Lavish Living in Naples

09/09/2024

If I wanted to host Thanksgiving this year in my new Naples Florida home, this is what I would be doing now.

🍂 September - I would interview agents, (via a buyer consultation), sign with them as your representative and talk to a lender if you need financing. You will need to be pre approved before setting up showings.

It’s important to start searching now to give you time to find the 🏠perfect house, check out communities and homes and not feel pressure.

🎃October - Your ideal time to make an offer on a property will be in the month of October. The closing time here in Naples Florida is 30-45 days ( depending if you are financing or paying cash).

🏠This will also depend on the sellers time frame to be able to move. So to ensure you have plenty of time, put an offer in on your ideal home in October so you can close by mid November.

That gives you a few weeks to get settled and be able to host your friends and family over for Thanksgiving. preparing your meal in your NEW kitchen, with the smell of food and the sound of laughter all around your home - what’s better 🥰

I’m accepting 3 new buyers this month, so if you’re wanting to buy a home before the holidays this year, DM me.

We’ll start with a buyers consultation with ZERO 🚫harassment on my end ( I know how agents can be).

📈You’ll share your goals and expectations with me and I’ll explain the process here, how I work and give my advice on the best communities, timeframes and lenders to get you started on a SEAMLESS transaction.

PLUS - we’ll have fun while doing it 🥳. Forget the old stressful way of doing real estate. My processes and procedures keep it fun and EFFICIENT!

💥If you’re buying AND selling go back to “Part 1” on my profile

👉🏼Ready to get started? Comment “buyer” and I’ll send you my guide of what to expect buying in Naples Florida and my entire process. 👇🏻

If you like what you read, there’s an option at the end to set up a consultation. 🤝

09/05/2024

“Kim is knowledgeable, dependable, punctual and very trustworthy . She helps you all the way through from listing your property to selling it . She works well handeling closing, speaking to attorneys . She is right on top of everything . We highly recommend Kim and we have been in Naples 50 years . She is excellent . 💯✮✮✮✮✮”

This amazing couple had been in Naples for over 40 years. Business owners who built so many homes throughout Naples, Florida. Many of those homes you live in and love.

They decided to retire and move to the mountains of North Carolina⛰️. We got them top dollar on the sale of their home right by the beach so they could purchase their retirement home.

They are LOVING the weather and laid back lifestyle. 🫶

If you’re ready to retire and either sell your Naples Florida home and move back up north full time OR want to retire in Naples, I’m you girl 🙋‍♀️

Comment below and let me know where you’re ideal retirement town is 👇🏻

09/04/2024

Relocating or buying a second home in Naples Florida from another state is a big under taking.

And here’s why my buyers are making the move 👇🏻

☀️They are escaping the cold weather during the winter months. Forget shoveling snow, or gray dreary skies. While everyone’s waking up in dark, cold weather, you’re starting your day with sunny, warm skies.

🚶‍♂️As soon as you walk downtown Naples along fifth avenue, among the twinkling lights wrapped around the palm trees, you feel like your apart of the Naples community.

⛳️The lifestyle you can’t get up North, this includes warm weather, great dining options, luxury shopping and cold drinks on the beach.

🎣If you love fishing, boating, golfing, walking, and beaches, you’ll love how you can find all of these opportunities here in Naples

If you’re interested in learning more about Naples Florida, I have the best resource for you! 📖

I created a relocating to Naples guide that details all you need to know. 🫶 From schools, condo vs single family, pet restrictions, golf courses, rental restrictions and more!

Comment guide and I’ll DM it to you 💌

🌴

08/27/2024

In less than 1 week I’ve gone from 10k accounts reached to over 23k and growing 🙌

Forget the Open Houses that only bring in a few people each week. 🚫 The fact is, here in Naples, Florida we have mostly out of State buyers looking for a second home. 🏠

So if they’re not in town to see homes, where do they find them? ONLINE. 📱

If you’re thinking about selling your house and the agent you’re considering ISN’T dominating in the digital world, then I’d highly recommend we talk.

Fun Fact: It’s not about the followers! Some accounts and agents with a TON of followers yet aren’t converting them into buyers but I AM.

