“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Shannon Lefevre Naples, Florida CRS

I Just Closed My First "Site Unseen" Transaction Since 2005!

Naples, Florida buyers are definitely feeling more confident about our Naples, Florida real estate market. So much in fact that my latest buyer purchased his Naples condo without actually seeing it before he closed. Now I must admit, it wasn't a super big deal...ok it was very small for Naples, Florida standards but it isn't the size that counts for this post, it's the confidence.

Once touted as "The Most Overpriced Market On The Planet" or some crazy nonsense like that by some of the national "who cares" media sources, Naples, Florida is seeing quite a bit of activity from our greatest fans.

What deems someone to be considered a Naples, Florida "great fan".

Let me break it down for you:

1. They know Naples, Florida...and they LOVE it.

2. They know Naples has seen a better day in real estate but they don't hold it against her...ie. Feel emotionally disenchanted by what she has to offer.

3. They may not know Naples but after about 15 minutes of conversation, they "get Naples". If further education is required...they are probably not a "Naples greatest fan" and they may never "get" Naples.

4. They are not easily swayed even with the oodles of negative press about our town with our lovely local paper doing just about whatever it takes to "sell papers", Naples greatest fans tend to shut their ears when it comes to too much drama about our marketplace.

So how do you spot a "Naples Greatest Fan"? You can find them all over 5th Avenue and 3rd Street either dining in our restaurants or shopping in our stores. But, you can easier identify them right at about sunset on any street close to the beach. I've been riding my bike down Gulfshore Boulevard the last couple of nights and I've never noticed how many people come out about that time to take a short stroll to the beach to say farewell to another beautiful Naples day by enjoying our magnificent sunsets. Truly spectacular and....if you think it's just another sunset and there will be one tomorrow...you may not be a "Naples Greatest Fan".

A Great Naples fan is also not someone who will give up their property easily. Even when the market is not at it's peak, many sellers have a mindset that if the sale doesn't happen today, that's ok, it's seasonand if at the worst it means they get to enjoy their own Naples home or condo, well....that's ok for them too because those special Naples properties come at a price and many will wait for theirs.

For me, I am one of Naples, Florida's greatest fans. I've lived here for nearly 6 years and never grow tired of weary of her beauty!

If you'd like a piece of Naples, Florida, be sure to give me a shout and allow me to introduce you to some of the best Naples, Florida real estate!

Did Pelican Bay Hit The Bottom Last Quarter? Some Signs Say Yes!

While preparing for a multitude of buyers who are planning a trip to Naples, Florida to purchase property in Pelican Bay, I have been doing quite a bit of research on properties currently available and recently sold listings in Pelican Bay. It's a known fact we don't know when the bottom has hit until we see prices increase and I must say I am overwhelmed with the sales results of the last 90 days!

I have been watching the Pelican Bay market very closely. As of November, 2007 Pelican Bay was showing closed sales prices were down 11% for the last 12 months. By December Pelican Bay Prices were showing down 12% for the last 12 months and as of today Pelican Bay prices are showing down 9% for the last 12 months.

If you are considering purchasing in Pelican Bay Naples, Florida. I encourage you to act now. There are still some deals to be had but they are in fact disappearing at an accelerated speed.

Here are several examples of recent sales and current active list prices to help you qualify my findings:

Barrington Club
A unit closed last October for $216.00 per square foot. The next one available is $296.00

