Author: Katrina Shimer

  • Halloween Train Crafts

    Halloween Train Crafts

    Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween with the family in Naples? Halloween Train Crafts takes place October 23–31, 2026, at Naples Depot Museum, offering free, family-friendly Halloween crafts in a welcoming local setting.

    Make time to explore the Naples Lionel Train Museum while you are there. The exhibits add an educational twist to the celebration and give children and train enthusiasts something extra to enjoy.

    For an added dose of seasonal excitement, consider taking the Halloween train ride, which is available for a separate fee. Check the event website for ride information, schedules, and any updates before heading out.

    Save the date, invite a neighbor, and make a local memory together. Visit https://www.colliermuseums.com/Events-directory/Halloween-Train-Crafts for details, and follow along for more family-friendly happenings around Naples.

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  • Naples – Most Expensive Homes of September 2026 | Take a look! đź‘€

    Naples — Most Expensive homes for September 2026.

    Listings (sorted by price):
    1. Listing NABOR226008829 — $195,000,000
    2. Listing NABOR226005171 — $59,995,000
    3. Listing NABOR224019733 — $50,000,000
    4. Listing NABOR226019200 — $39,750,000
    5. Listing NABOR226003650 — $38,500,000
    6. Listing NABOR226028063 — $38,000,000
    7. Listing NABOR225072467 — $37,000,000
    8. Listing NABOR225072480 — $35,000,000
    9. Listing NABOR226016944 — $32,850,000
    10. Listing NABOR226016469 — $32,500,000
    11. Listing NABOR226015887 — $31,900,000
    12. Listing NABOR223077789 — $30,000,000
    13. Listing NABOR223085261 — $29,950,000
    14. Listing NABOR225072446 — $29,950,000
    15. Listing NABOR226020271 — $29,950,000

  • These are the best places in America for retirees right now, according to data

    These are the best places in America for retirees right now, according to data

    As someone who’s spent a lifetime in Southwest Florida—and as a Senior Transition Specialist—I’ve seen firsthand why so many retirees are drawn to our region. Recent data shows that over 2.1 million retirement-age Americans relocated in 2025, with states like Florida and South Carolina leading the way. The average retirement savings stands at $333,940, and many of the top retirement counties feature right here in Florida. What makes our area so appealing? It’s a mix of diverse lifestyles, affordable housing, and a welcoming community spirit. For those considering a move or downsizing in retirement, it’s reassuring to know you’re looking in a place that truly understands and supports your next chapter.

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  • 12337 Fourth ST

    12337 Fourth ST

    NEW AC 2026 and NEW ELECTRIC PANEL 2026 CITY CONVENIENCE meets backyard HOMESTEAD charm in this adorable 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring flexible living spaces and plenty of outdoor potential. Inside, you’ll find a spacious kitchen with abundant cabinet storage, a large laundry room, and a converted garage space perfect for a den, home office, playroom, hobby room, or additional living area. Step outside to enjoy a private backyard shaded by mature trees and enhanced with fruit trees plus a separate fenced area ideal for chickens and gardening. Experience the charm of collecting fresh eggs right at home while still enjoying the convenience of city living. (Chickens and potted plants do not convey.) Full of character, functionality, and opportunity to make it your own! Schedule your private showing today!

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  • Florida Listings Below Purchase Price | Take a look! đź‘€

    Lately, I’ve noticed a notable trend in Florida real estate—over 1 in 10 active listings are now priced below what the current owners originally paid. In certain local markets, almost half of homes for sale have already seen price reductions, and seller concessions are becoming more frequent. This shift follows a period of steep price increases, followed by softer demand, higher borrowing costs, and increased inventory—factors that have prompted many sellers to adjust their expectations. As someone who has lived and worked in Southwest Florida for decades, I see firsthand how some sellers who purchased near the market’s peak are accepting smaller returns in order to complete a move, reduce carrying costs, or realign their plans when a community or property no longer fits their needs. For now, more sellers in our area seem willing to accept lower sale prices to move forward with their next chapter, as both buyers and sellers keep a close eye on this cooling market. Navigating these changes requires an understanding not only of numbers, but also of the personal stories and transitions behind every listing—a perspective I bring to every client conversation.

  • Fort Myers Retirement Costs: Rent or Own | Take a look! đź‘€

    As someone who’s called Southwest Florida home since childhood, I’ve seen how retirement living options in Fort Myers have evolved over the years. For those weighing whether to rent or own in retirement, here’s what stands out: Fort Myers is one of the few destinations where renting comes out ahead financially for seniors. With 23.2% of residents aged 65 and older, and average monthly rents around $1,800, the annual living costs break down to about $48,700 for homeowners versus $45,000 for renters—a difference of roughly $3,600 per year, or an 8% savings for those who rent.

    These estimates reflect local home values, rents, living costs, and assume a 10% down payment with a national 30-year fixed mortgage in the mid-6% range. Fort Myers’ large senior population (over 25,000 residents and 20% aged 65+) is a big reason it’s on the radar for retirement comparisons.

    As a Senior Transition Specialist and second-generation Realtor with deep local roots, I guide clients through these important financial choices—whether you’re planning to downsize, relocate, or help a loved one navigate a major move. Understanding the real numbers behind rent versus own is just one piece of making your next chapter comfortable and confident.

  • Naples Ranks Third for HOA Burdens | Take a look! đź‘€

    As someone who’s called Naples home since childhood—and watched it transform over decades—I’ve seen firsthand how HOA dynamics shape our communities. A recent analysis ranked Naples third in the nation for HOA burden in 2025, with median dues coming in at $711 per month. That’s about 20% of the typical mortgage payment here. The study compared HOA fees with monthly principal and interest on a median-priced home (assuming a 30-year loan at roughly a 6% rate with 10% down), and Naples stood out—largely due to our abundance of condos and newer developments, where HOAs are the norm. Plus, recent changes in insurance, inspections, and reserve requirements have nudged association costs higher for many neighborhoods. Out of 300 metro areas, Naples was singled out because so many listings here include HOA dues above the national average. For buyers, sellers, and anyone considering a move, understanding these costs is essential to making a confident decision. As a second-generation real estate professional and lifelong Naples resident, I believe in giving my clients the clarity and local insight they need to navigate our unique real estate landscape.

  • Florida home prices hold firm in August

    Florida home prices hold firm in August

    August brought steady home prices across Florida, reflecting the resilience I’ve seen firsthand in our Southwest Florida market. Single-family homes reached a median of $415,000, while condos and townhomes hovered near $298,000. At the same time, sales pulled back slightly—down about 1.5% for single-family homes and nearly 2% for condos—marking the end of an 11-month growth streak, likely influenced by mortgage rates in the 6–7% range.

    As someone who’s watched Naples and the surrounding communities evolve over decades, I’m always tuned in to these shifts and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and families considering a move. Having grown up immersed in both real estate and construction, I know how important it is to understand not just price trends, but also the factors behind them—like interest rates, local demand, and long-term value. For those navigating a transition, whether it’s finding the right neighborhood, downsizing, or selling a family home, my focus is on providing clarity and steady guidance through every market season.

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  • Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day | Take a look! đź‘€

    Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
    We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
    We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.