#Frank Pezzuti

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3 Steps to Standing out in the Luxury Real Estate Market

On the surface, selling luxury homes and condos may seem like an easy job—who wouldn’t want to hang around infinity pools, top-notch appliances and gorgeous furnishings all day, right? We may answer yes to that, but after a recent chat with Premier Sotheby’s Realtor Frank Pezzuti, we are a bit more enlightened about all that goes into being a realtor, and standing apart, in a crowded real estate market! Having been a real estate agent for many years, Frank has honed his skill and tested out various methods. In our conversation, he broke it down into 3 areas:

Targeted marketing

Professional quality photos

Price the home right

1. Targeted Marketing Just because a home is alluringly brilliant, does not mean it is an easy sale. One must find the right buyer in order to find sell the property and sometimes that happens via unconventional contacts. Understanding the persona of the end buyer is a great place to start. Who better than to have on your side than those who are familiar with the home already, which is why as a listing realtor, Frank sends postcards to the neighbors, inviting them over for a meet and greet. Not only does this show off the home as a space for entertaining, it is an open invitation for neighbors to bring friends and relatives who know and love the neighborhood and may share the listing!

Frank also stresses the importance of reaching out to buyers who aren’t familiar with the house, too. His next step typically is to call and email his previous buyers. It gives him an opportunity to touch base with his previous clients and open the door for future business. “I’m constantly surprised by who contacts me with interest about one of my listings. People’s needs are always changing. Someone from 3 years ago who was interested in a golf community then might now want a beachfront condo. I see it happen all of the time.”

2. Professional Quality Photos 
When listing your property for sale, the most important step is getting the best photos possible of your home. Buyers are looking online at your property before they even step foot over the threshold. Statistics show that approximately 80% of all home buyers start their search online, and as they scan through hundreds of properties for sale, you want your property to attract their attention. Uncluttered, crisp, clear, and well lit professional photos make the difference between a lot of showings and the occasional walk-through. Frank recommends clearing away anything on the kitchen and bathroom counter tops that is removable, to not only make the room and space look bigger and more organized, but it will ensure that buyers start to envision the space as their own and not with the seller’s memories. Videos are also crucial now-a-days to help create a story. When posted to different social medias, online tracking allows you insight into buyer behaviors and opens the door for feedback.

3. Price The Home Right Today’s buyers are much more informed about property prices than ever before. Online searches and smartphone apps can easily compare past sales and suggest a homes list price. Frank says that as a realtor, “It’s our job to know prices.” While there is an urge to price high as you can always lower it, from experience, Frank conveyed that over-priced listings don’t get as many showings as they should, as some buyers may not even see a home is for sale if it doesn’t show up in the price range of it’s comparables. Once a home sits and the listing gets stale, buyers start to question what is wrong with the house and why has it been on the market for so long. Avoid that by pricing it right from the get-go and you will attract the real buyers.

While it can be difficult to stand apart in a crowded real estate market, its not impossible! Once you decide to list your home for sale, the ultimate goal is to do just that—get it sold! After all, the thought of carrying two mortgages is enough to make anyone cringe! Picking the right professional to list your home is an essential part of the equation. If you or someone you know is searching for their dream home or condo in the Naples area, feel free to give Frank a call!

Frank Pezzuti, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 
Email Frank // 239.216.2445

[tsgnaplesflorida]

Naples New Construction

Recommendations by Premier Sotheby’s International Realtor Frank Pezzuti

I have customers asking me all the time “what’s new in Naples?” I compiled a quick overview of the newest projects in Naples that are of definite interest.

Kalea Bay


Early construction pricing from $1.3M - $2.9M

Floor plans 4BR/4baths

Located at the end of Wiggins Pass Rd west of US41 in North Naples.

Kalea Bay will feature unobstructed Gulf views from each sleek, modern floor plan with designer finishes. I was just in a 4th floor decorated model yesterday and loved the open layout and huge lanai space for entertaining. Great sunset views, to boot!

