Top 10 Reasons to Move to Naples Florida

If you are considering buying another home, relocating or retiring, here are the top 10 reasons you should consider move to Naples Florida.

1. WEATHER

It’s January and it was in the 70’s on January 1st. And, we average more than 300 days of sunshine per year. No more cloudy days, no more freezing temperatures, the weather in SWFL is just the first of many reasons to consider a move to Naples.

2. NO STATE INCOME TAX

Additionally, Florida is one of seven states which does not have a state income tax on earned income.  Provided you live in the state for at least 6 months and 1 day, you qualify to be a Florida resident and therefore, will not pay state income tax.  Are you ready to move to Naples yet?

3. THIRD LOWEST PROPERTY TAX RATE IN FLORIDA

In addition to no state income tax, Naples residents also pay the 3rd lowest tax rate in the state of Florida.  Also, if you are a permanent resident, you may apply for homestead which caps the increase in your taxes to no more than a 3 percent increase each year.

4. FOOD

Naples has been rated one of the Top Food Cities in America.  Part of Southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast, has been named one of America’s top food cities as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards. Naples landed at number 17 on the list, alongside other cities renowned for their culinary offerings including New York, San Francisco, Charleston and Napa.

5. BEACHES

Known as the Paradise Coast, Collier County has more than 30 miles of sandy white beaches.  Unlike many cities, all of the beaches are open to the public and are very easy to access.  Some of the best beaches in the county include Naples beach with with its iconic pier stretching 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and Barefoot Beach Preserve which was ranked #2 on Dr. Beach’s Top Ten USA Beaches for 2015.

6. SHOPPING

You name we have it!  For examples, for high end luxury stores head to Waterside Shops, where you will find some of the best shopping around at Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Or, if you prefer to shop at smaller boutique  shops, venture downtown Naples to explore a wide variety of stores along Fifth Avenue South and Third Street.  Or, head to Mercato and Venetian Village for a wide variety for both your traditional mid-range stores to unique boutique stores.

7. HEALTHCARE

Overall, our healthcare facilities and hospitals are excellent.  USA Today’s Gallup Poll ranked Naples and Marco Island at one of the Top Ten Cities for Overall Wellbeing in the country.  We are fortunate to have 4 top notch hospitals in Collier County giving residents quick and easy access to healthcare when needed. Additionally, Naples Community Hospital which has two locations, has become a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member.

8. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

So, if you are looking for an active luxury lifestyle, you can’t beat Naples Florida.  We have over 100 golf courses within a 30 mile radius.  No wonder we were known as the Golf Capital of the World.  Additionally, we offer opportunities to play Tennis, Piccle Ball or Bocce Ball. Or, head out to the Gulf of Mexico for fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking. Finally, if you’re looking for an adventure, head into the everglades for an air-boat ride, bird watching or a hike.

9. ARTS and CULTURE

Naples is home to a plethora of venues for arts and culture.  Every year, you will find a first class line-up of world renowned performers at the Artis (formerly known as the Naples Philharmonic).  Additionally, you can take in performances at the Sugden Theatre in downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue South.  Also, explore numerous art galleries along Third Street South such as local artist Paul Arsenault or the many galleries along Fifth avenue.  Or you can attend one of the many art festivals held throughout the year including Naples National Art Festival one of the Nation’s top rated art festival in the country

10. RELAXATION

Looking for the ideal location to escape and relax?  Head to the beach to read a book, enjoy a picnic or take in one of our amazing sunsets.  Or perhaps you would rather head to one of our luxury spas for a massage or facial. No matter what you chose for relaxation, Naples has it all.

Ultimately, between the whether, dining, shopping and activities, it’s no wonder Naples was named as one of the Happiest Cities by National Geographic.  While there may be other great places in the United States to live, it’s pretty hard to beat Naples Florida and the luxury lifestyle we offer residents.  Not sure if this is where you want to live and you’re still not sure you want to move to Naples?  Schedule a vacation and see for yourself why we are the Paradise Coast!

