Naples Florida Real Estate Blog

Naples Real Estate Blog

Sunday, February 26, 2006

For residents of Bonita Bay, The Brooks, Mediterra, Spanish Wells, Highland Woods, Pelican Landing, Tuscany Reserve, and even Barefoot Beach, shopping for food just became easier and a bit more fun. This is due to the opening of Fresh Market in Bonita Springs. Fresh Market is a customer-oriented gourmet grocery store and deli, specializing in top quality meat, seafood, and produce, as well as prepared food items. The Bonita Springs store is located off U.S. 41, south of West Terry. They also have stores in Naples and Fort Myers.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

If you are a resident of Collier County, or own property there, be sure to get your free beach sticker. This will enable you to park free at all county beaches, including the new 342 space parking garage on Vanderbilt Beach Road near Vanderbilt Beach. The parking fee without the sticker will be $6.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Gov. Jeb Bush was on hand when the ceremonial groundbreaking was held for the town of Ave Maria, on Friday February 17. The town will be the home of Ave Maria University, the first new Catholic university in the United States in about 40 years. The town is located between Naples and Immokalee in Collier County, and will offer a variety of residential neighborhoods, as well as condominiums on the upper levels of planned retail space. The University and its 1,000 acre campus is the dream of Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

The Center for the Study of Economic Crimes, a Web-based clearinghouse and research concern dedicated to combating all kinds of fraud -- including mortgage fraud -- officially launched this week at http://www.FraudUpdate.com. Administrators from Florida State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and from St. Thomas University's School of Law will identify fraud trends, promote enforcement strategies and encourage research into fraud through the Web site. There will be a special emphasis on economic crimes that transcend jurisdictions because, according to St. Thomas University School of Law Dean Bob Butterworth, "Fraud artists routinely move from one state to another and jump from one type of fraud to another."

Monday, February 13, 2006

The report on January home sales for Naples is now in and confirms what we have been experiencing. Residential home sales dropped 28% for the month from 1 year ago, while condominium sales fell 32%. combining for a 30% reduction in the number of closed sales. While there are more properties available for sale, people are becoming more deliberate. A year ago, there was a frenzy, and buyers were taking anything available. Today buyers are demanding, and receiving , more value for their money. The demand is still strong, and should continue due to all the positive aspects present in the Southwest Florida real estate market. The major difference is the number of properties available, making for an ideal situation for the prospective buyer.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

February is the month to save money. Did you buy a new home in Grey Oaks, Pelican Bay, Olde Naples, or The Brooks? Maybe a condo in Park Shore, Pelican Marsh, Bonita Bay, or Vanderbilt Beach? No matter where in Southwest Florida, if you purchased a home and will live in it for at least 6 months, you can make it your homestead, and reap great tax benefits. These include a $25,000 reduction of assessed valuation, and a 3% cap per year on real estate taxes. It is an extremely easy process, and February is the month to do it.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Starting today, when you leave Bonita Springs, Naples, or Marco Island for the east coast via Alligator Alley, it will cost you more. The toll is increased to $2.50 from $1.50 for a two axle vehicle if you pay in cash, and to $2.00 if you use SunPass. This is the first increase since the Alley was opened in 1969.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

The Naples Daily News reported today that Gov. Jeb Bush proposed that surplus money in the state�s budget be returned to Floridians. The paper stated that "A $100 one-time rebate to all homeowners, a $55 reduction in school taxes and sales tax relief for school clothes and hurricane supplies are benefits Collier County residents could see from the governor�s proposed tax relief package." We say, "Investing in Southwest Florida real estate just seems to get better and better."

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