Upon completion, Kalea Bay will be home to 582 residences within five towers that grace over 480 acres of land. Each one of these luxury waterfront condominiums command west and southwest views. The community includes all of the amenities of a 5-star resort from an awe-inspiring rooftop terrace and pool to a resort-style 25,000 sq ft clubhouse with restaurant, tennis, pools and 24 guest cottages. This is a coastal community the likes of which have not been seen before.

Mystique 


Pre-construction pricing from $3.4M - $6M

Floor plans 3BR/ 3 1/2baths or 5BR/4 1/2baths

The newest to be built tower construction in Pelican Bay with ultra luxury features including Miele/Wolf/SubZero kitchen appliances, Dornbracht fixtures and faucets, and Valli & Valli door hardware. Planned for 87 residences ranging from 4000 - over 5500 sq ft with high end amenities and finishes, Mystique will rival the best resorts in the world. Contracts currently being accepted.

Aqua 


Pricing from $1.5M - $4.5M

Floor plans 3BR+den/ 3 1/2baths

Located directly to the south of Kalea Bay

Comprised of 2 luxury towers with Gulf access marina. The 11-story, 32-unit boutique luxury waterfront residential tower is now under construction. Located on AQUA's existing yacht harbor with views of Wiggins Bay and Gulf of Mexico, this hi-rise offers spacious 3940–6599 sqft designs with luxurious finishes such as marble and wood floors. Gourmet kitchens include quartz countertops, Wolf oven, micro-convection & gas cooktops, Sub-Zero refrigerator & wine cooler. Exceptional amenities feature private marina with slips available for purchase, kayaks, 9th floor sky lounge with roof top terrace, fitness center with spa treatment rooms, steam rooms & dry saunas, resort style pool & spas, movie theater, social rooms, game room, virtual game center, outdoor putting green, dog run, guest suites, cabanas. What’s unique about AQUA, is that it is pet friendly with no size limit for dogs.

Trio 


Pre-construction pricing from $1.1M -$2.5M

Floor plans 3BR/3baths

TRIO will soon become Naples’ first luxury urban high-rise, combining elegant condominiums, luxury hotel apartments, world-class amenities, dining options, a private rooftop club and specialty shoppes. Poised at the entrance to 5th Avenue South on the corner of Davis Blvd. and soaring nine stories above downtown Naples, TRIO will offer residents an exclusive living experience in 24 contemporary residences built above 24 extended-stay hotel apartments. The ground floor will offer shops and restaurants, as well as a lounge and fitness studio. This is sure to be an exciting new concept for downtown Naples living.

For floor plans, price sheets, or more information about any of these projects, reach out to Frank Pezzuti with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty! Let him know Scout sent you.

Frank Pezzuti
 frankpnaples@me.com // 239.216.2445

[tsgnaplesflorida]

North Naples Treasure - Bay Colony

Even before his latest listing in Bay Colony, Scouted realtor Frank Pezzuti has been drawn to the area. While you could fill up a legal pad with reasons to live in various Naples neighborhoods, Frank offers this up one of his favorite areas to sell—and it’s note-worthy. Located 10 miles north of Old Naples and situated next to the world class Ritz Carlton Beach Resort, Bay Colony is a exclusive gated community in Pelican Bay.

Frank’s latest listing in Trieste, 8787 Bay Colony Drive #1404, has amazing Gulf views—perfect for viewing the sunset all year round. Having an open floor plan dotted with meticulous details and custom touches, this 14th floor residence is a gem. The newly listed 3br+den/3.5 baths unit covers 3,500 sq feet and is offered furnished. It features marble flooring, a gas fireplace (ideal for those chilly February nights), custom built-ins and plantation shutters. The soothing coastal chic color palette highlights all the amenities a modern family could enjoy.

