Naples Florida Golf Properties Naples Homes & Condos

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T19:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Christmas Naples Florida!

2008-12-24T18:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

Short Sales - When you do NOT need one

2008-04-15T09:33:00.001-04:00

As a Florida Mortgage Professional, I get calls and emails all the time from worried homeowners wondering if they should start Short Sale Proceedings.

There are a few ways to decide whether it is worth it or not. You see... a Short Sale is a method for reducing your debt. It is NOT Free though. It has its costs and they are not all short term.

The most obvious negative effect is to your Credit. A Short Sale is a "derogatory". That means that you will have significant damage done to your credit.

Even though a Short Sale is not nearly as bad for your credit as a Foreclosure, it will nevertheless stay on your file for years and will affect:

The Interest Rate on your next house
The Finance Price or Lease Payment on your next car
Your ability to Rent an Apartment
Your ability to get a credit card
Your ability to get a Business Loan

This is why it is important to figure out whether you really, really, really need one... NEED ONE.

So how do you do that??

First, start by contacting your friendly neighborhood Mortgage Broker (that's me!!) and Realtor. Set up a coffee appointment and we three can go over your situation and lay out your options.

I can supply the financial advice and the Realtor can come with comps and market rental data and provide the real estate advice. The Realtor can also help you figure out how long it will take to sell your property in this market!

From there, we can provide referrals to other professionals to help you along the way.

For more information on Short Sales and to read the full text of this article, click on the links below

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy!!
Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

Florida Mortgage | Central Florida has a new HomeBuilder in town

2008-04-10T09:21:00.001-04:00

The Orlando Sentinel has an article this called Shea Homes is the new kid on region's building block about Shea Homes, the Orlando Florida area's newest homebuilder.

The California-based builder has acquired the Victoria Gardens community in Deland Florida from the St. Joe Co., which is no longer building homes in its developments.

Shea Homes comes to Florida with a long history of stability and internal growth as a privately held, family business.

Analysts believe that Shea Homes and Central Florida lack some of the "feeder markets" that have long supported Florida Real Estate Developers. The East Coast and South Florida have historically attracted people from the Northeast. The Gulf Coast has historically been where the snowbirds from the Midwest roost.

Vertical Real Estate Logistics, LLC specializes in helping Florida Real Estate Developers and Builders with their Marketing and Sales campaign to capture the right target buyers for their projects.

For more information on this and other new Real Estate Developments in Central Florida follow this link -o-> Central Florida has a new HomeBuilder in town

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy.com

Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

IRS Tax Deductions from your Mortgage

2008-04-05T11:18:00.001-04:00

As tax time is upon us and with all the talk about recession, politics and the housing market, most people are not focused on the fact that we are only ten days from tax day.

So if you are a procrastinator as is the American-way, remember to plan for some of your Mortgage and Real Estate related tax deductions to save some money this year.

Here are a few places to save:

1) Discount Points - Lender Discount Points are seen by the IRS as pre-paid interest charges.

2) Pre-paid Interest - your closing statement shows prepaid interest depending on how many days you will be in the property in the month you close.

3) Pro-rated Property Tax any property tax you pay at the closing table is deductible

4) Origination Points - Broker fees or Points are also considered pre-paid interest.

5) PMI/MIP - Mortgage Insurance on a loan that is over 80% Loan to Value (LTV) is deductible

Where to consult your Accountant for sure:

6) HELOC / Equity Line - interest on your 2nd Mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit may be deductible.

7) Second Home - this is a grey area. Your accountant knows the rules on deducting mortgage interest on 2nd home mortgages.

8) Depreciation - Investment properties only!! !

My Professional Advice:

You have your closing package from when you closed your property neatly filed away, right? (nudge nudge)

Get it out and take it with you when you visit your tax preparation specialist or CPA. Make sure to have your Accountant review your closing statement and IRS Form 1098 that you will receive from your lender in the mail.

Your accountant will then make sure you get credit for all your deductions.

To get the full article, follow this link -o-> Florida Mortgage | IRS Tax Savings on your HUD-1

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy!!
Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

Florida Mortgage | Foreign National Buyers shift Target Focus

2008-03-21T17:30:00.001-04:00

Due to the dwindling availability of loan products and lenders for Foreign Nationals to purchase property in Florida, many Foreign National Real Estate Buyers in the US are having to change their focus... both in property and investment type.

Foreign Nationals will soon see the targets of their purchases changing from the traditional Second Home or Vacation Property to different investment grade properties and other ventures in Real Estate.

Foreign Buyers may have to join forces and form Syndicates in order to purchase commercial properties with higher price tags. Higher prices coupled with higher cash flows will be attractive to Foreign Nationals who are investment minded.

Another option that exists for Foreign Nationals that are simply focused on the returns they could achieve in Real Estate Investments in the US might look to get involved with a Real Estate Developer.

Providing Equity and Operational Funds for a Developer looking to get a Residential or Commercial Real Estate Development Project off the ground would provide Foreign Investors with an investment term of typically 2-5 years during which time interest would be earned and a portion of the profits of the project would be shared.

Foreign Nationals may also buy wholesale pre-construction units to help a developer achieve their vital pre-sale requirements for a lender. These units would then be re-sold in the development's inventory with a premium paid back to the original purchaser.

For the full article with more choices for Foreign National Real Estate investors follow this link -o-> Foreign National Buyers shift Target Focus

More Florida Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy!!

Your Source for Residential and Commercial
Mortgage Loans in Florida

Technorati Tags: real estate development, real estate syndicate, investment, mortgage, foreign national, florida, real estate, foreign exchange

Credit Scores -- What are they and why should you care...

2008-03-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

Published by your Real Estate Expert, Colleen Kulikowski

Recently we wrote an article entitled “Can I buy a home in Niagara Falls with bad Credit?“ And a question came up from a reader that caught me off guard “What is a Credit Score?” and then the next question that sprang up was “why is it so important?” Well I found this video from CreditDVD, which does an excellent job both explaining What is a Credit Score and why it is important to all consumers wishing to use credit to fund their purchase. The video is a bit cheeky, but it explains in very basic details how your credit score will affect your ability to purchase with credit.

Read More at: Do You have the Credit Score Blues?

Showing Advice for your home...

