Love the Dunes - Naples, Florida

Single Family Home Median Closed Price Jumps Six Percent

2011-06-21T16:40:00.000-04:00

Momentum is picking up and summer is emerging as a season of strong sales according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

The overall available inventory decreased to 7,705 properties in May 2011 down from 9,006 properties in May 2010. “The decrease in inventory is having a positive effect on overall prices and is driving the median closed price up,” said Steve Barker, REALTOR® with Amerivest Realty.

The median closed price for single-family homes for the 12 months ending May 2011 increased 6 percent to $210,000 compared to $199,000 for the 12 months ending May 2010. The overall median closed price for single-family homes increased 15 percent to $242,000 in May 2011 compared to $210,000 in May 2010.

“With its strong market and rising prices, Naples is the exception to the two-thirds of the country experiencing real estate challenges, just as predicted by Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of REALTORS®,” said Phil Wood, President of John R. Wood REALTORS.

The May report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

 Overall pending sales increased 8 percent in May 2011 with 955 contracts compared to 887 contracts in May 2010.

 Overall closed sales increased 4 percent in May 2011 with 838 sales compared to 803 sales in May 2010.

 Single-family home pending sales increased 8 percent in May 2011 with 515 contracts compared to 477 contracts in May 2010.

 Condo sales increased 9 percent with 450 sales in May 2011 compared to 412 sales in May 2010.

According to Brenda Fioretti, NABOR President, and Managing Broker of Prudential Florida Realty, “The increase in sales is found in the traditional market, not short sales or foreclosures which now make up less than 30 percent of the properties sold.”

“For the 12 months ending May 2011, condo sales increased 19 percent and the $1 million to $2 million category had an astounding increase of 164 percent, with 18 more units sold for the 12 months ending May 2011 than in the 12 months ending May 2010,” said John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services.

To view the entire report, visit www.NaplesArea.com

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) is an established organization (Chartered 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples community. NABOR is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 4,000 plus member-customers. NABOR is a member of Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest trade association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local boards of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

Beach Condo Sales Shine

2011-05-13T14:01:00.000-04:00

Report Shows Inventory Continues to Drop

Condo pending sales in the Naples Beach area are leading the way according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

“Overall condo pending sales are up 6 percent. The Naples Beach area contributed significantly to the increase with a 43 percent rise in that area of condo pending sales from April 2010 to April 2011,” stated Kathy Zorn, Broker/Owner of Florida Home Realty. There were 156 contracts in the Naples Beach area in April 2011 compared to 109 contracts in April 2010.

Naples Beach was recently recognized by national media as one of the top five most relaxing beaches in the world. It was the only beach in Florida listed on the “Most Relaxing Beaches” list.

“Overall pending and closed sales in the $2 million and above price range are increasing. Astute buyers recognize that this is a good time to buy in the luxury market,” said Steve Barker, REALTOR® with Amerivest Realty. Pending sales in the $2 million and above price range increased 9 percent and closed sales increased 35 percent from April 2010 to April 2011.

“Traditional sales, those that are not short sales or foreclosures, continue to climb. They now make up 71 percent of the market, the largest percentage of traditional sales we have seen in two years,” said Jo Carter, President of Jo Carter and Associates.

The April report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

 For the 12 months ending April 2011, overall pending sales increased 2 percent with 9,839 contracts compared to 9,660 contracts for the 12 months ending April 2010.

 For the 12 months ending April 2011, single-family home sales in the $500,000 to $1 million price range increased 9 percent with 429 sales compared to 392 sales for the 12 months ending April 2010.

 Condo sales increased 7 percent with 1,114 sales in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 1,042 sales in the first quarter of 2010.

 The available inventory decreased 11 percent to 8,214 properties in April 2011, down from 9,239 properties in April 2010.

According to Mike Hughes, Vice-President of Downing-Frye Realty, “This is the first time in four years we have seen the overall inventory decrease to the 8,200 range. This is encouraging.”

To view the entire report, visit www.NaplesArea.com

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) is an established organization (Chartered 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples community. NABOR is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 5,000 plus member-customers. NABOR is a member of Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest trade association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local boards of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR is structured to provide

programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

Inventory Declines Eight Percent

2011-04-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

Report Shows Median Closed Price for Properties over $300,000 Increases

Inventory continues on a downward trend according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

The available inventory declined to 8,762 available properties in the first quarter of 2011 down from 9,557 in the first quarter of 2010.

