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        <title>NAPLES REAL ESTATE VOICE</title>
        <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/</link>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/an-educational-experience-at-the-magic-carpet-concerts-in-may.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/an-educational-experience-at-the-magic-carpet-concerts-in-may.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>An Educational Experience at the Magic Carpet Concerts in May</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's no secret that if your child is musically inclined, the sooner you can begin their musical education the more talented they are likely to be. Whatever your or your child's ultimate musical goals, you can and should come down to the Philharmonic Center for the Arts every weekend during May and the first weekend in June for a chance to catch one of the Magic Carpet Concerts.


Each and every week the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing a special 45 min. program to showcase one particular type of instrument. For example, this coming weekend on May 19 you can catch the Magic Carpet Strings concert that will be focused on the violinists, cellists and bassists in the Orchestra. Next weekend on May 26 you can enjoy the Magic Carpet Brass concert, and the week after will wrap up the yearly series with the Magic Carpet Percussion concert. Each program is intended to be most enjoyed by young children 3 to 10 years old, but adult chaperones will likely get something out of it to. After each Magic Carpet demonstration concert, audience members of any age have the opportunity to ask questions about the instruments and musical style presented during the program.


Admission to each of the magic carpet concerts, which are always at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, will cost you eight dollars per head, no matter what age you or your children are; even infants must have a ticket. However, for the price of going to see a movie you will get an educational experience for you and your children that is also supporting the city's Orchestra. In addition to a beautiful program, you can enjoy organic snacks after the concert provided freely by Food and Thought organic market and Thoughtful Threads organic clothing and sustainable living store. 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/checkout-floridas-first-trader-joes-in-naples-florida.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/checkout-floridas-first-trader-joes-in-naples-florida.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>Checkout Florida's First Trader Joe's in Naples, Florida</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Have you yet had the pleasure of shopping at Florida's first Trader Joe's grocery store in Naples? If not, you will definitely want to make the trip because you are in for a healthy-no-matter-what treat...You see, Trader Joe's specializes in healthy AND affordable food, two words which aren't often seen in the same sentence.


If you keep up with the news, and then you probably read about the Pink Slime that US public schools are now using in their cafeteria food – well you will find a single particle of pink slime in Trader Joe's. And the horror stories you've heard about plastic water bottles contaminating your water? You won't find any BPA in the plastics at Trader Joe's. In fact, the Trader Joe's brand of foods contain zero high fructose corn syrup, and they usually only ever contain completely natural ingredients. When you see “Trader Joe's”, you'll know you're buying healthy!And for all that you would think it would cost you extra, but just about everything in the store is under three dollars, including their wide selection of gourmet cheese.


But the best part of Trader Joe's? The part that will draw you back and make you a loyal customer for life? Two Buck Chuck. Not a person, but a wine, and exactly what it sounds like – Two Buck Chuck is arguably the cheapest, best tasting wine you'll find inside a chain store; it was won national awards over other more expensive wines, and yet the price remains right at $2.99.


Trader Joe's is sure to have you addicted in no time to its great deals and even better selection of wholesome foods. You can find everything you need inside this seemingly small grocery store, from organic frozen dinners to fresh sushi platters to raspberry chevre to an expansive array of fresh produce. You'll never have a bad experience thanks to their Make Each Customer Happy policy, so there's no reason not to swing by and give Trader Joe's a chance to make your jaw hit the floor.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 17:09:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/living-life-in-the-vineyards-one-of-naples-exclusive-master-planned-communities.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/living-life-in-the-vineyards-one-of-naples-exclusive-master-planned-communities.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>Living Life in The Vineyards – One of Naples Exclusive Master-Planned Communities</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Vineyards is one of the premier golf country club communities in Naples and represents the pinnacle of exclusive high-end living in Florida's crown jewel. This master-planned community is comprised of 31 different individual neighborhoods, each of varying luxury but all holding up to The Vineyards' impeccable standard of simple convenience, vibrant beauty and effortless camaraderie, and all centered around the community's central 60,000+ square foot clubhouse.


The Vineyards is a classically themed country club complete with an excess of stone fountains, strong columns, rich mahogany and flowing architecture with a mild Spanish touch that creates a stunning contrast with the surrounding golf courses and lakes.


Different neighborhoods offer a varying combination of estates, condos, single-family homes, coach homes and more. For example, Avellino Isles will entice you with two and three-story homes all surrounded by one of The Vineyard's largest lakes, giving you a beautiful view of both the water and the golf courses… There's not much in this world more comforting than waking up to see the sun rise over a seemingly untouched gleaming green hillside.