2008-03-02T16:11:00.000-05:00

Mary Poppins Showing Advice

Having your home for sale it can be tough, and keeping it in showing condition can be overwhelming. Some of the best advice I can give you comes from Mary Poppins, keep it up as you go along. And if you have a showing of your home, hum this Julie Andrews classic while you prepare for the showing. It might just relieve some of the stress as you get ready. How can you not smile singing “A Spoonful of Sugar”?

Quick Showing Checklist before you leave your home for a showing:

Freshen the bathroom and put the toilet seat down and close the shower curtain
Turn on soft music through the house
light a single sented candle in the home
Make sure all the window shades and curtains are open
All lights are on
Beds made, rooms tidy
All dishes put away, counters clear of clutter
Art Gallery on Fridge removed?
Get out of the house before the showing!

Florida Mortgage & Real Estate | "Market" talk...

2008-01-31T14:21:00.001-05:00

Listening to the News - Local in Florida or National on CNN, Headline News or MSNBC - you learn that there is a big chasm in the interpretation of "The Market" and what that actually refers to.

To some, "The Market" is a MacroEconomic entity that encompasses all the good and especially the bad from "Sea to Shining Sea". It also includes the downturn of housing prices in Florida, the Subprime Mortgage Meltdown, and all things in between.

Unfortunately, "The Market" should be viewed through a MicroEconomic looking glass if you are really strategizing and analyzing properly.

So when I hear someone say, "Well, due to this market..." I wonder what they're referring to?

Could it be just an ignorance of the difference between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics...

Comparing Daytona Beach Florida versus Sebring Florida is apples to oranges but too many people have been slinging mud about "The Market" without realizing how sweepingly generalities as such just prove their own susceptibility to myopia.

So when you hear someone say, "The Market"... figure out which one they are talking about. The national Morning News generality or the local real estate professional's local perspective.

Maybe you can tell me now which one is "in the know".

For more details on this phenomenon, read the full article by following this link -o-> Florida Real Estate & Mortgage | Prognosticating the Market(s)

More Real Estate Industry News You Can Use from
David A. Podgursky, MBA
The Mortgage Go To Guy!
Your Source for Residential and Commercial Mortgage Loans in Florida

Naples Florida | Need a Mortgage?

2008-01-24T12:28:00.000-05:00

Naples Florida Mortgage Rates Report: January 24, 2007

Mortgage rates are reversing course and headed higher in the next 7-10 days. Lock mortgage rates for all loans, purchases and refinances at application. Don't hold out to see if the Fed will cut rates farther; the mortgage lenders have already anticipated a January 30 Fed cut and priced it into the market. If the Fed doesn't cut rates, mortgage rates are going to skyrocket.

If you were planning on refinancing your mortgage rate, the train is starting to leave the station and will quickly pick up steam. The opportunity to get a 30 year fixed rate mortgage rate under 5.5% may quickly disappear as lenders try to slow down demand. The last three days have been hectic with past clients calling me looking to lock-in a low rate. You have a window of maybe 48 hours to get that great mortgage rate.

Please contact me:

Call me on my cell phone at 858-699-4590
E-mail me at brian (at) californialoanconnection (dot) com
Apply for a loan online at http://www.californialoanconnection.com/apply

Over 700 families trust me to help them with their mortgage so we are incredibly backed up. I will be checking my voice mail every couple of hours Be sure to leave specific contact information.

DO NOT RELY ON THE E-MAIL!

CALL TO BE SURE THAT I KNOW YOU NEED TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE.

_____________________________________________

This information provided by:

Brian Brady,Mortgage Planner
World Wide Credit Corp
Phone: (858) 503-2318 Fax: (858)-605-4230
bbrady@worldwidecredit.com
http://www.mortgageratesreport.com/

Mortgage Industry - Where is it Heading?

2008-01-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

Here is an excellent video explaining the mortgage crisis and the future of the mortgage industry. This video was produced by Dan Green of the Mortgage Reports.

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Florida Real Estate & Mortgage | 2008 and $100 Barrels of Oil ~ The Year Ahead...

2008-01-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

This time of year, everyone wants to be a prognosticator of what lies ahead for the coming year in the world, the US, the economy and the Real Estate and Mortgage Industries. It is funny how many differing reports we get from so many different sources.

The hardest thing to swallow, though, are the reports from people who really have no clue what they are talking about - Jim Cramer - or who report on an entire Industry and panic the local markets!

Local markets are what I like to focus my efforts on... why? because you can really see how effective or how ineffective the national news really are!

It is important whether you are a Realtor, Buyer, Seller, Mortgage Broker, Banker, Investor, or Journalist to realize that there is "The Market" and there are sub-markets within each Region, State, County, City, Municipality, School District, Community, Developments, Neighborhood and even within neighborhoods themselves that will have their own individual ups and downs.

This means that while "The Market" may remain bleak or "bloody" as some luxury condo developers are saying to me... the sub-markets may be rosy!

So my advice to all lookers is to really observe each market and sub-market individually. Know the ins and outs...

Maybe the community where you want to buy/invest has hit bottom already.
Maybe you don't have a lot of time to keep watching because prices may start ticking up.
Perhaps rates are so favorable right now that you should not pass up a great opportunity
Perhaps a new development is popping up and it would be a great time for you to buy affordable pre-construction

Remember... the market is fickle...but the submarkets are even moreso. What one person thinks about their surroundings may not fit all surroundings. Working with Real Estate and Mortgage professionals that can help you sift through all the negativity and see the real picture is the only way to proceed in this market.

For the full article, click on the following link -o-> Florida Real Estate & Mortgage | 2008 and $100 Barrels of Oil ~ What lies ahead?

More Florida Mortgage and Real Estate News You Can Use From
David A. Podgursky, MBA
TheMortgageGoToGuy.com
Your Source for Residential, Commercial, Investment and Relocation Mortgages in Florida

Florida Affordable Housing | great choice for your College Student than the dorm or apartment

2007-12-16T10:52:00.001-05:00

Trying to figure out where your college student will live while he/she is at school?

Dorm is reserved for freshman?
Frat house is only for parties?
Off campus apartments are in terrible condition and expensive?

Consider buying an affordable housing condominium for your student instead!

Using FHA loans, you can qualify as a non-occupant co-borrower and have your child on the loan to purchase a great condominium or townhouse near campus.

Why would you consider it?

First of all, Credit. This is a great credit builder.