💥In fact, last week an out of State buyer found me from Instagram and within 4 days they were under contract here in Naples. 🥳 And 2 days ago another buyer reached out who’s already told me what he wants but isn’t ready to buy for 10-12 months. 🙌

But guess what, when a listing of mine pops up that fits his criteria, I’ll be able to let him know ASAP. 💬

I am building an online database which currently has 110 potential buyers for the Naples Florida market and MY SELLERS 🥳

Each buyer is in different phases and time frames so it’s a matter of matchmaking when the right home and time comes. 🤛🏻

☀️If you want to discuss how my 5 step Lavish Living Signature Method reaches so many people on social media ( on FB and LinkedIn too) and how it can get your home sold FASTER, with the terms you’re looking for, DM me.☀️

➡️ I have 2 buyer appointments left this week.

Comment “SELLER” and I’ll send you my system and what you can expect working with me.

Don’t forget to follow me
if we aren’t already connected. 🌴

❤️

08/26/2024

Watch out for the air bubbles….

08/22/2024

3 years ago we never had to ask this question... now it’s the FIRST question you should be asking BEFORE you buy a home in Naples Florida.

💥HOW OLD IS THE ROOF?💥

Why is this important?

After all, we all know roofs last 20,25, 30+ years, right? 🏠

🤷‍♀️Technically yes, but the issue is now Florida Insurance companies have changed their protocols and now requiring residential roofs to be 15 years old or less.

Before Hurricane Ian, we obviously checked the roof age prior to buying a house but it wasn’t a big deal, now it is.

If your buying a home with a roof that’s MORE than 15 years old, you will…
👉🏼 Be paying a premium for home owners insurance
👉🏼 Or you may not be able to get homeowners insurance at all!
👉🏼 Even if the current home owner has insurance on their roof, they’re usually grandfathered in but the prices go up super high for the next buyer or maybe that company won’t even write a policy for that house now.

So what can be done? 🤔

📣BEFORE I ever make an offer for a buyer we will talk to my trusted Insurance agent to get an understanding of the cost of insurance and if there will be any issues with the roof.

✍🏻We also need to know if the seller has a current wind mitigation report (that basically is a report that checks the roof) within the last 5 years. If not, we’ll have to have one done at the time of the home inspection.

PLUS to get a discount, 🏷️ we will also request a wind mitigation for the roof to show the insurance agents that it’s in good shape.

A roof over 15 years is going to increase your insurance premium significantly, and over 20 may be difficult to insure (and will likely require a pricey replacement in the next 5 years).

Does that mean you can’t buy a house with a 17 year old roof?💬

Of course not. 🙌 If the roofs in good shape, meaning no leaks or issues, you most likely can still be insured, it just might be more than you planned to spend. But don’t worry, we will figure that out prior to buying.

📲 Follow for more Naples Florida real estate tips!

08/21/2024

Is this you? 🫣

✅ You’re busy with work, life and family & don’t have time to browse through hundreds of Zillow listings in Naples Florida.

✅ You don’t know which Naples neighborhoods to consider, there’s so many and they’re behind gates, it’s hard to know what’s going to fit your lifestyle.

✅ You don’t want to make a bad financial decision and buy right now since you’re hearing conflicting reports that the market is crashing in Florida.

✅ You want to be here before January but not sure where to start with the home buying process in Naples Florida. Is it time to buy or keep seasonally renting?

That’s where I come in!! 🙋‍♀️ As your Naples Florida real estate expert, I take all things Florida house related off your plate so you can focus on work & your daily life, which will be barely interrupted. 90% of my buyers are out of State and I’m the “boots on the ground” for them here in Florida handling and guiding them the entire process. .

Instead of doing the searching, scheduling, making the phone calls, and handing the paperwork, and more: your job is to see the pretty houses ✨

☀️If you’re wanting to buy a place before season (Jan-April) in Naples Florida but not sure where to start, let’s have coffee☕️ (even if it’s virtual!) and chat about your needs & how we can get you into your home before season which is right around the corner.

👋🏻 So what’s the next step? My 5 step Lavish Living Signature Method breaks the entire process down step by step to keep things easy for you. 📣 Comment GUIDE to get started.

