Naples Area Board of Realtors Q2 2024

NAPLES AREA BOARD OF REALTORS® MAGAZINE

A Wise

Q2 2024

Investment NABOR® is the backbone of the Naples real estate industry

Winner of two 2023 Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards

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3/20/24 8:55 AM

Ahh...Antilles Sun, serenity and Southern sweet tea

Coach Homes

From the High $400’s

MODELS OPEN DAILY

Monday - Saturday :: 10AM-5PM Sunday :: 12-5PM 239.691.4455 | AntillesNaples.com

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PENTHOUSE ROOFTOP POOL TERRACE

ame

PA R L O R

P R I VAT E D I N I N G C L U B

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Prices and availability subject to change without notice. The materials and features depicted in this rendering are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. All images, designs and features depicted herein are shown solely for illustrative purposes, and may differ in view, perspective or scale. No guarantees or representations are made that the materials and features depicted in this rendering will be provided, or if provided, will be of the same type, size or nature as depicted. Gulf Bay® Group of Companies. Creators of the Pelican Bay Skyline. Gulf Bay® Marketing Group, Inc. REALTORS®. ©Copyright 2024, Gulf Bay Development LV, LLC. All rights reserved.

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If You Can, You Should.

Step into a different world—one of prestige, style and sophistication with unprecedented design details.

Featuring a limited collection of sixty-eight meticulously appointed Gulf-front residences and an extraordinary suite of amenities, including the residents-only Private Dining Club, Epique offers an elevated and exclusive lifestyle unrivaled in Naples.

Certainly not everyone can do this. But if you can, you should.

E P I Q U E P E L I C A N B A Y. C O M | 2 3 9 . 5 9 8 . 9 9 0 0 | 6 8 8 5 P E L I C A N B A Y B O U L E V A R D Pre-Construction Pricing | Estates from over $6.5 million | Penthouse Pricing Upon Request

R LESSEE. guarantees s reserved.

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D I S C O V E R E S T E R O ’ S B E S T N E W H O M E VA L U E !

RIVERCREEK

L

UP TO

17,500*

$

IN SAVINGS

The Cascade

Resort-Style Amenities

Multimillion-Dollar Entry

The Canyon 3 Beds, 3 Baths, Den - 2,135 a/c sq. ft.

Elegant Residences & Resort Lifestyle

600s-$800s

from $ the

Now is the perfect time to bring your clients in to see Estero’s hottest new community offering an incredible value with a resort lifestyle in a sought after location. Visit today to tour our all-new one and two-story homes featuring contemporary designs spanning up to nearly 4,400 square feet and take advantage of savings up to $17,500* on a beautiful new home at RiverCreek!

LEARN MORE

(239) 308-4600 | GLHOMES.com | Open Daily 9:30am - 5:30pm 12776 Springbrook Court, Estero, FL 33928

Broker must accompany client during client’s initial visit to this community. Both the client and Broker must execute the Developer’s Registration Form on the initial visit. Broker must also execute the Developer’s Broker Participation Agreement. Broker bonus/commission subject to change without notice RiverCreek is being developed and sold by Lee County Homes Associates IV, LLLP, a Florida limited liability limited partnership. This is not an offering in states where prior registration is required. *Promotion of $17,500 is based on $10,000 in FREE options, plus $7,500 in closing costs when you use GL Financial and Nova Title services. Please see a Sales Associate for complete information. All rights reserved. ©2024 1100-779 Naples Realtor, Apr 2024

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3/6/24 12:07 PM

LEA

!

Luxury 55+ Living in Naples Grand Social Hall

Restaurant & Bar

Card Rooms, Arts & Crafts

Sports Lounge Outdoor Bar

Fitness Center, Exercise Studio

Racquet Club

*

S

Lap Pool

Resistance Pool

All-New 43,000 Sq. Ft. Clubhouse

Walking Trails

Resort-Style Pool

Early Move-In Homes Available Visit Valencia Trails today and see for yourself the all-new 43,000 square-foot Clubhouse with incredibly impressive amenities that make up the best 55+ luxury resort-style living available in Naples. From the picturesque pools with an outdoor bar and dedicated restaurant, to the impressive spa and sports lounge – there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out our early move-in homes that make it easy to start living your best life at Valencia Trails sooner than ever! Call 239-262-4000 or visit GLHomes.com to learn more.

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alue ring * on

LEARN MORE

Luxury Resort Living in Naples from $700s-$2M 11256 Daphne Court, Naples, FL 34120

Broker must accompany client during client’s initial visit to this community. Both the client and Broker must execute the Developer’s Registration Form on the initial visit. Broker must also execute the Developer’s Broker Participation Agreement. Broker bonus/ commission subject to change without notice. Valencia Trails is being developed and sold by Naples Associates IV, LLLP, a Florida limited liability limited partnership. Valencia Trails is designed for residents aged 55 & older, and is intended to meet the exemption under the Federal Fair Housing Act. This is not an offering in states where prior registration is required. Prices subject to change without notice. Please see a sales associate for details. All rights reserved. ©2024 1100-779 Naples Realtor, Apr 2024

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©2024, Fiddler’s Creek Realty, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE BROKER, BUILDER OR SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY FLORIDA LAW TO BE FURNISHED TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. All features, amenities, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Ownership of property within Fiddler’s Creek does not entitle an Owner to any right, title, interest or otherwise to use all planned Club facilities, but rather an opportunity to join, subject to the payment of assessments, fees and applicable regulations. All club facilities as presently proposed are not constructed nor will all proposed facilities be located within the property encompassed in the Fiddler’s Creek PUD. Development and construction of these facilities is contingent upon receipt of all applicable governmental permits and approvals.

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3/7/24 8:57 AM

not if, but when and where.

The beach? The marina? Golf? A spa? Yes, we’ve got a club for that.

And more. Fiddler’s Creek is everything you want, everywhere you want to be, including at home in luxurious, fabulously appointed residences set in a lavish, picture-postcard landscape.

M O D E L H O M E & A M E N I T Y T O U R S D A I LY

S, k e s.

N E W S I N G L E - F A M I LY H O M E S F R O M $ 3 M | N E W C O A C H H O M E S F R O M $ 2 M 239.732.9300 | FIDDLERSCREEK .COM

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NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

CLASSIC IS ALWAYS IN VOGUE.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. COMMUNITY FEATURES, AMENITIES AND PRICING APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. © COPYRIGHT 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE RONTO GROUP®

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3/5/24 10:37 AM

WALK, DON’T RUN. EVERYWHERE. Whatever, whenever, it’s around the corner, down a cobbled, palm-lined lane, or simply, downstairs.

Infinity at the Colony is a collection of spacious residences and all the amenities you crave, curated in a style that celebrates a classic coastal lifestyle.

If you must venture out, we know it will be… in style.

Five Inspiring Condominium Floor Plans • 3,000 to 4,000 SF • From the Mid $2Ms Sales Gallery: 4861 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 239-362-9550 | InfinityColony.com

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CONTENTS FEATURES 34

A Wise Investment Ethics. Education. Networking. Political clout. Professional peers. There are several benefits of NABOR® membership.

38

Get Involved!

Why members volunteer for service roles at NABOR® and how it impacts their business.

38 DEPARTMENTS 16 Message from the President 20 For Openers Find out about the new NABOR® Charitable Foundation. Make the most of the off-season. How participating in the Young Professionals Network boosts budding careers. REALTOR® safety app FOREWARN is free for Florida Realtors® members. In Store for You.

28

42 Get Smart A strategic guide for launching your real estate business. Fair housing training becomes mandatory next year. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) makes significant impacts on real property issues. Free National Association of REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence Endorsement (C2EX). Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreements. Ask Corie: Code of Ethics requirements.

54 Welcome New Members

59 NABORhood Social photos and upcoming events.

67 10

N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

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67 The Close

Dining Dish: New eats and libations.

Destination: Naples Zoo. Local Scene: Art at Naples Airport.

Q2 2024

3/20/24 9:14 AM

Walk this way

for increased income opportunities.

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You keep 100% of your commission while we provide the training, support and tools for your success.

Our January 2024 Closed Sales Transactions were up 11% from January 2023.

Please call us today for a confidential interview: MIKE HUGHES Vice President and Gen. Mgr. (239) 398-7572 MHughes@DFryeRealty.com

df DOWNING-FRYE REALTY, INC. Full Page.indd 1

WENDY MORELL Recruiting Mgr. (239) 300-5979 Wendy@DFryeRealty.com

PAT PITOCCHI Asst. Gen. Mgr. and Dir. of Training (239) 398-8650 Training@DFryeRealty.com

O F F I C E S : 8950 Fontana Del Sol Way #100, Naples, FL 34109 | 3620 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103 27399 Riverview Center Blvd. #101, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 | 886 Park Ave. #102, Marco Island, FL 34145

3/5/24 10:36 AM

NAPLES REALTOR

®

NABOR® Officers 2024 President PJ Smith

Grievance Chair Robert Nardi

President Elect Terrilyn VanGorder

Vice Chair Jim Pilon

Vice President/Secretary Christine Citrano

Legal Resources Chair Nick Bobzien

Treasurer David Puskaric

NABOR® Directors 2024

Nick Bobzien (Immediate Past President), Sara A. Brand, Christina Davidow, Shaun M. Garry, Amy S. Reindholdt, Marcie Roggow, Izabela Wright

NABOR® COMMITTEES 2024 Budget & Finance Chair David Puskaric Commercial Chair Stuart Tackett

Vice Chair Darren Schoof Community Involvement Chair Spencer Rigsby

Vice Chair Eric Nagel Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair Sandra Schlaupitz

Vice Chair Tim Loos Digital Content Chair Jeffrey Zeiler

Vice Chair Corey McCloskey Events for Networking Chair Shari de Ron

Vice Chair Samantha Schwartz Facilities Management Wes Kunkle Global Business Chair Carol Kairis

Vice Chair Olga Vindell Governmental Issues Chair Tina Muracco

Vice Chair Chuck Kansy

Vice Chair Adam Bleggi Media Relations Chair PJ Smith Membership Chair Nancy Golya

Vice Chair Joe Nugent NABOR® History Chair Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati

Vice Chair Shannon Livingston NABOR® Magazine Chair Jacquie Walter

Vice Chair Mary Waller MLS Chair Adam Vellano

Vice Chair Corey McCloskey

N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

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Chair Jacquie Walter Vice Chair Mary Waller

Director of Marketing Marcia Albert Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati Claire Bisignano Chesnoff Erica Cabezas Marchese Uncle Luke Teuscher Debbie Zalewski

NABOR® Staff

Chief Executive Officer Marty Manion Chief Financial Officer Carl Russell Chief Administrative Officer Corie Chase Administrative Assistant to the Executive Committee Deborah Linville Assistant to Chief Financial Officer Deb Joyner Director of Engagement and Events Melissa Bognaski Director of Marketing Marcia Albert Director of Membership Elizabeth Saggio Director of MLS Cindy Cornman

Professional Development Chair Tina Falzarano

Director of Professional Development Services Jeanette O’Neill

Vice Chair Carol Kairis

Education Administrator Taiana Londoño

Professional Standards Chair Will Watson

Membership Administrators Zamira Collado Heather Moore Sandra Salazar

Vice Chair Rick Fioretti RPAC Chair Debbie Zalewski

MLS Compliance and Support Specialist Tanya Traycoff MLS Support Specialist Alice Leonard

Vice Chair Jeannette Batten

Network Technician Michael Bryant

Symposium Co-Chairs Brenda Fioretti Debbie Zalewski

REALTOR® Store Manager Ann Mazzei

Vice Chair Lesley Colantonio

Supra and Store Administrative Assistant Kathleen Gill

Young Professionals Network (YPN) Chair Kimberly Vargas

Vice President of Public Policy Danielle Brazil Hudson

Vice Chair Antonio Barroso

12

Naples REALTOR® Magazine Editorial Board

Receptionist Joan Welsher

Digital Content Specialist Wade Mastro

Q2 2024

3/20/24 9:14 AM

Discover Naples’ Most Legendary Success Story

W

hen tranquil Gulf of Mexico beaches, sparkling ocean-view pools, elegant dining, world-class Spa treatments, curated amenities and the thoughtful service of The Ritz-Carlton are all right outside

your door, life goes from comfortable to simply incomparable.