The Vineyards includes a wide array of amenities to make every day you spend in pampered luxury both relaxing and fun. You'll enjoy tennis courts, swimming pools, a golf course, shopping, a community hospital and community schools, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with more than enough treadmills and stationary bikes to go around. In addition, you'll enjoy regular social events and some of the finest cuisine in all of Naples. There are also spa services and massage services and much more available to give you peace of mind.


As one of Naples' few master-planned communities, The Vineyards represent a nearly unparalleled level of exclusive luxury that seamlessly fits together for a lifestyle that anyone would be lucky to live out. This is one of the reasons that property values in The Vineyards have stayed fairly consistent; even though they aren't available all the time, when they are you will definitely want to check them out.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 09:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/mortgage-rates-dip-again.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/mortgage-rates-dip-again.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>MORTGAGE RATES DIP AGAIN</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The 30-year fixed rate mortgage brushed the all-time historical low this past week dropping to 3.88%. The rate for the 15-year fixed rate dropped to 3.12% from the previous week of 3.13%. Still with the lowest rates in decades, it has done little to spurn home sales and most of the people looking to refinance have already done so.


Although not the case in Southwest Florida and especially Naples, people remain sceptical about a home purchase because they feel that home prices will continue to fall and that the timing is still not right. That coupled with the huge amount of damaged credit does not bode well for people changing their attitude about buying real estate.


Here in the Greater Naples Area, thing are totally different. Although we are headed out of season and into what some people perceive as the summer doldrums, a strong summer of sales is forcasted. The Canadian dollar remains very strong and we are now beginning to see active interest in property purchases from the Europeans. These are certainly good signs that we will have an active summer season!
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            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:45:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/dont-miss-city-fest-this-may-in-naples-florida.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/dont-miss-city-fest-this-may-in-naples-florida.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>Don't Miss City Fest this May in Naples, Florida</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As April comes to a close and the month of May looms ominously ahead, the folk of downtown Naples, Florida are preparing for their fourth annual City Fest – a 10 day celebration of everything Naples. From May 4 to May 13 there will be all sorts of different attractions available every single day, some for the family, some for the adults only, but all of which should make for a great time had by all.


The only problem? There may actually be too many events to sift through! So, you can use this brief article as an overview of the must-see attractions during this high speed ten-day celebration.


Sip of Fifth – This fabulous wine and beer tasting is held at, you guessed it, 5th Avenue South. Enjoy sampling a premier selection of craft beers and fine wines while enjoying live music and a free street dance. Your admission also buys your first glass of wine. For adults this will undoubtedly be the highlight attraction of the first day of City Fest on May 4.


Sand Sculpting Festival – A markedly more family oriented attraction, the sand sculpting Festival is exactly what it sounds like, but a heck of a lot more fun. Enter under Tin City's covered parking lot and enjoy seeing John Gowdy, a world-renowned sand sculptor, ply his trade while you immerse yourself in the diverse exhibit. Lasts the entirety of City Fest.


Paella Cook Off – As the Orange Blossom Special's competing cyclists whizz by on their way to a $7,500 prize, you'll be able to enjoy the races with some fine Spanish cuisine. Enjoy some of Florida's best paella with fresh, hand-picked ingredients for only $5 per plate. Find it on Saturday, May 5.


Derby Day – Also on the 5th of May you may want to drop by Ridgway Bar and Grill to celebrate the 138th Kentucky Derby. Enjoy a fun and social atmosphere while participating in various activities, including raffles, contests and prizes.


Palette to Palate – A combination art exhibit / dinner reception , Palette to Palate is free to enter and includes a complimentary glass of wine, although you'll have to (read as: want to) pay for any of the special fine dining options to be made available at Dock, Chez Boet and Bleu Provence restaurants. There will be 6 studio galleries for you to tour, and you can enjoy some dock-side shopping while you're there.


Thursday on Third – Similar to Sip of Fifth, the appropriately named Thursday on Third will be held on 3rd Street South, and will feature some of the best live music all week. The entertainment is free and dancing is encouraged, but even if that's not your thing there will be plenty of shops and restaurants open, many of which with special menus or deals for the City Fest goers.


Naples' City Fest 2012 is primed to be another out-of-the-park success. There are probably 25 - 50 other activities planned throughout the week that haven't been covered here, so when in doubt just head to downtown Naples to take a stroll and see what you find. One thing is for sure, though – You won't want to miss the one of a kind attractions ready for you at this year's annual city celebration.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:52:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/an-brief-overview-of-naples-florida-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/an-brief-overview-of-naples-florida-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>An Brief Overview of Naples, Florida Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you've been waiting for the perfect time and place to treat yourself to a luxurious waterfront home, now is the time to do it and Naples, Florida is the place. This is the real estate opportunity of a lifetime in Florida's crown jewel, and it will pass you by before you know it. Read on to discover the secret treasure waiting for you in Naples, and what you need to know to claim a piece of this prime property for yourself before it's too late.


