Parents: Buy a Condo instead of a Dorm Room

This message is for all you parents out there. By now your kids have narrowed down a wish list of Colleges they hope to get into.  If your son or daughter will be enrolling in or currently attends a college in thte Naples area, you should consider buying a second home or a primary residence for your child. Condominiums are a great alternative to college dorm life.

Consider buying a place in Naples, FL with a down payment while the interest’s rates are still very low and take advantage of lower prices today for an investment you can make use of for 4 plus years. I have a client who recently bought a 2 bed Condo for their 2 children. Their daughter will be attending Graduate School and their Son will be a freshman next fall at one of the Universities. I found a great turnkey condo in a community close to school that is safe. Not only will my clients know their kids are living in a safe community they now have invested in a condo at a great price that they can hold onto for the long term or flip for profit when their kids have graduated.

Assuming you have kids that are going to school in Naples do you think you will visit? Are you going to come and sleep on the floor of their dorm room, or pay for a hotel room?  Why would you if you bought Condominium in Naples, FL?

Does your Son or Daughter plan on living with roommates? For some Parents I suggest looking out for 3 bedroom properties. The monthly income generated by renting out rooms can help pay for your mortgage loan, the monthly condo fees and the property taxes etc.. Plus, it can be great for one of your children to take an active role in collecting rent and learning the responsibilities associated with owning real estate.

So in this buyers market let me help you. Universities are not going anywhere so there will always be a demand for student housing . For more information about safe neighborhoods or smart investments please do not hesitate to reach out to me

Janet Santiago

Premiere Plus Realty

239-738-1747

JanetSellsNaples@outlook.com

WWW.NaplesHomesListed.Com

25 Fun Things to Do at the Beach

  

It's summertime and for many people that means hitting the local beach. If you think that spending time at the beach is limited to just swimming, you have a lot to learn. There are tons of other great activities that can be enjoyed on the beach.

Here are some of the most fun things that you can do at the beach besides just going swimming:

1. Bonfire parties. Where fires are allowed on the beach, it's great to hold huge parties where people come to play music, dance, roast marshmallows and just have a great time.

2. Look for dolphins. Many beaches throughout the world offer the chance to see dolphins right from the shore if you know what you're looking for and when to look.

3. Write messages in the sand. You can write them big or small, say anything that you want and then take a picture that will last forever. These pictures can be made into unique postcards to send to the folks back home.

4. Play at the boardwalk. Many beaches have boardwalks where you can play arcade games, ride rollercoasters, eat fair food and enjoy free summer concerts on the sand.

5. Picnic. There are always a lot of food vendors near popular beaches but sometimes it's nice to pack yourself a really nice picnic with fancy cheeses and luscious fruits and to go indulge in at the beach.

6. Frisbee. This is a classic beach game and it is one that people never get tired of enjoying together. There are more advanced versions like Frisbee golf, extreme Frisbee and Aerobie but the old version will do just fine.

7. Hiking. Many beaches offer nearby trails where you can hike to or from the water. This offers great exercise and the water is great for cooling down after the hike.

8. Fishing. It's one of the most relaxing things that you can do at the beach and something people have been doing here for centuries.

9. Read magazines. A beach vacation is supposed to be completely relaxing. Park yourself under a shade umbrella, catch a few rays and read some magazines or a cheap novel.

10. Build a sandcastle. From the simplest design to the most elaborate, sandcastles help you pass the time at the beach while doing something really creative and fun.

11. Look for seashells. You can troll the beach looking for seashells and colored glass. Take the best ones home with you and make jewelry or art with them so that you can always remember the fun that you had at the beach.

12. Go window shopping in the little seaside shops. The majority of beaches are located at beach towns. These towns typically have a bunch of little stores set up along the beach. Spend some time browsing when you're ready to get out of the sun.

13. Surfing. Or any other type of water sport such as kayaking, jet ski racing, waterskiing or kitesurfing. Get out on the water and really have yourself an adventure instead of just being lazy!