Invite your clients to join you at our Sales Gallery, so they may claim their piece of the legend today.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION Sales Gallery 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road Suite 106 Naples, Florida 34109 Phone 239-249-6260 Pricing from $4 million.

RCRNaples.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, NAPLES ARE NOT OWNED, SOLD OR DEVELOPED BY THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C. OR ITS AFFILIATES (“THE RITZ-CARLTON”). STOCK RESIDENCES, USES THE RITZ-CARLTON MARKS UNDER A LICENSE FROM THE RITZ-CARLTON, WHICH HAS NOT CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE HEREIN. ORAL REPRESENTATION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY THE DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATIONS OF OFFERS TO BUY.

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3/7/24 10:51 AM

Publisher Liz Goodman Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos Editor Cathy Chestnut Art Director Craig R. Cottrell Jr.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Some Things Just Get Better With Age

Lisa A. Beach, Gina Birch, Karen Feldman, Patricia Janeway, Beth Luberecki, Michele Meyer, Glenn Miller, Gaylene Salomons, Seth Soffian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Zamira Collado, Wade Mastro, Blake Smith

ADVERTISING Liz Goodman at 239-595-7269 Advertising Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hackney Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir

PRODUCTION Production Director Selene M. Ceballo Production Manager Lourdes Linares Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis Production Coordinator Ileana Cabán Advertising Design Coordinators Jeffrey Rey, Anaely J. Perez Vargas Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

With over 50 years of combined experience, Thompson Lewis has expertise you can trust.

Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel Distribution Manager Judy Heflin Logistics Manager Omar Morales Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva Circulation Assistant Britney Stinson Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple IT Manager Omar Greene Group Publisher Terry Duff y Creative Director Olga M. Gustine

SUBSCRIPTIONS 800-308-7346 In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013) HOUR MEDIA, LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo

PUBLISHERS OF Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register • Florida Design • Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sarasota • Florida Design Sourcebook •

Thompson Lewis Law Firm 745 12th Avenue South Suite 105 Naples, FL 34102 239-316-3006 www.tllfirm.com

14

N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

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Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide • Fifth Avenue South • Palm Beach 100 • Naples 100 • Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation • Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County • Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club • Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber • Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura • Vero Beach Magazine • Community Report: Collier Community Foundation • Advances: Tampa General Hospital • Naples REALTOR®: NABOR® • Annual Report: Woods Charitable Trust

Published by Palm Beach Media Group North P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480 • 561-659-0210 • Fax: 561-659-1736 • palmbeachmedia.com Copyright 2024 Palm Beach Media Group North LLC. All rights reserved.

Q2 2024

3/20/24 9:14 AM

New north tower now selling

South tower under construction

The shore less traveled Welcome home to the protected shores of Estero Bay, Florida’s first aquatic preserve.

Just north of well known. Where curated living meets unspoiled nature. Walk to your private lagoon for cocktails or the marina for a fishing excursion. To extraordinary golf or a nature preserve. But whatever the day brings, Ritz-Carlton hospitality will make it even better. From the $3 millions. Secure your home now at the Sales Gallery.

TheResidencesEsteroBay.com | 239.788.0155 O P E N D A I LY

|

5000 COCONUT ROAD

|

B O N I TA S P R I N G S , F L O R I D A 3 4 1 3 4

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay are not owned, sold or developed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. or its affiliates (“The Ritz-Carlton”).

LB Estero Bay Investments, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from The Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.

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3/5/24 10:35 AM

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

EMBRACE POSITIVE CHANGE IN 2024

I

n this issue, we’re celebrating the immense value of NABOR® and personal stories that underscore the benefits of volunteering in countless ways, each with its unique motivation.

My “why” is simple: making a difference. Let me take a moment to shine a light on some remarkable initiatives the new board has undertaken: In December, our Community Involvement Committee made a heartwarming visit to BridgePrep Academy of Collier in Golden Gate City for our inaugural “Donuts with Santa.” Together, we brought joy to nearly 400 kids in just a few hours. It’s inspiring to know how this committee is truly changing lives.

We hosted our first Broker Summit at NABOR® on Dec. 11. We connected with Florida Realtors® staff members for an update on the class-action lawsuits that the National Association of REALTORS® has been facing in various states, including Florida, along with insights on the future of MLS. We also shared informative updates from our staff. Our brokers hold the power to reshape our industry by actively engaging, and this summit was a testament to that potential.

We also officially launched the NABOR® Charitable Foundation, which is focused on four pillars: housing, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and scholarships. We made a wise decision by partnering with the Collier Community Foundation to administer and vet charitable organizations. Through this foundation, our members are making a lasting impact on our community, and it’s heartening to witness.

In January, a team of 15 NABOR® members embarked on a journey to Tallahassee, advocating for REALTOR® issues. We conducted “Hill visits” with state representatives Lauren Melo, Bob Rommel, and Adam Botana, as well as Florida State Senate President Kathleen C. Passidomo.

Our advocacy team is screening candidates for city, county, and state offices to ensure their alignment with REALTOR®-related issues and values. Keep an eye out for our endorsements and remember to register and vote in elections! Our advocates are tirelessly fighting for you, our customers, our community, and our industry. Join us in supporting pro-REALTOR® candidates and be a part of the game-changing movement!

Thank you for being a member of NABOR®!

PJ Smith

NABOR® President

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N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

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Q2 2024

3/20/24 3:49 PM

At Neal Communities, we believe where people live has an impact on their life. It’s not just about homes, it’s about creating wonderful communities.

It’s about selecting quality places where people can live, grow and thrive. This is our brand promise: Where You Live Matters. AND SO DO OUR REALTORS! Our ongoing dedication to you is unparalleled with 3% commissions if you accompany your buyer on their first visit, broker events, personalized tours, and JUST FOR YOU, a $5,000 REALTOR BONUS*! And right now, we have just what you need to keep your clients happy.

Carriage homes, 1 & 2-story single-family homes, an inventory home for a quick closing.

SEYCHELLES CARRIAGE HOMES

FROM THE LOW $500s 2-STORY | 2-3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1-2 CAR GARAGE UP TO 1,725 SQ FT

KENDAL MODEL

VISIT OUR NEW AMENITY CENTER TODAY!

2665 SEYCHELLES CIRCLE, NAPLES, FL 34112

SKYSAIL

QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES AVAILABLE

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

FROM THE LOW $500s 1 & 2-STORY | 2-4 BEDS | 2-3 BATHS | 2-3 CAR GARAGE UP TO 3,486 SQ FT

DREAM MODEL

4056 SKYSAIL DRIVE, NAPLES, FL 34120

*$5,000 REALTOR BONUS VARIES AT PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES. ASK YOUR SALES ASSOCIATE FOR DETAILS. SEE NEALCOMMUNITIES.COM/REALTORS FOR ALL REALTOR DETAILS.

239.347.0722 | NEALCOMMUNITIES.COM © 2023, NEAL COMMUNITIES LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CBC 1256375 | PHOTOGRAPHS AND IMAGES USED ARE FOR DEMONSTRATIVE, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.

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9045 Strada Stell Court, Suite 400 Naples, Florida 34109 9045 Strada Stell Court, Suite 400 239.325.4070 I www.lawfirmnaples.com Naples, Florida 34109 239.325.4070 I www.lawfirmnaples.com 9045 Strada Stell Court, Suite 400 9045 Strada Court, Suite 400 Naples,Stell Florida 34109 Naples, Florida 34109 239.325.4070 I www.lawfirmnaples.com 239.325.4070 I www.lawfirmnaples.com

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® th 2020 4We’re Annual Realtor Assembly small enough to listen and big enough to help.

We’re small enough to listen and big enough ® to help. th November 18 , 2020 - Ritz Carlton, Naples, Florida 2020 4 Annual Realtor Assembly ® th Register today at Carlton, Eventbrite.com November 18 , 2020 - Ritz Naples, Florida ® Assembly th 2020 4 Annual Realtor 2020 4 Register Annual Assembly today Realtor at Eventbrite.com th th

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7/28/21 10:52 AM

8/30/23 1:09 PM

Minutes from Downtown-Miles from the Crowd • Villa Homes • Comfort Casual • Urban Sanctuary

STARTING IN THE $400s

JASPER FLATS is proud to offer one and two floor residences that

feature two and three bedroom floorplans built as twin villas, each with individual and attached garages. Well-appointed units that features premium construction specifications as concrete block construction, wind rated windows and doors and premium brick paver walk and driveways. Interior features include such equally impressive standards as Kohler fixtures, wood cabinetry with soft close hinging, Whirlpool kitchen and laundry appliances and quartz countertops. Using superior and value added structural components as building standards has set the community apart from) other new construction developments in Naples, Florida.

5840 Whitaker Rd. Naples, FL 34112

Call Today! 239.691.4455

This one’s for you!

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3/5/24 10:31 AM

FOR OPENERS

COMMUNITY COMPASS

The NABOR® Charitable Foundation is a sustainable philanthropic fund that will enhance the quality of life in Collier County

BY CATHY CHESTNUT

F

or decades, the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) has done good work in the community.

Members regularly roll up their sleeves to clean local waterways, PJ Smith build Habitat Collier homes, and gather school supplies for underserved students. Each year, funds are raised through member events. In 2023, $115,929 was donated to five local nonprofits.

Now, the organization has a lasting way to make a big impact in the community—through the new NABOR® Charitable Foundation. “I’m over-the-top excited about it,” says PJ Smith, 2024 President, who has advocated for creating a fund for three years.

Last year, the Charitable Foundation Task Force—made up of PJ Smith, Shaun Garry, Izabela Wright, Christine Citrano, Terrilyn VanGorder, and Spencer Rigsby—explored different approaches and consulted with other REALTOR® associations.

The NABOR® Board of Directors decided to establish the fund at the Collier Community Foundation because the foundation has in-depth knowledge of the community’s needs and closely evaluates local nonprofits, administers the funds, and provides grantmaking oversight. Smith also admires the Collier Community Foundation’s stellar reputation and workforce housing initiatives. It was flexible, handled the legal paperwork, and was cost-effective.

20

N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

reason I love it,” she says, “is that we wanted something that was evergreen for future leadership.”

Garry says working with the Collier Community Foundation allows NABOR® to focus on its mission while providing members with the security of knowing that their tax-deductible Shaun Garry Eileen Connolly-Keesler donations are making an impact through mission-aligned charities.

“The process was time consuming but The Collier Community Foundation working with the community foundahas distributed $328.1 million since tion was super easy,” Smith says. “They it was incorporated in 1985 and has allowed us to make modifications on the shepherded several disaster relief funds. agreement that fit our membership, so Today, it is the steward of more than 850 that was fantastic.” funds and $256 million in assets.

The NABOR® Charitable FoundaCollier Community Foundation tion supports four philanthropic pillars: President/CEO Eileen Connollyhousing, humanitarian efforts, disaster Keesler says that although the foundarelief, and scholarships. “We have full tion has 60-plus agency funds for local control over who gets the donations,” nonprofits, the NABOR® Charitable says Smith.

Foundation is unique because it is an NABOR® made the initial contriindustry-focused membership organizabution to establish the fund, explains tion. “We’re excited to see an organizaCharitable Foundation Task Force Chair tion like NABOR open a fund—that Shaun Garry. Going forward, it will be doesn’t happen every day,” she says. funded through “MLS fines, late fees, “It’s a little bit different because this NABOR® charity event proceeds, and is people’s livelihoods, unlike a social special donations from the memberclub, and they are collectively coming ship,” Garry says. “The donations are together to do amazing charitable work tax-deductible. The intent is to create a in the community.” sustainable charitable foundation that will further NABOR®’s charitable mission.”

In the past, board presidents would select their favored nonprofit as a beneficiary each year. While this has been a meaningful approach, the selected charity may not have met one of the current mission pillars, Smith says. This Learn more about the NABOR® foundation ensures a defined, structured Charitable Foundation way for giving in the community. “The

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FOR OPENERS

SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY

The off-season is a good time to tune up your business plans, upgrade your skills, and explore new neighborhoods

BY GLENN MILLER

“S

eason” in Southwest Florida has traditionally been considered as the weeks and months between Thanksgiving to Easter. From restaurateurs to REALTORS®, local small businessowners take much-needed leisure time during the summer to recharge their batteries and tune business strategies for the next bustling season.