Secondly, most students prefer living with a roommate, who pay rent to your child which can go to paying the mortgage.

Third, responsibility... owning as opposed to renting means your students have to learn to take care of the place.

Fourth, the tax benefits of having more mortgage interest deductions (consult your CPA)

Fifth, there's a better market to resell an affordable house/condo than a run down duplex near campus. Believe it or not!

For more information, visit the full article at -o-> Florida Affordable Housing | College Students’ perfect place to live

Florida Real Estate | Affordable Housing

2007-12-13T15:53:00.001-05:00

Are you a developer in Florida and you are looking to build some residential developments but can't figure out the sales angle?

Look no further than affordable housing. Building in the $150,000 - $275,000 range was definitely neglected over the past years of real estate boom. Now it is not only a much needed niche market, but it is a market that has a lot of potential for sales.

Look at it this way... what do buyers want in affordable housing?

Affordable housing isn't sold by pretty pictures and huge events to blow out the units... it is sold in the Financing packages available.

If a builder can work with state and local housing authorities as well as lenders and mortgage brokers, creative financing packages can be the highlight of the marketing materials.

Buy $0 down!!

Wow... better than a huge 6-figure number on your brochure!

Between FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there are many loan programs available to LMIB - Low Moderate Income Borrowers - who can now move from Renter to Home Owner!

For More information - read the full article at -o-> Florida Mortgage | Affordable Housing Marketing

Florida Mortgage | Subprime Bailout ~ Preliminary views of the plan

2007-12-13T15:46:00.001-05:00

I had to at least make a mention of the new plan to bail out the Subprime Mess and I was in a Clint Eastwood Western sort of mentality. So, I will relate my feelings to the Good the Bad and The Ugly.

I think that in all, it will help some people... but I just don't believe the way that things are being carried out are in the best interest of the masses for more than one reason.

The Good - There are a lot of loans that are about to jump, some even double. This Congressional Bailout of these borrowers will help those people who are about to get a shock... a BIG shock.

The Bad - OK... so these borrowers have some relief.

Now the big test is will they learn their lesson from the scare and start a financial plan to get themselves on track for the big three issues for a loan application so that they can refinance in the future.

They need to work on:

Credit
Income
Assets
Also - Equity

The Ugly - now this is where I'm going to be bordering on ranting.

Congressman Barney Frank - are you reading this??

This plan is by far one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation in US History. This was bred from ignorance and arrogance.

I do not care how bad this problem is or will become...

The Mortgage Industry is built upon the freely moving, market driven Mortgage Backed Securities Market. Rates, programs, etc are all based on this FREE market that is without government interference!

The US Government has NO business regulating this market and industry in anyway.

YES! The Homeowners are hurting... but they have been in this position for at least a year and have heard enough news that this storm was coming. Ohh... now I'm unpopular...

But... there are investors around the world who bought into these investments. They made the decision to back risky mortgages and who's right is it to tell them that they do not deserve the returns that they signed up for??

No ones! Especially not the Federal Government of the United States.

For the FULL ARTICLE follow this link to -o-> Florida Mortgage | Subprime Bailout ~ Preliminary views of the plan

Naples Florida -- Winter Resort For the Affluent!

2007-12-05T16:26:00.000-05:00

Naples, Florida has always been considered the winter resort for the affluent with its large magnitude of golf courses, beaches and cultural activities. Today, it has reached the status of being the West Palm Beach on the Florida Gulf Coast. With the growth of the luxury home and vacation-home development in the area the past few years, Inc. magazine has ranked the Naples-Marco Island area as one of the “Best Cities for Doing Business”. In the past years the redevelopment of Naples’ 5th Avenue has brought a number of unique upscale boutiques, elegant restaurants and an abundance of art galleries. Today the 5th Avenue area can acclaim a “World Famous” status.

The following Naples, Florida demographics are 2006 estimates:

Population: 23,000
2011 Population Projection: 24,884
Median Age: 59
Per Capita Income: $62,449
Median Household Income: $76,125
Median Household Disposable Income: $61,254
Median Home Sale Price: $1.7 million

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner
EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

About Fiddler's Creek / About Naples / About Marco Island Search all Florida Properties / Buying Your Next Home / Selling Your Home About 1031 Exchange / International Property Search / Naples Florida Golf Courses

Florida Mortgage & Real Estate | Developers moving In & Out!

2007-11-23T13:42:00.001-05:00

While the real estate market is definitely in a bad place in Florida, many big, national banks and big, national builders are feeling the pinch.... some are even hitting the bricks - figuratively speaking.

With announcements that Hollywood Florida based TOUSA and Fort Lauderdale Florida based Levitt & Sons are filing bankruptsy, and that Levitt ceased all construction due to massive debt... it would seem that we've seen the end of development in Florida until we absorb what we already have... but that may not necessarily be so!

Now that some of the big boys are hurting, a new breed of smaller, leaner developers are descending on Florida like Snowbirds of Prey.

These developers are well positioned to find abandoned projects, builder close-outs, and distressed projects at bargain prices that are ready to be salvaged.

These new, smaller developers are more nimble and more agile than the big names like D.R. Horton, K. Hovnanian, Toll Bros. and GL Homes. They can buy smaller parcels and still make money on them.

They also have the vision to pull off more interesting projects that have margins that are significantly lower than a big developer's shareholders require.

Couple with this the terrible brain drain due to the middle class heading for the greener pastures with lower property taxes, these developers are able to build condos & townhomes that will help first time home buyers, low and moderate income buyers, and local workforces find properties near where they work at appropriate prices.

Keep an eye out for these Snowbirds... and if you're sitting on a project that needs some TLC to get it off the ground, think of them fondly. They might just want to partner with you to make your project a reality!

For the full story, follow this link -o-> Florida Mortgage & Real Estate | Developers heading In and Out

Florida Mortgage | Title Company faces $5Million Fine

2007-11-21T09:53:00.001-05:00

Another sign that the State of Florida's Department of Financial Services is looking to clean up the industry was announced in the Palm Beach Post Saturday (November 17, 2007)... link to article

First American Title Company, the nation's largest Title Insurance Service Provider, agreed to pay fines of $5Million for setting up 87 "sham" title insurance agencies in Real Estate and Mortgage offices throughout the state. These "agencies" would then pass fees onto the limited partners, a.k.a. the Realtors and Mortgage Brokers - which the State of Florida views as a kickback.

