Naples Homes Blog

We are selling out!

2009-07-11T06:50:00.002-04:00

Yes! We are selling out of our short sale listings! We have sold so many i the past few months that we are running low on homes to sell! We have a LOT of buyers!
SO, if you would like to sell or feel you eed a solution to loss of income or a bad mortgage, call or email us today! We will help get you into a better mortgage (mortgage modification) or sell the home in a short sale. We do ALL the work selling and dealing with the banks to get it done! We'll even help you find another place to live, be it a purchase or a rental.
The best selling homes are sigle family houses and multi family duplexes, triplexes, etc. Condos and townhomes are selling, but not as fast. Let us know how w can help!

Spring 2009 Update!

2009-05-26T17:42:00.003-04:00

Hello all!
I know this will sound like an excuse, but we have not updated for a long time because we could not find the right information to log in!!
OK, that is solved!
Now, what is going on in Naples real estate? Short sales and bank owned properties have been selling VERY well since November of 2008!! See the chart on our home page at http://www.livingnaples.com/!
We have done more business in the past 6 months than we did in 2007 and the first 10 months in 2008 combined!! There are great deals with prices that we have not seen since 1998 to 2002!
Cash buyers are here!! They are doing 50-60% of the sales!
There are some great loans also. We have been doing FHA with 3.5% down and USDA with 0% down!
We have also listed and sold a LOT of pre-foreclosure homes recently. Banks are working with us much more now to get them sold at reasonable prices. If you are have problems paying your mortgage, we can help! There are mortgage modifications to help you keep your home, and short sales where we negotiate with your bank to be able to sell the home at the market price.
Either of these are much better than foreclosure which can stay on your credit for 7-10 years.
Call or email me for information or help with your situation!

Whats new in Naples Real Estate?

2008-08-02T10:41:00.001-04:00

Whats new in Naples Real Estate? A Lot!
My family and I just got back from a one month Europe trip. Of course we were there as a vacation and to see family, but as an investor, I am always looking for opportunities! I learned a lot about real estate investing in Sweden and Paris. Also learned about the differences in currencies, investing, and rental properties. I had a lot of interest in Florida real estate over there. People are interested in buying at the bottom of the market and in currencies that are worth 60-80% more than they were a couple of years ago! I have a lot of new people to put into my client database as interested buyers.
Back here in Naples, my associates have been busy handling my properties and showings are brisk. I have several short sales ready to close this month. There are some GREAT deals here and people are buying! I think this summer into fall will be one of the best times to catch close to the bottom of the market. Of course many things have happened in the banking and government sectors. I think loans will become eaisier to get as FHA and the government step in with low cost, low down payment loans!
We are very successful in helping people sell their homes that have little or no equity. We are able to negotiate with the bank and sell the property at very good prices!
We work with buyers all the time and find great properties at prices from many years ago!
Call or email us with your situation or needs. We have a lot of ideas and solutions!

Pre-Foreclosures and short sales, oh my!

2008-06-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

Well, as you know people are falling behind in their mortgages and are causing a huge surge in pre-foreclosures, short sales, and bank owned properties! These can be trying times. BUT, we have been working with homeowners of all types and have been very successful at avoiding foreclosures! We have a great system of negotiating with the banks to be able to sell properties at HUGE discounts. This allows us to sell the property at a great price, and gets the homeowner out of the foreclosure situation and avoid a foreclosure on their credit report. We have a unique method that VERY FEW are using that moves the process forward fast!
We have ramped up our service to be able to handle a LOT of business. We can currently help in ALL of Florida and American Properties FL can help in the other 49 states!
We are now working with American Properties FL - www.AmericanPropertiesFL.com. (They also offer $300-$1000 fee to ANYONE for refering a customer that they help!!)
We handle the listing and selling of the properties. Call us with your details and we will let you know if we can help. Most services are free!
info@americanpropertiesfl.com or call me at 239-595-5157!

