by Marlene Smith-Graham
I hadn’t been on the Double Sunshine tour boat out of Tin City in quite some time, but on a recent summer midday, I challenged potentially threatening skies (which never produced) to get a fresh perspective on the often taken for granted waterway of Naples Bay. Keep in mind, that I see this bay just about every day, either while crossing the Gordon River bridge hurriedly to some destination (but not too hurriedly in order to avoid a conversation with the local law); driving along it briefly on 10th Street South; or by peering at it from the Naples City Dock. But today I wanted to “see it” see it. To savor it. To concentrate on it with new eyes.
Incidentally, despite what I just wrote in the preceding paragraph, as you cross the bridge leading to and from Olde Naples on the East Tamiami Trail (often termed by locals as the East Trail), you are actually seeing the Gordon River on either side. But looking further south, beyond the shops and restaurants of Tin City and Kelly’s Fish House and the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, the waters subtly open up into Naples Bay.
As my mother and I (Hey it’s good to do something with your mother once in a while) settled into our seats atop the double decker, 55 ft. boat, along with a group from Sheffield, England – whom ironically I had first met about a block up the street when they asked in amazement if indeed the parking they had “scored” was free – and a couple from Michigan, and a smattering of folks from elsewhere, we were warned by the captain that four horn blasts would signal our departure.
And with that we were on our way.
Within minutes we were all wrenching our necks side-to-side appreciating the neighborhoods bordering our travels – to the left, that would be the east side: Golden Shores, Oyster Bay, Royal Harbor, and the boating and golf course community of Windstar on Naples Bay; and to the west, the pricier line-up of Olde Naples, Aqualane Shores and Port Royal – while listening to Capt. Dan’s narrative over the PA system. His stories related to the past and present, and his voice did not betray the thrill of “knowingly” aweing the visitors on board with home prices (though with our upwardly moving market, he probably needed to be updated a bit); and his “rain” of names of previous and former owners of many of the homes we were passing, a “Who’s Who” of the movers and shakers of industry, banking, retail, politics and entertainment. The names continued even after the captain turned off the loudspeaker as we entered a cove -- a courtesy to the neighbors -- and First Mate Dave took over in firm non-amplification.
Let’s see. There was the ex-wife of a New Jersey governor; a majority shareholder in Hershey’s; the Estonian ambassador to China; members of the Mars candy family; the Collier family (for whom our county is named); the family that invented Play-Doh; Drano principals; the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (the governing body of the Catholic Church) under George W. Bush, and on and on.
Back out in the pass, we were bounded to the south by the “mangroved” northern edge of Keewaydin, a boat-only accessible island (with both inter-coastal straight ahead had we not made the turn, and to its west exquisite beaches). This is a place with no roads, no bridges, no shops, and for the most part no utilities; a haven of preserves and homes that operate mostly via generators, with cisterns to catch rain water. This is the island where Vice President Joe Biden’s brother recently purchased a hideaway.
Since the day was beautiful, we continued into the Gulf of Mexico, passing by the exquisite home and guest home of Pittsburgh’s Donahue family of Federated Investors (a financial firm founded in 1955 that manages some 360 billion in assets), said to be the highest taxable home in Naples. Even with our low taxes, it is estimated that taxes on this property run in the $400,000 per year range.
Now floating in the Gulf, engines shut down, we just looked around -- in the direction of Texas; back at the Naples shoreline; to the north toward the Naples Pier and the condos of Moorings and Park Shore; and to the south at Keewaydin’s beachfront while listening to obligatory Jimmy Buffett.
Time up, we reversed ourselves and barely into the pass came the call: “Dolphins surfacing to the right 30 feet of the Double Sunshine…” Dolphins it seems are never boring.
Back in “slip,” the folks from the UK couldn’t help but verbalize their feelings about Naples and the waters we had just experienced. And so in the end, I did indeed get to “see it” see it, savor it and concentrate on it in the best way possible, through the “new” eyes of others …
Editor’s Note: Marlene Graham is the author of the book “Headfirst Into America” about her family’s year-long travels through 50 states, and a longtime journalist and noted travel writer. She is also the owner of Tropics Real Estate on 5th Ave. in Naples and has appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters show. As space permits, she will be bringing us future articles relating to both real estate and local travel and tourism. If you have suggestions for future articles or questions, you may contact her at marlenegraham@earthlink.net
Posted at 07:31 AM | Permalink
FORECLOSURES IN BONITA SPRINGS AND ESTERO LIST
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For our Floridians on this blast, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is offering a Florida resident rate of $119 per night on select dates through September. The hotel is at 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs. Call 800-233-1234 and request special offer code FLOFB.
----------------------------------------------PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER with your friends and relatives. Even your Frenemies! And if you know someone who wants to subscribe please send me their name and email address.
Hope to see or hear from you soon! And be sure to write us at the email addresses below with any questions or call (239) 261-0153 or (239) 821-9046.
