NAPLES GOLF GUY BLOG

Naples Vacation Home

Summer is Coming! Time for a Naples Vacation Home?

During the summer, many families travel to their favorite vacation destination. In fact, many people head to Southwest Florida to vacation for a couple of years and then decide they want to buy a Naples vacation home. Rentals are often challenging to find in our area, especially if you have a pet. And, rental rates are increasing every year. So, what if instead of renting a house or staying in a hotel, you could enjoy a home of your own?

Where do Most Buyers Purchase a Vacation Home?

Near a Beach – 33 percent
On a Lakefront – 21 percent
In the Countryside – 15 percent

If you’d like to make your vacation home dream come true, let’s get together to chat!

Latest Naples Real Estate News:

Naples Golf Guy Monthly Market Report

Naples Real Estate Update

Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers Real Estate News

Begin Your Naples Property Search for Your Own Naples Vacation Home

So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your Naples vacation home or you plan to relocate full-time to southwest Florida to find your Dream Luxury home or condo, we encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate and would be happy to help you navigate the more than 150 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, we will provide a list of properties that meet your criteria and/or communities that meet your needs.

Also, if you are considering new construction, remember the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s best interest, not yours. There is no cost for you to have an agent represent you. In fact, we may be able to help you save money and negotiate for extras which the builder may not let you know about.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a focused and goal-oriented real estate representative in Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to me directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury vacation home, luxury golf home or dream home, call me or text me on my mobile phone at 239-370-0892 or email me at Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 11th, 2019, Posted by Matt

A Tale of Two Markets

Nationwide real estate shows there are two markets with different trends. The luxury real estate market is a buyers market as inventory is increasing. As a result of the increase in luxury homes on the market, we are seeing a reduction in prices. On the other hand, the lower end of the market remains a seller’s market in most areas of the country.

Some Highlights:

An emerging trend for some time now has been the difference between available inventory and demand in the premium and luxury markets and that in the starter and trade-up markets and what those differences are doing to prices!
Inventory continues to rise in the luxury and premium home markets which is causing prices to cool.
Demand continues to rise with lower-than-normal inventory levels in the starter and trade-up home markets, causing prices to rise on a year-over-year basis for 85 consecutive months.

Begin Your Naples Property Search

So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your Naples home, or a southwest Florida Luxury home or condo, we encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate and would be happy to help you navigate the more than 150 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, we will provide a list of properties that meet your criteria and/or communities that meet your needs.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Considering Selling your home?

If you are looking to sell a home in Bonita Springs, Estero or Naples, we encourage you to work with a Professional Real Estate Agent or REALTOR® who has the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. If you live in a golf community in southwest Florida, you are competing with more than 150 other golf communities. Contact us today to learn how your home or condo stacks up against the competition and how we can position your property to sell quickly and for a fair price.

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 10, 2019, Posted by Matt

Naples Area March Real Estate Sales

March Real Estate Sales Off to a Healthy Start

The latest March Real Estate Sales report for the week of March 4th show there were 242 Properties Sold in the Naples area. North Naples took over the top spot for the most real estate transactions for the week. There were 61 properties sold versus 89 the previous week. East Naples moved into the second position with 47 sales compared to 95 during the week of Feb. 25th. The Corkscrew area continued to have a fair amount of activity for the week with a total of 34 transactions. And finally, the city of Naples rounded out the week with 31 properties sold, down from the week before when there were 52 sales.

So, of the 61 real estate sales in North Naples, 13 percent were vacant lots, 33 percent were single family homes and 54 percent were condos. Also, in East Naples, of the 47 transactions closed, 62 percent were condos and 34 percent were single family homes. Additionally, the remaining properties sold were vacant lots. Corkscrew’s 34 transactions consisted of 21 percent condo sales, 44 percent single family homes and 35 percent vacant lots. Last but not least, of the 31 Naples properties sold in the City, 35 percent were single family homes and 65 percent were condos.

