Naples, Florida the “Green Jewel” of Southwest Florida

Naples, Florida the “Green Jewel” of Southwest Florida

Naples, Florida, a beautiful town in the heart of Southwest Florida is making great strides to become a “Green” example for other cities. In many ways this pro-green hamlet has already started to distinguish itself as a community that is concerned about the environment, preserving its natural beauty and providing a safe and healthy environment for its residents.

The damage to our waterways, caused by runoff, nationwide can be severe. Researchers from the Oak Ridge Natural Laboratory in Tennessee report streams and other waterways throughout the U.S. are losing their ability to filter excess nitrates from fertilizers creating dead zones where algae blooms and depletes the oxygen. Many communities have already begun to answer the challenge of saving our waterways.

The Naples City Council has adopted an ordinance regulating fertilizers that contain nitrogen or phosphorous. With stormwater runoff a major source of pollution, the new ordinance will provide specific guidelines for applying fertilizer. This will minimize harmful effects on the environment and the natural waterways and lakes.

As per the Naples City Natural Resources Division the ordinance includes the following standards:

1. Fertilizers that contain nitrogen or phosporous cannot be used during the local rainy season, June 1 – September 30.
2. Nitrogen content must have at least 50% slow release nitrogen 3. Fertilizer will not contain more than 2% phosphorous. 4. Will not be applied at a rate greater than 1 pound per 1,000 square feet. 5. Will not be applied more than 4 times during any one calendar year. 6. Will not be applied spilled, or otherwise deposited on any impervious surfaces or within 10 feet of any waterbody.

Local Naples homebuilders and lawn and landscape professionals have already started to “go green” using green materials and products to secure that the future of Naples will thrive as a beautiful environment for all to enjoy.

If you are thinking of building a new home in Naples, Florida and thinking of building “green” visit Kaye Homes, Naples award winning homebuilder of 3,000 homes since 1985, online at www.kayehomes.com or call for more information at 239-455-1007.

How Will the Presidential Election Affect the Housing Market?

How Will the Presidential Election Affect the Housing Market?

The November elections will bring change to the political landscape. Whether a Democrat or Republican wins the election for president, there will be a change in the White House. We Americans are an optimistic people, and always look at change as a positive. We are a half glass full population that will always gladly and generously give the benefit of the doubt. We look forward to change, sometimes just for the sake of change, but always with wide-eyed optimism.

What will the change bring? Many people are hoping that out of the election, whomever wins will bring optimism and confidence. That’s exactly what’s lacking in the housing market today, confidence. Prices are at a four year low, interest rates are down, there is a glut of product out there, yet many people remain on the fence. What are they all waiting for? Most seem to waiting for a collective confidence that the housing market has stabilized, and prices have hit rock bottom. Timing a purchase of a new home at rock bottom can be a little tricky and lucky, so if the collective view of the market is that we are close to rock bottom, we may already be there.

So confidence, optimism and hope are the keys. Whether a Republican or Democrat is elected it should provide the nation with a new positive consciousness. To use two baseball analogies, sometimes a team just needs a change, a shot in the arm, so a new manager is selected. And fans, especially Cub fans are the perennial optimists, as they always seem to be patient and wait, and wait, and wait for another championship. This could be the year.

One area of the country has already seen the wait come to an end. The Naples, Florida market is back. At least thats is what President and CEO of Toll Brothers, Robert Toll has stated on national television. Confidence is back and sales are showing that buyers in Naples are optimistic about the future of the homebuying market.

If you are interested in purchasing a new home in the Naples market visit Naples’ award winning builder, Kaye Homes at www.kayehomes.com. Whether you are looking for a multi-million dollar custom home, or looking to build, or perhaps ready to move right in to a brand new select home, from the $200s, Kaye is the builder of choice in Southwest Florida. For more information call 455-1007.

Naples, Florida Housing Market is Back!

Naples, Florida Housing Market is Back!

