Welcome 2012 with a Bang ~ New Years Eve Fireworks at the Naples Pier

This year’s annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks will commence at Naples Pier at 7:30pm. The New Year’s Eve Fireworks show hopes to be one of the best fireworks shows in the area, once again. This free event has proven time and again to be the highlight of the holiday for the many attendees. Enjoy a great view of the fireworks anywhere north or south of the pier, but get there early for a great parking spot.

One of the most enjoyable and romantic places to watch the fireworks is at the Naples Beach Hotel & Resort Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, offering an opportunity to come for sunset enjoy an adult beverage or two and get a great seaside spot to take in the beautiful firework show.

Enjoy a preview of past New Years Eve Fireworks shows here. Once you get to see a preview, I know you’ll want to enjoy a night out taking in the fireworks and why not enjoy cocktails and shopping on Fifth Street South while you are here!

For more information about the Naples Area, please contact me.

It’s a Wonderful Season in Naples ~ Christmas Without Snow

Welcome to Christmas in Naples, a unique way to spend the holidays. Instead of freezing temperatures and snow covered tress, we experience warm and balmy temperatures and white lit palm trees.  From the Christmas Parade on Fifth Avenue South to the beautifully decorated Third Street South we get to see just how pretty those palm trees look with all of the white lights and garland, and still walk down the street in comfort and style.

Fifth Avenue boasts the Christmas Parade which boasts fun costumes, unique floats and enjoyable weather. Santa makes his grand debut at the joy of the children among other holiday favorites.

And, though it doesn’t officially “snow” we still get to enjoy snow in a warm and balmy fashion. Snowfest in Golden Gate boasts mounds of snow the kids can sled down along with a carnival of fun. Third Street South Festival of Lights also brings some “snow” to cover the crowd during the popular lighting of the Christmas Tree. At opportune moments we get to see Santa and his elves, Father Christmas, and the Snow Queen. Ave Maria’s skating rink offers a unique skating experience as well. Additionally we get to enjoy the Broadway acts that come to town which help us celebrate the season. This year it’s “White Christmas” at the Broadway Palm an evening of laughter, tears and joy for the season. For a listing of the events in Naples through Dec 25, click here.

For those who are looking to escape the frigid temperatures in the North for a balmy Christmas in the South, Naples can offer fun, beaches, balmy temperatures, beautiful decorations and events to keep the family entertained while here. It’s a fun way to experience the holidays, love and hope are still in the air. Compassion for fellow man and the kindness that accompanies the holiday spirit is alive and well; but the sunshine makes it a Wonderful Season.

Sound like the perfect holiday season to you? Come on down, and while you’re here let me help you find your own Holiday Paradise!

November Sales Point To Strong 2012

Report Shows Sales Up In All Price Categories

Overall pending sales, which are a key indicator of buyer activity, continue to increase 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).

For the 12 months ending November 2011, overall pending sales increased 8 percent while closed sales for the 12 months ending November 2011 grew 5 percent to 8,335 from 7,909 for the same 12 months last year.

“Pending sales in the $1 million to $2 million price category increased 42 percent in November. The luxury market has come alive,” said Phil Wood, President of John R. Wood REALTORS®. Pending sales in the $1 million to $2 million price category increased from 26 contracts in November 2010 to 37 contracts in November 2011.

According to Cindy Carroll, Vice-President of Carroll & Carroll Inc., an independent fee appraisal firm in Collier County with over 24 years experience, “We are seeing a subtle upward trend in home values in many market sectors as supply continues to decrease and demand remains strong.”

Dr. Shelton Weeks, Lucas Professor of Real Estate and Director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University agrees, “Buyers in the luxury market that may have been on the fence are seeing inventory decreasing. They may be looking at their opportunity costs in the capital markets and consider real estate a more suitable place to invest their money.”

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:

~ Single-family pending sales increased 7 percent with 5,178 contracts for the 12 months ending November 2011 compared to 4,856 contracts for the same 12 months last year. Single-family pending sales in the $500,000 to $1 million category increased 14 percent for the 12 months ending November 2011 with 541 contracts compared to 476 contracts for the 12 months ending November 2010.

~ Overall condo pending sales increased 3 percent with 399 contracts in November 2011 compared to 387 contracts in November 2010.

~ The available inventory decreased 18 percent to 7,625 available properties in November 2011 com-pared to 9,352 available properties in November 2010.

~The available inventory in the $1 million to $2 million category decreased from 818 available properties to 635 properties.

