Southwest Florida Real Estate News

March 11, 2019

GREAT NEWS FOR BUYERS in January Naples Activity!

 

GREAT NEWS FOR BUYERS in January Naples Activity!

 

Our colleagues at the Naples Area Board of Realtors have compiled the numbers for January and there is good news for BUYERS!

 

Inventory is up 7%!  If you follow our blog, you will see that low inventory has been a persistent problem in Naples.  

 

In addition, prices for January are up about 1% from January, 2018.  In our experience, Buyers appreciate slight to moderate increases in price more than they do decreases.  Slight increases demonstrate a healthy market.  High increases can render a Buyer’s desirable homes more out of reach.  And lower prices can indicate negative conditions for the community.  1% increases represent a solid opportunity for Buyers.  

 

Please call us with any questions you might have or to talk real estate.  We research and talk real estate all day long and would love to talk to you.

 

 

The full text of the Board January Summary is below

 

January Housing Market Shows Signs of Opportunity

 

Naples, Fla. (March 8, 2019) - The year is off to a good start for homebuyers. Beyond escaping frigid temperatures up north, visitors looking to purchase a home in the Naples area during January were pleasantly surprised with their options as inventory levels increased 7 percent to 8,154 homes for sale in January 2019 from 7,605 homes for sale in January 2018. The good news didn't stop there for new homebuyers in January as median home prices increased by only 1 percent to $325,000 in January 2019 from $322,500 in January 2018, according to the January 2019 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island). A new statistical reporting system with enhanced formats and data capture features was adopted by NABOR®. The January 2019 Market Report was prepared using the new system.

 

Broker analysts reviewing the new report were quick to point out that a rare occurrence in January 2018 contributed to a reduction in overall closed sales reported in January 2019. Namely, that a developer added 79 newly constructed high-end condominium closed sales to the MLS during the month of January 2018. To further clarify, the actual "sales" were made over a three-year period, but the sales data for all 79 units was input into the MLS over a three-week period in January 2018. Consequently, this data is reflected in the monthly statistics as a 160 percent decrease in overall closed sales for homes in the $1 million to $2 million price category. It is for this reason that the January 2019 Market Report has been clarified to also reflect the removal of these anomalous sales in order to show a truer comparative analysis of the data.

 

Many broker analysts reviewing the January 2019 Market Report felt the stock market tumble in late December may have contributed to potential homebuyers delaying purchasing decisions in January. This may be why there was a 6 percent decrease in overall closed sales reported for January 2019 compared to overall closed sales in January 2018. However, high-end homes increased 21 percent in the single-family home market and 18 percent in the condominium market in January 2019 compared to January 2018­.

 

According to Cindy Carroll, SRA, of Carroll & Carroll Appraisers & Consultants, LLC, new home construction is tempering price increases in many areas of the resale market. "More builders are using the MLS and reaching out to brokers and REALTORS® with purchase incentives, which will make it necessary for homeowners to price their homes more competitively."

 

The monthly statistics only capture a fraction of new construction product. NABOR® is working to engage more builders and encourage their use of the MLS. As such, it anticipates the ability to report broader data - like new construction, pending sales and list-to-closed sales - in future months with the new system. 

 

"Fee heavy condominiums are hurting," said Adam Vellano, West Coast Sales Manager, BEX Realty - Florida. Even though inventory rose 6 percent in the under $300,000 condominium market in January, closed sales for this product in January dropped 25 percent. 

 

"The good news is that prices have remained relatively flat in both the single-family and condominium markets over the last 12 months despite the increase in inventory, so this factor along with an increase in inventory means there are some very good deals out there. This is a positive for homebuyers," said Vellano. 

 

"The housing market, while not markedly busy in January, remains healthy. The big news in January was inventory," said Jeff Jones, NABOR® President and Managing Broker for Engel & Völkers Naples and Bonita Springs offices, "especially in the single-family home market where inventory for single-family homes under $300,000 grew 8 percent, and inventory for single-family homes between $300,000 to $500,000 grew 12 percent. "We expect the supply of homes for sale to increase, giving buyers more homes to buy, but not so many that will negatively affect overall home prices."

 

Overall, there were 549 more homes for sale in January 2019 than in January 2018. The Naples area has seen its resale market inventory climb over the last few months. As such, there was 8.4 months of inventory in January 2019, typically indicating a buyer's market, up from 6.3 months of inventory in January 2018. 

 

The NABOR® January 2019 Market Reports provide comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. NABOR® sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings: 

 

 

 

March 10, 2019

Naples 2018 Year End Market Update / Good News for Buyers and Sellers

 

 

Great Year End 2018 News

 

A very healthy market with good news for both sellers and buyers!