14. Go topless. There's something really brave about getting naked in public. It's an experience that can make you feel courageous and bold and one that should be tried at least once. Of course, you have to make sure that you're doing this at a nude beach otherwise you're going to get into some serious trouble!

15. Hula hoop. Or play catch. Or jump rope. Or fly a kite. Engage in some sort of child's play when you are at the beach using cheap toys that you can pick up at a nearby store. This will bring back some of the wonder of what it was like to go to the beach as a kid.

16. Write poetry. The beach has been inspiring poems and songs for centuries so you might as well join the tribe of people who like to write when they're by the water. Starting that novel you've always wanted to write or simply keeping a diary of the trip are other creative writing options at the beach.

17. Meet people. Beaches are filled with people so there's no reason that you can't make new friends. Games on the sand - like volleyball - make this easy but there are lots of ways to meet people at the beach.

18. Take photographs. The beach is a great place for getting good photos and those photos will be a great memory to take back from the trip. Wander along with your digital camera and see what there is to see.

19. Search for historic sites. Many beaches are located near places of historic importance which are marked with monuments or signs. You can find these in the most unexpected of places if you keep your eyes open. Military batteries on the water, historic lighthouses and places where battles once took place are all things that you can keep an eye out for.

20. Catch up on phone calls. With cell phones working almost everywhere these days, you should have no problem getting connected to others at the beach. It's a great place to catch up on phone calls while getting a tan - and you can make everyone you talk to jealous because of where you are!

21. Look for little critters. Most people who go looking for animals at the beach are looking for whales or seals or dolphins. Turn your focus to the little critters like the crabs and birds and jellyfish. Spend the day seeing how many different animals you can count.

22. Watch the sunset. This is one of the favorite things that people often do at the beach because it is such a sight to see.

23. Celebrate a holiday or special occasion. People often go to the beach to watch Fourth of July fireworks or to celebrate a honeymoon.

24. Daydream. You're sitting around at the beach with no commitments and nothing demand your attention and that's a great time to just hang out and daydream a little bit. Envision what you want your life to look like in five or ten years, where you wish you could travel or what you would do if you won the lottery.

25. Relax. You don't have to daydream or take pictures or do anything at all. You can just sit there and relax. You're on vacation after all!

Of course, the truth of the matter is that going to the beach is usually fun no matter what you do there because you're getting away from real life and enjoying a scenic travel destination. It's just nice to know that there are plenty of things to do besides suntan and swim while you're there!

Rain in Naples, FL...No worries!

Rain in Naples, FL... it happens!  A rainy day doesn't have to mean doom and gloom.  There is still fun to be had in SouthWest Florida!

Visit the Library!

Shop!  Miromar Outlets is just a few miles north on Rte 75

Get a mani/pedi!... there are many, many nail salons in Naples.

Take a drive to Miami!  You can get there across Alligator Alley in just 2 hours.

Go to the movies!   My favorite is the Silverspot Cinema in Naples.

Best of all, know that it will end and the sun will come out.  Naples is great no matter what the weather.


Janet Santiago
Premiere Plus Realty
Naples, FL
WWW.NaplesHomesListed.Com
JanetSellsNaples@outlook.com
239-738-1747

The Health Benefits of Living in a Warm Climate

Florida is one of the warmest places in the USA. The warm weather in this region affords many health benefits for residents here, as was proven from studies at Stanford University. Living in warm tropical climates has many benefits to our day to day life. 


Tropical climates sunshine is beneficial to the body. Sunshine provides the body with vitamin D, which is essential for bone development, as well as skin rejuvenation. It is through the vitamin D that the skin generates enough melanin to handle hot weather, and protect skin cells from UV light. The warm weather also makes work easier for body systems and functions, as the body does not have to strain to accomplish required tasks from within. 

The warm climate in the Naples affects the lifestyle here. People and residents in this area can take life easy because they are blessed with warm weather, which allows them to wear lighter clothing, which allows the body perspire,resulting in healthier skin. Unlike other geographical locations where nights are extremely cold, the weather here is warm enough for night activity. 
                                 

