Fun Family Day at Busch Gardens, Tampa

We recently had an incredible family trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. The lines were short, the weather was great, and we had a blast discovering nature and wildlife. We didn’t have to wait long in line, which was awesome. We had more time to enjoy the park and have fun without waiting too much.

We saw amazing animals like lions, tigers, lemurs, and meerkats. It was cool to learn about them and why it’s important to protect them and their homes. The weather was perfect, and everything looked beautiful. There were beautiful gardens, tall trees, and colorful flowers all around. It made our trip even more special. Busch Gardens has exciting rides for everyone. We went on fast roller coasters and fun family rides. We laughed and screamed with joy. We realized how lucky we are to have Busch Gardens so close to home. Living in Florida means we have lots of amazing parks and beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Our family day at Busch Gardens surpassed all expectations. Not only did we create lasting memories together, but we also gained a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude for the natural world. Being in such close proximity to such an extraordinary place serves as a constant reminder of Why We Love Where We Live. Busch Gardens has not only provided us with an exceptional entertainment experience but has also instilled in us a deep appreciation for nature’s wonders and the importance of cherishing the world we live in.

Access Title Naples Welcomes Marisol

We are pleased to announce that we have a new addition to our team in Naples! Please join us in warmly welcoming Marisol Rotar, who has joined us as a new Escrow Officer. Marisol brings a wealth of experience and a strong bilingual skill set that will greatly benefit our organization and our clients.

With a proven track record in the industry, Marisol has worked previously as an Escrow Officer at reputable law firms in Naples over the past few years, successfully handling a diverse range of real estate transactions. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to exceptional customer service make her an invaluable asset to our team.

What sets Marisol apart is her fluency in both English and Spanish. Her ability to effectively communicate with our diverse client base will help us strengthen our relationships and ensure seamless transactions. Marisol’s language skills will enable us to better serve our Spanish-speaking clients, expanding our reach and making our services more accessible to a wider community.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marisol is known for her positive attitude, collaborative approach, and strong work ethic. She embodies the core values of our company and is eager to contribute to our continued success.

Please take a moment to introduce yourself and extend a warm welcome to Marisol. We are excited about the expertise and perspective she brings to our organization, and we are confident that she will make a significant impact in her role.

Marisol can be reached in our Naples office at 239-434-0100 or at MRotar@AccessTitleFL.com and looks forward to working with you in the near future.

March Housing Market Report Has a Silver Lining

Closed sales of homes in Naples during the first quarter of 2023 exceeded closed sales reported in the first quarter of 2019 (pre-COVID) when inventory levels were nearly three times the current level. According to the March 2023 Market Report by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), overall inventory in March increased 92.4 percent to 2,900 properties from 1,507 properties in March 2022. While still historically low at 3.6 months of inventory, overall inventory in Naples has continued to increase ever since it bottomed out at 0.8 months of inventory in December 2021.

Broker analysts reviewing the report like Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc., speculate that “even though buyers today are facing headwinds like high interest rates, rising property and flood insurance rates, and low inventory levels, these factors are not diminishing people’s desire to live in Naples.”

Cindy Carroll, SRA, of Carroll & Carroll Appraisers & Consultants, LLC, who advocates against comparing activity today to activity during the COVID-boom years (2020-2022), said she is “comforted by the fact that our area shows resilience to 2019. Homebuyers shouldn’t get too hung up on the months of inventory number reported because it fluctuates wildly depending on where you want to buy a home in Naples. For example, the Port Royal area has a 1.3 year supply today. The truth is we are heading back to 2019; a time when the housing market was stable, foundational, and logical. That is what should be happening, and it is.”

With this more accurate comparative method in mind, closed sales decreased 16.5 percent to 1,017 closed sales from 1,218 closed sales in March 2022; but compared to March 2019, closed sales increased 2.6 percent. Pending sales in March decreased 14.5 percent to 1,377 pending sales from 1,611 pending sales in March 2022; but compared to March 2019, pending sales increased 22 percent.

While new listing growth was relatively static in the first quarter of 2023, Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty, believes some potential sellers in Naples are sitting on the fence because they fear a possible recession may impact their home’s value and/or want to wait and see whether interest rates drop. New listings during March decreased 17.9 percent to 1,369 new listings from 1,667 new listings in March 2022; but compared to March 2019, new listings for the month decreased only 2.5 percent. Yet according to Adam Vellano, a Naples Sales Manager at Compass Florida, “the price decreases reported in March were by sellers who failed to price their homes competitively when they originally listed them, but very few of these decreases were below today’s comps.”

The overall median closed price in March increased 7.3 percent to $615,000 from $573,000 in March 2022. This increase was driven by the condominium market, which had a 5.9 percent increase in its median closed price. Interestingly, the median closed price for single-family homes in March reported no increase compared to March 2022.

Iterated by top brokers who review the market report each month, it’s impossible to categorize the Naples area housing market as either a buyers or sellers market today. However, an experienced Naples REALTOR® understands the comparative market differences of each unique neighborhood.

Kunkle added that it’s become a “hard decision to sell a home if you have a mortgage at a 3 percent interest rate when today’s rates are over 6 percent.” However, according to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage since 1971 is 7.75 percent. Further, Sherry Stein, CRB, Managing Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, was quick to point out that “the average sales price in Naples in March 2019 was $597,081, but today it’s $1,018,469.”

If you are considering buying or selling your home, look to a Naples REALTOR® who has the ability to provide an accurate market comparison and give you expert advice on how to capitalize on today’s market conditions. A REALTOR® can ensure your next purchase or sale in the Naples area is a success. Search for your dream home and find a Naples REALTOR® on Naplesarea.com.

