Friday, November 30, 2007

Let's Talk... Todays News!
Brought to you by Michelle DeNomme, REALTOR with Prudential Florida WCI Realty and your financial partners at WCI Mortgage, an Affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage!

In today’s competitive market, it’s essential that we maximize every aspect of our business. From time management and productivity to marketing and developing client relationships, there are numerous challenges and opportunities facing every professional.

In The News:

Fed Official Sees Housing Rebound
American Banker, November 28, 2007
By Steven Sloan

The worst of the problems in the housing market should pass by June 30, according to Charles Plosser, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
"I expect the decline in housing activity will bottom out by the end of the second quarter next year," Mr. Plosser said in a speech outlining his economic forecast at the University of Rochester. "Residential investment should then turn positive in the remaining quarters of the year, for the first time in more than two years." He also said the Fed cannot help the market determine the true price of risky subprime mortgages.

"It is important to recognize that the Federal Reserve cannot resolve this price discovery problem," he said. "The markets will have to figure this out."

Traveling around the state and speaking to many others in the Real Estate industry, I find that so many of us have much in common as we navigate the waters of the current market. We agree that the media is driving much of this. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we educate our clients. It is up to us! It is a buyer’s market and there are buyers out there. We have to do what we do best, bring the buyers and sellers together. We are going back to the basics to get this done. In the end, we will be stronger and better for it!
In light of all of the media news, I thought it would be enlightening, and fun, to share some of the media quotes that have been made in the past. If you would like to copy and share any information in the Team News with your clients, please feel free to do so.
Media Quotes Regarding Housing Forecast… This puts the media coverage we see and hear into perspective Tracking the Track Record What the ‘Experts’ Say about Housing Prices

“The prices of houses seem to have reached a plateau, and there is reasonable expectancy that prices will decline.”- Time Magazine 1947

“Houses cost too much for the mass market. Today’s average price is out of reach for two-thirds of all buyers.” Science Digest 1948 (average price at the time: $8,000)

“The goal of owning a home seems to be getting beyond the reach of more and more Americans.”-Business Week 1969 (average price at the time: $28,000)

“The era of easy profits in real estate may be drawing to a close.”-Money Magazine 1981

“If you are looking to buy, be careful. Rising home values are not a sure thing anymore.”-Miami Herald 1985

“Most economists agree…a home will become little more than a roof and a tax deduction, certainly not the lucrative investment it was…”-Money Magazine 1986

“We’re starting to go back to the time when you bought a home not for its potential money-making abilities, but rather as a nesting spot.”-Los Angeles Times 1993 Note that 1993 was the absolute low-point for real estate values in Los Angeles. Prices have sky-rocketed since.

“Financial planners agree that houses will continue to be a poor investment.”
-Kiplinger’s Personal Financial Magazine 1993

“A home is where the bad investment is.” -San Francisco Examiner 1996

Why use WCI Mortgage, an Affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage?
The list is endless! But we will list and go into detail on one each week. Let’s start with- We’re part of your TEAM! We are here to support you and your efforts! Grow our successes together~ as one. When you succeed, we succeed. We have many programs in place to ensure your success.

Straight To Close!

This is a program that our clients love and our Realtor partners too! Straight to close is a program that is exactly as I sounds- an acceptable appraisal, title, homeowner’s insurance, and straight to close you go!

Realtor Question: Will my buyer pay a higher rate to qualify for the straight to close program?

WCI Mortgage Answer: Not with us! We will give them the standard rate for the product of their choice, be it one of our many ARMs or one of our fixed rate options!

Realtor Question: How do I find out if my buyer can qualify for straight to close?

WCI Mortgage Answer: Call us! We can speak with your client and let you know within 30 minutes!

With all of the recent changes in the industry, to still have this program available is a high benefit to all parties involved. Realtors know that they have a commitment up front, buyer and sellers know that they have a commitment up front! Allows for faster closings, better efficiencies, better customer service= Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Lets Talk! If you have questions about any of our programs and products, or if you would like to speak with us about our partnership with you, please call us! We are committed to your success!
After all, we are a team!
Michelle DeNomme, REALTOR


Thought of the week:

“Tomorrow comes at us with ever-increasing speed. We need to engage it- today. Seize its opportunity- now. Start shaping its possibilities- in this very moment. And our approach must be very different from behaviors we’ve relied on in the past. The promise and opportunities that the future offers are outstanding. Truly unprecedented. But we have to deliberately manage toward maƱana.”
~Price Pritchett

Friday, November 2, 2007

Let's Talk!!!