January 4, 2018 Posted by Matt

Mustang Golf Course Renovations Complete

The Mustang Golf Course has re-opened after being closed for renovations since last May.  Mustang is just one of the golf courses at Lely Resort and is one of the few golf communities with three golf courses.  Originally designed by Lee Trevino, the course provides multiple tee boxes to cater to all levels of golfers.

The renovations focused on replacing the grass in the fairways, rough and tee boxes.  Now, the 21-year old Mustang golf course has new Bimini grass.  So, the course will require less water and fertilizer compared to other types of grass.  Finally, Bimini grass stays greener and grows back quicker which helps the divot areas recover faster.  For those of you who are not familiar with Florida golf courses, you do not replace divots as they will not grow back in place.  Instead, the course provides a sand mixture to fill in the holes which will facilitate the regrowth of the grass in the divots.

Finally, minor changes were made to the irrigation system and some of the tee boxes on the par threes.  Additionally, since the greens were renovated a couple years ago and are still in great shape, they were left as is.  The golf club did replace the grass in the collars that surround the greens.

More Information About Lely Resort

Lely Resort is home to three very different golf courses.  The Mustang Golf Course and the Flamingo Golf Course are both public courses and open to both the public and members of The Classics which is the third course.   Ultimately, the Flamingo Golf Course which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. is the most challenging of the three courses.  It is narrow and presents a challenge if you end up in the rough.  And, The Classics course, which is a private golf club, was designed by Gary Player and offers a more open course that is a bit more forgiving than the Flamingo.

Lely Resort Real Estate

Single-Family homes, coach homes and condos surround the golf courses providing a wide variety of options for potential home owners.  The resort offers both new construction homes as well as re-sales for home buyers to consider.  Prices range from $184,000 to $1,999,999.

December 31, 2017 Posted by Matt

Lee County Real Estate Review

Overall, the Lee County Real Estate Review shows there were 176 property sales in Ft. Myers, Bonita Springs and Estero for the week of December 9th through December 16th, down from 204 during the previous week.

Unlike last week, Fort Myers had the most real estate activity with 64 property sales during this time period.  Estero was a close second with a total of 58 sales.  And, Bonita Springs ended the week with 53 real estate transactions.

Additionally, of the 64 closings in Ft. Myers, 59 percent were single family homes, 14 percent were vacant lots and 17 percent of them were condos.  The remaining units sold commercial units, multi-family units and vacant lots. Estero ended the week with 58 properties sold, 24 percent of them were single-family homes, 41 percent were vacant lots and 22 percent were condos.

Finally, Bonita Springs rounded out the week with a total of 53 property sales, 43 percent of which were condos and 45 percent were single family homes. The remaining sales were commercial units, agricultural lots or vacant lots.

In summary, your Lee County Real Estate Review shows 76 single family homes, 47 condos, 39 vacant lots, 2 mobile homes, 6 commercial units 5 multi-family units and 1 agricultural lot sold during the week.

Lee County Real Estate Review by zip code

Bonita Springs

• 34134 – 14 properties sold (6 single family homes and 8 condos)
• 34135 – 39 properties sold (1 commercial unit, 1 agricultural lot, 4 vacant lots, 18 single family homes and 15 condos)

Fort Myers

• 33912 – 12 properties sold (1 commercial unit, 6 single family homes and 5 condos)
• 33913 – 28 properties sold (8 vacant lots, 15 single family homes and 5 condos)
• 33967 – 24 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 5 multi-family units, 17 single family homes and 1 condo)

Estero

• 33928 – 50 properties sold (2 mobile homes, 4 commercial units, 24 vacant lots, 11 single family homes and 9 condos)
• 34134 – 2 properties sold (2 condos)
• 34135 – 5 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 2 single family homes and 2 condos)
• 33967 – 1 property sold ( 1 single family home)

Miromar Lakes

• 33913 – 1 property sold ( 1 vacant lot)

