Jim Shaw Realtor Naples Florida Luxury Properties

Newsletter-July 2009

Naples Area News, Real Estate & Trends

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Brett Brown, NABOR, President, 239/948-4292

Marcia Albert, NABOR, Manager of Events & Marketing, 239/216-4148

SUMMER CONTINUES TO BE STRONG

Report Shows 15-Month Inventory Trend Line Continuing To Decrease

NAPLES, Fla.-July 17, 2009- Naples area market activity continued to improve in June, closing out the second quarter of 2009 with encouraging signs for a good summer of housing 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).

Inventory decreased 14 percent to 9,681 in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 11,211 in the first quarter of 2009. "Inventory and the average days on the market continue to decline as the Naples housing market continues to show signs of improvement," acknowledged John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services.

The average days on the market decreased 19 percent to 161 in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 198 in the second quarter of 2008.

"Pending and closed sales increased in every geographic area in the second quarter of 2009 as homebuyers see the value in all of Naples areas and are taking advantage of the favorable environment," stated Bill Poteet, President of Poteet Properties.

The second 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 a 92 percent increase with 2,989 in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 1,558 in the second quarter of 2008. Properties under $300,000 saw a 179 percent increase, with 2,193 pending sales in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 785 in the second quarter of 2008.

Single-family homes sales increased 48 percent with 1,093 in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 737 in the second quarter of 2008.

Condo sales increased 26 percent with 942 in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 747 in the second quarter of 2008.

Statistics for June 2009 also showed large increases in sales. "Overall pending sales in the 2 million and over category increased 85 percent from June 2008 compared to June 2009," stated Jo Carter, President of Jo Cater & Associates.

"This indicates that not only properties under $300,000 are selling, but significant increases in the higher end of home sales are also being seen."

According to Bill Coffey, Branch Manager of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, "Pending sales for properties over $300,000 increased 37 percent over last year. This marks month-to-month gains in pending sales over $300,000, for the last two months respectively, showing that the high end market is returning."

Overall home sales for the 12 months ending June 2009, increased 40 percent year-over-year to 5,675 from 4,067.

The June 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:

The average days on the market decreased 18 percent to 161 compared to 196 in June 2008.

Overall pending home sales for properties under $300,000 saw a 187 percent increase with 755 in June 2009 compared to 263 in June 2008.

Overall single-family pending sales saw a 135 percent increase, with 615 in June 2009 compared to 262 in June 2008.

Condo sales saw a 52 percent increase with 329 in June 2009 compared to 216 in June 2008.

The overall median closed price for properties over $300,000 decreased only 2 percent to $548,000 for the 12 months ending June 2009, from $557,000 for the 12 month ending June 2008.

The median refers to the middle value in a set of statistical values that are arranged in ascending or descending order, in this case prices at which homes were actually sold. It should be noted that in any given period the median could vary greatly if there is an anomaly, a single sale that is significantly higher or lower than other properties in the area.

To view the entire June and second quarter report, go to 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.

•· The San Francisco-based real estate research company Trulia, Inc. reported last week that 24.6 percent of homes on the market in the United States as of July 1, have had at least one price cut, totaling $27.1 billion in reductions.

•· The company says the average price-reduced home has seen its listing price slashed by 10.4 percent, a moderate decrease from 10.6 percent as of June 1.

•· According to Trulia's market data, the top-10 cities with the largest percentage of price reductions, as of July 1, include:

•1. Jacksonville, Florida - 39 percent
2. Boston - 35 percent
3. Minneapolis - 33 percent
4. Milwaukee - 33 percent
5. Honolulu - 33 percent
6. Tucson, Arizona - 31 percent
7. Chicago - 31 percent
8. New York - 31 percent
9. Austin, Texas - 31 percent
10. Raleigh, North Carolina - 31 percent

•· AirTran will offer nonstop service between Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio and Fort Myers beginning in November. These flights fly five times per week initially and then daily.

•· The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club received the Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings magazine. This marks the sixth consecutive year the resort has captured this award, which is determined from corporate and association meeting planners.

•· FAC Wealth Management, LLC named top wealth manager for the fourth year! The Goldine Research as one of the leading Wealth Managers of the Southeast U.S.

