Highly professional, knowledgeable, capable, prompt, ethical, courteous and willing to go the extra mile for their clients - Donna and Phil Gilles are all these things and more. We had the happy experience of working with them on both the purchase and sale of a home and were highly impressed. 

When we bought our Bokeelia home, Donna and Phil were a tremendous help during contract negotiations. When we reached an agreement, they followed-through on details and provided guidance on procuring insurance, utility connections, service providers and even where to eat, shop and play on Pine Island. 

When we became sellers, Phil and Donna's knowledge of local market conditions were key to arriving at an appropriate listing price and timing price adjustments in a difficult market. They provided comprehensive updates on buyer interest, promptly advised when offers were received and helped us maximize the price we obtained. After going under contract, they were there to assist with the set up of escrow, home inspections, and completion of pre-closing requirements. And, when the worst occurred and our home was damaged mere days before transfer, Phil and Donna pulled off nothing short of a miracle. With us out of town, they alerted contractors, got needed repairs underway, kept us apprised of progress, and followed through with everyone to save our deal and close on time. Donna and Phil have our highest recommendation. You won't find better real estate professionals anywhere! 

Irene and John

"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

Selling our Pine Island home was a tough decision but Phil & Donna of BlueWater Realty made the entire listing and selling process easy. They were very knowledgeable, efficient and professional from start to finish. We both highly recommend Phil & Donna Gilles and intend on using their services again to buy property.

Gary and Cindy Blunt

If you want to find your ‘POP’ (piece of paradise) on Pine Island, get Donna to help you. She was instrumental in us finding our paradise. She stayed on point through the whole process, giving us alternatives, working with the seller and/or realtor, was knowledgable about local laws/guidelines and always über patient. Donna is personality plus!!! Thanks Donna

LB Liz Bulkley

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 and Sharon Plona

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.

John Bunch

After unsuccessful attempts to sell our home on Pine Island (with off island realtors), we completed a renovation that added three bedrooms and two bathrooms to the house. After undertaking the project we were nervous to find out what the experts felt we could sell our home for. We had decided to move out of state and needed the house to sell. It was critical that we select a realtor with thorough knowledge of the local market and the ability to help us make informed decisions. We interviewed different realtors in April 2015 and felt an instant connection with Donna and Phil Gilles, impressed that their motivation was to act in our best interest. They recommended listing the house for a price that reflected the updates and renovations that we made. In the end, the price that Phil predicted our house would sell for was remarkably close to what it did – we ended up with $2,000 more. What further confirms our decision to go with them is that the house sold for $56,000 more than another realtor we interviewed wanted us to list the home for. Donna and Phil came up with a list of "tasks” that we should do to sell our home. We had 7 months to get everything done. Before we officially signed the contract with them, they met with us several times and promptly returned all our calls and emails. They drove by to see the progress. Our house went onto the market in November 2015 and we had an accepted offer in less than 100 days. We were impressed with Donna and Phil from the start. They are professional in every way. They hired a specialized real estate photographer who made our house and yard look incredible. After each showing, they followed up with feedback from the buyer’s agent. When we were doubtful, they assured us that our house would sell. When we had not received an offer by Christmas, we asked them to meet to lower the price. They encouraged us to be patient that the real "selling season” had not even started. We heeded their advice and in February 2016 accepted an offer for full asking price. From the time we accepted the offer, there were many steps that were still to come – the home inspection, termite inspection, well water testing, and appraisal. They continued to walk us through what we could expect from each step. The great thing about working with Donna and Phil is that they are a team. You get the expertise of two real estate professionals for the price of one. They treat their clients with courtesy and put their clients’ best interests first. When we closed on our house on March 31st, we were extremely happy that we had sold our house but, truthfully, we knew we would miss Donna and Phil. We enjoyed our talks with them. We were their clients but they genuinely CARED about our family. They continue to check in with us and we plan to maintain a lifelong friendship.

John and Susie Pierce

My husband and I tried for almost a year to sell our house by owner. It took BlueWater Realty less than 60 days to find us a buyer. With professional expertise and with a solid sense of purpose, Donna and Phil laid out the details to meet our ultimate goal of the successful sell of our property. We will always be grateful to them for their steady display of courtesy and their willingness to lend a helping hand. Should you be in need of a Realtor, we highly recommend BlueWater Realty. Donna and Phil provided us with a lucrative sell and as a bonus, a lasting friendship.

Martha and Frank Perritti

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 Tobin

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 and Nancy LaChanse

Donna Gilles is the BEST! She exemplifies total professionalism. When we purchased our home with her as our realtor, she could not have done a better job! She was with us every step of the way from start to finish! Not only was Donna great with helping us buy our home she also excelled in assisting us with other services. Since we are not from the area and we needed help, she gave us great recommendations for pool service, landscaping, locksmith, boat lifts and even a dentist…to mention a few. She was always happy and upbeat and a true professional. We found a diamond in the rough with Donna!

Anita and Dave Skinner

Oh boy, did we get lucky when we found Blue Water Realty!! We have had two experiences with Donna and Phil Gilles. We had a limited knowledge of Pine Island, but Donna and Phil know every neighborhood, every road, every business. Need a recommendation for a contractor, electrician, plumber, doctor, restaurant, etc., etc.? No problem! Take the worry out of what will probably be the biggest purchase you will ever make. Just give them your budget, your goal, your wish-list. They LISTEN!! It’s important to mention that with Blue Water Realty you are getting TWO experienced top-notch Realtors for the price of one. You will never wait for a response to any question or concern. Either Donna or Phil is with you at inspections and closings. They can even be a big help with mortgages! As busy as they are, (all the good ones are) I promise you will feel as if you are their only client. Their negotiation skills and knowledge are awesome. Both our home purchases took only weeks from start to finish. Amazing!!! This is a team you will find nowhere else on Pine Island!

Karen Fryburg

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 Ryan

We first met you about nine years ago when Eileen and I first started to look into the west coast of Florida for our new home. You were very accommodating and resourceful when we looked at homes and eventually purchased our Pine Island home. You sensed what we needed and showed us homes that fit our lifestyle and met what we needed; mainly a quiet community with lots of wildlife and a home where I could work out of an office. We bought our home sight unseen, other than the 60 plus photos that you sent to us, that clearly demonstrated the trust we had in you, and over the years came to love Pine Island and the entire region, what a great place to live. During our 8 plus years in Florida we became friends and enjoyed boat rides and meals with you, and we referenced friends looking for homes to you as we knew the quality of the service you provided. Alas, after changes in my job forced us to leave Florida, we called upon you to find us a buyer, and again with your service, locating the right people in a tough economy and insuring we had a solid buyer, we sold the house a few weeks ago and are back in NY. We again thank you for your professionalism in dealing with our house buys and sells, and also for becoming close friends. All the best, Bob and Eileen

Bob and Eileen