The warm weather also noticeably reduces the numbers of pneumonia occurrences here. 
Many people in other parts of the country worry about heating bills at the end of the month. In Naples; energy bills are minimal because the of the warm weather. Noise and other forms of pollution are also reduced in Naples. This makes life a lot easier and more enjoyable. In addition people are not exposed to hard chemicals that can affect body chemistry and cause infections. 

Another notable factor with Southwest Florida geographical location is that, there is basically no ice during the winter months, which means roads are always clear. In Florida you can forget about straining to remove ice and snow from driveways and roofs, hence a more stress free life. :)

Another major advantage of living in Florida, due to the sunshine and warmth, outdoor activities can be enjoyed year round. Resulting in more physical exercise which promotes better health.  Let's face it, you're probably more motivated to exercise, or just get up and go, when it's nice outside.  The couch and TV just look a little less appealing when the sun is shining through on a clear day.

Why It Pays To Move To Sunnier Climates?  While many people relocate to Southwest Florida in order to escape the wind and cold of their previous hometowns, there are lots of other reasons that make just as much sense. The truth is that warmer locales offer a broad range of health and wellness benefits for those willing to seek them. Furthermore, southwestern Florida provides a wealth of employment, education and recreational opportunities that will appeal to everyone. 


The bottom line is that the region represents a truly wonderful way of life.  Come join us here in Naples and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Janet Santiago, Realtor
Premiere Plus Realty
Naples, FL
WWW.NaplesHomesListed.Com
JanetSellsNaples@outlook.com
239-738-1747

      

10 Reasons You Shouldn't Skip A Home Inspection

 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Skip A HomeInspection

After your offer to buy a home enters into contract, the process of near-endless check writing begins. There are many necessary costs, such as realtor and lawyer fees, and the total of these expenses may have you looking for ways to save money elsewhere. You may be tempted to skip the home inspection  and its $200 to $500 invoice, but there are 10 good reasons why you should get one.

1. It Provides an "Out" A quality home inspection can reveal critical information about the condition of a home and its systems. This makes the buyer aware of what costs, repairs and maintenance the home may require immediately, and over time. If a buyer isn't comfortable with the findings of the home inspection, it usually presents one last opportunity to back out of the offer to buy. This step is important when purchasing a property because it may save you thousands. 

2. Safety A home inspection can detect safety issues like radon, carbon monoxide, and mold, which all homes should be tested for. Make sure that your home-buying contract states that should such hazards be detected, you have the option to cancel the offer to buy.

3. Reveal Illegal Additions or Installations A home inspection can reveal whether rooms, altered garages or basements were completed without a proper permit, or did not follow code. If a house has illegal room additions that lack a permit, it affects the insurance, taxes, usability and most of all the overall value. In essence, a buyer is purchasing something that legally does not exist. Even new homes with systems that were not installed to code will become the new homeowners' financial "problem" to fix (and finance). The home for sale/purchase must pass inspection.

4. Protection Home inspections are even more critical if you are buying an "as-is" foreclosed property or short sale. Dwellings that have been boarded often develop hazardous mold problems, which are costly to remedy and pose health concerns. It is  common for home inspectors to find that copper plumbing lines and outdoor compressors have been removed from foreclosed properties by people trying to sell copper to recyclers for money.

5. Negotiating Tool The home inspection report presents an opportunity to ask for repairs and/or request a price reduction or credit from the seller. Work with your realtor to understand what requests can and should be made to negotiate a better deal.

6. Forecast Future Costs A home inspector can approximate the installation age of major systems in the home like plumbing, heating and cooling, and critical equipment like water heaters. They can diagnose the current condition of the structure itself, and tell you how long finishes have been in the home. All components in the home have a "shelf-life." Understanding when they require replacement can help you make important budgeting decisions, and it will determine what type of home insurance coverage or warranties you should consider.

7. Determine "Deal-Breakers"Home inspections can help buyers identify how much additional money or effort they are willing and able to spend to take the home to a condition that is personally acceptable. If you are unwilling to repair issues like faulty gutters, cracked walls or ceilings, perhaps you are not ready to end your home buying search.

