Luxury Naples Home on 10 Acres in Florida. Listed on Naples MLS for $8.75 Million. This is one of the top Naples real estate properties with lots of land so near the beach. This home was the winner of the 2009 CBIA SAND DOLLAR AWARD / EXEC HOME. There are
actually 2 luxury estate Southern styled homes on a private lake. The main home (5-suites, 3-bay garage, cabana, pool & spa) offers marble & hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, custom woodwork, elevator, huge feature windows, top of the range appliances, gourmet kitchen, sunken wet bar, butler’s pantry & laundry/mud room. 3rd floor wood finished library. Wired for every conceivable use. State of the art finishes & elegant craftsmanship throughout. Slate tile terraces. Indoor/outdoor fireplaces and 3 A/C systems, high performance air handlers. The 3,625 S/F Guest House offers 3-suites, loft, study, hot tub, detached 2-bay garage & office. Rainwater piped into the lake for irrigation. Private septic, sewer, reverse osmosis system + 2,000 gal tank & 2 back-up gas generators. 20 horses permitted on this high, dry and cleared property west of I-75. This is an amazing luxury Naples home within 8 minutes of the beach and 12 minutes to Olde Naples. Mercato is only 5 minutes away. Call Mark Weber at White Sands Realty 239-417-1115 for more information on this amazing Naples real estate for sale.
Making Home Affordable offers four programs; three of which help homeowners obtain reduced mortgage payments and prevent foreclosure. Home saving options include loan modifications, mortgage refinance, and second lien modification. A fourth program, Foreclosure Alternatives, is available to borrowers who can no longer afford to stay in their home.
The eligibility criteria for Making Home Affordable programs are somewhat limited; especially for borrowers who are currently delinquent with mortgage payments. In order to obtain foreclosure assistance through Home Affordable programs, homeowners cannot have been more than 30 days late on loan payments within the previous twelve months and must be current on their mortgage loan.
Qualified borrowers must submit applications for Making Home Affordable programs through their mortgage lender. The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) extends through December 31, 2012, while Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) expires on June 10, 2010.
Home Affordable program participation is voluntary, so borrowers first need to determine if their lender is participating. The exception to this rule is lenders offering mortgages secured by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are required to offer Home Affordable options to borrowers. The Making Home Affordable website provides a list of participating mortgage lenders via their website at MakingHomeAffordable.gov.
Borrowers that apply for Home Affordable programs are subjected to standard lending procedures and required to provide financial documents and income verification. Borrowers applying for a loan modification will need to provide a Request for Modification and Affidavit (RMA) form, Internal Revenue 4506 tax form, and wage records. Many lenders also require a loan modification hardship letter which provides an explanation of events which caused financial hardships.
Home Affordable Modification Program is available to homeowners whose primary residence is a single family home consisting of no more than four units. Borrowers can apply for a loan modification under HAMP if the balance due on the first mortgage is within program limits. HAMP limits are: $729,750 for single family houses, $934,200 for two-unit houses, $1,129,250 for three unit houses, or $1,403,400 for four unit homes.
Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) is available to homeowners with mortgage notes for residential homes consisting of up to four units. Mortgage refinance criteria requires homeowners be current with home loan payments; have no payment delinquencies of more than 30 days within the previous twelve months; and owe less than 125-percent of the current market value.
Borrowers in preforeclosure should contact their bank’s loss mitigation department immediately to discuss available options or apply for Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program. Homeowners can learn more about Home Affordable programs and eligibility requirements by visiting MakingHomeAffordable.gov. About the Author
Author and real estate investor, Simon Volkov, provides additional details about Making Home Affordable program, along with foreclosure prevention alternatives and how to short sale real estate via his website at www.SimonVolkov.com.
Overall pending home sales increased at least 100 percent in October 2009 compared to October 2008 in each price category under 2 million, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding new construction sales and Marco Island ).
Summer is usually a slow time of year for Naples real estate, but this year there was increased activity from Northern buyers wanting to take advantage of bargain prices for Naples FL homes. There were over twice the number of contracts written this October as compared to last year. This is a significant indicator that Naples is already well into recovery mode.
The properties in the under $300,000 market have led the way in sales for the past few months. However, the market recovery is now working its way up to the higher priced properties. Pending sales in the $300,000 to $500,000 price segment have increased 150 percent from 48 contracts in October 2008 to 120 contracts in October 2009.
Strong demand has already put a dent in higher than normal inventory levels. The available inventory declined 14 percent to 9,347 in October 2009 from 10,815 in October 2008.
Additional signs of strong demand are seen in Naples new construction sales (these are not included in the NABOR statistics above). Marbella Lakes has been the “singlefamily hot spot,” according to local broker Ross McIntosh. “The builder has pulled 119 permits so far this year,” he said.