08/20/2024

Did you know I have an entire YouTube Series about living in Naples Florida? 🎥 Think in depth videos. These videos cover ALL the details you’re going to want to know.

Who would enjoy this channel?🤔 Anyone who’s planning to 🛩️ relocate to Naples, 🏠 buy a second home in Naples Florida or 🏝️just come here on vacation.

Here’s just a few of the videos I have there:
- 🐚BEST beaches to go to (breaks down each one and what they have, bathrooms, no bathrooms, etc)
- 🍲My top 5 favorite restaurants
- 🌺Top 10 things to do in Naples
- ❌Pros & Cons of living in Naples
- 🚘A tour around Naples
- 🏓Pickleball in Naples & so many more!

I am consistently uploading new videos there, so be sure to 💥SUBSCRIBE💥 to the video - I’ll put the link in comments.

My clients, friends & neighbors love to be able to send this channel to their friends who are visiting too. 🙌

Instead of playing tour guide, they’re able to see watch videos and explore the town prior to coming here. I have a lot of positive feedback on it!

👉🏼If you’re ready to explore all that Naples has in greater detail be sure to follow me on YouTube.

👉🏼If you’re more a quick reel kinda person, let’s follow each other on instagram. You get all the good info quickly. Are we connected yet? If not, let’s connect ( ).

📩 Share this with a friend who loves Naples Florida!

08/19/2024

It’s TRUE, 🌅 sunsets, 🏝️water and🎍tropical plants NEVER get old here in Naples Florida. Throw in a🐬dolphin sighting or two, it’s the best thing ever.

If you’re wanting to see what living (or owning a second home in Naples FL) is like, follow me Lavish Living in Naples

🐚I would love to show you around my town and all the hidden gems that that make it so unique.🌺

📲we’re not yet connected, let’s connect!

08/17/2024

🎥NEW VIDEO 🎥 Have you heard that Naples Florida was ranked the #1 BEST Place to Live in the USA? I thought it would be fun to not only showcase WHAT makes Naples so attractive and desirable to live but also the Top 2 & 3 best cities.

Can you guess what they are before you watch the video? Comment below your guess!

I would have NEVER guessed #2!

Click to watch the NEW video in the comments!

08/15/2024

08/14/2024

08/10/2024

Without the rain there would be no rainbows. Island life, Florida Keys 🌴🐚🌦🌈

08/08/2024

🌸I’ve learned so much about the area, myself and life since I moved to Naples Florida over 17 years ago. But when I went back to think of the basics I would tell myself before relocating to Naples Florida here’s what I would say:

1. Figure out where to live based on your lifestyle 🏠
Am I realistically at the beach everyday? Or is having dining / good restaurants and organic grocery stores nearby more of a need for me? Do I want to be in a community with a swimming pool, activities and glamorous amenities? Or will I never use them and prefer walking outside so I need a community with sidewalks and nature?

☀️2. Go out and explore all the fun things.
New coffee shops, boutiques that offer local goods, a bakery at the farmers market all keep me happy but there’s so much other fun stuff to do out of my comfort zone. But you can do those anywhere in the world. Do the things that you can only do in this area. Take the airboat tour, go look at the museum and learn the history of the area, go to the beaches, take a kayak or paddleboard and cruise through the backwaters looking at all the local wildlife and nature.

👋🏻 3. Don’t be shy. Get connected.
Everyone’s a transplant or on vacation. Meaning people are friendlier than you thing!

I always say a place can be the most beautiful place on earth but if the people aren’t fun it’s terrible. Same as being in the most boring place with the best people. ⛱️The good part is in Naples you have both! Great people & a beautiful surrounding. 🌴

🙍🏼‍♀️🙍🏾‍♀️🙍🏽‍♂️The people are friendly, put yourself out there to meet new people. One thing that’s amazing about Naples is that it’s a diverse age group so I have good friends who are 24 years old and friends in their 70’s! And I love that.

If you want a great group to get connected with follow Fabulous Ladies of Naples, Florida

And overall ENJOY where you live. ♥️ Get out of your house, go explore new things. After all these years there’s still plenty I haven’t seen and done so I’m taking my own advice!

