Carol Sheehy (Maiden Name: Hanson)

Last October, I had a customer who was in the process of buying a single family home, when the stock market crashed. I had written in a three day rescission period for him to review the home owner's association's financial postition. (He was concerned about the health of the community.) During this review period, all heck took place in the world and the stock market fell to a record low. It was really touch and go as to whether the buyer wanted to proceed or not on the contract.

My customer said,"What if the stock market does not come back? I have already lost so much money. I cannot afford to have the whole system fall apart." I would like to take credit for the solution, but my customer found the answer to the problem. He had me draft an amendment that said, "He would pay X amount more for the home if the stock market were over 9000 points on October 31,2009 and he would owe nothing more if the stock market were under 9000 points on Halloween.

The world looks better today. The stock market and our economy seems to be going the right direction. My customer will most likely have to pay more for the home at the end of the month but he is in a better financial position and he protected himself from a catastrophic situation. It was a very cool amendment!

Just a quick plug for the real estate market. We have seen inventory drop from an excess of 4 years to 2 years. There are still a lot of deals out there, but experts say we are very close to the bottom. Call me if you are interested in buying or selling your property. We are looking for listings! I can be reached at (800) 817-8499 Carol Sheehy.

You can have fun in this town and spend a lot of money. This blog's purpose is to propose current offerings that are reasonably priced as follows:

October Happenings

• Halloween is totally fun on 5th Avenue. Do go out and look at the crazies after 10:30 pm by walking the street. Miromar Outlets in Estero will have a bit Mall-o-ween from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• PLAN TO ATTEND THE TRINITY BY THE COVE'S CHURCH MOUSE SALE ON 10/31. It is held in the church at Port Royal. It is a blast to see the merchandise and enjoy the upscale setting.
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and fun raisers are everywhere. Saks Fifth Avenue will have their event on 10/15-18. Third Street will give back a portion of their profits the entire month.
• It is the start of Stone Crab season. Do you know what they use to catch the crabs in the traps? Pig's Feet! This is a cool seafood because they only take one leg and throw the rest back to live another day.]
• Check out the Collier County Fairgrounds on a Saturday morning for some of the freshest seafood and best prices for you to prepare at home.
• www.TheFreshGarden.com provides organic produce delivered to your home.
• This may be your year to attend The Naples Winter Wine Festival. Due to the economy tickets are easier to come by. Give it a try.
• Attend mass at Ave Marie and see the town. The church is exceptional and the town interesting. The city was started with Domino's pizza money. The cornerstone of the area is the Catholic faith, but of course everyone is welcome.
• Chef's Market at Bayfront is on 10/21 with fresh produce, music and demonstrations.
• October 23-November 1 attend the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival with speakers, races, and fishing activities. Riverfest in Bonita Springs athe Riverside Park from 10/23-24 is part of this celebration. Call (239) 433-3855 or go to www.Calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com
• Marco has art exhibits the rest of the month at the Blue Mangrove Gallery (239) 393-2405 and the Marco Island Executive Airport at (239) 263-8242.

Naples' pre-season kicks off in October. Snowbirds come back to play golf and regroup. This time of year there still are specials in many of the restaurants and the town is buzzing.

On-Going Fun Places

• Mark your calendar for the first Friday of the month at Mercato. They have a band at the green and bargains at all the restaurants.
• Haskell's has wine tastings on the second Thursday of each month. Cost $10.00 a person with $5.00 towards a purchase.
• McCormick and Schmick's at Mercato Place has $2.00-$4.00 appetizers from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the bar. Stop at Whole Foods for an after dinner treat.
• The Happy Hours M-F at Brio's and Bricktop are great! Brio's has appetizers in the bar from 5-6 for $3.00 each. Bricktop's has 1/2 priced drinks from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and special dinners.
• The Naples Grande Hotel has a great deal on Fridays. You can get a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne that usually sells for $21.00 for $3.00 between 3:00 pm and 4:00pm, $6.00 between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm and it goes for $9.00 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Cosmos are $5.00. Free appetizers are passed from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• BoneFish Grill's Happy Hour is amazing! Wine averages $2.50 a glass. They will take reservations for 25% of their tables. Plan ahead. This place is packed in season.
• Randy's Fish Market has 1/2 priced appetizers during happy hour that are a meal!
• Farmer's Market is Saturday mornings behind Tommy Bahama's downtown even during the summer.

Happy! Happy! Call if you have any questions about local happenings or real estate. I can be reached during business hours at (800) 817-8499 or (239) 340-9300. Carol Sheehy