Lee County Real Estate Review for the Week of Dec. 9th 2017

December 27, 2017 Posted by Matt

Naples Weekly Home Sales – October 30th to Nov. 5th

Overall, the Naples Weekly Home Sales report during the week of October 30th shows there were 237 properties sold in Collier County. Similar to last week, North Naples had the most real estate transactions. East Naples ended the week with the second highest number or homes sold.  And, the Corkscrew area had the third highest units sold for the week.  Ultimately, North Naples ended the week with  65 property sales, East Naples had 45 homes sold. And, Corkscrew finished the week with 31 properties sold.

Additionally, of the 65 real estate sales in North Naples, 39 percent of them were condos, 32 percent were vacant lots,  and 29 percent were single family homes.  Also, in East Naples, of the 45 transactions, 56 percent were condos and 33 percent were single family homes. So, the remaining sales in East Naples were vacant lots.

Finally, Corkscrew had the third highest activity with 31 real estate transactions. In particular, most of the property sales, 74 percent, were vacant lots. The remaining properties sold were single family homes and condos.

In summary, your Naples Weekly Home Sales Report for October 30th through November 5th shows 79 condos, 87 single family homes, 68 vacant lots and 3 mobile homes sold in Collier County.

Naples Weekly Home Sales (Oct. 30th to Nov. 5th) by zip code

City of Naples

• 34102 – 7 properties sold (5 single family home and 2 condos)

Naples Florida

• 34103 – 8 properties sold (4 single family homes and 4 condos)
• 34105 – 8 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 6 single family homes and 1 condo)

North Naples

• 34109 – 16 properties sold (8 vacant lots, 3 single family homes and 5 condos)
• 34110 – 20 properties sold (3 vacant lots, 8 single family homes and 9 condos)
• 34119 – 29 properties sold (10 vacant lots, 8 single family homes and 11 condos)

East Naples

• 34104 – 16 property sold (3 single family homes and 13 condos)
• 34112 – 17 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 2 mobile homes, 6 single family homes and 8 condos)
• 34113 – 12 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 6 single family homes and 4 condos)

Eastern Collier County

• 34114 – 18 properties sold (8 vacant lots, 7 single family homes and 3 condos)

Golden Gate

• 34116 – 10 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 5 single family homes and 4 condos)

Big Cypress

• 34117 – 7 properties sold (3 vacant lots and 4 single family homes)

Coco River

• 34108 – 8 properties sold (3 single family homes and 5 condos)

Corkscrew

• 34120 –  31 properties sold (23 vacant lots, 7 single family homes and 1 condo)

Immokalee and Ave Maria

• 34142 – 12 properties sold (1 mobile home, 5 vacant lots and 6 single family homes)

Barefoot Beach

• 34134 –  2 properties sold (1 single family home and 1 condo)

Marco Island

• 34145 – 16 properties sold (3 vacant lots, 5 single family homes and 8 condos)

Naples Weekly Home Sales Report Week of Oct. 30th 2017

December 26, 2017 Posted by Matt

Naples November Home Sales Review

November Home Sales in the Naples area increased 3 percent year-over-year, according to the November 2017 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®). On the flip side, when comparing this November to last November, homes sales for the month declined by 9 percent down to 521 properties sold. The decrease in sales is predominantly due to the ongoing recovery effort from Hurricane Irma.  Many homeowners took their properties off the market to make minor repairs and htye are waiting for season to official kick off in January before they put their homes back on the market.

Naples November Home Sales Year-Over-Year Highlights:

• Pending Sales increased 3 percent for the 12-months ending November 2017
• Closed Sales increased 3 percent for the past 12 months ending Nov. 2017
• Median Closed Price increased 4 percent for during the last 12 months
• Inventory decreased 7 percent during the  12-months ending 11/2017
• Average Days on Market increased 15 percent year-over-year

November 2016 versus November 2017 Naples Market Review:

• Closed sales fell 9 percent down to 521 in November 2017 compared to November 2016
• Single Family home sales increased 1 percent up to 271 in Nov. 2017 compared to 2016
• Condo Closed Sales fell 18 percent down to 250 this November compared to last November
• Pending Sales rose 2 percent up to 728 during the same time period
• Total Inventory decreased 7 percent to 5,322, down from 5,733 last year.