In review, the latest March Real Estate Sales for the Naples area for the week of the 4th show sales were broken down as follows: 85 single family homes, 117 condos, 39 vacant lots and 1 mobile home sold throughout Collier County.

Naples Area March Real Estate Sales for the week of 4th by zip code:

City of Naples

34102 – 15 properties sold (7 single family home and 8 condos)
34103 – 8 properties sold (2 single family homes and 6 condos)
34105 – 8 properties sold (2 single family homes and 6 condos)

North Naples

34109 – 15 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 3 single family homes and 11 condos)
34110 – 22 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 6 single family homes and 14 condos)
34119 – 24 properties sold (5 vacant lots, 11 single family homes and 8 condos)

East Naples

34104 – 13 properties sold (6 single family homes and 7 condos)
34112 – 20 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 4 single family homes and 15 condos)
34113 – 14 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 6 single family homes and 7 condos)

Ave Maria and Immokalee

34142 – 9 properties sold (1 mobile home, 4 vacant lots and 4 single family homes)

Barefoot Beach

34134 – 2 properties sold (1 vacant lot and 1 condo)

Big Cypress

34117 – 4 properties sold (3 vacant lots and 1 single family home)

Chokoloskee

34138 – 2 properties sold (2 condos)

Coco River

34108 – 12 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 1 single family home and 10 condos)

Copeland

34139 – 1 property sold (1 condo)

Corkscrew

34120 – 34 properties sold (12 vacant lots, 15 single family homes and 7 condos)

Eastern Collier County

34114 – 14 properties sold (4 vacant lots, 7 single family homes and 3 condos)
34116 – 7 properties sold (4 single family homes and 3 condos)

Marco Island

34145 – 18 properties sold (4 vacant lots, 6 single family homes and 8 condos)

More Naples Real Estate News:

Naples Golf Guy Monthly Market Report

Naples Real Estate Update

Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers Real Estate News

Begin Your Naples Property Search

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Considering Selling your home?

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 10th, 2019, Posted by Matt

Economic Slowdown Revisited

Mainstream Concerns about an Economic Slowdown Revisited

Concerns about an economic slowdown revisited by analysts recently shared their view of the economy.

Recently, we reported that many believe a recession could happen within the next two years. We explained that 70% of economists and market analysts surveyed last year believe that a recession will occur in 2019 or 2020 and that 42% of consumers currently looking to purchase a home also agree that a recession will occur this year or next.

However, the U.S. economy has performed well in the first quarter of 2019 and that has caused some experts to change their thinking on an impending economic slowdown.

Here are a few notable examples:

Anthony Chan, Chief Economist at JPMorgan Chase

“I feel really comfortable that the economy is slowing down this year, but not going into a recession… It doesn’t look, to me, like the odds of a recession in 2020 are there.”

Dean Baker, Senior Economist at the Center for Economic & Policy Research

“To sum up the general picture, the U.S. economy is definitely weakening… However, with wages growing at a respectable pace, and job growth remaining healthy, we should see enough consumption demand to keep the economy moving forward. That means slower growth, but no recession.”

Lisa Shalett, Chief Investment Officer, Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley

“I’m not convinced a recession is coming soon… I see an improving housing market (low rates help), a rebound in bank lending, a tight labor market, higher oil prices and well-behaved credit markets. All these point to a stable U.S. economic outlook.”

So, we are seeing a stronger economy than many had predicted. That has caused some experts to push off the possibility of a recession further into the horizon.

Begin Your Own Property Search:

So, are you ready to begin your search for your new dream home? Or a new Florida Luxury home or condo? We encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate and would be happy to help you navigate more than 150 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, we will provide a list of properties that meet your criteria and/or communities that meet your needs.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a focused and goal-oriented Realtor in southwest Florida who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to me directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury vacation home, luxury golf home or dream home, call me or text me on my mobile phone at 239-370-0892 or email me at Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 9, 2019 Posted by Matt

The Benefits of a Large Down Payment

Do you need a large down payment if you are buying a home? If you are in the market to buy a home this year, you may be confused about how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people you talk to will tell you that you need to save 20% or you won’t be able to secure a mortgage.

