NABOR: April Real Estate Sales Down
Total sales in April were down five percent over the month before, according to new data released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
Sales dropped despite a decline in inventory in April, which had been expanding rapidly over much of the last two years. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with the average property now spending nearly 100 days on the market, 97 days in April up from 72 days a year ago.
For those still living with lingering scars of the real estate bust a decade ago, that may dredge up bad memories, but the reason for the slowdown is on the part of sellers, not buyers, says Dominic Pallini, the president of NABOR.
“An influx of new homes onto the market creates additional competition that many sellers don’t take into consideration when pricing their homes to sell,” Pallini said.
According to Collier County’s Growth Management Division, the county issued 257 permits for new construction in single and mu; ...

The Top 5 Beaches in Naples, Florida are globally recognized as some of the most beautiful in the world, which is not surprising considering how much there is to enjoy along the unspoiled coastlines of Southwest Florida. It’s not just the soft white sand that brings thousands of new people to our area each year, but also fantastic fishing and an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding preserves. This list of top 5 beaches in Naples, Florida also puts you just blocks from luxury accommodations and phenomenal restaurants in Collier County.

Clam Pass – A gorgeous stretch of shoreline located in North Naples at Seagate Drive and Crayton Road offering 35-acres of coastal County Park and wildlife preserve. Beach access is provided via a three-quarter mile boardwalk with tram that runs through red, white and black mangroves and also features a tidal bay where you’ll find avid marine life along with wading shorebirds, eagles, hawks and osprey.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State P ...

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) new construction forecast points towards an increase in new home sales. Economists evaluated the growth of families, a strong economy, and employment gains as fuel to support the demand for new home construction.

Although the demand will support the growth of new construction, the supply of the three “L’s”: Lots, Labor, and Lending can dampen certain markets.
Lots: Over 60% of the nation’s builders report the lack of supply of available & buildable land. In Collier County, we have been witnessing the resurgence of independent builders as well as national firms. Golden Gate Estates has single family home construction on vacant lots of various sizes. The price of residential acreage has increased annually creating more demand to buy sooner than later.

Many larger builders are scooping up acreage to build communities with a handful of homes, many without any amenities common to the larger developments.
La ...

When listing and selling a home in Naples it's always a good idea to step back and take a look at the property as if you were the buyer. Today it is turning into a buyers market days on market are increasing and you have a lot of competition, so here are some tips that will help sell your home in less time and for top dollar.

1. Change Out the Lighting-Nothing says outdated like an old-fashioned gold chandelier. Lighting is something that can be updated easily and won’t cost a bunch of money. It is one of the smallest things you can do that will have the biggest impact.

2. Paint-There is an old saying that states “if a barn needs to be painted, slap some paint on it.” You will be amazed at what some paint can do to your home. A new hue can cover imperfections and give the room the blast of color it needs. Forget drab, white walls that are lackluster. Give your home a color makeover.

3. New Fixtures-Just like the lighting, the fixtures in the home become outda ...

The wait is over. Publix is finally public in the Orangetree area of Golden Gate Estates.

Of course, the opening of a supermarket isn’t usually a big deal for most folks, but for a neighborhood that has lacked a major grocery store, it’s truly newsworthy.

Almost 100 people stood in line in the dark Thursday before the 7 a.m. opening of Publix in the new Neighborhood Shoppes at Orangetree on the corner of Immokalee Road and Randall Boulevard.

Jennifer Levy, who lives in Orangetree, arrived about 7:30 a.m. to check out the new supermarket.

“We are very, very excited. We’re glad they’re here,” Levy said.

She said she shopped at least weekly at the nearest Publix about 10 miles away in the Shoppes at Pebblebrooke at Collier Boulevard. She figures the new store is about a 10- to 15-minute bike ride from her home.

“I actually bought a basket for my bicycle, so I can come here and load it up,” Levy said.
Like many area residm ...