“The November numbers for the single-family home market are positive. The median closed price for properties over $300,000 increased 5 percent for the 12 months ending November 2011 compared to the same 12 months of last year,” said Brenda Fioretti, NABOR Media Relations Director and Managing Broker of Prudential Florida Realty. The median closed price increased to $568,000 for the 12 months ending November 2011 compared to $540,000 for the 12 months ending November 2010.

Click for John R Wood November 2011 Market Report update.

Click for John R Wood Neighborhood Snapshot report for November 2011.

For more information about real estate in Naples, please contact me.

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.

Naples Equestrian Challenge Raises Over $140,000 at 6th Annual Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance

For one night, the covered arena at Naples Equestrian Challenge (NEC) was transformed into an authentic Western barn dance complete with professionally catered vittles, a live band, line dancing, a mechanical bull and hay-calf lassoing.

The peak of excitement came with over 400 guests competitively bidding on a host of vacation trips, artwork, and entertainment items during the live auction. Generous benefactors even donated $14,000 to replace the fans that keep the riders and the horses cool under the pole barn.

In one night, our volunteers and supporters raised a total of over $140,000 that will help NEC continue the non-profit’s mission of improving the lives of children and adults with special needs through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs. With proceeds from this event as well as donations, Naples Equestrian Challenge is able to offer therapeutic riding lessons to riders, regardless of their income.

The therapeutic riding programs offered at Naples Equestrian Challenge foster growth and confidence, empowering riders living with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, stroke, autism spectrum disorder, amputations, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and a range of emotional, learning and developmental disabilities.

If you have not visited Naples Equestrian Challenge, I would encourage you to stop by and share in the amazing transformations that are happening each day. You can find me at NEC at every available opportunity, call me and I’ll give you a personal tour.

Seasonal Residents Return as the Weather in Naples Cools Off

At a temperate 74.1 degrees annually, it’s no wonder Naples, Florida is the place to be this winter season. As we cool down from a warmer than average summer, our seasonal residents are thrilled with the beautiful change of pace in weather and in life as can only be found in Naples, FL.

If you are just visiting the area, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Information Center is a great first stop to check out the local Calendar of Events, local restaurant recommendations and reviews and the Top 33 Fun Adventures as listed in Naples on the Gulf.

Naples boasts many fun filled activities from Philanthropic events, Art and Cultural, Nature Walks, Golf like nowhere else, Boating, Fishing, Shopping as can only be found in Naples, Superb Eats and of course the beautiful Beaches ensures there is something for everyone.

Don’t forget to check out Fifth Avenue South, “one of the nation’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destinations provides and irresistible mix of glamour and laid-back ease.” With cool fall evenings, Naples’ 5^th Avenue offers a unique mix of events, apparel, jewelry and specialty store information making it irresistible to join in the fun.

If this is your first season in Naples, Florida, I’m sure it won’t be your last. When you are ready to make this beach front paradise your home sweet second home, click here to see our featured properties or contact me for a personal tour of your next luxury home.

Relay for Life Happy Hour

Join me in raising funds for the Relay for Life, Digging for the Cure.

Our team, Choice, is walking again this year and we are doing a fund raiser at Little Italy on Tuesday, December 6 2011 from 5 – 7 pm.

A perecentage of the bar tab, a 50/50 auction and silent auction items will go to the team and our cause of eliminating cancer!

We all have had friends and loved ones that have suffered from this disease that we keep in our thoughts and prayers. Lets help the cause!

For more information please visit my website.

Naples Business Leaders Celebrate the 56th Annual Farm City BBQ

One of Naples’ oldest traditions is the Farm City BBQ. This year, the BBQ will be celebrated at one of our three outstanding healthcare facilities – Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard.

“This is a wonderful event that brings together the Greater Naples community to benefit three worthwhile charities. It is a perfect partnership with Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard and we look forward to working with the Farm City BBQ for years to come,” said Scott Campbell, CEO, Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard.

Physicians Regional Collier Boulevard is one of two premier hospitals within the healthcare system located in Collier County. With 201 private rooms, an affiliated multi-specialty physician group, and a medical staff of more than 300 skilled physicians, the fully integrated hospital campuses include 24-hour emergency rooms, state-of-the-art surgery centers, full service diagnostic departments and medical office buildings housing physician offices.

“We are so pleased to see the Farm City BBQ continue to grow and bring on new partners such as Physicians Regional Healthcare Systems. It is a fun event that shapes our next generation of leaders by providing much needed funds to support the Collier County 4H, Youth Leadership Collier and the Collier County Junior Deputy League,” said Michael Reagen, President and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.

November 23, 2011 will mark the 56th annual Farm City BBQ, celebrating national Farm City Week. The BBQ is a community event that attracts over 1,000 local business leaders in the spirit of building relationships among business and agricultural leaders. The BBQ will feature fresh steak, Florida-grown corn on the cob and Immokalee Salad dished up by our local elected officials and government leaders.

