This Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples Market Report is prepared by Dottie Babcock, COO of John R. Wood REALTORS, Inc.
Here are some other interesting tidbits:
Attached is the market report for April for Naples, Bonita, Estero combined market areas. Closings and Pended Sales continued at a brisk pace as they have for the past several months. Properties priced below $250,000 continue to sell at an accelerated pace over other price ranges. Remember, that this category not only includes the bulk of short sales and foreclosures, but in many cases, also reflects sellers pricing to the current market, rather than holding on to 2004 and 2005 asking prices. Also, many of these properties are the ones priced much higher a year or so ago, so represent some great values.
It is noteworthy that the median sales price has essentially remained the same for four consecutive months. With less than a 3% variation in one of the months, median sales price has held steady at $190,000 since January 2009. This is in contrast to a $302,500 median price in April 2008, and may indicate that we have reached the bottom in pricing. As we have always stated in this report, pricing is very neighborhood and segment specific, so be sure to get current information on properties in which you may have an interest.
Another important fact to note this month is that with the exception of only two price segments, inventory is down in all segments when compared with April 2008. Condominiums and single family homes in the under $250,000 category and condominiums and homes in the $2,000,000 - $5,000,000 segment actually recorded increases in available inventory over 2008. All other categories show decreases, with the largest decreases in condominiums priced between $250,000 and $500,000 (down 25%) and single family homes priced between $500,000 and $750,000 (down 35%).
The market continues to strengthen and offers some great buying opportunities. Prices in general are below 2002 levels and represent the greatest values since pre-2000.
Best Regards,
Your Naples Smart Girl
Over the past couple of months I've had the luxury of having a listing in the Contessa at Bay Colony. If you haven't been there lately, you really need to check it out. Although the building was built in 1991, it has recently undergone a beautiful remodel both inside and out and shows extremely well.
The unit (1002) I have listed is EXCEPTIONAL. The current owners (who have been outstanding to work for) did a stunning remodel on their unit as well and had it furnished when they purchased back in 2005 so the whole living experience feels like brand new.
Contessa at Bay Colony offers 24 hour security which is a nice amenity and although the crime rate in Naples is near non existent, it's still a nice feature to have but what I've noticed more is how a security guard can almost be the soul first impression of a building.
Take for example, Wayne. When I first met Wayne, one of the security guards who works at Contessa, he was very polite but thorough. When I told him I was the listing agent for the unit, he took time to explain on the spot a few rules for me to remember and did so in a polite and efficient manner. In fact, over the last couple of months I've had a chance to watch Wayne at work. There's no mystery to me that the residents in Contessa are truly blessed by having him around. He's always friendly and has an answer for any question. He's always happy to help and really a ray of sunshine. I know my buyers and the other agents who are accompanying prospects are going to be treated fabulously and for a first impression, I don't think Contessa could have a better one.
I noticed about a week ago that Wayne wasn't on duty during days I expected to see him. I'm not one to question stuff like that because more so than anything, I tend to mind my own business. I noticed again that he wasn't around when I was there this week either. I started to get concerned for my buddy who once called me fat. Hey, I'm almost 8 months pregnant, I wasn't offended when he said it. He gave me a big hug afterward and always asks me how I'm feeling.
Today I was sitting in the parking lot after a showing getting ready to return a call when I heard someone outside my window. It was Wayne. He had dropped by for something and was on his way out again when he saw my car and thought he should come by, say hello and find out how I've been doing. He mentioned he was having a little health problem that was now taking time from him in the afternoons but he was still working in the morning. I was SO happy to see him and so sad to hear about his illness at the same time. He mentioned that he's not having any pain and assured me everything was going to be ok. I told him I'd do a better job with morning appointments from now on.
As I was driving to the office shortly after our brief conversation it hit me. That guy makes the Contessa at Bay Colony the most fabulous building on the Naples beachline and I am happy to have gotten to know him better.
If you're considering a purchase in a high rise or any sort of building that offers manned security, you might pay special attention to the guard. That will be the guy who will probably be assisting you with all of your visitors, vendors, mail and special needs and if that guy isn't what you hoped for, maybe you should keep looking.
Wayne, I hope you're back to 100% soon! It's been a pleasure doing business with you!
Best Regards,
Your Naples Smart Girl!
It's May! That time of year when evidence of our precious snowbirds leaving town grows more apparent since I can now make my 5 mile drive to the office in once again record time. This is a time when I see some of my favorite colleagues pack up and take off for summer homes or long elaborate vacations...when rains start...wait we're a still a little premature for that this year and when agents stop answering their phones....huh?
