tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24246032135846956162024-03-13T08:18:28.182-04:00Naples & Bonita Springs FL Real Estate & Home InfoThe good, bad & ugly are part of any free market, whether it's the stock market or housing market. There are great opportunities in every market, deciding that time to buy was recently summed up perfectly... "It's only a Buyers Market if you Buy." To formulate the best plan to achieve your goals when purchasing or selling consult a real estate professional that analyzes your target market as well as the overall market and your unique situation. Contact Garren & Expect Noteworthy Results!Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-39062398194275855772013-03-08T13:12:00.001-05:002013-03-08T13:12:50.744-05:00JUST LISTED & Already Reduced for a Prompt Sale!<a href="http://www.xpressdocs.com/xlinks/3271945">JUST LISTED & Already Reduced for a Prompt Sale!</a> in Spring Run at The Brooks Bonita Springs, FL. Just Minutes from Naples & Bonita Beach!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiWh1yxtopE/UTop3LTBjEI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Pda0looxnX4/s1600/P1000423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiWh1yxtopE/UTop3LTBjEI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Pda0looxnX4/s320/P1000423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-56282268855987462932012-08-21T17:08:00.001-04:002012-08-21T17:08:04.644-04:00Another Home SOLD in Villagewalk of Bonita!<a href="http://www.xpressdocs.com/xlinks/2999522">Another Home SOLD in Villagewalk of Bonita!</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SOLD in 60 Days for 100% of the List Price! A gorgeous 2-story single family/town home that offers cozy rooms that are both spacious and intimate in a fl oor plan centered around a large, private-screened courtyard. This 3bed, 3bath with a 2 car garage is on a premium lot on seldom traveled part of the street, no homes across the street, set across from a beautiful lake you can enjoy from the lower or upper patio/balcony. This home is located walking distance to the Village Walk amenities and just minutes from area beaches, shopping & dining. </div><br />
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Contact the Grup-Link Properties Group today for more information about the sale of this home. We can also provide information about other homes for sale in this neighborhood and surrounding areas in Naples or Bonita Springs.<br />
The Grup-Link Properties Group is where you'll find the market knowledge, negotiation skills and technology needed to efficiently and effectively deliver the results you need!<br />
-Garren Grup & Nina Link<br />
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Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-68163299405500853432012-04-30T13:10:00.000-04:002012-04-30T13:10:23.086-04:00Real Estate's Bidding Wars Are Back<br />
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<a href="http://garren4homes.com/frame.shtml?http://online.wsj.com/video/real-estate-bidding-wars-are-back/BF2BF48A-5A33-4C0B-95E0-3BB0F7B6128C.html" target="_blank">WSJ Video - Click Here</a><img border="0" height="110" oda="true" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFJk55GMZj49iUK0e0Eut2jf8ipcY5xcQxuivwX08lPi0UhFBklg" width="200" /></div>
Real Estate's Bidding Wars Are Back* - Pending-home sales in March hit their highest level since April 2010, spurring the return of real-estate bidding wars. Nick Timiraos reports on The News Hub. Photo: Peter Earl McCollough for The Wall Street Journal.<br />
View the Video article on WSJ - <a href="http://garren4homes.com/frame.shtml?http://online.wsj.com/video/real-estate-bidding-wars-are-back/BF2BF48A-5A33-4C0B-95E0-3BB0F7B6128C.html" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<a href="http://garren4homes.com/frame.shtml?http://online.wsj.com/video/real-estate-bidding-wars-are-back/BF2BF48A-5A33-4C0B-95E0-3BB0F7B6128C.html">http://garren4homes.com/frame.shtml?http://online.wsj.com/video/real-estate-bidding-wars-are-back/BF2BF48A-5A33-4C0B-95E0-3BB0F7B6128C.html</a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-30838270476264110462011-10-04T21:48:00.002-04:002011-11-19T13:22:08.154-05:00Resort Properties on the Move in Southwest Florida<a href="http://www.xpressdocs.com/xlinks/2561221"> Resort Properties in the Naples & Bonita Springs area are in fact selling fast! Here is proof http://shar.es/b0M7c #NaplesFL #Estero #SWFL</a><br><br> Take a look at this and some of my other properties on YouTube<br><br> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OwLnNYwKqlE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </a><br>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-12549650346063780972011-09-22T11:26:00.012-04:002011-11-19T13:23:24.845-05:00Florida secures 31% of $82 Billion Foreign Buyer market in 2011<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ChSLR_eYpw/TntVGR5ItrI/AAAAAAAAAHM/at2tD-Wu8gw/s1600/GulfShore-Blvd.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ChSLR_eYpw/TntVGR5ItrI/AAAAAAAAAHM/at2tD-Wu8gw/s320/GulfShore-Blvd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655207323464414898" /></a> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />Florida secures 31% of $82 Billion Foreign Buyer market in 2011- <a href="http://ow.ly/6AxKO">http://ow.ly/6AxKO</a> Foreign ownership in #SWFlorida #realestate on the rise.<br /><br /><center>Search for homes at <a href="http://www.ViewAllNaplesHomes.com">www.ViewAllNaplesHomes.com</a></center> <br><br> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>For more information, connect with me:</strong><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/buyupnaples" title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/7/2/1/ar12506698012729.jpg" height="38" alt="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/garren.grup" title="Fan and Friend Garren Grup on Facebook, www.BuyUpNaples.com" target="_blank"><img title="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/0/0/8/ar125066989480097.jpg" height="37" alt="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://buyupnaples.com/contact.aspx" title="Contact and Email Garren" target="_blank"><img title="Email Garren" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/6/7/ar125067009876646.jpg" height="38" alt="Garren’s E-mail Form" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://activerain.com/naplesbeachfronthomes" title="Garren’s BLOG on ActiveRain" target="_blank"><img title="Garren Grup’s Profile on ActiveRain" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/7/5/6/ar125067002165775.jpg" height="38" alt="Garren’s Profile on ActiveRain Real Estate" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/garrengrup" title="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" target="_blank"><img title="Add Garren Grup as a Business Connection on LinkedIN" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/5/4/7/ar125066984374585.jpg" height="39" alt="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/206159173707" title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" target="_blank"><img title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/1/5/4/ar125066993745189.jpg" height="38" alt="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" width="37" /></a></p> </br>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-53432415035161737022011-02-03T21:05:00.009-05:002011-02-21T09:11:18.819-05:00Reduction of $1 million in Barefoot Beach<center><p style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Monotype Corsiva'; COLOR: red; FONT-SIZE: 24pt">...Well almost $1million.
<br /><strong><em>Just Reduced $800,000 Today!!!</em></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>234 Barefoot Beach Blvd
<br /></strong>4+Den/4.5 Bath
<br />6,919 SFUA
<br />140' feet on the bay
<br />.28 Acre Bay Lot steps from the Beach!
<br />Oversized 3+Car Garage
<br /><strong>Priced to Sell</strong><strong> </strong><strong>@ $3,500,000</strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">See MLS# <a href="http://www.sunshinemls.com:8081/search/residential_searchresults_report_clientreport.asp?eid=5197849" target="_blank">210015586</a> or Click to see <a href="http://tours3.vht.com/JWF/T160517/nobranding" target="_blank">VHT Tour</a></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img title="Homes and condos in Naples Florida" alt="Barefoot Beach Home on the Bay and steps from the beach!" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/3/2/0/ar129678164002394.jpg" width="284" height="266" /></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">To see more on this property, visit <a href="http://www.naplesbeachandbayhomes.com/">www.NaplesBeachandBayHomes.com</a></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img title="234 Barefoot Beach Blvd in Naples Florida" alt="Resort Pool, Chef's Kitchen and Great room Fireplace" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/0/2/3/ar129678277532073.jpg" width="312" height="298" /></p>
<br /><p>***Profiles of New Construction Developments &<strong><a href="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/post/1893810/new-construction-new-homes-and-condos-in-naples-community-developments" title="Featured New Construction Communities" target="_blank"> Homes in the Naples & Bonita Springs Area Here</a></<p></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>For more information, connect with Garren:</strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/buyupnaples" target="_blank"><img title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" alt="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" src="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/7/2/1/ar12506698012729.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a> <a title="Fan and Friend Garren Grup on Facebook, www.BuyUpNaples.com" href="http://www.facebook.com/garren.grup" target="_blank"><img title="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" alt="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" src="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/0/0/8/ar125066989480097.jpg" width="37" height="37" /></a> <a title="Contact and Email Garren" href="http://buyupnaples.com/contact.aspx" target="_blank"><img title="Email Garren" alt="Garren's E-mail Form" src="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/6/7/ar125067009876646.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a> <a title="Garren's BLOG on ActiveRain" href="http://activerain.com/naplesbeachfronthomes" target="_blank"><img title="Garren Grup's Profile on ActiveRain" alt="Garren's Profile on ActiveRain Real Estate" src="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/7/5/6/ar125067002165775.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a> <a title="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/garrengrup" target="_blank"><img title="Add Garren Grup as a Business Connection on LinkedIN" alt="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" src="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/5/4/7/ar125066984374585.jpg" width="37" height="39" /></a> <a title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" href="http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/206159173707" target="_blank"><img title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" alt="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" src="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/1/5/4/ar125066993745189.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Please Feel Free to Call, Email or Connect with Garren for additional market information
<br />or Search for Homes & Commercial properties at <a href="http://www.homesinnaplestobonita.com/">www.HomesInNaplestoBonita.com</a></p>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>Buyers</strong>, Check out the newest Home Search website
<br />I have launched with a larger picture format to help you
<br /><strong><a href="http://www.viewallnapleshomes.com/">Find and View ALL Homes in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero & Fort Myers Beach Areas</a> </strong></p>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong>Garren Grup is a Real Estate Consultant, <em>REALTOR®, ABR, GRI, CDPE, SFR</em>... </strong></strong><strong><strong><strong>Noteworthy Results in Luxury properties, Golf course homes, beachfront and vacation foreclosures!</strong></strong></strong></p>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong><strong>Exceptional Consultation you can rely on in </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a>,<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a> <strong>& <a title="Fort Myers & Ft. Myers Beach properties in Gulf Harbor, Shadow Wood Preserve, Devonwood, Miromar Lakes, Grandezza, Bella Lago, Crown Colony, The Plantaion, Paseo, The Renaissance, Heritage Palms, Westminster, Gateway and many more!" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Fort%20Myers,Fort%20Myers%20Beach&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=" target="_blank">Fort Myers</a>!</strong></strong></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong>View some of the <a title="Best Real Estate Values in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero & Fort Myers Florida!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank">Best Values in Naples Homes</a> and <a title="Search for the Best Values in Naples Florida area(s)" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank">Naples Condos</a></strong></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong>View Naples Beachfront Estate Homes <strong><a title="Naples Beachfront Estate Homes & Condos" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=Gulf&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=" target="_blank">Here </a></strong></strong></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong>English & European buyers can access Gulfshore Blvd. Homes in Naples at <a title="English and European buyers can access Gulfshore Boulevard Homes in Naples Florida here." href="http://www.naplesbeachfront.co.uk/">http://www.naplesbeachfront.co.uk/</a></strong></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong><a title="Vanderbilt Beach - Spectacular Beach and Bay Homes & Condos. Home of The Ritz Carlton Beach Resort." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=beds&c=Vanderbilt+Beach" target="_blank">Vanderbilt Beach Homes</a>, <a title="Pelican Bay- Noteworthy preservation, winding streets, landscape, architecture, proximity and beach access delivers paradise at all entry points." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&commids=20&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank">Pelican Bay</a>, <a title="Spectacular Barefoot Beach and Bay - Homes, Villas & Condos on The Gulf of Mexico & Hickory Bay" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf%2cbay&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Barefoot+Beach" target="_blank">Barefoot Beach</a>, <a title="Park Shore- Homes & Condos bordering Venetian Bay, Venetian Village and the excuisite beachfront high-rises of Park Shore!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=19" target="_blank">Park Shore</a>, <a title="Port Royal - One of the World's finest Communities & reminiscent of Pirate names, it's a jewel to treasure!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=2" target="_blank">Port Royal</a>, <a title="Aqualane Shores- Boredered by Naples Pier & beach, Third Street shopping, Naples Bay and the elegance of Port Royal." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=3" target="_blank">Aqualane Shores</a>, <a title="Old Naples- Characterized by historic cottages & beachfront estates around the Naples Pier and the 5th Ave. & 3rd Street shopping district." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=18" target="_blank">Old Naples</a>,</strong></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><strong><a title="Homes and Condos in Naples at The Vineyards" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Vineyards" target="_blank">Vineyards</a>, <a title="Beachfront Estate Homes, Luxury waterfront condos along the Gulf of Mexico & Estero Bay and located on the white sands of Bonita Beach between Barefoot Beach and Fort Myers Beach" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Bonita+Beach" target="_blank">Bonita Beach</a>, <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Pelican+Marsh">Pelican Marsh</a>, <a title="Estate Homes in Lely are just the beginning of the offerings here. Call Garren at 239-289-8619 for more!