And according to Patti Fortune, a sales associate at Marbella Lakes, “prices of our Naples homes homes for sale have actually gone up across the board approximately $10,000.00 since we opened at the end of February 2009. We’re seeing increased interest and sales. You simply can’t find a better value in new construction so close to the beach anywhere in Naples.”
Increased sales, inventory declines and new home sales (and even price increases) all point to a strong recovery for Naples real estate. Buyers who hesitate too long will miss the best opportunity in the last decade to purchase Naples FL homes at bargain prices.
Mark C. Weber is a Naples Realtor, Broker & Owner of White Sands Realty in Naples, Florida. He is a 30+ year resident of Naples and specializes in finding people Naples homes on or near the beach and waterfront. If you are interested in Naples real estate or have a question about this article please contact him through Email or by calling 239-417-1115.
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If you’re looking for a new Florida home and haven’t visited Marbella Lakes in Naples, you may be missing out on the hottest community around.
With over 123 sales (and more every day) since it opened on February 28th of 2009, there are several reasons why Marbella Lakes is the top selling new community in Southwest Florida.
Value- Marbella Lakes has the best new home value in the area. The builder was able to secure the bank owned land and transfer that amazing savings on to the consumer. Buyers are very savvy these days. They drive around the area for weeks and still can’t find a better value – because it doesn’t exist. According to Patti Fortune, a sales associate at Marbella Lakes, “prices of our Naples homes for sale have actually gone up across the board approximately ten thousand since we opened. You simply can’t find a better value in new construction so close to the beach anywhere in Naples.”
Location- For new homes in this price range the location can’t be better. The beach is only six minutes away and you’re in a corridor of shopping ranging from Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue to Target and Macy’s.
Low Property Taxes – At Marbella Lakes you’re ensured you’re paying the lowest property taxes possible. Your taxable value is actually equal to your home’s market value. This is not the case in many communities affected by inordinately decreasing property values. Property owners in other communities have to either file a complaint with the Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board by September 11th, 2009 or wait until the following year to see how much the Property Appraiser has adjusted your home’s value. Why would you want to pay more property taxes or have to fight your way to what you should be paying anyway?
It’s been several years since Naples real estate has been this well located at such a great value. The prices at Marbella Lakes start at $199,900 for the Carriage Homes (condos) and $309,900 for single-family homes. There are several Marbella Lakes homes ready to move in now and others in various stages of construction. Or you can choose your lot and build from the ground up in about four months. For more detailed information or to request a brochure go to the web site at www.Marbella-Lakes.com.
Search Just Like a Realtor for Naples Real Estate and find your dream home today.
NAPLES, Fla.-The positive momentum continues according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).
Statistics compiled by NABOR show a dramatic increase in overall sales with inventory diminishing in Collier County, which is an encouraging sign that the favorable market conditions are moving buyers.
2009 showed a series of strong pending and closed sales for each consecutive month with double-digit increases over the 2008 sales figures. Overall pending sales in 2009 increased 71 percent with 9,513 contracts, compared to 5,567 contracts in 2008. Overall closed sales significantly increased with 7,056 sales in 2009, compared to 4,756 sales in the previous year.
Inventory continues its steady decline as the housing market improves. According to Mike Hughes, NABOR Media Relations Director, and Vice-President of Downing-Frye Realty, “All price ranges showed a decrease in inventory. The decrease varied from nine percent in the below $300,000 range up to 25 percent in the $300,000 to $500,000 range.”
The report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following analysis:
• Overall condo pending sales increased 69 percent with 4,243 contracts in 2009, compared to 2,505 contracts in 2008.
• The days a property was on the market in 2009 decreased 11 percent to 160 days on the market, compared to 179 days in 2008.
• The overall median closed price decreased 35 percent to $178,000 in 2009 from $274,000 in 2008.
Excluding the $300,000 and under segment, comprising a majority of foreclosure related property sales, the overall median price for the market declined only 7 percent from $565,000 in 2008 to $525,000 in 2009. The median refers to the middle value in a set of statistical values that are arranged in ascending or descending order, in this case prices at which homes were actually sold.
The fourth quarter of 2009 showed overall pending sales increasing 92 percent with 2,455 contracts, compared to 1,276 contracts in the same quarter of 2008.
“We are seeing sales steadily move to higher priced ranges,” stated Jo Carter, President of Jo Carter & Associates. Both single-family pending and closed sales increased in all price ranges below two million.
• Single-family home sales in the $300,000 to $500,000 price range increased 43 percent with 163 sales in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 114 sales in the fourth quarter of 2008.
