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        <title>Naples Florida Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Joe Epifanio's Real Estate Blog, Real Estate in Naples Florida,  follow Joe Epifanio's blog, search for homes for sale in Naples Florida</description>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/village-walk-naples-gets-a-facelift.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/village-walk-naples-gets-a-facelift.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Village Walk Naples gets a  facelift</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Village Walk in Naples is getting a facelift, at least the front entrance is and probably some of the other structures.    Village walk is one of Naples older communities, there are homes here from 1995.  Set around its own mini town center, Village Walk is great if you like to stay close to home, with its own small gas station, post office, ice cream parlor and even a beauty parlor, it's easy to never leave. The entrance way is in the middle of getting a facelift, often work like this is carried out over the summer months to cause minimum disruption to winter residents, winter is the busiest time of year in Naples, so often communities such as Village Walk take their time preparing, then work to improve the commuity in the heat of the summer.  This is not easy for the workers who sometimes have to endure considerable heat, but with planning and starting early in the morning, they are able to avoid the worst the searing mid-day sun.  Thunderstorms are also a problem which can cause major headaches for builders in southwest Florida, the predictable summer storms usually come around 3 - 4 pm, although they are not predictable as they once were, when they do come however, the rain is torrential, concrete can be washed away in a heartbeat, so once again early planning is essential.   Once the new entrance is complete at Village Walk, it will look fresh and revived in time for our winter residents to return.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 15:05:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/mandalay-place-naples.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/mandalay-place-naples.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Mandalay Place Naples</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ With acreage becoming scarce in Naples, the opportunity to build a new community is getting slimmer, most of the new communities are now being built on the outskirts of town. To compensate for this there are major roadworks going on at the moment, with road widening especially along Collier Blvd at the junction of the I75, also the long awaiting Rattlesnake extention which will give many of the newer communities to the east of Naples, easy access to downtown.    However, there are a few smaller pockets of land closer in, which are being snapped up by builders, one such is Mandalay Place, located on Bailey Lane which is off Airport Pulling Road, Mandalay Place is in a superb location and will surely be a sought after community, once construction commences.    Approval has been given and plans approved for 22 new homes to be built on this lot which is just over seven acres in total.  With the mini housing boom which appears to be going on in Naples at the moment, this small development is but a drip in the ocean, however, in this great location, it promises to be a very much sought after. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/the-isles-of-collier-preserve-a-new-waterfront-community-in-naples-fl.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/the-isles-of-collier-preserve-a-new-waterfront-community-in-naples-fl.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>The Isles of Collier Preserve a new waterfront community in Naples, Fl</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Isles of Collier Preserve is underway, this long awaited new Naples community on the last large prime piece of downtown real estate in Naples has broken ground.  Located just to the east of Naples Bay, the Isles of Collier Preserve is a waterfront community set on 2300 acres of land, over half of which is to be left as a natural habitat for Florida wildlife.  The other half is to become one of Naples most sought after new communities, with 1600 waterfront homes set around a series of lakes and rivers.  This unique community will have a resort style pool, tennis courts, and the usual fitness facilities.  But there are a few things that make the Isles at Collier Preserve unique, one of them being it will not only have hiking trails, but also kayaking trails around its waterways.  Residents will also have access to the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, a full service marina with boat slips and acces to the Gulf of Mexico. 


The say that location is one of the major things to look for when buying real estate, the Isles of Collier Preserve has just that, a great location.  Not only will residents be able to access the water but the community is only a stones throw from downtown Naples and the Gulf Beaches.  Although many new communities are under construction at the moment such as Montebello at Coco Lakes, a luxury enclave close to downtown Naples, but without all the usual high association fees, and the Esplanade on Immokalee Road, I believe the Isles at Collier Preserve is the one to watch with probably the most Naples waterfront homes in one community.   The sales center will be open in the fall of 2013 with new model homes following in early 2014.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/hacienda-lakes-naples-new-community-in-naples-florida.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/hacienda-lakes-naples-new-community-in-naples-florida.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Hacienda Lakes Naples new community in Naples Florida</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hacienda Lakes, Naples is a brand new community under construction which will eventually offer 1,760 homes for sale, the new construction is planned to take up to 8 years and will eventually retail shopping, a hotel, a medical facility and a public school.   Hacienda Lakes is well named as there are to be over 100 acres of lakes throught out the community, sitting on a 2,262 acre site, the new community of Hacienda lakes is well underway, commencing with two large lakes at the entrance to the community.