“The decline in inventory is a result of the slowing pace of properties coming to the market and the current inventory selling more rapidly,” stated Phil Wood, President of John R. Wood REALTORS®.

“Over the past three years, the months of inventory in the Naples area has continued to decline. In March of 2008 we had just under 38 months of inventory on the market for sale, and today we are hovering in a much healthier range of 12 months of inventory,” said Tom Bringardner, President/CEO of Premier Commercial, Inc.

The median closed price for properties over $300,000 increased to $575,000 in the first quarter of 2010 up from $525,000 in the first quarter of 2010.

“For properties over $300,000, the median closed price jumped 10 percent from quarter to quarter and 5 percent for the 12 months ending March 2011. Pending sale statistics suggest the median closed price will continue to climb,” said John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services.

The first quarter report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

• Overall pending sales saw an 8 percent increase, with 3,630 contracts in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 3,346 contracts in the first quarter of 2010.

• Single-family pending sales increased 6 percent with 1,763 contracts in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 1,667 contracts in the first quarter of 2010.

• Condo sales increased 7 percent with 1,114 sales in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 1,042 sales in the first quarter of 2010.

According to Mike Hughes, Vice-President of Downing-Frye Realty, “We may be seeing a glimpse of the kind of year 2011 will be. The statistics are encouraging and the sales activity continues to remain high.”

The March report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

• Overall home sales increased 5 percent to 936 sales in March 2011 compared to 890 sales in March 2010.

• Overall single-family pending sales saw a 6 percent increase, with 732 in March 2011 compared to 689 in March 2010.

• Condo sales saw a 17 percent increase with 525 sales in March 2011 compared to 447 sales in March 2010.

To view the entire report, visit www.NaplesArea.com

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) is an established organization (Chartered 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples community. NABOR is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 5,000 plus member-customers. NABOR is a member of Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest trade association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local boards of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

Single Family Home Sale Prices Up 10 Percent

2011-03-20T12:10:00.000-04:00

The median closed price for single-family homes continues to rise with February statistics showing a 10 percent year-over-year gain. According to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), lower inventory is driving price increases and key indicators show the market firming up.
“February marks the eighth consecutive month that the overall single family home median closed price increased, with the $300,000 and under market leading the way,” said Phil Wood, President of John R. Wood REALTORS®. The median closed price of single-family homes increased 10 percent to $205,000 for the 12 months ending February 2011 up from $186,000 for the 12 months ending February 2010.

The overall inventory in the Naples area decreased five percent in February 2011 to 9,213 available properties compared to 9,682 in February 2010.

“As the available inventory declines, buyers are left with fewer selections so they are now competing for choice properties. This results in the median closed price increasing,” said Steve Barker, REALTOR with Amerivest Realty.

The report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

 Overall pending sales increased 9 percent with 1,223 contracts in February 2011 compared to 1,122 contracts in February 2010.

 For the 12 months ending February 2011 overall closed sales in the $1 million to $2 million price category increased 29 percent with 338 sales compared to 262 sales for the 12 months ending in February 2010.

 Condo closed sales increased 10 percent with 3,885 sales for the 12 months ending February 2011 compared to 3,535 sales for the 12 months ending February 2010.

“The median closed price for condos declined, which resulted in a 17 percent increase in pending sales. We expect the single-family home trend of increased median closed prices to follow for condos, as condo pending and closed sales continue to rise and inventory declines,” said John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services. Condo pending sales increased 17 percent with 635 contracts in February 2011 compared to 544 contracts in February 2010.

To view the entire report, visit http://www.NaplesArea.com

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) is an established organization (Chartered 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples community. NABOR is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 5,000 plus member-customers. NABOR is a member of the Florida Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest trade association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local boards of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

2010 A TURNING POINT

2011-01-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

2010 A TURNING POINT

Report shows 2010 Closed Sales Up 10 Percent Over 2009

NAPLES, Fla.-January 14, 2011- The year 2010 has shown healthy housing market gains in the Naples area according to the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

The annual statistics compiled by NABOR show increases in overall pending and closed sales, inventory declining and an increase in the median closed price.

“2010 was a strong year despite the unprecedented challenges we faced. The news of the oil spill in the Gulf, the bank freeze on foreclosed homes and the end of the homebuyer tax credit left many sitting on the fence due to uncertainty. In the face of those challenges, the market showed great resilience,” said Mike Hughes, Vice-President of Downing-Frye Realty.

