Frank Petras

Healthy Price Gains?

May 24th, 2013

Housing starts in March 2013 crossed the one million mark for the first time in five years. For the first time in a long time we are seeing prices go up in the housing market, at a double-digit pace in many parts of the country, according to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, the National Association of Realtors.

Consider what demand would look like if underwriting restrictions were dialed back to a reasonable level; this is a possibility for two reasons. The banks are now flush with cash and the quality of recently underwritten mortgages has been high, according to Yun. This could drive up prices faster than what we might want for a healthy real estate recovery. If banks start easing overly strict lending requirements, this could mean fast growth. The only way to manage the price jumps we are starting to see now, would be to see an increase in inventory.

Inventory is very low right now…we have too many buyers chasing too few sellers and not enough housing starts to balance the deficit. Nobody, including me, wants to see the market rise too fast only to crash. If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the time to get into the market in Naples. Resales are a great value and buyers will come looking.

As a REALTOR in Naples, Florida with a very impressive international client list, I am known for my incomparable market knowledge, exceptional customer service, superior negotiating skills, high-end global targeted marketing and tremendous results. I have an unrivaled reputation as a luxury property specialist. I have earned local and national recognition for marketing and selling multimillion dollar luxury waterfront and golf course estates and other fine properties in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and the surrounding areas.

When you’re looking for an extraordinary home in Naples, Florida you deserve extraordinary service. Please call me, Frank Petras, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. I can be reached at (239) 595-2221 or online at www.FrankPetras.com.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: florida, home buying, home selling, housing starts, luxury homes, march 2013, Naples
Posted in Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Market Data | Comments Off

Culture Abounds in SW Florida

May 23rd, 2013

Over the past decade, the arts have transformed southwest Florida into one of the state’s most cosmopolitan areas. Audiences delight in our performing arts scene, where talented local actors bring life to Broadway favorites and new plays at intimate community playhouses; TheatreZone and Naples Players / Sugden Community Theatre come to mind.

In Naples, Artis-Naples (formerly The Phil) is the premier performing arts hall in Southwest Florida, hosting more than 400 events a year including world-class dance, opera, classical and popular music and Broadway musicals. Artis-Naples features four art galleries and two sculpture gardens. The Collector’s Corner offers an outstanding variety of art and rare gifts for sale.

In Fort Myers, the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall has played host to the most popular shows and performing artists in the country for the last 20 years including Mama Mia, The Producers, Movin’ Out and so many more. You name it, they’ve had it. And if the show you’re looking for hasn’t played yet, chances are, it will. Click Here for a more complete list of cultural art venues.

Fine arts lovers will enjoy a host of exceptional galleries and studios including The Von Liebig Art Center in Naples, The Marco Island Center for the Arts, Big Cypress Gallery, Debruyne Fine Art, Everglades Gallery, and so many more. The galleries are bursting with brilliant renderings of the picturesque local environment, unique wildlife and breathtaking sunsets. A complete list of galleries, theatre groups, museums & more can be found here.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: art, artis-naples, cultural arts, frank petras, ft myers, history, luxury homes, museums, Naples, nature, the phil, theatre
Posted in Home Buyers, Things to Do | Comments Off

Summer Jazz on the Gulf is Here!

May 22nd, 2013

Grab a blanket or lawn chair and get ready for summer jazz at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club! Starting in June, live jazz musicians and bands provide music every evening throughout the summer months. The shows are held from 7PM to 10PM on the resort’s Watkins Lawn, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

During the event, the resort’s signature restaurant, HB’s on the Gulf, and its poolside food and bar pavilion will be open for patrons. Hotel guests will receive complimentary parking at the resort and concert-goers not staying on the property can park at Lowdermilk Park. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets, but coolers are not permitted. For more information, call (800) 237-7600 or visit www.NaplesBeachHotel.com.

We all love the Naples Beach Hotel and this tradition of music that has been around for years. Locals and visitors all congregate on the lawn for a relaxing evening with friends and family. It’s a Naples tradition and a wonderful way to enjoy the summer nights.