What's the Current State of Naples' Real Estate Market?


I'll put it bluntly – It's a buyer's market, and there's no doubt about it. In Naples, this is largely due to the high number of foreclosures and short sales permeating the market. See, when there are a lot of foreclosures and the banks are forced to take on debt, that makes it harder for everybody else to sell their property at a fair price. Why? Because all of those normal sellers have to compete with the banks, and the banks are always willing to lose money on a foreclosure.


Somebody always gets the short end of the stick, and in 2012 (and probably the next couple years still) it's going to be the sellers. However, this is all the better for you, because you're the buyer! You get to take advantage of low interest rates and low asking prices both...You'll be able to buy property in Naples today for the same price as someone would've paid 10 years ago.


Recommended High-End Subdivisions in Naples, Florida


So, where should you look for housing in Naples? If you're looking for luxury, then there are a few luxurious and qualituy subdivisions worth mentioning:




Port Royal – Luxury at its finest with an exquisite array of amenities, including a 425' expanse of untouched beachfront...One of the most luxurious developments in the world; Housing starts at $1M+


Pelican Bay – Perhaps the most recognized subdivision in Naples, features old-style Florida architecture; Housing starts at $400K


Park Shore – Gorgeous European-styled development in imitation of Venice, Italy; Housing starts at $750K




Now, even if none of those subdivisions piqued your interest or fits your budget or desired lifestyle, still rest assured that there are lots of other options out there; these are only 3 of the hundreds of neighborhoods and communities in Naples. The only way to get a good idea of what's available is to actually get your hands dirty and look for yourself, or call a realtor and see what they can show you. Either way, if you're looking for luxury, look to Naples, Florida because I can promise you'll find it there, and at a good deal, too.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/and-we-think-big-here-in-naples.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/and-we-think-big-here-in-naples.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>AND WE THINK WE HAVE BIG HOMES HERE IN NAPLES?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As you travel down Gordon Drive in Port Royal, you marvel at some of the mega homes that dot the landscape. Yet some of these homes that we think monsterous pale in comparison to what is now up for sale, America's largest home.


Nestled in Windermere, Florida where huge mega homes abound is America's largest home. Aptly named Versailles after the French Palace, it is a 90,000 square foot, 13 bedroom, 22 bath, 10 kitchen, 22-car underground garage handi-man's special, since it remains unfinished and all work has stopped on the construction three years ago.


The home is owned by David Siegel, the billioniare founder and owner of Westgate Resorts. Construction was halted when the market went into a tailspin severly putting a damper on his timeshare business. Mr. Siegel has invested over $50,000,000 into the home and has said several times that he intends to finish the project. The unfinished home was originally put on the market for $75,000,000 and has been subsequently reduced to a mere $65,000,000.


And here we thought that we were the only ones subject the the poor economy.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:59:07 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/waterside-shops-in-naples.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/waterside-shops-in-naples.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>WATERSIDE SHOPS IN NAPLES</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Residents of Naples regard the Waterside Shops as one of the premier shopping destinations in Collier County.  The Waterside takes full advantage of the temperate Florida climate: it’s an outdoor mall with plenty of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.  The mall houses more than sixty stores and restaurants.  When the inveterate shopper needs a respite, there are an abundance of places to just sit, relax, and enjoy the tranquil environment around you.  Like most malls, the Waterside is open seven days a week.  But unlike most malls, valet parking and complimentary design consultations are available. 


The Waterside offers many stores that can be found in malls across America.  Popular stores like The Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, LaCoste, Anthropologie, Chico’s , and Baby Gap are represented in this mall.  But the Waterside also offers high-end stores that are sometimes more difficult to find. Stores with fashionable names like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, DeBeers, Tiffany and Company, Gucci, Van Cleef and Arpels, and Hermes also have established retail stores at the Waterside.


If a shopper gets hungry, there are many fine restaurants to cater to her needs. A partial list of these eateries would include: Brio Tuscan Grill (Keep in mind that on Wednesdays this restaurant offers five dollar martinis!), Bricktops’s Restaurant and the Silver Spoon Café.  For those who just want to indulge in a quick snack to “tide them over,” there’s California Pizza Kitchen and Haagen-Dazs. 