Overall closed sales increased 10 percent to 7,840 sales in 2010 compared to 7,126 sales in 2009. “Closed sales in 2010 showed double-digit increases over the 2009 figures in every price category above $300,000,” said Jo Carter, President of Jo Carter & Associates.

According to NABOR President and Managing Broker of Prudential Florida Realty, Brenda Fioretti, “The most improved segment of our market is the $1 million and above price category. In the $1 million to $2 million price segment, pending sales increased 29 percent and closed sales increased 33 percent.”

The report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

• Overall pending sales increased 4 percent with 9,318 contracts in 2010 compared to 8,933 contracts in 2009.

• Single-family home sales increased 3 percent to 3,959 sales in 2010 compared to 3,847 sales in 2009.

• Condo sales increased 18 percent to 3,881 sales in 2010 compared to 3,270 sales in 2009.

• The median closed price increased 1 percent overall to $180,000 up from $179,000 in 2009. For properties over $300,000, the median closed price increased 4 percent to $544,000 up from $525,000 in 2009.

Home sales grew steadily in 2010 resulting in a decline in the months of inventory. “The level of housing inventory has decreased for the fourth consecutive year. This is helping to bring the market back into balance,” said Steve Barker, Managing Broker of Amerivest Realty.

To view the entire report.

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) is an established organization (Chartered 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples community. NABOR is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 5,000 plus member-customers. NABOR is a member of the Florida Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest trade association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local boards of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.
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The Year In Review from the Love The Dunes Team

2011-01-09T19:58:00.000-05:00

The Year in Review from Love The Dunes Team

2010 has ended, and, as is our practice, we want to give our readers a good picture of the Naples real estate market. Though the media is filled with Doom and Gloom reports, the real story in our market place turned out to be pretty good.

The total sales recorded in Sunshine MLS for Residential listings were 7833, January 1 through December 31. That’s a solid 10% growth year over year, with 2009 showing 7128 sales during the same period. Furthermore, the gains were present in every category. Condos showed the strongest growth, +18% and single family homes were up 3%. Since most of our readers live in high rises, I also checked that sub category, and found high rise sales were up 25% for a total 421 recorded transaction on Sunshine MLS.

Digging deeper, we found only one category showed year over year declines, and that was Single Family sales under $500,000. Single family homes over $1,000,000 were up 33% for the strongest sub category growth. There were eight sales in Port Royal over $10,000,000 and the highest recorded sale in MLS in 2010 was $22,000,000. Condominium sales were up in all categories, with the highest sale recorded in March in Bay Colony at $7,900,000.

In The Dunes, sales were up over 100% for high rise condos, with 46 in 2010 vs 22 in 2009. Low rise sales were only 2 this past year, vs 4 in 2009. The highest sale in The Dunes was a penthouse unit in Grande Excelsior at $1,750,000 and the low was $425,000 in Island Cove for a lower floor unit.

One last note of good news: current active listings are just over 8000, which equates to just over a year’s worth of inventory at the current of sales. That’s down from a 3+ year supply just a couple of years ago.

Who would dare make specific projections for 2011? Certainly, not this writer but I can report that momentum is good, calls and showings are up. For buyers, it is time to make the decision. For sellers, there is hope for a good result, as long as the listing price is in line with recent sales in the neighborhood and the broader category.

If you’d like further information, call The Love The Dunes Team at South Bay Realty, 239-289-1351 or stop by our Vanderbilt Beach office any day. One of us is always available to help you.

Gas Explosion - Please turn off your gas valve.

2010-11-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION ALL HOMEOWNERS AT THE DUNES

GRANDE PRESERVE IN BLDGS. 4, 5 6 & 7

The natural gas supply line has been shut down due to a gas line break in Fort Myers.

We ask all homeowners who are in residence to turn the gas valve located under the stove top, to the off position, for safety reasons.

Maintenance will be doing a door to door inspection today and tomorrow.

The Plantation Club and The Floridian Club are offering a full beverage menu along with a limited food menu. The Floridian Club is also offering a full beach service, but they highly encourage everyone to bring their own towels.

If you have any questions, please email Arell Harris at: adunes@comcast.net.

To learn more.

How Is the Market Doing?

2010-10-23T12:19:00.000-04:00

Wherever we go, we are asked “how is the market doing?”, so I like to do frequent checks on specific market segments. For The Dunes, I check all Gulf View High Rise condos in Naples, from Bonita Beach Road to Olde Naples.

