Lessons learned from IRMA.

Looking back on Irma 2017

Consumer update.

IRMA came quickly but not without warning!

• This isn't about staying or leaving  as Irma made her impending arrival known.
• The fact that FEMA never came out to check on us after our daughter called, because we were cut off while talking on the phone, after the storm hit, to see if we were alright.
• Or having to have 17 mature pines and palms removed leaving our property looking like a war zone.
• Or having no power or real hot food for 10 days.

NO!

The beginning of the problem started when we began to access any damage to our home. Yes, we were luckier than many when we realized the roof had tiles that were lifted, cracked or moved around. But the process of finding someone to make the repairs without taking advantage of us, was where it all began.

• Our regular roofer, I called who we learned to trust over the years; we certainly understood that there were many people with our same problem and that we needed to wait our turn. 
• wouldn't come out to access the damage or let us know what could/should be done to make our roof hole again,
• told us without even looking at the roof that they needed 50% up front before they would even look, or help us with the insurance claim,  scare tactics.
• So we felt forced to look elsewhere.

It started after we thought we had enough information and trust as we selected our contractor. There was much back and forth between the contractor who said, "you will not have to pay anything even the deductible" and our insurance carrier; later came to realize this was a play on words. 

"As a consumer thrown into a very unfamiliar situation you find yourself prey and this contractor used that. "

In May 2018 we gave the contractor 1/4 of the total contracted amount but they did not start until  August 30, 2018.

• At that time they started to remove the old roof and prepare for the new going from tile to metal; which took them about 1 week when underlayment was installed over entire roof,
• metal delivered on September 11, 2018,
• so looks like we are well underway, right!!!!

Well on September 13, 2018 at 9:30 PM a large noise alerted us and we turned on the outdoor lighting; thinking it had to be a large tree. WRONG, our entire pool cage collapsed onto the pool area so we stared to take pictures. 

The next morning we began to access what had happened only to find that the structure had been pried away from the roof then a saw was used around the entire structure which removed all support. 

Saw marks

Immediately called my insurance company and got 3 enclosure contractors  to look at and send me quotes for the work to remove and replace the enclosure.

My insurance carrier has denied our claim because it was caused by the contractor.

So 60 days later and the contractor has refused to take responsibility even after our insurance company sent out an engineer to evaluate the situation. His findings were clear, confirmed by the many pictures and measurements he had taken;  with that information he determined that the construction company was at fault so the insurance refused our claim.

Here is where we are; 

• Fighting with a contractor whose workers were negligent in what they did to our enclosure. They have insurance for such things but are refusing to take responsibility.
•  Attornies Morgan and Morgan and Sean King who advertise extensively here will not handle the dispute because the monitory value is not high enough for them.
• an unfinished roof, with a questionable area clearly visible from the front of our home.

• payment now at 50%.

My take away at this point;

• Don’t Panic!
•  As long as nothing has landed on the roof and water is coming in, try to take  a little time to evaluate the situation before spending any money.
• Try to be on the property or have someone you trust on the property when any work is being done,
• Select your contractor from the area where you live,
• DO NOT select a General contractor,
• Select a contractor specializing in your particular situation, ie roofer, plumber, electrician,
• DO NOT SELECT a larger company based all around the country,
• Check the internet for comments on any company you are considering,
• Be sure any disputes have been taken care of and if possible call the complainant for additional feed back,

 

So, Your building a new home in Naples!

