Client Case Studies

Case Study 1:

BACKGROUND/INITIAL CLIENT CONTACT: 2004 Working couple from Pittsburgh, referred to me by previous clients in golf community they lived in, where I was on original development team. They wanted a home in a golf community in the Naples area where they could visit occasionally as their schedules permitted, and possibly rent the property when not in Naples.

PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT: Find a good valued golf community, where they could purchase or build a home, with a pool and significant amenities beyond golf, near beaches, shopping, restaurants and convenient to the airport.

SEARCH PROCESS/RESULTS: They made several trips to Florida, to investigate first the communities and their locale, and following a narrowing process, began looking at specific existing homes, and opportunities to build a home that would have their personal touches. The decision was made to build a free standing villa (single family home on a smaller lot) with Centex Homes, in the Palmira Community in Bonita Springs. We worked closely together to select the site, with the right sun exposure and view, then fine-tuned the floor plan to suit their needs, with a large den, so both could work when there. We chose a beautiful pool design, and I helped them with financing, interior designer, and craftsmen to add some additional personal touches after completion. They enjoyed the home for 3 years, until a decision was made to move to a larger home closer to Naples, as they decided to sell their principal residence in PGH and spend more time in the sunshine, while still pursuing their careers.

FOLLOWUP ASSIGNMENT: The criteria were similar to the original program, but they wanted a more upscale home and community, with more amenities and closer to the heart of Naples. They needed to sell the original home, so I introduced them to agents with experience in Palmira, and we began the search for a new community.

SEARCH PROCESS RESULTS: Many months were spent in researching the finer golf communities in the Naples area, with the strongest amenities and financial strength, in the face of a housing downturn. They decided that Grey Oaks, was the right community, and that building a custom villa home was the way to go. Again, we worked closely in extensive design meetings, interior design sessions and walk-thru’s during construction to closely monitor the process. From search to finish this was nearly a 2 year process, and the result is a gorgeous home that they now consider their primary home

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “ We could not have accomplished our goal of finding a beautiful home in the right location without Jim’s help over a 5 year period. His expertise in all phases of real estate and building were invaluable. We have recommended him to several friends who are equally pleased with him.”

Case Study 2:

BACKGROUND/INITIAL CLIENT CONTACT: The Client, CEO of a large Financial Services Co, and his wife, contacted me via my website in 2004 to discuss purchasing a pre-retirement second home in Naples. They asked me to research available homes and condos, and would visit in a couple of weeks.

PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT: Investigate available residences in the $1.5-2.5M range that met their family needs, with at least 2BR and a den, in a newer beachfront condo, or a newer home near the beach.

SEARCH PROCESS/RESULTS: I began by researching available beachfront condos and homes near the beach. After previewing them, I sent them the listing information on the residences best meeting their needs. They visited twice to look at the available residences, and after the first trip, decided a condo would best suit them. On the second visit, we focused on specific newer beachfront condos, and an offer was made and consummated on a residence in Provence, on Park Shore Beach, that was beautifully furnished and appointed. They have enjoyed the residence, and contacted me in 2006 to help them purchase a boat dock across the street from their home, as boating became more important, with more frequent visits.

FOLLOWUP ASSIGNMENT: The clients contacted me in early 2010, and advised that retirement was pending mid-2010, and that as the family had grown, with more grandchildren, it was time to consider a home on the water, or a larger beachfront condo on the Park Shore Beach. For the SF homes, I was to consider Park Shore, Aqualane Shores and Port Royal, to find a newer 3-4 BR home with deep water boating, and proximity to the beach, shopping and restaurants.

SEARCH PROCESS RESULTS: My research identified many attractive properties, and after screening over 30 properties and providing the details to them, I was given the short list to see on their next visit. With the market conditions in spring of 2010, it became apparent that a very attractive buy could be made, and that if sellers were not willing to negotiate we would move on to the next property. It was decided that a SF home best suited them. Offers were made, but we were initially unable to come to terms. On the second visit, we narrowed the search to Park Shore and were able to secure a waterfront home that met their criteria, with a motivated seller. They are currently doing some updating and decorating…ready to enjoy the first full winter of his retirement.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “We have a great deal of experience in purchasing and selling real estate, both personally and professionally, and we very much appreciated Jim’s expertise and professionalism in all of our transactions. We have recommended him to others considering a Naples area home.”