As of October 14,2010 a total of 627 condos were Active Listings in Sunshine MLS. The closed sales indicate that 326 have closed since January 1st. For the same period in 2009, 238 closings had been recorded. That makes the year over year increase 37%. That’s a pretty good year, no matter what the doom and gloom news reports tell us.

Of those sales, 12 were bank owned properties and 11 were identified as Short Sales. Currently, 3 active listings are bank owned and 19 are active short sales.

The high sale recorded was $7,900,000 for a beach front unit in Bay Colony. The low sale was $139,000 for an efficiency unit at Vanderbilt Towers.

If you have a specific question about the market, contact us at http://www.lovethedunes.com/.

Two BIG Rumors

2010-10-18T09:57:00.000-04:00

Two big rumors have continued to fuel fears about real estate transactions. I've received both, more than once, and likely you have, as well. As is often the case, those who received such viral emails pass them on without any investigation. The National Association of Realtors has researched the issues and has issued the following facts to Bust the Myths.

To Learn More about the Rumors.

Concierge Connection October Edition

2010-10-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

It's another beautiful day in Naples. Clear, crisp and season is starting early.

If your intown for October, stop by for the Welcome Back Social at the Concierge Center from 4 - 6 on October 20th.

We look forward to seeing you there. To read more of what is going on for the Month here is the Concierge Connection.

AFFORDABLE SALES LEAD THE WAY

2010-09-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

AFFORDABLE SALES LEAD THE WAY
Report Shows Strong Summer Sales

NAPLES, Fla.-September 17, 2010- Home sales under $300,000 continue to be very active in the Naples area according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

"Pending sales in the $300,000 and under price range increased 11 percent in August and lead the market in sales, as buyers seek value,” said Michele Harrison, REALTOR® with John R. Wood REALTORS®. Pending sales for properties under $300,000 increased 11 percent with 548 contracts in August 2010 compared to 494 in August 2009.

“Despite the fact that the first time homebuyer tax credit ended, pending sales in the $300,000 and under price range remain strong,” stated Steve Barker, Managing Broker of Amerivest Realty. Pending sales for properties under $300,000 increased 19 percent in a comparison of the 12 months ending August 2010 and the 12 months ending August 2009.

The report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:

• Overall pending sales for the 12 months ending August 2010 increased 22 percent with 9,607 contracts compared to 7,881 contracts for the 12 months ending August 2009.

• Overall closed sales for the 12 months ending August 2010 increased 30 percent with 8,094 sales compared to 6,232 sales for the 12 months ending August 2009.

• Single-family pending sales increased 14 percent with 436 contracts in August 2010 compared to 383 contracts in August 2009.

• The available inventory declined 4 percent to 8,745 in August 2010 compared to 9,140 in August 2009.

The overall median closed price decreased 6 percent to $160,000 in August 2010 from $170,000 in August 2009. “While the overall median closed price dropped 6 percentage points, it actually increased for closings in the price ranges between $300,000 and 2 million. This is good news for many sellers, in spite of the fact that properties selling at $300,000 and under continue to lead the market in sheer number of closings,” said John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services.

Condo closed sales declined 2 percent with 244 sales in August 2010 compared to 248 sales in August 2009. Condo closed sales for the 12 months ending August 2010 increased 45 percent to 3,980 sales compared to 2,749 sales for the 12 months ending August 2009 “Foreclosure closings were very active in August which resulted in a lower median price for condo sales,” said Phil Wood, President of John R. Wood REALTORS®. The median price for condos decreased 17 percent in August 2010 compared to the same month last year.

To view the report, go to www.Naplesarea.com or directly to Affordable Sales Lead the Way.

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) is an established organization (Chartered 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples community. NABOR is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 4,000 plus member-customers. NABOR is a member of Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest trade association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local boards of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

Contacts: Mike Hughes, NABOR Media Relations Director, (239) 261-2244 / (239) 263-4218
Marcia Albert, NABOR, Manager of Events & Marketing, (239) 216-4148

Low Mortgage Rates Continue and Inventories are Lowering

2010-09-17T08:52:00.002-04:00

This week I’ve been working on verbalizing my thoughts about the continued onslaught of negative news with regard to the housing markets. I kept thinking about the good news I know exists. Inventories are good and the over stock position has clearing. That’s a good sign. Most weeks, we read again about the new record low mortgage rates. I know sellers in the market are truly motivated for one reason or another. This is still Naples Florida, and our beaches are pristine, our golf is the best, cultural opportunities are abundant, and people are really friendly and nice. The same factors that brought each of us to Naples still exist, and in many cases, things are much better.