🌴If you want to stay connected with fun things to do in Naples Florida follow me Lavish Living in Naples

08/06/2024

I’ve been hearing a lot of people tell me the homes they used to rent every winter have been sold out from under them and now they’re stuck with no where to rent for season. 😦

Has this happened to you? The prices are higher, you’re only familiar with one community and their amenities and now don’t know where to go.

🎯I recently helped a couple in your position. They had been renting for a few years, the condo got sold but they were hesitant to buy because they didn’t want to overpay or make a bad decision.

Their budget was $2.5 million and since it was a second home they got stuck waiting since they were uncomfortable not knowing the ins and outs of each community. Totally understandable.

We presented LOWERING 💵 their budget to find something in the community they loved without the full blown “commitment” of being their “ Forever Florida home”.

The plan was IF they eventually find a larger home and community they fall in love that they would be in a good position to sell this home ( we ALWAYS discuss how the property will increase or decrease in value with my “increased wealth method”.) 🏠 We knew based on the location, size and amenities ( golf included) they could always rent it out too!

✍🏻Once we talked through the reasons why and ran numbers it was a no brainer for them and we were under contract in a few days! Also, they ended up getting their home for a STEAL thanks to my “5 step Lavish Living Signature method”. They bought well below the value so they were able to upgrade it too!

🌴Even if you’re booked for this season but you want to buy in a few years, I have a process to discuss NOW to get you ready in a few years. 🌴

☀️ If you already have a home here but it doesn’t fit your current needs ( your family has grown out of that 2/2 condo) YET you’re unsure if it’s the right time, I have a list of questions we’ll go through the first time we chat to help you process what you really want and what timing makes sense.

⛱️If any of this resonate with you, DM me for my calendar so we can hop on a quick call and meet!

08/04/2024

If you fly Allegiant out of Punta Gorda there’s good news! They’re looking to expand it and add some good dining options 👇🏻

Concept plans for Punta Gorda Airport’s $43 million expansion could include a Wolfgang Puck restaurant at Bailey Terminal.

08/03/2024

🐅Heres how to get the most out of your day:

🦍Everyone gets there early. So a random time to come might be less crowded throughout the day. You can enter anytime up until 3:30 pm.

🦓 Don’t forget your ID. You HAVE to have proof of residency so if you have an out of State license just bring in a utility or tax bill for a property in Collier County with a matching name photo ID.

🐊 You can bring your own drinks and snacks. Most of the year it gets hot so bring water. But they do have concessions there they also have a water bottle filling station.

🐫 Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Want to know more fun things to do in Naples Florida? Then be sure to follow my page Lavish Living in Naples

07/31/2024

2 blocks from the beach🔥SOLD🔥 $1,075,000
Patience is everything! We worked through our list of wants and needs with our buyer about a year ago at our initial consultation.

🛩️When she flew in and out we showed her areas and she quickly had an idea of the location she wanted. But the right unit in the right building with the right view didn’t come up.

We had our eye out in certain buildings we narrowed down and when we finally found the RIGHT one we called her that morning and she was actually in town! She could go see it! 💁🏼‍♀️

She made a quick move and got this adorable unit right on the bay! 🐬 It’s 2 blocks from the beach, within walking / biking distance to 2 movie theaters, endless dining options, gas, groceries, The Mercato and EVERYTHING she needs.

🪑We talked design with her and cannot WAIT to see ALL her adorable ideas come to fruition! We helped her set up the right contractors, vendors and We’ve already planned to come back for a party when it’s done!

If you’re looking to work with a team who offers EVERY aspect of a deal ( inspectors, contractors, insurance, attorneys and everything in between)then we’re your gals 👋🏻

Oh and the icing on the cake? 💵 We saved her an EXTRA $7k the week before closing because of how we wrote the contract to protect her from any unknown upcoming variables. She’s thrilled!

Oh AND you can rent WEEKLY in this building for when she’s not here which is rare in Naples!

✍🏻We started the process 12 months ago, so if you’re planning on buying in Naples, Florida in the next 12-18 months, let’s connect.

