Open House of the Week – Wildcat Run

Looking for a home with a lot of room to grow in?

The open house I'm hosting this week is located at 20293 Wildcat Run Drive in Estero, FL.

This 4br, 2.5 ba home sits on a quiet lake and has golf course views. The home also features a pool and spa to soak in while enjoying your views. In addition, for the chilly nights this winter, you can warm yourself by your own fireplace!

This Estero Golf and Tennis community is off of Corkscrew Road, just minutes from I-75 and Mirormar Outlets. The community offers amenities such as fine dining, Golf, Tennis and fitness courses with a personal trainer!

Open House will be tomorrow, Sunday, 11/1/15 from 1-4pm

If you have any questions or need directions please call me at 239-331-1089.

If you're planning on stopping by, leave me a comment below!

Pet Friendly Events - 10th Annual Run for Paws

As many of you may know, I am an animal lover to my core. I wanted to give you some details on a dog friendly 5k that will be happening in just a few months.

This is the 10th year that The Humane Society of Naples, Race Chair Ali Duffey, and Gulf Coast Runners will host a dog friendly 5k! The proceeds go to orphaned pets at the Humane Society. For any owners who want to participate with their pets, be advised they must be leashed.

This event will be on Saturday January 30th at 8am at the Naples Municipal Airport. 

You can find more event details by following #10RunForThePaws on Twitter

For more information on the event and donation requests please visit this website

Weekly Community Spotlight - Windstar On Naples Bay

Windstar on Naples Bay is the community that meets all of your needs! This lifestyle community is located right on Naples Bay, close to Downtown, Tin City Shops and Bayfront.

This community is complete with water access from private community docks and a members-only 30 minute ride to Keewaydin Island where you are greeted by carts which will carry your beach gear to your perfect spot on the sand. There are also lounges and umbrellas just waiting to be used by you!

In addition, Windstar is a Golf Community complete with an 18 hole Tom Fazio championship golf course. There are weekly events for both men and women who live to golf. For membership information click here

Think this sounds like the perfect community to call home? Comment below and I will schedule a showing for you to view homes for sale in Windstar!

Halloween Happenings Around SWFL

Hoping for something fun to do this Halloween? Below are some top picks near you! Please click on the names to be linked to the websites for dates & prices.

Farmer Mike's Annual Fall Festival (Bonita Springs)

Hayrides

Haunted Corn Maze

Pumpkin Patch


Haunted Gross House (Naples Fairgrounds)

Haunted House

Haunted Hay Ride

Food Vendors

Trunk or Treat

Annual Halloween Spooktacular on 5th  (Downtown Naples)

Kid Friendly activities

Music

Trick or Treat

Pet Costume Contest


Fall and Halloween Festival at Lakes Park (Fort Myers) 

hay rides

bounce houses

train ride


Children's Costume Contest (Estero)

Costume Contest

Where to Stay in SWFL

Planning a visit this season to Southwest Florida but need to stay in a resort before you find your dream vacation home? Below are some of the top resorts to hang your hat while you search!

1. La Playa Beach and Golf Resort (Naples) 
2. Marco Island Marriot Beach Resort (Marco Island) 
3. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point (Bonita Springs/Estero) 
4. Palm Island Resort (Near Fort Myers/Punta Gorda) 
5. South Seas Island Resort (Sanibel/Captiva)

Open House Of The Week

For details on this week's Open House, please call me at (239) 331-1089 or follow me on Facebook

15 Fun Facts you didn't know about Collier County

If you'll be moving to Naples or Marco Island this coming season, here are some fun facts and history you might like to know.

