There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional – integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work.

 

That said, in my experience as a Naples-Bonita Springs real estate professional, I’ve also found that providing the very best service is essentially about putting my clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to your needs.

 

This “client first” philosophy has always been my approach and it requires me to continually improve my skills and ways of doing business. In addition, I’ve found that the latest technologies are enabling me to do everything I’ve always done, only much more quickly and efficiently. They’ve also helped me to extend the range of services I provide to my clients.

 

So when you decide that you’d like to buy or sell a home in the Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs areas, please contact me.

Simone Student may be reached through her website LifestyleNaples.com or directly by phone at (239) 776-2937

So you want to buy real estate in Naples, Florida? 

by Margaret “Bootie” Bromley

I have a few reluctant clients who keep saying to me, “I will list my home when the market is better in the Fall”.  The market is very good right now and I am busy with other clients who are actively looking for investment property and those who have luxury homes and want to move into something on the Gulf.  Both areas are extremely active right now if you take a look at the daily list of closings in the Naples/Bonita MLS which is usually between 35-45 units.

I am seeing condos that were $250,000 in 2005 selling for as low as $75,000.  Some of these were condo conversions but still wonderfully remodelled and definitely affordable now. With prices like these and a very active rental market, a buyer can actually cover their mortgage with an annual tenant or even with some short term seasonal rentals which definitely produce more income.

As far as the luxury market, each day I am seeing a closing or two with not much drop from the original selling price. I believe that buyers know that they cannot build the same home today for what is being offered in the current luxury market.

Another trend I am watching is that clients are making several trips to Naples during the summer.  Two of them came to visit over the Fourth of July. They are coming to see their friends that live where they bought who are “full timers” and they can go to any popular restaurant and enjoy the lack of a crowd as well as the many inexpensive specials that are offered.  Chops has a Sunday and Monday special of $40 for two people to eat and I heard that it was packed. Clearly some owners are expanding their concept of Naples as a purely winter escape to it being an all year destination.

The activities that are normallly expensive and crowded
like golf and tennis are greatly reduced and you can get in to play most times without any problem. One of my clients went and played golf at La Playa for $25 with a cart (at least $125 in season) . And tennis clinics for around $15 are offered at the NCTC (formerly the YMCA), Naples Beach Club, Cambier, and many others, and are not available in the winter because of the court members’ demands during season. It is a great time to take up a sport and meet some new friends.

Those of us who live here all year, cherish the empty roads and stores, the beautiful clouds, the quiet peaceful beaches and the spa like temperature of the Gulf. I think I live in paradise all year.

Margaret “Bootie” Bromley is an Associate with Keating Associates and can be contacted at (239) 595-7333 or visit her profile at KeatingRealty.com

Michele Kelly

Associate Broker

Having past experience in 5 states in the field of New Homes, Timeshare and Residential Homes, Michele Kelly has a proven track record to assist with yourmarketing needs to ensure a competitive edge in today’s real estate industry.  Michele Kelly has been marketing residential real estate since 1975.  ”Selling your home requires knowledge of the current market conditions, negotiation skills as well as Florida real estate law and contract preparation.”  

Michele offers those services with your satisfaction as her number one priority. With more then 25 years experience in the real estate industry, Michele offers those services to market your number one asset with her goal of ensuring a marketing plan which will effectively enable you to realize maximum benefits as well as a successfulcompletion of your transaction. PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY.  Michele sees herself more as a facilitator and educator than a salesperson. She helps her clients achieve their goals while providing all of the support necessary to make that possible. A quality communicator who is sensitive and caring, yet highly professional, Michele sets the stage for a smooth, positive and low stress real estate transaction. Knowledgeable, experienced and persistent, Michele’s work ethic is exemplified by her integrity. She provides her clients with special care and attention and utilizes creative problem solving, strategic planning marketing and negotiation skills designed to helpclients exceed their expectations. In short, Michele is a true real estate professional who consistently goes the extra mile for her clients.

by Susan Payne

 1. Make sure you have the latest comparables on the area the property is located in.

 2. Be realistic in your offer … most of these properties have already been priced at well below what was owed on them and the banks have the same comparables as you.

3. Banks usually wait until they have at least two offers before they select the “highest and best”.  Highest is self explanatory … “best” usually has to do with the financing and CASH does talk!!

4. Get pre-approved and make sure your lender knows that you are looking at foreclosures … some homes do not qualify for FHA or VA loans.

5. Remember, you are dealing with a bank employee, not the owner, so it is just another “case” for them to deal with and they have their guide lines to follow.