“There is one ray of hope” in the real estate housing market today and that is Naples, Florida. On the Jim Cramer, Mad Money television program this week president and CEO of homebuilder Toll Brothers, Robert Toll, stated that Naples is back, and rated the Naples Housing market an A-, while the report card for the rest of the country is somewhere between an F- and F+. Mr. Toll continued to say that the Naples market has already bottomed out and is moving up.

This came as fantastic news for the Naples homebuilding and real estate specialists. Stuart Kaye, president and CEO of Kaye Homes, a locally based homebuilder in Naples since 1985 stated that this is certainly welcome news, especially from someone like Robert Toll, and on a national news format. The Naples market has already witnessed this change in the market place, as sales have been increasing for the past few months, but the exposure of comments like these and Mr. Toll’s well known grading system has to give the market a big boost. What this means is that inventory is decreasing, and we all know when that happens, prices go up.

Mr. Kaye states that he has been running a new advertising campaign for the past two months - New Hope for Homebuyers – and is thrilled that Mr. Toll has stated that Naples is the “One Ray of Hope”. “With inventory down and prices going up, we have certainly turned the corner”, stated Mr. Kaye. He also assured homebuyers that even though the Naples real estate market is back and prices rising, there are still many wonderful values in Southwest Florida.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new home in Naples visit www.kayehomes.com - With custom homes priced up to $3 million and starter and move in ready homes available for immediate occupancy priced from the $200s, Kaye has a home for everyone. Two model centers are open daily, for more information and buying incentives call 239-455-1007.

Ambassador Program – An Outreach Program for Homebuilders

How do you reach new homeowners? That is the million dollar question. If any marketing guru pocessed the definitive solution to this ever present problem, they would rule the advertising world. The truth is there doesn’t exist a silver bullet. There are many types of methods and media opportunities to reach the next homebuyer. The more traditional methods we all know, newspaper, magazine, television, radio, direct mail, etc. More recently the internet has become huge with online ads, listings, blogs, etc.

Still we must think outside the box, with outreach programs, during these challenging times. Going under the assumption that there are homebuyers out there that are either sitting on the fence or some just not realizing they can actually afford to buy in today’s highly incentive competitive market, outreach, or guerilla warfare tactics is certainly a viable approach.

Kaye Homes, a local Naples, Florida based builder has just installed a new outreach program, which seems very “out of the box” but is really a just different take on the oldest and most productive form of marketing – Word of Mouth. For years they have, as nearly all builders relied on their existing clients to generate more business. Within certain guidelines they are compensated for their generosity.

Kaye Homes has established an “Ambassador Program” which takes this concept a step, maybe a few steps further. They have recruited a number of ambassadors, these are people that are familiar with the homebuilder, such as suppliers, subs, business associates and Kaye customers of course. Their job is to go out in the market and provide their co-workers, friends, etc. with information regarding the purchase of a new home.

The prospective buyer may not be looking in the paper, or online searching listings, so this is a great way to reach them, and with a personal endorsement, it is an effective marketing tool. Of course the Ambassadors are compensated for their efforts. It is really very simple and cost effective to the homebuilder as well. As part of the entire marketing budget this type of one-on-one marketing is key to success, and in today’s slower economy it is an essential way to get your message out.

Kaye Homes is a Southwest Florida, award winning homebuilder, building custom homes throughout Naples and providing quality, value homes available for immediate occupancy as well. With Move Right In homes priced from the $200s to the $600s and custom homes up to $3 million Kaye Homes is the area’s largest local homebuilder, building over 3,000 homes since 1985. For more information visit www.kayehomes.com or call 239-455-1007, or visit one of two model centers in Naples, Florida.

What Goes Down Must Come Up – Pending Sales Way Up in Southwest Florida.

Good news has hit the Naples and Bonita Springs housing market. It seems that this could be the turnaround all Southwest Floridians have been waiting for. There is of course still some concern and we shouldn’t get too excited just yet, but this is excellent news and it does appear that the area has turned the corner.

Pending sales have reached their highest level since August 2005, almost 3 years ago. There were 853 pending sales in April compared to just 354 only 4 months ago. Since December 2007 the number of pending sales has increased significantly each month.