Decisions you should have already made;

• What does you and your families lifestyle require;
• Geographic location; Park Shore, Moorings, Coquina Sands, Olde Naples Port Royal and Royal Harbour;
• Gated community or Free standing;
• Gated, we have 73 plus gated communities in the Naples area, will present association fees of one sort or another in addition to your taxes and day to day expenses.
• Free standing, as I like to call it, will give you more property, NO association fees, but you will of course be obligated to pay your taxes and day to day expenses such as you require for your life style.
• You have now visited so many newly constructed Open Houses; l know because I see many of you at my New construction Open Houses,  you are more confused as to what you want than before, look forward to seeing you at my next Open House;
• Once you have secured the land you are in a better position to sit down with an Architect, Naples has many architects, or two and decide which you trust with this new project of yours;
• This choice can be based on price, referrals you have received on their work or just as simple as who can get your drawings the quickest?
• Now on to the Builder; again many new Builders have risen in the Beach corridor of Naples, that being the area west of US 41 ie, The Tamiami Trail North on the West to Royal Harbour on the south and Park Shore on the North ending at Pine Ridge Rd.
• Interior designers, these folks will help you with what type of faucet, sinks, tiles, paint etc will best complement your new home.

My special note to you as you complete this task; be sure you have detailed lists, to put into binders, of everyone and everything that has been build into this home you will remember me years down the road for this advise, which I will share has come from many of my buyers and sellers over the years.

I wish you Luck!

WOW factor, What is yours?

Buyers come to me with many different criteria!

• Price
• Cash or mortgage
• Square footage
• Bedrooms, baths
• Location
• Amenities

But recently my buyers criteria in Old Naples included the WOW factor but has yet to identify what it is.  So as I begin my search I am trying to determine just what it might be.  This homes WOW factor was its closeness to the beach.

What is your WOW factor?

Here in Naples we have one significant "Season".

Most of us grew up with and are aware of the Four Seasons of the year; Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall or Autumn!

Here in Naples we have one significant "Season".

• As a Home Owner "Season" could be described as the time of the year; when you can not get into your favorite restaurant, or park your car close to your favorite store or make an appointment (for anything) for the next day, or get to 5th Ave S in 15 minutes. Or park near the beach unless you get an early start.
• As a Winter Vacationer, "Season" is described as the time of year they make reservations to rent a condo or single family home to enjoy the warm winter months, averaging 75 degrees during the day. It is another part of their life. 
• As a REALTOR, "Season" is when our vacationers turn into Buyers and our home owners turn into "Sellers". It's like when Marshall Fields used to decorate their store fronts with all the prized merchandise and include fun displays to attract the buyers attention. Our Naples displays include, "For Sale" and "Open House" signs.   

How do we REALTORS know that the "Season" is here or has started; the car carriers start to arrive with as many as eight cars per drop all over Naples, every day and every make you can imagine.  

Which community will see the most carriers hard to tell!  Old Naples, Aqualane, Port Royal, Pelican Bay, Grey Oaks, Tiburon, Vanderbilt Beach, Parkshore/Moorings area, Imperial Golf, Naples Square - new construction? 

What  are your current real estate wants and needs? Start your search here! Then contact me for your private showing or more information on any property.

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®,
ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent
e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional
MCNE - Master Certified Negotiation Expert
239-564-0384
agnes@agnestabor.com

Benefits of moving to Naples Florida!

"Did you know the City of Naples has approximately "

• 6,686 residential structures
• 1,264 commercial structures 
• 43 high-rise structures
• 7,666 acres or 11.98 sq. miles of land
• The city limit area is 16.47 square miles
• A total population of 19,537
• 2012 total market value $ 17,730,212,166

City Ratings: 

• The City of Naples currently is rated a Class 2 (Fire Rating) Community by the ISO (Insurance Services Organization). A Class 1 rating is the highest rating and a 10 rating is the lowest. This high rating benefits our residents by allowing them to purchase property insurance at a reduced rate.
• The City of Naples has once again been awarded a Class 6 rating by the CRS (Community Rating System). This high rating allows residents to realize a 20% reduction in the cost of obtaining flood insurance. 
• The City of Naples currently rated a Class 3 BCEGS (Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule) for both residential and commercial buildings. A Class 1 rating is the highest rating and a Class 10 is the lowest. This high rating benefits our residents by allowing them to purchase property insurance at a reduced rate.