State and Federal Laws prohibit any Real Estate or Mortgage Professional from accepting any referral fees from Title Insurance Business.

For more information, follow this link: Florida Mortgage | Compliance & Ethics - A Major Title Company loses a battle

Florida Mortgage | Green News ~ BioFuel Alliance on shaky Political Grounds

2007-11-14T15:02:00.000-05:00

Lurking in the shadows of the current Florida Property Tax issues, Florida Governor Charlie Crist (R) has been traveling with several key Florida Legislators through South America working different trade agreements. The most lucrative of which would have created an enormous trade agreement with Brazil to import Ethanol into the United States.

Florida would serve as the National Headquarters for this effort potentially bringing billions in profits to the state to help fill our tax coffers when they are depleted from property tax cuts. Unfortunately, the deal with Petrobras seems to be on the back burner -- indefinitely.

According to an article on Tallahassee.com, the issue at hand for Governor Crist is that Petrobras (NYSE stock symbol PBR) has confirmed business links to Iran. That linkage violates the spirit of a bill he signed in June that forbids the state from investing its $140 billion pension fund in companies that do business with Iran.

This is a big disappointment considering the benefit it would have for the Florida Economy as well as the National effort to "Go Green". This also shows that the US needs to consider its many options for producing its own Ethanol and other Bio-fuels domestically to reduce the US dependence on Foreign Fuels.

To learn more about this political issue, please follow the link to:

Florida Mortgage | Green News ~ BioFuel Alliance on shaky Political Grounds

Support Our Troops this Holiday Season

2007-11-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

With the holidays fast approaching a care package from home gives them the knowledge that people are thinking about them - that's a huge pick-me-up. There are also several organizations that send care packages and send support to our troops overseas:

This is a great time of the year! Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner! While you are filling out your Christmas Cards this Christmas, why not add one more to the list -- A Recovering American Soldier. Mail to:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue,NW

Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

It only takes a few moments to make a difference in one of our Military personnel's lives!

Florida Mortgage | Hurricane Inspections for Free!

2007-11-01T12:41:00.001-04:00

Lightning struck twice this week. While speaking to my friend and Realtor in Coral Springs, Florida... I related to her how I had a client getting a Hurricane Inspection which was shaving 40% off the insurance premium for the house he is purchasing.

She asked me if it was a My Safe Florida Home inspection... I had never heard of that. She told me about how they offer FREE Hurricane / Windstorm Inspections to homeowners in Florida. I had to find out more...

So then I was talking to a new buyer... referred to me by another ActiveRain member. He is a first time homebuyer etc ... and guess what he does? Installs Hurricane Shutters in West Palm Beach Florida!

I asked him if he knew about it and he said that his company is on the certified contractor list... and they get a lot of business from it.

So I had to investigate this further... My Safe Florida Home was set up by the State of Florida to help homeowners to protect their homes in the case of windstorm aka Hurricane Damage.

My Safe Florida Home offers several services:

Free Home Inspections
Matching Grants for Improvements
Low Income Assistance
Insurance Premium Discounts

You can also learn more about the My Safe Florida Home program at one of their fairs. The next event in South Florida is:

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME FAIR: FORT LAUDERDALE
November 3, 2007, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Broward Community College, Omni Auditorium
1000 Coconut Creek Boulevard
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

For more information about My Safe Florida Home please follow this link to my main website: Florida Mortgage | Hurricane Inspections ~ FREE!

Florida Mortgage | Short Sales & Bank Owned Properties

2007-10-31T15:36:00.001-04:00

Right now one of the most popular requests that I am hearing is that someone wants to buy a bank owned or short sale property. These two property types are very similar in that they both entail negotiating with the bank for the ultimate purchase price.

The other similarity is that in both instances you are asking the bank to take a loss on their asset - their asset is the mortgage on the property you want to purchase. This is not always as easy as some of the Real Estate Experts might say... but if you have your ducks in a row, then it can be accomplished in a way that can save you a good bit of money on the property you want to purchase.

The most vital step in the process that is often pushed until later-on in the process is making sure that the finances are in place.

This can mean any number of things... but we can narrow them down with one simple question:

Do you have enough cash to close on the property without financing and without hurting your financial well-being?

If you answer is no... and for most people it is, then you need to pull back the reins and start at square one... get with your favorite mortgage broker, like me!

Your Mortgage Broker will help you understand the process involved in financing a short sale property. He will also help you understand the costs...

Right now there are some amazing deals out there... foreclosures on properties with lots of equity. Getting your team together before you start trying to find the property is important... but getting your Mortgage plan in place is key.

For more information on Short Sales and Mortgages, please follow this link to learn more about the different options of financing a short sale:

Florida Mortgage | Short Sales & Bank Owned Properties

Fiddler's Creek Homes for Sale with Smokers Living In Them

2007-10-25T18:56:00.000-04:00

For those who do not smoke, the ashtray atmosphere of a Fiddler’s Creek smoker's home is one of the factors that will turn off a potential buyer to your home. A Google search of "cigarette odor removal" renders more than 255,000 Websites.

Fiddler’s Creek Homes with smokers. Ok, I am already uncomfortable bringing up the subject, but we really need to talk! Trying to sell your home, and you smoke it is a tough thing!

The most effectual short-term approach to the smoke-odor problem involves total repainting of walls and ceilings, complete replacement of carpets and draperies, and extensive cleanup of everything else.

There are hundreds of products and remedies that compete in the marketplace. If any of these products were successful, it would no longer be necessary for nonsmoking travelers to request nonsmoking rooms in hotels.

Finding the perfect remedy to cigarette odor is like the quest for the Holy Grail. Here are a few tried and true ideas to help remove the smoke odor from your Fiddler’s Creek home:

Clean those light bulbs. Light bulbs are a double-whammy when it comes to cigarette odor. First of all, they attract smoke. Secondly, each time you turn them on afterward, the heat releases odors from the smoke's residue.
Launder whatever you can. If an entire room smells like last year's bachelor party, you should wash or dry-clean everything possible in order to maximize cigarette odor removal
Set small bowls of vinegar, pine-scented cleaner or activated charcoal around the room
Try Vamoose 1808T Tobacco Odor fabric spray or Febreze Fabric Freshener.
Baking soda – an old standby for odor removal. Whether cleaning your carpet or smelly furniture baking soda is your friend. Sprinkle it over the smoke-infused area and let it sit for a few hours. Then whip out your trusty vacuum cleaner to suck up the soda, finishing the job.
Often overlooked is the interior of forced-air heating ducts. These can emit odors every time the heating or air conditioning is operated. Some kinds of air ducts can be cleaned, while others must be replaced.