8. Learn to Protect Your Investment The home inspector is a valuable educational resource. He or she can suggest specific tips on how to maintain the home, and ultimately save you thousands of dollars in the long term.

9. Reveal the Big Picture People use the home inspection to understand the nuances of what may be the biggest purchase they ever make. People fall in love with a piece of property based on the color of the walls, the location of the home, or something else; they are completely blind to the issues that can make that dream home a nightmare.

10. Insurance Some insurance companies will not insure a home if certain conditions are found, or without the presence of certifications like Wind Mitigation and four-point inspections. Qualified home inspectors can do these things at the same time as their other services and save the home buyer time and money in the long run.


The Bottom Line It is your responsibility to understand as many details as you can about the property you may soon call home. Home inspections reveal the inner workings of the property allowing you to be informed of all the perks and pitfalls the home has to offer.

Foreign Buyers of Naples Real Estate

If you are a foreign buyer wanting to make a real estate purchase in Naples, then you will not be alone. Nearly 20% of home purchases in second home communities are foreign owners, of which Canadians make up the majority share.

It makes no difference whether you are from the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Brazil ,New York or Naples Fl, the process for purchasing a home is the same. There are no additional fees or expenses involved with the home purchase transaction. The steps of home purchase are described to  provide you with an understanding                        .

Working with a real estate broker in Naples is sometimes different than in  other countries. Real estate brokers cooperate through the local Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Where they share all their listings with each other. So a real estate broker in Naples will have access to not just their listing, but all listings in the Naples area.

Upon a sale, the seller pays the real estate commission to their broker, who then shares it with the selling broker (buyer’s broker). The buyer does not pay any commission related to the sale. Through this cooperation, the seller get the greatest amount of exposure, to the greatest number of potential buyers.

I am happy to help all of you get the home you deserve here in Naples!  

Foreign buyers can take advantage of a wide range of services provided through me to help locate the right property, submit a purchase agreement and negotiate with the seller. This is all at no cost to them.

Other Very Important Information for Foreign Buyers

• Once a property is purchased, it would be more convenient to open a US bank account to make bill paying easy. Naples has plenty of banks to choose from!
• Mortgage Financing – Foreign Buyers will either have difficulty getting a mortgage, or pay a high premium for one. The best course is to work with a bank in your own country that has US subsidiaries that lends.
• Rental Income – If the property is rented, then the rules are the same as for US citizens. A tax return needs to be filed showing the income or loss. (Note some countries might have tax treaties, so it is always best to check with a tax advisor).
• Selling – FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980) requires that 10% of the selling price of a foreign own property, be withheld to cover taxes on any potential gain (Selling price, less original purchase price). The foreign owner would then have to prepare a tax filing to get a refund, for the excess amount held.
• Always check with an Attorney and a Lawyer first!

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT

A good Realtor MUST have these five basic qualities...

1. Listens and looks out for you and your families needs

2. Continues searching for the right place and keeps you updated

3. Doesn't waste your time by showing you properties that don't match your criteria

4. Doesn't tell you only what you want to hear

5. Has appropriate credentials and experience

I listen.  I work for you.  Your satisfaction is the most important thing to me.

Janet Santiago
Premiere Plus Realty
Naples, FL
239-738-1747

Fun on a Rainy Day in Naples, FL

The weather in Naples Florida is a precious natural resource! The locals love it. The visitors love it. It is without a doubt, the main reason why sun seekers from around the globe are drawn to the our beaches. Naples is located along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and benefits from the warm tropical breezes from the Gulf.  Since we are in the sub-tropics, we do get "rainy days".  Luckily, the showers don’t seem to last very long and the bright Florida sun peaks out pretty quickly after a storm! So a ‘rainy day’ doesn’t necessarily mean that it rains the entire day!
 

As a Realtor , I am often asked: "What is there to do in the rain?" Here are some of my suggestions:

1) We have many museums featuring free admission

• Immokalee Pioneer Museum, just off Main St.and Roberts Ave.
• Collier County Museum located in the Gov't Complex on Airport-Pulling
• Naples Depot Museum located on the corner of Fifth Ave. and 10th St
• Museum of the Everglades, located in Everglades City
• The von Liebig Art Center

2) Another suggestion would be to visit he Holocast Museum on 4760 Tamiami Trail N.