Ultimately, inventory continues to tighten. As a result, home prices continue to rise.  Additionally, although sales activity was down in November, local brokers say the demand for million-dollar homes continues to be strong.  Sales in the $2 million and up price segment increased 21 percent for single-family homes and 22 percent for condominiums for the year.  And, November had a 63 percent increase in pending sales for single-family homes over $1 million.  Clearly, Naples is a highly desirable location for luxury buyers.

More Articles Related To November Home Sales:

More:  November 2017 NABOR Market Statsitics

More: Housing Prices are NOT Headed for a Crash

Finally, geographically, North Naples is on fire.  November 2017 showed a 21 percent increase in  in pending sales during November. Also hot are condominiums in the Naples Beach area, which saw an 11 percent increase in pending sales during the same time period.

Tax Reform:

The impact of tax reform may have a positive impact on real estate activity in the greater Naples area.  With no state income tax and low property taxes, Naples becomes an even more attractive place to relocate or buy a second, third or fourth home.

December 22, 2017 Posted by Matt

Lee County Home Sales Review

Overall, there were 204 Lee County Home Sales in Ft. Myers, Bonita Springs and Estero for the week of December 2nd through December 9th, up from 201 during the previous week.

Unlike last week, Bonita Springs had the most real estate activity with 80 property sales during this time period.  Fort Myers was a close second with a total of 77 sales.  And, Estero ended the week with 69 real estate transactions.

Additionally, of the 80 closings in Bonita Springs, 38 percent were single family homes, 33 percent were vacant lots and 20 percent of them were condos.  The remaining units sold commercial units and mobile homes. Ft. Myers ended the week with 77 properties sold, 35 percent of them were single-family homes, 16 percent were vacant lots and 23 percent were condos.

Finally, Estero rounded out the week with a total of 69 property sales, 16 percent of which were condos, 17 percent were single family homes and 23 percent were vacant lots. The remaining sales were mobile homes.

In summary, your Lee County Home Sales Review shows 77 single family homes, 47 condos, 64 vacant lots, 11 mobile homes and 5 commercial units sold during the week.

Lee County Home Sales Review by zip code

Bonita Springs

• 34134 – 17 properties sold (3 vacant lots, 2 mobile homes, 5 single family homes and 7 condos)
• 34135 – 63 properties sold (2 commercial units, 4 mobile homes, 23 vacant lots, 25 single family homes and 9 condos)

Fort Myers

• 33912 – 22 properties sold (1 commercial unit, 1 vacant lot, 11 single family homes and 9 condos)
• 33913 – 46 properties sold (1 commercial unit, 18 vacant lots, 19 single family homes and 8 condos)
• 33967 – 9 properties sold (3 vacant lots, 5 single family homes and 1 condo)

Estero

• 33928 – 33 properties sold (5 mobile homes, 1 commercial unit, 15 vacant lots, 4 single family homes and 8 condos)
• 34134 – 2 properties sold (1 single family home and 1 condo)
• 34135 – 5 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 3 single family homes and 1 condo)
• 33967 – 4 properties sold (3 single family homes and 1 condo)

Miromar Lakes

• 33913 – 3 properties sold ( 1 single family home and 2 condos)

Lee County Home Sales Review the Week of Dec. 2nd

December 17, 2017 Posted by Matt

Collier County Property Sales – October 23rd to October 29th

Overall, during the week of October 23rd, there were 196 Collier County Property Sales. Unlike the previous week, North Naples had the most real estate transactions. Corkscrew ended the week with the second highest number or homes sold.  And, East Naples had the third highest units sold for the week.  Ultimately, North Naples ended the week with  38 property sales, Corkscrew had 36 homes sold. And, East Naples finished the week with 32 properties sold.