1. Collier County has a total area of 2,305 square miles, and a land area of 2,025 square miles. 
2. Almost 80% of the land in the county is set aside for preserves like Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. 
3. In 2014 Marco Island ranked as the #1 USA Island and the #4 Island in the World by TripAdvisor. 
4. There are approximately 100 art galleries in the Naples area. 
5. Naples is said to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in Florida. 
6. The Naples Zoo is the only zoo in the southeastern USA to house a Fosa. 
7. Before European settlers arrived, Naples was inhabited by the Caloosa tribe. 
8. Naples was founded by Kentucky U.S. Senator John Stuart Williams, and Walter N. Haldemanduring in the late 1880s. 
9. Naples is home to over 80 championship golf courses, naming it “The Golf Capital of the World” 
10. Naples Municipal Airport was originally an Army Air Field. 
11. Located on Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee Post Office is the smallest post office in the USA. 
12. Buzz Aldrin, Larry Bird and Bill Gates all own homes in Naples. 
13. You can spot the extremely rare ghost orchid in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park 
14. Everglades City is known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World 
15. Seafood lovers come from all over for the Everglades Seafood Festival every February in Everglades City.

Community Spotlight – Forest Glen Golf and Country Club

Forest Glen Golf and Country Club is located just off of I-75 on Collier Blvd (9-51) in Naples. This community offers views of quiet preserve areas and golf courses.

Forest Glen offers such amenities as Arthur Hills Golf Courses, Tennis courts and dining in the on-site restaurant. Also available are Pilates, Water Aerobics, and Yoga courses. 

In addition, for those who are hiking or biking enthusiasts there are trails you can cruise through the preserve. This is the ultimate community for outdoor living!

Does this sound like the place for your future home? Leave me a comment below and I will set up showings in this community for you!

Best Hiking / Biking Trails in SWFL

(In no particular order)

• The Green Way (Naples) 
• Freedom Park (Naples) 
• Big Cypress National Preserve (Near Marco/Everglades City) 
• Collier Seminole State Park (Near Naples/ Marco Island) 
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Near North Naples/ Immokalee) 
• Sanibel Island 
• Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (Fort Myers)

Holiday Shopping in SWFL

Now that the Christmas Season is almost upon us, and the majority of retail stores are already putting out this years hottest items; here is a list of some of the best places to score a deal (that isn't Amazon.com)

• Miromar Outlets (Estero) 
• Bell Tower Mall (Fort Myers) 
• Coconut Point Mall (Bonita/Estero) 
• Gulf Coast Town Center (Estero/Fort Myers) 
• Coastland Mall (Naples) 
• Premier Outlets (Naples/Marco Island) 
• Edison Mall (Fort Myers) 
• Tanger Outlets (Fort Myers) 
• Waterside Shops (Naples) 

Top 10 places to Canoe / Kayak / Paddle-board in SWFL

(in no particular order)

1. Clam Pass (Naples) 
2. Lovers Key (Bonita/Estero) 
3. Fort Myers Beach 
4. Sanibel / Captiva 
5. Koreshan State Park (Estero) 
6. Great Calusa Blueway (Fort Myers) 
7. Cayo Costa State Park (Just north of Captiva) 
8. Estero Bay 
9. Gordon River (Naples)
10. Rookery Bay (Naples)

Fun Weekend Ideas - Everblades Hockey Game

Want something fun and different to do on the weekends? With Hockey season back upon us now is the time to watch a game at Germain Arena. The arena is located just off of the Corkscrew Exit of I-75, behind Miromar Outlets.

The Florida Everblades were founded in 1998 and have gone on to the Kelly Cup three times, winning in 2012. The games are never short of entertaining between the goals on the ice, the cheerleaders pumping up the crowd and Swampee's entertainment which includes tee shirt giveaways and other prizes.

Want to see the game but with a birds eye view instead of in the crowd? You can dine in the arena's restaurant or purchase box seats for the season. For season ticket prices click here

Check out the Everblade's schedule here

The next home game is October 21st. 

Open House Of The Week - 20293 Wildcat Run Drive

This week's open house is located in the beautiful, Country Club Community of Wildcat Run. This Estero Golf and Tennis community is off of Corkscrew Road, just minutes from I-75 and Mirormar Outlets. The community offers amenities such as dining, and fitness courses with a personal trainer in addition to Golf and Tennis.