What  are your current real estate wants and needs; start your search here https://homeasap.com/agneshtabor ?

Agnes Tabor, Florida Licensed Real Estate Professional 

REALTOR®,

ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent

e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional

MCNE - Master Certified Negotiation Expert

239-564-0384

agnes@agnestabor.com

Naples Florida

I am an 

ABR-Accredited Buyers Representative!

• What does that mean, why would you need me,
• Can you help me negotiate, price, conditions etc,
• Will you be there throughout the transaction process,
• Do I need you if buying new construction,

My job is to first listen to you, my buyers, to determine your motivation, time line, lifestyle, what are your families "Wants and Needs" and  budget.

• Is this an investment,
• Permanent residence,

Geographic location is first, whether to be close to the beach, in a golf community or a preferred school district?

What  are your current real estate wants and needs?

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®,
ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent
e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional
CNE - Certified Negotiation Expert
239-564-0384  agnes@agnestabor.com

What is an Accredited Buyers Representative

I am an 

ABR-Accredited Buyers Representative!

• What does that mean, why would you need me,
• Can you help me negotiate, price, conditions etc,
• Will you be there throughout the transaction process,
• Do I need you if buying new construction,

My job is to first listen to you, my buyers, to determine your motivation, time line, lifestyle, what are your families "Wants and Needs" and  budget.

• Is this an investment,
• Permanent residence,

Geographic location is first, whether to be close to the beach, in a golf community or a preferred school district?

What  are your current real estate wants and needs?

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®,
ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent
e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional
MCNE - Master Certified Negotiation Expert
239-564-0384
agnes@agnestabor.com

4 Seasons or is it 5 in Naples?

We are all familiar with the 4 Seasons, Winter, Spring Summer and Autumn/Fall.  But in Naples we have 5 it's called "Season", the time when folks converge on Naples to escape the cold winter months.

You will find visitors from all over the world Canada is possibly the largest population with Germany and UK being large contenders and my newest buyers from Sweden.

The pilgrimage begins in October and is usually over after spring break about mid April.

The beginning of "Season", how can you tell, well for one the car carriers start entering the city. You have to ask yourself why transport your car for a "vacation". Well when your "vacation" is for 30 days to possibly 6 months it just makes sense. With many of our visitors being owners of condos and single family homes it is their second or third home.

A tremendous increase in all activities not only in Naples but each community within Naples. Folks come together to meet their "Season" friends for spending time at the beach, a round of golf, tennis matches, fishing, boating, many restaurants  and lets not forget our great weather. 

The return of the car carriers  indicates "seasons"end.

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®, 

ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent

e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional

MCNE - Master-Certified Negotiation Expert

239-564-0384  agnes@agnestabor.com

Naples,Florida 34102

New Construction in Naples!

With over 56 communities in Naples and most of them having new construction you will hear such things as;

• Only One left,
• Time is running out,
• Receive $$$ in upgrades,
• Free Golf membership,
• Our latest is Our Last,
• Have it all,
• Models now Open,
• Free pool with purchase,
• "Isn't it Time",
• Move in Ready,
• Coming soon,

These are words of encouragement from builders to bring buyers to see their many new properties. 

New construction is great  because not only is it new, they have new ideas in what is offered. 

• From Single family homes, Condos, Coach homes and Town Houses to,
• The latest technology in amenities, club houses, fitness centers and pools,
• The latest in materials, Granite, Quartz, Marble, 10 foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, impact resistant windows and doors, high efficiency  Air conditioning systems, large working islands in the kitchen and a grander great room allowing everyone to be part of what is going on in the property.

Then
there
is
 location

• Close to the beach, on the beach in Aqualane Shores, Port Royal, Royal Habour
• and of course the most popular Olde Naples
• Golf course communities
• Boating and fishing

What would you be looking for....text, 239-564-0384, me and lets talk?

Don't forget to scroll over to find interesting links.