3) Naples public libraries offer so much more than books.They often have lectures, films, and programs. Be sure to check their schedule.   

4) Try a matinee performance at the Sugden Theatre on 5th Ave.

5) Paint your own pottery at Earth & Fire or Kilns & Clay 

6) There are excellent exhibitions and lectures at Rookery Bay. Kids' arts & craft program is free on Fridays.

7) Sit, read, and have a cup of coffee at Barnes & Noble in the Waterside Shops.

8) Shopping is  fun at Tin City where you are bound to uncover unique, fun souvenirs to bring back with you.

9) There is always the obvious...movies however take it to the next level at the Silverspot Theatre in Mercato after enjoying a few of the restaurants and perusing the wonderful shops.

10) My last suggestion is my favorite one. Try a massage, pedicure, and manicure. Followed by Happy Hour.

Ahhh...now that is what I call relaxing in Paradise! 

Rain is not a negative thing!... it is an opportunity to see more of what Naples has to offer!

Invest in Real Estate-Tips for Success

The number one way to lose a lot of money in real estate investments is to make hasty decisions. Most people who are successful with their investments enjoy success because they have done the research and have years of trial and error to look back to. This blog is just the first step in helping you reach your goal of real estate investing.

Analyze the market before you invest in real estate. Look at a bunch of properties to get a good idea on what locations are successful, and keep notes on it. This will make it easy for you to weigh the pros and cons of each property. This will help you to work through the deals to sort good from bad.

It is possible to get contracts set up for free. However, always be wary of doing this. Those free contracts may not hold up in court. Instead, find a good lawyer and pay a bit to have the contracts done the right way for you. You will not regret it.

If you want to get into real estate investing, but do not have enough money to buy a piece of property on your own, do not fret. Look at real estate investment trusts. Operating much like mutual funds, you can invest what funds you have available into a larger group pool and still make some money off of real estate mortgages.

Think long-term when investing in real estate. While some investors seek to make quick turnovers by buying cheap and flipping within weeks or months, your better bet is a longer view. Look for safe properties where you can invest a large sum of money and get investment return via monthly income like rent.

Always get your properties inspected. Inspections are not a bad thing, and you shouldn’t consider them as an annoying expense. Inspections can uncover serious issues that may not be immediately apparent. This can give you negotiating leverage or allow you to fix issues before someone else requests an inspection.
As you look for investment properties, seek those that are likely to grow in value. You might have higher future returns from something on a waterfront, for instance. Think about how much the price is expected to appreciate to get a better idea of if it will be worth it.

Never invest too much money in the beginning as this can cause a lot of problems down the road. Overextending yourself can lead to problems with your savings plans and prevent you from buying great properties in the near future. Develop the proper budget and follow it.

Always look at the whole neighborhood before you decide to invest in a piece of property. Desirable neighborhoods will always hold their value, whereas depressed neighborhoods may not give you as good a return. Location is probably the primary factor in property value, even more than what’s on the property itself.

Hopefully, this blog has helped you see that there is more to real estate investments than really meets the eye. It is important that you take baby steps when you finally set your eyes on a property and use what you have learned today. After all, the more you know, the better your chances of turning a profit.

Top 10 Reasons to Retire Right Away

“Just five more hours until the weekend. I can hardly wait.”

“Just five more weeks until my vacation. I can hardly wait.”

“Just five more years until retirement. I can hardly wait.”
Whenever you catch yourself saying something like this, it’s time to stop and evaluate things. If you are thinking this way too often it means that you are not living a meaningful life in the present. Your work life has become a burden and you are dreaming of escape.