Today I found on my favorite real estate market newsletter the perfect verbalization of these thoughts. Click on the link to read. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-reasons-to-buy-a-home-2010-09-15.

Then, tell a friend to call us for their piece of paradise, plus a great investment at The Dunes. www.LoveTheDunes.com or South Bay Realty @ 239-860-2219.

Beautiful Naples

2010-08-27T11:17:00.002-04:00

This morning in Naples is the most beautiful day in weeks, with temperatures in the high 70’s and virtually no humidity. It’s a glorious ending to a week of rainy days and gloomy news from the housing markets.

Personally, I’ve had good news with regard to my own current listing. It’s not at The Dunes, but is in a comparable building to the three buildings in of Island Cove. My listing was first active last December, and though there were many showings, only a couple of verbal discussions until this week. You see, I finally lowered the price to the point I realized today’s buyer would find it attractive.
Full disclosure would require that I admit that my partners and I did in fact settle for significantly less than we’d hoped when listing originally. In fact, we will be selling for approximately 40% less than our purchase price at the top of the market in early 2006. Painful, yes! Realistic in today’s market, unfortunately, yes. That brings our sale price back to levels being seen in 2003 before the “bubble” began to develop.

In the end, we could either continue to carry the costs involved, or sell it at today’s market value. We’ve all regularly made those decisions with our stock portfolios. Why does it seem so much harder when we consider our real estate investments? I think it’s because we can actually see the investment, , and as in our case, enjoy it. But at the end of the day, it was still an investment, . We gambled and lost.

So, if you’re trying to sell in today’s market, you need to look back and see what the values were in the early years of this decade. That’s likely to be the price at which you can find a buyer at this time. If it’s your home, or your vacation home, you should find a way to hold on until this passes. If it was a pure investment risk, it may be time for you to consider pricing realistically to find a buyer. Call us if you need help determining exactly where a buyer will be willing to make an offer.

Your Team at Love the Dunes

2010-08-13T14:18:00.001-04:00

We were recently asked why there are four of us at Love The Dunes.

Well, the easiest reply is there is strength in numbers and we multiply our efforts by working at a team.

Lesley is our “unofficial” leader. As a resident at The Dunes she’s our “on sight” expert. As an owner of South Bay Realty she certainly sets the standards for all we do.

Terrilyn is our newest member, and her expertise is sales and marketing. We’re up and running on Facebook and Twitter through her efforts, and she has a resource for everything we need.

Barb is our admin queen, doing lots of the mailings and follow up.

I do the research projects and lots of the writing.

All four of us are first and foremost Sales Professionals. Our combined years in sales approaches 90 years, and in Naples area real estate, we’re approaching a total of 50 years successful experience. All of us are Full Time agents, which doesn’t mean 9-5, five days a week. We’re for the most part available 7 days a week, and any reasonable hour of the day.

We work as a team because we enjoy sharing the vision of providing quality, in depth service to both buyers and sellers. We combine our marketing budgets to create a greater impact. We’re able to do frequent Open Houses because we take turns, and we have four good minds working for our customers at all times.

This web site is the most unique community based web site available in Naples. We hope you find it useful. Please share the site with friends and neighbors looking to buy, sell, or rent in the Naples area. If you have suggestions for us, please share them. We’re anxious to improve our service and see The Dunes become the most desired community in Southwest Florida.

Good News!

2010-08-08T11:36:00.003-04:00

Two notes of GOOD NEWS this week.
The oil well it capped! Now hopefully, the dark cloud over head will pass and those buyers reluctant to buy with uncertainty in the air will go ahead and buy. I can tell you that our office had a difinity upswing in calls from potential buyers this week. Please tell all your friends that SW Florida has seen no oil at all.
I just read this article about a new estimate of the economic impact of the oil spill now being reduced by 80%.