• Single-family pending sales in the $500,000 to $1 million price range increased 63 percent in the fourth quarter with 114 contracts compared to 70 contracts in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The NABOR report also showed that in December 2009, the $1 million to $2 million segment of the market was particularly lively, showing a 157 percent increase in pending sales over the previous year. Pending sales of single family homes and condominiums in that luxury home segment showed a 178 percent and 120 percent increase, respectively, over the previous year.
According to Mark Weber, Broker & Owner of White Sands Realty in Naples, Florida, “these are all positive signs of a great year to come for Naples real estate in 2010. If you think about your home purchase too long, you’ll be kicking yourself for missing this buyer’s market. It will end a lot faster than it started and there won’t be any forewarning. These types of statistics are your signal to make a deal now.”
Another uber-luxury home sold in the exclusive Naples, Florida community of Port Royal for $13 million on Tuesday. It was an all cash transaction. This is the third home to sell for over $9 million in less than a month. The sale went for about 18% less than the listing price of $15.9 million.
This estate home at 700 Kings Town Drive was built in 2006. The home is situated on a canal with Gulf access. There are six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a theatre and a fitness room within 9,395 square feet of living area and 11,791 total square feet. Hand selected heliel limestone flooring and a 1,000 bottle wine room are just a couple of the luxurious features of this custom built residence.
Keeping your home picked up at all times can make showings go better and selling it easier on you and your Realtor.
In today’s buyer’s market with tons of inventory for buyers to pick and choose from, your home must meet the cleanliness test. You want buyers to stick around as long as possible. This will not happen if you have a home that smells like dirty diapers and looks like a dorm room after mid-term exams.
Change your ways if you want to beat the competition and sell your home today. Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, keep soap and toothbrushes stored away, do not leave empty glasses in the family room and keep everything dusted and vacuumed. It’s even a good idea to remove all the shampoo bottles and used soap from your shower. Remember, less is always better when it comes to personal items a buyer sees.
The less “lived-in” your home looks the better. Try your best to have it look like a model home – a home with furniture but nobody lives there.
Mark C. Weber is a Naples Realtor, Broker & Owner of White Sands Realty in Naples, Florida. He is a 30+ year resident of Naples and specializes in finding people Naples homes on or near the beach and waterfront. If you are interested in Naples real estate or have a question about this article please contact him through Email or by calling 239-417-1115.
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If you are home when a showing is scheduled for your home, potential home buyers will feel like uncomfortable intruders. They will spend less time looking and more time worrying about invading your space.
To put them at ease and keep them around long enough to fall in love with your home, take a walk around the neighborhood, go to your local Starbucks or take the kids to the park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of the way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Stay away from the buyers tour and do not volunteer any information. Try to answer any questions the showing agent has and direct your responses to them. If you feel uncomfortable, just ask the agent to contact your Realtor with a list of questions.
Mark C. Weber is a Naples Realtor, Broker & Owner of White Sands Realty in Naples, Florida. He is a 30+ year resident of Naples and specializes in finding people Naples homes on or near the beach and waterfront. If you are interested in Naples real estate or have a question about this article please contact him through Email or by calling 239-417-1115.
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When you first list your home many real estate agents send “announcements” to all of the other houses in your neighborhood. This can be done in the form of postcards, a letter, or flyers left hanging on the front door. The postcard may read “New Listing” or “Just Listed.” These are important because your neighbors might have friends who are looking to buy a house.
These type of announcements create “word of mouth” advertising, which is the best kind.
Mark C. Weber is a Naples Realtor, Broker & Owner of White Sands Realty in Naples, Florida. He is a 30+ year resident of Naples and specializes in finding people Naples homes on or near the beach and waterfront. If you are interested in Naples real estate or have a question about this article please contact him through Email or by calling 239-417-1115.
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As mentioned previously, advertising your home in newspapers and magazines rarely sells your home directly. Most buyers begin their search for real estate online these days. Buyers are more likely to see your home on Realtor.com, Trulia.com or Zillow.com than they are in a local newspaper.
You still want to be certain the real estate company selling your house runs some ads, whether they feature your house or not. Ads do generate interest from home buyers. Those buyers may go online to see more pictures or bring the ad to their buyer’s agent. Or you could be one of the lucky ones – someone calling on your house may actually end up buying it.
You should also realize that when a company advertises the homes they have for sale, there is more than one objective. Sure, the real estate office wants to generate phone calls and sell those houses, but the truth is print advertising also shows home sellers how effectively they market properties.
The advertising brings in more listings, which generate more ad calls, which produces more buyers….and that is how real estate advertising really works.
Summer is usually a slow time of year for 
Mark C. Weber is a Naples Realtor, Broker & Owner of White Sands Realty in Naples, Florida. He is a 30+ year resident of Naples and specializes in finding people Naples homes on or near the beach and waterfront. If you are interested in Naples real estate or have a question about this article please contact him through 