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price&c=Lely" target="_blank">Lely</a>, <a title="High rise, Estate Homes, Luxury condos along Estero Bay with a Marina and Beach Pavillion on Bonita Beach" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Bonita+Bay" target="_blank">Bonita Bay</a>, <a title="The Strada at Mercato on Vanderbilt Beach Rd offers new condos from the $400's See more on the property at the link above or call 239-289-8619" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price&c=mercato" target="_blank">Mercato</a> at <a title="Vanderbilt Beach - Spectacular Beach and Bay Homes & Condos. Home of The Ritz Carlton Beach Hotel." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Vanderbilt+Beach" target="_blank">Vanderbilt Beach</a>.</strong></strong></p>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">The <strong>Best Prices on Foreclosure</strong> properties in Naples & Bonita Springs can be seen <a title="Short sale & Foreclosures homes & condos in Naples & Bonita Springs" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&beds=2+den,3%20bed,4%20bed,5%20bed,6&a=bonita%20springs,estero,naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=true&hasgarage=&isforeclosure=true&isshortsale=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a>.</p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">The Best prices on <strong>Foreclosure properties</strong> on Fort Myers Beach <a title="Fort Myers Beach Short sale & Foreclosures homes & condos" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=fort%20myers%20beach&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&isforeclosure=true&isshortsale=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a>.</p>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">*Use the links above to view listings in a specific area/city or create your own search <a title="Create a Custom Search of The most current Homes & Condo Listings For Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island & Cape Coral at this link to http://buyupnaples.com/Search.aspx?SearchID=" href="http://buyupnaples.com/Search.aspx?SearchID=" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a>.*</p><strong></strong>
<br /></center>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-90588652529237752312010-11-01T07:41:00.002-04:002010-11-01T15:54:21.074-04:00Southwest Florida Real Estate News<table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><td height="200" width="200"><br /><img title="EmailHSSample1.jpg" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/8/d0efe0b713195431790eee7129f5763f29428c_guid.png" border="0" height="157" alt="EmailHSSample1.jpg" width="118" /><br /><br /><strong>Garren Grup</strong><br />John R. Wood, Realtors<br />239-289-8619<br />Garren@BuyUpNaples.com<br /><p><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe211578776d0d7d761d75&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="View Featured Communities or Create your own Florida Home Search" target="_blank"><strong>www.BuyUpNaples.com </strong></a></p><br /><p> </p><br /><p>Click Below For the<br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe201578776d0d7d761d76&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="View the Latest Neighborhood Report- JUST COMPLETED September 14th 2010" target="_blank"><strong>Neighborhood Health Report </strong></a></p><br /><p> </p><br /><p> </p><br /><p>Click Below For <br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe1f1578776d0d7d761d77&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="View Your Latest eNewsletter and the September 2010 Articles" target="_blank"><strong>September's eNewsletter</strong></a></p><br /><p> </p><br /></td><br /><td height="200" width="380" style="text-align: left;"><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Some Good News!</strong></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br />Recent business trends show that the general economy is starting to show signs of life. Truck and rail shipments are up three months in a row and the trade gap decline at a near record rate as exports showed surprising strength. On top of this retail sales rose for the second consecutive month. Most economists believe that the economy won't recover until housing shows firm signs of recovery. While signals that housing is mending are still faint, August was better than July in terms of sales. Some feel that the recent small uptick in interest rates will drive incremental buyers off the sidelines. Perhaps. Better is the news that unemployment appears to have finally peaked and as stated above there are signals that things are looking up, albeit only slightly. <br /><br />Courtesy of Real Trends</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Overall, the good news is that year-to-date closed unit sales through August remain 21.5% ahead of the same period for 2009.<br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe1e1578776d0d7d761d78&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Market Report" target="_blank">See the full August Market Report here.</a></p><br /><br /><strong>Profiles of some New Construction Developments <br />& Homes in the Naples & Bonita Springs Area <strong><a href="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/post/1893810/new-construction-new-homes-and-condos-in-naples-community-developments" title="Featured New Construction Communities and Developments around Naples FL" target="_blank">Here</a></strong></strong></td><br /><td> </tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /></td><br /></tr><br /><tr><br /> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td height="200" width="200"><strong></strong><br /><br /><p><strong>Market Update<br /></strong><br />July/2010<br /><a target="_blank"></a><a target="_blank"><img title="July Market Update" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/1/7fed11b3744fa0047fdcdbb5120e55d67803bc5_guid.png" border="0" height="20" alt="July Market Update" width="103" /></a><br />June/2010<br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2e1578776d0d7d711470&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/1/7fed11b3744fa0047fdcdbb5120e55d67803bc5_guid.png" border="0" id="_x0000_i1025title="May" height="20" alt="June Market Update" width="103" /></a><br />May/2010<br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2d1578776d0d7d711471&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/1/7fed11b3744fa0047fdcdbb5120e55d67803bc5_guid.png" border="0" id="_x0000_i1026title="May" height="20" alt="May Market Update" width="103" /></a><br />April/2010<br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2c1578776d0d7d711472&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/1/7fed11b3744fa0047fdcdbb5120e55d67803bc5_guid.png" border="0" id="_x0000_i1027title="April" height="20" alt="April Market Update" width="103" /></strong></a></p><br /><br /><strong>Open Houses<br /></strong>View all of John R Wood's <br />Open Houses<br /><strong><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2b1578776d0d7d711473&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="Open Houses" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/1/7fed11b3744fa0047fdcdbb5120e55d67803bc4_guid.png" border="0" height="16" alt="Open Houses" width="82" /></a> </strong></td><br /><td height="20" width="380"><strong>Bridgewater Bay</strong><br /><p><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2a1578776d0d7d711474&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="View All Bridgewater Bay Condos & Homes FOR SALE" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/9/34384725b551072a106f7eff12b67f1b02c7fcf_guid.png" border="0" height="251" alt="View All Bridgewater Bay Condos & Homes FOR SALE" width="335" /></a></p><br /><p>Their lifestyle amenities include a lap pool, a resort style swimming pool, tennis courts, billiards, state-of-the-art fitness center, business center, putting green, children?s play area & an extensive activity calendar with enthusiastic participation! Easy access to Livingston Rd, Airport & Vanderbilt Rd and all the shopping at Waterside, elegant & casual restaurants of The Mercato, world class golf courses & numerous white sand beaches. See more on this and other properties <a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe291578776d0d7d711475&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="More Photos and Info at this link!" target="_blank">Here</a>.</p><br /><br />Tropical living awaits! Thoroughly enjoyed by residents of all ages, Bridgewater Bay offers exceptional activities for all! A tropical lanai with walkout to the lake is just one of the features you?ll enjoy from this eclectically decorated 2 Bed+Den residence.</td><br /> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td height="75" width="200"><strong>Website Links</strong><br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe281578776d0d7d711476&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank">www.BuyUpNaples.com</a><br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe271578776d0d7d711477&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank">www.NaplesBeachfront.co.uk</a><br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe261578776d0d7d711478&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank">www.NaplestoBonitaSprings.com</a><br /></td><br /><td height="40" width="130"><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe251578776d0d7d711479&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="234 Barefoot Beach" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/8/7fed11b3744fa00433c4415512a5729ccd57a13_guid.png" border="0" height="87" alt="234 Barefoot Beach" width="116" /></a><br />234 Barefoot Beach Blvd<br />$4,299,777<br /></td><br /><td height="40" width="130"><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2d1578776d0d7d711570&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="187 Topanga Dr - Southport at Barefoot Beach" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/8/7fed11b3744fa00433c4415512a5729ccd57a12_guid.png" border="0" height="76" alt="187 Topanga Dr - Southport at Barefoot Beach" width="116" /></a><br />187 Topanga Dr<br />Barefoot Beach<br />$1,189,000<br /></td><br /><td height="40" width="130"><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2c1578776d0d7d711571&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="Naples Bay Resort Marina" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/8/7fed11b3744fa00433c4415512a5729ccd57a11_guid.png" border="0" height="87" alt="Naples Bay Resort Marina" width="116" /></a><br />Cottages @ NaplesBay Resort<br />$399,000</td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /></td><br /></tr><br /><tr><br /><td><br /><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td height="40" width="200"><br /><strong>New Listings</strong><br />View all of SWFL's<br />New Listings<br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2b1578776d0d7d711572&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="New Listings" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/1/7fed11b3744fa0047fdcdbb5120e55d67803bc4_guid.png" border="0" height="24" alt="New Listings" width="98" /></a></td><br /><td height="40" width="130"><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2a1578776d0d7d711573&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="Views over Estero Bay & The Colony Golf Course from the 16th Floor!" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/8/7fed11b3744fa00433c4415512a5729ccd57a10_guid.png" border="0" height="87" alt="Views over Estero Bay & The Colony Golf Course from the 16th Floor!" width="116" /></a><br />Navona @ The Colony #1603<br />$569,777<br /></td><br /><td height="40" width="130"><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe291578776d0d7d711574&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="Valley Drive West in Naples- West of 41" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/9/34384725b551072a106f7eff12b67f1b02c7fce_guid.png" border="0" height="87" alt="Valley Drive West in Naples- West of 41" width="116" /></a><br />508 Valley Drive<br />$249,000</td><br /><td height="40" width="130"><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe281578776d0d7d711575&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" target="_blank"><img title="Spring Run at The Brooks (Bundled Golf)" src="http://image.xpressdocs-email.com/lib/fef41d7070610c/m/8/7fed11b3744fa00433c4415512a5729ccd57a0e_guid.png" border="0" height="87" alt="Spring Run at The Brooks (Bundled Golf)" width="116" /></a><br />Spring Run at Coconut Point<br />$179,000<br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /></td><br /></tr><br /><tr><br /><td><br /><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td height="20" width="596"> </td><br /><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td height="50" width="200" style="text-align: center;"> </td><br /><td height="50" width="390" style="text-align: center;"><br /><p> Garren Grup | 239-289-8619 <br /><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe271578776d0d7d711576&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="View my Listings and Create a Custom Search of The most current Homes & Condo Listings For Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Cape Coral Florida at this link to http://BuyUpNaples.com" target="_blank"><strong>www.BuyUpNaples.com</strong></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe261578776d0d7d711577&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/0/1/6/ar12801985861088.jpg" height="38" alt="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe251578776d0d7d711578&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Fan and Friend Garren Grup on Facebook, www.BuyUpNaples.com" target="_blank"><img title="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/0/0/5/ar128019819950089.png" height="37" alt="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe241578776d0d7d711579&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Contact and Email Garren" target="_blank"><img title="Email Garren or Request eNewsletter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/6/7/ar125067009876646.jpg" height="38" alt="Garren's E-mail Form" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2c1578776d0d7d711670&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Garren's BLOG on ActiveRain" target="_blank"><img title="Garren Grup's Profile on ActiveRain" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/7/5/6/ar125067002165775.jpg" height="38" alt="Garren's Profile on ActiveRain Real Estate" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2b1578776d0d7d711671&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" target="_blank"><img title="Add Garren Grup as a Business Connection on LinkedIN" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/8/5/1/1/ar128019905311587.png" height="39" alt="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://click.xpressdocs-email.com/?ju=fe2a1578776d0d7d711672&ls=fde61779746303747c117270&m=fe701570746406787314&l=fe9c167176640c7875&s=fe1d1c747c6c037d721774&jb=ffcf14&t=" title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" target="_blank"><img title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/7/7/9/ar128020068297744.png" height="38" alt="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" width="37" /></a></p><br /><p>Call, Email or Connect with Garren to stay in touch & say hello! Request Additional Market Information, a Personal Consultation & Assistance when Considering your Next Move!</p><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-58372430963933253852010-10-22T09:15:00.000-04:002010-10-28T09:35:27.769-04:00It's Finally Stonecrab Season in Florida!<p><strong>October 23rd and 24th, 2010... It's Finally Stone Crab Season in Florida!