The thing is, the escape you are dreaming of is usually short-lived or an illusion. The weekend will be over before you know it. The vacation will be a collection of photos and memories before long. As for retirement, well, the fact is we get old quickly in our advancing years, so you don’t want to wait until then to really start living.
To me retirement is about doing what you love. If you are living with passion and doing the things you love, while also embracing the things you don't necessarily enjoy but recognize as important, you're living a retirement lifestyle. You have to ask yourself, “ If money were not an issue, what would I be doing?” If the answer is, “What I'm doing right now,” then you have arrived. Loving what you do means that you are always living in the moment instead of waiting for that better moment that always seems to be in the future. Loving what you do every day is an ideal worth pursuing and it is a mindset you can cultivate.
The point is, if you don’t feel that way about what you’re doing—if you don’t feel like you are retired already,  if you’re not energized about the possibilities every day brings, and excited and grateful for the opportunity to engage with them—something is wrong and you need to address it. You shouldn’t just bear with it and wait for the next “escape.”
Life is short. It’s much shorter if you only live it on weekends.

Remember that retirement is the best opportunity to relax and do what you want, where you want and with who you want.

The top ten reasons to retire is a way to look at your own retirement plan. While you may enjoy your work and what you are rewarded from it, you need to take a break and live your life away from that office.

Consider the following reasons to retire:

1. We grow older each day and that means each day the time that we have to enjoy all the wonders of the earth gets a little shorter. There’s no point complaining about it – it’s just a fact of life. Nobody can anticipate what the future holds for us. Life is more than working for a living and paying taxes.

2. Being at your workplace on most days of the week makes you miss a lot of the fun things in life. Have you tried to do anything out of the ordinary like skydiving or bungee jumping? Ever thought about all the hobbies you started but never had time to finish? Retirement is the perfect opportunity to try things that are new and old. If you want to get a head start on those activities remember to consider early retirement.

3. Important to our top ten reasons to retire is that when you are working, the most that you see are the four corners of your office and the way to and from your workplace. You miss out on the opportunity to see the world. By leaving the workforce and retiring you get to see beyond your world and take those trips that you’ve seen in magazines all your life and experience something totally new and amazing.

4. Life forces us to deal with people or situations that we would not necessarily like deal with. Dealing with these people and situations creates a great deal of stress. Once you retire, you can choose the people you want to hang around with.

5. There are events in life that are left to “what-ifs”. You certainly cannot get back time that has already passed, yet you do not necessarily have to live and wonder what if you did things differently. One good reason in the top ten reasons to retire is to make those what ifs a reality. In that way, you live a life with no regrets.

6. Life should not be an endless toil. At the start of your career you may have your goals and as you achieve each of those, they will be replaced by new goals. While you are working you may find that you do not have the time to complete one goal after another. By retiring you give yourself the opportunity to achieve your goals and finally feel that satisfaction you were looking for.

7. Life provides you a lot of things and as you work you continue to receive more. However, it is usually only yourself who benefits from your work. Working too long makes you lose the opportunity to give unto others a part of what you have received. By retiring, you can still get involved socially and be a bigger part of the community.

8. In the top ten reasons to retire remember that nothing remains constant. Not everything will remain as good as they currently are. Retire when you still have the chance to enjoy life. Retire when life still has a lot of good things to offer you. Do not wait too long to retire or you run the risk of not being able to enjoy life to the fullest extent that you can today.

9. Not everyone gets to be the boss. In the workplace, you may be the one of the many employees who works throughout the day for someone else’s rewards. If you are tired from being ordered around, the good news is that you do not have to put up with it all your life!. You can choose to retire and do the things you want in your own terms free from bosses, deadlines and clients.

10. The last of the top ten reasons to retire is that you will have the opportunity to break free from all the mundane routine of life. You can choose to wake up late. You can choose to spend the day tending to your garden, learning how to paint, enjoying your family and friends – the list is really endless. The best thing is that you can choose to do anything to your heart’s content.

Those are just the top ten reasons to retire. At the end of the day it is you who will make the call to retire or not no matter what the reason is. If you are tired and you simply want to live your life, make sure you plan your retirement. You can make up your own top ten reasons to retire and maybe end up with an even longer list, but the way to get there is to make it happen.






 1 year ago by Imtiaz Manji  reposted by Janet Santiago

20 SECRETS OF NAPLES FlORIDA

20 interesting facts about Naples, Florida! Everything you need to know...