 

Naples area median sale prices are up 3%, the number of sales are up 10-12% across all categories and days on the market have declined 9%.  This is good news for sellers and indicates a healthy market, without exorbitant increases, which is good for buyers.

 

Unlike the recent past, we finally have strong inventory, with number of homes listed for sale up 14%.  That’s good for buyers!

Nov. 20, 2018

Naples October 2018 Market is Strong!

Things are looking good in the Naples real estate market for both buyers and sellers!  

Sales were up approximately 20% in October over 2017: Single family home sales were up 22%; condo's were up 18%. Prices were up 1% over last year, which is a healthy number for buyers and sellers.

Most important healthy activity levels seem likely to continue, with pending sales (for November and December) also up nearly 20%. The healthy activity has had two predictable results. Homes are selling 11% faster (measured by days on the market) and more owners are placing their homes on the market, which addresses a perennial problem in our market: low inventory. We have much better inventory now across most market segments, good news for Buyers.

So, things are looking good, and balanced. So, whether you are a Buyer or Seller, given likely increases in interest rates, this is probably a good time to consider making your move.  

Our team includes experts in Pelican Bay and other North Naples neighborhoods, as well as team members more experienced in Park Shore, Olde Naples and areas to the South and East. Please take a look at the graphic and give us a call. If you are a seller, we would be glad to give you our best opinion about your property and show you our comprehensive, innovative marketing plan. If you are a buyer, give us a call and let us share our knowledge of all our local communities, a result of combined 25 years of experience in Southwest Florida.  

 

Posted in Monthly Outlook
Sept. 17, 2018

6610 Huntington Lakes CIR #201 Annual Rental

New listing! Huntington Lakes Furnished/ Turnkey Annual Rental - Unique, Open Plan Contemporary 

NEW HUNTINGTON LAKES ANNUAL
RENTAL
 

We have just listed a newly remodeled 2BR/2 BA/Garage property in Huntington Lakes. 

The 2nd floor end unit is bright, open and has vaulted ceilings. Renovations created a new open floor plan, perfect for entertaining. There is nothing like it in Huntington Lakes or similar communities.

The all new granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops (and island) opens into a very large living/dining/gathering area with a lake view. 

Everything is new and immaculate. Marble, granite and rich woods in the Master and Guest baths. Sleigh beds in bedrooms. Beautiful lake views from Living Area, Master and lanai.

Huntington Lakes has very high end facilities, and is convenient to I-75 and Immokalee Corridor. 

$2,100, furnished and turnkey. Ready for move-in.

Click HERE for more info 

Posted in Annual Rental
Aug. 22, 2018

The Most Energy Efficient Home Style

 

Most of the time, we build homes to our taste rather than to their environment. And while it’s important to have a home that you love to look at, it’s also necessary to take your local climate and surroundings into account.

 

One of the best up-and-coming home architecture styles features something called “passive solar” design.

In today’s post, I’m going to introduce you to passive solar and talk about why so many homeowners are choosing passive solar homes in today’s age of rising energy costs.

What is a passive solar home?

Passive solar homes utilize four main things to ensure the lowest possible energy usage:

  • The building site

  • The area’s climate and weather

  • Strict building standards involving top quality materials and airtight construction

Let’s talk a bit about how these three features help make passive solar homes the most energy efficient homes currently available.

Choosing a site for a passive home can be a complicated and scientific endeavor. In colder climates, this means allowing the home to utilize as much sunlight as possible. The building site, therefore, has to take into account the sun’s path throughout the year to provide the home with the best angles for maximum sunlight.

Since sunlight travels lower on the horizon in the winter months and higher in summer months, roofs and overhangs are designed to let in maximum light in the winter time and block out light that would overheat your home in the summertime.

Airflow throughout your home is vital to maintaining comfortable temperatures year-round. Passive homes rely on a heat exchanger system that uses heat from warm areas of your home to heat air that is vented in from the outside.

This means that the air in your home is constantly being circulated and heated without relying on too many outside sources.

Building materials are another key part to passive solar homes. To make an airtight home, special types of sealing and insulation is used.

Furthermore, insulated areas of your home are designed to absorb sunlight throughout the day and slowly release heat after the sun goes down, providing a natural source of heat for the entire 24 hour cycle.

Can I convert my current house into a passive solar home?

While making a home adhere to passive house standards typically requires planning at the construction phase, there are some ways to utilize passive solar techniques in your current home.

Making your home airtight, using thermal mass to slowly heat your home overnight, and taking advantage of heat from the sun are all things that can be retrofitted to a home.