•· The Sports Council of Collier County, a non-profit that works in partnership with hoteliers, the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department and the county's tourism bureau scores big for Naples! The fiscal year, business is up more than 60 percent, from October to June. The direct economic impact from sports events was estimated at more than $2.2 million. The Sports Council has brought in every kind of sporting event from beach volleyball tournament, soccer, softball and little leagues, lacrosse, to a Formula One boat challenge. More than 100 sporting events have been held.

•· Bicycle-friendly Naples. The Pathway Advisory Committee for the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization has applied for the designation of Bicycle-Friendly Community. The designation is awarded by the League of American Bicyclists would be good for Naples. Marco Island and Lee County are also applying for this same designation. The committee says receiving this designation would possibly increase property values, help businesses and increase tourism and transportation benefits.

•· Both Ritz-Carlton resorts in Naples have achieved the Two Palm designation under Florida's Green Lodging program. The voluntary program recognizes environmentally conscious hotels and resorts. These two resorts are the first Ritz-Carlton's in Florida to achieve the Two Palm designation. The Florida Green Lodging program was launched in March 2004. For information visit: www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

•· There's a new animal taking the stage at the Naples Zoo. It's a baby Cape porcupine from sub-Saharan Africa, born a few months ago at the zoo. She can be seen at the Planet Predator show daily at noon. She is the first porcupine to be born at the zoo in 30 years.

•· Lely Resort Golf and Country Club has been named by "Where to Retire Magazine" as one of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities. Lely Resort has been selected among several hundred candidates across the country due to its superior building quality, outstanding architecture and unsurpassed lifestyle. Lely offers 13 neighborhoods and a variety of new home products ranging in price from $100,000 to more than $1 million. Please let me know if you are interested in more information on Lely Resort.

JIM'S EDITORIAL

Golf is a big deal in Southwest Florida. The real estate recession has taken its toll on some new golf course communities down here. Negative press has brought to light several of the problems the developers are facing and how it impacts their equity golf members.

Important information for you to know is the problem has been confined to new, equity golf communities and not in bundled golf communities. Southwest Florida has both of these types to choose from.

So if you are interested in buying in a golf course community it is my advice to ask is it equity or bundled golf?

New Retailers:

•· Deck the Halls event planning firm has a new studio located at 1998 Trade Center Way. They coordinate individual and corporate events, as well as weddings, galas, and holiday décor in Naples and Washington D.C. Information: www.DecktheHallsNaples.com/ or call 239-594-9358.

•· Lowe's is planning on opening an 116,000 square foot store at the shops at Eagle Creek. The shopping center is on the SW corner of U.S. 41 East & Collier Blvd. The new store will employ approximately 175 and will be their second store in Collier County. Plans are to open in the fourth quarter of 2010.

NEW RESTAURANTS:

•· Authentic French bistro opens in Miromar Outlets. Bon Appétit French Bistro serves sandwiches, salads, soups, quiches, tarts, pastries and changing entrees such as lobster bisque and boeuf Bourguignon. Sandwiches will be made on French baguettes with dough that comes directly from France and will be baked in the restaurant. For more information www.MiromarOutlets.com/

•· Carl's Classic Café house specialty is barbecue. The menu features pulled pork sandwiches, pork loin, and St. Louis style ribs. All BBQ is smoked on the premises. The daily specials include Southern home cooking featuring such items as fried chicken, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, turkey and stuffing and beef stew. It is located at 5307 Shirley Street. Information 239-593-5006.

•· Blue Fish Japanese Sushi opened at 5425 Airport-Pulling Rd. They pride themselves in having the best salad dressing in town, one of a kind. Try their Hibachi bar for a fun experience. Fresh fish served daily. Information: www.BlueFishNaples.com/ or 239-596-6688.

Update on Listings, Pending Contracts, and Closed Sales for June, 2009 vs. 2008:

Bonita Springs & Estero Areas:

Year	2008	2009	Difference
Listings	3,049	2,614	-435
Pending Contracts	101	145	+45
Closed Sales	111	162	+51

Naples Area:

Year	2008	2009	Difference
Listings	10,468	8,580	-1,888
Pending Contracts	358	658	+300
Closed Sales	415	710	+295

Source: Naples Area Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service

NEW FEATURES FOR YOU ON MY WEBSITE

Are you looking for a condo in Park Shore or Pelican Bay? On my home page it's as easy as clicking on a photo and all the current Listings will appear for your review.