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®, 

ABR® - Accredited Buyers Repesentative

e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional

MCNE - Master Certified Negotiation Expert

239-564-0384  agnes@agnestabor.com

Naples,Florida 34102

Are you Ready to BUY?

Be prepared before you start looking and make these decisions early on.

• Choose your REALTOR® (not all agents are REALTORS®), agent associate
• When do I want to buy, what is my time frame,
• are you a CASH BUYER
• Have a letter from your bank or financial broker indicating that the funds are available and where are they coming from,
• will you be getting a MORTGAGE,
• A pre-approval letter is what a seller will require if they are going to take their property off the market while your loan goes through,
• be prepared and know where your share of the mortgage will be coming from,
• Be prepared to negotiate
• Let your REALTOR guide you then take the time to listen after all they know the market in the area,
• Every state is different in their requirements to purchase Real Estate; what worked in one may not apply in the other,

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®, 

ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent

e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional

CNE - Certified Negotiation Expert

239-564-0384  agnes@agnestabor.com

Naples,Florida 34102

Naples named one of top 10 again!

There is no doubt the reason that Naples again found itself listed as one of the Top 10 travel destinations.  Come visit Naples Florida during season October thru end of April and you will see the impact we have on visitors. 

If you come as a tourist it won't be long before you are considering buying to continue the enjoyment or our weather and the many amenities. White sand beaches, boating, fishing, Golf, tennis, theatre, galleries.

Selling your property, what is your motivation?

Selling your property?

Are you ready, here are a few things to think about;

• What is your motivation?
• downsize/upsize,
• new construction,
• demographic, same area but another location,
• amenities
• bored
• What do you expect from this sale?
• Financially,
• Know as we go thru the listing process the things you are willing to give up,
• Understand that the expensive new floor that you installed or the over the top appliances might not be what the buyer wants.
• Please make renovations to your property that you have decided that you would like or have always wanted. Don't do it with the idea that you must be reimbursed. 

 Do it, enjoy it, then be ready to move on!

We have here in Naples a strong buying season which is typically January thru the end of April. Make no mistake, our real estate market is strong all year. But when you consider that our population grows to more than triple and a large portion of that population has now decided to buy then you can realize why I say we have a "Strong Season".

As a seller, inventory is very low so this is a very good time to present your property to the public.

Marketing your property is important!

• Yes it will go into our Multiple listing service so that anyone, anywhere with access to the internet and a computer can view your property;
• But what is the follow up process that your agent is following?

Access to your property is important! I like Open Houses the neighbors come thru and there will always be one that will say, "Oh, I am just a nosey neighbor"; but neighbors have family and friends that want to live in your community so welcome the Open House sign on your property.

If you are ready to sell please do not add a tenant to the mix; buyers want to see the property as soon as possible.

It's not a question of who will market your home for the highest price, because when your property is still on the market in 90 days with no interest, no offers, you have lost that valuable time and many buyers. 

Ask me about

marketing your home.

Based on information from the MLS these properties were not all listed or sold by Premiere Plus Realty Co. and were listed or sold by various MLS Participating Offices. These properties may not be all the listed properties in the target area. All material

facts and information from MLS should be verified.”

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®, 

ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent

e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional

CNE - Certified Negotiation Expert

239-564-0384  agnes@agnestabor.com

Naples,Florida 34102

Aqualane Shores in Naples

One of the things that I do for my buyers is preview the on market homes and condos in Naples! 

Yesterday I chose Aqualane Shores, just south of what is referred to as Olde Naples. This home features 5 bedrooms, 8 baths, private infinity edge pool, 3 car garage and outstanding boating on an 80ft canal w/a 60ft linear deepwater dock & sought after 36ft x 20ft covered, covered is unique and is only available where one already exists, boat slip cut in. 

Ask me about Aqualane and Olde Naples or any of our many luxury properties available for sale!