Located to the east of Collier Boulevard, the Hacienda Lakes new community will sit at the end of the planned Rattlesnake Hammock extension.  This area is extremely popular and already has a number of great communities close by including, Naples Heritage Golf Club, Forest Glen Golf Club, Naples Lakes Counry Club and Treviso Bay. Knowing that this was to be an area of expansion the Physicians Regional Medical Center was built over 5 years ago. The area has a well planned road system giving easy access to Naples and Marco Island with the I75 interstate junction  101 ,just north on Collier Blvd, this junction is being extended to make for smoother traffic flow as are many other parts of Collier Blvd.


As Naples grows what was once thought a long way out from the city center, is now only a hop skip and a jump, Hacidena Lakes will benefit from the upgraded  road systems which are being put into place now to avoid any traffic problems once Hacienda Lakes is complete. For nature lovers Hacienda Lakes new development lies close to the Picayune Strand State Park with over 80,000 acres open to the public, throughout which there are many trails.   


East Naples is rapidly becoming a  very popular place to live and work, with new upscale communities and the promise of retail and expansion,  East Naples seems to be the place to watch.


FIND OUT ABOUTNEW HOMES IN HACIENDA LAKES 


Naples daily news article
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            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:18:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/naples-homes-of-the-rich-and-famous.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/naples-homes-of-the-rich-and-famous.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Naples Homes of the Rich and Famous</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Naples, Florida attracts the rich and famous, why, because it has long been known for it's white sand beaches and warm tropical breezes as a place to spend the winter months.  Naples has an ambience all of it's own, Old Naples, the area from central avenue south, down past 5th ave and 3rd street all the way to Port Royal is known as Olde Naples, it has an island like feel with many roads leading to the water.  While to the north side of Naples there are gated communities, golf courses and country clubs.  This area abounds with luxury homes belonging to the rich and famous. Many of Naple's residents have other homes all over the world, but seek out Naple's for its unique ambience, small streets lined with restaurants and art galleries, this is a sophisticated place where the rich and famous celebrities can blend in and enjoy. 


There are repudedly many celebrity homes in Naples, Florida,Bob Seagar owns two homes, one in Seagate and another luxury home on the beach.  Larry Bird has had a home in Park Shore for many years.  Robin Cook the writer also has a home in Park Shore.  Judith Sheindlin more well known at Judge Judy lives in the Bay Colony area of Pelican Bay.  Jose Feliciano, who is famous for singing "I wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart" lives just north of Naples in Lehigh Acres.  Other famous Naples' celebrities include, Actress Jayne Seymour,  the world famous director Steven Spielberg,  Alex Lifeson the guitarist from Rush has a home in Pelican Bay, Neil Boortz the talk show host lives at The Dunes in Naples,  Sean Hannity another conservative talk show host has a condo in Moraya Bay Beach Tower, Matt Birk Super Bowl XLVII champion with the Baltimore Ravens has retired to Naples, football Coaches Mike Ditka and Don Shula also live here.


The area of southwest Florida has many other wonderful exotic places to live these attract their fair share of celebs too, John Mooney the blues guitarist lives on Pine Island, Ricky Medlocke lead guitarist for Lynyrd Skynrd lives part time in Fort Myers. 


Naples became a place for the rich and famous to retreat to many many years ago, starting with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford,  in their time they would have enjoyed peace and quite as Naples was probably off the map, celebrities still choose Naples for the same reasons, peace and quite, so if you happen to bump into a celebrity whilst shopping at Publix or walking the beach, let's respect their privacy and give them a little elbow room.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:43:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/median-home-price-increases-17-percent-in-march.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/median-home-price-increases-17-percent-in-march.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>MEDIAN HOME PRICE INCREASES 17 PERCENT IN MARCH </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Now here is some great news for homeowner's in Naples Florida.   An announcement today from the Naples Area Board of Realtors said that the overall median home price has increased by 17% for 12 months ending in March 2013.  After a long period of static and falling house prices this is outstanding news.   The overall pending sales also rose by 4% and the average days a property is listed for sale on the market went down by 8%.    


New contruction is also on the move in Naples, just driving around you can see the number of new communities that are underway.  Such as Mandalay Place, Hacienda Lakes, Rattlesnake Crossing,  Burnt Creek.   Lantana is growing steadly and Montebello at Coco Lakes has new construction underway. 


It has been over four years since the Naples Real Estate Market has seen growth of this kind, and it shows no sign of slowing down.  However, the summer months here in Naples are normally our slow time, so we need to wait to see what happens then.    However, I think this upturn has been a long time coming and now that we have some momentum the rise should continue. 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:02:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/two-high-profile-employees-leave-trulia1.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/two-high-profile-employees-leave-trulia1.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Two High Profile Employees Leave Trulia!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Two real estate vets hired by Trulia to fortify relationships with the real estate


industry have departed after less than a year with the company.