Bay Colony Shores
Someone snagged an outstanding deal in Bay Colony Shores and scored a contract with a price per square foot of only $568.00. There's another terrific deal (and I do mean an absolute outstanding deal) for only $675.00 per square foot. Next one up is listed at $764.00 per square foot. If you are a builder or investor looking for a remodel project, call me immediately for an outstanding opportunity.
Bay Villas
We have another winner who landed their deal in Bay Villas for only $422.00 per square foot that closed on November 1, 2007. Next one up here is $485.00 per square foot.
Brighton at Bay Colony
There was a unit listed in there for only $814.00 per square foot but it went under contract in October of last year. Next one available is listed for $976.00 per square foot.
Cap Ferrat
A unit here was listed at only $457.00 per square foot. It went under contract on January 1, 2008. The next best selection is listed for $492.00 but it's on a lower floor...not as good of a deal compared to the one that's already gone.
Carlysle at Bay Colony
A unit in this building was listed for $871.00 it went under contract on January 2, 2008. The next and only unit available here is listed for $1,283.00 per square foot. WOW!
Marbella
Two units sold last October at $445.00 per square foot and $475.00 per square foot. Next unit available is listed for $567.00 per square foot.
Montenero
One unit listed at $542.00 per square foot went under contract on January 7, 2008. Next one available is listed at $660.00 per square foot.
Pelican Bay Woods
A terrific home sold in here on December 14, 2007 for only $304.00 per square foot. Another home went under contract on December 17, 2007 which was listed for only $263.00 per square foot and another home went under contract on December 12, 2007 that was listed for $378.00 per square foot.
Pointe Verde
A home in hear sold December 7, 2007 for $573.00 per square foot. Next one available is listed at $654.00.
Serendipity
511 Serendipity Dr. #511 Went under contract on December 5, 2007 and closed on January 2, 2008 for the terrific price of only $242.00 per square foot. There is another super deal listed right now for $285.00 per square foot but obviously it is not as good as the deal that is already gone. To view this home, call me today as it too could end up on the sold list shortly!

Toscana at Bay Colony
One sold here on December 5, 2007 for only $611.00 per square foot and there is only one left. The agent says she's working an offer as we speak.

Villa La Palma at Bay Colony
One sold in here on October 11,2007 for only $620.00. Next one available is listed for $780.00

Vizcaya at Bay Colony
ONe sold in here on November 5, 2007 for only $530.00 per square foot. Next one up is listed at $575.00
Windsor at Bay Colony
One sold here for $756.00 on October 1, 2007. The next one available is listed for $1,068!!!

More Pelican Bay Deals are still available but I have been in contact with several agents in Pelican Bay who are currently experiencing high showing volume and in some cases currently negotiating offers.

Contact me today for the best Pelican Bay deals!


Bay Colony Naples, Florida Real Estate Market Update!

Bay Colony Naples Florida - The most prestigious subdivision in Pelican bay offers luxurious Bay Colony high-rises, one mid-rise condominium, two villa communities, and two grand estate homes just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. Mangrove forests and pristine beaches border this exceptional community. Within walking distance you'll find the classic elegance of the Ritz-Carlton, The Philharmonic Center for the Arts, fine shopping at Waterside Shops, and fabulous dining.

Two stately gatehouses with highly protective security guards add extreme privacy to the exclusive Bay Colony Naples Florida community. All residents have access to the exquisite recreational amenities of Pelican Bay including membership opportunities to the Pelican Isle Yacht Club and Bay Colony Golf Club. There are endless lifestyle possibilities in this unsurpassed community.

If beach-front living is your preference, Bay Colony Naples Floridaoffers 12 beach-front homes located in The Strand at Bay Colony and 6 beachfront condominium towers. Remington, Windsor, Biltmore, Brighton, Carlsyle, and Contessa. There are 4 additional high rise condominium towers within a couple of blocks of the Bay Colony Beach Club called, Toscana, Marquesa, Salerno and Trieste along with 1 mid rise condominium building called Mansion La Palma.

For a luxurious lifestyle in a golf community setting, look to The Estates at Bay Colony Golf Club, located in Pelican Marsh in North Naples. This private, gated neighborhood is set within 280 acres of exquisite golf vistas, lakes, and the Cocohatchee Strand nature preserve. Only 75 custom homes are allowed in this unique, luxurious community. The 18-hole Robert von Hagge designed course has hosted the Senior PGA Tour championship for several years. Available amenities include the beach club, tennis club, and membership opportunities to Pelican Isle Yacht Club.

Although differentiating between Bay Colony Naples Florida and The Estates at Bay Colony Naples Florida can be confusing at first, just remember at the Estates at Bay Colony many of the lots are located on the golf course and the lots are "estate sized" compared to Bay Colony Naples Florida which is considered the Bay Colony by the beach or Pelican Bay's Bay Colony. For further information regarding either of these two fabulous properties, call Shannon. She's happy to assist.

