May 16, 2016 Posted by Matt

Are you looking for more distance?  Longer drives come from turning your core, not swinging your arms faster.  If you stand too wide, you will not be able to turn your hips which prevents you from generating power and distance.  As you make a turn in your backswing, you want to feel your weight in your right heel.  Be very careful to turn so your back is to the target, do not slide your hips to your back foot which is a sway.  Start your downswing with your hips leading the way and then your shoulders.  You should be facing your target when you finish.  Execute this move properly and you will gain distance on your drives.

I’m Buying New Construction, Should I Use a Realtor?

I’m often asked, “Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder”.  The short answer is yes and here are the main reasons why.

Representation – The real estate representative in the builder’s sales office represents the builder’s best interest not yours.  An independent real estate agent represents your interests and advocates on your behalf.  Additionally, a real estate agent will help you get the most value for the least amount of money and make the real estate transaction easy and frustration free.

What you See is not What you Get – You tour the model and it looks great.  The problem is the model isn’t the base price of $400,000 being advertised, it’s $500,000 because of all the upgrades.  Top tier granite countertops, crown molding, upgraded appliances, built-in bookshelves and trey ceilings are usually upgrades and they add up.  A realtor representing your interests will help make sure you’re aware of what’s included in the base price and what’s extra.

Agent Fees – Buyers do not pay the real estate agent fees, the seller or builder does.  Builders view commissions to real estate agents as part of their cost of doing business.  In fact, they rely on outside agents to bring clients to them.  Builders will not credit buyers the commission they would otherwise pay to a Realtor.  If they were to do so, realtors would no longer bring clients through the builder’s doors and ultimately it would impact their future sales. Therefore, there is no downside and no cost on your end to have an outside agent represent you.

Negotiations – You may be a great negotiator.  Even good negotiators have told me they are more effective when they negotiate for other people than they are when they negotiate for themselves because they don’t have an emotional connection to what they’re buying.  An agent will look at the transaction from a dollars and sense perspective without being swayed by emotions.  A good Realtor will also know what is and what is not negotiable and as you can imagine it varies by builder.  For example, did you know many builders will cover some closing costs? Include a warranty? Include free upgrades? Builders are far more likely to negotiate on fees or upgrades than they are on price. An experienced agent will help guide you through negotiations and ensure you are getting the most for your money.

Get Everything in Writing – Any concessions or guarantees provided by the builder should be confirmed in writing. Do not sign any paperwork or contracts without ensuring everything you’ve agreed upon including upgrades, fees, timelines, etc. are incorporated into the contract.  If you skip this step, the builder does not have to deliver what they agreed upon and you will have no recourse.  An agent will ensure all the terms agreed upon are included in the contract.

Inspections – You may want to consider a home inspection when buying new construction. A builder doesn’t necessarily want to inspect itself and they did would you trust they have your best interest in mind? Often times, homeowners think a new home warranty will cover any issues that arise. In certain instances, it does not. A good real estate agent will have relationships with multiple independent inspectors who will look out for your best interest. An excellent realtor will even help the homeowners set the appointment with the inspector and review the inspector’s report to identify potential areas of negotiation, corrections, repairs or replacements with the builder.

Financing – When you are buying new construction, the builder usually offers financing.  But is it the best financing available? Even a small increase in the interest rate could have a significant impact on your monthly payment or the total amount you pay for the home.  An experienced real estate agent will be able to connect you with reputable lenders so you can compare rates.

Contract – How familiar are you with a real estate contract?  Do you know what to look for to make sure you are receiving all the benefits you’re supposed to receive? Are you aware of any hidden fees or community fees?  A real estate agent is an expert in the industry who is there to provide guidance throughout a real estate transaction. They review real estate c

ontracts regularly and know what to look for to ensure everything is correct.  Additionally, real estate contracts in Collier County are different than Lee County or wherever you are currently living.  A

n independent agent knows the nuances of the different contracts locally and will help review and answer questions pertaining to the contract.  I strongly recommend you do not sign any paperwork or contract without your agent being present to review and advise.

Quality of Construction – How familiar are you with the builder? What’s their reputation? What is the quality of their construction? There are hundreds of builders in Collier and Lee County. An experienced agent will be familiar with all the major builders and their quality of work.  They’ll also be able to provide recommendations and references for custom home builders to ensure you are connecting with a reputable builder.

REGISTER – If you want to be sure you have someone looking out for your best interest, tell the builder on your very first visit that you are already working with an agent. If you do not communicate this information upfront when you are buying new construction, your agent won’t be able to represent you and watch out for your best interest.  If your agent is experienced with new construction there’s a good chance they already have a working relationship with the builder and community for which you are interested.

Are you thinking of buying new construction? Don’t go it alone, let me be your guide!

About Matt Klinowski

May 13, 2016 Posted by Matt

Stonebridge Condo Sold!

1635 Winding Oaks Way #201

Sales Price $375,000

More about Stonebridge….

Search for properties in Stonebridge Country Club:

• Stonebridge Single Family Homes for Sale
• Stonebridge Condos for Sale

Are you thinking of buying a property in Stonebridge? Or perhaps another golf community in Naples or Bonita Springs? Let me be your guide.

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May 13, 2016 Posted by Matt

COUNTRYSIDE RENOVATIONS ARE UNDERWAY

Countryside Golf & Country Club, located In Naples, Florida is undergoing a $5 million improvement project. Renovation plans include a new tennis and bocce facility, the addition of a Four Seasons dining room and porte cochere on the existing clubhouse, and the addition of a freestanding, one-story wellness center of 6,300 square feet.

