoy the variety of places to eat so I sectioned out what my favorite places were for food types. If you're in town, you must try to stop.
* Tropical Reef, located across the street from Pelican Bay is an excellent place for seafood. I love their sesame encrusted tuna but everything I've eaten there has been out of this world. The outside of the building is a crazy kiwi green color and you may think that the food will not be so great but it is fabulous! The chef is from Texas and is truly a legend.
* Andre's Streak House for steak. We the porterhouse for two when we go and it's awesome! You will not find better creamed spinach ANYWHERE. Again, the outside of this building is old and not very attractive making you think you're going to experience a less than average meal....it is very good. The inside I'm pretty sure has never seen fresh coat of paint so if your an ambiance kinda person, wear a blind fold because the meal is worth it.
* Trulucks for crab claws, steaks and really anything they have on their menu. They're located in Old Naples not too far from Aqualane Shores and Port Royal. The service is phenominal, the menue is outstanding and they have live music, a guy who sings and plays the piano in the bar. It's a great place and during season, near impossible to get into so make sure you make reservations WELL IN ADVANCE or you'll be dining at 5 or 10. Jerry, my husband says they serve the best carrot cake in the world there....he's tried ALOT of carrot cake so I believe him.
* Tommy Bahama's for ribs and the most delicious chocolate brownie EVER. They have live music too and there's really a fun tropical island atmosphere there. They only rsvp 10% of their restaurant so you can get a seat there most of the time but be prepared to wait.
* The Turtle Club they have AWESOME food there too...the best crab cake EVER. They're located on Vanderbilt Beach and it's a great place to catch one of our famous sunsets! OUTSTANDING! Again, this dining room is small so rsvp's are important.
* Darumma for sushi. Located across the street from Bay Colony I think it's the best in town. Their fried roll is served warm with a tangy almost fizzy dipping sauce that is so GOOD!
* The Dock restaurant serves rock shrimp nachos. It's hard to believe their nachos because they have kind of a sweet and spicy chinese sauce on them but they are really good. They're located on Naples Bay right next to Aqualane Shores in Old Naples.
The only thing missing really is super great Mexican Food. Labamba on the north-west corner of Pine Ridge and Airport is the best but it's certainly not fine dining. I guess Mexican food rarely is....but you can get a decent margarita and a very good giant quesadilla there.
There are more Italian food places than you can shake a stick at down here. I'm not that big of a fan but if you must, Il Bellagio seems to get pretty good reviews.
I'm sure there's more, but it's late. I'll do some thinking and come up with part two perhaps tomorrow.