We should also be hearing the phone ring less and noticing fewer emails come in but for some funny reason it's quite the opposite for us in Naples Florida this year. Is it because it's the official start of bargain season? Maybe, is it because there's a few who think "now's the time to buy"...I've heard that too. It's pretty active regardless the reason. Due to the added activity comes the required calls to other agents.
There's so many reasons why we need to talk to each other in the biz...so why if traffic is up have we forgotten how to answer our phone?
I don't know exactly why it's so hard to get people to answer or return calls right now but come on guys, we're still in this together and we need to communicate to keep it going. There are 5 agents holding important information I need...urrrggh.
The day I got my license (October 31, 1996...appropriate...should've been a sign) my husband HOWLED and then said, "real estate is going to teach you patience". Wellllll I'M STILL WAITING...for patience...or for a few returned phone calls....hee hee.
Oh...is that my phone ringing? GOTTA GO!
HUGS,
Your Naples Smart Girl!
If you're an avid golfer then chances are you've heard about the 100+ golf courses in Naples Florida. In fact, Naples has been called the golf capital of the world with more holes per capita than any place else but I don't know if that's actually been confirmed. I'm not a golfer. Dad didn't have me swinging a club when I was 2. I'm one of those who doesn't really get it nor have I really been able to grasp those crazy fees clubs around town have been known to charge BUT if you are one of those golfing enthusiasts and you haven't been paying attention to what's been going on with those crazy fees, you're going to want to keep reading!
Many of the best golf courses in Naples are finally starting to reduce their fees and offer incentives! Just last week I received an email with golf discounts during the off season. Here they are:
Now, if you're looking for some great golf membership discounts...you'll want to call around as well because some of the finest clubs in town are offering tremendous discounts and incentives. Mediterra for example charges $185,000 for their equity membership with an additional $10,000 non refundable fee. There's a new program apparently where you can join the club for $85,000 non-refundable now.
Even the Pelican Bay Golf Club's wait isn't as long as it used to be although I've been told there is still a waiting line to join the club...now if that's not a sign of stability, I don't know what is!
But my biggest unkept Naples golf secret is the promotion the Bay Colony Golf Club membership is running. I don't think I can just blurt out the specifics here but if I were handing out awards for the most brilliant membership offering...it would have to go to Bay Colony! You can reach Debbie the membership director at 239-449-4564 or DebbieL@BayColonyGolfClub.com
The Pelican Bay Pink Pages is now in circulation! Here's an example of the first issue below:
The Pelican Bay Pink Pages offers a huge amount of information like:
There's more content than any blog or website can offer and it comes directly to you so you can be up to date on the latest Pelican Bay happenings.
Sign up and see for yourself here!
Sign up by shooting me a quick email: slefevre@johnrwood.com
Best Regards,
Your Naples Smart Girl!
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Naples Florida Real Estate including information about Naples Florida homes, condos and lifestyle properties along with other Naples Florida real estate happenings. Smart Girl, Great Results!
My real estate career began in the fall of 1996 in a resort community located forty-five minutes southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. After nearly six years and achieving the 8th highest volume producing REALTOR in Granbury, we moved to Naples Florida. Gorgeous white sandy beaches, lush tropical vegetation and the most wonderful sunsets in the world are just part of the charm that makes selling Naples effortless and enjoyable.
To be a Naples Realtor in the Naples real estate market takes a great deal of tenacity. My enthusiasm for my career and the pleasure experienced from a job well done keeps me on the cutting edge of providing excellent service. What makes me happiest is performing like a star for my clients. This is my passion and the reason why becomming a great Naples Florida Realtor was a natural process.
There is a great deal to consider when purchasing property especially if you're purchasing in a market you're not familiar with. With my experience, I know all the right questions to ask so I can insure you're locating properties that best fit your requirements and also clue you in on aspects you may not have considered. Not all buyers are purchasing for the same reason. If you're an investor, typically, your eye is on the bottom line. Looking for a vacation getaway? Enjoyment and location may be more important to you. Raising a family and want to be close to a specific school? No problem! I can easily help you identify what your objective is and help you accomplish your goal even if you may not know exactly what your goal is.
Here are additional services you can expect when choosing me to assist you with your purchase:
Automatic Property Notification: It has never been easier to find a property you can get excited about. Simply fill out a quick property profile and relax! Listings fitting your description will be automatically e-mailed to you as often as every day or weekly. When a property peaks your interest, give me a shout and we'll make arrangements to see it. Please give me as much notice possible so I can make arrangements for your properties of interest to be available. Set up Automatic Property Notification
Extensive Market Knowledge: I know my market! I help you make the best purchasing decision by giving you the run down about prices, locations, general market expectations and so forth. In fact, if I don't know it, I don't do it but I know somebody else who does and I will happily share that contact information with you. Why? Who want's to work with someone less than an expert...furthermore who wants to be less than an expert at what they do?