Or maybe you want a place in an equity golf course community or a bundled golf course community? Click on the Buyers navigation button and you can look at all the current Listings!

THANK YOU:

Thank you to Dr. Jay Lang for referring his colleague to me. Thank you to Roger Hetrick for referring his neighbor to me. Thank you to Nancy Straub for referring her friend to me. And a thank you to Flora Schultz for referring her friends to me.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TRIVA:

The location of the Naples Chamber of Commerce has come full circle. In 1928, it was located in approximately the same spot as the Chamber's Visitors' Center of today.

UNTIL NEXT MONTH:

Our nation celebrated Independence Day this month. The signatures on the Declaration of Independence were men of vision and courage. As chronicled on www.history.com/ and many other places, the 56 men who signed the Declaration paid a huge price. "Nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured and imprisoned, in each case with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons or entire families. One lost his 13 children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Yet not one defected or went back on his pledged word. Their honor, and the nation they sacrificed so much to create, is sti

Florida home resales up in May but prices drop.

Single family home resales were up by 16 percent in May over the same month in 2008.

The median price had fallen nearly a third from about $204,000 a year ago to a little more than $144,000 this year.

Hey, Buyers, opportunity only knocks once.

Newsletter-June 2009

Naples Area News, Real Estate & Trends

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Brett Brown, NABOR, President, 239/948-4292

Marcia Albert, NABOR, Manager of Events & Marketing, 239/216-4148

SALES UP IN ALL AREAS

Report Shows 10 Percent Inventory Reduction

NAPLES, Fla.-June 12, 2009- May home sales in all Naples geographic areas showed a substantial increase over 2008, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR). The report, tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

Overall pending home sales in the greater Naples Area, which includes Naples Beach, North Naples, Central Naples, South Naples, East Naples, Immokalee, and Ave Maria, saw an increase of 101 percent with 1,029 units in May 2009 compared to 511 in May 2008.

"Pending sales in all geographic areas increased at least 50 percent from May 2009 compared to May 2008," stated Jo Carter, President of Jo Carter & Associates. "This is encouraging as all areas are seeing conditions improve, not just a select few."

"The market continues to trend upward, with an increase in sales and a reduction in inventory. Home sales increased 36 percent to 5,446 for the 12 months ending May 2009, compared to 4,005 for the 12 months ending May 2008," stated John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services.

The available inventory decreased 10 percent to 10,046 in May 2009 compared to 11,175 in May 2008.

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 home sales for properties under $300,000 saw a 177 percent increase, with 5,160 pending for the 12 months ending May 2009 compared to 1,860 for the 12 months ending May 2008.

-The average days on the market decreased 24 percent to 155 in May 2009 compared to 203 in May 2008.

-Single-family home sales increased 53 percent with 383 in May 2009 compared to 251 in May 2008; single-family pending home sales saw a 110 percent increase with 603 in May 2009 compared to 287 in May 2008.

-Condo sales saw a 24 percent increase with 313 in May 2009 compared to 253 in May 2008.

-"A traditional market recovery begins in the lower priced end of the market, and gradually works its way up to the higher price ranges. This trend is now occurring in the Naples area, as the volume of pending sales that are scheduled to close is rising in every price segment," acknowledged Phil Wood, President of John R. Wood REALTORS®.

-According to Tom Bringardner, President of Premier Properties, "Over the last several months, we have not seen a precipitous drop in the median price for properties over $300,000." For the 12 months ending May 2009, the median price for properties over $300,000 decreased only 1 percent to $550,000 compared to $555,000.

-The median refers to the middle value in a set of statistical values that are arranged in ascending or descending order, in this case, prices at which homes were actually sold. It should be noted that in any given period the median could vary greatly if there is an anomaly, a single sale that is significantly higher or lower than other properties in the area.

-To view the entire May report, go to 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.

-FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER'S $8,000 TAX CREDIT

•· It is available to first-time home buyers only, but that means people who have not owned a home in the past three years. The home must be the principal residence and there is a recapture provision if one moves out or sells before the end of three years.

•· It is limited by income and starts to phase out for individuals at $75,000 and couples filing jointly at $150,000. The credit completely phases out at $95,000 and $170,000 respectively.

•· It expires on November 30, 2009. For existing home buyers you must close by that date, for new construction buyers you must occupy by that date.