The property itself is located on an over-sized lot which offers lake and golf course views. The home is 4br 2.5 ba with such features as built in cabinets, fireplace and pool with a spa.

Does this sound like your future home? Leave me a comment below!

Open House is Sunday, October 18th from 1-4pm

If you have any questions or need directions please call me at 239-331-1089.

New Bonita Springs Community

Bonita Springs will be welcoming a new community in 2017!

Altaira Sky Homes, a new community by WCI, will be high rise luxury living which overlooks The Colony's golf courses and lakes.

Check out more of the latest news on this community here

To see unit customization options and to visit the official site click here

Weekly Community Spotlight - Naples Lakes Country Club

This week's Community Spotlight is on Naples Lakes Country Club located on the corner of Rattlesnake Hammock and Collier Blvd (9-51). This community is only 5 minutes from the highway and is conveniently located next to Publix, restaurants and an animal clinic.

This community is a golfer's paradise as it allows for views of the fairway and lakes from nearly every property!

Like Lely and Fiddler's Creek, Naples Lakes Country Club has on site dining, a health and wellness center and Golf. In addition to all of these features, there is also a year round Tennis program!

Does this sound like the perfect spot for you? Leave a comment below and I will schedule a showing for you to see this community!

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Naples

As they become more widely available, I will be reporting on dog friendly restaurants in the Naples area. Please see below for a list of my top places to bring your furry companion.

• Any Panera Bread location with outdoor seating
• Naples Flat bread (Mercato)
• The Dock at Crayton Cove (Olde Naples)
• Fred's Diner (North Naples)
• M Waterfront Grill (Venetian Village)
• Olde Naples Pub (downtown)
• Sea Salt (Downtown)
• Pinchers crab shack (multiple SWFL locations)
• Hurricane Grill & Wings (North Naples)
• Campiellos (Downtown)

Find your home in Naples

Ready to get out there and see what's currently listed in the Naples market but not sure where to start? Here's a list of the neighborhoods to check out right now in every price point!

1. Olde Naples / Aqualane Shores 
2. The Vineyards 
3. Fox Fire 
4. Naples Bath and Tennis 
5. Pelican Bay 
6. Pelican Marsh 
7. Naples Park / Conners 
8. Island Walk 
9. Palm River Estates
10. Lely Resort

Know which one of these or another community you want to start house hunting in? Leave me a comment below! 

Top Beaches To Visit In Collier and Lee Counties!

Has it been a while since you've visited the beach to soak up some vitamin D? Well now that the humidity has dropped and you'll no longer be sweating as you sunbathe, here are some of the top beaches to visit in Collier and Lee Counties!

Vanderbilt Beach (North Naples)

Located on the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Rd. and Gulf Shore Dr., this beach has ample parking due to the garage just south of the beach entrance. In addition, across the street are both the Ritz Carlton and some little eateries. Overall, this beach feels like a mini Ft Myers beach.

Lowdermilk Beach (Central Naples)

Like Vanderbilt Beach, Lowdermilk also has some eateries and shops across the street but is the full beach experience in many ways. The beach has on site parking, a playground, volleyball court and a snack stand. In addition, there are beautiful grassy areas to take some photos or picnic. If you're lucky (or early) you maybe able to snag some shade under one of the tiki umbrellas!

Olde Naples Beaches (South Naples)

The Olde Naples Beaches are wonderful because you can park off of any of the streets that have metered parking and venture right up to the sand. If one street's parking is full, you can venture a block or two over and find a good spot.

Tiger tail (Marco Island)
Tiger Tail Beach in Marco Island is a very different experience from the Naples Beach. This beach contains both a lagoon and access to the actual Gulf of Mexico. Be advised the trek out to the Gulf is a bit of a distance so you may want to bring your towels and umbrella in a wagon or cart. The quiet lap of the waves and the views are completely worth the walk.

