The Institute's Luxury Market Report is your guide to luxury real estate data and trends for North America and the Naples area. Produced monthly, this report provides an in-depth look at the top residential markets across the United States and Canada. As an active member of The Institute, It is one of many channels that I dive into the keep a pulse on the market and share that information with my clients. Serving as a Luxury Property Specialist means staying ahead of the curve and employing a strategic approach to business. If I can be of assistance to you in your current and/or future real estate needs, don't hesitate to reach out to me at 239.287.2576 or Renee@YourNaplesExpert.com

This article guest written by  Clare Trapasso contains insightful information about how the COVID situation may be different than the last real estate "crash." ​All of us have a mind-boggling range of challenges to deal with in these stressful and uncharted times of COVID-19. But for many home owners, sellers, and buyers, one concern rises to the top: Are we heading straight into another housing crash?

These are unprecedented times. People are worried about their health and wellness, their families, their employment, their financials and their future. I wanted to share some resources that have been shared with me. I cannot take credit for this list of resources, I am simply sharing them so that others may take advantage of them. Here is a list recently shared by the local chamber of commerce. 

Build is exciting... you have the opportunity to build your home just as you want it. It is also an important investment with many decisions to make and considerations to weigh. Here are 23 questions that will come in handy when evaluating different new build options. Of course, having a real estate professional by your side who is familiar with the build process can help tremendously and costs you nothing as a buyer.

It is not unusual for people to confuse a downpayment required for your mortgage and an Earnest deposit. They both go towards the amount due at closing but are very different. As such, I wanted to make sure that buyers have a clear understanding of what an Earnest Deposit is and how it works. 

There is a lot of buzz across the airways about the upcoming "credit score changes." But, what does it all mean and how will it affect each of us? Given that credit scores directly impact real estate lending, I wanted to share a good article that gives you some of the highlights. 
​January 30, 20203:13 PM ET
Heard on All Things Considered

If you’re lucky enough to get down-payment help under the tree this year (or generous enough to give it), be sure you know the rules around gift funds. It’s not as simple as handing over a wad of cash with a note that says “Happy Holidays! Here’s a little something for your new house.”
Down payment gift funds must meet certain requirements or the gift giver and recipient face trouble down the road. From writing a gift letter to rules around repaying gift money, here are basic facts homebuyers and donors should know.