These days, many successful businessowners will tell you an off-season is a quaint period of relaxation from the past—as outdated as rabbit ears on televisions. Lisa and Scott Pearl of The Pearl Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, who have seen the market mature over the past quarter century, think so. “Naples has turned into a year-round market,” Scott says.

Still, demands settle down as seasonal homeowners head back to New England or the Midwest to flee the steamy months.

Lisa and Scott Pearl

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Cultural and gala events go quiet, and active real estate listings temporarily decrease, giving area REALTORS® a respite from their 24/7 schedules and the time to reflect and plan.

The Pearl Team stays active in the summer doing what Jonathan Greenspahn Ellen Mazzucco they do throughout the year: failures in communication Their market newsletter goes out six times a or processes.” year and “mailers continuously go out with every listing, every sold property,” Lisa says.

They drop non-productive ZIP codes and Maximizing add different neighborhoods, update their Down Time customer database, and “review our marketing Ellen Mazzucco, a plan every summer and edit it accordingly,” certified appraiser and Lisa says. veteran REALTOR® Jonathan Greenspahn, an agent with the with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, local, three-member SK Luxury Group at The says the key to being successful is “activity, Agency, acknowledges that “during season, activity, activity.” That means taking care of we don’t really have the time to attack the the countless details that may be postponed bigger-picture things. It is usually more about during the height of season but can’t be executing [transactions] and making sure that overlooked. our customers get the service that they deserve.”

During “what some deem to be the slow When summer arrives, his team has time months, I routinely take advantage of the to debrief. They analyze their integrated extra time I have to update my website and customer relationship management database, take continuing education classes and any Follow Up Boss, to assess if there are leads to other courses I feel would be beneficial to my follow. “We actually have time to meet and business,” Mazzucco says. decide on strategies for customer acquisition, It’s a good time to personally “connect with marketing, technology, and most importantly, past, present, and future buyers and/or sellers,” discuss what we need to improve on from the Mazzucco says. “It is the perfect time to write previous season,” Greenspahn says. “That can a note or make a phone call to see how they include analyzing where we may have had are and what needs they might have that I

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may be able to address. People are still looking,” Mazzucco says.

Greenspahn’s team encourages customers to take advantage of the fact that there are fewer people in town, which translates to less competition—a great environment for negotiation—in the Southwest Florida market. His team explains to customers that “the summer months are a great time to buy, especially the customers that are trying to get something at a great deal and don’t like being in multiple-bidder situations,” Greenspahn says. “The strategy worked great last year for us and, based on conversations with clients this season, I expect that the upcoming summer will be similar.”

Off-season also is a time for Mazzucco to plant seeds for future deals by visiting new

communities or ones that she is interested in farming. “I like to keep updated on the golf communities as well as new developments,” she notes. “It is important to keep well informed.

There are many areas that I can learn more about.”

The off-season is also a good time to decompress. The Pearls take time to make new memories with their two children, ages 19 and 17. “We typically take a week to 10 days during the summer to enjoy our family,” she says.

Greenspahn indulges in Naples’ summer delights, including easy restaurant reservations and partaking in reciprocal play at area golf courses with friends. “We do a lot around town that we don’t necessarily get to do when we are so busy. Naples can be re-energizing during the summer.”

Take Advantage of the Summer Months · Reach out to potential customers with a personal note or phone call or Zoom or Skype chat. · Educate customers that the summer months are a good time to make offers. · Review and update your website. · Plan your marketing strategy. · Update marketing photos and headshot. · Update customer relationship management and mailer databases. · Visit new communities and learn about ones you are not familiar with. · Take a continuing education or special designation course to upgrade your professional credentials.

N A P L E S A R E A B O A R D O F R E A LT O R S ®

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FOR OPENERS

Peer to Peer

Joining the Young Professionals Network is a fun way to grow your business early in your career

BY GLENN MILLER

A

lthough Antonio Barroso has yet to turn 30, he already has a decade of experience in his real estate career and understood early on about the importance of being involved with the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) and Young Professionals Network (YPN).

“One hundred percent of my business contacts come from NABOR®,” says Barroso, who has built an extensive network of contacts in real estate and the building trades and has taken on a leadership role as vice chairman of the YPN Committee.

His family owns Pelican Harbor Homes, Inc., where Barroso works alongside his parents and twin sister Angelica. Eight days after graduating from Gulf Coast High School in 2013, Barroso earned his real estate license and joined NABOR® that year.

At first, he was nervous meeting older and more experienced professionals. But “I shut up and listened,” Barroso recalls.

And he learned. As Barroso has grown his business and network of contacts, he’s learned first-hand the value of YPN for networking.

YPN is designed for REALTORS® and Business Partners under the age of 40. The organization has a focus on several core areas. It encourages participation in REALTOR® conferences as well as leadership roles, networking with peers and finding mentors, and learning about policy issues and industry trends.

The group inspires members to “become exceptional members of their community” through both professionalism and volunteerism.

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If this sounds stuffy, think again. Fun events often combine multiple goals.

In December, members met at a local studio to paint pottery together—to get to know each other “beyond the boardroom.” They also organized a festive, holiday Movie on the Lawn featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” that included collecting toy donations for the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee.

The January Wake Up YPN featured robust java and networking at Narrative Coffee Roasters, which included a presentation about Habitat NextGen, an advocacy and fundraising arm of Habitat

Collier specifically for young professionals.

Barroso, who also earned a political science degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and studied general contracting, says that NABOR® and YPN have helped fuel his passion for his career. Rather than viewing his youth as a disadvantage, he embraces it as an advantage. “One of the things I have going for me is my age,” Barroso says. “I’m one of the youngest.”

Learn more: Visit nabor.com and click “Get Involved” for the Young Professionals Network link.

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BEYOND PROMISES. BEYOND COMPARE. You’ve made a promise to yourself. The promise of a life well lived.

Welcome to the all-new Park Place on Gulf Shore. An enclave of luxurious condominiums with beach and bay views in a coveted Moorings location. Just 15 exclusive residences will comprise this extraordinary community complete with 11 boat slips and lifts. Live a life that’s beyond compare at Park Place on Gulf Shore. Now accepting appointments and contracts. Pricing from the mid $7Ms.

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Community features, amenities and pricing are approximate and subject to change without notice. There are various methods for calculating the total square footage of a condominium unit and depending on the method of calculation, the quoted square footage of a condominium unit may vary by more than a nominal amount. All dimensions are approximate and all floorplans and development plans are subject to change.

A LEGACY OF VISION

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FOR OPENERS

2024 LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Victories on key issues advanced by Florida Realtors®

BY CATHY CHESTNUT

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lorida Realtors® was intensely focused on the 2024 Legislative Session that wrapped up on March 8 in the state Capitol. With a mission to advance Florida’s real estate industry by shaping public policy, Florida Realtors® represents and provides resources to more than 238,000 members. Here are the victories on key issues it closely tracked and promoted:

PROPERTY INSURANCE

Seller Flood Disclosure Sellers need to disclose in writing certain flood information to prospective purchasers at or before executing a contract for the sale of residential property. This seller disclosure will help buyers make more informed decisions about a property and reduce the number of post-closing disputes. Effective October 1, 2024

An association managing a condominium with 25 (previously 150) or more units is required to post digital copies of official condominium documents on its website.

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Property Insurance Cost Reductions for Floridians Florida imposes a 1.75 percent tax on most Florida insurance premiums. House Bill 7073 requires insurers to give homestead property owners a deduction on their residential property insurance premiums in the amount of 1.75 percent of the policyholder’s total premium. It applies to policies with coverage for 12 months that take effect after October 1, 2024, and before September 30, 2025. Effective July 1, 2024 Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Surplus lines insurers are allowed to take second homes out of Citizens. A second home includes properties that are not owner or tenant occupied for more than nine months.

This change in the law would not include homestead properties, meaning surplus lines insurers cannot take

homestead policyholders out of Citizens. Effective July 1, 2024 Flood Insurance Lookback Study The Department of Financial Services was allocated $500,000 to study the benefits and long-term effects of lookbacks. Lookback periods apply to homeowners with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) who wish to improve or repair their homes. Under current guidelines, the cost of improvements on an NFIP-insured home cannot equal or exceed 49 percent of the home’s depreciated market value within the applicable lookback period. Effective: July 1, 2024

CONDOMINIUM DOCUMENTS TRANSPARENCY

House Bill 1021 requires an association managing a condominium with 25 (previously 150) or more units to post digital copies of official condominium documents on its website. These documents include condominium bylaws and rules, articles of incorporation, the declaration of condominium, annual financial statements and budget, an FAQ sheet, building inspection reports, and reserve studies.

Effective July 1, 2024

HOA DOCUMENTS TRANSPARENCY

Two bills that passed will significantly increase the transparency and availability of homeowners association (HOA) documents. House Bill 1203 requires that by January 1, 2025, homeowners associations with 100 or more parcels must maintain official records on their website or an app. House Bill 59 requires homeowners associations to deliver a physical or digital copy of their rules and covenants to all existing and new members. Effective July 1, 2024

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MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

Senate Bill 7028 includes $200 million for the My Safe Florida Home Program so more Floridians can protect their homes against storms and reduce their insurance premiums. The bill also allows homeowners to receive inspections without having to apply for a grant, lets low-income homeowners receive up to $10,000 without having to match the amount, and mandates the program administrator to streamline the grant process.

Effective July 1, 2024 The new My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was created and funded with $30 million to help condominiums within 15 miles of the coast harden roofs and openings against storms. Effective July 1, 2024

FLORIDA’S NATURAL RESOURCES

More than $1.2 billion was earmarked for Everglades restoration and water quality projects. Here is the breakdown: * Everglades restoration: $581 million * C-51 Reservoir: $100 million * Biscayne Bay: $20 million * Indian River Lagoon: $75 million * Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River estuaries: $25 million

* Harmful algal blooms: $30 million * Springs restoration: $55 million * Beach management: $50 million * Total maximum daily loads: $25 million * Wastewater Grant Program: $135 million * Resilient Florida Grant Program: $125 million * Alternative Water Supply Grants: $55 million Effective: July 1, 2024

HOMETOWN HEROES HOUSING PROGRAM

An additional $100 million was approved for the successful Hometown Heroes Housing Program, a first-time homebuyer program for hard-working Floridians. It also builds on the policies that spur private investment in affordable housing, and clarifies changes to local zoning, height, and density regulations to ensure counties and cities have the guidance they need to create more affordable housing options. Effective July 1, 2024

SHIP AND SAIL FUNDING

Lawmakers allocated $408 million to state and local government housing trust funds.

Included is $174 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) for down

payment and closing-cost assistance programs, and $234 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan program (SAIL) which helps build affordable rental housing. (SAIL funding includes $150 million in recurring funding as specified in the 2023 Live Local Act.) Effective: July 1, 2024

RESIDENTIAL SQUATTERS

House Bill 621 authorizes the arrest of unlawful occupants from a residential dwelling under certain conditions; provides criminal penalties for any person who knowingly presents false documents purporting to be a valid lease agreement, deed, or other instrument conveying real property rights; and prohibits listing or advertising to sell, rent, or lease such residential real property, among other matters. Effective July 1, 2024

COMBATTING UNLICENSED REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY

House Bill 5001 allocates up to $500,000 to combat unlicensed real estate activity. Effective: July 1, 2024 (Source: Florida Realtors®) N A P L E S A R E A B O A R D O F R E A LT O R S

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FOR OPENERS COOL APP

FOREWARN FOR REALTOR® SAFETY

This real-time, proactive intelligence app is now free for members of Florida Realtors®

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espite the continued expansion of information technology, the real estate industry remains dependent on personal interactions with costumers that they may know little about. FOREWARN provides instant knowledge—prior to a face-to-face engagement with a customer—and that’s why Florida Realtors® made it free to members this year.