Additionally, of the 38 real estate sales in North Naples, 24 percent of them were vacant lots, 26 percent were condos and 50 percent were single family homes.  Also, in the Corkscrew area, there were 36 transactions, 61 percent of which were vacant lots and 28 percent were single family homes. So, the remaining sales in Corkscrew were condos.

Finally, East Naples had the third highest activity with 32 real estate transactions. In particular, 28 percent were single family homes and 50 percent were condos.

In summary, your weekly real estate update for October 23rd through October 29th shows 70 condos, 63 single family homes, 62 vacant lots and 1 mobile home sold in Collier County.

Collier County Property Sales (Oct. 23rd to Oct. 29th) by zip code

City of Naples

• 34102 – 9 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 1 single family home and 7 condos)

Naples Florida

• 34103 – 7 properties sold (7 condos)
• 34105 – 6 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 2 single family homes and 3 condos)

North Naples

• 34109 – 12 properties sold (4 vacant lots, 5 single family homes and 3 condos)
• 34110 – 9 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 5 single family homes and 3 condos)
• 34119 – 17 properties sold (4 vacant lots, 9 single family homes and 4 condos)

East Naples

• 34104 – 6 property sold (2 single family homes and 4 condos)
• 34112 – 14 properties sold (1 mobile home, 4 vacant lots, 1 single family home and 8 condos)
• 34113 – 12 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 6 single family homes and 4 condos)

Eastern Collier County

• 34114 – 24 properties sold (13 vacant lots, 3 single family homes and 8 condos)

Golden Gate

• 34116 – 8 properties sold (7 single family homes and 1 condo)

Big Cypress

• 34117 – 6 properties sold (5 vacant lots and 1 single family home)

Coco River

• 34108 – 8 properties sold (4 single family homes and 4 condos)

Corkscrew

• 34120 –  36 properties sold (22 vacant lots, 10 single family homes and 4 condos)

Everglades City

• 34139  –  1 property sold (1 condo)

Immokalee and Ave Maria

• 34142 – 6 properties sold (4 vacant lots and 2 single family homes)

Barefoot Beach

• 34134 –  2 properties sold (1 single family home and 1 condo)

Marco Island

• 34145 – 13 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 4 single family homes and 8 condos)

Collier County Property Sales the Week of Oct. 23rd

December 16, 2017 Posted by Matt

Just Closed Esplanade New Construction

Congratulations to my clients who just closed on a brand new Esplanade New Construction coach home in Naples, Florida!  They are a great couple who just purchased a new property on Bellano Court in Esplanade Golf and Country Club.

This Naples bundled golf community is one of the few golf communities in Southwest Florida still building new homes.  Additionally, there is a wide variety of homes available including single family, coach homes and condos.

If you are interested in more information about Esplanade New Construction or re-sales, contact me for more about the real estate opportunities in the community, the golf course and the amenities available.  Together we will determine if this is the right area to meet your lifestyle.

December 15, 2017 Posted by Matt

Lee County Property Sales

Overall, there were 201 Lee County Property Sales in Ft. Myers, Bonita Springs and Estero for the week of November 25th through December 2nd, up from 116 during the previous week.

Unlike last week, Estero had the most real estate activity with 71 property sales during this time period.  Fort Myers was a close second with a total of 69 sales.  And, Bonita Springs ended the week with 57 real estate transactions.

Additionally, of the 71 closings in Estero, 34 percent were single family homes, 31 percent were vacant lots and 21 percent of them were condos.  The remaining units sold were vacant lots, commercial units and mobile homes. Ft. Myers ended the week with 69 properties sold, 49 percent of them were single-family homes, 20 percent were vacant lots and 22 percent were condos.

Finally, Bonita Springs rounded out the week with a total of 57 property sales, 51 percent of which were condos. The remaining sales were mobile homes, commercial units, single family homes and vacant lots.