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=244508

Now more good news. Mortage rates have dropped again this week to lows not seen in ages. If you're considering a refi, nows the time to move. If you'd like us to prepare for your review a Competitive Market Analysis to help you make that decision, email us at http://www.lovethedunes.com

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=244500

The Top 10 Reasons We Love Naples in Summer

2010-07-17T10:07:00.001-04:00

10. The summer rains fill the ponds and everything is green and lush!
9. The weather is great, highs around 90 and lows in the 70s.
8. Traffic is light.
7. Beach parking is easy.
6. Sales are great in locally owned and chain stoes.
5. Dining out is cheap, with specials and coupons everywhere.
4. Free Jazz on the beach at Naples Beach and Golf Resort on Saturday nights.
3. The Fourth of July parade and fireworks are great small town celebrations.
2. Golf is cheap and options are great!
1. It’s like a perfect vacation spot.

If you’ve never spent time in Naples in the Summer, it’s a great time to enjoy your home with family and friends..

Responding to the Headlines

2010-07-02T09:43:00.005-04:00

What a roller coaster month real estate news has been! “New Home Sales Plummet”, Existing Home Sales Decline, Oil Spill Destroying the Beaches.

If you’re hearing these national reports on the news and financial channels, you could be quite discouraged. But don’t despair. Locally, in beautiful Naples and Collier County, the news is actually quite good.

The US Commerce Department that nationally new homes sales dropped an alarming 33%, existing home sales declined 2.2 %. The greater than expected declines are blamed on the end of the new home tax credit.

A few calls, however, to Naples are builders found that business remains good, as demand for new construction remains brisk. Buyers are being drawn to new communities and new products as a way to avoid the uncertainty of neighborhoods impacted by short sales and foreclosures.

Existing Home sales may have declined nationally, but in our area sales in May were up 7.7% versus 2009. Granted, that’s not the huge increase we saw last year when May sales in 2009 increased 84% over 2008. It does indicate that our market remains solid, and that we continue to move in a positive direction.

FYI, May and June sales at The Dunes are up 14% over last year.

Next, the oil spill continues to dominate the national news, and video of soiled beaches are seen daily. It is true that some oil has come ashore in Northwest Florida, but NONE HAS BEEN SEEN along Collier County beach.

To read more and monitor the local situation. This site is updated regularly by Collier County Emergency Management. They are being very proactive in preparing for the worst, even though there is no current indication that our beaches will be impacted negatively.

Strategic Default has been discussed widely on the News

2010-06-12T09:27:00.003-04:00

Strategic Default has been discussed widely on the news, and there are arguments on either side of the question. The term is applied when a property owner decides to stop making payments on a mortgage simply because the value of the property is now less than the mortgage balance. It is very much a product of the years of 100% mortgages, as even in the most stable of neighborhoods, values have fallen significantly since 2006.

The decision to do a strategic default is not the result of hardship. It is considered, by those who choose to pursue this course to be a business decision. They simply stop making payments, and redeploy those funds to other purposes as they live rent free until the lender completes the foreclosure process.

This term is never used in hardship cases, where an owner can no longer make his payments, perhaps due to loss of employment or other family hardship.

A strategic default is not with serious risks and needs to be considered carefully, with input from an attorney and tax advisor. Many in the legal profession are actually encouraging this approach, so it is important to deal with attorney who understands all the implications for the owners total financial outlook and avoid those who are profiting from this approach.

Foreclosure has a definite negative impact on credit scores and the ability to qualify for a future mortgage. That is not, however, the greatest concern. As the number of such defaults increase, lenders are now selling off the discharged debt to debt collection firms, and others are going after additional assets through deficiency judgments. In Florida, lenders have that right for five years and up to 20 years to collect. Additionally, there are tax implications to be considered.

As a reminder, three of the four members of LoveTheDunes team are certified short sales experts, and if you want to consider selling your property for less that the mortgage amount, we have the experience and tools assist you.

Below are recent articles that may be helpful if this topic is of interest to you.

Orlando Sentinel, Mortgage Default
Nuwire Investor, Strategic Defaults
Highland Today, Strategic Defaults
RWB Press, Short Sales Under Water

Today's Mortgage Rates at an All Time Low

2010-05-28T09:20:00.002-04:00

Wary of a volatile stock market and concerned about by European debt woes investors moved to bonds last week pushing bond prices up and mortgage rates down. Mortgage rates, which move the opposite direction of mortgage-backed securities prices, had wavered just below 5% for much of the year until last weeks big decline. Mortgage rates today are even lower than levels December of last year, what' now the previous all time low.

Read the Full Story.

Nuggets for the Week

2010-05-22T09:32:00.001-04:00

Each week we field a variety of questions, not only about The Dunes, but about Naples Real Estate in genera. Some nuggets from this week that might also interest you follow.