“Real estate is one of the only professions that I am aware of where you get a phone call from a stranger and you then take them around for hours at a time, sometimes in your car, to view one or several vacant properties,” says Naples Area Board of REALTORS® MLS Committee Vice Chair Corey McCloskey. “It just makes sense to know information about people before investing your time into helping them buy or sell properties.”

With FOREWARN, you can research an individual by simply inputting their phone number and receiving information—property addresses, vehicle information, bankruptcies, liens, and criminal history—before deciding whether to do business with that individual. “The system is super easy to use, and you can use multiple sets of data to confirm someone’s identity,” adds McCloskey, NABOR® President 2021.

However, if you don’t have information on a potential customer who has a common name, she cautions: “Double- and triple-check the data. FOREWARN pulls data from several different sources so it’s possible that it’s not always 100 percent correct, but it’s better than not having any information at your fingertips.”

Get it today: FOREWARN is available both online and through a mobile app: forewarn.com.

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FOR OPENERS IN STORE FOR YOU

FENCE BUDDY

BY ANN MAZZEI, NABOR® STORE MANAGER

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he Fence Buddy conveniently secures your lockbox to a fence, handrail, or post. Features include: • Made of 100 percent marine-grade stainless steel that will not rust • A rubber exterior that prevents scratches • A 3.5” x 3.75” diameter opening that will fit almost any fence, handrail, or post

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N A P L E S A R E A B O A R D O F R E A LT O R S ®

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FOR OPENERS Custom Homes

ON MESSAGE

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In the face of challenging business moments, maintaining a positive and productive mindset is paramount.

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Remember that challenges are temporary, and your resilience and determination will lead to long-term success. Stay adaptable, stay positive, and channel stress into fuel for innovation and progress.

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The Condominium is not owned, developed, or sold by Major Food Groups or its affiliates (“MFG”). This condominium is being developed by 710 Edge Property, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Developer”), which has a limited right to use the trademarked names and logos of Terra, One Thousand Group and which uses the Villa marks under a license from MFG, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made about the project by the Developer. Any and all statements, disclosures and/or representations shall be deemed made by Developer you agree to look solely to Developer with respect to any and all matters relating to the marketing and/or development of the Condominium and with respect to the sales of units in the Condominium. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. These materials are not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy a unit in the condominium. Such an offering shall only be made pursuant to the prospectus (offering circular) for the condominium and no statements should be relied upon unless made in the prospectus or in the applicable purchase agreement. In no event shall any solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be unlawful. All images and designs depicted herein are artist’s conceptual renderings, which are based upon preliminary development plans, and are subject to change without notice in the manner provided in the offering documents. All such materials are not to scale and are shown solely for illustrative purposes. Renderings depict proposed views, which are not identical from each residence. No guarantees or representations whatsoever are made that existing or future views of the project and surrounding areas depicted by artist’s conceptual renderings or otherwise described herein, will be provided or, if provided, will be as depicted or described herein. Any view from a residence or from other portions of the property may in the future be limited or eliminated by future development or forces of nature and the developer in no manner guarantees the continuing existence of any view. Furnishings are only included if and to the extent provided in your purchase agreement. The project graphics, renderings and text provided herein are copyrighted works owned by the Developer. All rights reserved. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.

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A Wise Investment ETHICS. EDUCATION. NETWORKING. POLITICAL CLOUT. PROFESSIONAL PEERS. THAT’S THE NABOR®-LY WAY TO SUCCESS.

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BY KAREN FELDMAN

here’s no “I” in team—or in REALTOR® for that matter.

Given the hectic pace and diverse elements involved, a successful career in real estate requires knowledge in many fields—such as real estate law, finance, and current events—blended with touches of psychology, hospitality, and style.

A real estate professional’s daily to-do list—listings, showings, closings, and marketing, among others—can leave little time for equally important, but not as pressing, building blocks for success. These include cultivating a broad network; staying current on—and having a voice in—real estate-related government actions; and continuing to learn about the multifaceted, ever-changing industry. The reality is that it’s virtually impossible to go it alone these days.

That’s where the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) comes in. Recognized as a standard-bearer for the industry’s Code of Ethics, it also offers instruction on many technical aspects of the job, opportunities to augment your credentials, and a pathway to connections apt to prove valuable down the road.

NABOR® membership can also benefit those who collaborate with REALTORS®, such as attorneys, mortgage brokers and bankers, home inspectors, movers, and others. An economical Affiliate or Allied Membership

Nick Bobzien

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gives non-REALTORS® access to NABOR® resources, too.

Active NABOR® members say getting involved is bound to improve business, whether you sell real estate or help others do so. “Real estate is a person-to-person game,” says Nick Bobzien, 2023 President and 2024 chair of the Legal Resources Committee. “It’s all about communications. I’ve successfully closed transactions with many REALTORS® I met while being involved at NABOR® on various committees. When you know the other agent, it makes the transaction a lot smoother.”

Bobzien says he encourages agents in his office to get involved with NABOR®.

Debbie Zalewski, chair of the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC), says, “It enhances sales. You are always meeting new people. It’s invaluable. You also get insight and can bounce issues and problems off others. I’ve been a REALTOR® for 32 years and I’ve never had the same deal twice.”

BROKER TO BROKER A prime opportunity to learn and network took place last year with an inaugural NABOR® Broker Summit in which brokers were invited to meet and mingle over breakfast and learn about the latest real estate trends and news from experts.

Adam Vellano, chair of both the NABOR® Broker

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REALTOR® Expo

Involvement Task Force and the MLS Committee, believes the summit offered brokers a concentrated dose of useful information and networking. “We want the brokers to better understand the services and resources we provide, then they can direct or help their agents,” Vellano says. “We have a robust education department at NABOR®. I think we do better at putting classes on than (other boards and associations) in the state.”

When it comes to the summit, Jillian Young, president of Premiere Plus Realty, appreciates the opportunity to network with other brokers. “Building a good rapport is important,” she says. “So is maintaining a top level of education and professionalism so we can be good leaders for our agents and, ultimately, get the best outcome for customers.”

Young believes everyone benefits from involvement with NABOR®. “I see a higher level of industry, education, and contract knowledge in those who are active,” she says.

While the summit was for brokers, there are many other benefits awaiting NABOR® members.

Jillian Young

LEARN SOMETHING NEW NABOR® offers the continuing education courses required for REALTORS® to keep their licenses active and provides instruction for many advanced National Association of REALTORS® designations and certifications. NABOR®’s online calendar is filled

Carol Kairis

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with classes and sessions designed to keep participants abreast of industry trends and current events that may impact their businesses.

“For the past several years, NABOR® has made it a priority to provide education to its members at a very low or no cost,” says Carol Kairis, Global Business Committee chair and vice chair of the Professional Development Committee. Kairis has earned many designations and certifications, including Certified International Property Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, and At Home with Diversity. She is a staunch believer that expanding one’s credentials is another step toward success. “There is something for everyone,” she enthuses. “Members can take advantage of live classroom courses, Zoom courses, and Facebook Live.”

NABOR®’s 20 committees, ranging from Global Business to Legal Resources to Community Involvement, offer valuable tools, information, and networking opportunities.

VOICE AT THE TABLE Even if politics doesn’t interest you, what RPAC does should be an exception. Its members keep a watchful eye on government actions that could impact the industry and private property rights. (See page 46 for “Close to Home.”)

The REALTOR® Political Action Committee is

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I SEE A HIGHER LEVEL OF INDUSTRY, EDUCATION, AND CONTRACT KNOWLEDGE IN THOSE WHO ARE ACTIVE” IN NABOR®, SAYS JILLIAN YOUNG a valuable benefit despite the requested $30 investment that appears as a line item on annual membership bills. It’s optional, Zalewski says, but it’s a small price to pay for the high value it provides.

RPAC members keep watch on local, state, and national matters, and speak out on issues that affect the real estate industry. “I look at RPAC as your business insurance,” she says. “You insure your home, you insure your car, you insure your health. This is your business insurance. If there are plans to limit property rights or impose moratoriums, RPAC lets our voice be heard.”

Licensed since 1992, Zalewski says it “took me a while to realize I should get involved.”

Today she belongs to RPAC’s President’s Circle—a select group of Major Investors of $1,000 or more with an additional commitment to vetted candidates of $2,000 annually—and the Hall of Fame, reserved for those who have invested at least $25,000. The funds are used for lobbying and other political activities of the non-partisan group.

“We vet legislators who are seeking office and support whoever is fighting hardest for private property rights, land use, and water quality,” Zalewski says. “We look for legislators who are committed to protecting homeowners.”

Being a Major Investor opens doors to other benefits, she adds: “It provides the opportunity to attend events where the real movers and shakers in the real estate world are active.”

SIGNED, SEALED Florida Realtors® provides sales contract forms that many REALTORS® use in conjunction with the Florida Bar Association (referred to as FR/BAR), but NABOR® had its own version first, says Bobzien. Agents can use either FR/BAR or NABOR® contracts.

He prefers the NABOR® version, which he believes “is fair to both buyer and seller and is intended to keep the deals together

and get to closing successfully.” That’s not to say the FR/BAR contract is flawed, but Bobzien thinks the local contract better accommodates the variety of properties found here. “Whether it’s beachfront high-rises, deed-restricted communities, homeowner associations, communities with required golf or social memberships, Debbie Zalewski large acreage, gulf access—the NABOR® contract handles all of them,” he says.

Given that there are so many types of transactions, the Legal Resources Committee—made up of attorneys, brokers, and agents—holds classes every other month to teach sales and listing contracts (addendums and amendments included).

That expertise proved invaluable in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma when there was so much damage and so many questions, Bobzien says, “about things like what happens to the sales contract, how to handle credits while insurance is being dealt with, associations with pending assessments.”

The access NABOR® had to attorneys helped tremendously, he says.

THE JOY OF GIVING BACK Those with a penchant for volunteering may find the Community Involvement Committee a good fit.

This group plans big annual events, such as Family Fun Day, Trunk or Treat, Donuts with Santa, and marching on behalf of NABOR® in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

It also seeks suggestions from members for community projects.

“People will bring a project or cause to the committee,” says chair Spencer Rigsby. “We vote on projects so it’s not just one person making the decisions.” Causes are as varied as the members—it could be a Toys for Tots holiday drive, building houses with Collier

Habitat, or cleaning up beaches for Earth Day. It’s a great way to meet colleagues and form friendships. “It’s the first committee many members join,” says Rigsby.

SO MUCH MORE The Professional Standards Committee ranks among the most valuable NABOR® resources, says

Young.

“The benefit of having a trade organization like this is the Professional Standards Committee – it handles ethics complaints, mediates, and arbitrates issues,” she says.

“The trade organization process is that we all agree to be held accountable. It’s pro-consumer when you hold people accountable.”

It goes along with the NABOR®’s continuing efforts to ensure that data REALTORS® utilize is accurate, “so customers have full transparency into the properties they are looking at,” Young says.

2023 NABOR® by the Numbers * 8,430 members * 6 Leadership Academy graduates * 45 member events * 101 classes offered * 8,655 attendees took NABOR® classes * 56 National Association of REALTORS® designations and 86 certifications earned * 26 ethics complaints, 7 arbitration requests, 8 mediation hearings, 31 ombudsman cases * $240,164 invested in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee for policy advocacy * $115,929 donated to five charities through NABOR® events

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Get

Involved!

MEMBERS SHARE WHY THEY VOLUNTEER FOR SERVICE ROLES AT NABOR® AND HOW IT IMPACTS THEIR BUSINESS

K

BY BETH LUBERECKI

athy Zorn first became involved in the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) more than 20 years ago. She wanted to learn more about the real estate industry and the local organization that supports it, as well as make professional connections to help develop her career as a broker.

She remembers sitting in the audience over the years at NABOR®’s Annual Night of Honors celebration, listening to all the accomplishments of past Hall of Fame honorees. In 2023, she became one of those honorees herself, earning a place in the NABOR® Hall of Fame for her years of service at the organization.

“They were reading the accomplishments that I had done, and I was like, who is this person?” laughs Zorn, broker/president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Pristine. “It was kind of full circle of admiring others who have done this before me, wanting to do it, and all of a sudden I did it.”