MLS Self Serve Searching

2008-04-09T22:09:00.000-04:00

We have a great MLS (multiple Listing service) service on our website!
See the first two links in the middle of the page at http://www.livingnaples.com/.
One for the Ft. Myers area and one for the Naples area. The service gives you basic information on each property. Our MLS rules only allow this much to be shown. Please email me the properties you are interested in and request full information on them. Also ask any questions you have. We will get back to you via email with everything you need!

April Update

2008-04-09T21:35:00.001-04:00

Well.. lots going on here! We are very busy with short sales and working with buyers. We get MANY emails and calls per day from buyers all over the world! EVERYONE is looking for a great deal. Luck for everyone, there are lots of them! the pre-foreclosures have really pressured the regular sellers to lower their prices so that we are showing a mix of regular and pre-foreclosure properties.
We continue to refine our short sale techniques. We have learned a lot on how to deal with sellers, banks, and buyers. We have been successful in many types of deals including lease/purchases to allow the buyer to move in and lease while we work with the bank to get their purchase offer accepted. We currently have over 30 properties available and of course we show ALL properties in the area and offer our expert negotiating skills to our clients.
Mortgages are a challenge, but we are getting them done. Government programs help many with down payment assistance. One client just received a 15% down payment from the county with NO payments and NO interest! It must be paid back only when they sell!!
We found enough time to take some time off and head for Orlando and Disney World with our 2 kids. As always, we had a great time. Their favorite ride for the last year or so.....Buzz Lightyear!
We are looking forward to some overseas travel this summer! We'll be meeting some people to discuss real estate and visiting family!
Back to Florida...
Look at our new chart on our home page at http://www.livingnaples.com/. I think it shows the "turnaround" in home sales. Call or email me today! I am glad to help!

FULL MLS Access for SW Florida!

2007-04-17T11:08:00.001-04:00

Click HERE
to search the MLS system of ALL homes in SW Florida!!

Naples Florida Real Estate Mythbusters

2007-04-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

See: www.LivingNaples.net/Naples_Mythbusters/page_1832442.html

Naples is ranked #1 - Top 10 Romantic Escapes!

