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"!

When you think of Spring Break you think Naples, Florida right? No? Really?.....Maybe you should! But let's start with the basics! When you think of spring break what comes to mind?

• Lots of young kids acting crazy?
• Lots of under aged drinking?
• Lots of high jinxed activities like bikini contests and mud wrestling?
• Live, Loud music?
• Lots of traffic?
• Old men with binoculars?
• Crowded beaches?

Ok so take all of those visions in your head and THROW THEM AWAY! That is not spring break in Naples, Florida.
Spring break in Naples, Florida is quiet...for the most part! You will not find alot of craziness going on at the Naples beaches. There are no crazy contests or binge drinking or under aged teens stumbling around wasted on our beaches. These kids have not taken over the cheap hotels and launched a party world where no other guests can't sleep. MTV has never considered Naples as a destination for their Spring Break party. Our roads are patrolled like crazy so even the thought of drinking and driving will award you "free lodging" at one of our Naples facilities you won't want to rebook next year for sure. Here's a picture taken of the beach at Pelican Bay on Saturday:

This picture by the way was taken with my new little flip video camera....yeah, yeah...that same one everyone else is already flipping for! No kidding, I flipped too it's a pretty cool little gadget! If you've got $150.00, it's well worth it. (I'd show you the video but uh...yeah...still practicing that one!) Anyway me being the video shooting challenged that I am should've taken a better shot up and down the beach line because it looks quite crowded here and it really isn't.
Now some of you may be thinking....Sheeesh, Shannon sounds like an old coot! Naples must be too stuffy for us! Well some do call Naples "Gods Waiting Room" but no, that's not what it's about.

The special thing about Naples that many of us like is the fact that you can do all that crazy stuff you may want to do within a very short distance from Naples. For example: Fort Myers Beach is a great "Spring Break" kind of beach. They have all the stuff listed above and it's a very short drive (depending on what part of town you live in). My friend had a birthday yesterday and wanted to spend the day there so she dragged 6 of her girlfriends including me along...and yes...it's crazy and very different and fun for a change and even more fun knowing we can leave all that mess behind us and go home when we're done!

This is a picture taken from my flip camera of the Cincinnati Fire Fighters house they rent every year on Fort Myers Beach. What you can see is the yellow slide right next to the guy on the right. What you can't see is the pool that was hand dug by all of the fire fighter rookies who designed the pool with a foot deep peninsula in the middle. That's where they hold the bikini contests everyday at 2:00...and no I did not participate! :)

The beaches in Miami are really only 2 hours away...not a bad drive if that's what you're into and the greatest part...it's not going on in your own backyard.

So, if you want to take a walk on a beach with more of a wild side, you're not far from it here in Naples but it's not here!

Pelican Bay Naples, Florida Prices Just Went Up!

Not all of Pelican Bay homes and condos are on the rise but if you were hoping to break into Pelican Bay with $350,000 it will take some negotiating if you can make it happen at all.
Until earlier this month there were two units available in Pelican Bay for $350,000 but both of those units have since gone under contract. The next greatest deal in Pelican Bay is now listed for $374,900.

***SPECIAL NOTE***If you are searching MLS or any websites with IDX you may notice listings with an address of 800 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. This is Pelican Bay Inn which is a condo conversion and not actually affiliated with Pelican Bay as no amenities are available with the purchase of one of these units.

Some areas are completely sold out at this time while other have limited inventory left:

• Barrington at Pelican Bay, there were two homes for sale that are currently under contract.
• Only two remain in Bridge Way Villas.
• The last unit in Cannes at Pelican Bay just went under contract.
• Cocobay at Pelican Bay just sold out.
• Cap Ferrat at Pelican Bay had a unit listed for $1,395,000. Next one available is $1,795,000.
• Three in Interlachen at Pelican Bay just went under contract within the last week leaving 5 left.
• 6 properties in L'Ambiance at Pelican Bay have either sold or pended contract leaving 6 left.
• 1 left in Las Brisas at Pelican Bay.
• Renaissance at Pelican Bay has sold out.
• The lowest priced unit in St. Maarten at Pelican Bay went under contract this month pushing lowest priced unit up from $589,000 to $626,000
• The lowest priced St. Marissa at Pelican Bay unit went under contract this month pushing lowest priced unit up from $619,000 to $929,000.
• A unit in St. Tropez at Pelican Bay listed at $419,000 went under contract a couple of days ago pushing the next lowest priced unit up to $549,000.
• There's only one left in Villa Coronado at Pelican Bay.
• Waterford at Pelican Bay had only one listing that just went under contract on the 21st of this month.

