June 23, 2015 Posted by Matt

Anyone else have a putter that knows how to swim?

June 22, 2015 Posted by Matt

According to the most recent May home sales report released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors, activity for May in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category of the housing market experienced a 30 percent month-over-month increase in overall closed sales, from 181 homes in May 2014 to 236 homes in May 2015. Closed sales for single-family homes in the aforementioned category increased 25 percent from 102 single-family homes in May 2014 to 127 single-family homes in May 2015. Closed sales for condominiums in the same price category increased 38 percent from the twelve months ending in May of last year to this year. For the full report, click HERE.

June 18, 2015 Posted by Matt

According to a May 2015 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report by RealtyTrac, foreclosures are down for both Lee and Collier counties.  Activity decreased in Lee County to 603 housing units, down 15.19 percent (711 units) from April, but up 9.24 percent (552 units) from May 2014. Collier County foreclosure activity totaled 179 housing units, down 8.21 percent  (195 units) from April, but up 29.71 percent (138 units) from April 2014. Florida was among 38 states to report a year-over-year increase in real estate owned properties (up 63 percent). The state also had the nation’s highest foreclosure rate for the third consecutive month, with one in every 409 houses with a foreclosure filing. View the full report click HERE.

Highland Woods Project Underway

Highland Woods Golf and Country Club which is located in Bonita Springs has begun renovations.  The project includes the addition of a new cart barn, fitness center and recreation rest shelter. An outdoor dining terrace will be enclosed to provide additional indoor dining under air.  A complete kitchen renovation with updated equipment and flooring will create more efficient workflow.  The project is scheduled for completion this fall.

Highland Woods Golf & Country Club is a private bundled golf community.  The 18 hole golf course was designed by architect Gordon Lewis. This course can be enjoyed by the beginner golfer as well as the intermediate and advanced golfers. Course facilities include a water-driving range, short game area and practice putting green.  The community includes 799 bundled units.

June 16, 2015 Posted by Matt

A “fried egg” lie is one that has your ball in a crater of sand in a bunker.  A normal bunker shot is a very difficult way to play this lie.  A better way is to smack the sand behind the ball so that it jumps up and out and then onto the green.  Play the ball a little back in your stance with your sand wedge.  Lift the club almost straight up on the backswing and then slam it into the sand right behind the ball.  The sand will act as an explosion that will move the ball forward, up, and out.  Practice this shot before trying it on the course.

June 15, 2015 Posted by Matt

The number of new home sales with low down payments are on the rise.  According to a report released by Realtytrac, the share of loans with a down payment of 3 percent or less hit 27 percent in the first quarter — the highest level in almost two years.  In Southwest Florida, the percentage of low- or no-down payment loans also was on the rise.

In the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metro area, they jumped to 17 percent from 15 percent year-over-year in the first quarter, RealtyTrac reported. And in Cape Coral-Fort Myers market, they jumped to 22 percent from 19 percent.

The report noted that new low down payment mortgage programs that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently introduced, along with lower insurance premiums on Federal Housing Administration loans that took effect in January, are helping some entry-level buyers who often are hard-pressed to come up with enough money down to buy a home.

About Matt Klinowski
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June 13, 2015 Posted by Matt

This might be going a little too far!  Tattoos and golf the newest golf trend.

June 13, 2015 Posted by Matt

Golf communities are stepping up their game. A golf community needs to be more than a good course and nice clubhouse.  Many clubs are undergoing renovations to improve the overall experience of the community.  A few local clubs undergoing renovations include Naples Grande, Pelican Bay, Collier’s Reserve, Wyndemere and Quail West.  Some golf communities like Ole in Lely Resort already provide a resort like experience.  The community has a movie theater, pool, restaurants and much more.  This transformation of golf communities is happening throughout the country.  Read more about what clubs are doing to improve the experience for home owners (Wall Street Journal – In Real Estate, Golf Ups its Game)

June 10, 2015 Posted by Matt

The final phase at Fiddler’s Creek ‘Villages’ will be completed by Lennar Homes.  Sonoma has a total of 11 two story buildings.  Each building will have four coach homes.  There are less than 15 coach homes remaining in Sonoma.  Runaway Bay has less than 20 estate homes remaining for sale.

At completion, residents of Fiddler’s Creek will be surrounded by 72 holes of championship golf, 36 holes of which will be available to members of The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek. The first course, a masterpiece of design by acclaimed golf course architect Arthur Hills, is The Creek Course at Fiddler’s Creek. It is now open for play and provides a superb golfing experience for all skill levels.The Creek Course at Fiddler’s Creek is ranked among Golfweek Magazine’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses in the country. Designed by Arthur Hills, The Creek Course is the only golf course in Southwest Florida to earn this recognition 10 years in a row. The 18-hole, Par 72 Creek Course was reviewed by more than 700 course raters from across the U.S., along with more than 3,000 other courses across the country.

Are you interested in buying a golf home or golf condo in Fiddler’s Creek? Do you want to explore other golf communities in Naples or Bonita Springs? Let me be your guide!

About Matt Klinowski
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June 4, 2015 Posted by Matt

To hit good chip shots, you should feel as if your left hand is in charge of the shot.  The shaft leans forward, and the left hand holds the club firmly.  Let the left arm make a rocking motion from your shoulder to move the club back and forth.  Tuck your right elbow into your side to prevent the right hand and arm from coming out and over during the stroke.  Accelerate through the shot while keeping your left hand flat and firm, and the ball will always start on line.  Control the distance by length of your follow-through.