<br /></strong>
<br />Their long awaited return is here and a new tradition, the Naples Stone Crab Festival is about to begin!
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<br />Much to the Florida stone crab claw lovers' delight, seafood markets and restaurants around the state will once again have this delicacy on their menus until the season ends on May 15.</p>
<br /><p>Naples Florida is so excited about the season beginning that it's holding its first ever Stone Crab Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24, in and around the Naples waterfront at Tin City, Bayfront, Naples Bay Resort, The City Dock at Crayton Cove and more. There will be events and activities for the entire family. If you're lucky enough to be in Naples this weekend, come on out and enjoy the fun, and more importantly the delicious claws!</p>
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<br /><p>For a list of events & map, visit <a href="http://www.stonecrabfestival.org/events.php">www.StoneCrabFestival.org/events.php</a> </a>
<br /><p><center><img title="Naples Stonecrab Festival - Inaugural Event October 23rd and 24th 2010" alt="Naples Stonecrab Festival - Inaugural Event October 23rd and 24th 2010" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/5/1/2/ar128761012521589.png" width="277" height="209" /></center></a>
<br />If you've never had the pleasure, here are some helpful tidbits about the Florida stone crab: <p></p>
<br /><li>The bodies of the Florida stone crab are relatively small so they are rarely eaten, but the claws are large and considered a delicacy </li>
<br /><li>Commercial fishermen only remove the crab's claws which actually regenerate </li>
<br /><li>Claws are sold fresh or frozen and are available in several sizes based on weight, including medium (up to 3 ounces), large (3 to 5 ounces), and jumbo (5 ounces plus) </li>
<br /><li>The general rule of thumb is that it takes one pound of crab claws to feed one person </li>
<br /><li>Claws are usually served in the shell, typically on a bed of ice with a mustard dipping sauce. But they are also sometimes served hot with drawn butter and lime juice </li>
<br /><li>The firm, sweet meat, which is extra lean, low in fat, and a good source of protein, tastes similar to lobster <strong></strong></li>
<br /><ul></ul>
<br /><p>***Profiles of New Construction Developments & Homes in the Naples & Bonita Springs Area <strong><a title="Featured New Construction Communities" href="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/post/1893810/new-construction-new-homes-and-condos-in-naples-community-developments">Here</a></strong></p>
<br /><p>
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<br /><center><strong>For more information, connect with Garren:</strong>
<br /></center><center>
<br /><center><a title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/buyupnaples" target="_blank"><img title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" alt="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/7/2/1/ar12506698012729.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a> <a title="Fan and Friend Garren Grup on Facebook, www.BuyUpNaples.com" href="http://www.facebook.com/garren.grup" target="_blank"><img title="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" alt="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/0/0/8/ar125066989480097.jpg" width="37" height="37" /></a> <a title="Contact and Email Garren" href="http://buyupnaples.com/contact.aspx" target="_blank"><img title="Email Garren" alt="Garren's E-mail Form" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/6/7/ar125067009876646.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a> <a title="Garren's BLOG on ActiveRain" href="http://activerain.com/naplesbeachfronthomes" target="_blank"><img title="Garren Grup's Profile on ActiveRain" alt="Garren's Profile on ActiveRain Real Estate" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/7/5/6/ar125067002165775.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a> <a title="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/garrengrup" target="_blank"><img title="Add Garren Grup as a Business Connection on LinkedIN" alt="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/5/4/7/ar125066984374585.jpg" width="37" height="39" /></a> <a title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" href="http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/206159173707" target="_blank"><img title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" alt="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/1/5/4/ar125066993745189.jpg" width="37" height="38" /></a>
<br /></center><center>
<br /><center>Please Feel Free to Call, Email or Connect with Garren for additional market information
<br />or Search for Homes & Commercial properties at <a href="http://www.homesinnaplestobonita.com/">http://www.homesinnaplestobonita.com/</a>
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<br /><p><center><strong>Buyers</strong>, Check out the newest Home Search website
<br />I have launched with a larger picture format to help you
<br /><strong><a href="http://www.viewallnapleshomes.com/">Find and View ALL Homes in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero & Fort Myers Beach Areas</a>
<br /><p><center><strong>Garren Grup is a Real Estate Consultant, <em>REALTOR®, ABR, GRI, CDPE, SFR</em>...
<br /><strong>Noteworthy Results in Luxury properties, Golf course homes, beachfront and vacation foreclosures!</strong> <center></center>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>Exceptional Consultation you can rely on in </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a>,<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a> <strong>& <a title="Fort Myers & Ft. Myers Beach properties in Gulf Harbor, Shadow Wood Preserve, Devonwood, Miromar Lakes, Grandezza, Bella Lago, Crown Colony, The Plantaion, Paseo, The Renaissance, Heritage Palms, Westminster, Gateway and many more!" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Fort%20Myers,Fort%20Myers%20Beach&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=" target="_blank">Fort Myers</a>!</strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">View some of the <a title="Best Real Estate Values in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero & Fort Myers Florida!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank">Best Values in Naples Homes</a> and <a title="Search for the Best Values in Naples Florida area(s)" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank">Naples Condos</a></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">View Naples Beachfront Estate Homes <strong><a title="Naples Beachfront Estate Homes & Condos" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=Gulf&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=" target="_blank">Here </a></strong></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">English & European buyers can access Gulfshore Blvd. Homes in Naples at <a title="English and European buyers can access Gulfshore Boulevard Homes in Naples Florida here." href="http://www.naplesbeachfront.co.uk/">http://www.naplesbeachfront.co.uk/</a></p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="Vanderbilt Beach - Spectacular Beach and Bay Homes & Condos. Home of The Ritz Carlton Beach Hotel." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=beds&c=Vanderbilt+Beach" target="_blank">Vanderbilt Beach Homes</a>, <a title="Pelican Bay- Noteworthy preservation, winding streets, landscape, architecture, proximity and beach access delivers paradise at all entry points." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&commids=20&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank">Pelican Bay</a>, <a title="Spectacular Barefoot Beach and Bay - Homes, Villas & Condos on The Gulf of Mexico & Hickory Bay" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf%2cbay&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Barefoot+Beach" target="_blank">Barefoot Beach</a>, <a title="Park Shore- Homes & Condos bordering Venetian Bay, Venetian Village and the excuisite beachfront high-rises of Park Shore!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=19" target="_blank">Park Shore</a>, <a title="Port Royal - One of the World's finest Communities & reminiscent of Pirate names, it's a jewel to treasure!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=2" target="_blank">Port Royal</a>, <a title="Aqualane Shores- Boredered by Naples Pier & beach, Third Street shopping, Naples Bay and the elegance of Port Royal." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=3" target="_blank">Aqualane Shores</a>, <a title="Old Naples- Characterized by historic cottages & beachfront estates around the Naples Pier and the 5th Ave. & 3rd Street shopping district." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&CommIDs=18" target="_blank">Old Naples</a>,</p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="Homes and Condos in Naples at The Vineyards" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Vineyards" target="_blank">Vineyards</a>, <a title="Beachfront Estate Homes, Luxury waterfront condos along the Gulf of Mexico & Estero Bay and located on the white sands of Bonita Beach between Barefoot Beach and Fort Myers Beach" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Bonita+Beach" target="_blank">Bonita Beach</a>, <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Pelican+Marsh">Pelican Marsh</a>, <a title="Estate Homes in Lely are just the beginning of the offerings here. Call Garren at 239-289-8619 for more!" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price&c=Lely" target="_blank">Lely</a>, <a title="High rise, Estate Homes, Luxury condos along Estero Bay with a Marina and Beach Pavillion on Bonita Beach" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Bonita+Bay" target="_blank">Bonita Bay</a>, <a title="The Strada at Mercato on Vanderbilt Beach Rd offers new condos from the $400's See more on the property at the link above or call 239-289-8619" href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx?&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price&c=mercato" target="_blank">Mercato</a> at <a title="Vanderbilt Beach - Spectacular Beach and Bay Homes & Condos. Home of The Ritz Carlton Beach Hotel." href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Vanderbilt+Beach" target="_blank">Vanderbilt Beach</a>.</p>
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<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">The <strong>Best Prices on Foreclosure</strong> properties in Naples & Bonita Springs can be seen <a title="Short sale & Foreclosures homes & condos in Naples & Bonita Springs" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&beds=2+den,3%20bed,4%20bed,5%20bed,6&a=bonita%20springs,estero,naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=true&hasgarage=&isforeclosure=true&isshortsale=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a>.</p>
<br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">The Best prices on <strong>Foreclosure properties</strong> on Fort Myers Beach <a title="Fort Myers Beach Short sale & Foreclosures homes & condos" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=fort%20myers%20beach&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&isforeclosure=true&isshortsale=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=price" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a>.</p>
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<br /><p><center>*Use the links above to view listings in a specific area/city or create your own search <a title="Create a Custom Search of The most current Homes & Condo Listings For Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Cape Coral at this link to http://buyupnaples.com/Search.aspx?SearchID=" href="http://buyupnaples.com/Search.aspx?SearchID=" target="_blank"><strong>Here</strong></a>.* <p></p>