Dog Beach (Bonita / Lovers Key)

For animal lovers, like me, nothing is better than having a place to bring my pooch! For dogs who aren't afraid of getting wet, the dog beach in Bonita is always full of friendly dogs looking to make a splash! Tip: Go during low tide or you'll be walking through a river out to the beach.

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is the epitome of fun in the sun, with shops, eateries and a wide range of ages and nationalities. This hot spot feels more like Miami Beach than the west coast of Florida.

Note: Dogs are allowed on all Lee county beaches, but must be on a 6ft leash at all times (unless at the dog beach in Bonita/Estero)



Are there any other beaches to be mentioned? Leave a comment below!

Dining Delight – Flippers on the Bay

View from Flippers on the Bay

Whenever I come across an amazing local restaurant I like to share it with you all.

Flippers on the Bay is located in the Bonita/Estero beach area tucked into Lovers Key Resort. This quaint outdoor restaurant will have a familiar feel to those who frequent The Dock at Crayton Cove in Naples or Coconut Jack's in Bonita Beach.

Kobe Beef Braised Short Ribs

Chilean Sea Bass

Key Lime Coolada

Why you should visit this restaurant:

• Food is high quality but the dining room has a relaxed, beachy atmosphere 
• Service is phenomenal, the servers are extremely knowledgeable of the menu and attentive 
• Dolphins visit almost daily at sunrise and sunset 
• Plenty of natural entertainment with boaters, jet skiers and paddle-boarders passing by 
• Great place to begin or close out your day with breathtaking views of the bay

Chocolate Souffle

Know of any other fantastic dining locations? Leave a comment below!

Enjoy this time-lapse filmed by Brian Brillon at Flippers on the Bay!

Ten Tips For House Hunting

1. Before you set out on your search, meet with your bank to find out how much you are pre-approved for. This way you can better judge what your true budget is. 
2. Check out your mortgage options. Are you a veteran? Are you a first time buyer? There are special options out there depending on what category you fit into. 
3. Create a budget. Include how much you are pre-approved for, how much you would like to put down and how much you would like to pay a month. Don't forget to average in things like utilities and taxes 
4. Scout out neighborhoods. Do you want to be close to the beach, good schools and/or popular outdoor areas? Keep in mind things like school districts and parks affect property values. 
5. Know market values and trends. This is something you can start finding online, and your Realtor can also provide you with comps. 
6. Make sure you provide your Realtor with clear expectations, what's more important to you, the screened in pool area or your budget? Which leads me to my next point... 
7. Have a needs list. Have a list in your head or on paper that keeps you focused on what your absolute needs are for your home. 
8. Check out Open Houses! Take the time away from your computer search to actually get out there and see the neighborhoods you're interested in! Seeing a home in person can give you a much better idea of if it's really what you're looking for. Plus it's a fun way to spend a day! 
9. Keep your focus on what cannot be changed in the homes you are seeing. Are you happy with the layout? Where does your backyard back up to? 
10. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Buying a home should not be a chore, it should be an adventure!

Do you have advice for home buyers too? Leave a comment below!

Open House - Cypress Woods

This Sunday, October 11th I will be hosting an open house from 12-3pm at a beautiful condo in the North Naples community of Cypress Woods. This 2 bedroom plus den, 2 bath home is situated on the 2nd floor and has breathtaking lake views.

The kitchen is a chef's dream with ample counter space containing a wonderful glass back-splash that offsets the dark stained cabinets. 

Brazilian cedar flows throughout den and guest room areas while the living and main bedroom contain carpeting.

This is a bundled golf community featuring a newly renovated clubhouse and golf course.

Sounds like your dream home? I'll see you this Sunday at 2870 CYPRESS TRACE CIR #1722 between 12-3pm

MLS # 215054041

Weekly Community Spotlight - Fiddler's Creek

Fiddler's Creek is located in the very south end of Naples, just minutes from Marco Island. This luxury location is the ultimate vacation or permanent home getaway!