When you buy in Bay Colony, you can savor Naples' desirable weather at the exclusive Bay Colony Beach Club, where attentive staff is on hand to pamper you. Imagine—you’re sitting at water’s edge on your chaise lounge shaded by an umbrella (all perfectly placed by a beach attendant), with a great book in one hand and a mai-tai in the other…Could it get any better? Residents can trade in their flip-flops for tennis shoes if they desire. Amongst the lush surroundings, you’ll find six state-of-the-art hydro clay tennis courts at the Bay Colony Tennis Club. A sub-surface irrigation system and full-time maintenance schedule allows for optimal playing conditions year round, where you can stay on top of your game or learn it from on-site instructors at the pro-shop!

Bay Colony is located a quick mile from the Mercato shops and nightlife. And while you can easily treat yourself to the many nearby dining options, you’ve gotta try Frank’s kid’s favorite at least once—Bay Colony Beach Club’s hotdogs and lemonade.  Like Frank’s, your heart will be won over by this one-of-a-kind community.

If condo-living isn’t for you, there are plenty of options all nestled within Bay Colony, with access to the same amenities. Consider The Shores or the Estates at Bay Colony situated at the golf club. The Bay Colony Golf Club, a private equity club located just a short distance north in Pelican Marsh, is home to a no tee time 18-hole championship golf course. The course has many great memories for Frank and his family…Frank’s dad landed his first and only hole-in-one on green #4, and Frank and his wife Allison were married there in 2005, in the first tented outdoor wedding at the club.

Frank is well-versed in the area and would be happy to share his knowledge with you. You can view additional listings on his website and he’s always available by email, so feel free to reach out when you’re ready to begin your Naples search.

Frank Pezzuti, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 
frank.pezzuti@premiersir.com
 // 239.216.2445

[tsgnaplesflorida]

As featured on @thescoutguide national! ✨ This gorgeous property listed by Frank Pezzuti has been highlighted as a “March Scouted Listing” 🏡 8930 Bay Colony Drive, #PH1901 // Naples, Florida // Contact: Frank Pezzuti, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, 239.216.2445 The details: 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half bathrooms, 5,000+ square feet Feature we love: This five-bedroom, two-story penthouse feels like a home thanks to a grand salon with 20-foot ceilings, a chef’s kitchen, a butler’s pantry, a wine cellar, and more. The abode takes full advantage of its stellar location, with sweeping views that look down Upper Clam Bay and out to the Gulf of Mexico and an oversized screened lanai that’s perfect for entertaining. #TSGNaples https://www.instagram.com/p/B9h5aqLAO2M/?igshid=3k27gu322ns8

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Volume 7 with Frank Pezzuti took the TSG Naples team to Kalea Bay, the hottest new address in town, with views that will make you weak in the knees for all the right reasons. Buyers and sellers rightly rave about Frank's professional prowess - a blend of strong advocacy, sophisticated industry knowledge, and true personal decency. While this condo is spoken for, reach out to him at frankpnaples@me.com for more one-of-a-kind opportunities. . . .

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Enjoy gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf from this meticulously maintained and tastefully decorated 3BR/3Bath home. Featuring a large wraparound lanai, eat-in kitchen, spa-like master bath with dual vanities, separate shower, and large soaking tub. Dunes residents enjoy first-class, resort-style amenities at the soon to be constructed, brand-new Plantation Club, all within walking distance to some of Naples’ most beautiful beaches. Come see why the Dunes lifestyle is so much in demand! For more information, contact Frank Pezzuti at frankpnaples@me.com.

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From listing to sale in 5 days. If you would like to be on Frank Pezzuti's contact list to be alerted when great beachfront properties come up, email him at frankpnaples@me.com. To list your property, call him at 239-216-2445.