Zorn has served as a member and chair of the NABOR® Magazine Committee and as a member of the Budget and Finance, Func-

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tions, Grievance, Legal Resources, Media Relations, and Professional Standards Committees. She was also on the NABOR® Board of Directors for several years and served as treasurer and has been honored as NABOR® REALTOR® of the Year.

Those years of volunteer service have helped her form valu-

Habitat Collier build

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St. Patrick's Day Parade

able relationships with other brokers and agents and taught her a lot about the ins and outs of the real estate industry. “I developed friendships that have lasted a very, very long time,” she says.

Eric Nagel is at an early point in his career in the industry, but he’s already seen similar benefits to volunteering his time at NABOR®. Vice president of sales and marketing at Cottrell Title & Escrow and a Business Partner of NABOR®, Nagel is currently vice chair of the Community Involvement Committee, which plans activities in the community that help raise awareness about NABOR®’s status as a “good neighbor.”

“That’s been a great fit for one of my passions, which is a way to help others and a way to get out into the community and do a little good out there,” Nagel says.

“I’m a local here in Naples. I went to high school here and have spent a long time in the area. It’s nice to be able to give back a little bit and help showcase our industry in a positive light.”

Nagel has only been working in the title and escrow business for about three years, and he says he joined

NABOR® “from the get-go” to help support his new career. “It’s allowed me to make a lot of connections inside of our local industry,” he says. “I get to meet face-to-face with a lot of potential customers and REALTORS® out there, and it’s just been invaluable in terms of making a lot of great connections, many of which have become close friends.”

Spencer Rigsby similarly got involved with NABOR® as someone embarking on a new career path.

She became a licensed REALTOR® a few years ago to join her husband as a sales associate with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’ve always been really passionate about helping and giving back, and so, because of that, the Community Involvement Committee was the one that spoke to me,” says Rigsby, who serves as the committee’s chair and received the NABOR® Rising Star Award in 2022. “I get a huge sense of accomplishment by helping out people in need.”

Jump In Finding a committee that speaks to your personal

Kathy Zorn

Eric Nagel

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interests can be a great way to begin volunteering your time at NABOR®. “Get involved in a committee that you know something about and have expertise in, where you can make an immediate impact on the committee and the experiences of the other members,” says Al DiNicola, President 2002 and a member of the NABOR® Hall of Fame.

Another approach? Getting involved in a committee that focuses on an area you want to learn more about, like ethics, professional standards, or governmental issues. “Maybe there’s a committee you could get on that would help you accelerate your growth toward the next competency level,” says DiNicola.

“Do a little volunteering and meet other REALTORS® who are in the same growth mode as you are.”

It just requires starting somewhere—taking one step or role at a time. “Depending on where you would like to grow as a professional, there is a fit,” says Nagel. “There is a place for you at NABOR® that will enhance your business and how you serve your customers. Just find a place where you can make an impact, and then you’re going to see benefits from that many times over…You get out what you put into it.

“I feel like I’ve grown personally and professionally through serving on the Community Involvement Committee and as a proud graduate of the NABOR® Leadership Academy,” he continues. “That’s a fantastic program that has helped me develop not only to serve as a leader within the NABOR® committees but also at my day job.”

Spencer Rigsby

Community Connections The connections made through volunteer involvement at NABOR® stand out for members on both a personal and professional level. Friendships are formed and long-term client relationships develop through leadership roles at NABOR®.

DiNicola recalls learning a lot from past presidents and other

Waterways Cleanup at Cocohatchee River Park

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There is a place for you at NABOR® that will enhance your business and how you serve your customers,” says Eric Nagel. “Just find a place where you can make an impact, and then you’re going to see benefits from that many times over.”

Al DiNicola

board members during his years of involvement at NABOR®.

Getting to know other members of the local real estate industry can also be extremely helpful should sales transactions or contract negotiations prove difficult or challenging. “You get to interact with people who have different skill sets and different opinions about how things should operate,” says DiNicoTrunk or Treat la. “Because of the interactions I had with other members on a professional basis at NABOR®, when I interacted with them at the sales level, they understood that I was competent and were confident I could help them overcome whatever the situation was.”

Rigsby, who also serves on the NABOR® Community Foundation Task Force, agrees. “It’s always nicer when you’ve met people through your different committees and things like that,” she says. “Then maybe when you see them on a listing, you can say, ‘Hey, how’s it going? I’d like to show your property.’ Or you can ask, ‘Can you help me out with this?’”

Taking on volunteer positions at NABOR® can also help members get a sense of just how valuable the organization is. “Connecting with the NABOR® staff and knowing our Business Partners and other REALTORS®,” says Rigsby, who’s also gone through the NABOR® Leadership Academy. “They help us more than probably most of us ever

really realize. It’s nice to find out that NABOR® is not just a building you go to when you need to take a class. There are other things going on that you wouldn’t have ever dreamed of.”

Zorn is looking forward to seeing an increasing number of newer NABOR® members like Nagel and Rigsby get involved with the organization to which she has dedicated so much time. “I’m excited that new and younger people are getting involved, because a lot of the people from 20 years ago that I was with are getting ready to move on,” Zorn says. “I think it’s important that new people come in and let new ideas flow and let new things happen.”

Nagel, for one, is looking forward to continuing to be one of those new voices. “I can’t envision a scenario where I’m not involved with NABOR® —at least in a committee role,” he says. “And who knows if in a leadership capacity one day?”

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GET SMART

Launching Your Real Estate Career A strategic guide for the first 90 days

BY LISA A. BEACH

T

he first 90 days in your new real estate career play a crucial role in establishing a strong foundation.

Two Naples industry experts— Marcia Roggow, a member of the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) Board of Directors and educator, and Pat Pitocchi, director of training at Downing-Frye Realty— share valuable insights to guide you through this pivotal period.

with a focus on prospecting during dedicated times. This ensures you strategically manage your mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Master the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) New agents need to know the MLS inside out, advises Roggow. Watch videos to get up to speed and take classes offered by NABOR® to effectively understand the inventory.

Pat Pitocchi

Set Goals and Create a Business Plan “Establish educational, professional, and personal goals,” advises Pitocchi.

Then develop a business plan based on these goals to guide your entrepreneurial journey.

Build Your Sphere of Influence Marcie Roggow “Create a list of 200 names and addresses of people in your network,” advises Roggow. Send personalized notes on premium stationery (or handwritten notecards) to inform your network about your entry into real estate.

Choose Relevant Niches Choose areas aligned with your interests. “If you love boating, focus on locations where you can connect with homeowners who share similar interests,” says Roggow.

Manage Your Time & Stay Organized Roggow recommends developing a schedule with dedicated time blocks to contact your sphere of influence, emphasizing the importance of documenting all activities and maintaining consistent follow-ups. “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get responses at first,” she notes. “They’ll come eventually.”

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Get Educated All agents new to Southwest Florida real estate should participate in all training offered by their brokerage, advises Pitocchi. “At my brokerage, we require six sessions that comprise a beginning point for success,” she says. She also suggests participating in as many NABOR® classes and sessions as possible. “NABOR®’s goal is to provide training and education consistently,” she says.

Also, don’t overlook self-education. Roggow recommends new agents read foundational books, such as: • The Conversion Code by Chris Smith • The Power of Who by Bob Beaudine • The Seven Levels of Communication by Michael J. Maher • Ninja Selling by Larry Kendall Manage Your List Choose a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to organize and streamline your efforts with clients and prospects. Evaluate available options designed specifically for REALTORS® or explore what your company provides, according to Roggow. A good CRM helps manage contacts and leads, track communications, manage your tasks and calendar, and automate marketing campaigns.

Communicate and Market Effectively Know thy competitors, says Pitocchi, when it comes to marketing. “You cannot differentiate yourself unless you know what others are doing,” she says. Pitocchi promotes the “4 U’s” of marketing: Unique, Useful, Urgent, and Ultra-Specific.

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90-DAY LEARNING TIMELINE

These are the areas to focus on and learn about when starting out to avoid unnecessary pitfalls and ensure a firm understanding of the business, according to NABOR®’s Professional Development Instructor’s Advisory Committee:

To stand out in a crowded digital marketplace, Roggow recommends embracing a unique identity (perhaps the boat-loving, waterfront property specialist) and remaining consistent across social media platforms. Use selfies and videos to connect with your audience.

Also, don’t overlook the basics of effective communication, Roggow says. Introduce yourself and highlight the benefits of working with you. If needed, you can craft scripts or talking points to confidently project a professional image.

Network Authentically “Networking is harder because it takes being with people, not just sending them notices,” points out Roggow. She suggests engaging in activities you love, like gardening or exploring new restaurants, and sharing your experiences on social media to build authentic connections.

Similarly, Pitocchi suggests joining at least two organizations based on your interests, a passion, or hobbies. This is useful for

prospecting. In addition, she recommends joining and participating in all NABOR® events to network with REALTORS®.

“Your transactions proceed much more smoothly with good communication between REALTORS® and that’s assisted by knowing them,” Pitocchi says.

Navigate Challenges Roggow offers these final tips for success: • Focus on understanding real estate contracts and addendums thoroughly.

• Find a weekly accountability partner to discuss issues, ask questions, and bounce around ideas.

• Don’t waste time with buyers who won’t buy.

• Attend NABOR® classes regularly and implement recommended learning into your schedule.

The bottom line: Stay committed, adapt to challenges, and continuously invest in your growth. With these expert insights, your first 90 days will set the stage for a thriving and fulfilling career.

First 30 Days 1. Anti-trust and Professionalism 2. NABOR® Orientation 3. Code of Ethics 4. Contracts: Listings and Sales 5. Basic Training: Navigating the MLS 60 Days 1. Websites: Sunbiz.org and Collier County and Lee County Property Appraiser and Clerk of Courts 2. Advanced MLS Classes 3. Graduate, REALTOR® Institute 4. Florida Realtors®/Florida Bar Association Contracts 5. Advertising and Fair Housing Rules 90 Days 1. The Art and Science of Negotiating 2. Communication: Active Listening 3. REALTORS® Property Resource 4. Buyers and Sellers Packages 5. Websites: National Association of REALTORS®, Florida Realtors®, NABOR®

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COMING SOON:

Mandatory Fair Housing Training The National Association of REALTORS® will require cyclic training beginning in 2025

BY MICHELE MEYER

T

he National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) will require fair housing training for new and existing members starting in 2025.

New-member applicants must complete two hours of fair housing training when applying.

Existing members from the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®)—and in associations nationwide—must complete two hours of fair housing training once every three years as a condition of their REALTOR® membership.

This mandated training was approved in May 2023 by NAR’s cornerstone initiative to advance fair housing in the real estate industry, called ACT!—an acronym for accountability, culture change, and training. “We discovered that half the states don’t require any fair housing training for real estate licensure,” says NAR Director of Fair Housing Policy and Programs Alexia Smokler. Florida has required a fair housing course for those studying real estate law, but REALTORS® haven’t had such a requirement.

NAR’s new requirement for cyclic training can be satisfied through courses such as “At Home With Diversity,” which is designed to help real estate professionals work successfully in an increasingly multicultural marketplace by learning cultural sensitivity, how it applies to U.S. fair housing laws, and developing professional guidelines.

The course also teaches business etiquette for specific cultures and provides an understanding to earn the confidence of potential buyers and Alexia Smokler sellers, regardless of race, ethnicity,

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religion, gender, physical disabilities, familial status, or national origin.

Another course is “Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing,” which helps REALTORS® identify and interrupt stereotypical thinking so they can avoid fair housing pitfalls. The threehour classroom course can be taken online or in person.

Also offered for the training requirement will be qualified equivalent courses provided by Florida state and local associations, institutes, societies, and councils, as well as qualified equivalent fair housing courses approved by state licensing authorities. “We wanted the training to be easy to complete with a lot of different options,” Smokler says.

In addition, NAR’s free online fair housing simulation called “Fairhaven” will be updated to meet learning objectives and the twohour minimum time frame so that it can be included among qualifying courses. Inspired by true stories, the online experience uses storytelling to illustrate how members can spot, thwart, and address discriminatory real estate practices. The simulation features agents working against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process.