Lastly, it is the simple passage of time. If you live in your Fiddler’s Creek home long enough, the cigarette odors will gradually but surely become a vague remembrance.

And that is something that a Fiddler’s Creek Buyer doesn’t want to do!

So when you are trying to sell your Fiddler’s Creek home, you need to do everything possible to eliminate the smell immediately!

Try some of these methods to get rid of the smell of smoke in your Fiddler’s Creek home. Fiddler’s Creek buyers right now have lots of choices to purchase a Fiddler’s Creek home. To get your Fiddler’s Creek Home Sold you will definitely need to make your Fiddler’s Creek home the most desirable.

Naples Florida | Great Eats ~ Breakfast & Cream

2007-10-17T10:34:00.001-04:00

Looking for a great place to eat in Naples Florida... look no further than a breakfast eatery started by a mother and daughter transplanted to Southwest Florida all the way from Chicago, home of some amazing breakfast spots.

Marilee Dejacimo and Segal Adony are the proprietors of Breakfast & Cream a neighborhood breakfast and lunch specialty joint in the spirit of all those local diners that line the streets in the Windy City.

According to the Naples News:

"It's small, out of the way, off-the-beaten path and most surely our favorite breakfast place. I almost hate to talk about it because it will get too famous." - review

Breakfast & Cream location and hours:

881 103rd Ave. N. # 7
Naples, Florida
34108
Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 7am - 2pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7am - 1 pm
Summer Hours:
(June 1st - September 30th):
Tuesday - Friday: 7am - 1pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7am - 1 pm
*Always Closed Mondays*

So whether you are a local Naples Florida resident or a Chicago based Snowbird, don't forget to get your eat on at Breakfast & Cream. Stop by and ask when they'll be serving Green Rivers, Ed Debevic style...

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Naples Florida Mortgage | Builders Focus on Value

2007-10-17T09:54:00.001-04:00

This is a little departure from my normal posts that are mainly informational - call it an Opinion Piece.

The Real Estate Industry in Florida is hurting as evidenced in all the bad news being reported. It isn't all bad, as the reporters would like you to believe. Houses are selling because there are people that need to buy and there are those that are finding bargains already.

Now builders are spending their time marketing value and affordability into their homes... the reverse of the trend when they were marketing luxury and amenities. Honestly, they should have caught on sooner.

Affordability... Value... Attainable... Steven Webster at the Florida Workforce Housing Network discusses how these new buzzwords are showing up in builders' marketing efforts. He cites that Lennar challenged local builders to build affordably and Centex chose the path of becoming Florida's leading affordable housing builder.

This article would not be complete without discussing the other side of the story... the Real Estate Industry has another industry that it works hand in hand with that needs to be a consideration of these builders - the Lending Industry.

You see... the big, production builders builders can control most of the costs related to the homes they are building. What they can't control is mortgages.... only the market itself can do that!

My recommendation to builders is to keep in mind what buyers need - affordable payments. This means making sure that the larger homes stay within conforming lending limits so that the interest rates stay low. It also means to quit blackballing lenders and mortgage brokers from projects. The buyer should have free choice of who they use and all the enticements from the advertisements to buy.

For buyers who will need 100% financing, builders should make sure to keep an eye on the median home prices in the area - that will be the lending limit for FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 100% loan programs. Builders could offer to pay closing costs up to 3% of the loan amount as an enticement for $0 down homes.

For more information about this trend, please follow this link to visit my main site: Florida Mortgage | Builders Price your homes appropriately

Florida Mortgage | No Closing Costs ~ Seller Concessions

2007-10-15T09:34:00.001-04:00

For a homebuyer, there are a lot of enticements that can be broadcast to help them purchase their first or next home with very little or no money out of pocket. One of the best ways this is accomplished is via Seller Concessions.

With as much as 6% of the purchase price "given" by the seller, the buyer can effectively avoid certain costs that could creep up that they would normally have to pay themselves.

The definition of a Seller Concession is an agreement between the Buyer and the Seller that the seller will pay for something at closing. Here are examples of seller concessions:

Closing Costs - a.k.a - $0 Money Down, No Closing Costs..
Rate Buydowns - discount the rate by paying points
Temporary 2-1 Buydowns
Repairs
and more...

It is important that the buyer, seller and their agents all work closely with their trusty Mortgage Broker to make sure that the wording of the concession in the contract will not create an issue in underwriting.

Click on the following link to learn how to achieve the best results from a Seller Concession: Florida Mortgage | No Closing Costs ~ via Seller Concessions

For more information about Seller Concessions, First Time Home Buyers or Affordable Loan products, contact me by following this link!

Fiddler's Creek Home Owners - Do You Get that Pricing is Important?

2007-10-09T19:09:00.000-04:00

Be Honest - Do You Really Want to Sell?

We thought so!

So here is something you need to understand. Pricing of your Fiddler's Creek condo is Key to getting it SOLD!

The Fiddler’s Creek Real Estate Market is not the same it was two years ago. The times have definitely changed. Has your thinking? It is a Buyers Market in Fiddler’s Creek. Do you really understand the realities of what Buyer's Market means to you?

Let’s be realistic, we are now in a Buyer’s Market. The papers are all full of the doom and gloom. That means we need to be realistic in our approach of the sale of your Fiddler’s Creek condo.

First off, let’s acknowledge that your Fiddler’s Creek condo you have cherished and you have hopes to make big bucks from the sale of it. You might have made several improvements. First Reality you must face. Those things bring value, but let's be real -- they were for your enjoyment of your Fiddler’s Creek condo. What you have done may or may not appeal to buyers and they may have a different value for these items.

Second Reality – all that money that you thought you were going to make you are not. Fiddler’s Creek Buyers have lots of choices, so you have to be the best priced Fiddler’s Creek condo with the most to offer.