Comparing April 2008, there was a 30% increase in pending sales from April 2007. Since the Naples and Bonita Springs market was one of the first to feel the housing decline, it only seems natural that the area would be one of the first to see an increase.

There is more good news for Southwest Florida as well. Sean Snaith, director, Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida has concluded with his study of the area that the greater Naples market will experience very strong growth in average annual wage and will be one of the few areas to experience positive housing starts, in the years to come.

Over the entire state, more than 300,000 people will move to Florida, with 175,000 additional jobs. Florida will receive over 80 million domestic and international visitors with many expecting to consider purchasing second homes.

If you are looking to relocate to Naples, Florida find your next home at www.kayehomes.com. Kaye Homes is an award winning Southwest Florida homebuilder who since 1985 has built over 3,000 homes. Custom homes available up to $3 million, plus move in ready, value packed homes available from the $200s. Two model centers are open daily. For more information call 239-455-1007.

Naples Florida -- One of the Best Places to live.

Two days ago I blogged about Naples, Florida and how it is such a wonderful place to live and raise a family. With its near perfect weather, pristine beaches and clean air, Naples is regarded as one of the best places in the United States to live.

Today, a very interesting study was published by the American Lung Association. It’s the State of the Air 2007 air pollution city and county ranking. Naples lies within Collier County at the southwestern tip of the Florida peninsula. Most of Florida is rated fairly good. There are a few areas that are rated poorly for particle pollution. The Tampa area, Sarasota and Tallahassee were given “D” ratings and each had 8 days of Orange alert ozone days. This level is not high when compared to Los Angeles or Pittsburgh, but they do rank as the highest in Florida. Among the best with an “A” rating and no alert days whatsoever is Collier County, where Naples is. This is an excellent report, but not surprising. I lived in Los Angeles (before there existed any smog control) and also Manhattan for many years. One of the reasons I moved to Naples was the great air quality and overall clean environment it has. When you take a deep breath, it just smells of clean air, nothing else. While ozone particles in many of our large industrial cities and poorly rated cities will cause adverse health effects, and it is even worse for children.

Children spend more time outdoors than adults. They breathe in more air due to rigorous outdoor activities, thus more pollution being taken into their lungs. They exercise outdoors far more than adults. A child’s airway is much narrower, thus causing more irritation, which puts them at greater risk for asthma and other breathing problems.

Now that I have convinced you to move pack up the family and move to Naples, you should look for your next home at Kaye Homes’ Naples premier home builder at www.kayehomes.com or call them at 455-1007. If you’re in a hurry to get out of Dodge, they have a selection of Move- In- Ready homes that you can call your Naples home tomorrow

Where Can You Find the Best Value Today?

Where Can You Find the Best Value Today?


There are three types of buys to make on a new home, a new builder inventory home, an existing home and a new construction home. Which one offers the best value? There is no definitive answer. Markets change, availability changes and location are all key factors.

It will vary from town to town, deal to deal. The condition of the home buying market is a huge factor. In a slowdown market like we have today, you may find wherever you are located, that the best value is most likely a brand new existing home. These inventory homes are costing the builder daily to maintain. They are willing to negotiate price far below what they would have wished to sell the home for originally. They may even sell the home at a loss, to stop the bleeding. In most cases these are very nice, brand new homes, which have been sitting for a year, but no one has occupied these homes and they do have the latest features, which could include even energy efficient appliances. Many builders will be willing to work with you regarding financing incentives, such as low down payments, a low interest rate, and even provide other incentives hoping that the incentives will drive the buyers.
Kaye Homes, a Naples, Florida based homebuilder has sold 50% of their inventory homes this year with new homebuyer incentive guarantees. It’s a win/win for the buyer, as Kaye will guarantee the selling price for one year. If after one year the value of the house decreases the owner will be reimbursed. They are also offering up to 23% off today’s market value, plus some financing incentives to help the new homebuyer.
So, this is one area where the best value is certainly an inventory home. They are brand new, but not customized as you probably would if building new, but with the savings, you should be able to customize as you wish, and still be way ahead.
For more information regarding Kaye Homes’ Showcase Homes available for immediate occupancy, and custom homes, visit www.kayehomes.com or call 239-455-1007

