Jill Kushner

Reading in the newspaper today, I see that we should expect a little more rain during our drought season. The El Nino climate phenomenon will also bring more cold fronts emanating from our northern states!

Hooray! I say to all this weather news! A tinge cooler, to me, means glorious. Add to that a little rain (less fires)and I can see perfect economic forecast for Southwest Florida. Recently I have had several couples, probably in their 50’s, decide to look very seriously at a second home purchase in Bonita Springs. What with historically low mortgage rates, homes being offered at fantastic prices, and a cold northern winter, a perfect storm seems to be in the making!

Our contractors are hungry for business, competitive and available. Even our retailers have been humbled by the market and are offering terrific discounts and swift delivery. Having lived here for over 25 years, I truly can’t remember a time when all the new buyer’s goals are met and most of the dreams that inspire a purchase of a high rise condo, villa or coach home.

What I love about being a Realtor is accompanying people who have been dreaming about a home purchase in Southwest Florida for years. Often with very modest intentions they come to realize that maybe, just maybe that this palace thought to be well out of their financial reach is indeed possible.

Then following that comes their initial awe-inspired moment (and I get to be the observer) when validation of all their hard work and years of perseverance rush them as they walk through the door of their new home. Whatever were the conditions that made that moment possible, economic or weather, I am very grateful to be a part of that process.

High Rise Living: Amenity-rich & Maintenance-free

Why do people love living in a high rise?

The high rise makes a perfect second home. The high rises found in The Colony, for example, are designed specifically for people who don't want the aggravations typically associated with homeownership. Live-in managers mind the day to day operations of the building including the amenities. And most are staffed with privacy officers who receive residents, their guests, vendors, and mail while monitoring the all the shared spaces around the building and in the garage. High rise dwellers worry not about lawns to mow, pools to clean, and when something breaks, there's an instant fix.

Typically once a month, staff is directed to check all the mechanicals in each residence confirming everything is operational and no problems have arisen. A cleaning and maintenance schedule is strictly followed for exterior windows and common areas so that the building is consistently operating at its optimum and always looking its best.

High rise residents are informed in advance of the fees associated with high rise living which is itemized within the annual budget. Fees also include insurance which typically covers what happens outside the unit walls and includes the overall building structure. Residents typically buy a content insurance policy, covering furniture, art, clothing, etc., within their residence.

We are very fortunate to have great building managers at The Colony high rises. They are adept at building policy set forth by the owners, protecting owners, among other things, by prohibiting entry to vendors who are not properly licensed. Building manager's oversee staff who is responsible for logging in all who enter the building, report any abuses to common areas and to hold in the highest regard the privacy of each resident. High rise residents who are "up north" in their primary residences are encouraged to communicate with the building managers when they are planning to arrive and depart the building, lending an additional sense of belonging and communication.

The virtual autonomy presented in high rise is excellent for those who are here in intervals. They can maintain an exercise regimen, as most of the newer high rises offer state-of-the-art fitness equipment. A very proactive social calendar is kept so when residents are in, they are invited to join in on the parties, card groups, book clubs and golf outings. Advance of arrival, the resident can call The Colony's Concierge service and request everything from having their refrigerator stocked, to housekeeping services, airport pick up and it goes on, ad infinitum. Guest suites are also within the building and provide a more private alternative for resident's guests who'd prefer a cozier option to a stay in a hotel.

The newer Colony high rises, such as Treviso, LaScala, Palermo, Navona and Florencia, offer the latest fashion, the private elevator entry; opening right to the home's foyer. There are no hallways and this lends to a greater sense of privacy. I am fond of saying to those inquring, "this is your private home in the sky".

So often I represent people with one spouse still working in their northern community. (The spouse is living in their high rise home while the other commutes for business in intervals.) The high rise option provides a needed sense of security while she may be singly in residence during his commitments. Also single individuals like this maintenance-free living, giving them full freedom to travel with the assurance that the high rise staff is "minding the ship" in their absence.

And the views, the scenery is absolutely beyond compare...this is part you have to see for yourself!

Castella, The Colony's Price Leader? Nostalgic feelings reading my notes from an early Castella planning collaborative, I remembered back when it was only but an idea.

We, who had the opportunity to sell high rise homes in The Colony and for the developer, were acutely aware and all in agreement that we needed an alternative to the high rise offering. But what? High rises staked claim to The Colony's premier offering-waterfront property. However, we did have this one large parcel, that was not really appropriate for a high rise...waterfront, surrounded by protected land on all sides. Could there be a new and different Colony neighborhood on the horizon?

Castella was about to be born! Feedback from prospects were submitted to the architect who along with the engineers designed 3 mid-rise buildings surrounding a beautiful resort-style pool, complete with lagoons, spa, and palm trees providing intermittent shade. The unique neighborhood would spread out over many acres and sculpted foliage would line the meandering path leading to the retreat.

Anxiously, this soon-to-be resident was depositing on his future home, pre-construction priced (in other words, discounted), starting at $745,000-1.545,000. Demand was strong.

Castellahad then made her debut. Majestic elevations, a personality all her own. Each building perfectly punctuated with elaborate wrought iron ornaments and front doors. A tidy genteel water feature welcomed as you entered each building. The atriums had far exceeded everyone's expectations soaring stories high...open, inviting.

The lanai spaces were endless, overlooking the beautiful landscape and so close to the Key deer, the vibrant pink color of the Roseate spoonbill. The sunsets were as magnificent as we dreamed. Quiet and perfect. I could hardly wait to bring the new owners in to see their lovely homes.

Unfortunately, a new real estate market also emerged. October of 2006, reservationists came to take possession of their new Castella homes. It was not without investors. People who only wanted to invest in someone else's dream and planned to "flip" the property upon completion.

The less-than-stellar market performance of 2007 had come and gone. The developer, without intention, had become a property manager of more than a couple dozen (now)unsold residences.

I was inspired to write this because I know quite intimately that Castella was never intended to be The Colony's price leader. It is a true gem; rare and unique.

Today Castella residents who paid the premium are neighboring (very fortunate) residents who paid much less. Of 72 residents, only 6 are for sale. And we will all agree, offered far below their intended worth. If you haven't seen it, come take a look and grab one at these unbelievable offerings.

We who love Castella know that beyond the price you pay for something, there is this invaluable serene feeling that overcomes you when family and friends gather around the most beautiful pool setting in The Colony. Enjoying the solitude while sitting on the lanai, observing the surrounding authentic Florida environs that no price could define. Regardless of all the highs and lows of market trends, the dream has been realized.