Aqualane - The Naples neighborhood of Aqualane Shores is designed for the boating community, with most homes having direct access to the Gulf of Mexico through Naples Bay.

Olde Naples -The Old Naples neighborhood in the City of Naples has most of the original homes in Naples, many dating from near the turn of the century.  Extending north from the Third Street South shopping area to the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club and west from US 41 to the beach, the neighborhood is filled with mature palms and tropical landscaping and a mix of old and new homes.

Based on information from the MLS these properties were not all listed or sold by Premiere Plus Realty Co. and were listed or sold by various MLS Participating Offices. These properties may not be all the listed properties in the target area. All material

facts and information from MLS should be verified.”

Agnes Tabor REALTOR®, 

ABR® - Accredited Buyers Agent

e-PRO® - Electronic Internet Professional

239-564-0384  agnes@agnestabor.com

Naples,Florida 34102

Move to Naples Florida: What comes first, "The Community or The Home"

Move to Naples Florida: What comes first, "The Community or The Home"

What comes first, "The Community or The Home"

A recent experience with buyers would indicate the community would be the most important factor.

It must reflect the family lifestyle at that particular stage in their life. In this case the age of the children, 5 and 7,  played a very important  role.

 I selected three communities in Naples, Collier County, the Dunes, Cove Towers at Wiggins Bay and Pelican Isle. All chosen for their amenities, located close to the beach, tennis and many activities. They all  had the basic interior requirements, updated, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a view,  approximately 3000 square feet of living area, secured personal parking and located in a gated community.

It took the better part of the day!  But the most important thing was that with each community we entered, in the end the condo, although was important took second place to the actual community. A realization that in this particular case it was important that we were out and about viewing during the "living" part of the day. That being when many people are using the amenities! 

Our decision was made and it was The Dunes located in the Vanderbilt Beach, Wiggins Pass area in North Naples. Here you could

• Walk to the beach, 
• the large community pool,
• clay court tennis courts,
• fitness center
• and be close to some of our fine restaurants and be close to
• The LaPlaya Club on the beach

At the end of the day I said goodbye to my buyers to rest and make our final decision in the morning. As I headed to my office I received a text, they had found one more from my REALTOR app that I shared and could we view in the morning. I made the appointment and it was a scramble  because there flight was leaving at 2PM that day. My buyers left at noon and called me the next day to prepare the offer .... it is now several months and they along with the children and grandchildren are enjoying their part of paradise at, 

The 

 Dunes

              "We just love the unit and the area. We can't thank you enough." Phillip

Thought You'd be Interested

Thought You'd be Interested

Naples is an area of many interests! Season, typically from January 1 to end of April, sees our yearly population double if not triple. People come to escape the coooold winters up north from all over the world. Naples is like any social club you have joined in that there is always something scheduled to keep life interesting.




Our Von Liebig Art Center has several art shows with the largest, juried show,  held in Cambier Park in Olde Naples. Venders are invited to participate  from all types of media, bronze, silver, wood, paint, jewelry, ceramic and many more; it is an interesting array. 

     

Parades for every holiday moving along
Olde Naples 5th Avenue S and our 3rd Street
historical district. This guy enjoyed the parade
from one of the  parade vehicles on 4th of July. 
At some times I think the dogs outnumber the people. 

Even children are entertained by the events.

Of course there is plenty of food!

Is Real Estate still a good investment?.

You bet!

Are you an investor, what do you invest in,

• Art, cars, stocks, bonds, education for your children and the list goes on and on

When do you invest,

• When what you are interested in is at it's highest, after a split or it's lowest?

You have now answered the main question "Is Real Estate still a good investment?"

In Naples we have our moderate winters, no snow to shovel, choices being Golf, Beach, Tennis, The Phil, and our theaters, there is always something happening here.

Our inventory in Naples is coming down and median prices are rising (in some cases a 93% L/S ratio) an indicator that our investors are taking advantage of the lower market to make adjustments to their Real Estate portfolios. We are seeing more properties  priced to the market which means they are going to contract quicker.

