Are the Realtors right? Good news?

January 30, 2010 / Posted by: marilyn

Oh everyonce in a while I read an article that I think I should share with you.  As those of you who personally know me will attest… I am a positive person!  The glass is always half full in my open mind.  So what do you think??? Is the market on it’s way back??  How long will it take to even get to the values of 2006?  Read this..

Realtors optimistic about 2010 market

Posted: Jan 15, 2010 4:40 PM EST Updated: Jan 15, 2010 6:05 PM EST

NAPLES: The housing market in Southwest Florida is back on the upswing, according to new numbers from Realtors in Collier County who say pending and closed sales in 2009 increased by double-digits from 2008.

Experts say this buyer’s market could be a seller’s market sooner than many had predicted.

“I think what it tells us is recovery is well under way and we’ve gone to the next level,” said Mike Hughes, VP at Downing-Frye Realty, Inc.

The new 2009 numbers from the Naples Area Board of Realtors show sales for homes listed under $500,000 were up 91-percent compared to 2008.

And overall, home sales in the county were up 48-percent.  

“People just have this pent up demand of wanting to purchase property. They see the values are out there right now,” said Kathy Zorn, President of Florida Home Realty.

She said those values include things such as low interest rates, foreclosures – and for the first time – a homebuyer tax credit.

Incentives like those made 2009 a good year for home sales. And Realtors say there are now 1,600 fewer homes on the market in Collier County than this same time last year.

“When you see that inventory is going down it feels like the tide is turning,” said Hughes.

Realtors say signs like these will soon be few and far between. And they have advice for those looking to buy a home.

“Don’t sit on the fence too much longer because the factors are changing,” said Hughes.

“The trends are all up and we’re very optimistic that 2010 is going to start raising prices,” said John Steinward of Naples Realty Services, Inc.

If that happens, Realtors say we could see a seller’s market sooner than many had predicted.  END OF ARTICLE

Welcome to Southwest Florida!

October 27, 2008 / Posted by: admin

The Marco Island Area offers an abundance of tropical luxuries, natural settings & wildlife, sporting activities and entertainment. Gulf water temperatures range from the low 60’s in the winter, to the high 80’s in the summer. Spend your days relaxing on the white sandy beach, take a dip in the warm emerald gulf waters or sail off to your favorite fishing hole to catch your dinner.

Marco Island and the surrounding area in Collier County offer a wealth of cultural activities. Within the county, there are over 30 arts organizations and more than 100 galleries. Head to the one of the many golf courses in Marco Island or Naples for some exercise or take a stroll through one of the areas parks or preserves. Indulge at one of the areas spectacular dining establishments where your options range from casual, where you can bring your own catch to be prepared, to exquisite fine dining.

Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. The attraction is tropical sun-washed white beaches and a casual life style. On Marco Island, with nature and art brilliantly intertwined, we have it all!