6. Banks ususally do not make any improvements to the homes … they are sold “as-is” with right to inspect. But, they may allow concessions (usually about 3% of the purchase price) for the buyer at closing to help off set closing cost or improvements … if you ask!

7. Last, but most important … if you like the home, don’t waste any time putting in your “highest and best” offer … the BEST DEALS don’t last long!

Foreclosures are HOT, HOT, HOT
and the list changes daily, so call
Susan Payne at 239.777.7209
For the most current list and to make an appointment to see the homes of your choice

by David Nourse

It is mid July and the streets are still bustling downtown at night. Talking to the hotel managers and they are reporting that they have been 90% full this summer.

Season is getting closer. With October only 75 days away, the selling market in Naples has stayed consistent this year. We have not experience the drop off as in years past. The buyers are still looking for the deals. And, they are out there to be found.

Many clients have been asking about the foreclosure market. Most of the foreclosed homes have been sold in the $50,000 – $150,000 price range. However, 109 have been sold for over $200,000 since the first of April with an average price of $359,776. The average price paid for these has been 96% of asking price with many having multiple offers and selling for over list price.  

There are motivated sellers to be found. With season coming at us quickly, these same buyers will be getting more optimistic. This is a great time to be looking at Naples!!!

David Nourse – Associate Broker

239-537-1453

DNNaplesRE@aol.com

When you drive up to this home, you begin to see by the Precast on the exterior, the custom front door , paver driveway, and landscaping that attention to every detail was involved in the design of this home. Enter the Foyer to a huge Great Room with open viewing to the kitchen and breakfast area. Glass sliders and large windows overlook an exotic pool with Grato waterfall, pool slide, spa, 2 outdoor bars and barbequing area all surrounded by a travertine pool deck. The Kitchen is outfitted with a 42″ refrigerator, separate icemaker, winecooler, waming oven, expresso maker, island sink, lengthy granite counter tops and even a water faucet over the stove. Custom iron railings and 6″ plank wooden floors lead you to the upstair’s bedrooms, a long outdoor balcony overlooking the pool with enough room for two recreational tables. The prize room of the house, The Theatre Room has 8 oversize leather theatre seats, an overhead projector with a 240 x 120″ screen and a fully equipped bar.

$2,600,000 Unfurnished

click photo to view video

Margaret “Bootie” Bromley is the Listing Agent for this Home.  She specializes in a keen eye for detail in presenting your home for sale.  To contact her or visit her profile, please click on her photo or visit:  www.KeatingRealty.com

Sandra is a highly experienced professional with her core strengths in Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. She was in the hospitality industry for 20 years and she brings her strong business skills to her Real Estate career. She has consistently received top honors for her work and has been generous in her time by giving back to the community.

Sandra is a world traveler who loves to meet new people and experience different cultures. She has a positive and uplifting personality that is open and engaging. Her hobbies include hiking, boating, cooking and entertaining. Raised in the Midwest she moved to the West Coast where she resided for 30 years. She now is a proud resident of Naples, Florida.

You can contact Sandra by calling (239) 331-1059 or by visiting her website www.NaplesCitySearch.com

Joshua Giordano specializes in the Naples real estate market and the discovery of distressed properties and development opportunities across the United States. He understands the need to make an informed decision based on an accurate analysis of the current market and/or investment opportunity. This understanding of the market has made a successful history of closed transactions and satisfied homeowners and investors. The primary objective has been to deliver a level of service that handles and manages all aspects of the client’s needs from start to finish. Delivering the highest level of service at all times and exceeding your expectations is paramount.

You can reach Joshua concerning your real estate needs at (239) 404-5927 or by visiting his website at www.NaplesPlatinumCoast.com

by Doug Keating, Sr.

Since changing our business model roughly 4 months ago, we have been excited to see the number of our Associates triple.  We are finished, rather we are continually talking to and signing the best talent that the Naples Area has to offer.

For our Customers, this truly meets our Mission Statement of “Caring Real Estate Professionals Providing World Class Service” as we have attracted both seasoned professionals and professionals new to the Real Estate Market of Naples.  In all events, I have been pleased at the caliber of talent, excited by the positive attitude and blessed that we are experiencing unprecedented growth in both sales and Associates.  

Keating Associates is driven by our desire to fulfill the Real Estate needs of our Customers but most importantly, defined by the high quality of our Associates.  We welcome them to the Keating Associates Family and will be introducing each of them to you through our new Blog each day.

If you are a real estate professional desiring supportive advancement in your career, have a positive, customer centered attitude – regardless of your experience level, I encourage you to call me for a confidential interview.

(239) 961-1888

Douglas P. Keating, Sr.

Broker