The community is complete with two golf courses, a spa and a beach membership through Marco Beach Ocean Resort. In addition, there are three different dining experiences; Caxambas with 1920s themed dining, The Gator Grille which overlooks a beautiful golf course, and the Italian beach-side restaurant, Sale e Pepe. Also, there is a French inspired lounge to unwind in called Toulouse.

Ultimately, Fiddler's creek has nearly all the amenities you could imagine. Once you're there, it's hard to imagine living anywhere else.

For more information or if you would like to see a current listing in Fiddler's Creek please leave a comment below.

Best Places to Visit - Naples Botanical Gardens

The Naples Botanical Gardens is the ultimate get back to nature escape during season!

The gardens were originally constructed in the early 2000's but closed in 2008 to become the “Gardens with Latitude” we now know them as.

The Gardens feature 7 different themed areas ranging from a fun area for kids (and adults who are young at heart) to an Asian inspired bamboo filled section to the serene bird watching tower in the very back of the property.

Throughout the year there are special events like the Winter Solstice, complete with holiday ornaments and Christmas lights strung through out the trees. In addition, there are weekly activities such as the outdoor yoga course and even dog friendly days of the week!

Both annual membership (ranging from $80-$1,500) and single day tickets, which are under $15 for adults, are available for purchase online or in person.

The Naples Botanical Garden is tucked away at the end of Bayshore Dr.

Naples is getting hotter!

Naples just keeps getting hotter and I don't mean the weather!

A recent report from the Naples Daily News noted that the market of $1 million and up has had extensive growth this year. Naples is now within the top 20 markets for luxury real estate!

Now is the time to buy before prices return to where they were nearly a decade ago!

Read the whole story here

News from Keller Williams

Keller Williams has had extensive growth this year by welcoming more associates to their family.

As a result, with so much support from my firm, I am better able to help people like you find your dream home.

Read the story here

New Poll

Hi Everyone,

I have posted a poll on the right-hand side of the page for you. Please click on one or more of the answers as to give me a better idea of what you would like to see posted in this blog.

The poll will be open until 10/12/15.

If you have a suggestion that is not listed, please leave a comment bellow.

Lesser Known Communities In Naples

I wanted to let you in on some lesser known areas in Naples (and those a little lighter on your budget) that still have the some of the amenities you normally find in the larger, well-known communities.


For The Golf Lover:

North Naples: Quail Run / Forest Lakes
South Naples: Royal Wood Golf & Country Club

For The Boating Enthusiast:

North Naples: Wiggins Bay
South Naples: Oyster Bay

For The Person Who Likes Peace and Quiet:

North Naples: Orange Tree

South Naples: Eagle Lakes Golf Club


Would you like to suggest any other communities that fit into one or more of these categories? Leave a comment below!

Restaurants, Hang Outs and Happy Hours

Here's a list of some tasty restaurants and hang outs to try when you visit this season:

La Cuisine (South Naples)

Passionately prepared Peruvian inspired plates. High quality food for a reasonable price.

Brio (Waterside) / Bravo (Mercato)

These sister restaurants offer some of the best eats and drink specials for Happy Hour.

Hob Nob (Downtown)

Fun atmosphere to unwind with your friends after a long day.

The Old Naples (Downtown) / Village Pub (Venetian Village)

The Old Naples Pub is tucked away behind 3^rd street, while The Village Pub is folded neatly into Venetian Village boasting gorgeous views and the occasional Dolphin sighting. The food is delicious and well priced.

Brooks Burgers (Downtown)

By far the best burgers you have ever had. If you can afford the calories, try the donut burger.


Is there another restaurant I should mention? Leave a comment below!

Must Visit Spot In Naples

Centrally located in Naples is Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park. This 50 acre wetlands area is home to various birds including Egrets, Great Blue Herons as well as Alligators, Snakes, Raccoons and the occasional Otter.