1. The city gets its name from promoters of the area claiming that the bay was better than the bay in Naples, Italy, with its mild, sunny weather, and plentiful amounts of fish.

2. The city has a population of 21,653, according to the 2007 census.

3. The annual Naples Winter Wine Festival has been rated by the Wine Spectatoras the top charity wine auction in the world.

4. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Naples area was inhabited by the Caloosa tribe of Native Americans.

5. The city was founded by former Kentucky U.S. Senator and Confederate general, John Stuart Williams, along with businessman, Walter N. Haldemanduring in the late 1880s.

6. Naples has been called "The number one Small Art Town in America", due to its impressive range and amount of community art centers, art galleries, art fairs, plus the Philharmonic Center for the Arts complex.

7. The city’s climate is tropical, with average summer high temperatures of 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33C) and average winter lows of 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12C).

8. The Naples Municipal Airport began life as a small Army Air Force air field built during World War II.

9. Both the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins have spring training facilities near Naples, Florida.

10. Despite the courthouse being located in the unincorporated community of East Naples, Naples is the official county seat of Collier County.

11. In 2006 "Dr. Beach" chose Barefoot Beach near Naples as one of the top 10 beaches in the USA.

12. Located along the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades, Ochopee Post Office is the smallest post office in the USA.

13. Naples Zoo began life in 1919 as a personal garden project of botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling. After Nehrling’s death, the project was neglected for two decades before being opened to the public as the Caribbean Gardens in 1954. The gardens converted to a zoo in 1969.

14. Naples fishing pier is one of the best-known landmarks in the area.

15. Naples’ population is thought to contain a bigger proportion of millionaires than any other Floridian city.

16. There are more than 80 championship golf courses in the Naples area, which has been called the Golf Capital of the World.

17. It is the main city in the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 315,839, according to the 2007 census.

18. Nearby Everglades City is known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World. Fishermen take only one claw from the crab and then return it to the sea, where the crab gradually regenerates the missing claw. Everglades City also holds an annual Seafood Festival, which is popular with seafood enthusiasts.

19. There are several major land reserves in the Naples Area, including the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, which is home to the extremely rare ghost orchid.

20. Collier County is the primary habitat for the Florida panther, which was chosen to be the Florida state animal in 1982, and is severely endangered.

SUMMER PARTY MUST HAVES

 Get everything you need for throwing a successful summer bash.  Links are listed below. Enjoy!

1. Striped pillow Anthropologie

2. Table runner  Anthropologie

3. Table gril  A+ R Store

4. Candle holder west elm

5. Bubbled beverage dispenser Anthropologie

6. Wooden bowl Target

10 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN NAPLES REAL ESTATE

Firstly, the smartest thing that you could do is get down to Naples yourself and get a feel for where you'd like to live. After all, it's a big decision. But if you're not able to visit, you can count on me to give you the run down on the area for you.

1.  Real estate expert. If you're going to be dealing with your own property in the area, you'll want to have a trusted real estate expert with sufficient experience on your side. 

2.  Keep costs within the budget.  Be sure you qualify for a loan before looking, unless you plan to pay all cash.

3. Type of real estate. There are many options to choose from in Naples such as houses, condominiums, duplexes, town homes, gated communities and rentals.  Be sure to hone in on what type of housing you are looking for.

4. Investment property. These opportunities include income producing housing/condos, commercial property, shopping centers, apartment buildings, car washes and golf property. The down economy presents an opportunity for you to buy up valuable pieces of property like this at largely discounted rates compared to a few years ago.

5. Which area do you want to be in? Naples has a few main areas....

North Naples - clean, classy, and more newly developed and close to everything.

Olde Naples - clean, classy, with some Old Florida feel.

East Naples - clean but slightly different than other areas, but from here you're close to Olde Naples. There are great gated communities here too.

Golden Gate Estates - Great area for lots of land, most homes have at least a full acre of property.

6. If you want to live the vacation lifestyle...Then find a place in Olde Naples (South) or near Vanderbilt Beach (North) so you can easily get to the beaches and wherever else you like to go. Otherwise you'll still be a short drive away from all that Naples offers you. But be sure to think twice before agreeing to drive 10-20 minutes everyday to your favorite spots.

