Shannon Gilmore, Realtor® Naples Florida Real Estate

Village on Venetian Bay Naples Florida

Well it's that time again.... The first Thursday of every month brings the ever popular Village Nights at The Village at Venetian Bay .

This is a free event and is an opportunity to come down to The Village, shop, listen to some great live local entertainment, and have a bite to eat. Now who does not like a FREE event???? It is so important during these challenging economic times to come out and show our support to our local vendors! There are some great shops and almost always something on ....

The Village is centrally located here in Naples. Take Park Shore Dr off of Tamiami ( 41) to Gulf Shore Blvd. North. The Village can be accessed from either the right or left. There is a pedestrian walkway that connects the two sides and eliminates having to deal with traffic.

The surrounding Park Shore area is home to a variety of living options from Gulf front high rise to single family homes... Park Shore has it all; beaches, location, shopping, dining.....

As always when you need real estate help I am here At Home By The Gulf.

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Village on Venetian Bay Village Nights 10/2 10/1 /08

Yesterday my day was dominated by my cell phone. I had calls about listings, land, and what our market is doing. It was a noticeably busier day. I spoke to a colleague and she also had a lot of calls and appointments lined up. Hmmmm.....

I also had a call from my mother in-law who has property for sale. She also has money market accounts. I found what she had to say very interesting. What she said was....

I think I will hold onto my house ( it was for sale) and maybe buy more. I know where my money is ...I feel like it's ( her money) safer in the house, prices are low, and it is an investment. I have made money with the houses and land we have bought over the years.

Yesterday I also met up with an out of state buyer. She, on a whim, had flown down to check out the area. Her comments were also interesting....here is part of what she said:

Don't even get me started I am soooo sick of the stock market! I think now is a good time to buy.

I will remain cautiously optimistic.... (and am very interested to see if this trend continues)

What is happening with your market are you noticing any subtle changes?

For more information on market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Cautiously Optimistic 9/30/08

Are you familiar with the word Lanai? What is a Lanai ? How do you say it?

Here in Naples, Florida ( and other Florida towns) homes often have a Lanai. If you are unfamiliar with the word according to Wikipedia Lānaʻi (in Hawaiian pronounced [lɑːnɑʔi is a Hawaiian Island. Lanai (without the okina) is the Hawaiian word for a porch or balcony.

Since we are not in Hawaii, you guessed it the term is used here in Naples to describe a porch or living area. This area is often shared with a pool/spa and often (though not always )is enclosed by a large screen structure. It may incorporate a roof (covered area), fireplace, or outdoor kitchen. This " living area" is not counted in the living area square footage of a listing but will show in the total square footage on the MLS print out.

Beachwalk

I have some friends from New Jersey ( whom I love dearly) who refer to this area of the house as the LANN - I. They will tell you we pronounce it the same ... I'll say La/ nigh and they'll say that 's what we said... the LANN -I. In order for most Neopolitans to understand what you are talking about I would go with the La/nigh pronunciation to be safe.

So you say you have a home with a Lanai or you want a home with a Lanai? Here are some examples of what you might find.... They come in all shapes and sizes....

Belle Tara Ranch

Moorings

Imperial Golf

Often times outdoor living areas can be an asset. Sometimes however a lanai can be neglected. Some are simply amazing and sell the house; others are tired, bleak and need some tweaking.

With a few simple and inexpensive pieces you can make your lanai fabulous. Better yet have it help sell the house !

• Add Plants - a few plants go a long way. Check out Lowes, Home Depot or a local nursery. Try mixing different varieties of palms, some simple shrubs like Crotons, or ixora. Hibiscus are nice but always remember with flowering plants especially Hibiscus they drop their flowers daily and you need to clean them up. A nice potted plant can also add tremendously to the end tables or outdoor dining table. Hanging plants are also inexpensive and attractive . Choose carefully - ask yourself how often do I want to water? Does it need shade or love sun - ask an employee for help. Already have plants? Well are they in need of some fertilizing or repotting? A nice decorative pot can also spice up the area.

• Patio Furniture - Now is a great time to flip the cushions (fading) or visit local shops to check out the end of season sales. Several stores also have great outdoor throw pillows in some fabulous patterns and designs that can really add to your space. You might also want to wipe down your furniture, clean off the spider webs, throw out the torn cushions. Ask yourself would you want to sit on it? with white pants? Check out places like Pier 1 they have some really cool candles, glass holders, place mats, etc Make it inviting.

• Outdoor Accoustics & other Electronics -Maybe now is the time to install those outdoor speakers, upgrade your lighting or install the flat screen television. This area of improvement for reasons I can't explain seems to get the attention of men, whether buying or selling most think it's a good idea.