Countryside is a private bundled golf community.  The development has 1,133 residential units, including 221 detached single-family homes.  The 18 hole golf course was designed by Arthur Hills.

Read more about Countryside Golf Club….

Are you interested in buying a home in Countryside?  Or perhaps you want to explore other bundled golf communities in Naples?  Not sure if a bundled golf community is right for you? Let me be your guide.

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May 12, 2016 Posted by Matt

Breaking out of a putting slump can be challenging.  Try making some adjustments to see if you can get yourself back on track.  Use a different grip such as a left-hand-low or claw grip.  Try a new putter. Alter your stance a bit.  Try and open stance or perhaps a closed stance. When you make a change, your mind will recognize something is different and your concentration level will increase.  Many times these slight changes will pull you out of your putting slump.  If all else fails, go see a PGA Teaching professional for a putting lesson.

May 11, 2016 Posted by Matt

How do you hit a short approach shot into a strong wind?  If you have a normal length shot but the wind is in your face, consider putting your wedge back in the bag.  Take out a nine or eight iron out and swing easy.  Play the ball in the middle of your stance and make a crisp swing.  The ball will fly low with little backspin.  Try to land the ball just short of the green, and let it release onto the putting surface.  Try this method for your short approach shots and you’ll eliminate the guesswork out of hitting a high shot with a lot of backspin.

May 8, 2016 Posted by Matt

Lely Open House – 6485 Caldecott Dr.

Today from 1-4 pm

3 Bedrooms + Den, 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths

Is it new?! It may as well be, one look tells the story. Brilliant Tivoli Floor Plan with Outdoor Kitchen set the scene. SW rear exposure offers sunlight all day every day on the lanai. This home truly shows like a model, spotlessly clean and very well appointed. Some of the features include granite counters, stainless appliances, tile on the diagonal, soaring tray ceilings, upgraded cabinets and much more. It all comes together perfectly with the great room design and lanai lay out. It flows nicely with no wasted space and filled with natural light. This home is located in Caldecott at Lely Resort, one of the most unique communities in Naples and no CDD in this section of Lely!

The lifestyle at Lely is second to none given what it has to offer. At Lely you’ll find The Player’s Club, 3 championship golf courses and even a private dog park! There is no golf membership required, so you can pay as you play. The Player’s Club has something for everyone, formal and casual dining, exercise facilities, full spa, har-tru tennis courts, multiple pools, meeting rooms, private theater and more. Put this one on your list, you’ll be very glad you did.

View More Information About this Property

Stop by this Lely open house for a tour!

Are you planning to buy a home in Lely? Or are you thinking about buying a home in a Naples golf community and you are not sure which one is right for you? Let me be your guide.

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May 8, 2016 Posted by Matt

 10 Ways To Speed Clean For A Last Minute Showing

What a crazy day.  You have a million things to do and not enough time to get them all done.  The house is a disaster zone.  Then the phone rings and its your real estate agent.  He has potential clients who want to see your home last minute.  You should always agree to a showing, you never know if the next person who walks through the door will be your buyer!

10 Tips to Clean Your Home in 15 Minutes for or A Last Minute Showing:

1. Eliminate clutter on tables and counter-tops. Putt everything in a closet or cabinet.
2. Pick up any clothing and toss it in the hamper or dryer so it’s out of sight and out of mind.
3. Open all blinds to let in the sunlight.
4. Turn on all the lights.
5. Make the bed.
6. Damp or used towels should be thrown in your washer and replaced with fresh towels.
7. Close the lids on all toilets.
8. Wipe down all counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms.
9. Quickly wash the floor right in front of the entrance with Pine Sol, it will be the first scent when buyers walk through the door.
10. Sweep the front porch and walkway.

First impressions are critical!

Are you considering selling your home?  I would be happy to assist you in your effort.  Contact me today for a FREE market analysis.

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May 6, 2016 Posted by Matt

How do you adjust your distance on your sand shot in a greenside bunker?  Try adjusting the amount of sand you take to vary your distance.  During practice, hit well behind the ball and gradually move closer to the ball so you are taking less sand.  Be sure to keep the same swing and tempo with each shot.  You will notice the ball will travel different distances based on the amount of sand you take.  The more sand you take, the shorter the ball will travel.  The less sand you take, the farther the ball will travel.  Most important….practice, practice, practice!  Once you get the hang of altering the amount of sand you take on a sand shot you’ll realize it’s an easy shot.  You may even get to a point where you’d rather be in the bunker than in the rough when you miss the green!

Naples Top 10 Restaurants

Those who visit or live in Naples know we have great restaurants.  Now the rest of the country knows our little secret about great food!  USA Today recently ranked Naples as the 9th best small town in the U.S. for big food scenes.

The top 10 winners in the category Best Small Town Food Scene are as follows:

1. Frankenmuth, Michigan
2. Driftwood, Texas
3. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
4. Yountville, California
5. St. Helena, California
6. Traverse City, Michigan
7. Tarpon Springs, Florida
8. Hendersonville, North Carolina
9. Naples, Florida
10. Fredericksburg, Texas

The top 20 nominees were selected by a panel of experts and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Larry Bleiberg (LarryBleiberg.com), Deborah Fallows (American Futures), Anna Hider (Roadtrippers), Libby McMillan and the 10Best team of Local Experts were chosen based on their extensive knowledge of American travel.

Just another great reason to live in Naples Florida!

Are you considering purchasing a home in Naples, Florida? Or perhaps Bonita Springs? Let me be your guide.

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May 4, 2016 Posted by Matt