7. Jobs, work, and careers. Naples has lots of jobs available for most people. You'll also find that tourism helps our economy down here a lot offering many jobs.

8. Schools. Most residents are proud of our schools here in Naples. We have the latest technology and buildings for your children to learn.

9.  Research rental potential and costs. Income is the prime motivation, be aware that demand and dollars fluctuate with the economy, weather, location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and amenities. Try to remove emotion from your purchase choice and pick what appeals to the widest target market rather than what you may want for yourself.

10. Explore alternative options with the real estate agent. Its important to keep an open mind sometimes things dont always work out perfectly, but with the right help you can get you pretty darn close.

9 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN AN OPEN HOUSE

Here are 9 tips on 'kicking the tires' of your potential new home on your first tour.  

 You're in the market for a home, you've seen the listings online and you've put together a short list of potential properties. There's even one with the exact number of bedrooms you need, just enough square footage, and that renovated kitchen you've been dreaming of – and it all looks good in the photos.

 But while a picture online can say a thousand words, seeing a home in person truly speaks volumes. Visiting a property is your first opportunity to "kick the tires." Of course, the first instinct at an open house is to run straight to the kitchen, the master bedroom, and bathrooms, but when pounding the pavement scoping out prospective homes, don't overlook these nine critical areas.

1. The neighborhood

You have to remember that you're not just buying a house, you're buying a neighborhood, too. And that, perhaps, is the most important takeaway from seeing a property in person. During your visit, though, be sure to pay attention to traffic speeds, the condition of other homes in the area, and whether or not there's plentiful access to amenities your family needs.

 2. The neighbors

Again, you're buying a house, but it's important to note that the neighbors come with it, like a package deal. Scope out the homes on either side of the property – and don't overlook the neighbor in the back of the house. You might think that what's out of sight is out of mind, but that rule doesn't apply if they have three large dogs that like to bark all day.

 3. Privacy

When you look out the bedroom window, do you peer right into your neighbor's bathroom? If you wanted to entertain on the back deck, will your neighbor be close enough to give you unwanted barbequing tips? While privacy is always good to consider, the good news is that the issue may be easily resolved. Remember: Hedges make great neighbors.

4. The home's exterior

Take a walk around the entire perimeter of the house; you might be surprised at what's hiding along the sides, out of sight. Is there deferred maintenance? Pay close attention to the exterior paint. Does it look fresh, or is it chipping? Do the roof shingles look like they need replacing in the next two to five years? What's the condition of the gutters or any other key items on the exterior? This is a telltale sign in what you'll find inside.

5. Good 'flow'

One thing pictures online don't show is the flow of the house.  Do rooms feel spacious and well-laid-out? The hub of the home for today's family is the kitchen. Is it open and inviting? Can family members lounge nearby or dine in an adjacent area? The way one room opens to the next is important when it comes to making the most of the space you've got.

6. The layout

A family with young children is likely going to want a home with their bedroom on the same floor as their children. But if you have teenagers, you may want to be on the other side of the house – or even on a different floor. So pay special attention to the layout of the house and whether or not it works for your lifestyle. Overall flow is important, but having space dedicated to specific, important parts of your life – like an office for someone who works from home – is equally as important.

7. Smells, stains and messiness

The nose knows. Check out the basement and even the attic. If you smell some ominous, it just could be. Water stains in the ceilings and along the baseboards in the basement are signs of flooding, drainage, or roof trouble – and water and dampness often lead to mold and mildew issues, so take note. 

8. Light and air

When you're in the house, is there lots of natural light? Is the house designed in a way that, with weather permitting, there's good air flow through the house? Not only is sunlight and fresh air enjoyable, but opening those windows and catching a breeze also can help cut down on utility bills during those mid-summer months.

9. Closet space

Is there a little or a lot? Will the home's storage space keep you organized and accommodate all your stuff? I know that for some homebuyers, this is a deal breaker, so it's better to check now before you fall in love with the rest of the house.