The Waterside Shops offers several events all year long. In December of this year The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts will host the national tour of the hit Broadway musical, Million Dollar Quartet.  The touring company’s cast will present a live preview performance of the show at the Waterside Shops Pavilion on December 20, 2012.  The musical is based on an incident that actually happened, the night that brought together music legends Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.  That night has often been referred to as the “greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam session in history.”  It’s a highly anticipated performance, and it’s free!  For further information about upcoming event at the Waterside Shops, check out their website.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:59:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/events-in-naples-and-the-environs.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/events-in-naples-and-the-environs.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>EVENTS IN NAPLES AND THE ENVIRONS</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Every month is a busy month in Naples.  In fact, longtime Naples’ residents claim that there is no better place in the country for non-stop activities.  The multitude of activities that occurred in the month of March 2012, are very representative of the year around events that Naples residents can enjoy.  One of the most popular events was the recent Southwest Florida Golf Expo.  It was held at the Germain Center in nearby Estero.  The Expo featured golf clinics, swing analysis and lessons, fifty vendor booths, vodka sampling, Golf Mania’s Edwin Watts and much more.  Golf enthusiasts from all over Lee and Collier Counties attended this event.


For those interested in gardening, there was the annual Naples Flower Show and Garden Market.  The Botanical Garden and the Naples’ Garden Club co-sponsored this event.  Along with a juried show and a twenty-vendor garden market, there was music and live demonstrations.  The theme this year was “light.”  Accordingly, the show featured light paintings by Stephen Knapp.  During this same time frame, a newly formed theater company performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare.  It played for six evening and was very well attended.


The Marco Masters Art Festival was also held on Marco Island, which is just south of Naples.  This festival took place in a lovely water front location.  What could be more relaxing than browsing art created by over eighty exhibitors while strolling along a beautiful waterfront setting?  This festival is always well received and well attended.  And for those who wanted to make a day of it, there were numerous dining possibilities in the immediate area. 


There truly is always something to do in Naples and the surrounding area.  And if nothing catches your eye, there’s always our gorgeous, white sand beaches, exclusive shopping areas, and world-class restaurants.  It’s just not possible to be bored in Naples!
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            <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:51:46 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/featured-community-of-the-month-audobon-country-club.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.previewnaples.com/blog/featured-community-of-the-month-audobon-country-club.html</link>
            <author>vk.melhado@sothebysrealty.com (V.K. [Mel] Melhado PA)</author>
            <title>FEATURED COMMUNITY OF THE MONTH: AUDOBON COUNTRY CLUB</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Naples, Florida is renowned for its prestigious neighborhoods.  In fact, the area from Naples down to Marco Island is referred to as the “platinum coast.”  One of the finer communities in this region is the Audubon Country Club.  This community encompasses 755 lush acres.  The area should remain pristine because fifty-eight percent of the property is a dedicated preserve area.  And bird watchers should take note - the community and its preserve have the honor of being a certified Audubon sanctuary.  Another huge plus: the beaches are only five minutes away.


There are only 339 homes and thirty-six condos in the community.  The maximum number of homes is 410.  There are still many highly desirable, premium lots available.  All homes and condos are priced in the $400,000 to $3,000,000 range.  The residences are spread over fourteen architecturally harmonious neighborhoods. The materials used to construct these homes and the craftsmanship are the finest that money can buy.  Many of the homes back up to a golf course. An equal number of homes have lake views, as there are twenty-eight lakes in the community. 


Naturally, such a distinguished community features an eighteen-hole championship golf course.  Golf related facilities include a clubhouse, a pro shop, a practice putting green area, a chipping/pitching green area, and a lesson area.  Organized competitions for all skills levels take place throughout the year.  There are also eight har-tu tennis courts and a tennis pro to organize competitions and provide instruction. And since it is south Florida, where the sun shines most days of the year, there’s a twenty-five meter outdoor pool. 


The aforementioned clubhouse is a 35,000-square-foot facility.  The design is both stylish and utilitarian.  There are rooms available for special interests groups such as book clubs, bridge or other card games.  Both elegant and informal dining options are available.  There’s even outdoor seating at a café during lunchtime. To help keep residents fully engaged, there are many special events scheduled on a monthly basis.  One of the most popular is “lobster night,” which takes place in the formal dining room.  There are other special dining events scheduled as well as dinner dances, movie nights and various featured speakers.  Residents say that there is always something to do in this active community.


A morning or evening walk is one of the favorite pastimes of most of the residents.  The preserve is one of the most beautiful on the southwest coast of Florida.  Its natural beauty has remained unspoiled and the houses have been constructed so as to blend unobtrusively into the preserve landscape.  Those who enjoy the natural beauty of a bygone era could find no better place to live than the Audubon Country Club.  
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            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:40:26 -0400</pubDate>
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