Excellent Negotiating Skills: I can save you time, money and frustration by offering information that will help you land the best deal with the best terms. It's important to have someone on your side that can assist you. Sometimes agents mistake negotiations with a "lose-lose" mentality. Unrealistic negotiation expectations or clueless business savvy more often than not will make a deal hard to complete or in some cases down right impossible. I know the difference and can negotiate effectively even with others who have adopted this sort of theory.
Effective Communication: By keeping you three steps ahead of the game, you'll know what to expect and what not to expect giving you the best opportunity to game plan from first showing to closing. Isn't it nice to have someone else watching your timelines for you on contracts so you don't miss important dates like mortgage loan contingency deadlines and inspection timelines?
One Stop Shopping: I have a whole team of people who help me and my clients get a deal done on time and without a hassle. They work like I do! This means when you're looking for a lender, title company, attorney, inspectors, appraisers, surveyors etc. you can be assured that I have the contact information for the best person for the job. You may need to depend on lots of people to get your deal done and sometimes there's nothing worse than when you have someone who doesn't know how to do their job effectively. I've seen some service providers kill the deal for people and I can insure quality service regardless of what service you're looking for.
A Straight Forward Approach: One of my favorite aspects about my job is giving you the information you need to make or in some cases, not make a decision. Some agents confuse this concept with a, "you need to do as I say" or "you're on a need to know basis" mentality. Not me! My job is to tell you what I know, I might even tell you what I think (if you ask) but when it's time for you to tell me which way you want to go, it's all yours. I respect your decision and know that there will never come a time when you say, "Gee Shannon, I wish you would've told us....".
My concept is simple! I want your deal today but furthermore, I want your sister's deal, your boss's deal, your grandmother's deal, your next deal, the one after that and the next one and...well I think you get my point. The best way to achieve the luxury of your repeat and referral business is to offer an exceptional service.
You want a superstar to list you property just like you want a superstar to do anything for you that requires service and expertise. Marketing Naples real estate is something I am passionate about and something many say I do better than anybody else. Click the pictures below for descriptions of the listing services I provide to those who choose me to sell their real estate. Click here for more listing services!
Specializing in the Naples Florida luxury lifestyle properties including:
Specializing in the Naples, Florida luxury communities including
Shannon Lefevre is a fabulous Realtor. Her knowledge of the Naples housing market was second to none, she was always in control, and never seemed to be caught off guard or surprised by any situation that arose. Shannon was always on top of my open houses and provided me with prompt and honest feedback so I could make important decisions with confidence. Shannon was someone who listened to my goals and helped lead me in a direction that was so easy to follow. Meeting my goals took no time at all, and when I was working with Shannon, I never felt like just another client. Instead, I felt like I was her only client and also a friend.
Kathy Hoeft MPT ATC
Director of Fitness
The Health Club Of Naples
To whom it may concern:
I welcome the opportunity to briefly describe the excellent job that Shannon did in assisting us with our real estate problem. We were attempting to purchase a property 60 miles from where we were living. Shannon not only brought the contracts 60-70 miles for our signatures, but assisted in arranging for inspections, repairs and helped coordinate the closing date to coincide with all the various schedules. Any calls placed to Shannon were answered promptly and always with a positive and happy attitude. Shannon is one of those rare individuals who combine complete professionalism with a great attitude regarding her clients. Currently we are involved in another property transaction with Shannon, which I know will be handled with as much enthusiasm and as efficiently as our first experience.
Dr. & Mrs. William McCallum
Shannon has worked really hard and went beyond the call of duty. We never anticipated for things to move as quickly and smoothly as they did. She is a pleasure to work with.
Sallie Bailey
Shannon was extremely helpful and truthful. She quickly answered our questions and I was very pleased with her personal care.
Larry Barnes
When we first met Shannon, we were both struck by her enthusiasm and dedication for her profession. She was knowledgeable of property availability, financing options and the legal aspects of buying and selling. Instead of just trying to sell us any house, she really set out on a quest to find us just the right house; one that would suit our needs and desires. She was available to answer any and all of our questions from the writing of our contract through closing. She acted with great diplomacy when dealing with the seller who was a seasoned agent. Shannon walked us through our search for a home from start to finish and turned what can be a very intimidating experience into something very pleasurable. Not only did we find the home we wanted, we found a new friend in the process.
Ronald & Jeannie Stinson
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