Areas in Pelican Bay where there is still considerable inventory are as follows:
Avalon
Barrington Club
Bay Villas
Beauville
Breakwater
Calais
Crescent
Glencove
Laurel Oaks
Pebble Creek
St. Raphael
Valencia
Willowbrook

* One point to remember, just because there is big inventory does not mean Pelican Bay owners are interested in giving their properties away but I do know of a couple of properties in Pelican Bay where they are happy to negotiate.

If you want to get your lowest price possible it is always wise to have your agent do some research first before firing off a low offer! I am capable of doing such research. Call me and let's make a deal!

Pelican Bay Naples, Florida Real Estate Statistics Don't Lie!

The calls and emails regarding Pelican Bay homes and Pelican Bay condos continue at a steady rate most of which are still beginning with "I want a deal". I've had the following conversations with countless people lately and it continues to be a hard conversation with buyer's not quite believing what I have to say based on all of their news they've gathered from various news sources across the county.

This post was written for not one buyer in mind but four to help me get some valid points conveyed.

If you too are looking for a Pelican Bay deal. DO NOT DELAY!

Here are some more examples of Pelican Bay's best deals now pending contract or recently sold:

Avalon at Pelican Bay:
What I considered to be the best deal in Pelican Bay just went under contract with a list price of $350,000. It was reduced from $375,000 On February 1, 2008. Pended contract on February 6, 2008.
Next one available is $399,000 - Nearly $50,000 for a smaller unit which backs up to a busy road. The pending unit backed up to a park and was a second floor (bigger) unit.

Barrington Club at Pelican Bay:
A unit sold on December 21, 2007 for $400,000. Next one available is listed for $492,000. That is a $92,000 difference.

Brighton at Bay Colony:
A unit on the 19th floor listed for $2,695,000 went pending on January 22, 2008. It was only on the market 4 days. YES...It was a screaming deal! Another unit on the 10th floor sold on January 15, 2008 for $2,600,000 it too was a screaming deal. The next one available is on the market for $3,295,000 it is on the 7th floor. That folks is a 695,000 dollar difference.

Need more proof?

Cap Ferrat at Pelican Bay:
A 4th floor unit listed at $1,395,000 went under contract on January 1, 2008 (yes...while some people were nursing a hang-over somebody else was hunting deals). The next Cap Ferrat unit available is on the market for $1,795,000...yes this one is a bigger unit...yes it is on a lower (less desirable) floor and yes...if that New Year's buyer bought it for full price, that is a $400,000 difference!

Carlysle at Bay Colony:
A 3rd floor unit listed at $2,295,000 went under contract on January 2, 2008 (maybe because they were nursing a hang over the day before). They still won because the only other unit available in Carlysle at this time is listed for $4,200,000. Yes it is on the 20th floor and is a bigger unit and yes it is listed at nearly 2,000,000 more than the one under contract right now!

Marbella at Pelican Bay:
Unit 502 closed last December for $795,000. Unit 802 closed for $820,000 last October. Next one available...#204 for $1,245,000 a $425,000 for a less desirable floor...bigger yes...not as great of a view.

Serendipity at Pelican Bay:
One sold January 2nd for $320,000...there's another one (a little smaller) currently available for $450,000...$130,000 more!

Still not convinced?

Oak Lake Sanctuary:
Sorry...nothing available. Last unit available sold January 8th...(must've been some party)

Renaissance at Pelican Bay:
Sorry...nothing available. Last unit available went under contract on January 23rd...

Hopefully there's enough examples here for you to get my point.