 


Matt Dollinger, formerly Trulia's head of industry relations, announced his departure Monday to his Twitter followers.


 Todd Carpenter, senior manager of industry engagement at Trulia, announced his departure from the company on Tuesday.


Dollinger, who was hired in May to oversee Trulia's sales and business development team, said he would continue to serve as an advisory board member and consultant on broker products. Before coming to Trulia, Dollinger was vice president of strategic development with @properties, an innovative Chicago brokerage.


In a blog post, Carpenter said he'd "learned a lot and really appreciate the opportunity, but my time at Trulia can now be officially categorized as, 'past work experience.' I'm looking forward to what the future brings."


Trulia brought Carpenter on board last April as senior manager of industry engagement. Previously, he had served as the social media manager for the National Association of Realtors.


Industry reaction to the change-ups was surprise and curiosity.


"What's going on at Trulia?" tweeted Joel Burslem, a partner at real estate design and marketing firm 1000watt Consulting.


"Both these guys were hired with much fanfare and now, the boot?" wrote Greg Robertson at his popular industry blog Vendor Alley.


Trulia spokesman Ken Shuman said, "We wish Matt and Todd best of luck in their next ventures. As a company, we're really excited about some of the new programs we are working on in Q1 to accelerate agent and broker success."






Trulia announced it had hired iHomefinder founder and CEO Alon Chaver to build new services for brokers and multiple listing services, expand data quality initiatives, and strengthen industry partnerships. As vice president of industry services, Chaver is responsible for the strategy and direction of Trulia's broker, MLS and data team.






On Monday, Trulia announced plans to raise $100 million in a follow-on offering of shares in its stock.


- COURTESY OF INMAN NEWS
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            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/golden-gate-estates-a-land-lovers-paradise.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/golden-gate-estates-a-land-lovers-paradise.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Golden Gate Estates - A Land Lovers Paradise</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
While we all know the curb appeal that homes offer downtown, or the location near beaches and shopping centers offered by properties all along the Naples coastline, but few people know about the wealth of investment opportunities available further out from the city center, in beautiful Golden Gate Estates.





 


Naples has been growing at a rapid rate for the past 20 years. Anybody who has been visiting for any extended period of time knows first hand just how much this city has expanded and how much further east, away from the beach, the construction has now spread. So while the thought of living a little further out of town may be a downside for some potential home buyers, do not forget that in the coming years the town will be coming to you!


 


In addition to the growth of Naples, Golden Gate homes now have a new additional local amenity, in the form of Ave Maria University. With a state of the art facility, and numerous students in the local area, there is no doubt that the surrounding community will continue to grow as the new campus flourishes.


 


Now down to the main selling point. Land. While there are a few different communities in Naples that offer some land surrounding the home, they are usually very pricey and still mostly surrounded by roads and stores that give the overall feel more of a city hideaway type experience. In 'The Estates' as it is fondly referred to by local residents, you are able to truly enjoy the freedom and tranquility offered by the country. Large lots usually in excess of an acre, combined with many uncleared plots of land, give the entire area a truly outdoorsman feel. Four wheelers, horses, and hunting. All common past times in The Estates, because these kind of hobbies are just not available anywhere closer to town.


 


The large beautiful lots play host to many extraordinary homes, some even come complete with stables for horses, or kennels for dogs. It truly is an outdoor paradise, offering residents the best of both worlds. With the ability to live a free life raising livestock and riding off road vehicles, combined with the short drive to a cutting edge university and only a few miles from one of the most beautiful beachfront cities in all of the world.


 


So if you love Naples, and you love the thought of living in paradise, but you feel that city life is just not for you, then Golden Gate Estates is the perfect solution. Close to everything you could ever want, while still offering a truly country feel, there is no better option for anybody looking for an outdoors lifestyle.


 



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            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 07:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/amazing-new-tv-commercial-for-lantana-at-olde-cypress-now-airing.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/amazing-new-tv-commercial-for-lantana-at-olde-cypress-now-airing.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>Amazing New TV Commercial For Lantana at Olde Cypress Now Airing!!! </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



I'm sure by you have probably seen the amazing new commercial on TV advertising Lantana at Olde Cypress. Stock Construction did a great job on the production, and the people have responded with even more enthusiasm than expected!Our phone lines are blowing up, email inboxes constantly refreshing with questions and requests for more viewings!