In summary, 79 single family homes, 67 condos, 41 vacant lots, 7 mobile homes and 7 commercial units sold during the week.

Lee County Property Sales by zip code

Bonita Springs

• 34134 – 18 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 1 commercial unit, 2 mobile homes, 4 single family homes and 10 condos)
• 34135 – 39 properties sold (1 mobile home, 4 vacant lots, 15 single family homes and 19 condos)

Fort Myers

• 33912 – 18 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 10 single family homes and 6 condos)
• 33913 – 32 properties sold (4 commercial units, 7 vacant lots, 12 single family homes and 9 condos)
• 33967 – 19 properties sold (2 mobile homes, 5 vacant lots and 12 single family homes)

Estero

• 33928 – 58 properties sold (2 mobile homes, 2 commercial units, 21 vacant lots, 16 single family homes and 17 condos)
• 34134 – 2 properties sold (1 single family home and 1 condo)
• 34135 – 8 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 4 single family homes and 3 condos)
• 33967 – 3 properties sold (3 single family homes)

Miromar Lakes

• 33913 – 4 properties sold ( 2 single family homes and s condos)

Lee County Property Sales the Week of Nov. 25th

December 12, 2017 Posted by Matt

Collier Property Sales – October 16th to October 22nd

Overall, during the week of October 16th, there were 203 Collier Property Sales. Unlike previous weeks, Corkscrew had the most real estate transactions for the week. North Naples ended the week with the second highest number or homes sold.  And, North Naples had the third highest units sold for the week.  Ultimately, Corkscrew ended the week with  45 property sales, East Naples had 40 homes sold. And, North Naples finished the week with 38 properties sold.

Additionally, of the 45 real estate sales in Corkscrew, 40 percent of them were vacant lots and 56 percent were single family homes.  So, the remaining properties sold in the Corkscrew area were condos. Also, in the East Naples area, there were 40 transactions, 55 percent of which were condos and 33 percent were single family homes. Unlike the Corkscrew area, the remaining sales were vacant lots.

Finally, North Naples had the third highest activity with 38 real estate transactions. In particular, 37 percent of those sales were condos, 34 percent were single family homes and 11 percent were vacant lots.

In summary, your weekly real estate update for October 16th through October 22nd shows 74 condos, 80 single family homes, 48 vacant lots and 1 mobile home sold in Collier County.

Collier Property Sales (Oct. 16th to Oct. 22nd) by zip code

City of Naples

• 34102 – 7 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 1 single family home and 5 condos)

Naples Florida

• 34103 – 5 properties sold (2 single family homes and 3 condos)
• 34105 – 14 properties sold (5 single family homes and 14 condos)

North Naples

• 34109 – 14 properties sold (4 vacant lots, 7 single family homes and 4 condos)
• 34110 – 8 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 1 single family home and 5 condos)
• 34119 – 16 properties sold (5 vacant lots, 6 single family homes and 5 condos)

East Naples

• 34104 – 11 property sold (4 single family homes and 7 condos)
• 34112 – 19 properties sold (3 vacant lots, 5 single family homes and 11 condos)
• 34113 – 10 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 4 single family homes and 4 condos)

Eastern Collier County

• 34114 – 17 properties sold (1 mobile home, 7 vacant lots, 2 single family homes and 7 condos)

Golden Gate

• 34116 – 4 properties sold (4 single family homes)

Big Cypress

• 34117 – 11 properties sold (5 vacant lots and 6 single family homes)

Coco River

• 34108 – 6 properties sold (2 single family homes and 4 condos)

Corkscrew

• 34120 –  45 properties sold (18 vacant lots, 25 single family homes and 2 condo)

Immokalee and Ave Maria

• 34142 – 2 properties sold (2 vacant lots)

Marco Island

• 34145 – 9 properties sold (6 single family homes and 9 condos)

Collier Property Sales Week of Oct. 16th

December 10, 2017 Posted by Matt