Making these improvements can take time, especially if you plan to change window locations or build an overhanging roof. However, you might find that the upgrades will save you money on energy costs and add to the resale value of your home.

Aug. 10, 2018

Should You Buy A Home Without Seeing It First?

 

Buying a home is one of those things in life that requires you to take a certain order of steps to complete the process. First, you’ll need to save up some money for a down payment and all of the other costs that go along with buying a home. Next,you’ll take a look at what you can afford and perhaps get pre-qualified. Then, you’ll hire a realtor and begin searching for properties. Finally, you’ll make an offer, sign for the mortgage and close on the home. After that, you’ll probably buy some furniture and paint the walls to make yourself feel at home. 

Would you ever dream of making that big home purchase without actually seeing the property first? One of the most time-consuming parts of the home buying process is that of viewing homes and visiting property after property.There are actually many reasons that a buyer might buy a property without seeing it first. With the Internet, it’s fairly easy to get an idea of what a house might be like. Too, if you’re an investor, it’s sometimes worth the gamble to scoop up a property at the right price in order to score a great deal.It’s also usually not detrimental to buyers who are trying to get a home in a high competition market to go after places they really love immediately. The early bird does get the worm, right?


Foreclosed Properties

Properties in distress may be in poor condition, but for the right buyer can be a great deal. Banks want to get rid of these places as soon as possible due to the expenses incurred by keeping them.


Pre-Construction Properties

Not all properties that are bought sight unseen are fixer uppers. Some properties can be bought in the pre-construction phase. These homes haven’t been built but are already on the market available for purchase. Many times, buying properties this way can be cheaper than buying the new construction home after it’s built.


The Risks

There are obviously many risks to buying a home sight unseen. First, pictures can be deceiving. You never really know what you’re walking into until you see it. Photographs can easily hide major damage. Until a home is physically inspected, you may not know what the costs will be to repair it.The same risks apply to new construction homes. The layout of the home may not be what you’re looking for, or the home may not include the features that you want.When you do decide to buy a home sight unseen you need to weigh the risk versus the reward in the transaction. It can be a valuable decision, in the long run, to take a chance on buying a home that you haven’t been able to physically inspect.


Aug. 1, 2018

Naples Florida Farmers' Markets

           

Farmers Market Naples Fl

Naples has always been a town where people love to cook and eat and entertain.  It wasn’t too long ago – maybe ten years – that the only place to buy high quality fruits and vegetables was Publix.  Things have changed!

Now, if you find yourself planning a meal or an event, a Farmers' Market is open nearby literally every day of the week. Fresh and local are the keys to fruits and vegetables, and we are blessed in Southwest to have an abundance of options.  Within fifteen minutes of North Naples, there are at least 20 Farmers' Markets per week from October through April.  And recently, driven by increased population and increased number of Summer visitors, many of the markets are open year round.   We are compiling a list of the local markets and their operating hours, which we will post shortly.  Today, we discuss two of our favorites.

Third Street South Farmers' Market

The largest of them all is the Third Street Farmers' Market, on Third Street South, between Broad St. and 13th Avenue South.  The Market is a very important component of the Third Street South District’s identity. Open Saturday mornings from 730 to 1130, it is one of the “must dos” of Naples.

It offers a very large selection of fresh fruits and veg, breads, coffee, cheeses, craft items, pastries, meats, eggs – we could go on and on.  With strong support from local merchants and residents, Third Street South ranks as the #1 Market with our circle of friends.  Like Naples itself, the Market swells in size from November through April, but it is open all year round. 

But, today, we decided to explore a bit and hit one of the smaller markets. But not that small to be honest…

The Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers' Market

As I write this, it is almost August, so we are very close to the low ebb of local population (as a result of the Summer slow season and the peak of summer vacation season for locals).  And yet, the Vanderbilt Farmer’s Market had at least 20 vendors open for business.  We arrived, and took our photos early, before it got busy, but there were at least 15 veg, fruit and other food vendor stalls, 10+ crafts and clothing sellers, and lots of interesting people to talk to. 

One very nice merchant had some fresh baked, really great breakfast cupcakes and successfully tempted us.  We had a good chat with a gentleman who told us all about Chaga mushrooms and their health benefits.  He prepared us some tea that tasted great.  Check out his site: ChagaForLife.com .  He also is an expert in Siberian and North American teas.

But in spite of my real purpose being to pick up some tomatoes, garlic and herbs for a salad for a dinner party – mission accomplished – the family that was selling freshly cut, ice cold watermelon really made my day. 

