Gulf Coast Associates' Blog: Local SW Florida

The January thru September Naples real estate market statistics for both homes and condominium sales are listed below. Naples, known as the "Crown Jewel" of SW Florida's Gulf Coast, is a truly cosmopolitan, quaint, and cultural city that has transformed itself into a dynamic international and world renown destination.

Naples Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 1415 Closed Sales
• Median Sales Price - $480,000
• Average Sales Price - $922,884
• Average Days on Market - 187
• Price/Sq. Foot - $315.56

Naples Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 1455 Closed Sales
• Median Sales Price - $307,000
• Average Sales Price - $588,276
• Average Days on Market - 180
• Price/Sq. Foot - $294.10

In comparison with 2006 sales…

The Coconut Point Mall turned one year old over this last weekend and as everyone here in Southwest Florida knows well, it has become a treasure for the residents of Estero and Bonita Springs.

The 500 acre open air mall now includes over 130 stores, shops, and restaurants combined with living and office spaces in an aesthetically pleasing community setting. Visitors stroll down Fashion Drive at their leisure taking advantage of the eclectic mix of offerings. From coffee shops and book stores, restaurants, boutique shops and mass merchandisers, there's something for everyone at the Coconut Point Mall. Throw in the monthly jazz concerts, art shows, and the Movieplex and it's easy to understand why the mall attracts families like crazy and has become a boon…

The January thru September Bonita Springs real estate market statistics for both homes and condominium sales are listed below. Bonita Springs, known as the "Gateway to the Gulf" is one of Southwest Florida's fastest growing coastal cities. Located between Ft. Myers and Naples, Bonita Springs offers endless lifestyle choices while still maintaining its small town charm.

Bonita Springs Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 404 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $733,884
• Average Days on Market - 182
• Price/Sq. Foot - $266.89

Bonita Springs Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 383 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $435,835
• Average Days on Market - 240
• Price/Sq. Foot - $231.06

In comparison with 2006 sales data,…

If you're looking for something "out of the ordinary", and fun to do this weekend, head on over to Ft. Myers Beach for the 21st Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship. The event runs through Sunday and features some of the top sand sculptors from around the world. But, get there early as the festival is expected to draw over 70,000 visitors.

This year's championship will feature eighteen master carvers, 10 semi-pro carvers and roughly 30 amateurs all showing off their unique abilities for making masterpieces out of the soft white sand. Many travel here year after year as The Beach's white sands are considered to be the best in the world to compete with. Top prize for the competing masters is $3000, but bragging rights typically are more important…

The debate may be just starting. Commissioners, school administrators and parents are all re-evaluating the current school choice program and it would not be surprising to see changes down the road.

In 2004, the court-ordered mandate for busing children to school for achieving segregation expired  Since 1998, Lee County utilized a parental selection of school choice allowing them to satisfy the mandate and eliminated the need for re-drawing boundary lines each time a new school was built. Instead parents selected a school of choice and when a slot was available the child was able to attend that school. But, there are many issues with school choice that may affect whether or not the Lee School District continues the program.

First and foremost, if a…

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both Lely Resort home and condominium sales are listed below. Lely Resort is an upscale gated golf community that includes an amenity rich, sophisticated and luxurious style of living and is considered one of Naples' premier communities.

Lely Resort Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 45 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $655,902
• Average Days on Market - 189
• Price/Sq. Foot - $283.04

Lely Resort Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 20 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $370,215
• Average Days on Market - 167
• Price/Sq. Foot - $203.86

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 23% decrease in the average price for homes…

The Collier Building Industry Parade of Homes starts Thursday, November 1st and continues through Sunday, November 18th. This year's multi-site parade is featuring 35 decorated model homes throughout Naples and south Lee County including some of the area's newest communities. The models will be open daily between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free and guidebooks are available at the CBIA's Parade of Homes website listed below.

 This year's models are presented by some of the area's premier new home builders and will include homes in Ave Maria, Bella Lago, Bella Terra, Firano at Naples, Lely Resort, Mediterra, The Quarry, Tiburon, and Verona Pointe. Visitors can view the newest building designs and decorating options in…

While sales continue to slow in both Lee and Collier counties as Season begins, now could not be a better time to buy in Southwest Florida. Prices have dramatically dropped and builders are literally giving away fully decked out homes. Unfortunately, like everywhere else in the country, if you listen to the national media, you'd think the sky is falling. I can't tell you how many inquiries we get from clients thinking that home prices are still at their 2005/2006 levels. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth.

Looking at year over year data, the number of sales in both counties were down substantially in September.  In Lee, home sales were down 53% and condos were down by 39%. In Collier county, homes were down 21% and condominium sales…