The truth is that there are many programs available that let you put down as little as 3%. Those who have served our country could qualify for a Veterans Affairs Home Loan (VA) without needing a down payment.

These programs have cut the savings time that many families would need to compile a large down payment from five or more years down to a year or two. This allows them to start building family wealth sooner.

So then, why do so many people believe that they need a 20% down payment to buy a home? There has to be a reason! Today, we want to talk about four reasons why putting 20% down is a good plan, if you can afford it.

1. Your interest rate will be lower.

Putting down a 20% down payment vs. a 3-5% down payment shows your lender/bank that you are more financially stable, thus a good credit risk. The more confident your bank is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the rate they will be willing to give you.

2. You’ll end up paying less for your home.

The bigger your down payment, the lower your loan amount will be for your mortgage. If you are able to pay 20% of the cost of your new home at the start of the transaction, you will only pay interest on the remaining 80%. If you put down a 5% down payment, the extra 15% on your loan will accrue interest and end up costing you more in the long run!

3. Your offer will stand out in a competitive market!

In a market where many buyers are competing for the same home, sellers like to see offers come in with 20% or larger down payments. The seller gains the same confidence that the bank did above. You are seen as a stronger buyer whose financing is more likely to be approved. Therefore, the deal will be more likely to go through!

4. You won’t have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Simply put, PMI is “an insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that is required for all conforming, conventional loans that have down payments less than 20%.”

As we mentioned earlier, when you put down less than 20% to buy a home, your lender/bank will see your loan as having more risk. PMI helps them recover their investment in you if you are unable to pay your loan. This insurance is not required if you are able to put down 20% or more.

Many times, home sellers looking to move up to a larger or more expensive home are able to take the equity they earn from the sale of their house to put down 20% on their next home.

If you are looking to buy your first home, you will have to weigh the benefits of saving a 20% down payment vs. the time and cost of continuing to rent while you save that amount.

So, if your plan for your future includes buying a home and you’re already saving for your large down payment, let’s get together to help you decide what down payment size best fits with your long-term plan!

Articles about Southwest Florida Real Estate News

Naples Golf Guy Monthly Market Report

Naples Real Estate Update

Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers Real Estate News

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 8, 2019 Posted by Matt

Home Buyers are Optimistic

Home Buyers are Optimistic About Homeownership!

Why are home buyers optimistic about purchasing their dream home? Most home buyers start by listening to the news to hear what is being said about the real estate market. They check with family and friends about their experience. They spend time online reading reviews about their desired neighborhood.

When we consider buying an item, we naturally go through a research process prior to making our decision. We ask our friends and family members who have made similar purchases about their experience, we get opinions and insights, and we read reviews online. There’s no difference when considering a home purchase!

The challenge is that comments from the news and those closest to us can contradict the data and reports. One source says one thing, while another source says something completely different.

There is a group of homebuyers that are not allowing comments about an upcoming recession to interfere with their decision to buy a home. According to a survey by realtor.com®,

“Nearly 70 percent of home shoppers this spring think the U.S. will enter a recession in the next three years, but that hasn’t stopped them from trying to close on a home…Despite the fact that they foresee an economic downturn, they generally expressed confidence that a future recession will be better than 2008 for the housing market.”

The report provides more insights from the survey:

Nearly 30% of the active home shoppers* surveyed expect the next recession to begin sometime in 2020.
56% of shoppers believe home prices have hit their peak.
41% believe housing will fare better than in 2008.
45% of home shoppers feel at least slightly more optimistic about homeownership.
33% reported no impact on their feelings about homeownership.