[tsgnaplesflorida]

 5 Simple Steps to Sell Your House Faster

Real-talk from Premier Sotheby’s Realtor Frank Pezzuti

Even if you are not in a mad hurry to get out of your current home, chances are good once you decide to list your home for sale, the ultimate goal is to do just that—get it sold! After all, the thought of carrying two mortgages is enough to make anyone cringe! So what are you supposed to do? Cross your fingers and hope the perfect buyer walks through? Well, yes, but what if there were some steps you could take to entice potential buyers to step front in the door and see that this is the home for them? Premier Sotheby’s Realtor Frank Pezzuti says "YES!”

Frank suggests that following 5 simple steps will have you packing your boxes quicker.  

Step 1 – Get Professional photos When listing your property for sale, the most important step is getting the best photos possible of your home. Buyers are looking online at your property before they even step foot over the threshold. Statistics show that approximately 80% of all home buyers start their search online, and as they scan through hundreds of properties for sale, you want your property to attract their attention. Crisp and clear, well lit professional photos make the difference between a lot of showings and the occasional walk-through. As a listing realtor, Frank will even cover the cost of professional photos of his listings.

Step 2 – Declutter & depersonalize From experience, Frank knows that potential buyers sometimes remember the objects they see as much as the space itself. While you might love your personal collectibles displayed in the family room or your appliances on the kitchen counter, this can distract potential buyers. Frank recommends clearing away anything on the kitchen and bathroom counter tops that are removable, to not only make the room and space look bigger and more organized, but it will ensure that buyers start to envision the space as their own, and not with the seller’s memories.

Step 3 – Define your spaces Make it easy for your buyer to know what each area of the house can be used for. Demonstrate by using your own furniture to define each space, or even rent staging furniture. Create your living room, dining area, bedrooms, an office, etc., and show potential buyers how they can maximize the space. Frank says that rooms without a clear identity create confusion for a buyer. As a listing realtor, Frank will always include a floor plan in his marketing materials, with each space labeled.

Step 4 – Let the light in Especially in Naples, with the gorgeous views and landscape, Frank urges, “Let the light in!” Heavy drapes and shades block light and create dark rooms that look smaller and lackluster. As a seller, take down the heavy curtains and the valances to not only let the light in the windows, but to also create the illusion of higher ceilings.

Step 5 – Price it right Today’s buyers are much more informed about property prices than ever before. Online searches and apps can easily compare past sales and suggest what a home should be listed at. As a Realtor, Frank says, “It’s our job to know prices.” While there is an urge to price high as you can always lower it, from experience, Frank explains that over-priced listings don’t get as many showings as they should, as some buyers may not even see a home is for sale if it doesn’t show up in the price range of it’s comparables. Once a home sits and the listing gets stale, buyers start to question what is wrong with the house and why has it been on the market for so long. Avoid that by pricing it right from the get-go and you will attract the real buyers.

Frank Pezzuti 239.216.2445

[tsgnaplesflorida]

Dog Friendly HOA’s

 Finding dog-lovers in Naples couldn’t be any easier (you’ve got 2 of them right here!!). Just stroll down 5th Ave or Third Street South with your pooch and you’ll be overrun with petting passer-byes. Naples isn’t short on walking paths, dog parks, doggie day cares, veterinarians or groomers either! However, finding condo- and home-owner-associations that are dog friendly can be a bit harder. Premiere Sotheby’s Reatlor Frank Pezzuti (Dad of Archie, pictured above) has done the dirty work, and has dug up places around town with HOA’s that are dog-friendly:

Large Dogs OK:

The Dunes

Moraya Bay

The Vanderbilt

Le Jardin

Provence

Bay Villas in Pelican Bay

Willow Brook in Pelican Bay

Ventana at Tiburon

Villas at Park Shore

Regatta

L’Ambiance in Pelican Bay

Breakwater in Pelican Bay

Small Dogs OK:

Montenero – up to 15in at shoulder

San Marino – 45lbs max

Cap Ferrat – 20lbs max

Salerno in Bay Colony – 15 in at shoulder and 25lbs max

Cove Towers – 15inch at shoulder

Trieste in Bay Colony – with approval

Cove Towers – with approval

Pebble Creek Pelican Bay – 25lbs max/18inch at shoulder

Avalon – with approval

Terraces – with approval

Park Plaza – 25lbs max

Le Ciel Park Tower – 25lbs max

Brittany – with approval

Naples Casamore – with approval

Biltmore- with approval

Brighton – 15inch at shoulder and 20lbs max

Carlysle – with approval

Contessa – with approval

Frank’s top picks for Doggie Services: For Doggie Day Care: Pet Paradise For Groomer: Wholesome Hound For Veterinarian: Gulf Shore Animal Hospital For Dog Park: Naples Dog Park For Dog Beach:  Bonita Dog Beach

Frank Pezzuti 239-216-2445 // frankpnaples@me.com

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5 Reasons to Love Summer in Naples

While Naples is home to nearly 20,000 full-time residents, a whopping 12,000 snowbirds get out of Dodge the minute the mercury starts to rise and the humidity rolls in. Naples is infamous for its steamy summers, and often times, you only ever hear people gripe about it. Premier Sotheby’s Realtor Frank Pezzuti has a different take on it. Although some businesses close up shop for the summer months, others offer deals that you just can’t pass up. Frank shares his top 5 Reasons why he loves Summer in Naples (and it’s not too late to still take advantage of these):

Low priced golf – If you purchase the South Florida PGA golf pass for $50 like I do, you get super discounted greens fees at approximately 45 Naples area private and public courses. It’s a great time to tee it up at many different courses such as Bear’s Paw and Bonita Bay. I played the Lely courses Flamingo & Mustang. Naples Grande, Stonebridge, and Windstar are also on the list. As long as you tee off relatively early, I haven’t felt that the heat is too much. Take a cart for shade and swing easy. Hit 2 balls because no one is pressing you. Access the Golf Pass here.

Freedom Boat Club – My wife and I joined this boat club and have been enjoying it with our kids and golden doodle Archie at least once a week and loving it. Like any club there is an initiation fee and additional monthly fees but having the luxury of not being responsible for the storage and maintenance of a boat was important to us. We just get in and go and then at the end of a sandy day we just hand over the keys to one of the guys on the dock and say “see ya!”. With a variety of deck boats and center consoles we’re always trying something new. Check out the Freedom Boat Club, and if you’re interested in joining, let me know so I can tell you who I worked with.

Open beaches – I often notice how calm and clear the Gulf gets during the summer months. You can park at any of the beach blocks downtown with a beach sticker or feed the meter and just walk on. Bring an umbrella for shade and you’ll pretty much have your own stretch of private sand. Early morning walks on the beach are especially nice in the summer. The dolphin often cooperate and swim and leap just offshore. The Gulf is warm!

Restaurant summer specials – During season you needed reservations for just about every restaurant on 3rd St & 5th Ave waaaay in advance. At this time of year the best restaurants entice summer residents with dinner and drink specials that keep locals coming in. Summer is a great time to sit at the bar for an early cocktail and enjoy some of the best food in SW Florida at summer special prices! Here are some restaurant specials courtesy of The New Naples website.

Real estate deals – Sometimes the best time to buy property in Naples is in the summer when the number of showings that a seller sees is typically less. Some sellers don’t want to continue paying the HOA fees, taxes, mortgage, and upkeep over the summer when they are not using it. I have negotiated many deals during the summer months for buyers when the seller makes the decision to not hold on to the property for the next 5 or 6 months until season starts again and the buyer gets a great price. The sellers says “sell it!” You can see some of my favorite real estate deals right now.  

Frank Pezzuti 239.216.2445

[tsgnaplesflorida]

Insight into the Naples Real Estate Market

We hear so much in Naples about the real estate market.

People always ask their realtor, “How’s the market?” “Is it up or down?” or “What’s my house worth?” So that got me thinking—what makes a Naples home sell faster and for more money?

I decided to ask this question to Frank Pezzuti, a leading Naples realtor from Premier Sotheby’s International Realty on 5th Ave. S., who specializes in listing and selling Naples’ best premium homes and luxury condos.