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<br /></center></center></center></center></center>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-13107620188468905562010-07-26T21:42:00.007-04:002010-07-26T23:31:34.284-04:00Lee County Commissioner, Enlightens and Communicates Tourism Efforts & Clean Beaches!<p>While the chances of some oil making it to the east coast remain high, their misfortune is Southwest Florida's gain! Some media outlets and reporters are whispering what experts and locals have been telling everyone for months... there's a<strong> "Less than 1% Chance of oil making it onto Southwest Florida beaches".</strong> Unfortunately, the local media has echoed similar sentiments on some broadcasts in recent weeks but without much impact on the National and International (tourists) viewers that some local business and hotel owners are trying to reach. They wish the National News would inform everyone that "Southwest Florida is Open for Business!" and the oil is only in the panhandle of Florida.</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Enjoy Bonita Beach, Naples Beach and Barefoot Beach as well as the Naples Pier – ALL SWFL Beaches are OIL FREE!" src="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/small/15705741.jpg" height="225" alt="Naples Bay - Walk to 5th Ave & Bayfront. Boat rentals and Naples Pier!" style="float: left; border: white 2px solid;" />On Thursday July 8th, I had the privilege, along with a few of my colleagues to listen to a short presentation by Tammy Hall, the chairman of the Lee County Commission. Following our discussion she did a Q & A with about 12 of us. Tammy Hall was recently awarded the title of "Estero Chamber Political Person of the Year" for 2010. The information she shared about what the commission is working on varied from cutting spending to balance the county budget, thereby eliminating any property tax increases for the average property owner to instituting change to the states renewable energy credits to benefit companies like Algenol Biofuels who generates renewable energy from Algae. Commissioner Hall also touched on how state mandate prevented the use of tourism reserves for anything other than the new stadium for the Boston Red Sox spring training, a concert hall or similar type venue. She also spoke on tax benefits to lure businesses and diversify the job base in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs & Estero area as well as the print and TV advertising the tourism bureau recently embarked on as a response to the oil spill to let people know there was no oil on ANY Southwest Florida beaches. Her depth of knowledge and the things she is involved in are fascinating and I found it incredibly enlightening.<br /><br /><br /><img title="2010 Estero Chamber, Political Person of the Year" src="http://www.activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/1/9/8/0/ar127870507008915.jpg" height="144" alt="Tammy Hall, Lee County Florida Commissioner" style="float: left; border: white 2px solid;" width="96" />One of the most interesting comments made by Commissioner Hall in response to the misinformation out there and some jittery tourists was that "A new national conversation is beginning to circle that there is Less than 1% chance of oil coming onto the beaches of SWFL. This was some very welcome news to everyone in the room who has been repeatedly asked for weeks, if not months about the oil on our beaches, and repeatedly responding <strong>"There is no oil".</strong> One of my clever colleagues has been responding with, <strong>"The only oil on Southwest Florida beaches is Suntan Oil".</strong></p><br /><p>You can read my recent post on the Gulf oil spill and see video on How Southwest Florida will likely stay Oil Free <strong><a href="http://www.homesinnaplestobonita.com/content/blogs/HomesinNaplesFlorida/" title="Oil Free Florida Beaches & Homes in Naples to Bonita Springs, Estero & Fort Myers Beach" target="_blank">HERE<br /></a></strong><br />See a profile of some New Construction Developments & Homes in the Naples Area <strong><a href="http://garren4homes.com/frame.shtml?http://www.AgentShield.com/ShieldTools/WidgetFrame.aspx?wid=3807" title="Garren Grup, REALTOR. Your Cunsultant for New Homes and Condos in the Naples Florida area!" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p><br /><iframe src="http://www.AgentShield.com/Widgets/FeaturedRotator/?wid=3806" frameborder="0" height="137" style="border: 1px solid #404040;" width="142"></iframe><br> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>For more information, connect with me:</strong></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/buyupnaples" title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/0/1/6/ar12801985861088.jpg" height="38" alt="Follow Garren Grup on Twitter @BuyUpNaples" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/garren.grup" title="Fan and Friend Garren Grup on Facebook, www.BuyUpNaples.com" target="_blank"><img title="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/0/0/5/ar128019819950089.png" height="37" alt="Befriend Garren Grup on Facebook" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://buyupnaples.com/contact.aspx" title="Contact and Email Garren" target="_blank"><img title="Email Garren" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/6/7/ar125067009876646.jpg" height="38" alt="Garren’s E-mail Form" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://activerain.com/naplesbeachfronthomes" title="Garren’s BLOG on ActiveRain" target="_blank"><img title="Garren Grup’s Profile on ActiveRain" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/7/5/6/ar125067002165775.jpg" height="38" alt="Garren’s Profile on ActiveRain Real Estate" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/garrengrup" title="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" target="_blank"><img title="Add Garren Grup as a Business Connection on LinkedIN" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/8/5/1/1/ar128019905311587.png" height="39" alt="Add Garren Grup as a Connection on LinkedIN" width="37" /></a> <a href="http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/206159173707" title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" target="_blank"><img title="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/7/7/9/ar128020068297744.png" height="38" alt="Connect with Garren Grup on Plaxo" width="37" /></a></p><br /><p>Please Feel Free to Call, Email or Connect with Garren for additional market information.<br>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-31276824212868040332009-03-07T17:44:00.008-05:002009-03-07T18:08:40.663-05:00Pelican Landing - Courtyard Pool Home in Bonita Springs, FL<strong>Rarely Available! - 3 Bedrm w/ Pvt. Cabana - Living Area 2586 sf </strong><br><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3408882&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3408882&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/3408882">Pinewater Cove at Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, FL</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1367694">BuyUpNaples.com</a>.<br /><br />Tropical paradise surrounds this courtyard pool home. Spacious 3 Bed / 2.5bath open floorplan offering split bedrooms and a private cabana. Gorgeous great room fireplace anchors the main living area and provides a cozy gathering place to relax after a round of golf or a day at the beach club.<br /><br />Other exceptional features includes crown molding, Corian countertops,<br />dimmable lighting, open glass shelving, surround sound and much more.<br /><br />Beach club, sailing center, canoe park, tennis center & fitness center available to all residents!<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/PropertyDetails.aspx?HomeID=208047059">Click here to view additional photos & info</a> *<br /><br />Contact Garren Grup of John R. Wood, Inc., Realtors at<br />(239) 289-8619 or <a href="http://garren4homes.com/realtor_contact.shtml">email BuyUpNaples.com </a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-2048892423140046012008-11-06T22:38:00.002-05:002008-11-06T22:49:31.759-05:00The Bet That Blew Up Wall Street!... from 60 Minutes<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong>New-age Bucketshops... the Financial Weapons of Mass destruction! </strong></p>I have to say 60 minutes got it right AGAIN on Sunday night.<br /><p>A few weeks ago I published a video-blog on "<a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/727338/A-MUST-SEE-for-Everyone-in-Real-Estate-that-missed-the-60-Minutes-program-on-Sunday" target="_blank">Wall Street's Shadow Market</a>" about the bundling and selling of mortgages and the so-called insurance that was used to assure investors they were safe.</p><br /><p>This last Sunday they did a follow-up story titled "The Bet that Blew Up Wall Street". Many of my real estate colleagues, fellow bloggers and customers appreciated the explanations provided. This new peice was on what can best be described as the "side bets" about whether a companies stock price will go <strong>up </strong>or <strong>down</strong>, also known as a <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">credit derivative</span> or <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">credit default swap</span> because these bets could be made without actually owning the stock, similar to betting on a football game. </p><br /><p>The housing boom and economic downturn that followed has been blamed on just about everyone, from the consumers to those in the real estate and mortgage industries. The shift seems to know be shifting to Congress, Wall Street, the SEC and even former President Bill Clinton for his downsizing of government and goal of expanding home-ownership.</p><br /><p>Their is no reason whay a national foreclosure rate of 6% is having such a devastating effect on the economy when <strong>94% of homeowners are making their monthly mortgage payments.</strong> The downfall of these large financial institutions was because they made so many side bets they didn't keep track of or save the money for that they had to pay out on the insurance policy (side bets) that had been made on everything from stocks, to mortgage defaults, to the decline of Wall Streets solvency. Just Today CNBC reiterated that out of 80 million mortgages less than 6 million were behind or not paying their mortgage. I know the numbers don't add up but NOT everyone has a mortgage! </p><br /><p><strong>So, where did all the money go?</strong> ...It was paid out to the super-rich that had made some of these bets and exacerbated the downturn while destroying some of the largest institutions on Wall Street and triggered payoffs that made these bettors "fantastically richer" at the expense of these institutions, their shareholders, and nearly everyone whether they were invested in Wall Street or not. The video below is the single best explanations of where all the money went and why we should have known better. These explanations serve to inform us about what has going on below the surface of Wall Street and the Federal Government and why more government oversight is needed. These side bets effected everything from shareholders to employees of every company that has been adversely affected by the slowing economy, job lay-offs. Yet the speculation continues and is likely the cause of the ballooning and plummeting gas prices. Just today Volkswagen increased by more than $100 per share, up 86% in a single day while at the same time the DOW finished up almost 900 point which was the largest one-day gain in history!<br />The video below & article on CBS.com is aptly titled <strong>The Bet that Blew Up Wall Street</strong>: </p><center><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.cbs.com/thunder/swf/rcpHolderCbs-prod.swf" flashvars="link=http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4546583n&releaseURL=http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=29MTeFqVojCxuRHUQN9ahuw65TE7x6pK&partner=newsembed&autoPlayVid=false&prevImg=http://thumbnails.cbsig.net/CBS_Production_News/865/18/60_Kroft_1026_480x360.jpg" height="361" width="370" /></center></embed><p>See my previous video blog<strong> <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/727338/A-MUST-SEE-for-Everyone-in-Real-Estate-that-missed-the-60-Minutes-program-on-Sunday" target="_blank"><em>Wall Street's Shadow Market</em></a></strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/727338/A-MUST-SEE-for-Everyone-in-Real-Estate-that-missed-the-60-Minutes-program-on-Sunday" target="_blank"></a></p>You can also see my other blog for additional articles <a href="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/">Here<br /></a><p><strong><em></em></strong></p><br /><p><strong>Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR®, GRI</em>...</strong></p><br /><p><strong>Noteworthy Results in </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a>,<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a> <strong>& <a title="Fort Myers & Ft. Myers Beach properties in Gulf Harbor, Shadow Wood Preserve, Devonwood, Miromar Lakes, Grandezza, Bella Lago, Crown Colony, The Plantaion, Paseo, The Renaissance, Heritage Palms, Westminster, Gateway and many more!" href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Fort%20Myers,Fort%20Myers%20Beach&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=" target="_blank">Fort Myers</a>!</strong></p>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-26136300742488123222008-10-08T18:50:00.005-04:002008-10-08T21:40:32.992-04:00Properties are selling in Southwest Florida... video from NBC (below)Sales are up 80% in Lee County, Bonita Springs Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island & Captiva Island!<br><br /><center> <iframe src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27087106#27087106" height="339" frameborder="0" width="425" scrolling="no"></iframe> </center><br /><br />*Use the links below to view listings in a specific city or create your own search <a href="http://buyupnaples.com/Search.aspx?SearchID=" title="Create a Custom Search of The most current Homes & Condo Listings For Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and Cape Coral at this link to http://buyupnaples.com/Search.aspx?SearchID=" target="_blank">Here</a>.