Homebuyers are aware and making decisions with their eyes wide-open. As the report mentioned,

“The fact that some [36%] home shoppers expect the next recession to be harder on the housing market than the last recession suggests that they are buying homes with eyes wide-open and very sober, if not slightly pessimistic, views of the housing market.

This is a stark contrast to the years leading up to the last recession when ‘irrational exuberance’ was more common and yet another reason to expect that the next downturn will be very different for the housing market than the last.”

So, if you are considering buying a home you should be optimistic if you are considering Southwest Florida. Let’s get together to help you understand the local market and determine if buying a home is the right choice for you now.

*Active home shoppers are those consumers who responded that they plan to purchase their next home in 1 year or less.

Articles about Southwest Florida Real Estate News

Naples Golf Guy Monthly Market Report

Naples Real Estate Update

Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers Real Estate News

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 7, 2019 Posted by Matt

Getting Your House Sold Quickly

Most Important Factors in Getting Your House Sold Quickly!

So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you through the entire process, and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to your potential buyers.

There are four elements to a quality listing which will help get your house sold quickly. At the top of the list is access, followed by condition, financing, and price. There are many levels of access that you can provide to your agent so that he or she can show your home.

Here are five levels of access that you can give to buyers, along with a brief description:

Lockbox on the Door – this allows buyers the ability to see the home as soon as they are aware of the listing, or at their convenience.
Providing a Key to the Home – although the buyer’s agent may need to stop by an office to pick up the key, there is little delay in being able to show the home.
Open Access with a Phone Call – the seller allows showings with just a phone call’s notice.
By Appointment Only (example: 48-Hour Notice) – Many buyers who are relocating for a new career or promotion start working in that area prior to purchasing their home. They often like to take advantage of free time during business hours (such as their lunch break) to view potential homes. Because of this, they may not be able to plan their availability far in advance or may be unable to wait 48 hours to see the house.
Limited Access (example: the home is only available on Mondays or Tuesdays at 2 pm or for only a couple of hours a day) – This is the most difficult way to be able to show your house to potential buyers.

Considering Selling your home? Let Us Help You Sell Your House Quickly:

If you are looking to sell a home in Bonita Springs, Estero or Naples, I encourage you to work with a REALTOR® who has the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. If you live in a golf community in southwest Florida, you are competing with more than 150 other golf communities. Contact us today to learn how your home or condo stacks up against the competition and how we can position your property to sell quickly and for a fair price.

Bottom Line:

With more competition coming to the market, access can make or break your ability to get the price you are looking for, or even sell your house at all.

If you’re looking for a focused and goal-oriented Realtor in Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to me directly.

Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury vacation home, luxury golf home or dream home, call me or text me on my mobile phone at 239-370-0892 or email me at Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 7th, 2019 Posted by Matt

Vasari Condo For Sale

Vasari Condo Priced to Sell

This beautiful Vasari Condo has a price which has been reduced for a quick sale! It is the Lowest Priced Unit available in the Triestse neighborhood! A beautiful condo overlooking the Vasari County Club golf course and an expansive lake. And, this first floor (no stairs!) unit is being sold turnkey furnished. So, if you are looking for the perfect investment property in a bundled golf community in Bonita Springs, act quickly because this one won’t be around long.

Vasari Country Club Condo Price Adjustment – $200,000

11081 Corsia Trieste Way #102, Bonita Springs FL 34135

More About This Vasari Condo For Sale:

This fantastic Vasari Country Club Condo for sale has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms under 1,524 square feet and was build in 2013. Additionally, a new AC system was recently installed. The unit is move-in ready has a brilliant Southern Rear Exposure. Some of the features include tiled floors, walk-in closets, dual sinks in the master bath, breakfast nook, tons of cabinet space, laundry room and screened lanai.

More about Vasari Country Club:

Vasari has a phenomenal clubhouse and an impressive amenity package. The community is home to one of the best bundled courses in town, visually stunning and a course you could “play every day”. The golf course was designed by Gordon Lewis and provides multiple tee boxes catering to any golfer regardless of your skill level.