When you’re looking for an extraordinary home in the Naples, Florida area you deserve extraordinary service. Please call me, Frank Petras, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. I can be reached at (239) 595-2221 or online at www.FrankPetras.com.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: frank petras, gulf of mexico, home buying, home selling, jazz, luxury homes, naples beach hotel, things to do
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Relocating to SW Florida?

May 21st, 2013

Planning a smooth, successful relocation requires careful attention to detail. Whether you are moving from a neighboring county, across the country or around the world, understanding the helpful resources available to you here in the Southwest Florida area is invaluable. Please click here and I will send you FREE relocation information.

I specialize in luxury home sales in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero. For information on many of the most prestigious buildings and neighborhoods in this area, please click here; here you will find brief excerpts of what Naples and the surrounding area has to offer.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida -Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: Bonita springs, estero, frank petras, luxury homes, moving, Naples, relocating
Posted in Home Buyers, Home Sellers | Comments Off

Should You Consider a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage?

May 17th, 2013

Do you qualify for a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage and is this something you should consider?

If you are 62 years old or older and have paid off most of your mortgage you may qualify for a home-equity conversion mortgage. An HECM allows borrowers to tap into 50% or more of their home’s equity up to $625,500, depending on their age. If a borrower wants to borrow against more than $625,500 of equity, a reverse jumbo loan is required. Interest rates on these are typically 1% to 2% higher than an HECM, and borrowers are only allowed to access 25% of their equity.

Seniors with high-dollar homes are using reverse jumbo mortgages to raise cash without having to sell their property using payments to cover high property taxes, health care costs or make improvements that would allow them to stay in their homes. Reverse mortgages require maintaining the home as the primary residence, so many seniors use it as a way to age in place.

As many as 70% of new FHA-insured reverse-mortgage holders are taking their cash up front, with the average age of borrower at 72 years old, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which regulates lenders. The downside is that “people are tapping into their home equity in greater amounts at a younger age…the concern is that as people live longer, they may be depleting their equity prematurely and not have the assets they need to pay for a nursing home or other needs to age in place at home.” Reverse mortgages also may leave less equity for heirs, Ms. Garcia, a senior attorney and manager of the financial-services program of Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, said.

Perhaps the wise thing to do is sell the home and find something less expensive and easier to manage? As an expert in the luxury real estate market I am qualified and prepared to help you determine the right move for you.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: florida, frank petras, jumbo mortgage, luxury homes, mortgages, Naples, reverse mortgage
Posted in Home Buyers, Home Sellers | Comments Off

April Sales Data Shows Continued Growth

May 15th, 2013

The market report for the Naples, Bonita and Estero area shows signs of positive growth. Year to date homes in the $1.0 million and greater price category have reached the highest level of closings since 2007; up 15.8% from 278 in 2012 to 322 in 2013 YTD. Buyers are still negotiating the sales price; however, the sellers are getting more for their real estate as seen with the upward trend in closed sale prices.

Average days on the market for closed properties YTD is at the lowest level since 2006. The average is 156 days, or slightly greater than five months.

Pended transactions increased 10% from April 2012. The $750,000 to $1.0 million price range experienced a 42% increase in pended transactions and the under $250,000 price range saw a decrease of 6%. It is expected that with an increase in the sale to list price ratio, home values are expected to increase in the short term.

As of May 1, 2013, available inventory in the combined Naples, BonitaSprings and Estero market stands at 6,106 units (3,194 condominiums and 2,912 single family homes). This represents a 6.4 month supply based on the number of closings in the past 12 months. 62 percent of the active listings as of May 1, 2013 are under $500,000; the average list price under $500,000 is $263,653 and the median list price is $249,000.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida -Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: april, buyers, closed, frank petras, listed, luxury homes, market report, Naples, pended, sales data, sellers, YTD
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From the Gold Coast to the Paradise Coast; Iconic Images of Mansions and Money!