There have been 107 closings this year for properties listed over $2,000,000. Actually, only 97 of those closed above the $2,000,000 mark.

The highest sale recorded on Sunshine MLS was $22,000,000, followed by one for $16,700,000 and another for $13,000,000. All three were Port Royal estates.

Thirty three condominium homes listed above $2,000,000 have sole this year. Most were in Bay Colony, where the highest sales price was recorded at $7,900,000. The others were on the beach in Park Shore/Olde Naples and six were on Vanderbilt Beach. Moraya Bay had four closings, and there were two resales at The Vanderbilt.

Total Sales for Collier County continue to outpace last year by 35%. That follows last year’s 39% over the prior year. That’s Good News by any definition.

Remember, we’re here to answer whatever Naples area real estate questions you may have. When you’re ready to buy again, know that we’ll spend whatever time it takes to help you make the right decision. From Dream Homes to bargains for investment purposes, we know this market.

Review MLS Report.

2010-05-16T22:21:00.001-04:00

If the comments from readers that often accompany articles in the Naples Daily News online reports of improvement in our local real estate market are any indication, there is still a lot of skepticism in the public on the subject. That’s why we decided to post the actual results for your review this week.

The data is specific to single family homes and condominiums, broken down into price ranges, and also by area within Collier County.

For your reference, The Dunes statistics are considered part of North Naples, based on our zip code.

The first chart is for single family homes. The second is for condominiums.
Any educated reader will find good news in these numbers. Sales are up, inventory is down, and it’s only a matter of time now until we are again a growing, thriving market.

Read more to see for yourself.

Good News from The Dunes: an end of Season report

2010-05-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

As the last auto carriers depart paradise, summer weather arrive early, with some sizzling temperatures. I thought I’d share some other sizzling numbers, and hopefully pick up your spirits at the end of this tumultuous week of headlines.

Sales continue to improve throughout the community, as buyers again are feeling good about Florida real estate, and especially The Dunes.

As of 5:00 pm on May 7th, 2010, there have been 22 closings since January 1st, and that’s the highest number of Seasonal closings since 2004. That year there were 26 closings. Last year, just 6 were closed, so the community is experiencing an s 400% increase.

Often, good real estate news brings out the naysayers, so I wanted to share the exact numbers with you. As they say, “this record speaks for itself”.

You’ll also be glad to know that the number of active listings is down to 58, after a high this time last year of 108, if my memory serves me well.

Currently, 15 sales are pending, so the trend will continue in the months ahead. Also, a May and June are good buying months, as seasonal visitors return for the sole purpose of buying.

Hope this news cheers you, and best wishes to all the Mothers who so deserve a special day of honor.

After the Turnover, Now What?

2010-05-05T11:51:00.003-04:00

Months of preparation have preceded this week’s turnover of responsibilities from the developer to the homeowners at The Dunes. The elected and appointed representatives of the owners will not be responsible for the day to day operation, and hopefully they’ve done their homework and fully understand just what those responsibilities are under Florida’s condominium statue 718.

In a nutshell, they must act in “good faith for the benefit of the owners”.

What then are the responsibilities of the membership of the association? This becomes a good time for everyone to do some “homework”, by reviewing their condominium and master association documents, bylaws, and rules and regulations. Participate in all meetings, and volunteer for committee assignments. Know and abide by the rules of your association and the master community. Provide management with access to your unit for emergencies. Maintain and repair your property on an ongoing basis. Refrain from giving directions to the association employees, including the manager. The board directs the manager, and the manager supervises the employees.

Pay your fees as required, and pay on time. Show respect for the volunteer members of the board. They give of their own time for the benefit of the association. Even when you have disagreements, do not harass or intimidate either board members or employees.

The turnover is considered a positive event for any development. Owners now control their own destiny. Join your neighbors in building a sense of community that makes The Dunes the Premier Lifestyle Community in Southwest Florida.

Want to learn more? Read Florida Statue 718.

NABOR Report Million Dollar Sales Up 100 Percent

2010-04-23T12:15:00.002-04:00

They were saying on the national level that the high end condo were selling and now they are saying it on the local level. NABOR reported the March sales and first quarter sales and they are up! Up 100% percent. We were hit the hardest and as they say we will rebound the best.

To Read More

High-End Housing Sales

2010-04-07T12:20:00.005-04:00

Found this great article on CNBC that talks about High End Home Sales. You can see with the current sales in the Dunes this season this article really fits.

Read Full Article Here