“It’s gamified,” Smokler explains. “Your goal is to sell four houses in six months, with the clock running. Sales only go through for those who use fair housing practices. Members find it engaging and fun.”

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GET SMART

CLOSE TO HOME

From city hall to the U.S. Capitol, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee makes real-life impacts on a range of real property issues

BY SETH SOFFIAN

J

political advocacy. ust weeks after Hurricane Ian In 2023, NABOR® raised decimated swaths of Southwest more than $240,000 through Florida in the fall of 2022, the RPAC, Hudson says, easily Naples City Council proposed eclipsing its fundraising goal zoning changes that would have of about $207,000. This was effectively meant a six-month halt on due in part to a 67.4 percent building. participation rate among Coming just as countless residents NABOR®’s membership of and businesses were facing daunting Danielle “Dani” Hudson more than 7,200, meaning 4,872 recoveries, the proposals prompted members invested. It also was immediate backlash from numerous the result of an increase in Major Investors— constituencies. The Naples Area Board of those investing at least $1,000—from about REALTORS® (NABOR®) was a leader 45 such donors in 2022 to 55 a year later. “It among them. was a great year,” says Hudson, calling the Spurred to action by the REALTORS® participation rate “really high for a board our Political Action Committee (RPAC)—a size.” national entity that operates at local, state, and Hudson traces the increased engagement national levels—local REALTORS® showed to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in up in force at the next city council meeting to 2020. help quickly quash the potential restrictions.

As states across the nation were shutting down “I think we had 300 members show up,” various business sectors, REALTORS® in Florida says NABOR® Vice President of Public were able to continue working after RPAC Policy Danielle “Dani” Hudson. “There was a successfully lobbied for the real estate industry to lot of public outcry, but we were there in large be deemed an essential service, she says. numbers as well.”

“It was RPAC advocacy that really sort of Spearheaded by RPAC efforts, that is but made that happen,” Hudson recalls. “We had one example of NABOR®’s increasingly lobbyists at the national level advocating for engaged membership in the areas of issue and 46

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real estate, but also at the state and local level here in Collier County because they were considering closing everything down.”

Many NABOR® members spoke of peers outside the state who were out of work. “It was a big deal for us,” she says. “I think that turned a lot of people’s attention toward the PAC.” More recently, NABOR® RPAC—overseen by a committee of 12 to 15 members—has contributed to the defeat of multiple city proposals generally unfavorable to the real estate industry, including rules for lot coverage, setbacks, impervious area regulations, and more. “We were able to work with (the city) on some ordinances that did pass,” Hudson explains. “But on four of the more severe ones they were considering, we did put up a fight through our political advocacy.”

‘Natural Negotiators’

At the state level, RPAC has supported proposals regarding homeowners insurance, short-term rentals, Business Rent Tax cuts, community association Dominic Pallini

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transfer fees, the Hometown Heroes workforce housing program, and more, says Domnic Pallini, President 2017 and Florida RPAC trustee.

“These bills made progress and are likely to be revisited in the future,” he says. “RPAC’s efforts have contributed to the protection of the real estate industry and to private property rights.”

Local RPAC investments are used to support initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. As with the state and national entities, the NABOR® RPAC also conducts candidate screenings and interviews and issues endorsements.

“We stay very busy in our part of the world,” says Hudson, noting the knowledge and support of NABOR® members who also are current or former elected officials.

“It speaks to the engagement of REALTORS® in general in the civic

process,” she observes. “It makes sense. REALTORS® are often the first people that someone moving into an area is going to meet. They are individuals that are paying attention to what is going on in the community.”

While not always on the same page with some elected officials, NABOR® is always interested in getting as close as possible to it, Hudson says, for the betterment of a shared community.

From Naples’ earliest beginnings as a fishing haven and resort town, “REALTORS® have been trying to balance landowners’ rights with maintaining the beauty and quality of life we have here,” she says.

“Sometimes it’s an imperfect balance, and sometimes we don’t agree. But that is 100 percent always the goal. We’re a REALTOR® board; we’re natural negotiators. Of course, we’re trying to strike middle ground—and we very often do.”

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GET SMART

Commitment to Excellence Endorsement

Online core competency training program is free to National Association of REALTORS® members

BY GINA BIRCH

T

he National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has an endorsement program to help all REALTORS® reach new heights of professionalism, called Commitment to Excellence or C2EX. C2EX was approved by the NAR Board of Directors in 2015 and launched in Eric Sain 2018. NAR Vice President of Association Affairs Eric Sain was on the board at the time. “It came about as we were looking for a way to have REALTORS® become more professional in all aspects of the job,” he says. “This specifically included their interactions with other REALTORS® and their customers.”

The program is comprised of 11 core competencies—including fair housing, client service, trust and integrity, ethics, and technology—plus one competency for brokers only. Sain says that professional real estate agents and brokers should be adept in all these categories.

C2EX is not an ordinary, one-size-fits-all

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course of study dependent on memorization or books that become outdated. It’s a customized, interactive program.

REALTORS® take a C2EX Skills Assessment to produce a self-paced, personalized education program with specific “action steps” and resources, including coursework, videos, webinars, and learning games. A digital coach helps you create your own development plan by prioritizing topics “best suited to your individual growth,” according to NAR. The digital coach “offers ongoing guidance, tips, and point-of-need support.”

Sain appreciates the personalized experience. “It’s all about how you work and process knowledge,” he says. “It’s a personal journey that offers insight into how you work to help you become better and identify the best path forward.”

Because the platform is online, information is consistently updated. There are no deadlines.

Once you sign up, you can learn and complete each core at your own pace. In addition, the

platform is available on mobile devices so you can plug in—from anywhere and at any time.

Another widely appealing aspect to this program is the cost: It is a free NAR member benefit. To date, 100,000 REALTORS® nationwide are using C2EX. Earning a Commitment to Excellence endorsement will satisfy the Code of Ethics training requirement.

C2EX Snapshot

* Free to National Association of REALTORS® members * Tailored to individual growth goals * Work at your own pace * No deadlines * Digital coach that assists and motivates * Satisfies the Code of Ethics training requirement Learn more: nar.realtor/realtorscommitment-to-exellence

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EXCLUSIVE BUYER BROKERAGE AGREEMENTS Take time to explain to your buyers the importance and value of Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreements

BY WILLIAM G. MORRIS, ESQ., AND TINA FALZARANO BAJRAKTAREVIC, LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

I

n the dynamic world of real estate, both buyers and sellers navigate a complex landscape to achieve their respective goals.

Almost all real estate brokers used to work for the seller. Naturally, they were paid by the seller. In the early 1990s, buyer brokerage emerged. State laws began to allow real estate brokers to enter into exclusive agreements with buyers to solely represent a buyer in a real estate transaction. The agreement confirmed commencement, termination, and the fee charged for the broker’s services. Although the fee was specified in the agreement, it was common for brokers to accept the compensation offered by the listing broker as payment for services rendered to the buyer in lieu of payment from the buyer.

A recent lawsuit against the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and several real estate brokerages prompted re-evaluation of the traditional compensation structure for buyer brokers. While buyer brokers have typically been compensated by the seller through a commission-based system, this lawsuit highlighted the need for potential changes, signaling that buyers may now need to directly bear part or all the broker compensation.

The lawsuit challenged NAR’s rules regarding commissions and alleged they restrict competition and limit choices for consumers.

Judgment was entered against NAR, adding to growing conversation around buyer brokers being directly compensated by the buyers themselves, separate from the seller’s payment. This shift in compensation structure has sparked discussions within the real estate industry about the potential implications for both buyers and brokers.

If buyers are to pay their brokers, it becomes imperative for real estate professionals to transparently communicate compensation arrangements to buyers.

Both NABOR® and Florida Realtors®/Florida Bar have buyer broker compensation forms. NABOR®’s Exclusive Buyer Broker

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N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

Agreement is a tool that empowers homebuyers and redefines the traditional buyer-broker relationship.

The Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement is a contract between a homebuyer and a real estate broker, detailing the commitment of the broker to work exclusively for the buyer throughout the home-buying process. This agreement goes beyond the traditional buyer-broker relationship, which usually lacks exclusivity and the undivided attention that the Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement provides.

The Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement fosters a deeper level of trust and communication between the buyer and agent. With a dedicated professional committed exclusively to the buyer’s needs, a more personalized and tailored home search experience unfolds.

This exclusivity promotes a collaborative and transparent relationship, allowing the agent to fully understand the buyer’s preferences, priorities, and financial considerations, resulting in a more efficient and effective home-buying process.

There are many ways to start a conversation with a buyer about signing an Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement. Below are actions you should consider taking you when meeting with a buyer to discuss buyer brokerage: 1) Take the time to build rapport with the buyer and create a foundation of trust. Show the buyer that it is important that you understand the buyer’s needs, preferences, and concerns. Once you have had positive interactions with the buyer, introduce the topic and explain

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the benefits to the buyer.

2) Be prepared to address any concerns the buyer may have about exclusivity. Listening to the buyer’s feedback and responding with understanding demonstrates your professionalism. It is crucial that the buyer understands that this is a mutual agreement, and all terms are negotiable.

3) Whether you are working with a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, take time to explain that having an Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement will streamline the home-buying process.

4) Most importantly, be transparent. Explain to the buyer how the agreement works, the duration, and any potential obligations. Make sure the buyer understands the terms clearly. If the buyer is hesitant, consider offering a trial period for the agreement. Provide a copy of the agreement to the buyer and encourage them to take the time to read it thoroughly.

5) Keep in mind that even as a transaction broker, you may still provide valuable assistance to the buyer (i.e. helping the buyer find suitable properties, negotiating contract terms, and guiding them through the transaction process). You are not exclusively representing the buyer’s interest, but instead focusing on facilitating the transaction itself.

During your conversation with the buyer, explain the differences between

transaction brokerage and the single agency relationship as it will impact the level of representation and support the buyer receives during the home buying process.

Take as much time preparing and presenting the buyer brokerage agreement as you would a listing presentation. Approach the conversation with professionalism and a genuine desire to help the buyer achieve their goals. Emphasize that the agreement is designed to benefit both parties.

Open-mindedness, flexibility, and a willingness to negotiate terms is vital.

NAR is appealing the judgment, but that does not mean you should wait to act. Requiring a buyer to pay his or her broker requires clear communication between the real estate professional and the buyer. A transparent and open dialogue about compensation ensures that all parties can navigate this shifting landscape with confidence and mutual understanding. You can use the NABOR® form as an outline for discussion with your buyer. The form recites duties and obligations of both parties.

Buyer brokerage is here to stay. Your opportunity is now.

William G. Morris and Tina Falzarano Bajraktarevic are members of the NABOR® Legal Resources Committee.

N A P L E S A R E A B O A R D O F R E A LT O R S ®

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ASK CORIE

STAY UP TO DATE WITH CODE OF ETHICS REQUIREMENTS

BY CORIE CHASE, NABOR® CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Dear Corie:

I’ve been a REALTOR® for a few years and it seems to me that I may be due for a Code of Ethics class as a part of my membership duty—is this correct? If so, can you please elaborate?

Dear Member:

Absolutely! The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) requires all REALTORS® to complete at least one Code of Ethics (COE) class during each given three-year cycle as a condition of membership. Currently, we are in the seventh (7th) cycle, which began on January 1, 2022 and ends on December 31, 2024.

The good news is that there are multiple ways for REALTORS® to comply with the COE membership requirement. For example: NABOR® offers multiple COE classes; real estate schools offer a variety of COE classes, including 14-hour continuing education courses (which include three hours of Ethics & Business Practices; and the Florida REALTORS® Graduate REALTOR® Institute 101 course (which is approved for the full 14-hour requirement for real estate license renewal). In addition, NAR offers a free online COE course at nar.realtor.

It is important to note the following: 1. If you complete a COE course, outside of NABOR®, it is your responsibility to email your certificate of completion to ethics@nabor.com.

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2. NAR’s COE membership duty should not be confused with your real estate license renewal requirements. They are two different requirements: One is your NAR membership requirement and the other is your state real estate license renewal requirement.