Tides of Recovery – Local Realtors Unite to Support Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach, a resilient community in Southwest Florida, is slowly recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. Despite the challenges faced during the rebuilding process, the community has come together to support each other through this difficult time. Now, local realtors are being called to unite and join the efforts to support the recovery of Fort Myers Beach.

On May 17th, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and other city officials will provide updates on the progress being made and plans for the future. This event provides an excellent opportunity for realtors to learn about what’s happening now and what they can expect in the coming months. By being informed, realtors can help support the community’s recovery efforts and play a crucial role in bringing Fort Myers Beach back.

Recovering from a natural disaster is a slow process, but with the support of the community, Fort Myers Beach will come back stronger than ever before. Access Title Agency and Movement Mortgage are hosting this event to help support the recovery efforts and show their support for the community. Join us on May 17th and be a part of the community’s efforts to return home to the place we all call home.

The Mound House Fort Myers Beach

The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach has finally reopened after undergoing extensive repairs following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a joyous occasion for everyone involved, as it marked the culmination of months of hard work and dedication.

 

The Mound House is a historical landmark that dates back thousands of years and serves as a reminder of the indigenous people who once called the area home. The hurricane caused significant damage to the property, including the loss of several important artifacts and exhibits. The repairs to the Mound House were a collaborative effort between the local community and a team of dedicated professionals who worked tirelessly to restore the property to its former glory. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a testament to their hard work, and a celebration of the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.

 

Visitors to the Mound House can now enjoy its many exhibits and learn about the rich history of the area. The museum offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The reopening of the Mound House is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our history for future generations to enjoy.</p

Women’s Council of Realtor’s Spring Fashion Show

The Women’s Council of Realtors’ spring fashion show was an exceptional fundraising event that not only showcased the latest fashion styles from Petunias of Naples boutique, but also contributed to the commendable work of the Pace Center for Girls. The event, held on April 18th, drew a significant amount of attention and support from the community, making it a resounding success.

Through the partnership with the Pace Center for Girls, the Women’s Council of Realtors demonstrated their commitment to supporting at-risk girls in the Naples community. Attendees not only had the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous afternoon filled with fashion and entertainment, but they also contributed to a worthy cause that has a positive impact on the lives of young girls.

The fashion show featured an array of spring and summer styles from local boutiques, with Petunias of Naples taking center stage with their unique and stylish offerings. Attendees were treated to an exciting fashion experience, with a range of chic dresses, breezy tops, and statement accessories on display.

Discover Downtown Naples’ Hidden Gem – Petunias of Naples

Click Image to view the video

As we celebrate the beauty of Naples, Florida, this month, we cannot help but highlight one of the most charming and picturesque destinations in Southwest Florida – Downtown Naples. The palm-lined streets, colorful buildings, and exceptional shopping and dining options make this area a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike.

One of the standout businesses that you cannot miss when in downtown Naples is Petunias of Naples, a boutique shop that offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts. From chic dresses and tops to statement jewelry and handbags, this boutique has something for every style and occasion.

What sets Petunias of Naples apart is its commitment to providing high-quality, unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. The store collaborates with a variety of designers and brands, both local and international, to bring customers the best of the best.

But what makes Petunias of Naples special is not just its merchandise. The friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating staff are always willing to help you find the perfect piece for your wardrobe or a special gift for someone you love. With regular sales and new arrivals, there’s always something exciting happening at this beloved boutique.

Whether you’re a Naples local or planning a trip to Southwest Florida, Petunias of Naples should definitely be on your list of must-visit destinations. This boutique is a great place to find unique, high-quality items that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there’s plenty more to explore in downtown Naples, from its delicious dining options to its beautiful beaches.

Don’t miss out on the chance to shop at Petunias of Naples during your next trip to downtown Naples! Visit their boutique and discover a world of stylish and unique clothing, accessories, and gifts.

Watch a Video – Click Here

Staff Transitions – Office Relocations

Marcy McKamey

Access Title Agency is pleased to announce the relocation of our Cape Coral Office in May of 2023. While our current Cape Coral location opened in 2021, we have been growing rapidly in that market. Our Cape Coral office will be moving from its current location to  4645 SE 11th Place Ste. 102; Cape Coral, FL 33904 to allow us the opportunity to expand and add additional team members to better service our clients.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Marcy McKamey on her promotion to Team Lead. As the Team Lead, she will use her 25+ years of experience to oversee the day to day operations of this branch and manage the team.  

Additionally, Debora De Moraes will be relocating from our Fort Myers Beach location to the Cape Coral office. Debora is a trilingual closer who is also fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Debora De Moraes

Stay tuned for additional updates on the Grand Opening of this location! We hope to see you there and introduce you to our Cape Coral Dream Team!

Welcome Yani Cardentey to Access Title Agency FL

Yani Cardentey

Access Title Agency is pleased to announce the addition of Yani Cardentey, Business Development Specialist. Yani is a highly motivated, energetic professional with vast experience in sales. Ms. Cardentey began her career in the title and escrow industry at a title company in Naples, FL in 2015. She remained at that company for numerous years before being elevated to Director of Sales.

Throughout her years in this industry, Ms. Cardentey has shown herself to be able to create and maintain effective relationships with various participants within the real estate industry. Ms. Cadentey’s main focus is to ensure that the clients of Access Title Agency, whether it is the purchaser, seller, agent, or mortgage professional, receive unforgettable service because every single interaction with our client is the most critical.

In addition to being a tremendous asset to our company, Ms. Cardentey participates in the community through maintaining membership at the National Association of Hispanic Realtors. She is bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English. Furthermore, she has two amazing kids that she loves very much and keep busy with their activities, which include baseball. When not at the office, you can find her on the baseball field!

Please help us welcome Yani to our team. She can be reached at: Yani@AccessTitleFL.com or at 239-825-5760.