The park is split into two sections, one accessible by boardwalks that loop down to the Gordon River and the wetlands area filled with multiple ponds that you can weave through via boardwalks and paved paths.

If you have a green thumb or are just interested in plant life, Freedom Park has numerous amounts of local vegetation.

After you've had your fill of animal watching, you can stop into the educational facility on site to determine what type of birds or turtles you spotted along the trails.

Note: If you enjoy taking Fido for a walk, the park welcomes pets that are kept on a 6ft leash at all times.

Ultimately no matter if you're a plant, bird or Alligator lover, Freedom Park is a great place to take a few minutes out of your day to relax and get back to nature.

Time To Start Your Seasonal Home Search!

The temperatures may have started to cool off but the real estate market in Naples is heating up!

According to Naples Area Board of REALTORS®:

• Pending sales increased 21% in the $300K-$500K category 12-month ending 08/2015
• Closed sales increased 25% in the $300K-$500K category 12-month ending 08/2015
• Median Closed Price increased 14% overall 12-months ending 08/2015 
• Inventory decreased 26% in the $0-$300K category 12-months ending 08/2015
• DOM decreased 36% in the $1M-$2M category 12-months ending 08/2015

To read NABOR's full press release click here


If you're interested in getting a head start on searching for your next seasonal vacation place or your forever home, leave me a comment below. I can schedule showings in any Naples community of your choosing!

Community Spotlight - Lely Resort

Photo taken at Ole at Lely Resort

Each week I will post a feature of a different community in the Naples area.

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on Lely Resort Golf and County Club. This scenic community is located in South Naples conveniently situated just 15 minutes north of Marco Island and 9 miles east of Downtown Naples.

Lely is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in Southwest Florida. Members can tee off on 54 holes of championship golf turf including the Classics course. The Flamingo Island and Mustang courses are open to the public.

In addition, Lely Resort offers private event and public dining options, including Sam Snead's Oak Grill and Tavern located in the heart of the community.

If you still have room in your schedule after golfing and dining with your friends, you can participate in any of the numerous activities the Classics Country Club offers. Activities range from “Lounge Social Hour” to exercise classes.

If you can see yourself teeing away to your heart's content or working up a sweat in a Cardio class. Leave a comment below and I will be happy to schedule a visit for you to see this community.

Another Beautiful Day In Naples Florida!

To all of our seasonal visitors!

The weather has started to cool down in Southwest Florida and today was another gorgeous day in Naples! The highs were in the upper 80's with a soft evening breeze.

Are you dreaming already of your nights spent on your lanai enjoying the crickets chirping or watching the sunset at one of the local Naples beaches?

Until you can be here in person, enjoy the following video by Florida native, Brian Brillon.

Meet Your New Realtor!

Hello, I'm Ajan Sathan and I am a Keller Williams Sales Associate located in the heart of Naples, Florida.

The search for a dream home can be filled with many stresses. My hope is to navigate you through your buying and selling process every step of the way. My goal is to not only meet your expectations, but to excel far beyond them.

What you can expect to see in my blog:

My passion is to help you find your ideal home by providing you with the most up to date industry news and new listings in the Naples, Florida area.

Each week I will be bringing you a series of news from both Keller Williams and the real estate industry.

In addition, I will be interacting with you via polls and video posts.

Some fun facts about me:

• I am originally a native of Newcastle, South Africa and moved to the United States in 2006.
• The two loves of my life are my wife, Anabel and my Pomeranian-Yorkie mix, Olive.
• I am an animal lover and I frequently volunteer as a Dog Walker at the Humane Society.
• I play Cricket with the Naples Cricket Club! I absolutely love this sport and have played it throughout school and in the “Old Parks” club in Johannesburg.
• New languages and cultures fascinate me. I have an interest in learning new words, the meanings and the context in which they are used.

Let me know what you would like to read about the Naples market!

Send me feedback, leave a comment below!