3. NAR’s COE membership requirement is applicable to REALTORS® who are also appraisers and/or attorneys.

4. NAR’s COE membership requirement is not applicable to REALTORS® with emeritus status.

5. The deadline to complete NAR’s seventh cycle COE membership requirement is on or before December 31, 2024.

To view a full list of NAR’s COE Q&A’s, please visit nabor.com/ education/code-of-ethics.

Beginning with NAR’s eighth (8th) cycle ( January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027), REALTORS® will also be required to complete two hours of fair housing training as a condition of membership at least once during each given three-year cycle. The fair housing threeyear cycle will coincide with the existing COE three-year cycle. Visit nar.realtor and search “fair housing training” to learn more. Also, see “Coming Soon” on page 44.

Corie Chase is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® and can be contacted at (239) 597-1666 or corie@nabor.com.

Q2 2024

3/20/24 10:42 AM

HALL OF FAME Platinum “R”

Platinum “R”

Platinum “R”

Brett Brown

Corey McCloskey

Phil Wood

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Golden “R”

Golden “R”

Golden “R”

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati

William Poteet

Debora Zalewski

Sterling “R”

Sterling “R”

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Ryan Bleggi

Nick Bobzien

Christine Citrano

Terrilyn VanGorder

Sara Brand Estrada

Jeannette Batten

Debbie Zvibleman

Golden “R”

Golden “R”

Golden “R”

Golden “R”

Crystal “R”

GOLDEN “R”

Naples Area

Board of REALTORS®

Golden “R”

P. J. Smith

CRYSTAL “R”

Matt Goodwin

Mike Hughes

Scott Kish

Marty Manion

Dominic Pallini

Jim Pilon

Cheryl Poteet

Karin Thomas

STERLING “R”

Ron Abboud

Henry Albarracin

David Arter

Rick Baranski

Antonio Barroso

Renee Beechler

Danielle Brazil Hudson Christina Davidow

Rick Fioretti

Judith Hansen

Nancy Haroian-Wry

Jeff Jones

Carol Kairis

Paula King

Timothy Loos

Pat Pitocchi

David Puskaric

Amy Reinholdt

Marcie Roggow

Tahlia Urbinati

Kimberly Vargas

Adam Vellano

Al DiNicola

Michael Downer

Brenda Fioretti

Jayne Malinowski

Darrin McCutcheon

Christina Muracco

Allisa Pipes

Mary Waller

Jacquie Walter

Nikki Wood

Izabela Wright

The Naples Area Board of Realtors® would like to thank the dedicated professionals who work hard to promote and protect the American dream of homeownership.

Sponsored by Realtors® Political Advocacy Committee.

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Welcome New NABOR® Members!

(Q4 — October through December 2023)

54

Acorn, Sarah Lawyer

Broche, Zaida Mercedes

Durand, Nathalie M.

Haynes, Michael James

Acosta, Andre

Busick, Benjamin Todd

Durbin, Richele Ann

Hendricks, Zachary Dale

Aguiar Cevila, Adrian

Bustillo, Anierelis

Durdubakov, Metotka

Hendrickson, Laurel

Albinus, Jan-Frederik

Byrnes-Warfsman, Rosa Hedwig

Elmendorf, Melina

Hennessey, Patrick John

Alghini, Christina

Campbell, Kristan

Emma, Victoria Lynne

Hensley, Christopher

Alicea, Carmelo

Campbell, Linda Beth

Evans, Ellen Gill

Hollman, Candice Lynn

Alvarez, Monica M.

Carlock, Rogie Allen

Favia, Joann Elisabeth

Horgan, Jonathan

Amey Fuhrmann, Rebecca

Carlone, Brittany

Fernandez, Natalia

Huy Esq, Peter

Anderson, Chad

Carlson, Cody

Fernandez, Yadira

Ilichov, Georgi

Armenteros, Marisel

Carnera, Lisa Michele

Fish, Kimberly

Ivezic, Florina

Arminio, Mathew

Casaletto, Toni

Fish, Michael

Jabbour, Samar Joseph

Asencio, Victor J.

Casanova, Lawrence

Frothinger, William Joseph

James, Sara Marie

Attard, Susan H.

Catana, Jessica

Fuller, Stephen

Jamison, Kyle David

Aude, Carolina

Cavaliere, Donna

Galarraga, Valentina

Joseph, Anderson

Baker, Madison Ann

Cavedo, Kyle

Galindez, Maricela

Keating, Gretchen C.

Banegas, Joselin W.

Chamberlain, Toni

Gallo, Jeffrey C.

Kilmartin, Ashley

Barberino, Alan Peter

Colbert, Paula Zilka

Gauto, Luis Marcelo

Koger, Kevin Scott

Barnebee, Matthew Louis

Comisar, Kimberly

Georges, Heints Gregory

Komanecky Sr., Mark

Barroso, Olinda

Conlan, Tyler

Gladbach, Elke

Kommer, Chelsea

Bastress, Jeffrey D.

Cox, Jamie

Gomez, Walfreddy

Krol, Samantha

Bergh, William J.

Crudele, Antonio Peter

Greenwald, Joshua Andrew

Ladurner, Jasmin

Berman, Kennedy Elyse

Curtin, Cassidy Ann

Guda, Bashkim

Lagrange, Fernanda

Boer, Jamie

Darrus, George

Guda, Jorida

Lakoma III, Matthew W.

Bojovic, Sanja

Day, Katrina Lynn

Guenther, Cavan

Landgren, Diane Mary

Bone, Michael

De la Fe, Gustavo Luis

Gustin, Margret

Lane, Robin Kay

Boritzke, Kristin

Deauseault, Amy

Gutierrez-Herrera, Yvonne

Larmey, Kyle

Botterman, Renee

Diaz, Marieli

Hallett, Rebecca

Lastre, Alyssa I.

Bowden, Richard

Donovan, Mary Noel

Harder, Charles

LeBrun, Christopher Joseph

Bregenzer, Jennifer Nicole

Drassler, Carolyn

Hasbun, Susana P.

Leonard, Alice

Breijo Vazquez, Orestes Alberto

Duarte, Heisel Torres

Havel, Kevin

Leppo, Laurence Helene

N A P L E S R E A LT O R ®

Q2 2024

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Leyva, Ana Laura

Morgan, Piper Joy

Rose, Peter Thomas

Tutton, Elise Catherine

Limyansky, Kathleen Ann

Morrison, Annette Cutaiar

Rosenblatt, Bruce B.

Ungarean Jr., Eugene M.

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Marsh, Victoria N.

Paplin, Jeffrey

Schaffer, James E.

Villalobos Reyes, David

Marshall, Clayton

Payton-Turner, Sabrina L.

Schuller, Kenneth Marc

Villegas, Karen Lorena

Martell Cruz, Ariel

Pelham, Alejandra M.

Schumacher, Kathryn Mary

Vines, Quentin

Martella, David R.

Pentelow Mrs, Katie

Schwartz, Luke Robert

Walden, Sussy

Martinez, Dalianny

Perez Larin, Evelyn

Sedeno, Alicia Ana

Wallace, Debra

Massood, Kyle

Perez, Ana Milena

Sepesi, Eileen A.

Ward, Thomas D.

Mayol Zaldivar, Ariadna Barbara

Peterson, Traci Jo

Shaffy, Mitra

Waterman, Daniel

Mazzola, Nicholas

Pflueger, Charles Christopher

Silva Amador, Elida Rosalia

Whaley, Glen

McClellan, Kimberlee Anne

Plucenik, John

Slater, James

Whitley, Stacie

McConaghy, Margaret

Powers, Michael

Smith, Elizabeth Elena

Williamson, Andre Terrell

Medina, Daniel

Powers, Suzanne

Sousa, Marcella Braz

Young, Ciara N.

Melo, Ivna Karen Mota

Prophet, Theresa

Stabile, Colby Michael

Zamora, Tereza

Merrigan, Mary Elizabeth

Puckett V, Thomas Brandon

Stahlman II, Lance Allen

Zane, Kelli D.

Metz, Elizabeth Roozen

Ramirez, Claudia

Stelter, Sam

Metzdorf, David

Reed, Terrell

Swift, Erica Vitiello

Middleton, Jacob

Reinart, Todd Anthony

Test, Bridge

Mihalik, Thomas

Rice, Nilufar

Testagrossa, Devawn

Miktuk, Marianne

Rock, Isabella Sofia

Thompson, Lisa Joy

Millares Perez, Luis Roberto

Rodriguez-Govin, Leida

Tiefenbach, Jeffrey Paul

Minella, Michel Christiaan

Rogala, Rachael

Torres, Tina

Mitchell, Patricia L.

Rogers, Timothy Drake

Torres, Victor G.

Monto, Pernille

Rondon, Gilberto A.

Tremonti, Alexa Grace

Moreno, Jaell

Rose, David Thomas

Tucker, Jennifer

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Email ethics@nabor.com with questions.

Q2 2024

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3/20/24 10:43 AM

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12/7/23 3:15 PM

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*Up to 5% commission advancement will be paid out after all required deposits have cleared, all option selections completed, and mortgage commitment or proof of funds received. Realtor must bring in customer for customer to receive additional incentive. Please see a New Home Sales Professional for details. Commission advancement will be paid after all required deposits have cleared, all option selections completed, and mortgage commitment or proof of funds received. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2024. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, The Isles of Collier Preserve, and The Isles of Collier Preserve logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 2024

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3/5/24 9:10 AM

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3/5/24 1:06 PM

NABORhood

Social Scene

1

2

Wake Up YPN

Jan. 18 * Narrative Coffee Roasters

ZAMIRA COLLADO

1. Andreea Moldovan, Alessandra Almeida, Allisa Pipes, Amina Mokhtari 2. Edis Arevalo, W.T. Pearson, Nicole Porro 3. Amina Mokhtari; Alessandra Almeida; Andreea Moldovan; Kimberly Vargas, YPN Committee Chair; Alexandra Diaz; Nicole Porro

3 1

Naples Area Board of REALTORS® Day Proclamation Jan. 23 * Collier County Government Center

WADE MASTRO

Collier County Board of Commissioners William L. McDaniel, 2 Jr., Rick LoCastro, Chris Hall, Burt L. Saunders, and Dan Kowal proclaimed Jan. 25, 2024 as Naples Area Board of REALTORS® Day! Accepting the honor: Shaun Garry, Director; Christine Citrano, Vice President; PJ Smith, President; Danielle “Dani” Hudson, Vice President of Public Policy; Izabela Wright, Director

N A P L E S A R E A B O A R D O F R E A LT O R S ®

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3/20/24 8:48 AM

NABORhood 1

Steps through Time

Mike Hughes

Carl Russell

Al DiNicola

President 2015

CFO

President 2002

Phil Wood

Jeri Cobb President 1994

President 1986

1

Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Celebration Jan. 25 * NABOR®

©2024 Ave Maria

1. Anniversary panelists 2. Kelly Rebimbas, Michael Carr Sr. 3. Seventyfifth Anniversary Committee Co-Chairs PJ Smith, President, and Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati with the Champagne Girl

2

NEVER MET A STRANGER. It takes a place like Ave Maria2to keep up with a friendship ambassador like Jared. He’s always on the go, taking pictures and making new friends. Jared’s mom and dad, Robin and Kim, talk about being in the Town Center and having a couple come up and introduce themselves. “Jared told us we should meet you,” they said. Jared doesn’t talk, but his warmth and friendliness transcends words. So, when he types a thought out on his pad, you listen. And your life is better for it.