•·
It is not available directly at the closing table, though a number of states are creating bridge loan programs. So far, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas have or expect to have bridge loan programs up and running. There are other ways to leverage the credit at closing, but you must close before you can claim the credit.

•· One does not need to wait till 2010 to claim the credit. One can claim it on their 2008 taxes by filing an amended return after they close on their home. If one has not filed yet, they can claim it on their return due April 15th or file for an extension. The credit is 10% of the price of the home or $8,000, whichever is less. If more than one eligible person is making the purchase, the credit must be divided. In other words, it is up to $8,000 per home purchased, not per first-time home buyer. So if two eligible buyers buy a home together, they must split the credit. The same is true for a married couple filing separately. Best of all, the credit is refundable, which means even if one does not owe taxes or is entitled to a refund, the credit is added to the refund.

•· There aren't many restrictions on the type of home, even houseboats are included; however, one cannot purchase a home from a close relative.

Zillow Real Estate Market Reports

First Quarter: January-March 2009

•· U.S. home values continued to slide for the ninth consecutive quarter, declining 14.2 percent from a year ago, and falling 21.8 percent since the market peak in 2006. Additionally, one-fifth (21.9%) of all homeowners in the United States is in negative equity, and one in five homes sold in the past 12 months was a foreclosure.

Zillow Q1 Real Estate Market Reports track 161 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) throughout the U.S., identifying market trends including, but not limited to: five and 10-year annualized change, negative equity, short sales and foreclosure transactions.

•· The School District of Collier County is an "A" school district, so designated by the State of Florida Department of Education (DOE). "We invite the community to join us in celebrating our grade," says Superintendent Dennis L. Thompson. "The "A" gives us cause to rejoice," adds Chief Instructional Officer Martha Hayes. The district has maintained a "B" since district grades were first given in 2004, and last year was two points shy of receiving an "A."

•· Starting in July Northwest Airlines will provide nonstop service to New York's LaGuardia Airport from SW Florida International airport. Northwest Airlines plans to offer the service five days a week.

•· Collier Area Transit (CAT) will start testing a state-of-the-art hybrid bus for two weeks beginning June 15. Collier County commissioners approved the use of the 31-foot "Hybrid Ride." The test bus is a 2009 International 3200 diesel-electric bus built by Champion. The county is hoping to save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on fuel savings with reduced emissions.

•· The new Collier County Emergency Services Center is a Category 5-resistant building with 100 percent back-up electrical power. It cost $56 million, $3.2 million of which was provided by federal and state grant money. It is located at 8075 Lely Cultural Parkway in East Naples. The new center is 17.5 feet above sea level and all critical components are at least 23 feet above sea level. The center will coordinate emergencies for hurricanes, wildfires, pandemics and other public safety emergencies. Some of the 130,000 square foot center's features include a 185-foot communications tower, a large room for tracking storms and planning human services, government and public safety responses; a media briefing room; break-out rooms for training; and the capability to add a fifth floor. Two generators are run by locomotive engines that can power the center for up to two weeks, if necessary.

•· All aboard! Join in the fun. It's a celebration of Naples. On the first Tuesday of each month you can hop on a Naples Trolley and be taken to places like Fleming's Steakhouse or Ruth's Chris will provide drink and appetizer specials while artwork from Alan Brown Gallery will be on display in each of the locations. Fleming's Steakhouse, Shula's Steakhouse and Ruth's Chris Steak House are among the stops for the first trolley hop. In celebration of the first Trolley Hop on June 2nd, all locations will be providing complimentary hors d'oeuvres for "hoppers" between 5 PM and 9 PM.

•· Bistro 821 at 821 Fifth Ave. South in Naples is now open from 11 AM to 3 PM for lunch. The bar will remain open and appetizers and burgers will be available until dinner. Information 239-261-5821.

New Retailers:

A new home decor specialty store has arrived in Bonita Springs. Art Etc. opened in Bonita Commons along U.S. 41, two miles north of Bonita Beach Rd in the space vacated by the Picture Factory. The 13,000 square foot store offers a wide variety of wall art, lamps, mirrors, accent furniture and accessories. For information call 239-390-0061 or email tgrace@artetcfla.com.