• Surfaces - Is it clean? Do you have a nice doormat in place? Have you considered adding an outdoor rug to an area that is out of the weather? Is it time to consider resurfacing or having the flooring painted? Are their cobwebs, dried leaves, holes in the screen? Is it time to clean the glass doors? windows? Perhaps it's time to hire someone to powerwash areas you cannot reach? Do you need to weed and mulch the area outside of your screens?

These are just a few tips on keeping your Lanai looking it's best. Now go put your feet up and enjoy your outdoor space! (Make mine with a lime ! )

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *What is a Lanai? 9/29/08

R.I. P. Rooster In Peace

Yesterday we overslept. Not something that usually ever happens at our house. At first I didn't think anything about it then when I went out to feed the horses I noticed it was really quiet.

Now if you know me or have ever called me at home when I'm outside then you know where this is going. Among the many animals at my house was also A.H. the Rooster. Often I'm asked " Is that a rooster I hear?"

He wasn't always charming and occasionally had real moments, but still he belonged to our little group. Some of my least favorite moments were normal rooster teenage moments. If you are at all familiar with roosters you know what I am talking about.

There are the moments when they start feeling their oats and run up behind you and try to jump on you and attack you ( usually chased off with a broom, a screech, and a few swear words). Then of course is the learning to crow part... it's a little like a young man's voice changing only 10x worse. It's like a strangled, screeching Cock- a - doodle- argh . Best part of all is once they find their voice they crow as much as possible at all hours of the night and day. The neighbors least favorite ( besides the learning to crow part) is the full moon crowing part. Ah yes full moon can often induce rooster insomnia that results in more crowing.

What I did like most about him was; eventually we reached an understanding ... You do not bite, jump or run after the hand that feeds you. He also finally figured his crowing out and reached reasonable wake up hours. I loved how he and the dogs liked to chase each other with the fence in between guaranteeing that both dog and rooster looked equally brave and ferocious, and neither meaning the other real harm. It was just a big game.

I liked that his best friend was my baby horse Blu. He and Blu were quite compatible and there were days when I thought I even saw him perched on Blu's back. When Blu dropped grain from his bucket A.H. was right there to gobble it up. When Fay brought floodwaters to Blu's corral and he was afraid to leave his tiny piece of high ground A.H. stayed right with him.

Blu

So it was with a heavy heart that I found the evidence that something had murdered our farm rooster A.H. I have had chickens for many years so it is something that happens but still is lousy. It made me sad to see he put up a valiant fight evidenced by the feathers. I wondered why I hadn't heard a thing. I am a very light sleeper as is my husband. No horses making odd noises, no dogs growling, and not a sound of his attack. I found the spot where the killer came under the fence and ultimately dragged him away. . It made me feel bad that I hadn't been able to do a thing. I guess life is like that sometimes... out of our control.

It's a little quieter these days and I'm not sure I like it ....

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *A little quieter... 9/28/08

If you know me you know I'm an outdoor girl! Being the weekend I like to try and squeeze in some fishing time. Don't worry I am sitting here now at an Olde Naples Open House so I still manage to balance both work and fun! Remember all work and no play makes for a burnt out Realtor®.

So here is some of what is happening on the local fishing front here in Naples. Fishing has been hot along the shore. The last week has been great! Sheepshead are being caught along the pilings & rocks with live bait (shrimp). Schools of Jacks have been going crazy and Snook are back in season ( Sept 1 -Dec 1). Limits are 1 per day 28 to 32 inches.

Snook are large and hanging out along the rock walls. Last weekend I watched a lady fly fishing off the beach. She caught a few nice big ones. When I was in the water I saw a few that startled me with their size ( don't you love when you see them swim by behind you?) They were picky however, and I did not have live bait with me.

Fishing Permits and Regulations

This morning I headed out early to Gordon's Pass and caught myself a nice Bluefish and a Lady Fish with a scented rubber shrimp. I had a few other hits and the Blue tore the lure up! I did see lots of finger mullet, & a few sharks on patrol. Later ( after I quit fishing) I watched the dolphin put on a good show, playing, chasing fish and jumping completely out of the water! Once the tide came close to high things went downhill. Nothing was happening. I talked to several anglers, no one was having any luck. It was fairly calm and overcast but no one was catching anything!

Then the tide turned and the action was back. Jack's hitting hard again, rubber shrimp, rapala's...Also spotted this afternoon a few rolling Tarpon & Yellowtail. My husband got spooled by something large...hmmm may have to get out there again tomorrow sometime.

If you have been out angling and have some great information to share please send me your news. I will include it and would love to see your fishing pictures as well.

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Naples Fishing Report 9/27/08