In addition to golf, the club offers a wide variety of amenities to support a healthy lifestyle. From golf to tennis, bocce ball, fitness center or resort style community pool, Vasari’s lifestyle has something for everyone!

Considering Selling your home?

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a focused and goal-oriented Realtor in Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to me directly.

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 6th, 2019 Posted by Matt

Should I Buy or Rent?

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying This Spring

I’m often asked, “should I buy or rent a home in Southwest Florida.” The answer depends on your situation. If you’ve never been to our area, I recommend renting for a few months to give you a chance to determine which area will fit your lifestyle. For example, living in downtown Naples is significantly different than living in a golf community or on the beach.

On the other hand, if you are familiar with our area, the sooner you buy the less it will cost you in the long run. Rents are rising and rentals are often difficult to find. If you are a pet lover, short-term rentals are especially challenging to find due to restrictions in many communities.

Some Highlights:

Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision.
Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice becomes obvious.
Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying this year!

Are You Ready to Buy?

So, if you are ready to buy your new dream home or a Southwest Florida Luxury home or condo? We encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate and would be happy to help you navigate more than 150 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, we will provide a list of properties that meet your criteria and/or communities that meet your needs.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Considering Selling Your Home?

If you are looking to sell a home in Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers or Naples, we encourage you to work with a real estate professional or consultant who has the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. If you live in a golf community in southwest Florida, you are competing with more than 150 other golf communities. Contact us today to learn how your home or condo stacks up against the competition and how we can position your property to sell quickly and for a fair price.

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 4, 2019 Posted by Matt

Ready to Be an Empty Nester?

Are You About to Be an Empty Nester?

Are you about to be an empty nester? In the next couple of months, millions of students will be graduating and moving out of their parents home. If you’re a soon-to-be empty nester considering downsizing or making a move, let’s get together to discuss your options!

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Considering Selling Your Home?

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

May 3, 2019 Posted by Matt

SWFL Golf Community Real Estate Experts

NAPLES GOLF GUY BLOG

Where do Most Buyers Purchase a Vacation Home?

Latest Naples Real Estate News:

Begin Your Naples Property Search for Your Own Naples Vacation Home

Bottom Line:

A Tale of Two Markets

Some Highlights:

Begin Your Naples Property Search

Considering Selling your home?

Bottom Line:

March Real Estate Sales Off to a Healthy Start

Naples Area March Real Estate Sales for the week of 4th by zip code:

More Naples Real Estate News:

Begin Your Naples Property Search

Considering Selling your home?

Bottom Line:

Mainstream Concerns about an Economic Slowdown Revisited

Here are a few notable examples:

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Bottom Line:

The Benefits of a Large Down Payment

1. Your interest rate will be lower.

2. You’ll end up paying less for your home.

3. Your offer will stand out in a competitive market!

4. You won’t have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Articles about Southwest Florida Real Estate News

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Bottom Line:

Home Buyers are Optimistic About Homeownership!

Articles about Southwest Florida Real Estate News

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Bottom Line:

Most Important Factors in Getting Your House Sold Quickly!

Here are five levels of access that you can give to buyers, along with a brief description:

Considering Selling your home? Let Us Help You Sell Your House Quickly:

Bottom Line:

Vasari Condo Priced to Sell

Vasari Country Club Condo Price Adjustment – $200,000

11081 Corsia Trieste Way #102, Bonita Springs FL 34135

More About This Vasari Condo For Sale:

More about Vasari Country Club:

More Articles About Southwest Florida Real Estate:

Considering Selling your home?

Bottom Line:

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying This Spring

Some Highlights:

More Articles about Southwest Florida Real Estate News

Are You Ready to Buy?

Considering Selling Your Home?

Bottom Line:

More Articles about Southwest Florida Real Estate News

Begin Your Own Property Search:

Considering Selling Your Home?

Bottom Line:

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