2007-02-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

Top 10 romantic escapes

POSTED: 10:00 a.m. EST, February 2, 2007

By Steve MillburgCoastal Living

(Coastal Living) -- We found places perfect for sharing -- just in time for Valentine's Day.
1. Naples, Florida
The perfect retreat for two would feature balmy Southwest Florida weather, spectacular sunsets, beaches of feather-soft white sand and warm waters ideal for swimming. It would allow a choice of activities-filled beachfront resorts or intimate inns. It would provide a sophisticated arts scene and secluded places to connect with nature. It would gather galleries, shops, sidewalk cafés, wine bars and jazz clubs together in a lively, easily walkable downtown. Yes, this dreamy place really does exist; 800/688-3600 or paradisecoast.com.
2. New York, New York
Of course you must skate arm-in-arm at Rockefeller Center, snuggle under a blanket while riding in a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park and gasp at the views from the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building. Clichés? Sure. But they'll still warm even the most jaded cynic's heart. So will the sight of lower Manhattan from the Brooklyn Promenade, the free trip across New York Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry and the overlooks from high above the East River on the Roosevelt Island Tram. For a coastal interlude, try drinks at the 14th-floor, waterfront Rise bar in The Ritz-Carlton hotel at Battery Park; 212/484-1200 or nycvisit.com.
3. Barbados
Tropicality mixes with civilized formality (courtesy of 340 years of British rule), giving this Caribbean island a delightful sense of occasion. One dresses for dinner here. One pauses for afternoon tea. And Bajans (rhymes with Cajuns), though quite friendly, wouldn't dream of intruding on visitors' privacy. Beaches suit every taste -- wild Atlantic waves on the east coast, placid Caribbean ripples on the west, and everything in between on the southern shore; 800/221-9831 or www.visitbarbados.org.
4. Sausalito, California
This compact, eccentric town just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco begs to be explored. Its twisty streets harbor everything from art galleries to dive bars. Chic open-air cafés offer great food and better people-watching. Because Sausalito clings to a hillside, almost any place in town delivers one of the most romantic sights in the world: the San Francisco skyline; 415/331-7262 or sausalito.org.
5. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Why wintertime? Because spray from the falls coats rocks, trees, buildings and the occasional slow-moving tourist with ice, turning the town into a glittering fantasyland. Why the Canadian and not the New York side? Because you get better views of the falls and more lodging and dining choices. Why "ice wine" on restaurant menus? Because this dessert wine, a specialty of the region, practically explodes with flavor -- be sure to sip, not gulp. Why Niagara Falls in the first place? Because its beauty really will take your breath away; 800/263-2988 or tourismniagara.com.
6. Fairhope, Alabama
This charming village nestles on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay like an idealized, movie-set small town. Blossoms burst from planters and flower boxes along every block of the tree-shaded downtown. Wrought-iron balconies lend a bit of New Orleans flavor -- appropriate for a community that celebrates Mardi Gras with a half-dozen parades spread over more than two weeks. Couples could spend days contentedly browsing the boutiques, art galleries, antiques shops, parks and, most deliciously, the restaurants. Day's end brings a beautiful bonus: sunset over the bay; 251/928-2136 or cofairhope.com.
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach encapsulates everything that makes the Pacific Northwest such an enticing escape. Rugged mountains, 9 miles of beach and the 235-foot offshore monolith known as Haystack Rock provide awe-inspiring natural beauty. Lovers of the outdoors can hike the nearby state park forests or just fly kites on the shore. The town itself, with its wooden sidewalks and cedar-shingled buildings, has become a haven for artists and craftspeople. Boutiques, bookstores, gourmet food shops and some excellent restaurants cater to those creative types and the visitors they attract; 503/436-2623 or el.com/to/cannonbeach.
8. St. Michaels, Maryland
Some say that tourist hordes have ruined this quaint enclave on Maryland's Eastern Shore. We disagree. Centuries of extracting sustenance and profit from the Chesapeake Bay have left a hardworking heritage that resists gentrification. After checking out the chic shops and pricey antiques on Talbot Street, explore the narrow side streets. Soak up the history. Enjoy the idiosyncratic jumble of architecture. The old-time watermen who once worked (and roistered) here might look askance at today's spas and posh lodgings. But they would certainly appreciate the still-plentiful views of their beloved bay -- and the crab cakes; 800/808-7622 or stmichaelsmd.org.
9. La Jolla, California
Even the name of this Mediterranean-feeling beach town just north of San Diego promises romance. La Jolla (pronounced "la HOY-uh") in Spanish means "the jewel." This particular gem offers several glittering facets: exclusive shopping, lavish dining, lots of arts and cultural attractions and a sumptuous stretch of beach. The hilly terrain provides plenty of vantage points for enjoying the view. The water also invites surfing, swimming or snorkeling to view the abundant marine life; 858/454-1444 or lajolla.com.
10. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offers the most elementally "out there" experience of any bridge-accessible U.S. destination. Standing on a thin ribbon of sand, with the mainland out of sight over the western horizon and burly Atlantic Ocean waves thundering in from the east, you truly feel untethered from your everyday world. Such towns as Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills offer plenty of tourist pleasures. But it's also easy to sneak away and find your own private stretch of beach, with vivid stars overhead, moonlight-silvered surf at your feet, the sea breeze tousling your hair, and magic ready to happen; 877/629-4386 or outerbanks.org.

2006-08-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!
I am Daniel Wolkoff with Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. in the Naples, Florida area. We have started these area in order to allow for discussion of all types of real estate related subjects such as trends, taxes, insurance, marketing, weather, pricing, staging, buying & selling, boating, golfing, etc. It is open to Realtors and "regular" people. Please let me know what we can do to make this more useful for you!

Daniel Wolkoff
Realtor