Now take a deep breath and let’s adjust your expectations. Look at what is happening today in the Fiddler’s Creek Real Estate Market and be prepared for the offer when it does come in. It might be harder to sell now, but it is not impossible.

Before you place your Fiddler’s Creek condo on the market here are some things you can do to ensure a quick sale of your Fiddler’s Creek condo:

Most Buyers generally looking for Real Estate in Ranges. These ranges are generally in increments of Listing price of about $50,000. What do we mean, Let’s look at Joe Buyer. He is looking for a 2 bedroom/2bath Condo and he does not want to spend more than $400,000. His searches might include:

All two bedroom Fiddler’s Creek Condos in the $400,000 to $450,000, thinking he can negotiate down. or $350,0000 to $400,000. If he searches that way and your condo is listed at $451,000 or $349,000. You might be missed.
Fortunately Realtors open up the searches a bit. But let’s look at the $350,000 to $400,000 price “bucket”. In this bucket there are 175 choices for buyers.
We will even narrow the criteria to represent that it is a specific Neighborhood in Fiddler’s Creek – let’s say Bent Creek, and that all these condos are within 250 square feet of each other.

Are you starting to understand the importance of pricing yet?

Now let’s narrow things down a lilttle more. Your Building. There are 7 listed already. They are listed $349,000, $355,000, $359,999, $365,000, $365,000, $395,000, & $439,000. One went pending last week which was listed at $345,000 and was on the market for 156 days, the last say was 13 months ago and sold for $450,000.
Ok another factor, all these condos have been on the market for over 100 days.

Price your condo correctly and it will sell, don’t and you will start chasing the market down. Eighty percent of our marketing is complete when you price your condo. Do you really want to set us up for failure by not listening to us?

Be the best priced, greatest condition Fiddler’s Creek condo in the range your condo is in.

Do you get that pricing is an important thing yet???

For showings, make sure your condo looks and smells nice. It will affect how the Fiddler’s Creek buyer will formulate their offer.

Remember that today Fiddler’s Creek Buyers have lots of options. What worked two years ago in a negotiation, will not go over very well in this Fiddler’s Creek Real Estate Market. Here are some things you need to do when an offer comes in:

You need to respond immediately when an offer is received. They don't have to wait for you. This means you need to be prepared to review all offers and listen to us about potential counter offers.
Most Real Estate purchases are emotional ones. The further away the buyer becomes emotionally from the condo. They might continue to look at property while they wait. Do you really want to run the risk of them finding something else that they like better?
As a general rule, your first offer will be your best offer. Don’t think that if you hold out for $5,000 that you will get it.
Can you really afford not to take the offer on the table? What if you have to hold the condo for another 6 months until the next offer which might be $30,000 less than the one you have now? Is that a risk you are willing to take?

Together we can achieve a successful sale in as short amount of time netting you the greatest amount for your Fiddler’s Creek condo. Remember a bird in the hand better than two in the bush! Call us today to get started on getting your Fiddler’s Creek condo SOLD! And see how we can price it for success!

Naples Florida - What exactly is Title Insurance?

2007-10-08T08:49:00.000-04:00

Ok what exactly is Title Insurance?

Title Insurance Coverage ends on the day the policy is issued and extends backward in time for an indefinite period. This is in marked contrast to property or life insurance, which protect against losses resulting from events that occur after the policy is issued, for a specified period into the future.

What I could lose my Naples Florida Golf Property due to a title issue?

Yes it is possible, according to First American Title there are some 70 ways you could lose your property. So what can you do to protect yourself? Purchase a Title Insurance Policy.

Title Search Basics:

Title searches start with the most recent deed, searching the grantee's name (the person now holding title) backwards in time, until the deed when the grantee acquired the property is located. That grantor's name is then searched backwards in time in the grantee's book to find when the grantor acquired title as a grantee. This process continues, and over time, the property description involves larger and larger parcels of land. Eventually, the searcher finds the U. S. Patent.

Other Factors Affecting Title:

Deeds establish chain-of-title, but sometimes those chains are broken.
In addition, title searchers also look for proof that the encumbrances are paid off
They look for easements, rights-of-way, CC&Rs, other elements affecting title to the property.
Here are more records that are searched to piece title together: Marriage records , Death certificates, Tax sales, & Title Insurance Coverage

Depending on the title company, consumers can choose among a variety of options, but the top three choices are Owners, Lender's and Extended Coverage.

Basic Lender's Title Policy Coverage:

Mechanic's liens and unrecorded liens
Unrecorded easements and access rights
Defects and other unrecorded documents

Basic Owner's Title Policy Coverage:

Clear title to the property
Incorrect signatures on documents
Forgery, fraud
Defective recordation
Restrictive covenants
Encumbrances or judgments

Extended Owner's Coverage:

Building permit violations from previous owners
Subdivision maps
Covenant violations from previous owners
Living trusts
Structure damage from mineral extractions
Variety of encroachments and forgeries after title insurance is issued

Additional Facts about Title Insurance:

Florida sets title insurance premiums but not other title-related charges, which can vary.
Who pays for Title Insurance depends on your local custom. It can differ from county to county, but it is also negotiable in the purchase offer. Sometimes sellers and buyers split the fee for the owner's policy.
Typically, the buyer pays for the lender's coverage.
Title Insurance Policies are paid once. The fee is due when you buy. You will never pay it again. Title policy insurance is the best insurance policy you can ever buy.

Hopefully this information will help you understand the Title process better and why you should have Title Insurance. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me.

_________________________________________________
This information about Title Insurance is provided by:
Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor
(407) 288-0017

NAR SENIOR ECONOMIST SPEAKS TO REALTORS IN NAPLES, FLORIDA

2007-09-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

NAR SENIOR ECONOMIST SPEAKS TO REALTORS IN NAPLES, FLORIDA

On Thursday, September 13, 2007 I was privileged to hear Dr. Lawrence Yun, Senior Economist and Vice President of Research from the National Association of REALTORS speak to REALTORS, agents and brokers in Naples, Florida.

Dr. Yun stated that the real estate market in Southwest Florida will start reversing itself by early 2008. However, it will not return to the peak levels that the Naples, Marco Island area experienced in recent years. The recovery will not be robust, but will be an improvement.
He stated that there is a pent-up demand accumulating by individuals to purchase real estate but the lack of confidence has dwindled due to the media's affect on people. The job growth and wealth is there but the confidence is missing.