We have had such fantastic feedback from the community and we are proud to finally share this special new neighborhood with the people of Naples. The houses are selling like hot cakes!!! DO NOT HESITATE TO ARRANGE A VIEWING, THESE ONE OF A KIND HOMES WILL NOT LAST LONG!


This highly anticipated new community located within the prestigious Olde Cypress neighborhood boasts luxury homes, located in a prime area in the beautiful city of Naples, Florida. We have extraordinary model homes available for viewings right now! We have been working closely with Stock Construction, our affiliate builder,  to ensure our ability to offer clients the best deals on these homes. Popular demand means that we are confident in our ability to sell the remaining houses very soon, and we do not want you to miss out on the opportunity to own property in Lantana. 


Click Here To Arrange A Viewing Or To Get More Information!



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            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:54:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/2012-nabor-market-report.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestatejoe.com/blog/2012-nabor-market-report.html</link>
            <author>myhome@realestatejoe.com (Joseph Epifanio)</author>
            <title>2012 - NABOR Market Report</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Naples Area Board Of Realtors - 2012 Market Report


 


2012 MEDIAN CLOSED PRICE INCREASED 17 PERCENT  


 


Contacts:             Wes Kunkle, NABOR President &amp; Media Relations Committee Chairman, (239) 216-2839


                            Marcia Albert, NABOR Director of Marketing, (239) 597-1666


  


Naples, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2013) - The Naples area overall median closed price increased a remarkable 17 percent from $175,000 in 2011 to $204,000 in 2012, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).  


 


"At our annual Economic Summit held in April, Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, predicted a 10 percent increase in the overall median price by the end of 2012," stated Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at Prudential Florida Realty. "At the time, many people were incredulous with his assessment, but now today we are delighted to see the real estate market's prices rebounding and surpassing estimates."


 


The NABOR® 2012 Annual Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® annual sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium units) findings: 


 


- Overall closed sales increased 9 percent, from 8,345 units in 2011, compared to 9,121 units in 2012. Overall closed sales increased 20 percent in the $300,000-$500,000 category, from 1,129 units to 1,357 units, and increased 29 percent in the $500,000-$1 million category, from 794 units to 1,022 units, from 2011 to 2012, respectively.


 


- Overall pending sales increased 6 percent, from 10,070 pending sales in 2011 to 10,683 pending sales in 2012.


 


- Overall inventory decreased by 13 percent, from 7,581 listed properties in 2011 to 6,557 listed properties in 2012. Pending sales with contingent contracts are included in the overall inventory number.


 


 


- Overall pending sales in the Naples coastal area increased 15 percent, from 1,791 units to 2,057 units, in 2012. Closed sales increased 14 percent, from 1,641 units in 2011 to 1,869 units in 2012.




 




 


"2012 was a very good year across the board for the Naples area real estate market," stated Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager of Downing-Frye Realty. "From overall pending sales to closed sales and higher median closed prices, along with a continued decrease in inventory, it was a strong year. So strong, in fact, that we now would like to see higher levels of available inventory."


 


Thomas A. Bringardner Jr., President and CEO of Premier Commercial, added "The continued economic recovery, both nationally and locally, as well as the decrease in the unemployment rate (dropping to 7.8 percent for Collier County in November 2012) and increase in tourism is benefitting the residential and commercial market."


 


"The overall commercial market has remained relatively steady and now we are seeing modest improvements," he said. "Recent large deals, including the sale of the Fifth Third Bank building and the Venetian Village, in addition to large land deals, highlight the improvement in the commercial market."


 


The NABOR® 2012 Fourth Quarter Report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® fourth quarter statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium units) findings:


 


- Overall closed sales increased 22 percent, from 1,689 units in fourth quarter 2011 to 2,061 units in fourth quarter 2012. Overall closed sales increased 58 percent in the $300,000-$500,000 category, from 207 units to 328 units, and increased 51 percent in the $500,000-$1 million category, from 146 units to 221 units, from fourth quarter 2011 to fourth quarter 2012, respectively.


 


- The median closed price increased 24 percent overall, from $165,000 in fourth quarter 2011 to $205,000 in fourth quarter 2012.


 


 - Overall pending sales increased 8 percent, from 2,250 pending sales in fourth quarter 2011 to 2,422 pending sales in fourth quarter 2012.


 


- Overall inventory decreased 13 percent, from 7,580 units for fourth quarter 2011, compared to 6,557 units in fourth quarter 2012.


 


To view the entire report, visit the link provided below.


 


The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) is an established organization (Chartered in 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples Community. NABOR® is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 4,000 plus members. NABOR® is a member of the Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local board of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR® is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR® Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.


 


The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.  
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            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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