*</p> <br /><strong> Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR®, GRI</em>...</strong></p><br /><strong>Noteworty Results in </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a>,<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a> <strong>& <a href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Fort%20Myers,Fort%20Myers%20Beach&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=" title="Fort Myers & Ft. Myers Beach properties in Gulf Harbor, Shadow Wood Preserve, Devonwood, Miromar Lakes, Grandezza, Bella Lago, Crown Colony, The Plantaion, Paseo, The Renaissance, Heritage Palms, Westminster, Gateway and many more!" target="_blank">Fort Myers</a>!</strong>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-48323385986223927142008-10-07T10:35:00.006-04:002008-11-06T23:05:25.351-05:00Wall Street Shadow Market!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt'>Which financial market is largely unknown, not regulated, 5 to 6 times the size of the $10 Trillion US deficit and can’t be estimated within $10 trillion dollars?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal> <span style='font-size: 12.0pt'>See the Wall Street answer you may have missed at <a href="http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/post/727338/A-MUST-SEE-for-Everyone-in-Real-Estate-that-missed-the-6-Minutes-program-on-Sunday-">http://naplesbeachfronthomes.activerain.com/post/727338/A-MUST-SEE-for-Everyone-in-Real-Estate-that-missed-the-6-Minutes-program-on-Sunday-</a> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt; color:black'>Warm regards,<br> <br> </span></font><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><font size=5 color=black><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:black'>Garren Grup</span></font></st1:PersonName><font size=4 color=black><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>, </span></font><font size=2 color=black><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>REALTOR</span></font></st1:PersonName><font size=4 color=black><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>,</span></font><font size=2 color=black><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><strong><b><i><font size=4 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:14.0pt; color:black;font-style:italic'>GRI</span></font></i></b></strong><font size=4 color=black><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><em><b><i><font size=2 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:10.0pt; color:black;font-weight:bold'>GRI: Graduate Realtor Institute</span></font></i></b></em><em><i><font face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></font></i></em></p> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/" title="http://www.buyupnaples.com/;http://www.buyupnaples.com/">www.BuyUpNaples.com</a></span> <font size=4 face=Forte><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Forte'>for the most up-to-date list of Homes available in <st1:place w:st="on">Southwest Florida</st1:place>. </span></font><em><b><i><font size=2 color=navy face=Verdana><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:navy; font-weight:bold'>**Listings are updated every 4 hours on this website!<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></em></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><font size=4 face="Brush Script MT"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Brush Script MT"; font-weight:bold'>John R. Wood</span></font></b> REALTORS<br> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Mobile</st1:City></st1:place>: (239) 289-8619<br> Toll Free: (800) WOOD-180<br> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><a href="blocked::http://www.buyupnaples.com/" title="blocked::http://www.buyupnaples.com/ http://www.buyupnaples.com/">www.BuyUpNaples.com</a> or <a href="blocked::http://www.sellbonitasprings.com/" title="blocked::http://www.sellbonitasprings.com/ http://www.sellbonitasprings.com/">www.SellBonitaSprings.com</a> or <a href="http://www.naplesflonline.com/" title="http://www.naplesflonline.com/">www.NaplesFLonline.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-13269415485251350322008-10-03T18:16:00.003-04:002008-10-03T18:24:20.597-04:00Are Buyers missing the Best Values by focusing on foreclosures?<p><img title="Are buyers missing the best values by focusing on foreclosures?" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/3/0/4/ar122064751040304.JPG" height="158" alt="Foreclosures, short sales, REO, real estate owned, best values, cheapest homes" width="265" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" />I have to wonder if many of our buyers are missing the best values by focusing on short sales and foreclosures. Everyone wants a deal and many want to offer .30 to .50 cents on the dollar based on the estimated appraisal. In our market this reflects somewhere between 15% to 40% of what the previous owner paid in 2004-2005. We have defined this period in our area as the "irrational period" when people bought anything they could get under contract. I have to ask myself if <strong>finding the best value may actually mean ignoring the foreclosures</strong> and searching for owners that have owned for a longer period of time(8-10 years) and just need to sell, based on the statistice below?</p><br /><p>Our company President, Phil Wood did a radio interview on August 26<sup>th</sup>, 2008 and updated us on what the market stats show for year-to-date 2008 in regards to foreclosures since that is a hot topic in the media right now. <strong>Below is the summary in the Naples/Bonita/Estero area:</strong></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Thru July of this year, there have been 3,754 closings in SunshineMLS, in the specified areas. (a few more than our previous stats since some closings have now been added to the system.</li><br /><li>Only 163 of these were foreclosures, which is a very small number as compared to what media reports would lead one to believe. (4.3%)</li><br /><li>45% of the foreclosures were in <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Golden+Gate+City" title="Golden Gate City is a condensed community with canals winding trhough it lined by businesses, condos and homes in Naples FLorida" target="_blank">Golden Gate City</a> and <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=&beds=&orderby=pricedesc&c=Golden+Gate+Estates" title="Golden Gate Estates has properties from less than $100,000 to nearly $7 million in Naples Florida" target="_blank">Golden Gate Estates</a>, so there are only 90 closed foreclosure sales in ALL other areas.</li><br /><li>84% of the 163 foreclosures sold at $300,000 or less, so it is primarily confined to the lower price ranges.</li><br /></ul><br /><p>Obviously, <strong>there are parts of Lee County where the problem is much more severe</strong>, specifically Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral. These two areas have thousands of lots and/or homes, have traditionally been very reasonably priced, and many owners have now lost their jobs. There were also many investors that bought in those neighborhoods during the irrational period of 2004-2005, and have now simply walked away from their investment.</p><br />So overall, it is not a big issue in the <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a><strong> & </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a> area.</p><br /><p>The areas in Golden Gate mentioned above are primarily single family homes and more year round, full time, working residents as opposed to the gorgeous beach and golf course properties that most envision when they think of Naples................................................................................. In addition, many of our young first-time home buyers want to be closer in than this, where their jobs are, they can socialize with friends and hopefully capitalize on the great values that they hope will appreciate because of their appeal to both full time and seasonal residents when they are ready to move up.</p><br /><p><strong>Great values previal but are the foreclosures really where they are?</strong></p><br /><p><strong></strong></p><br /><p><strong></strong></p><br /><p><strong>Garren Grup, </strong><em><strong>REALTOR</strong>®</em>... <br /><br /><strong>Noteworty Results in </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a><strong> & </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><br /><p><strong>**Note: </strong>There are a few additional foreclosures in the area that may not go thru MLS. Additionally, there are tons of potential shorts sales that may also be potential foreclosures, although many banks are now standing on their heads to try and avoid taking back properties.</p>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-12803319987432212252008-09-09T16:35:00.008-04:002008-09-22T13:05:09.622-04:00Election 2008... A New Canidate being discussed for President!My Grass Roots effort to bring real estate and the other major issues to light has catapulted a new candidate into the media's eye (and I don't mean Palin). This is a real canidate that will be the agent of Fix, not just the agent of Change!<br /><br />Channel 3 News Reporting on:<br /><br><br /><center><br /><OBJECT classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" WIDTH="384" HEIGHT="304"><PARAM NAME=movie VALUE="http://www.paltalk.com/marketing/media/vanksen/main.swf"><PARAM NAME=quality VALUE=high><PARAM NAME=flashvars VALUE="firstname=Molly&lastname=Grup&urlfin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news3online.com%2Fspread.php"><PARAM NAME="BGCOLOR" VALUE="#000000" /><PARAM NAME="allowScriptAccess" VALUE="always" /><EMBED src="http://www.paltalk.com/marketing/media/vanksen/main.swf" quality=high WIDTH="384" HEIGHT="304" ALIGN="" TYPE="application/x-shockwave-flash" FLASHVARS="firstname=Molly&lastname=Grup&urlfin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news3online.com%2Fspread.php" PLUGINSPAGE="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" BGCOLOR="#000000" ALLOWSCRIPTACCESS="ALWAYS"></EMBED></OBJECT></center>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-45461273326050522052008-08-19T12:00:00.007-04:002008-08-20T11:32:48.030-04:00Tropical Fay Went Away... Thankfully not a Hurricane!<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 12 noon EST</strong></span> - Tropical storm Fay never reached hurricane strength, and is now past Collier County, currently in the Lee and Hendry County areas. In general, the storm was not a major event. <img src="http://johnrwood.com/fay.jpg" height="159" alt="Tropical Storm Fay NOT a Hurricane" style="float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; width=" /> <br /><br />Damage is very light in most areas----tree limbs and a very occasional downed tree. Structural damage to buildings was very light in most of the Naples/Bonita/Ft. Myers area, although we did hear of some problems toward the central part of the state, around Clewiston. <br /><br />Winds were lighter than predicted, usually in the 20mph to 40mph range, with some gusts as high as 70mph near Immokalee. Storm surge was lighter than predicted, and even rain was lighter than predicted, although we will likely continue to have rain for the rest of today. Flooding was also lighter than expected. Most businesses in the area were closed today, but some grocery stores, pharmacies, and even Burger King and Dunkin Doughnuts remained open. <br /><br />The biggest problem is loss of power for a number of homes, with the last report saying 28,000 homes in Collier County. Power is expected to be restored much faster this time as compared to Wilma in Collier County, and Charlie in Lee County from years past. So in summary, there was very minor damage, despite the efforts of some media to over dramatize the storm. Things are expected to be back to normal by the end of the week. <br><br /><br />Despite reports to the contrary Fay has been a bleesing and there was very minimal damage and no tornados in the Collier or Lee county area. Tropical Storm Fay actually has and will have an added benefit of bringing some much needed rain to all of the southeast. Florida and Georgia have been battling Alabama to release water from a reervoir that supplies drinking water to 3 million people. The 4-10 inches will substantially help refill reservoirs and raise lake levels on Lake Okeechobee and surrounding lakes as well as help curb the 2 year drought that has been the 2 driest back to back years on record. Lake Okeechobee as of a month ago was a little more than 4ft below it's average level.<br /><br />Lake Okeechobee, which is second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States and is also the liquid heart of the Everglades. South Florida depends on the 730-square-mile lake during dry periods, when it can be used as a reservoir.