According to Dr. Yun's statistics vacation home sales have not dropped. Second home purchases are still on the rise. This is good news for the Naples, Marco Island area that is primarily a vacation and retirement destination.

With all things told, we have not been experiencing a correction in the real estate market but only a minor adjustment. As Dr. Yun stated, "What people experienced during the real estate boom was a once-in a lifetime situation".

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

About Fiddler's Creek About Naples About Marco Island
Search all Florida Properties Buying Your Next Home Selling Your Home
About 1031 Exchange International Property Search Naples Florida Golf Courses

FLORIDA CONDOMINIUMS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN SELLING!

2007-09-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

FLORIDA CONDOMINIUMS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN SELLING!

Florida condominiums come in all sizes from the multi story high rise to the two story walk up. They can be located inland, on a golf course or on the beach.

It does not matter where they are located or what they look like a condominium is a form of ownership giving the owner the exclusive use of their unit plus an undivided share of the common elements along with other unit owners.

Florida leads the world in the number of condominiums and has over 50% of the condominiums in the United States.

When listing a condominium for sale in Florida there is a number of items to remember:

State your total assessment fees accurately (i.e. maintenance fees, condo fees or association fees)
Fees change annually, not necessarily on January 1st of each year.
Clearly state what furnishings convey in the sale - hide or remove the items that will not remain.
Almost all new condominiums are sold unfurnished.
Almost all vacation home condominiums are sold furnished.
Easiest way to sell: "What You See Is What You Get" - providing the prospective buyer a list of non-conveying items is a big turnoff.
Determine if the condominium is affected by the Coastal Construction Control Line, if so disclose this to the buyer in writing.
When listing a condo for sale have on hand the condominium associations year-end financial report and condo documents for the new buyer. These include but not limited to: The Declaration of Convenants, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Rules of the Association, a copy of the most recent Year-End Financial Information, and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers report.

Please feel free to contact me for more information on the Fiddler's Creek, Naples and Marco Island areas:

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

EVER CONSIDER DONATING YOUR REAL ESTATE

2007-08-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

Every Consider Donating Your Real Estate?

Want to do something for your favorite charitable cause? Why not consider donating your real estate! The typical American whose only real estate holding is their homestead is not in the position to donate that priceless asset. But, if you own a second home, have inherited a house, hold vacant land or own a small apartment building and are in a financial position to do so, you may want to give that holding away. Of course, good business sense has to be made concerning the timing and amount of the donation.

Previously, complex legal, financial and organizational issues associated with real estate discouraged most non-profit organizations from accepting these gifts. A second barrier that hindered the gifting process was the struggle to relinquish the property in a timely manner while meeting government guidelines and regulations. Historically, most charities have been unable or unwilling to accommodate gifts of real estate. Times have changed!

Currently, service providers bridge the gap between the desire to give - and for charities to receive. Today these service providers have programs that can help facilitate your real estate donation.

For more information on these programs and real estate donations, contact Carolyn Rzaca, at EliteOne Fine Properties, she can asset you with contacting the right individuals to help you evaluate this charitable option.

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

The Factors of Exposure on your Fiddler's Creek home...

2007-08-15T03:17:00.000-04:00

If you do not already live in Fiddler's Creek you might not know about the importance of which direction your lanai faces.

The direction affects how your house will heat/cool during the day and affect the temperature of your Florida pool. With the hot Florida sun, it is a huge factor for many home buyers.

So what is the best exposure for your Fiddler's Creek home?

This is a highly personal choice. And it is entirely up to you. Here is a brief breakdown of the exposures and their pros and cons:

Northern Exposure

Northern exposure is the least preferred exposure. The pool decks tents to be shaded all day and the sun heats your home from the front all day long. However if the lanai goes out far enough there can be sunlight on the back of the lanai all day and the front on the lanai will stay cool.

Southern Exposure

Southern Exposure is the most popular exposure in Florida, which gives you sunlight on you pool deck all day long. Another benefit of southern exposure is that the sun never shines directly into your home always right across your lanai.

Eastern Exposure

Eastern exposure gives you sunlight on your deck until around 2:00pm afterwards your lanai cools down making it a great place to relax and possible even sit down for drinks. The negative of Eastern Exposure is that the sunlight comes directly into your home in the morning heating your home and causing glare.

Western Exposure

Western exposure gives you sunlight on you pool deck from around 2:00pm on. The downfall with western exposure homes is that the sun heats home around 5:00 when most are getting home for work or in Florida the Golf Course or Beach.

Homes do not always come in the exact direction, sometimes they will face South West, North East and will be a blend of these exposures. So when looking at Florida homes, the best thing to do is go to the home you are interested in at different times of the day. You very well could find that one exposure works much better for you than another.

WHAT CAN I DO TO GET MY FIDDLER'S CREEK HOME READY FOR SALE?

2007-08-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

WHAT CAN I DO TO GET MY FIDDLER’S CREEK HOME READY FOR SALE?

Are you getting ready to sell your Fiddler's Creek home? Your goal when you sell your Fiddler's Creek home is to do so fast! Part of doing that is making sure your home is appealing to the Fiddler's Creek buyer. Let's face it, the market is challenging, so you need to do everything you can possibly do to ensure top dollar and a quick sale!

Does this sound familiar?

Each day you go into your overflowing closet and you can't find what you are looking for
Perhaps you need a closet organizer!
Your home is cluttered and you have no place to put things
You cannot open the bathroom drawers
You open the pantry door it is disorganized

Do you think this would make a good impression on a Fiddler's Creek Buyer?

Clean out the closets, kitchen and bath cupboards! Rent a storage unit and put all things that you don't need right now in it.

For more in depth information on this or any community in Naples, Florida please feel free to call me at (239) 393-0100 or visit my website at http://www.eliteonefineproperties.com/. I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you and assist you with your Real Estate Goals...

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

Carolyn A. Rzaca and EliteOne Fine Properties are independent real estate brokers and are in no way affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by GB 500 Inc., Distinctive Realty of Naples, or the developers of the Fiddler's Creek community.

FIDDLER'S CREEK MARKET UPDATE OF RESALE PROPERTIES

2007-07-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

FIDDLER' CREEK MARKET UPDATE OF RESALE PROPERTIES

As Of July 5, 2007

With being half way through 2007 it looks as if our number of units sold is in line with the 2004 number, but our average sale price is much higher.