Friends and family are the best part of the story in Ave Maria, A Big Kind of Small Town

New Homes from the High $200s – $800s Visit more than 25 model homes Create your story in Ave Maria: 239.352.3903 – AveMaria.com

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WADE MASTRO

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Q2 2024

3/20/24 8:48 AM

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12/7/23 9:51 AM

NABORhood

Community Involvement

1

Feb. 9 * Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

WADE MASTRO

1. Front row: Eric Nagel, Community Involvement Committee Vice Chair; Spencer Rigsby Community Involvement Committee Chair, Debbie Zvibleman; Alison Goser; Mary Kay Dedousis; Christine Citrano, Vice President/Secretary Back row: PJ Smith, President; Deborah Linville, staff; Lisa Rogstad; Ciara Young; Mary Beth Puzio; Tim Loos

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Q2 2024

3/20/24 8:48 AM

Tradition, Freedom & Express Series

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3/5/24 3:41 PM

NABORhood 1

Immigration ABC's Class Feb. 28 * NABOR®

Presented by the NABOR® Global Committee Olga Vindell, Global Committee Vice Chair; Georgia Pinto, Global Committee Member; Carol Kairis, Global Committee Chair; Christina Davidow, Speaker, Board Director; Renee Beechler, Global Committee Member; Sheri St. Marie, Global Committee Member; Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati, Global Committee Member, Board Director; Alice Leonard, Global Committee Staff Liaison and MLS Support Specialist

2

WADE MASTRO

1

2024 REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Kick-Off Feb. 28 * NABOR®

1. Allisa Pipes, RPAC Vice Chair; Ron Abboud, Major Investor; Michael Downer, RPAC Committee Member; Debbie Zalewski, RPAC Chair 2. Dominic Pallini, District 5 RPAC Trustee; Chuck Kansey, Governmental Issues Vice Chair; Sara Estrada Brand, Board Director

WADE MASTRO

1

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2

Q2 2024

3/20/24 8:48 AM

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Q2 2024

3/20/24 8:48 AM

THE CLOSE

DINING DISH

Tastebud Tour

Off-season is a good time to visit new area restaurants

BY KAREN FELDMAN There is no dispute that the Naples dining scene is dynamic—and 2023 proved no different. If you were too busy during season to drop into some of the new venues, here’s a sampling to whet your appetite for indulging in expanding culinary experiences.

Mark Daley. “Naples is a unique and vibrant place, just like LoLa 41,” he says. “We know the concept will really resonate with the community, from our decor and atmosphere to our culinary delights and bar libations.”

What does that mean? Sushi is one of LoLa’s specialties, with classics such as a king crab roll and specialty rolls like the Capt’n Jose, which includes spicy salmon and cucumber topped with salmon, kiwi, black

WELL-COORDINATED CUISINE

tobiko, and sesame aji mirin aioli. Poke nachos—bathed in eel sauce and served with wonton chips—are popular, along with the LoLa burger

Most of us would be hard-pressed to rattle off the names of the coun-

topped with Cabot cheddar cheese, red onion compote, and foie gras

tries that lie along the forty-first parallel. But the odds are excellent our

sauce. A signature dish is Korean beef bulgogi over egg noodles with

geographical knowledge will improve upon dining at LoLa 41.

Chinese broccoli, chilies, and fried garlic.

A newcomer on Ninth Street South, the restaurant’s name stands for

The downtown restaurant features a covered patio, large bar area,

Longitude (Lo) and Latitude (La), and 41 represents the parallel at which

and generous seating. As for beverages, expect craft cocktails, including

the original LoLa 41 stands in Nantucket. So, the menu and the restau-

the LoLa Spritz—yuzu liqueur, Aperol, elderflower liqueur, and prosec-

rant’s design reflect the cultural influences of countries found along the

co—as well as a full range of beers, sakes, and wines.

forty-first parallel.

With restaurants in Nantucket, Boston (called LoLa 42), and Palm Beach, Naples seemed like a logical next location, according to CEO

Besides the eclectic offerings, Daley explains, “what really distinguishes us is our hip and lively environment with upbeat music and lots of socializing.” (lola41.com)

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the restaurant’s new Fifth Avenue South location.

Restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King see it as a natural progression. “Considering that Le Colonial has been in Chicago for 25 years and Naples has a large number of second-home residents from Chicago and the Midwest in general, it’s a natural for Le Colonial,” King says.

While the restaurant is new to Naples, its well-executed French-Vietnamese cuisine and refined atmosphere reminiscent of 1920s Saigon have been winning over patrons for three decades. The menu features fresh, locally sourced vegetables and premium proteins in dishes developed by Nicole Routhier, an acclaimed Vietnamese chef and cook-

URBAN CONCEPT

book author, and Hassan Obaye, the restaurant’s national culinary director.

What was The Wine Store is now simply District, a cocktail lounge and res-

Through the skillful use of herbs and spices, they work to keep dishes such as

taurant that debuted in August, located at Goodlette-Frank Road and Central

the green papaya salad, crispy egg noodles, and spicy shrimp stir-fry healthy

Avenue. Christopher Lee, former general manager for Truluck’s, is a partner in

without sacrificing taste.

the venture, along with Christopher Shucart and Marty Kenney (who owns the downtown Sidebar). Brad Moss serves as executive chef.

The Naples dining room seats 74, while the 64-seat patio allows for alfresco dining. A lounge and bar hold 40 guests, and there is a special-occasion room

Lee describes District, located in the Naples Design District, as an elevated

suited for parties up to 14. (naples.lecolonial.com)

lounge with small bites and a full menu of nonalcoholic and craft cocktails, as well as what he terms “a very aggressive wine program.”

What’s distinct about District are the four additional gathering spots linked to it—or that will be. A small area called Staff Only—named after the sign on the door—is a speakeasy offering drinks only—no food—where patrons can unwind during a 90-minute seating and a dress code that prohibits hats, graphic T-shirts, and “off putting odors.”

Other components of the complex include The Mini-Bar, a Bahamian-style bar with live entertainment and outdoor dining; The Kitchen, with communal seating and a unique vibe; and The Alley, which has its own “urban street” menu and adds seating for The Mini-Bar and The Kitchen. Each area’s ambience varies, and District’s short menu is focused on unique small-plate offerings. (districtnaples.com)

COLONIAL CHARISMA

Le Colonial has devoted followers in New York, Chicago,

Houston, and Atlanta with its elegant French-Vietnamese cuisine and style. Now Naples is getting a taste, too, with

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Le Colonial

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BALEEN IS BACK

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort’s

popular Gulf-front restaurant, Baleen, reopened in the fall after recovering from substantial damage from Hurricane Ian. The restaurant’s renaissance brings with it a refreshed dining room and what Baleen Executive Sous Chef Mounir Loqmane describes as “a thoughtful evolution” of the menu that includes new dishes and time-tested favorites.

Banana bread French toast, avocado toast, and the Baleen omelet are popular breakfast choices. Dinner favorites include blackened grouper, seafood tacos, pan-seared snapper, and charred octopus. Loqmane says the restaurant buys fresh, local seafood and produce. That commitment extends to meat and poultry as well, he adds.

Baleen

GOURMET LATIN FUSION

Like so many northerners before him, Sal Munoz fell in love with Naples on

The popular private beach dining has returned, too. Couples can dine on the beach while

seated in upholstered chairs, enjoying a meal upon linen tablecloths while toasting another glorious sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. (laplayaresort.com)

vacations from Chicago while visiting relatives. He’d wonder, “Wouldn’t it be awesome if one day we could live here?”

And now, several years later, he and his wife, Jaime, have relocated from chilly Chicagoland to live near her parents. They named their new undertak-

More Notable Noshes

PJK Neighborhood Chinese Restaurant, the latest concept of legendary

ing Unidos, Spanish for “together,” a fitting name for an establishment that

restaurateur Paul Fleming, and his wife Jody Goodenough-Fleming, offers

took two years to bring to fruition, overcoming a hurricane, construction

traditional Chinese dishes like orange beef with spicy Sichuan sauce, local

delays, and zoning issues.

seafood, dim sum, and delicate hand-folded soup dumplings with scratch-

Jaime spotted their location at the corner of U.S. 41 and Central Avenue and

made sauces. (pjkchinese.com)

converted the former Starbucks and Valento’s Pizza into their new enterprise.

Rebecca’s Wine Bar on Bayshore Drive features cheese and charcuterie

Unidos features South American tiles, stone from Latin America, a lush dining

boards, caviar, lunch, and dinner menus as well as a wine shop and 40-foot

room with pink banquettes, ceviche and guacamole bar, VIP/chef’s table,

bar. (rebeccasnaples.com)

open kitchen, and Argentine-style Santa Maria wood-fire grill.

Expect pisco sours, margaritas, and lots of Latin-based cocktails infused

Warren’s American Whiskey Kitchen in

Rebecca’s Wine Bar

the Naples Design District features all-day,

with homemade syrups, herbs, citrus, and exotic juices. Also available:

brunch and weekday menus for handhelds,

American and Latin beers, tequila flights, mescal dinners, and a selection

salads, shareables, and an extensive list of

of wines.

cocktails. (warrennaples.com)

As a restaurateur, Sal combines his appreciation for high-quality food and the

The Pointe at Founders Square has

presentation of it. “I love entertaining,” he says. “I want to share my experiences.”

become a hotspot for several restaurants,

Sal welcomes his team to bring their own favorite family dishes, too. His

such as Oar & Iron Raw Bar & Grill (oar-

mother’s Mexican recipes are represented on the menu but so are influences

andiron.com), South Street City, Oven, and

from Argentina and other lively Latin cuisines. “Whatever experiences you’ve

Music (founderssquare.southstreetnaples.

had, let’s share them on our plates,” he says. “That’s what’s great about own-

com), I Heart Mac & Cheese and More

ing something. You don’t have to ask. If it makes sense, we’re going to do it.”

(iheartmacandcheese.com) and Fuji Sushi

(unidosrestaurant.com)

Bar & Asian Kitchen (fujinaples.com).

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DeeDee Naples Zoo

DESTINATION

FAMILY FUN Meet the Naples Zoo’s new troop

BY PATRICIA JANEWAY

B

ornean orangutan DeeDee can often be spotted at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens wrapping colorful netting around her head and body. “She enjoys ‘crafting’ and will tie knots and weave tulle into makeshift hats and shirts,” explains Rachel Kluge, primates field supervisor. The 43-year-old flame-haired matriarch arrived last August from ZooTampa at Lowry Park with daughters RanDee, 15, and Dira, 5, as well as grandson Riplee, 3. Zoo guests can view the troop in their naturalistic habitat, which features large windows for plenty of face-to-face time—but they may notice certain eyes on them instead. Says Kluge, “DeeDee loves to people watch.”

The Naples Zoo offers an Orangutan Keeper Chat at 11 a.m. daily. On the first Saturday of every month, Collier County residents receive free zoo admission until 3:30 p.m. Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. To prove residency, provide a state-issued driver’s license or ID, or bring a utility or property tax bill with a matching name photo ID. (napleszoo.org)

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BLAKE SMITH

Visit

Did You Know?

Found in the forests of Indonesia and Malaysia, all species of orangutans are critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This is the first time in the zoo’s 50-year history to welcome these great apes—and zoo officials hope that visitors will learn about the challenges they face and how to help safeguard their future. Orangutan habitat is being impacted by deforestation from the palm oil industry, which is used in a wide range of products, including food, cosmetics, and household goods. To learn about sustainable palm oil choices, visit napleszoo.org/palmoil, and download the Sustainable Palm Oil app.

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LOCAL SCENE

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW

Vibrant resin art lands at the Naples Airport

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS

“I

t’s like a mini-gallery of my work,” Naplesbased artist Alexis Martinez Puleio says about the seven pieces of her artwork commissioned by the Naples Airport Authority.

“It’s an opportunity that commission artists dream of.”

The commissions began in 2021, when Martinez Puleio won the bid to complete a public artwork for the main entrance of the Naples Airport General Aviation Terminal. She created a large-scale aerial seascape in acrylic and epoxy resin. “When you are flying in an airplane, you see a beautiful coastline,” she says, so she replicated this seaside vista for the wall.

She enjoyed working with designers and architects to custom match her paint colors to the flooring and wall decor. Soon after this project was completed, she was commissioned to design two more pieces for the secondfloor reception area.

A few months later, Martinez Puleio received a call informing her that renovations had begun at the airport’s operations building and that more artwork was needed. Martinez Puleio completed four pieces for this space, including a floor-to-

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ceiling 3D wall covering emulating the coastline. Located in front of the elevator, she says it is often referred to as “the selfie wall.”

All the works depict aerial seascapes “created in a way to make you feel like you are a bird (or a plane) looking down at the water,” she explains. Martinez Puleio is honored to have her work greet thousands of visitors to the Naples Airport—which counted more than 119,000 combined take-offs and landings in 2023.

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