You’ll want to know our process for how we work with out of state buyers and all the bonuses you get when you work with us, and we’ll discuss it all in our buyers consultation. 📝 We’re going to share with you the process that works every👏single👏time.

DM me to start the process. 👋🏻

07/31/2024

07/29/2024

Ughh the cutest!

07/28/2024

Messi fans - Miami has an attraction coming that you might want to consider taking the kids / grandkids to.

From Aretha to James Brown to The Temptations and everything in between, this is a stunning tribute to all things Soul and Jazz as we know it.

07/25/2024

I need your help. I'm creating an indepth resource center for customers and I'm looking to know 1 thing.

If you had ONE question about anything real estate estate related what would it be?

Can you comment below? It can be something you think is a silly question but you're genuinely curious about or something about the area. I'm just trying to figure out what's really on everyone's mind. Thank you!

07/15/2024

Love them or hate them, Naples Florida has HOA (Home Owners Associations) in about 90% of our neighborhoods.

💾 Save this post, I’m going to break down a few questions you need to ask BEFORE you make an offer in an HOA (or condo building)

1. Are there any current or upcoming assessments?
2. Have there been past assessments? What did they cover? How long ago, and do the quarterly fees cover the updates or will you be assessed next time a major project comes up?
3. Have there been any recent claims against the HOA’s insurance policy?
4. Are there any current HOA files liens on any of the properties or units? And what are the reasons behind it?
5. What is the history of the quarterly fees? How much have they increased the last few years
6. What is included in the HOA fees? Cable / internet, lawn & landscaping, water? Etc. Some include different things
7. Are there any proposed projects? Again would they be covered by quarterly fees or not?

💥And MY PRO-TIP💥 check the HOA financial statements for the last few years and look at the LEGAL fee section. This is going to show you if you live in a litigious community. Does the HOA send out excessive fines? Are residents suing the board? Are there other issues you don’t know about that they need to fight? This is going to show you a glimpse into what to expect.

If you’re unsure where to find all this information, DM me, I have access to all of this at the tip of my fingers and can point you in the right direction of where to quickly get the answers before you make an offer.

Are you pro or con HOA? Comment below ⬇️

–
Kim Menkhorst
239.776.0093

07/12/2024

SOLD | Delasol 🏡

Story time ❣️
The seller (wife) grew up in Delasol then got married and they moved to Oregon. During the pandemic they decided to come back and they only wanted Delasol. It took some hitting the streets, talking to neighbors and finding the perfect house for them. It was tough but we got them this house during a time with multiple offers.

Fast forward a few years and they get amazing job opportunities out of town and decide instead of renting this home, they want to sell. If they decide to come back to Naples they will buy a condo and use it as a second get away.

As they listed the real estate market began the turn to the buyers market it is now. We had to pivot and change our marketing strategy 4 times.

Sure we had offers through the process, 4 to be exact, but it wasn’t the price and terms they wanted. So we kept on. Offer 5 was the one that we negotiated to work.

I am SO thrilled for the sellers. I took it VERY personal to help them sell this house, I knew when they bought this house it would generate wealth and be a good investments based on location and size.

And I was going to do everything I could to get it sold so they could use this money to continue to build wealth for their family in their new house and not have to worry about 2 mortgages.

When you work with me, I don’t give up. It took persistence, a game plan that kept changing as the market changed and marketing strategies that we employed until we got the right offer that they wanted. And credit to the sellers for being patient as the market turned and trusting me to help them get it done.

In the end, the sellers netted even more money than the sales price ( you can message me about what negotiations we employed) and they are now so so happy.

Plus the buyers got the home that works for them now AND in the future as their kids grow up.

The agent and I worked together and got everything done that needed to be 2 weeks early. I even had a few surprises that needed to be addressed like open permits and an unexpected inspection issue but due to the relationships I’ve built over the years all were taken care of quickly and efficiently so we could all relax as closing day approached.

If you’ve been apprehensive about selling or wondering what strategies DO work in this wonky market, DM me. I will share with you my 5 step Signature System that consistently WORKS, gets results and leaves my customers EXTREMELY happy in the end. If you’re wanting a low stress transaction then let’s talk.