Considering Selling In Bay Colony? Many subdivisions in Bay Colony are doing quite well despite whole market reports. Make sure you contact an agent who knows the difference or you could be leaving money on the table. With a few exceptions, Bay Colony is lacking in inventory with some high rise communities offering no inventory at all. The rule of supply and demand is certainly in favor for most Bay Colony home owners at this time. Contact me for further information.

Considering Purchasing In Bay Colony? You have great but few properties to choose from right now and some buyers are finding it difficult to identify properties meeting their needs. Please be advised Bay Colony is doing quite well right now on most Bay Colony home owners know this. This could be in direct reflection of the sophistication of this market and what Bay Colony has to offer so if you find something I advise you to put your best foot forward. Time is of the essence if you are attempting to negotiate a great deal. Consult a great Realtor before making low offers and assistance with finding the perfect Bay Colony property.

For further information or assistance with your Bay Colony purchase or sale, please contact Shannon Lefevre.

When It Comes To Naples Real Estate, What I See Is What You Get!

The flurry of web traffic is at an all time high (at least on my Naples, Florida real estate website) but more importantly, the calls and emails are really starting to come in which is a very exciting and welcome change. I'm sure it helps that the snow is flying and the temperatures up north are dropping so I wanted to take the time to let you know what you're in for when you call and or email me with questions about Naples, Florida real estate.

First, quite a few people are asking questions that are really a matter of opinion and of course my opinion Naples, Naples Florida, Naples Fl, Naples Florida real estate, Naples Homes For Sale, Naples Condo, Real Estate in Naples, Naples Florida Communities, Naples Home, Naples Golf, Naples Realtormight not be the same as someone else's but I'll share it with you and give you reasons why I think the way I do and try to provide as many examples or perhaps pictures, resources etc. to help you understand why I think the way I do.

One thing is for sure. I'm not going to sugar coat anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to give you a black eye either (especially you sellers out there). What I will do is give you some meaty answers to help you determine what your next plan of action is. Here's are a couple of examples:

1. I received a call yesterday from a gentleman (who rocked by the way). He gave me a brief synopsis of what he envisioned purchasing and as he spoke only 2 or 3 neighborhoods stood out. I told him about Bay Colony because I thought it would be the area he would be most happiest with and told him all the reasons why. (See when you describe what you're thinking my mind goes through all the Naples neighborhoods that might work and quickly sorts through your best options and I can typically nail a great location for you very fast.)

He seemed to be right in line with what we discussed. Then he asked about another area. I hesitated because I was searching for the appropriate words to use....when he chimed in.. now look Shannon, you have to tell me everything...it was playful but I could hear a tiny bit of seriousness in his voice when he explained that I needed to be completely honest with him. I assured him I would tell him everything but that I was looking for the right words when he said...no, I want to know exactly what came to your mind....what else could I do?...I said, Ok...compared to Bay Colony, it sucks...sorry. I heard a big sigh of relief and then he said...no that's what I wanted to know you can't hold anything back. My reply??? No worries, I'll tell you what I know but hey we've been talking for a whole 10 minutes and...he said, yeah but I read your whole blog (seriously??? All 120+ posts?). Hmmmm nothing like showing up to a party late. So moral of this story...I won't hold anything back but until I find out how casual you want me to be...well then it will be new acquaintance manners until we get to the next level...but I can assure you, the honesty will always be the same.

2. I had a lady who called from Long Island this afternoon. I answered the phone like I would answer if I knew Adam Waldman was calling because I recognized the area code and assumed it was him....(WRONG)

hhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The lady on the other end of the line said....uhm yes I'm looking at your website right now and I'm thinking about selling my house on Long Island and moving to Naples...(Adam, I gave her your name and number and she's supposed to be calling you even though she said she had already called some other agents...I have my fingers crossed for you).

Anyway she had lots of questions that were again a matter of opinion. I told her my feelings on the subject matter gave her some true life examples but again, it's not all rosy and cheery. Living in Naples is a beautiful experience but it is still a LIFE experience not like what it feels like to be on a long, paid vacation. I can tell you just about anything you might need to know about Naples and I'll tell you the good, bad and sometimes ugly. Then of course your turn is to determine whether or not you want to pull the trigger.

If you do decide to pull the trigger on Naples real estate, I can help you find your target!