I have some new news to share with you about our market here in Naples...
Please take a moment to read the following attached link...
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/real_estate/0706/gallery.condo_bargain_hunting.fortune/2.html

Have you ever wondered who buys and sells luxury homes?
How about the strategies employed by agents who work with affluent homeowners? Good news!
The Luxury Home Council has recently released the results of The 2007 Membership Survey of Luxury Housing Market Trends just in time to answer all of your burning questions. The survey's findings provide revealing insight into the trends of the luxury home market. If you have any further questions regarding this current Trends Report, please email (Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com) or I would appreciate hearing from you.

Highlights from the report include:
The largest percentage of luxury home buyers falls into the 40-50 age group (48%) followed closely by the 50-65 age group (44%). These affluent buyers are what marketing experts describe as the "Baby Boomer" market, a 78 million strong segment of the population that has reached its peak earning years and is now benefiting from a rising stock market and historically high home prices.
The most common occupation of luxury home buyers is that of an entrepreneur (51%), followed by large business executive (46%) or medical doctor (24%). The number one service affluent home buyers are interested in receiving from their luxury home specialist is help in finding a home (86%) followed by help in managing the transaction (56%), and expert counsel during a negation (43%) The typical luxury home buyer makes a large cash investment in their home purchase amounting to over a third of the overall purchase price. In many metro markets this would exceed a quarter of a million dollars. This compares to the median amount financed by all buyers in 2006 of 91% of the purchase price.

The average luxury home buyer spends 11 weeks looking for a home and views 12 homes.
Luxury home buyers on average search for homes consisting of at least 3500-4000 square feet, with 4-5 bedrooms, and 3-4 bathrooms.

When selecting a home to purchase luxury home buyers often search for a home that will provide a lifestyle not just a place to live. The most popular amenities include gourmet kitchens (95%), master bedroom suites (86%), specialty construction items (66%), high end appliance packages (64%), home office suites (58%), and home theater rooms (55%).

By far the vast majority of luxury home buyers active in the market today are best described as "new money". This means that they are not merely living off the successes of past generations. This data is further supported by a report from research firm TNS which reports that the number of millionaires in the US has reached an all time high of 9.3 million households as of mid-2006.

The average listing price for luxury homes is nearly $900,000 dollars, or over four times more than the median price of all US Homes as of May 15, 2007 ($212,300).

To view the complete report visit http://www.luxuryhomecouncil.com/.

The 2007 Membership Survey of Luxury Housing Market Trends was conducted between April 24, 2007 and May 29, 2007 utilizing software provided by Zoomerang.com. The survey was sent to 1036 members of the Luxury Home Council, an exclusive group of REALTORS® who specialize in selling Luxury Housing, 202 members provided useable answers to the survey questions.

I have also attached my "Fine Home Listings" For Your Review...

Serafina at Tiburon:

2924 Tiburon Blvd East... MLS # 207026259
http://tours4.vht.com/STD/T1125450/nobranding

2880 Tiburon Blvd East... MLS # 207007895
http://tours3.vht.com/STD/T1056747/nobranding

Royal Harbor:
1409 Dolphin Road... MLS # 206053564 ...
http://tours4.vht.com/ROF/T1100851/nobranding


Ventanas at Tiburon:
2748 Tiburon Blvd East, C-503... MLS # 207002185
http://tours4.vht.com/STD/T1104074/nobranding

Bolero at Tiburon:
2625 Estrella Court, Unit 103... MLS # 207013894
http://tours4.vht.com/STD/T1113438/nobranding

Castillo at Tiburon:
2874 Castillo Court, Unit 101... MLS # 207014232
http://tours4.vht.com/STD/T1113507/nobranding

Saratoga at Lely:
8196 Saratoga Drive, Unit 504... MLS # 206055985...
http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?sk=13&t=834114

Mariposa at Whippoorwill:
1325 Mariposa Circle, Unit 104 ... MLS # 207006846
http://tours4.vht.com/STD/T50001085/nobranding

Sapphire Lakes:
228 Belina drive, Unit 608... MLS # 207040807
http://tours4.vht.com/STD/T1140592/nobranding


As always if you have any questions regarding Real Estate in Southwest Florida, please feel free to contact me by calling 239.404.7787....
Prudential Florida WCI Realty
Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com
Cellular Phone 239.404.7787
http://www.michelledenomme.com/
Michelle DeNomme, REALTOR

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Let's Talk... Naples Beach Pass!

Let's Talk... It's that time once again to renew your Naples Beach Pass...

It's as easy as one, two, three...

How to receive your Parking Sticker...

Collier County taxpayers may receive a permit to park at all City of Naples and Collier County beaches free of charge. Documentation needed to prove eligibility is listed below, and all materials must be originals and show the property owner's or resident's complete name. Persons who own property or register a vehicle within Collier County are considered tax payers for this purpose.