–
Kim Menkhorst
239.776.0093

07/11/2024

And the best part it’s on Fifth Avenue. Which means once you fill up with a delish meal, you can stroll the palm tree lined road, complete with twinkling lights as you window shop.

🏷️ SAVE THIS post because I’m about to give you a secret tip.. if you keep your receipt from La Trattoria you will get a discount on the new ice cream / gelato place just two doors down.

Since recently being in Italy ( and eating all the pizza and pasta daily) I was suprised at how fresh and good everything was on this menu. I had pizza, my family had the chicken parm which was amazing as was the pasta. Plus I felt it was very reasonably price for 5th avenue. There isn’t anything bad I can say about this place. If you’re looking for a casual yet tasty Italian restaurant in Naples Florida, you’re gonna want to try it!

Have you been? What did you think?

07/09/2024

💥Ask the Seller What’s the Most Important thing to them💥

First, be sure to save this video ☝️so when you’re ready to make an offer on your Naples Florida home you can refer back to this.

It might be surprising to hear that some times the money IS NOT always the most important thing to a seller.

Here’s a few examples of things that may be more important than price…

✅ They are nervous about selling and buying, so they prefer a certain close time or more flexibility on closing (such as a lease back)

👉🏼 We give them a longer closing date 45-60 days. For example, if you aren’t planning to come to Naples before season, then you can provide flexibility where as someone who’s moving here to start a job wouldn’t be able to give them the same timing.

✅ They want to sell their home but don’t want the hassle of making repairs

👉🏼We agree to have an inspection but not request repairs and purchase it as is (don’t worry, depending on the contract we choose, you would be protected to back out with no penalty if you find something of concern.)

Most of the time the sellers are not in town and the stress of them having to get multiple bids and repairs completed before closing is overwhelming. I will help you with quotes and work set up as soon as you close.

✅ They are nervous the deal won’t go through and they really need to sell

👉🏼 We will request a quicker inspection period to give the sellers peace of mind.

These are just a few ways I help you negotiate (as both the buyer AND seller) to get you the BEST terms and deal possible for your PERSONAL priorities.

If you’d like a copy of my “Moving to Naples Guide” comment “MOVING” below. I know it can be daunting but that’s why I’ve taken all the guesswork out of it for you.

And be sure to follow for more real estate tips, tours and videos of the lifestyle here in Naples, Florida.

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans!🥳

Let's celebrate our independence and cherish the liberties we hold dear. Wishing you a day filled with joy, pride, and memorable moments with loved ones.🌟🎉

07/04/2024

The number one question I get asked by buyer’s relocating or buying a second home is…which is the right community for us? In fact, most come to me thinking maybe they have an idea of the location or community but just want to see what else is out there before making a decision. Then they quickly realize that there is another community they have never heard of that is the PERFECT fit for them.

Let me fill you in on a little secret…🤫

There are SO many communities behind gates /trees as you drive that you literally have no idea about 3/4 of them. I didn’t either before I got into real estate.

If you’re relocating to the area, here’s what you should know🔈

🚨Zillow doesn’t have all the listings on their site, in fact, most aren’t even accurate. My buyers sends me screen shots of homes they see and within 2 mins I look it up and realize it sold last year and isn’t even for sale.🤦🏼‍♀️

My advice?⬇️

Set up a buyer’s consultation with me. Here we’re going to discuss something that Zillow can’t offer you, which is local knowledge about the community, location and area you want to be in.

My custom lifestyle questionnaire is going to help me (AND YOU) understand what you’re really looking for in a home, community and location in Naples. I have 4 other steps in my Lavish Living Signature Method that we’ll go over, but I break down the process in small steps. It’s easy to digest and TAKE ACTION, Trust me, I know it can be overwhelming with information overload - I’ve been there when I relocated to Naples 17 years ago too. That’s why I created an easier way so you don’t have to struggle.🤩

💥This is why I recommend scheduling a FREE buyer’s consultation with me if you’re thinking of moving to Naples Florida in the next 12 months.💥

Comment BUYER below and I’ll reach out to schedule a time we can plan a meeting (virtually or in person) to narrow down the exact home you’re looking for here in Naples.🏖️