Let's just assume from now on going forward:

• Unless you're reading or watching something specifically about Pelican Bay or Bay Colony that perhaps those other real estate related stories don't really count.
• The most reputable resource regarding Pelican Bay or Bay Colony isn't CNN or MSNBC or FOX or even the Naples newspaper.
• The most reputable resource might be the real estate agents who are working that market everyday and who are talking to the Pelican Bay and Bay Colony seller's, buyers and the prospective clients who call and email requesting more information and talk about and in fact are writing offers and closing contracts for those properties.
• I don't lie about what I see, hear or report. Neither is the agent who has had 8 showings on her 2 day old Bay Colony listing or the MLS statistics.
• I'm too driven to success to try to entertain you with inaccurate information.
• I'm too ready to help you purchase to forward you outdated information.

By the way...some of my most intelligent buyers are getting it.

I expect to write two more great offers tomorrow.

Cannes at Pelican Bay is a gated coach home community in Pelican Bay featuring only 4 buildings and 16 units. Built in 2005 these beauties offer primarily lake views and are located on Pelican Bay Boulevard directly in front of Cap Ferrat. Unit sizes begin at 2,902 square feet and end at 3,686 square feet. A community pool is offered along with a walkway to the Pelican Bay beach access tram. Cannes at Pelican Bay property owners may rent their units three times a year with a 30 day minimum. See Cannes at Pelican Bay homes for sale!
There is only one unit available in Cannes at Pelican Bay at this time. It's listed for $1,995,000 features over 3,600 square feet of living space and offers a two car garage. It's currently being offered decorator ready. Many nice interiors have been selected regarding countertops, cabinetry and appliances but it has not had a final clean and does not show as neat as you might expect so be prepared to look past that to determine the value. It will take a little adjusting to accomplish this but once you do, you will see it really is a fabulous unit.

For more information regarding this unit or any property in Pelican Bay or Bay Colony, contact Shannon direct at 239-595-6223 or Shannon@ShannonLefevre.com

Is Your Naples Real Estate Agent Wired In?

For the first time in my life, I spent the first part of my day in jury duty. I was there from 8:30 this morning til 12:30 and will be required to go back at 1:30 because somebody is going to trial. As I looked around the room at all the people waiting patiently just like me I noticed, I am the ONLY one still conducting business besides the man sitting next to me clicking away busily on his Blackberry who by the way is not a REALTOR, I could tell by what he was saying on a business call he made.
If we took the law of averages and I guessed there were approximately 75 people in the room, then that would mean there were 60 real estate agents. Ok just kidding about the number of real estate agents but seriously, I highly doubt I was the ONLY NAPLES REALTOR in the room. What was I doing? Working on my laptop. talking with colleagues about the hottest deals in Naples, updating www.ShannonLefevre.com, writing emails, returning emails, checking out the latest market updates, networking with 47,000 other industry related individuals. What was everyone else doing? Reading the paper, watching tv...(yes they have a tv in there broadcasting CNN's 9/11 anniversary updates), reading a fiction novel, sleeping, drinking coffee, staring off into space...What's my point?
Even when I'm requested to be somewhere else, I can and usually am still working the Naples real estate market...being the best I can be and all I can be while I can be.
If you're looking for a Naples Real Estate agent who IS dialed in and all about selling your Naples real estate...think, Smart Girl, Great Results!

Brighton at Bay Colony Market Update

The Brighton at Bay Colony is a luxury high-rise condominium located directly on the beach in Bay Colony, the most prestigious subdivision in Pelican bay. This magnificent building was built in 1994, features a total of 75 units within 22 floors and offers an outstanding list of amenities including a grand lobby, billiards room, fitness room, pool, hot tub, barbecue area and private beach access just to name a few. Unit sizes begin at about 2,760 square feet of living space and continue over 7,000 square feet of living space for the 5 bedroom penthouse. There are two assigned parking spots available located underneath the building. A unique feature about the Brighton at Bay Colony high-rise is the contemporary curvature of the building footprint along with the glass railed terraces which allow the ability to fully take in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico landscape.
Rental policies are strict but most Brighton at Bay Colony condominium owners do not consider renting their units as a personal option. Both a Bay Colony Association membership and Pelican Bay Association membership are required which means all of the Pelican Bay and Bay Colony amenities are available with the exception of golf which can be purchased for an additional price. See The Brighton at Bay Colony Condos.