Beach parking stickers must be permanently affixed to the left rear bumper of the vehicle listed on the application card, and are not transferrable. Vehicles with valid beach permits may park free of charge in metered spaces at City and County beaches, beach ends of City streets, and in any space designated as requiring a beach permit.
Requirements - Full Time Residents:
1. Florida driver's license with Collier County address, or Collier County voter's registration
card.
2. Collier County vehicle registration, or non-Collier vehicle registration and Collier County
tax statement.
Requirements - Part Time Residents:

1. Out of state driver's license.

2. Vehicle registration.

3. Collier County tax statement, or deed or closing papers for property in Collier County.

Visitors to the City of Naples:
As of March 1, 2007, the City and the County will begin selling annual beach parking stickers for $30 to visitors and part-time residents who do not own property. The stickers will cover 12 months of parking beginning at the time of purchase.

$30 beach parking stickers are available at the following locations:
· Caxambas Park
· Veterans Community Park
· North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall
· North Collier Government Services Center - Orange Blossom
· City of Naples - City Hall

If visitors do not wish to purchase an annual beach parking sticker, they still have the option to pay as they park. Visitors without a permit must park in metered spaces. In the City limits, the rate is 25 cents for 15 minutes. Parking meters accept quarters only, however the parking lots at the Naples Pier and Lowdermilk Park accept bills and credit cards.

Parking at the Naples Landing Boat Launch By Resolution 02-9553, the City established fees for annual parking permits at Naples Landing Park. People who want to park at the boat launch can pay with quarters at the meters (four quarters for an hour), and we have a change machine available for their convenience. However, frequent boat launch users may find the calendar year permit to their advantage.

$60.00 for a calendar year annual permit purchased prior to May 1st of any calendar year.
$40.00 for a calendar year annual permit purchased prior to September 1st of any calendar year.
$20.00 for a calendar year annual permit purchased on or after September 1st of any calendar year

These permits are available at City Hall, 735 8th Street South, at the Customer Service/Cashier Counter, during our regular business hours. Please note that these permits are only good at the Landings, and expire on December 31, annually.

There is limited free parking at the Landings for vehicles that are not towing trailers. We encourage you to visit this lovely park, and look forward to seeing you there!
Just remember that by visiting my web-site you can receive valuable information that may be helpful to you...

Come and take a look by logging on to http://www.napleshomesweethome.com/
I can also be reached by calling 239.404.7787
Have a GREAT day!
Michelle


Let's Talk about My Deal that Rock's...


Castillo at Tiburon...

Come and Live the day away at Castillo at Tiburon...

Voted the BEST Deal in all of Castillo...
Outstanding Buyer Incentives!

Contact me today for all the details... 239.404.7787





















Michelle DeNomme, REALTOR
Prudential Florida WCI Realty
Let's Talk! Naples Events!

I have put together a calendar of some of our Top Naples Events...
I hope you can save the dates and attend theses events that only Naples downtown has to offer...
See you there!

Calendar of Events....

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2007
"CRUISING THE TROPICS" EVENING ON 5TH AVE., S. , 6:30-9:30PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2007
FALL WINE TOUR, PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS ON 5TH AVE, BAYFRONT AND TIN CITY, 5:30-9:00PM

Friday, November 30th, 2007
Naples 6th Charity Event a “Fun” Raiser for the "Sunshine Kids" Join us in Celebrating a evening of fun at the Naples Beach Hotel Golf & Tennis Club Friday, November 30, 2007, Giggles at 6:00 p.m. Cocktails and Eatables with Silent and Live Auction All to the outstanding sounds of Phoenix! $ 75.00 Admits One Person.
Be sure to contact me for all the details... Michelle DeNomme, 239.404.7787

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK, 5TH AVE. S., & SUGDEN PLAZA, 6-9PM. (this is a change from the Downtown Naples Guide.)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2007
HANUKAH CELEBRATION, SUGDEN PLAZA

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2007
CITY OF NAPLES CHRISTMAS PARADE, 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2007
TUBA CHRISTMAS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2007
HOLIDAY EVENING ON FIFTH AVENUE, 6-9PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30
DOWNTOWN NAPLES FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS ON 5TH AVE., SOUTH , 10:00 AM TO 5:00
Please contact me, 239.404.7787 for all of the details to each of the scheduled events...
Have a fantastic evening!
Michelle
Let's Talk!!!
Florida House & Senate Pass Property TAX-REFORM Plan...

With overwhelming bi-partisan support, the Florida House & Senate passed an improved property tax reform plan yesterday that is expected to provide over $12 billion in tax relief during the next 5 years.

Our early understanding of the major benefits of the bill are as follows:
* The homestead exemption is doubled from $25,000 to $50,000, although the second $25,000
exemption will not reduce local school tax collections.
* Preserves the Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap of 3% and provides for Save Our Homes
Portability. Permits a homesteader moving to a higher priced home (higher than the value of
their current home based on the tax appraiser’s “Just Value Assessment”) to take all of his
SOH savings up to a maximum of $500,000.