<br /><br />See more on Fay's drought relief at <a href="http://www.garren4homes.com.z57preview.com/frame.shtml?http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/aug/19/no-wilma-or-charley-fay-brings-needed-rain-lee/">Southwest Florida News</a><br /><br /><br> <strong>Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR ®</em>... <br/><br/> </strong>Noteworty Results in<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Naples</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Bonita Springs</strong></a><strong> & </strong><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby="><strong>Estero</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><br /><a href="http://www.garren4homes.com.z57preview.com/frame.shtml?http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/aug/19/no-wilma-or-charley-fay-brings-needed-rain-lee/"></a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-82881366941089307132008-07-28T18:37:00.018-04:002008-07-28T20:27:50.877-04:00YTD Market Report - 1st Half 2008<a href="http://www.garren4homes.com/custom2.shtml"> June Market Report</a> for NA (Naples) - BN (Bonita Springs) - ES (Estero)<br /><br /><a href="http://buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=gulf%2cbay&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=single&beds=&orderby=price&c=Barefoot+Beach"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_jbs4qvo96m4/SI5hs4N8R8I/AAAAAAAAACE/g6YdELdMJsA/s200/IMG_3609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228223641056724930" /></a><br /><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br><br /><br /><strong>Closed Sales:</strong> <br />• YTD closed units up 6% from 2007. Volume down approximately 14%.<br />• Closings for the month of June are essentially same as June 2007 (546 this year vs 550 in June 2007).<br />• Median sales price down almost 16% compared to YTD June 2007. Average sales price down approximately 19%.<br />• Closed units under $500,000 represent 70% of all closings YTD. For the same period 2007, this segment represented 61% of closings. <br />• Closed sales over $1 million represent approximately 13% of the YTD June market. For the same period 2007, this category comprised 17% of all closed sales. (526 properties in 2007 vs 412 in 2008).<br /><br /><strong>Pended Sales: </strong><br />• June pended sales units are up 46% over June 2007. (Naples up almost 50% and Bonita / Estero up 34%)<br />• YTD pended sales exceed 2007 by 10%.<br />• Pended sales over $2 million are down 32% from 2007.<br />• Pended sales under $500,000 up 36%.<br /><br /><strong>Listings: </strong>• Number of new listings taken in June approximately same as June 2007 (1,976 vs 1,974)<br />• New listings taken YTD June down approximately 5% compared to same period 2007.<br />• Active listings on July 1, 2008 for combined NA-BN-ES areas is 13,551 (7,055 single family and 6,496 condos). <br />This represents a 4% decline from May." <br /> <br />*"This report represents the combined Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero market. Numbers may vary among various GEO codes so be sure to research individual market segments carefully.<br /><br />Disclaimer: All information from Sunshine MLS. Accuracy is deemed correct but not warranted." <br /><br />View the Full Market Report by <a href="http://www.garren4homes.com/custom2.shtml"> Clicking Here</a><br /><br /><strong>Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR</em> </strong> <br> <a href="http://www.BuyUpNaples.com/about.aspx"><strong>Delivering Notworthy Results in Naples!</strong> </a> <br> <br> <br> <br>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-47616378429583744402008-07-24T14:17:00.012-04:002008-07-28T20:25:50.387-04:00Naples Area... "Florida's Last Paradise"Naples still deserves its real-estate nickname of “Florida’s last paradise” despite the building boom says an AARP article slated for publication in their September/October article labeled "Healthiest Hometowns."<br /><br />“The area has hung on to its small-town feel: its beaches and art scene (more than 134 galleries in the vicinity) are often voted tops in the nation,” the article says. “And for link lovers, it’s heaven: Naples-Marco Island has the second most golf holes per capita in the country. In our survey, residents got high scores for regular exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking, so it’s no surprise that the area has one of the lowest cancer mortality rates going.”<br /><br />Not surprisingly, the article mentions the area’s real estate market.<br />“The downside is high housing prices and a high cost of living,” the articles states. “Naples has been hard hit by the foreclosure crisis — but that means you might be able to find some bargains here.”<br /><br />Mike Reagen, president of the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, said the AARP research dovetails with what author Richard Florida said in his best-seller, “Who’s Your City?” where he ranks Naples as among the top 10 places for people 65 and older.<br /><br />The author and professor of business and creativity at Toronto University says where people choose to live has a profound effect on all aspects of their lives. “It sounds reinforcing,” Reagen said of AARP’s finding about Naples and Marco Island.<br /><blockquote><strong>In the next two to three years, the next wave of the baby boom generation will be looking for a place to retire and this area will be appealing to many, Reagen said.</strong></blockquote> <br />The area has great infrastructure of good medical care, the arts, recreational amenities, and an ideal climate that will attract more people, he said.<br /><br />What Gary Elliott, president of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, sees all the time is that people enjoy living in the region, plus they enjoy working here.<br />“My theory is when people arrive in Naples and Marco Island, they are euphoric,” Elliott said. “People came here with a good attitude.” When people relocate or retire to the region, they came from successful careers and they continue to lead vibrant lives here, he said. That helps with longevity.<br /><br />He did a survey last month for the Marco chamber and reported that more younger families are moving to Marco, comparing 2000 census data to his own research. He went to the schools on Marco and private schools to find out how many children are now living in Marco.<br /><br />In 2000, there were 1,622 children under 18 living in Marco and today that figure is 1,900 — a 17 percent increase, he said. While Naples young population has grown exponentially as well triggering the construction of dozens of area schools since 2000 it hasn't been <br /><br /><strong><blockquote>I think in the next census we will see a lot of younger families,” he said. The Naples area is a "...great place to live." </blockquote></strong> What’s also notable is the Internet and other technology makes it possible for people who work in consulting and other non-location jobs can live anywhere they want, he said.<br /><br />Real estate activity in Marco has been solid for properties in the lower price range of under-$350,000 for inland properties, he said.<br /><br />The AARP finding could help bring more people to Naples/Marco Island for relocating or retiring but Arlene Carozza, Realtor and president of the Naples Area Board of Realtors, said she doesn’t believe this region has more foreclosures than anywhere else and could have less.<br /><br />“When we get good news like that, that it’s a wonderful place to live, it certainly helps all of us,” she said. “No 10. We will take that. It says something for the area.”<br /><br />She came from the Orlando area and was amazed by the array of cultural amenities in the area for the city of this size, especially with the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts.<br /><br />“Naples is still small-town like with white sand beaches and gorgeous water and shopping,” she said.<br /><br />Naples Population:<br /> 314,649<br /> <br />Median housing price:<br /> $637,100<br /> <br />Average number of sunny days:<br /> 264 per year<br /> <br />Healthy bragging rights:<br />Long walks on the beach pay off, as residents of this sunny spot score second highest on our longevity scale.<br /><br />Real estate is selling steadily and has been since January, she said. “We have had a steady upgrowth. More people are purchasing homes and it’s not just the beach area, it’s right across the board,” she said.<br /><br />Despite that, Naples does have a lot of retirees.<br /><br />AARP also found Naples/Marco Island ranks second among a larger group of cities for longest life expectancy of 80.97 years, behind Ames, Iowa, with a life expectancy of 81.02. The Collier County Health Department backs up the region’s life expectancy standing, which in 2002 stood at 82.9. Life expectancy for the United States for the same period was 77.4 years, according to a 2002 report from the department. “We are pleased to see the dedication of the health community recognized,” Dr. Joan Colfer, executive director of the health department said in a statement about the AARP finding. She credits the local medical community for lowering cancer rates and adding to residents’ longevity. “In addition, we applaud Collier County citizens for being proactive in their personal health and wellness,” she said.<br /><br />Ann Gardner, Naples’ community representative for the American Cancer Society, learned of Naples’ standing on the “Good Morning, America” TV show Wednesday and wasn’t surprised. “It’s definitely pretty cool to see that,” she said. “It means people are taking care of themselves.” (Also appeared on the Today Show, see video below.) <br> <br /><iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25812628#25812628" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />See an expanded article on <a href="http://www.garren4homes.com.z57preview.com/frame.shtml?http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/naples-marco-scores-high-life-expectancy-aarp-maga/">www.NaplesNews.com</a><br /><br />See the AARP article at <a href="http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/healthiest_hometowns.html">www.AARPmagazine.org</a> <br><br /><br /><strong>Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR</em> </strong> <br> <a href="http://www.BuyUpNaples.com/about.aspx"><strong>Delivering Notworthy Results in Naples!</strong> </a> <br> <br> <br> <br>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-55494819656494947082008-07-22T08:22:00.002-04:002008-07-22T12:54:18.171-04:00What's a blog? ...Customer Service in the 21st Century!Many of you if not most have heard of a blogging. The practice of stateing information and often times opinions online on a daily basis has exploded. Everyone from youg kids to college students to corporate CEO's seem to be gettting in on the action these days. Providing nearly instantaneous information and feedback has become part of the increasinglty fast paced and technological culture. Blogging allows anyone the ability to reach outside their geographical community and find & communicate with others that share the same interests, opinions and goals. It also provides people resources online that are targeted to a specific interest. Last night an news peice aired on NBC Nightly News about some Fortune 500 companies that are blogging to disseminate information and solicit feedback that may otherwise be too costly. at least 60 Fortune 500 companies have blogs and the number is growing every day! For those that think they are too old or not technical enough to have a blog I can tell you that they are both easy and free! <br> <br> You can watch the peice by clicking on the video below <iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25786242#25786242" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <br> <br> The idea of bringing a personal touch through the internet may seem foreign to some. This personal attention in an increasingly corporate and disconnected world is helping to bridge the span between companines and their customers across great distances. As long as it may have been since you sat down and wrote a full letter to someone many miss the personal attention and freedom to express themselves that blog's and the comments they solicit can provide!<br /><br />For more about blogging and some of the websites that offer this free service please feel free to ask me. Many professions, associations and orginazations have blog sites that are specific but anyone can also set up personal or political ones on sites like this one at www.blogger.com. Other sites include www.Localism.com or for those with company or personal websites on www.MySpace.com they have a good blog function as well!<br /><br />Happy blogging... & comments Welcome!<br /><br /><strong>Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR</em>... <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=">Naples</a>, <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=34134,34135&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=">Bonita Springs</a> & <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero&z=33928&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=">Estero</a>!