September 15, 2015 Posted by Matt

It appears the foreclosure crisis is a thing of the past.  New trends signal the foreclosure crisis, which started in 2007, is well behind us after several years of dragging down home values and tarnishing the housing market .  New data shows homes starting the foreclosure process have fallen close to a 10-year low.  In addition, the number of existing homes already in the foreclosure process has dropped to a 15-year low.

The decline in homes in foreclosure is a result of banks clearing out their inventory of distressed properties.  During the same time, banks have been tightening their lending standards which has reduced the number of new foreclosures coming on to the market.

As foreclosures dwindle, home prices are expected to rise which may prompt owners to sell their existing home and buy a new one.  However, as foreclosures fade, so too will the number of bargains.

According to RealtyTrac, the total number of U.S. properties that started the foreclosure process for the first time in July was down 8% from the previous month and 9% compared to July of last year.  The total number of properties starting the foreclosure process came in at 45,381 which is the lowest level since November 2005.

The fall-off in foreclosures signals the housing market is strengthening.

Even though the number of foreclosures has dwindled, there are still good deals to be had in Naples and Bonita Springs FL.

Are you considering buying a home in Naples?  What about Bonita Springs?  Contact Matt Klinowski, an expert in golf communities in Naples FL as well as Bonita Springs FL, at 239-370-0892.

September 14, 2015 Posted by Matt

Since all of us are different in size and make up, find the perfect tee height for you is like being fitted for a good driver. When you go to practice your driver, try experimenting with different heights on how you tee the ball up.  Start out with as high as you can tee the ball and hit three drives, then lower it a half-inch and repeat the sequence.  Keep lowering the tee until it is only about an inch and a half off the ground.  During this exercise, you should find a height that produced the best contact with your driver.

September 11, 2015 Posted by Matt

Try spot putting.  In bowling, bowlers have spots along the alley just a few feet from where they will start their ball rolling.  In golf, you can use the same type of spots for putting.  Get behind your ball and determine the line that you need to make your putt.  Find an old ball mark, a discolored piece of grass, or any type spot that is along your line.  This is the spot at which you should aim your ball.  Determine your distance and then aim at your spot, and you have done everything you can to make the putt.

September 10, 2015 Posted by Matt

Play the uphill pitch shot by matching the stroke to the slope.  Play the ball in the middle of your stance.  Set your shoulders and hips so that they tilt at the same amount as the slope that you are hitting from.  Hold this position throughout the shot so you do not dip or stand up.  Use a square stance and swing the club back low to the ground, and then sweep the ball off the grass at the angle of the slope up the hill.  Do not slam the club into the hill or try to take a divot.  The ball will fly higher than normal, so take a less-lofted club than you would normally use.

September 9, 2015 Posted by Matt

A ball against the rough can be tricky.  If your ball rolls across the fairway and stops against the collar of rough so that half of the ball is on the fairway and the other half is in the rough, you need to be careful.  When you strike the ball, the tendency will be for the toe of your club to snag in the rough and turn open.  This will cause the ball to fly to the right.  Rather than using an iron, try using a hybrid and choke down on the handle to set the distance.  The hybrid head should be strong enough to slide through the deeper grass and keep the club head square to your line.  Grip the club firmly in your hands and make an aggressive pass at the ball.

September 8, 2015 Posted by Matt

Golf is like taxes.  You drive hard to make the green, then end up in the hole.

Speaking of taxes, one of the reasons I live and sell property in Naples FL is because the state does not have an income tax and property taxes are very low. Property taxes are only just over 1% in Collier County.

Are you considering buying a home in Naples FL?  Or perhaps Bonita Springs?  Let me be your guide.  Contact Matt Klinowski for more information 239-370-0892.

September 7, 2015 Posted by Matt

Learn to play a belly wedge.  A great time to play a belly wedge is when your ball lies up against the collar of the rough near the green.  With this shot, you will use your sand wedge and line it up so your point of contact will be the middle, or belly, of the ball.  Make a stroke that misses the grass and strikes the ball as if you were putting.  The ball will roll nicely and you will not get caught up in the grass behind the ball.  Try practicing the belly shot with the ball on the green and develop a stroke that strikes the ball in the middle.  Then, place some balls against the collar and practice from there.

September 7, 2015 Posted by Matt

The Lee County Appraisers officer periodically reports real estate transactions throughout the county.  They recently released Lee County Real Estate Transactions for sales during August 22nd through August 29th 2015. This report represents the most current data that is available from the appraisers office.  In all, there were 153 properties sold in Lee County.  Details are available in the full report.

Lee County Real Estate Transactions by Zip Code

• 15 properties sold in 33912 (Ft. Myers)
• 41 properties sold in 33913 (Ft. Myers and Miromar Lakes)
• 22 properties sold in 33928 (Estero)
• 17 properties sold in 34134 (Bonita Springs)
• 45 properties sold in 34135 (Bonita Springs)
• 13 properties sold in 33967 (Ft. Myers)

View Full Report

September 6, 2015 Posted by Matt

How many lost golf balls did you have?  Why is par so easy to make at the 19^th hole? Kinda happens automatically huh?…

September 5, 2015 Posted by Matt

The Collier County Appraisers officer periodically reports real estate transactions throughout the county.  They recently released Collier County Real Estate Transactions for sales during July 13th through July 19th 2015. This report represents the most current data that is available from the appraisers office.  The data shows real estate transactions in City of Naples, North Naples, Northeast Naples, East Naples and Marco Island are strong.

Collier County Real Estate Transactions by Zip Code

• 11 properties sold in 34102 (City of Naples)
• 10 properties sold in 34103 (City of Naples)
•  9 properties sold in 34104 (East Naples)
• 10 properties sold in 34105 (Naples)
• 12 properties sold in 34108 (Naples/Coco River)
• 16 properties sold in 34109 (North Naples)
• 28 properties sold in 34110 (North Naples)
• 25 properties sold in 34112 (East Naples)
• 13 properties sold in 34113 (East Naples)
• 19 properties sold in 34114 (Eastern Collier)
• 13 properties sold in 34116 (Golden Gate)
•  7 properties sold in 34117 (Big Cypress)
• 24 properties sold in 34119 (Northeast Naples)
•  8 properties sold in 34120 (Corkscrew)
•  2 properties sold in 34134 (Barefoot Beach)
•  1 property sold in 34138 (Chockoloskee)
•  1 property sold in 34139 (Everglades City)
•  2 properties sold in 34142 (Immokalee and Ave Maria)
• 19 properties sold in 34145 (Marco Island)

View full Report