As a REALTOR in Naples Florida the most common reasons for buying in this market are;

• An opportunity to purchase in an area that was unattainable a few years ago, for example 
• being  closer to the Beach
• Being in Old Naples where you can walk to everything, 
• our famous 5th Ave S and 3rd Ave S. shopping districts where you will find restaurants (many with side walk cafes), boutiques, Art galleries, Von Liebig Art museum, 
• or if you are a boater consider Aqualane Shores or Port Royal where you will have a boat dock and unobstructed direct access (no bridges) to the Gulf, or Little Harbour.
• Some buyers are looking to down size or up size realizing the bonus is the current buyers market.
  
  I would like to know what you think?
  
  Agnes Tabor, REALTOR
  239 564-0384
  agnes@agnestabor.com
  PREMIERE PLUS REALTY
  Naples Florida

5 Reasons to Have a Home Inspection!

Alright you have decided to "Move to Naples Florida and realize that a Home Inspection is in order; What 5 things should be considered for this inspection?

• The top of the list should be a good Home Inspection Company,
• be sure they have been recommended
• don't always be swayed by the price, it's experience, knowledge, certification ASHI
• Basic inspection,
• will include, all appliances, airconditioners, windows, doors, cabinets, electrical outlets, garage door opener, electric storm shutters if installed, doorbells, showers, tubs, toilets and faucets to start,
• Mold,
• this test is performed at the same time with special equipment that takes two measurements, one outside the home and the other inside for comparison; these tests are sent out to a lab for analysis;
• Chinese Drywall,
• Here you have a new area recently discovered in homes built or remodeled around 2005-2007; here too is a test that is performed by a lab, 3x3 or 4x4 samples are cut from an obsure area in the home probably in a closet, these samples are sent out to a lab to be tested; there are other ways to determine Chinese Drywall seen here.
• Radon
• Radon comes from the ground, sometimes transported from one place to the other in such things as agrigate used to make cement or can be found in granate or other like materials; this too requires special testing by certified persons. Equipment is placed into the home and left for about 73 hours test. There are health issues related to this toxin.
• Termites etc
• Wood boring insects can be a problem anywhere but probably more so in a sub-tropical climate

Spend a day in Naples

Naples is many things, today it's City Fest with 15 days of sights, sounds and good food all centered around Old Naples.

1. Can you imagine the 7 Places where you will find the many visitors in Naples for the next 2 weeks?

1. Old Naples, everyone seems to be drawn to Old Naples, to some people Old Naples Is Naples. Old Naples is a city unto itself, a hub located at the furthest southern end of Naples south of here you will find our many boating and beach homes located in the communities of , Aqualane Shores, Royal Harbour and Port Royal with access to the Gulf of Mexico thru Naples Bay and Gordon Pass.


2. 5th Avenue South most often the first place visitors come when they think about Naples. with its shops, Restaurants, sidewalk cafe's, boutiques and fine Art Galleries.


3. Third Street South Historical District an original and actually where it all began this is the land mass immediately accessable to Naples Pier which at one time was the only way to gain access to Naples.


4. Tin City located steps to Old Naples on the East Trail (41) and Naples Bay; restaurants, fishing docks and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.


5. Designer District located just east of 5th Avenue south and North of Tin City.


6. Bay Front located on Naples Bay surrounded by buildings that give a feeling of Italy, engulfed by fine shops, restaurants, and access to the Gulf of Mexico with average water temperatures of 78.1.


7. Crayton Cove, on Naples Bay just south of Tin City and East of the Third Street Historical District, surrounded by Luxury condos, with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.

City Festivities created with an understanding of what our visitors and residents of Naples have grown to expect from the City of Naples. Old Naples is a lifestyle where you live to walk or bike from you beach front home or condo to the Naples Beach, Naples Pier, 5th Avenue South, Third Street Historical District and Tin City