Gulf Coast Associates' Blog: Local SW Florida

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…

January thru September Estero real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Estero is ideally located between Ft. Myers and Bonita Springs and is currently in the process of building and developing wherever you travel in the area. Developers are offering every type of community you can imagine, from large gated and planned communities, to smaller town centre type projects where the amenities are built around a self-contained lifestyle.

Estero Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 248 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $443,191
• Average Days on Market - 133
• Price/Sq. Foot - $192.21

Estero Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 124 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $254,385
• Average Days…

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both The Vineyards home and condominium sales are listed below. The Vineyards is an upscale gated golf community located in Naples, Florida.

The Vineyards Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 30 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $784,443
• Average Days on Market - 206
• Price/Sq. Foot - $269.17

The Vineyards Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 34 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $395,826
• Average Days on Market - 145
• Price/Sq. Foot - $197.15

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 29% decrease in the average price for homes and a 36% decrease in the average price for condominiums. Average days on market rose by 6%…

The Shark has announced a first class field of participants for this year's Merrill Lynch Shootout. The golf classic, a exhibition fundraiser, is in its 19th year and all proceeds go to research to fight childhood cancer. The game of golf as well as Southwest Florida is fortunate to have a goodwill ambassador the likes of Greg Norman.

The Shootout will be held December 5-9th at the Tiburon in Naples. This year's participants include 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson and tour event winners Woody Austin, Charles Howell III, Fred Funk, Mark Calcavecchia, Scott Verplank, Justin Leonard. Defending champions Jerry Kelly and Rod Pampling will also return along with other well known tour greats Fred Couples, Chris DeMarco, John Daly, Mark O'Meara, Kenny Perry,…

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both Pelican Landing home and condominium sales are listed below. Pelican Landing is an upscale gated golf community with excellent amenities that is considered one of Bonita Springs' premier communities.

Pelican Landing Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

•  32 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $749,028
• Average Days on Market - 185
• Price/Sq. Foot - $288.27

Pelican Landing Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007:

• 25 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $361,812
• Average Days on Market - 124
• Price/Sq. Foot - $194.28

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 18% decrease in the average price for homes and a 15% decrease in the average…

I first met Dean-O Hicks when I moved to Bonita Springs in 1998. He was running Master Bait and Tackle shop at the time and more than a few old timers said he was the man to see for anyone wanting to learn about fishing here in Southwest Florida. Being from the Midwest, I was well versed in fresh water angling techniques but had no idea what to do when it came to fishing in salt water.

All I can say about Dean is that he didn't know me from the next guy, but he never hesitated when I asked if he could help. Over the course of about a month he spent quite a few hours of his own time teaching me the ropes. He was patient, funny and kind. What struck me most about him, other than his wealth of knowledge, was his passion for the sport and his willingness to…

The mid year city of Ft. Myers Beach real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Ft. Myers Beach is located on Estero Island and is the "happening" locale on Southwest Florida's Lee Island Coast. Crossing the Sky Bridge from Ft. Myers lands you smack in the middle of Times Square amid the gaily painted storefronts, beach shops, and outdoor dining - it's where everyone meets and all the action happens.

Ft. Myers Beach offers every amenity you can imagine- from seven miles of wide sandy beaches, golf, boating, fishing and more than anything else - relaxing. The Beach, as its known, is eclectic and diverse. It draws visitors from all over the world and you'll find all sorts of folks from generations of families to Easter…