Woof Gang Bakery opens in Berkshire Commons. It is a one-stop shop for pet necessities as well as stylish accessories, including gourmet dog treats, premium pet foods, and collars, leads, toys, bowls and distinctive doggie spa products. It is located next door to First Watch restaurant. For information email cara@woorfangbakery.com or visit www.Woof-GandBakery.com

Brooks Village, a new retail center at the southwest corner of Pine Ridge Rd. & Collier Blvd. has opened. It offers Publix Supermarket, Walgreen's, Hair Cuttery, Lovely Nail, China Star, Bank of America, Mr. Cleaners and Golden Gate Chiropractic Center.

NEW RESTAURANT:

Piola at The Mercato in Naples has opened. Founded in Treviso, Italy, in 1986, Piola currently operates five pizzeria locations in the U.S. New York, Miami, Miami Beach, Hallandale Beach and Washington, D.C.-in addition to locations in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Their food is rigorously Italian specializing in thin-crust brick oven pizzas prepared with homemade dough and original combinations of the freshest ingredients. Piola also offers a selection of fresh made salads, Carpaccio and Italian pastas. Open for lunch and dinner. Information call 239-592-5056.

Update on Listings, Pending Contracts, and Closed Sales for May, 2009 vs. 2008:

Bonita Springs & Estero Areas:

Year	2008	2009	Difference
Listings	3,133	2,734	-399
Pending Contracts	98	226	+128
Closed Sales	174	151	-23

Naples Area:

Year	2008	2009	Difference
Listings	10,766	9,014	-1,752
Pending Contracts	310	906	+596
Closed Sales	420	652	+232

Source: Naples Area Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service

NEW COMMUNITIES (PRE-CONSTRUCTION & PRE-DEVELOPMENT)

If you are looking for the preverbal "Steal," then let me assist you in buying a home/condo that has been built by a developer but not yet sold. Developers are offering unbelievable steals/deals. Call me at 239-248-6690 to discuss how you can plug-into one of these deals!

THANK YOU:

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Steve Michaels' for using my services to purchase their new condo in Pelican Bay. And thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Gustavson for using my services to purchase their new golf condo in Heritage Bay. Thank you to Dom Varricchio for referring another friend to me.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TRIVA:

Housed in the former Atlantic Coastline Railroad depot, the Museum is home to the history of Southwest Florida. Paleo Indians, the Calusa, the Seminoles, Spanish explorers, and early settlers are just a few of the people you will meet as you view our exhibits and displays. Come face-to-face with the 12 foot Giant Sloth, see what Fort Myers looked like and see how boating and fishing transformed Southwest Florida and more. Visitors can explore the museum in depth thanks to a new Audio Tour in both English and Spanish that includes oral histories from a Fort Myers native! Peek inside an authentic replica pioneer "Cracker" house, see a 1926 La France fire pumper, and step aboard a 1929 private Pullman rail car with three staterooms, a dining car for 8 and Cuban Mahogany and brass fixtures! Visitors to the museum will also be treated to a lovely stroll in front of the museum thanks to a new park planted by the city and a memorial to fallen comrades in arms by the Combat Infantryman's Association. In addition to an annual traveling exhibit, the museum also offers Escorted Day Trips to other cultural and historical sites around South Florida December - April and downtown Walking Tours of Ft. Myers January - April every Wednesday where people will learn about the legends and lore that built Fort Myers. Stop by the museum shop for souvenirs and one-of-a-kind items provided by local artisans and crafters. Located at 2031 Jackson Street, Fort Myers. Phone 239-321-7430.

UNTIL NEXT MONTH:

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane

Naples Area:

Year	2008	2009	Difference
Listings	11,295	9,614	-1,681
Pending Contracts	472	717	+245
Closed Sales	420	607	+187

Inventory is declining, pending contracts and sales are increasing.

Sales continue to be lead by foreclosures and short sales. However, signs of strength are beginning to be noticed with sales other than distressed sales.

Have a fun weekend without emptying your bank account in Naples!

Marriott Residence Inn has a $99 per night weekend rate that includes free

breakfast, and four tickets to the Sun & Fun Lagoon Water Park,

or a 2-hour cruise aboard the Naples Princess.

The hotel is located at 4075 U.S. 41 N. in Naples.

If you take advantage of this great deal and want to learn more about Naples real estate give me a call!

Call 239-659-1300 for more hotel information