Current Happenings in Brighton at Bay Colony

There is only one unit available currently in the Brighton at Bay Colony. It is currently listed for $2,875,000 and is a beautiful unit offering over 3,300 square feet of living space located on the 10th floor with outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico. The unit is owned by the original purchaser and appears to be in absolute excellent condition as they have rarely used the condo. The community room at Brighton is currently under construction. I peaked in a couple of days ago and as it stands right now it is completely gutted. I've been told that the project will be complete by season. It is rumored that there will be two more units available soon so if you have an interest in the Brighton at Bay Colony, contact me for more details at shannon@shannonlefevre.com or direct at 239-595-6223.

For information regarding other Bay Colony Beachfront condos:

Biltmore at Bay Colony
Remington at Bay Colony
Windsor at Bay Colony
Contessa at Bay Colony
Brighton at Bay Colony
Carlsyle at Bay Colony

For information regarding other Bay Colony Communities:

Bay Colony Shores

The Strand at Bay Colony

La Palma at Bay Colony

Vizcaya at Bay Colony

Mansion La Palma at Bay Colony

Marquesa at Bay Colony

Salerno at Bay Colony

Toscana at Bay Colony

Trieste at Bay Colony

If you're interested in buying or selling any Naples Florida real estate, I am always happy to assist.

Biltmore at Bay Colony Naples, Florida Market Update!

The Biltmore at Bay Colony is a luxury high-rise condominium located directly on the beach in Bay Colony, the most prestigious subdivision in Pelican bay. This magnificent building was built in 1997, features a total of 75 units within 22 floors and offers an outstanding list of amenities including a grand lobby, billiards room, fitness room, pool, hot tub, barbecue area and private beach access just to name a few. Unit sizes begin at about 2,860 square feet of living space and continue over 7,000 square feet of living space for the 5 bedroom penthouse. There are two assigned parking spots available located underneath the building. Rental policies are strict but most Biltmore at Bay Colony condominium owners do not consider renting their units as a personal option. Both a Bay Colony Association membership and Pelican Bay Association membership are required which means all of the Pelican Bay and Bay Colony amenities are available with the exception of golf which can be purchased for an additional price. See The Biltmore at Bay Colony Condosfor sale or for more information regarding the Biltmore at Bay Colony, contact Shannon Lefevre.
Currently there are two units available at The Biltmore. Unit 303 for $3,850,000 and Unit 604 for $3,700,000. Because of the direct Gulf location, views from all of these units are absolutely outstanding. Since the building was built in 1997 both of these units are beginning to show their age a little in some areas but overall should be considered excellent choices for those who want an exceptional condo on the beach in Bay Colony. There is a great view of the beach from the 604 unit and the 303 unit has a great Gulf and pool area view.
There are a total of six towers located on the beach at Bay Colony.

Biltmore at Bay Colony

Remington at Bay Colony

Windsor at Bay Colony

Contessa at Bay Colony

Brighton at Bay Colony

Carlsyle at Bay Colony

Bay Villas at Pelican Bayis an attached & detached villa (some are duplexes some look like single family homes on small lots) development located on the south side of Pelican Bay and can be accessed off Crayton Road. Built between 1981 and 1983 units consist of either 2 or 3 bedrooms and range in size starting at 1,540 square feet to over 1,900 square feet. The rental policy for Bay Villas at Pelican Bay allow Bay Villa owners to rent their properties a maximum of two times a year with 60 day minimums. Bay Villas at Pelican Bay are conveniently located next to six tennis courts, St. Williams Church and the Naples Grande hotel. See Bay Villas at Pelican Bay properties for sale!
After completing my preview of all the available Bay Villas at Pelican Bay (six total) I have three note worthy units to talk about.
For the investor, penny pincher, budget conscious or project manager There's a unit available now for $775,000 which is priced over $50,000 less than the next available unit. It was built in 1981 and needs work but the value is certainly there.
There are two more that show considerable well. First one is listed for $865,000. It gets Shannon's BIS (Best In Show) award. It has a tropical feel and has had some great remodeling done.
The second BIS award for Bay Villas at Pelican Bay goes to the one that's listed for $949,000. This one offers bamboo flooring and other nice upgrades.
For more information regarding Bay Villas at Pelican Bay or any other Pelican Bay homes, please email shannon@shannonlefevre.com or call me direct 239-595-6223