Resale is Just a Fancy Word for Used

Resale is Just a Fancy Word for Used

Its all in how you package the product. The magic of words and its implications, they can be manipulated, misinterpreted and misused. The various industries have their own jargon, catch phrases and taglines. Sometimes they can be transferred to other industries, sometimes it fits, but for some odd reason it just doesn’t usually work that well. That’s probably due to the consumer’s conditioning. A great example of this is what we now call a car that someone else enjoyed before you bought it, its pre-owned. If we try to cross-market that concept to the housing market, it doesn’t seem to work. Have you ever bought a pre-owned home? All pre-owned cars at one time were called “used” and a used car dealer was considered a bottom feeder in the sales chain. Somehow they sound a little more honest calling themselves a pre-owned dealer. I recall, when I was quite a bit younger, a joke going around. Someone would be offered ABC gum. Doesn’t really sound too bad, except ABC meant Already Been Chewed, so it was “used” gum.
The word “used” has really never been a term commonly found in the housing market. Gee, I wonder why. Would you rather purchase a “resale” home or a “used” home? Would you rather purchase an “existing home” or a “used” home. Almost anything sounds better than a “used home”. Since we have “new homes” why don’t we have “old homes”? Now that sounds as bad as “used”. Resale, it seems is the word of choice. Maybe because within the word “resale” is the word “sale” and somehow that translates to getting a better deal.
Kaye Homes, a Naples, Florida based homebuilder is starting to use the phrase “Used Home” when prospects are making an attempt to compare a brand new Kaye Home with a “Resale”, the new home counselors at Kaye Homes will say, “You are trying to compare a brand new Kaye Homes with all of today’s state-of-the-art features and upgrades with a “Used Home”. Then when warranties are explained, and various other issues the “Used Home” that seemed like such a great buy isn’t as wonderful as they thought.
I have “used” up my time and need to move on, but if you are looking for a “New” home visit Kaye Homes at http://www.kayehomes.com/ or call 239-455-1007. They have a great selection of new homes ready for immediate occupancy and a collection of wonderful custom homes

Naples, Florida – A Great Place to Raise a Family

Naples, Florida – A Great Place to Raise a Family We’ve raised three in paradise. Well, one is just about done, soon to be a junior at Naples High School, but the other two are off on their own, one raising his own family and the other finishing up his final year of college. They never really appreciated growing up here in Southwest Florida, they took the beach and perfect weather for granted. “There’s nothing to do here, I’m bored”, they would complain from time to time. I remember saying the same thing around their age, and I grew up New York and Los Angeles.
Anyway, for a sports minded family, the sports leagues and activities never end. From the YMCA basketball leagues, Little League baseball and softball, to Optimist Soccer, gymnastics, golf, swimming, dance, volleyball, etc. until they reach high school and start their activities there, there is never a dull moment for the kids. The incredible weather make outdoor sports an all year round activity. Mixed in with boating, fishing and water skiing, there is more to do here 12 months of the year to keep the kids outside, not playing video games. And there’s the beach, and the kids love it, from when they were small learning how to swim, then later learning to skim board and then just the place to hang out.
The air is very clean, with our only industry being tourism, there is no pollution, and with the community behind a green movement, the waterways, lakes and Gulf waters are kept clean and free of pollutants. Pretty idyllic, and clean, I moved here from New York City, so the contrast in street litter was and still is 180 degrees. We just don’t have litter.
Finally, its safe. We shouldn’t but we still do. We leave the house unlocked when we go out. Crime is not something we really think about. Of course there is some crime, but it feels like the 50s here most of the time. Its just a laid back, safe, great environment to raise a family and pursue your dreams.
If you are looking to move to Naples, Florida, and looking for a new home, Kaye Homes is the builder of choice that will guarantee your dreams come true. With a wonderful selection of custom and move-in-ready homes available, Kaye Homes, Florida’s Builder of the Year, has the perfect home and location for your family to start building your memories now. Visit Kaye Homes at http://www.kayehomes.com/ or call 239-455-1007.

