Kurt E Hoenig

Lely encompasses quite a large area. There are also many "communities within communities" in this development. Depending on which community you choose, please make sure to check on any Community Development District costs which may be conveyed during your purchase. Madison Park, from my understanding, is only one community. When dealing with multiple communities within communities, you tend to have master association fees and then have to deal with multiple "powers that be." I would think Madison Park would be the easier, less expensive option.

There are a lot of great deals out there. Shop wisely. I have assisted many British friends with their purchases here in the US. We do things a bit differently here. The Seller pays the real estate commission, not the buyer, so don't hesitate to call me if you require my services. I'm here for YOU. - Tue Sep 2 2008, 22:20

Hi there David and Sonia: The easiest way to respond to your question is that the closer you are to the beach, the higher the price of the home. If you are looking for a single family home, in a gated community or non-gated community, I would suggest trying such neighborhoods as Glen Eagle, Berkshire Lakes, King's Lake, Queens Park as there are some great buys in these communities. Make sure that you consider all facets of amenities offered, and how much you will be utilizing these amenties, as many gated communities will have maintenence fees to support the amenities. If you don't golf, then make sure the property you are purchasing is either in a golf community that doesn't require mandatory membership in the golf program or a non-golfing community.

The white sandy beaches of Naples await you. I would love to be your personal realtor. I have had the pleasure of dealing with many of my British friends and we do things a little differently here than in your country. I am glad to assist in any way possible. - Tue Sep 2 2008, 22:05

Hi Judy! If I might just make a gentle suggestion: BUYER BEWARE of Bank or REO Properties or Short Sales. Make sure you have a licensed, professional home inspector and complete all necessary air quality inspections. I have shown many REO and Bank Owned properties where pools have overflowed, the electric was turned off for a long period of time and mold began to grow, etc. I would suggest that you watch the wording in the contracts regarding inspections and have an addendum to the contract which reads something like: Home Inspection, Air Quality Inspection, and all other inspection results must be to the complete satisfaction of the buyer or the buyer may withdraw from the contract at any time, without penalty, with all escrow monies being refunded immediately.

I have friends who love Port St. Lucie and I enjoy it as well. I live on the Gulf Coast in Naples but read your question and felt compelled to answer you with some honest suggestions which might help you out in the long run. You are welcome to contact me for a referral to an agent in Port St. Lucie ro whom I've referred others to in the past. - Tue Sep 2 2008, 21:54

Hi Greg! There are a lot of great deals in the area. As this is a Homeowner's Association, make sure that the documents are to your satisfaction and read them carefully. Also review the financial statements closely as some communities are increasing their maintenence fees and passing them to other ownership due to foreclosures and speculative buying. If considering the purchase of a Short Sale or a Foreclosure, I suggest you close with a Real Estate Attorney's office and make sure that all leins and/or encumbrances on the property are fully discharged and documented as such in your closing paperwork. Only a Real Estate Attorney is going to be versed with dealing with the adversity of Short Sales or Foreclosures. They get paid to read the fine print and the details of the closing paperwork, and they really do not charge much more than a title company. I specialize in properties under $500,000. Just let me know if I can help. I am only a phone call away. - Tue Sep 2 2008, 21:41

Unfortunately, Chris, if you are looking for a beach view with gulf access, the budget you are trying to work with is unrealistic. The closer to the beach area, the higher the cost, and usually the higher the taxes. If you are wanting to stay within your budget, I would suggest a condo, which in my opinion is easier to maintain providing the property is being properly managed. I did not notice you asking for a single famiy home in this price range. What you will want to check closely are the community documents and financial statements, should you be in a homeowner's association. The documents will spell out the rental parameters, if any.
Evidently the guy who is Just Looking and replying to your questions isn't aware that many properties are going to contract and many offices have seen an increase in sales volumes over last year's numbers. Much of this is economically driven, with all the foreclosures and short sales available at drastically reduced prices, but the bottom line is people are buying again in Naples. There is a lot of inventory out there so shop wisely. Now is the time to get the most "bang for your buck."

Let's face it. Naples is a lifestyle. Sun, Sand, Surf, and a great city overall. Good luck with your search and let me know if I can help out. I specialize in properties under $500,000. I can probably find you a very nice condo, with a nice lakeview and/or golf view, approximately 6 miles to the beach in a solid association, for under $180,000. - Tue Sep 2 2008, 21:30