Proceeds from the BBQ are donated back into the community through youth leadership development programs. The beneficiaries of the 2011 BBQ will be the Collier County 4H Foundation, Youth Leadership Collier, and the Collier County Junior Deputy League.

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.FarmCityBBQ.com.

For more information please visit my website.

Third Quarter Sales Activity Remains Strong

Naples Area Real Estate Transactions Released

Real estate sales activity continues to increase with single-family home sales and the Naples Beach area is 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).

For the 12 months ending September 2011, all Naples geographic areas showed an increase in pending sales compared to the same 12 months in 2010. Properties in the Naples Beach area remain in the highest demand with 1,776 contracts for the 12 months ending September 2011 compared to 1,471 contracts for the 12 months ending September 2010.

The third 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:

* For the 12 months ending September 2011 overall pending sales increased 11 percent with 10,036 contracts compared to 9,026 contracts for the 12 months ending September 2010.

* Condo sales increased 7 percent with 807 sales in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 752 sales in the third quarter of 2010.

* The available inventory decreased 20 percent to 7,069 available properties in the third quarter of 2011 down from 8,800 available properties in the third quarter of 2010.

“Traditional sales represent 60 percent of the sales activity in the Naples area. Foreclosure sales remain low and the number of short sale closings are increasing, this is a sign that banks are willing to work with homeowners,” said Brenda Fioretti, NABOR President and Managing Broker of Prudential Florida Realty.

The report also provides a comparison of results for September 2011 to the same month, 2010, including 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 in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category increased 27 percent with 70 sales in September 2011 compared to 55 sales in September 2010.

* Single-family pending sales in the Naples Beach area increased 15 percent for the 12 months ending September 2011 with 714 contracts compared to 621 contracts for the 12 months ending September 2010.

* Condo sales in Naples saw a 6 percent increase for the 12 months ending September 2011 with 4,192 sales compared to 3,966 sales for the 12 months ending September 2010.

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.

View the 3rd Quarter 2011 Market Statistics
View the September 2011 Market Statistics

For more information please visit my website.

Home Staging can Increase Sale Price of Luxury Real Estate

With the popularity of HGTV and DIY network, many home owners are aware of home staging but often don’t know where to start on their own.

The best way to bring in competitive offers for your luxury real estate in Naples is to start is with the basics:

Deep Clean
First impressions make a big difference.

While it may seem quite obvious, a clean home will reveal the true potential and beauty of a property. Start with the exterior to increase curb appeal. You don’t want a potential buyer to round the curb and see an unkempt lawn with dried leaves, dead plants and a front door with chipped paint.

De-Clutter
Work your way into each room of the house. Removing clutter is the first order of business. Strip down to the bare essentials. This may mean you’ll have to part with some old furniture and face the task of sorting through years of piled up possessions that you never got around to using. Dedication will come in handy at this point.

Pay attention to details. Simple things like making up beds and keeping the hallway clear of ‘life’ can mean the difference between a sale and a fail. It will also offer some kind of assurance to your potential buyer that if the little things are taken care of, then so are the big things. They will trust that the structure of the house was taken care of as much as the facade.

Decorate
You don’t have to go crazy buying new furniture for your staging. Identify key areas that need the most sprucing and insert an item or two. It could be as simple as a bud vase or getting new sheets to match the bedroom paint. Picture frames and woven baskets add a ‘welcome home’ atmosphere and are ideal for temporarily covering imperfections.

When you are ready to list your home, call me for a complimentary assessment of your property. As a professional John R Wood Real Estate Agent, I have been trained in the fine art of presentation and I can help make your home shine.

 

For more information please visit my website.

Ave Maria and Del Webb Naples

My husband and I took advantage of the beautiful day and took a drive out to Ave Maria and Del Webb Naples Sunday afternoon.  It had been a little while since our last visit and we wanted to see how the town was progressing.

Ave Maria is the newest town and neighborhood that Collier county can now call a success.  The pristine environment and the amenities make this town a “Top of the List” area to visit when in SW Florida this winter.

Del Webb was busy for a summer afternoon.  The golf course was active and the sales center had a number of visitors looking for their new winter oasis here in the warmth.  We had a chance to tour their new models and floor plans and there is something for everyone and every lifestyle.

The town of Ave Maria was all a bustle, with the university in full swing, the Oratory celebrating their Sunday services and the shops open for visitors and residents alike in La Piazza, the town center.  From kindergarten through to university, along with incomparable recreational amenities, including a water park, baseball fields and so much more.  Ave Maria is now on the map.