There is Hope for the American Dream

There is Hope for the American Dream Some couples don’t realize their dream of home ownership is easily within their grasp. Most everyone is still interested in the American dream of home ownership. Raising the kids in the family home is still something that most newly married couples strive for. It’s a sign of success, however modest the home is, it is theirs. In today’s slow economy and housing market, the dream doesn’t go away, it just seems harder to realize, and many people who would be in the market to buy, don’t think they can. Some have given up and delayed their dream, others just don’t realize that the dream is there. One of the problems homebuilders have today is reaching prospective buyers that don’t realize they are prospective buyers. They have just concluded, falsely that they can not afford to purchase a new home, and continue to rent. Instead of creating equity and satisfying their American dream, they are just throwing money away. Local homebuilders, as well as local, state and national programs are assisting homeowners today with down payments and other financial incentives. If this group of prospective buyers, becomes aware of these programs and sees the logic in purchasing a new home today, due to markdowns and other incentives there could be a rush to buy. A Naples, Florida based homebuilder, Kaye Homes is offering additional incentives that should make this unsuspecting buyer beware, and that’s guarantees. They are guaranteeing the purchase price, so that if the value of the home drops after purchase they will, in cash, rebate the buyer. If the buyer becomes unemployed for no reason of their own after home purchase, Kaye Homes will pay their monthly mortgage payment for up to 9 months. For more information regarding the Guarantee Programs and view the 2008 Collection of new homes, visit Kaye Homes at www.kayehomes.com, or call 239-455-1007 and ask about what local, state and national programs are available. Kaye Homes also has a wide selection of new homes ready for immediate occupancy.

By the Numbers, They Don’t Always Give You the Right Impression

Numbers are a very funny thing. They can be flipped and flopped and adjusted and interpreted in so many ways. What would we Americans do without statistics, polls, percentages or lists. They can be deceiving, they can change opinions and perceptions, and its usually just the way we look at them. For instance, take the unemployment rate. Today in the United States unemployment is at around 5%. We would of course all love for it to be 0, but looking on the brighter side, the glass is half full side, not the glass is half empty side, the employment rate then would be 95%. For some reason that doesn’t sound quite as bad. Now lets look at the foreclosure crisis. And it is a crisis for anyone going through that process, and we all feel sympathetic to those involved. We have all heard the statistics being thrown around on the nightly and cable news, foreclosures are up 50% there, 30% here, etc. One statistic not being discussed in the media is what percentage of homebuyers are in foreclosure. By the sound of the feeding frenzy of the main stream media you would think 20, 25 or perhaps 30% of U.S. homeowners are going through the foreclosure process. The actual percentage of U.S. homebuyers going through foreclosure is just 1%. That means that looking at the glass half full, 99% of all American families are keeping up with their mortgage payments. Will it rise during 2008, most likely yes, but lets keep it in perspective, and hope it starts to taper off very soon. Kaye Homes, a local Florida builder based in Naples, Florida has noted confusion with today’s homebuyer. Numbers are being thrown around left and right by builders, 20% off, Save $30,000, and on and on. Kaye notes that the buyers are very savvy and are asking the right questions. They want to know if the 20% that a builder is offering is from the inflated past pricing or off today’s current market value. A great question to ask, and Kaye Homes suggests that all homebuyers beware of the language builders are using. All prospective homeowners should do their homework and be sure that even with advertised discounts, the value may not be the best, so shop around and ask questions. The numbers being quoted may not appear to be what they really are. Kaye Homes is an award winning Southwest Florida homebuilder, building custom homes and starter homes for over 22 years. They currently have a list of Move In Ready homes, with great savings and incentives, along with their new Guarantee Programs that make Kaye Homes a leader in the industry, supplying their homeowners with the best possible quality and value. For information about your next home visit http://www.kayehomes.com/ or call 239-455-1007.