For homesteaders moving to a less expensive home, the plan would allow them to take a portion of their SOH savings. See below for an explanation and examples of the formula to be used to determine the amount of SOH savings that would be applied to the new residence.
The portability provision of the bill would be retroactive to January 1, 2007 and therefore would cover any homesteader who purchased another residence in 2007 for a total of 2 years. Jan 1, 2007 to Jan 1, 2009.

* Approves a controversial proposal from the House that provides an assessment cap similar to
the “Save Our Homes,” Cap, to second home owners-non-homestead and commercial
properties. The cap is set at 10% and represents a huge precedent for a state to provide tax
assessment caps for second home, investment and commercial property owners.

This non-homestead cap of 10% for second home purchasers, and investors will represent a substantial savings if buyers move quickly to take advantage and lock in the low prices we now see in today’s market.
* The plan also includes a $25,000 exemption for the taxes businesses pay on equipment and
other personal property.

SAVE OUR HOMES PORTABILITY FORMULA AND EXAMPLES...
If the homesteader is purchasing a home that carries a just value greater than or equal to the just value of the prior homestead, the assessed value of the new homestead shall be the just value of the new homestead minus an amount equal to the lesser of $500,000 or the difference between the just value and the assessed value of the prior homestead.

A Current Homesteader Who Purchases a Home that Exceeds the Just Value of His Current Home Current Homestead
(A) Current Just Value of his property is $500,000
(B) Has a Save Our Home (SOH) savings of - $200,000
(C) Pays taxes on the remaining assessed value of =$300,000
Newly Purchased Homestead
(D) Just value of the new property is $800,000
(E) Minus the $200,000 SOH savings above -$200,000
(F) Equals the assessed value of the new homestead $600,000

The maximum amount of SOH savings that this homeowner can take with them is the lesser of $200,000 or $500,000 and therefore the $200,000 would apply.
A Current Homesteader Who Purchases a Home that is Less than the Just Value of His Current Home Current Homestead
(G) Current Just Value of his property is $600,000
(H) Has a Save Our Homes (SOH) savings on his -$300,000 current homestead of 50%
(I) Equals the adjusted assessed value of $300,000
Newly Purchased Homestead with a just value of $400,000 The assessed value of the new homestead shall be equal to (J) the just value of the new homestead divided by the (K) just value of the prior homestead and multiplied by (L) the assessed value of the prior homestead. ie:
(J) Just Value of the New Property $400,000
(K) Just Value of the Prior Homestead above (G) $600,000
(L) Assessed Value of the Prior Homestead above (I) $300,000
(J) divided by (K) multiplied by (L) = the assessed value of the new homestead
$400,000 divided by $600,000 multiplied by $300,000 equals approximately $200,000, the
amount the new property will be assessed for.

However, if the difference between the just value of the new homestead and the assessed value of the new homestead calculated is greater than $500,000, the assessed value of the new homestead shall be increased so that the difference between the just value and the assessed value does not exceed $500,000. ie:
(M) $1,000.000 Just Value of the new homestead
(N) $ 400,000 Assessed Value of the new homestead
(After applying the above mentioned formula above)

The difference between the just value of $1 Million dollars and the value of the new assessment of $400,000 is $600,000. This exceeds the permitted maximum of $500,000 and therefore the $400,000 assessment on the new homestead would be raised to $500,000.
Although the final plan was not as ambitious as what the House proposed, it provides great benefits to owners of primary, second homes, investment and commercial properties.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, the cap on second home and investment property assessments represent a unique opportunity for buyers to lock in substantial tax savings based on the historically low prices we see today. This record setting property tax plan should be vigorously supported by all as it has substantial benefits for all property owners. This proposal will be included on the Presidential ballot of Jan. 29, 2008, when voters go to the polls.

I hope that this helps to provide you with an overall outline as to how the Tax-Reform Plan stands as of today... Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have by e-mail or by cell at 239.404.7787...
Have a GREAT day!
Michelle
Prudential Florida WCI Realty
Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com
Cellular Phone 239.404.7787
www.MichelleDeNomme.com
Michelle DeNomme, REALTOR
Let's Talk! International ...

This is an international website with over 3 million properties around the world. When someone from another country does a search for Naples Florida properties, your property will appear on the site with only a limited number of other Naples properties. For instance, with over 11,000 Naples properties currently available, only 839 appear on this site.
Yours is one of them. www.WorldProperties.com takes information from Realtor.com but only from a limited number of brokers who have signed up to appear on WorldProperties.com.

By simply clicking on the link to my website, www.NaplesHomesweetHome.com you will be able to view my Fine Home Listings, "Deals that Rock" and be sure to view my new informational pages such as "Michelle's Rolodex "and much much more!

Have a terrific day!
Michelle DeNomme, Realtor®Selling Naples Florida Real Estate
Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com