May 13th, 2013

If you live in Florida you might be familiar with our coastline nicknames including “the Treasure Coast, the Gold Coast, the Forgotten Coast, the Space Coast, and in Naples (my favorite coast) we have the Paradise Coast.”

Starting in the 1950s, the gold coast moniker referred to a number of cities along South Florida’s coastline. By the 1980’s, some cities did not want any connection to this name due to a “cocaine cowboy” reputation that developed. Some cities, such as Palm Beach, wanted to distance themselves from the nickname.

Now, with movies such as the Great Gatsby on the big screen the “Gold Coast” is back. Now this name brings thoughts of grand estates to homes built along the eastern coastline from Florida to New York. Today, “gold coast” is back in vogue and evokes an old-world elegance that attracts high-end buyers.

Florida is the real deal; here you can comb the shoreline for seashells and mansions, enjoy sunshine and sunsets, whether you call it the Gold Coast or Paradise Coast. I love Naples, I love the Paradise Coast and for good reason, if you live here, you truly do live in paradise!

While you would be privileged to live in any home on The Paradise Coast you might want to live on some of the most exclusive streets in Naples such as Gordon Drive, Gulf Shore Blvd, Rum Row, or Nelsons Walk…all with homes listed for sale over $15 million. Now that’s Paradise!

When you’re looking for an extraordinary home on the ParadiseCoast you deserve extraordinary service. Please call me, Frank Petras, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. I can be reached at (239) 595-2221 or online at www.FrankPetras.com.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: estates, frank petras, gold coast, gulf shore blvd, luxury homes, Naples, nelsons walk, paradise coast, rum row
Posted in Home Buyers, Home Sellers | Comments Off

Retiring in Luxury at The Marbella in Pelican Bay Never Gets Old

May 12th, 2013

As a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist in Naples, Florida I am always researching the area to bring you the most diverse and complete market information. Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero can be considered retirement destinations, so I want to include a recommendation for a luxury retirement community for those who may want more on-site services and care in one luxurious location; The Marbella at Pelican Bay fits the bill.

This all-inclusive luxury high-rise, located in prestigious Pelican Bay, offers resort-style luxury living with four dining rooms, concierge services, and many social activities. Units in The Marbella start at $445,000 for a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom with 1,785 square feet, a large lanai with electric hurricane shutters and expansive views of Pelican Bay Preserve from the second floor. Prices go up to $775,000 for panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico from the twenty-first floor of The Marbella. This lifestyle is for those who want 24-hour front desk services, 24 hour emergency response, a secured building, on-site emergency services, valet parking with package assistance, service staff and more.

For those who need more care, there is The Cove; an on-site assisted living facility for Marbella owners and their caregivers. The Cove possesses an Extended Congregate Care License, providing comprehensive healthcare committed to personal attention with an outstanding resident to nurse ratio. We all know how challenging a move can be, so why not make this your last move and enjoy life with all the conveniences you will need as you grow older. Now is the time to think about what you will need in the future.

As a REALTOR and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist I am known for my incomparable market knowledge, exceptional customer service, superior negotiating skills, high-end global targeted marketing and tremendous results. I have an unrivaled reputation as a luxury property specialist. I have earned local and national recognition for marketing and selling multimillion dollar luxury waterfront and golf course estates and other fine properties in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and the surrounding areas.

For questions about retirement community options in Florida, you can count on me for great options and reliable information! Please call me, Frank Petras, at (239) 595-2221 or online at www.FrankPetras.com.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: Bonita springs, frank petras, luxury high rise, marbella at pelican bay, naples realty, retirement community, retirement home, the cove
Posted in Home Buyers, Local Real Estate | Comments Off

Golf and Naples: A lifestyle and a Game that are both “Above Par”

May 10th, 2013

Naples, Florida is well known for its high style and high concentration of golf courses, country clubs and golf communities; both golf and my home town are synonymous with prestige and luxury with Naples offering the complete golf “lifestyle.” It’s true, golf has developed into much more than a game: it’s a lifestyle with chic designer collections and cutting edge gadgets.