2007 (as of 7/5/2007)
Number of Units Sold: 30
Average List Price of Sold: $733,767
Average Sold Price: $655,366
Sold Days on Market: 215

2006
Number of Units Sold: 38
Average List Price of Sold: $694,842
Average Sold Price: $651,901
Sold Days on Market: 141

2005
Number of Units Sold: 151
Average List Price of Sold: $530,765
Average Sold Price: $515,944
Sold Days on Market: 115

2004
Number of Units Sold: 67
Average List Price of Sold: $358,686
Average Sold Price: $352,178
Sold Days on Market: 213

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

Based on information from the Naples Area Board of REALTORS and the Association of Real Estate Professionals, Inc. These properties were not all listed or sold by EliteOne Fine Properties, LLC REALTORS and are listed by various MLS participating offices, or were the subject of recent sales transactions and were sold by various MLS participating offices. This infomration is deemed to be accurate, but not warranted. Non-MLS properties are not reflected. Carolyn A. Rzaca and EliteOne Fine Properties are independent real estate brokers and are in no way affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by GB 500 Inc., Distinctive Realty of Naples, or the developers of the Fiddler's Creek community.

AVE MARIA, FLORIDA'S NEWEST TOWN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

2007-07-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

With so much controversy the Town of Ave Maria, Florida has had its first residents move in and is now opening it's doors to the public with TownFest Open House on Saturday, July 21st. Visitors can view the first stage of the town center, model homes and the university.

The town of Ave Maria, with the nation's first major Catholic university in four decades, was the dream of Domino's Pizza founder, Tom Monaghan and with the partnership of the Barron Collier Companies his dream has come true. The town will not only consist of the university but also will incorporate retail, commercial space, housing and public schools.

Ave Maria, Florida is located 30 miles east of Naples, Florida with an expected population of around 30,000 people within this 5,000 acre, master planned community. Approximately 8,000 homes will be built by Pulte Homes, DiVosta Homes and Del Webb with prices ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. Additionally the town will offer various recreational areas for the residents, which will include a community center, parks, water park, fitness center, tennis center and golf course.

What a great new addition to Southwest Florida!

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

REGULATION OF FLORIDA HOME INSPECTORS

2007-07-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

We have all experienced it! "The So Called Home Inspector" who is not licensed or insured. I congratulate the State of Florida legislators for signing a bill that requires home inspectors and mold specialists to be regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation effective July 1, 2010. Home inspectors will be required to attend 120 hours of pre-license education and 14 hours of continuing education every two years and to carry errors and ommissions insurance. July 2010 can not come soon enough for me.

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

THE FABULOUS GATED GOLF COMMUNITY OF FIDDLER'S CREEK

2007-07-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

Market Update

July 14, 2007

I live in Fiddler's Creek and enjoy the lifestyle of this gated golf community. Nature abounds you when you live at this internationally renowed resort of Fiddler's Creek with its shimmering lakes and lush landscaping. It is not unusual to see the wonderful tropical flora and rare animal life of the Everglades during your walks or just from your lanai. The community boasts the luxurious tropical aura you would expect at a five star Caribbean resort. Fiddler's Creek is situated perfectly between the World Famous 5th Avenue of Naples and the tropical beaches of Marco Island, Florida.

Fiddler's Creek is a community of single family homes and condo villages. Currently, as of this date, there are 338 active resale properties for sale with prices ranging from $4,500,000 to $274,900, 33 closed resale properties since January 1, 2007 and 3 pending resale contracts on the Naples Area Board of Realtors MLS. Watch for my quarterly market updates about Fiddler's Creek. If you do not receive my quarterly magazine that I mail out and would like to receive it, please email me at CRzaca@EliteOneFineProperties.com and I will be sure that you are added to my distribution.

___________________________________________________________________

More Naples Real Estate News You Can Use From

Carolyn A. Rzaca, Broker/Owner

EliteOneFineProperties.com

Your Source for Naples Homes, Naples Condos and The Golf Course Communities of Fiddler’s Creek, Hammock Bay, Lely Resort and Treviso Bay

(239) 393-0100

September 2006 Fiddler's Creek Market Report

2006-09-26T16:38:00.000-04:00

Since January of this year, there have only been 20 condos sold in Fiddler's Creek. Compare that with 114 that sold the prior year. This is a community that has continually been adding new product, so there is a mixture of developer and resales going on in this community.

I am only reporting what has happened on the Marco Island MLS, there can actually be additional sales that are reported on the Naples MLS, but for the most part they are listed on both MLS systems. Let's look at the Gated Community as a whole.

	Year	# of Units Active	# of Units Pending	# of Units Sold	Average List Price Active	Average List Price Pending	Average List Price of Sold	Average Sold Price
Fiddlers Creek Condos Combined	2007
	2006	114	2	20	$ 610,440	$ 558,500	$ 576,780	$ 542,912
	2005			114			$ 476,339	$ 465,573
	2004			80			$ 338,848	$ 329,216
	2003			33			$ 271,288	$ 262,032
	2002			18			$ 230,267	$ 223,311
	2001			7			$ 200,943	$ 192,782
	2000			1			$ 169,900	$ 159,000

The above represents the average of the various communities that make up Fiddler's Creek. Below find the specific communities vary greatly in prices:

Condo Name	# For Sale	Lowest	Highest	Average
Cascada	13	$ 699,999	$ 999,000	$ 867,738
Cherry Oaks	13	$ 599,000	$ 974,900	$ 865,982
Deer Crossing	16	$ 399,000	$ 579,000	$ 531,031
Hawks Nest	19	$ 369,900	$ 459,000	$ 405,347
Laguna	31	$ 537,000	$ 839,000	$ 666,258
Montreaux	12	$ 599,900	$ 875,000	$ 783,942
Whisper Trace	10	$ 339,000	$ 489,000	$ 384,580

Of the units that have sold:

4 Cascada
3 Cherry Oaks
3 Deer Crossing
4 Hawks Nest
2 Montreaux
4 Whisper Trace

For a more in depth list of current sales and what is for sale in Fiddler's Creek, please feel free to contact me at colleen@paradisereport.com. I look forward to speaking with you!

** All statistical information was gathered from The Marco Island Area Association of Realtors. **