</strong>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-5372169338553877972008-07-15T13:13:00.013-04:002008-07-15T14:18:51.238-04:00Ben Stein "Were Not in a Recession...They Sell Fear!"Ben Stein, an economist and the son of an economist who coined the phrase "Voodoo Economics" which you may recall hearing in the way he's better known to some, as the economics teacher in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" repeating, "Bueller, Bueller!"<br /><br />This time Ben Stein is trying to wake consumers with some key points:<br />1) Were not in a recession! (per it's definition of 2 quarters of negative growth)<br /><br />2) Weak dollar is driving a boom in U.S. exports.<br /><br />3) The growing economies of China & India are really beginning to drive the world economy.<br /><br />4) It would be rare for commodities demand to be rising and other services falling at the same time.<br /><br />5) Inflation is hedged by purchasing "REAL ASSETS"... like Real Estate!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.garren4homes.com.z57preview.com/frame.shtml?http://moneynews.newsmax.com/streettalk/stein_index_real_estate/2008/07/09/111364.html?s=al&promo_code=65BF-1"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_jbs4qvo96m4/SHzl6HVVlgI/AAAAAAAAAB8/9p_Td7_vCQo/s320/ben_stein.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223302454406649346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ben Stein: <br /><strong>Buy Index Funds, Real Estate </strong><br />Wednesday, July 9, 2008 4:26 PM<br /><br />Economist and commentator Ben Stein has some calming words of advice: By any serious definition, we're just not in a recession. And we might not enter one, either, regardless of the stock market right now, Stein writes in his online column. <br /><br />Investors should pretty much ignore all the media talk about bear markets and instead keep investing, particularly through index funds and depressed assets like real estate, he says. Stein points out that bear markets are fairly common. We've had nine by one count since the mid-1960s. But just five actual recessions happened in that same time span. So, a bear market now doesn't mean recession is a done deal, Stein argues. <br /><br /><strong><blockquote>"That is to say, the stock market predicts 10 out of five recessions. Not such a great record," says Stein. <br /><br />"The truth is that while the economy is clearly slowing down, we are not yet in a recession." </blockquote></strong><br /><strong>Stein cites the general rule of two consecutive negative quarters signaling a recession — which hasn’t happened yet, and might not. The U.S. has churned out very, very low growth, but it has stayed positive so far. </strong><br /><br />"As I keep saying, if anyone can call anything a recession, the whole subject loses all intellectual or factual meaning. This too could happen — a real recession — but it has not happened yet." <br /><br />Stein says there are plenty of sectors of the economy that show surprising strength, despite the horrid picture painted by the collapse of financials, U.S. automakers, and the airlines. <br /><br />The weak dollar has helped U.S. exports boom. Mining and agriculture are getting a lift from high commodity prices. Healthcare and the public sector are chugging along. Military spending is likely to be sustained. <br /><br /><blockquote>"The government is running an immense deficit, and this is stimulative," Stein says.</blockquote> <br />But it's the larger world — the growing economies of China, India and elsewhere — that is beginning to really drive things. "It would be extremely rare for there to be a spectacular worldwide demand for commodities along with a serious fall in demand for other factors in an economy," Stein says. <br /><blockquote><strong>"That is, it would be rare for demand to be both rising and falling at the same time. It could happen, but it would be rare." </strong></blockquote><br />As for what to do next, Stein says buy. Broad indexes of stocks are a good strategy, and keeping plenty of cash on hand, too. "None of us can control the economy. Thus, we just have to keep swimming in the roiled waters," Stein says. <br /><br />Economies go through cycles, as always. The headlines will be positive again, soon enough. Buying indexes means investors can ride out the bad news and profit when things turn up. <br /><br />As for cash, the risk is inflation, Stein warns. In that case, it's better to get into a real asset that’s depressed and thus likely to appreciate. <br /><br />For instance, insurance giant Prudential has reportedly sold the Chrysler Building in New York to a sovereign wealth fund controlled by the government of Abu Dhabi. The price, according to Bloomberg News, was likely $800 million. Prudential acquired the building when it took control of an Atlanta, Ga. real estate fund, TMW Real Estate Group. That fund bought the Manhattan landmark in 2001 for $300 million. <br />Prudential's investors have seen a 20 percent return after taxes on this and other real estate sales in recent years, according to a spokesperson for the company. That gain is despite the decline in New York real estate from last year's peak. <br /><br />"The best bet usually is what has gone down the most, and that, for now, is real estate," Stein writes. <strong>Where people fail in real estate, is in failing to buy</strong>, he says, citing money manager and friend Phil DeMuth. <br /><br />Meanwhile, understanding your own reaction to fear — <strong>made worse by the media</strong> — is the key. <strong>"Know that the headline writers want to whip you up and make you crazy about the economy," </strong>Stein says. "They sell fear. <strong>Stay calm</strong> and stay well to do."<br />© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.<br /><br />See the full article on MoneyNews.com <a href="http://moneynews.newsmax.com/streettalk/stein_index_real_estate/2008/07/09/111364.html?s=al&promo_code=65BF-1">Click Here</a><br /><br /><em><strong>Garren Grup, REALTOR</strong></em><br /><br />Delivering Information with <a href="http://Garren4homes.com">Noteworthy Results!</a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-55515772528016242842008-07-01T12:44:00.011-04:002008-07-08T13:22:52.658-04:002nd Quarter Update of Sales & Prices<br> I wanted to remind people with a photograph of what we all come to Southwest Florida for before providing some information on the market.<br> <a href="http://buyupnaples.com/beaches.aspx"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_jbs4qvo96m4/SHOg3Fe12RI/AAAAAAAAAB0/Yts0cEvKavw/s320/IMG_3508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220691143501844242" /></a> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br><br /> <blockquote>...Weather, Beaches, Boating & Sunsets!</blockquote> <br />This is just a hip shot of the make up of the BN/ES and NA MLS Inventory as of today, July 1st, 2008!<br /><br />Very interesting numbers for both buyers & sellers!<br /><br />Total number of listings as of this morning in Bonita/Estero and Naples, all residential types = 13,552<br /><br />Total number of <strong>closed sales </strong>over the <strong>last 12 months</strong> in BN/ES, NA, resid. = 5,362<br /><br />Current YRS/MNTHS of Inventory in BN/ES and NA, Residential = 2.52 yrs/30.3 mths<br /><br /><br />Market MakeUp Within Price Ranges BN/ES and NA, All Residential Types<br /><br />0-250K 4,131 or <strong>30%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />250-350 2,572 or <strong>19%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />350-500 2,282 or <strong>17%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />500-750 1,826 or <strong>13%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />750-1M 992 or <strong>7%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />1M-2M 1,135 or <strong>8%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />2M-3M 442 or <strong>3%</strong> of the entire inventory<br /><br />3M-5M 219 or <strong>less than 2%</strong><br /><br />5M-10M 113 or <strong>less than 1%</strong><br /><br />10M <strong>18 </strong>or not that much, in fact as a bonus <strong>if you are looking over 10 million we can do it all in a day or two. </strong><br /><br /><br />Pending sales 2nd Qtr of 07 vs. 2nd Qtr of 08 are up 35%, that is BN/ES and NA, all residential areas. <br /><br />So 66% of the inventory is below 500k, and a whopping 49% is below 350k. <br /><br />These are some pretty interesting numbers for those that know the Naples & Bonita Springs market and think prices are still too high.<br /><br />Hopefully these numbers provide an update on how we stand as of July 1st and further my commitment to providing the most up to date statistics and market news Naples, Bonita Springs & Estero southwest Florida market.<br /><br />Delivering <a href="http://www.BuyUpNaples.com">Noteworthy Results</a>!<br /><br /><strong><em>Garren Grup, REALTOR </em></strong>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-71894674302017895112008-06-16T17:20:00.016-04:002008-06-16T17:52:16.051-04:00Further Evidence of a Normal Market ReturnThe May market analysis continues to support the views of many that the Southwest Florida market is steadily improving and has returned to what is considered a “Historical Norm”. It was quite obvious to many that the supply had exceeded demand in Southwest Florida which elevated prices beyond fair market value in 2004 & 2005. In many communities current prices are now below “replacement cost” as some analysts have begun predicting that the credit crunch and negative national housing news is now causing an over correction on the downside in the same way the bubble drove prices up. <blockquote> <font color="blue">See some of my “Property Search Links” on the top right and discover why this is an Award Winning website in the entire state of Florida. It’s always up-to-date, easy to use and interactive for your own preferences. </blockquote> </font color="blue"> <p> <strong> <font color="red"> Additional notes regarding May Market Stats Report: </strong> </font color="red"> <p> Average number of closings for the month of May for all years 2000 – 2008 (excluding 2004 and 2005) is 611. May 2008 closings (617) continue to support the theory that the market is returning to historical norms. <br /><br />May closed sales up 2% over May 2007. JRW closed sales for May up 29%. <br /><br />In April we reported that YTD pended sales were approximately even with YTD April 2007. In May YTD pended sales jumped ahead of prior year by approximately 6%. JRW YTD May pended sales are up 28% over 2007. We anticipate that the market will continue to gain over 2007 throughout the remainder of the year and will carefully monitor this trend over the summer season. <br /><br />JRW listings continue to outsell those of other brokers. Through May 2008, 363 JRW listings have closed (through MLS) compared to: Downing Frye 329; Coldwell Banker 256; Premier 229 and Prudential 152. <br /><br />JRW agents continue to significantly outperform other agents in both average units and average volume produced per agent. There are some very good reasons why this happens and some corresponding benefits to our clients and customers: <br /><br />(1) JRW employs only full-time, career oriented professionals. Adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards is a condition for continued affiliation. Advantage to clients and customers: Knowledgeable professionals, equipped with the most current information and technology, are actively involved in helping to guide buying and selling decisions.<br /><br />(2) JRW provides in-house training and professional development opportunities unequalled in the market. Advantage to clients and customers: From the highly experienced to the novice agent, on-going education is provided at all levels. Changes in the market, legal requirements, technology, and marketing all have an impact on the successful sales effort. Our programs continually address all of these areas and more.<br /><br />(3) JRW professionals have access to the most current market data and statistics. Advantage to clients and customers: The ability to benefit from current, factual information about the market today as well as historical comparisons. Buying and selling decisions can be made based on facts and their relevance to a particular individual situation, rather than on hype or one person’s opinion.<br /><br />See the exact numbers by <a href="http://root.z57.com/filemanager/uploads/8/7/8799bf0d-dff8-9570-e4322fea59344ab9.pdf">clicking here. </a><br /><br />Keep up the great Team, and have a Sizzling Summer Selling!!!<br /><br />Commentary provided by Dorothy D. Babcock, John R. Wood C.O.O.<br /><br />I look forward to receiving any comments or questions regarding anything on my blog below!Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-9684885799906611472008-06-11T18:09:00.002-04:002008-06-12T19:02:12.275-04:00Analysis of differences in home-price reportsA point that I've been adamant about when speaking to clients over the last few months has begun to gain some traction in articles online, in the paper and on NBC-2.com locally as well as CNBC.com. That is, the market here is improving and has probably <strong>over corrected </strong>for the most part and also that all real estate is local and you need to educate yourself on what is going on in that market. That is not to say nothing else effects it, but how it effects it can be very different. Just because the Midwest is mostly in a slump due to manufacturing their are and will always be people that have the <strong>desire</strong> and <strong>means</strong> to purchase in Southwest Florida (Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, etc). Opportunity in resort markets and the stock market is often clouded by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avarice">avarice</a> (or greed). It seems when the market was good the sellers were unreasonable and the buyers were eager to bend to the terms. Since the downturn in the market it now seems to have turned around and many buyers are not only looking for a great buy but they are specifically seeking "blood in the water" to squeezer out every last bit of value. In either respect when was getting what was perceived as a "good value" not enough?<br /><br />In terms of the difference in housing numbers being reported, A recent article by <a href="http://www.inman.com/news/2008/06/2/news-analysis-wheres-beef-in-case-shiller-attacks">Matt Carter</a> of Inman News analyzes the differences between the housing numbers reported by OFHEO (Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight), NAR (the National Association of Realtors) and the numbers reported by the S & P/Case-Shiller index. In short, Carter summarizes that their differences are easily explained, and they boil down to this:<br /><br />1) Case-Shiller and OFHEO look at repeat purchases and exclude new-home purchases, but OFHEO also throws in appraisals that are generated when people refinance their homes. As we have all become very cognizant of lately, what a house will appraise for and what a house will actually sell for on the market can be very different things.<br /><br />2) OFHEO doesn't consider transactions involving loans that are too big or too risky to be guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie, and acknowledges that homes with these mortgages on the upper and lower price ranges are seeing bigger price declines than the homes it tracks.<br /><br />3) NAR looks at sales of existing homes listed by MLSs, and reports median home prices, which reduces the impact of price volatility in upper price ranges.<br /><br />The result is that the Case-Shiller index can show more extreme swings in price -- both up and down -- than NAR or OFHEO's numbers.<br /><br />Read the entire article : <a href="http://www.inman.com/news/2008/06/2/news-analysis-wheres-beef-in-case-shiller-attacks">Click Here</a><br /><br />Refer Garren & <a href="http://www.garren4homes.com.z57preview.com/frame.shtml?http://www.BuyUpNaples.com">Expect Noteworthy Results!</a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-84058743040910301722008-06-05T09:26:00.006-04:002008-06-05T10:02:59.526-04:00Markets Stabilize in Southwest FloridaI’ve heard a number of negative comments lately about some of the positive news that has recently been circling on the news and in various articles, some of which are below. I think the best way to respond to those that believe the news media is being over stated is with hard data and figures. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.floridatrend.com/article.asp?aID=48847383.25753902.638534.2168936.7779502.760&aID2=49109&mostread=true"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jbs4qvo96m4/SEfvPg_aAhI/AAAAAAAAABY/RnuK4jWY0l4/s320/For+Sale+-+SOLD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208394543910224402" /></a>I believe many outside the real estate industry would be surprised to learn that the Naples & Bonita Springs market have seen significant sales over the past 5 months! In the over $1 million market there were 203 single family homes that sold in the first 5 months of this year at an average price just under $2.2 million. At the same time there were 165 <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=1000000&maxprice=&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=condo&beds=&orderby=location">condos over $1 million</a> that sold for an average price of $1.8 million. This accounts for nearly $740 million in sales in just the over $1 million price point with the <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/featuredProperties.aspx">most expensive home</a> selling at $12.9 million and the most expensive condo selling at $9 million. There are certainly both <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&t=single&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&maxprice=1000000&minprice=&beds=&a=Bonita%20Springs,Estero,Naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&WFT=&CommIDs=&IsGolfing=&HasPool=&HasGarage=&SearchID=&Types=&AsMap=&orderby=">homes</a> and <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?&c=&a=bonita%20springs,estero,naples&z=&ratings=&rld=&wft=&commids=&isgolfing=&haspool=&hasgarage=&searchid=&types=&asmap=&minprice=&maxprice=450000&minsqfeet=&maxsqfeet=&t=condo&beds=&orderby=pricedesc">condos that are significantly less that $1 million</a>, but I thought this would illustrate that there are a significant number of sales happening in this market in contrast to many that believe nothing is going on! Also of note was the fact that on average(both single family and condo) properties sold at 89% of their asking price, so on a $2.2 million asking price the property was actually selling at just under $2 million, a $200,000 discount.<br /><br />The Fort Myers-Cape Coral area has been a little slower in rebounding but home sales spiked in April 2008, up 41% over April 2007, so we are definitely seeing a market improvement. <br /><br />Prices have been coming down in both markets and this is certainly a big reason for the surge in sales. As you can see above though, the majority of sellers have lowered their asking prices and <strong>buyers on average are paying within 11% of asking price</strong>. Those seeking to pick up a property at a significant discount over 2005 pricing is possible now as the majority of sellers have lowered their prices to reflect the current market. <br /><br />There are sales taking place and those in the market to purchase should begin to look and take advantage of the best buys in terms of location, view and designer finishes.<br /><br />Southwest Florida is the southern most point in the United States with easy access to I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport. As the mildest climate in the peak winter months it will continue to be a sought after destination. Let me assist you in finding the best buys relative to the current market values and your desires, before the prime properties are picked over. <br /><br />Warm Regards, <br /><br />Garren Grup, REALTOR <br /><br /><a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/SearchResults.aspx?ShowJRW=true&FeaturedPropertiesString=205104074,205108910,206039070,207019641,207019650%20,207025958,207040337,207040339,207041270,207041508%20,207041818,207046746,207048149,207052284,208005297,208009211%20,205104074,205108910,207019641,207019650%20,207025958,207041508%20,207041635,207052284,208009211%20&AgentID=">Click Here</a> for a list of my featured Homes on <a href="http://www.BuyUpNaples.com">www.BuyUpNaples.com</a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2424603213584695616.post-34468913982654247682008-06-03T10:26:00.004-04:002008-06-03T10:51:43.747-04:00Positive News or Media Hype?Quite a bit of attention has been focused on the national real estate market in the last few years by both the news media and consumers as we saw prices run up and then come back down. Somewhere along the way, many of us, including those in the real estate business, lost sight of the most important fact. That is, “All Real Estate is local!” <br> <a href="http://www.buyupnaples.com/estateHomes.aspx"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jbs4qvo96m4/SEVX49m2qZI/AAAAAAAAABQ/bAjnHQDqZE0/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207665180245666194" /></a>Sure, you have heard that before and the national market certainly has some effect on local real estate. Tuning in to the right information and tuning out the information that really does not apply is increasingly difficult in today’s society when we are bombarded by sooooo many messages. There have been some positive articles both locally and nationally on the Naples real estate market lately. By no means is the market back to the way it was at the peak of the market, nor would any of us want it to be! Sure we want the economy to be better, our homes and vacation properties to be worth more and gas prices to be less. <br /><br />During the run-up in prices many buyers in this market refused to buy because they couldn’t find what they wanted(lack of inventory) at the “right” price which really meant they wanted to spend less and get more. We all want more for less, it’s just human nature and of course “consumer behavior”. Many of those buyers waited and waited to purchase and watched prices climb out of reach over the past 6 years. Now that we have seen an average decline in prices of 10%-30% sales are on the upswing again as noted in the news (and my previous blogs below). What many don’t realize is that many of the prices in today’s market are actually below the construction cost while still being nearly 30% above where they were in 2002. <br /><br />Let’s apply a little e logic in our decision making and consider the following. Even if you could duplicate the building today it would cost more than the current prices. Inflation and the growth of emerging economies has strained resources around the world as we’ve all witnessed first-hand at the grocery store and gas pump. <br />Just as we certainly overshot the prices on the way up, we have now overshot on the way down. Many buyers today refuse to accept that this is possible and waiting on prices to decline with the hope they will continue to defy market economics because of what they are hearing about national housing market. On the other hand many have realized that the abundance of <a href="http://www.10mostwanted.com/SearchResults.aspx?InComm=true&t=&minprice=&maxprice=&orderby=tenmost&tenmost=true">opportunities in the market</a> given that we have significantly more inventory than we did a few years ago. It’s now much easier to find the right property with a great view and location at a reasonable price.<br /><br />Now back to my original reason for writing this blog. The Naples & Bonita Springs market is primarily a 2nd home market. Those with the desire and means to purchase should be entering the market over the next several months. Those that want a vacation home and are still sitting on the sidelines are making a big gamble with very poor odds. With interest rates expected to rise 1% over the next year due to inflation any further price decline (that some are waiting for) is almost certain to be wiped out by an increase in <a href="http://garren4homes.com/frame.shtml?http://nt.mortgage101.com/partner-scripts/calculators.asp?p=z57114918">interest rates</a>. For example the payment on a $300,000 property at 6% interest(30yr) is $1,800. If you were waiting for another $30,000 decrease (10% decline) but the interest rate went up even .5% you only saved $90 per month. Is the risk/reward of losing a property that you really want and is currently available worth the cost of waiting? Only the buyer can answer that question but in these terms it defies the logic of those that remain on the sidelines trying to time when the market has really bottomed out. You can’t time any market, just like the top or bottom of the stock market. All you can do is decide if you have the means and ability to pay for it and if the price is “fair”.<br /><br />Let me bring some of the logic and statistics above to your real estate transaction and allow me to filter out some of the media hype that is designed to trigger emotions in all of us!<br />All good real estate consultants analyze the current market based on the past trends (which are the best indicators), what is currently happening in terms of price on comparable properties and what best represents your desires. My loyalty is in providing you with the hard numbers and statistics as well as their interpretation to best inform you so you can make the best decision possible. <br /><br />I look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready to seek the services of a professional. I welcome any comments and thoughts you have below in the mean time.<br /><br /><strong>Garren Grup, <em>REALTOR</em></strong> <br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.buyupnaples.com/search.aspx">Achieving your real estate desires through technology with Noteworthy Results!</a>Garren Grup, REALTOR www.BuyUpNaples.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093893914870074628noreply@blogger.com0