Marlene Graham
Tropics Real Estate
539 5th Avenue South
Naples, FL 34102
www.NaplesHomeFinders.com
www.NaplesRealEstateReport.com
(239) 821-9046
(239) 261-0153
THE NAPLES TROPICS TEAM:
Marlene Graham marlenegraham@earthlink.net 239-821-9046
Courtney Smith courtsellsnaples@gmail.com 239-580-8156
Paul Smith writepaulsmith@gmail.com 239-777-7666
Marcy Blais marcyblais @aol.com 239-776-2495
Trip McNamara tripmcnamara@gmail.com 231-838-9200
Curt Marsden curmegmar@msn.com 970-379-2017
Robin Bennett rkebennett@gmail.com 239-734-0373
Petrucia Sierakowski sierakowski@hotmail.com 239-321-1091
Ray Pena raypenasellsnaples@gmail.com 239-227-8190
Dan Weber danielwbr3@gmail.com 815-341-9523
Posted at 11:10 AM | Permalink
Posted at 09:57 AM | Permalink
Posted at 09:55 AM | Permalink
USA TODAY article on Naples Florida!
Those of you thinking about Naples Florida for a place to live or a second home will want to read the report above. We already know the impact of the last year which has been amazing. Real Estate wise we have very busy -- though when we try to tell people what we believe is happening -- they don't believe us so now that it is going in the media, it will be easier to make them BELIEVE. : )
This is my favorite part of the U.S. Mayors' Report: Naples, Fla., will be the fastest-growing metro area in the country, with an economy expanding by 6.3%, the report says. Naples will also add jobs faster than any other metro, the report predicts. Among larger cities, top performers include Raleigh, N.C., expected to grow by 4.2%; Atlanta, 3.7%; and Austin, at 3.6%.
By the way, any questions about Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero feel free to call me! (239) 821-9046
Posted at 01:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)
TROPICS REAL ESTATE, early Dec 2012
NAPLES AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE:
Well December is upon us and so now begins my new Naples Real Estate newsletter which also incorporates Marco Island, Bonita Springs and Estero. Incidentally let it be noted that the weather has been beautiful this week with highs in the 80s, though there have been sporadic thundershowers.
A few days ago I received an advance copy of Where To Retire magazine and the article for which I took some photos entitled "8 Hot Top Towns to Snap Up Bargains Now" focuses on Estero and Bonita Springs, sister communities to Naples in neighboring Lee County. (Naples is in Collier County.) Make sure to check that out. In fact, our area made the cover.
Speaking of "bundled golf," which we weren't speaking about, but oh well, I was thinking "bundled golf", those of you who have worked with me in the past know I consider the Brookside floor plan in Cedar Hammock to be a great unit. Great for rental, easy to move around in. As mentioned above these had topped out at over $400,000. And now I've been selling a bunch of the same floor plan called the Bellini in a sister community of Treviso Bay. In fact I had seven closings in the new buildings the last week of November. And two of my customers bought two each and already have rentals in them! We're talking TPC golf course thrown in, granite, stainless steel, diagonal tile, hurricane impact glass, etc. Crazy good deal at $200,000, plus or minus with unbelievable resort amenities and just ten minutes or so to downtown and the beaches. Total carrying costs including property taxes minus mortgage easily covered by rent. And expected to appreciate dramatically in the next year or two!!!
Also, lately I've been getting quite a few inquiries on Olde Naples under a million. Here is the list:
http://www.sunshinemls.com/search/emailToResults.asp?eid=6599660
Keep in mind that inventory has dropped dramatically. In some neighborhoods that had ten years of inventory two years ago, there is now barely more than ONE year.
Showing beach condos in a little bit to some really nice folks from Canada. I meet so many Canadians these days! : ) And they do love Naples!
NAPLES IN THE NEWS.
The following article that just came out indicates our median is up 20% over a year ago. If it doesn't show up as a link, cut and paste it into your browser:
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/nov/16/nabor-october-home-condo-price-collier-real-estate/
This one from a few months ago indicates we are one of the top 10 turn-around towns in America
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If you have any specific questions please don't hesitate to ask. I could go on and on with this newsletter, but I am told that emails should be fairly brief to keep your attention span! : ) Okay maybe this was not brief, but I'm doin' my best.
My next update will include information on foreclosures and short sales.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER with your friends and relatives. Even your Frenemies! And if you know someone who wants to subscribe please send me their name and email address.
Hope to see or hear from you soon!
Marlene Graham
Tropics Real Estate
The Marlene Graham Team
539 5th Avenue South
Naples, FL 34102
www.NaplesHomeFinders.com
www.NaplesTouristCenter.com
(239) 821-9046
THE NAPLES TEAM:
Marlene Graham marlenegraham@earthlink.net 239-821-9046
Courtney Smith courtsellsnaples@gmail.com 239-580-8156
Paul Smith writepaulsmith@gmail.com 239-777-7666
Dwyn Dion dwyndion@earthlink.net 239-595-3491
Carol Greenwood ctgreenwood@earthlink.net 239-776-2495
For fun check out:
http://www.MostInterestingWomaninTheWorld.com
Posted at 01:04 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)
The weather is beautiful in Naples. A little brisk in the mornings and evenings right now, but great midday. Very busy real estate wise this week. Sold two golf condos. One brand new last minute deal with TPC golf course membership thrown in ... only $180,000. There are a few left and buyers must be able to close by the end of this month. If you want detalis please call me at 239-821-9046 or email me at marlenegraham@earthlink.net. This is one of those unbelievable opportunities.
Posted at 07:07 AM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)
Well Isaac is supposed to be heading this way. Right now things are calm and the skies are overcast. We should be okay .... just don't want him to mess with our beaches before season! Unless he wants to shove even more sand up out of the water. That would be good. : )
Posted at 07:06 AM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)