Here are a few golf-lover indulgences to keep you in vogue when hitting the links in fashionable Naples:

Looking good and staying dry in the summer heat is handled like a pro in The Loro Piana Golf Polo with modern technology. The cotton piqué material is treated with an exclusive water repellant, stain resistant finish to ensure you’re always looking fresh. Locally, you can find Loro Piana clothing sold at Saks Fifth Avenue at Waterside Shops.

Also in Waterside Shops you can check out the Louis Vuitton golf bag. Lois Vuitton fashion is popping up all over the place so it’s no surprise they are also into designing for the exclusive game of golf. It won’t matter how you play if you arrive with a custom Louis monogrammed canvas bag with cowhide trim. You will be the envy at the club house!

As we know, golf carts are fun to drive and keep us from walking between holes, but what if you could skirt around in a golf cart hovercraft? You just might be able to soon if Oakley and Thinkmodo have a say in the matter; you might find yourself gliding over sand traps and water hazards or pulling right up on the green, without causing any damage to the course. If this item becomes available (rumor has it that a limited number of hovercrafts will be available for purchase in the near future) there is little doubt someone will have it on a course in Naples!

Finally, if the afore mentioned hovercraft does not make it to market in time for next season, then you might want to treat your feet to Treccani Milano’s new line of artisanal golf shoes. Italian luxury brand Trecani Milano designs hand-crafted footwear, designed to your exact specifications that feature a rubber sole with soft spikes so you’re always light on your feet. Call Saks for details.

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on the game’s latest trends, it’s time to get out there! A few courses that stand out in my mind include Grey Oakes, Twin Eagles, Mediterra and the Club at Pelican Bay…all great places to be and be seen with all the latest golf accessories.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida - Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: Bonita springs, estero, frank petras, golf homes, golf lifestyle, golfing, hovercraft, luxury homes, marco island, Naples
Posted in Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Local Real Estate | Comments Off

Naples Originals

May 9th, 2013

As a REALTOR in Naples, Florida I am proud to show and sell some of the finest custom built homes in the country. Buyers of luxury homes in this area want something original, a home that reflects their individual needs and wants.

With Mother’s Day approaching it’s a good time to raise awareness for our independent, locally-owned restaurants who call themselves “Naples Originals.” I recommend them because they offer exceptional dining options in a broad range of culinary styles, great service and local ambiance. If you want something original this Mother’s Day here are some restaurants you might want to try.

Research shows that every dollar spent at a local, independent business returns three times more money to the local economy than one spent at a chain (according to the Naples Originals website).

Here’s to a very Happy Mother’s Day. If you have any questions about any of the above mentioned restaurants, or if you need information on original, custom homes in Naples, please call me, Frank Petras, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist at 239.595.2221 or visit my website www.FrankPetras.com.

Voted Best Real Estate Agent in Client Satisfaction in Southwest Florida -Gulfshore Life Magazine

John R. Woods’ Emerald and Platinum Circles of Excellence

Realty Alliance Leading Residential Real Estate Sales Professional in North America

Appointed to Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate

Awarded Million Dollar Guild Recognition by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Tags: custom homes, florida, frank petras, home buying, luxury real estate, mothers day, naples originals, restaurants
Posted in Home Buyers, Local Real Estate, Things to Do | Comments Off

Healthy Price Gains?

Culture Abounds in SW Florida

Summer Jazz on the Gulf is Here!

Relocating to SW Florida?

Should You Consider a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage?

April Sales Data Shows Continued Growth

From the Gold Coast to the Paradise Coast; Iconic Images of Mansions and Money!

Retiring in Luxury at The Marbella in Pelican Bay Never Gets Old

Golf and Naples: A lifestyle and a Game that are both “Above Par”

Naples Originals

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