Here are some highlights from our conversation, including some tips on what you can do to increase the value of your home.

How’s the market? Frank (F): Ha. That depends. Are you interested in buying or selling? Right now there are a good variety of properties for sale at all price points so there are some great options out there.

What is the thing most Buyers coming to Naples want and therefore gets the most money? F: I think most of the time it’s the view.

F: Most buyers coming to Naples want the Gulf view. Water views typically get the highest prices. Like this (photo above) Park Shore condo I sold for example. There aren’t many properties in Naples that have a better Gulf view than this 12th floor condo. A southwest Gulf view provides year round sunsets and spectacular skies. Naples is fortunate to have many beach front options. This one was just fantastic.

But what if you don’t have a Gulf view? Obviously you can’t change the location of your home. F: Yes, even if you don’t have a great view there are many things you can do to improve the perception of light in the property. Firstly, take down all of the outdated heavy curtains and valences to let the light in. I have shown so many properties that feel dark and like the life is sucked out of the space when you walk in because the windows are all covered up. My customers just want to turn around and walk right out. Buyers coming to Naples want the light and the sun. Think light and bright. White plantation shutters work most of the time, but the key is to let light in and be able to see out regardless of what the view is—especially if it is the water!

When thinking about selling, what room should someone invest the most money in? F: Definitely the kitchen.

Here (photo above) is a Montenero condo in Pelican Bay that I listed and sold and then worked with the buyer to dramatically update this kitchen. It was the first thing on his to-do list. Kitchens are becoming more and more the focal point for living and entertaining. If you are selling, update the appliances—hopefully to stainless steel. It’s a small investment to make vs the overall cost of the home and it’s one of the first things that my customers always comment on. Also If your cabinetry is old and dated, consider painting it (I know some great painters) and changing out the pulls to simple chrome or nickel with a matte finish. Another upgrade option is doing an updated tile backsplash. White subway tile is usually a good choice for moderately priced kitchens and marble and premium glass tiles for higher-end kitchens.

What’s the easiest thing a seller can do to make an impact? F: Think spick and span.

Nothing turns off potential buyers faster than a cluttered and dirty home. When preparing to sell, it’s so important to clean off the countertops in the kitchen and also the bathrooms. For my listings I get a cleaning company to come in and clean. It not only helps set the stage for a buyer to see themselves just moving right in, but it’s also a good time to move the furniture around to make the room look bigger. Buyers are judging who lived there and if they could picture themselves living there in the future. It’s big investment and it’s emotional too. I ask my sellers to make buyers walking-through to feel like welcome guests to their home. And make sure all of the lightbulbs work!

What’s the biggest mistake Sellers make? F: Price it Right.

Don’t over price the property. Listen to a professional realtor when he reviews comparable sales and current market conditions. An overpriced property turns off potential buyers who increasingly know the local market more and more from their own online research. An overpriced property creates an impression for the buyer that the seller will be difficult to work with and is unrealistic about the property. I have often seen the benefit of a correctly priced property getting multiple offers and creating a new high-sale for the area. Once a buyer feels emotionally committed to a property and makes an offer, they typically will be more willing to come up vs. never making the offer at all and just moving on to the next property.

What are some things you do to improve the salability of a home or condo? F: Get the word out. My agency’s marketing plan is one of the best in the industry. Online views are becoming increasingly important too. My listings appear on dozens of online networks such as  Zillow, Trulia, NY Times, Wall St Journal, realtor.com, and more. I also create a custom website for every property that I list for sale. Boosting to Facebook and my own contact list of buyers from years of real estate transactions brings in a lot of interested buyers, too.

If you know someone in Naples considering selling a home and would like some professional advice reach out to Frank at 239-216-2445.

—Kersten, Assistant Editor

Frank Pezzuti frank.pezzuti@sothebysrealty.com // 239.216.2445