To Donna & Phil Gilles:

Where do we start our thank you for everything you have both done for us during our home search and ultimate purchase? Being new to Pine Island and not having much, if any, “local knowledge” about the area, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation for everything you have done to help us. We really lucked out when we connected with you and worked with you during our recent home purchase.

Not only were you both extremely professional and knowledgeable, you were good listeners who always put your clients first. You worked extremely hard to ensure that everything went as smoothly as possible from the first day that we began looking for our Florida dream home until the actual closing date and thereafter. You made sure that all the “i’s” were dotted and the “t’s” were crossed along the way. When things got a little rocky just before the closing, you jumped in and diligently worked toward resolution.

Not only did you concentrate on the actual home purchase, you went above and beyond to assist us with all of our other needs throughout the process. You were right there to answer our questions about inspections, insurances, taxes, paperwork, locksmiths, boat docks, and handymen, just to mention a few.

If you said you were going to do something, not only did you do it, you did it in the timeliest manner possible! You were truly on top of things from start to finish. Your upbeat and possible attitude throughout the entire process assisted us with the confidence to move forward.

We are thoroughly enjoying our new Florida home and will never hesitate to recommend you to our friends and family should they require expert real estate professionals.

We have purchased several homes throughout the last 40+ years and we can honestly say that this experience has been by far the most positive due to the expert assistance you have provided.

Thanks again for everything!

Jim & Sharon Plona
Saint James City, Florida
(Snow Birds from Ohio)

Dear Donna and Phil,

Eileen and I want to thank you for the excellent service that you provided during our recent home search and ultimate purchase on Pine Island. During the days of our house hunting, you quickly came to understand what we desired in a home.

Your ability to know what we wanted, and the trust we had put in your judgment, ultimately proved itself when we actually made a bid, and bought a home sight unseen, based on your input, the photos and your assurances that this is what we wanted. When we did finally see the home, 2 weeks after the closing, we were both overwhelmed, and could not believe that you found us our dream home. It was in a great neighborhood, and had the pool, waterfront and open living areas that we were seeking. And the wildlife viewing from our Lanai is wonderful! We are totally in love with the home and the area and will feel forever indebted to you for assisting us in finding our dream home.

After the sale, you assisted us in moving in, taking care of all the home services we needed, and then sharing a day with us, touring the waters of Pine Island and the surrounding islands.

We have recommended your firm to friends and family, and will continue to do so.

Bob and Eileen Ryan
Island Park, NY

Donna and Phil Gilles enjoy a well deserved reputation as the premiere Realtors on Pine Island. This testimonial is not about their considerable real estate expertise. My name is Capt John “GiddyUp” Bunch. I am the proud Founder of Operation Open Arms. This amazing SW FL military outreach program took root on Pine Island in 2005. The mission is a very simple one. “To afford US Troops on combat leave every luxury imaginable without any cost to our GI’s or their families.”

Like in sports, numbers always tell the true story. As of June 2008, there are 155 Operation Open Arms Sponsors. (A Sponsor is defined by those willing to give free meals, lodging, fishing charters, rounds of golf, and gift certificates) There are only 4 Realtors in Lee and Collier County who are Operation Open Arms sponsors. Thank you Donna and Phil. As well, thank you for the service of your only son in defense of our country.

Best in Real Estate and Best in giving back to their community, This defines The Gilles Family.

Capt John “GiddyUp” Bunch
Founder/ www.operationopenarms.com

Thank you Phil & Donna for all your patience and hard work in helping us find our dream home. We so appreciated your hard work in trying to make a short sale work and when it didn’t getting our new offer accepted and closed in 5 days. Now, that was truly amazing. We both feel that we ended up with the perfect home thanks to all your hard work. You were a joy to work with.

Ken & Nancy LaChanse
Ontario, Canada

THANK YOU DONNA FOR EVERYTHING! WE ARE SO HAPPY TOO! POSITIVE THINKING DOES WORK. I HAVEN’T MET YOU GUYS BUT I FEEL LIKE I KNOW AND TRUST YOU. YOU GUYS ARE FILLED WITH INTEGRITY AND IT SHOWS. I WILL SPEAK WITH YOU AGAIN SOON.

Dawn Whitesell

Los Angeles, CA

Donna and Phil –

Thank YOU for the expediency and support putting through this sale. We appreciate all your hard work. Thank you too for taking care of the Comcast box! Good luck with all you do!

Ellen Clark

Bangkok Thailand

Cindy & Gary Brunt
Maryland

“Thank you for your participation as a buyer’s agent in the purchase of our new home. As we have moved around the country and found homes it was not always a pleasant experience. You made it different this time. Your attitude and efficiency are like a “breath of fresh air.” We thank you and we will surely tell family and friends that are in need of real estate services. Thanks again.”

Joan and Bob Tobin
Florida

“BlueWater Realty helped us find a great rental to vacation on Pine Island. When we decided to buy, Donna and Phil took the time to really understand what we were looking for and guided us through the process. Their excellence and professionalism made our experience superb. We are looking forward to working with them again for our next property.”

Deirdre and John Carrington
New Hampshire

“Thank you for the time, expertise, professionalism and service you have shown me over the last few months as I completed by condo purchase at Bocilla Island Club! In this fasted-paced world where most people are only concerned with getting the sale, you took my personal dream of buying a second home and made it your dream and now a reality. I have purchased seven residences in my life and this was the easiest because of your thoroughness and concern to make this my dream home of a lifetime. There are a lot of great things on Pine Island and you are one of them! Again, thanks for making my dream a reality, but please don’t tell too many people about the island!”

Lisa and Brian Sullivan
Pennsylvania