We will be taking a regular look at different markets around town and talking to the folks who work in them to bring us good, fresh food. We will be letting you know a bit about them as well.  So check back with us. 

I almost forgot one of the best reasons to go to our local Farmers' Markets – JUICE INGREDIENTS! Prices are low and quality is high, so if you happen to enjoy fresh juices, you can’ find a better place to source your ingredients. 

Have a great Saturday and weekend.  Back to you soon.

 

Posted in Around Naples
Aug. 1, 2018

Navigate the Florida Homebuying Journey


Luxury Florida HouseAcquiring a home (whether for vacations or for retirement) in Naples, Bonita Springs or any other Florida city for that matter, can be daunting process, especially if you have never done it before.  Second home and retirement home purchases can involve different issues than other homes you may have purchased previously. Fortunately, we're here to guide you throughout the process.

Now, let's take a look at three tips to ensure you can quickly and effortlessly buy your ideal Florida luxury house.

1. Establish Homebuying Criteria

If you want to buy a vacation home or to relocate to Southwest Florida, it generally is a good idea to develop specific homebuying criteria.  Any journey is easier when you have a plan.  There are many options to choose from here, which means many decisions to make. Making those decisions is a lot easier if you have thought about the questions in advance, so its best to think about what matters most to you.

First, think about where you want to live. Would you prefer to live near or on the beach?  Or woild you prefer to live more inland?  Would you prefer to live in a single family home or perhaps a villa/ duplex? We also have many very appealing communities with condominium options.  What sort of neighborhood or community would you like?  A gated community or a more traditional residential neighborhood?  Would you like a community with many planned activities, or would you prefer to live in a more laid-back environment where you make your own fun?  

There are many more issues to consider, from deciding "first or second floor," "elevator or no" to valet parking or indoor parking or outside parking.  We have a long list that we go through with clients when we first meet. Its trite, but "knowing what you are looking for makes it much easier to find it."

2. Get Your Finances in Order

Depending upon your financial resources, you may want to buy with a mortgage or with cash, perhaps with the cash proceeds from the sale of another residence.  Most Sellers in our area would like Buyers who are making offers to submit pre-approval letters or proof of funds from financial institutions along with their offer.  We can help with the form of such documents.

If you are financing, we recommend that you meet with a variety of mortgage lenders.  We can provide you with a list of providers we have had favorable experiences with. This will allow you to explore a wide range of mortgage options and find one that enables you to acquire your ideal home on the best terms possible.  We also work with and have lenders who can help international buyers, something many brokers and institutions do not have experience with.

Don't hesitate to ask lots of questions when you meet with lenders. Asking questions enables you to learn about all of your options and make an informed decision.  We are glad to visit lenders and brokers with you or to answer any questions you might have along the way. Just let us know.

3. Meet with a number of Real Estate Agents and select the one you feel most comfortable with.

A real estate agent is a ""must-have for a Southwest Florida homebuyer.  Southwest Florida is a diverse and complex real estate market, so experience matters a great deal.  It is also important that you find an agent who enjoy spending time with, and with whom you feel a sense of rapport.  It can take a while to find the perfect place.  We work with clients who have very particular needs and wants; sometimes, there is not enough "real estate inventory" to find the perfect home right away.  

We do extensive research basd on client preferences and if there is an appropriate property on the matrket, we will find it.  But sometimes, the ideal place is not available right away.  As a result, we have visited as many as 50 properties with some Buyers, even after extensive online research, before finding the gem they are looking for.  

That can mean a lot of afternoons riding around town, having lunches and talking about "wants and needs," renovation options, school districts, etc.  So, it is important that you get along well your agent and enjoy "going through the process" with them.  You also need to be able to talk to them freely about your reactions to properties.  And most important, you deserve an agent who listens to you and integrates what you tell them into their advice to you

A good real estate agent also provides plenty of support after your offer is accepted. He or she will guide you through the home inspection, HOA approval and appraisal processes. Your agent's willingness to work hard to make sure the process moves along quickly and smoothly is very important.  It's also very helpful to work with an agent whose office has an experienced transaction manager capailty and back office.

These are the main points, but they are necessarily summary in nature.  We really love what we do and would be glad to talk to you any time about amy questions you might have, even if we are not yor agent.  Please feel free to call us or email us any time.  

os@osflorida.com  239-216-2016

Posted in Around Naples
July 29, 2018

Wilshire Lakes Pool Home Elegance

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Please join us for an Open House this Sunday at this elegant home in Wilshire Lakes. With 3 BR's and a den, approximately 2500 sf, and the highest quality architecture, appointments and updates, this wonderful home is a definite "must-see." Wilshire Lakes is conveniently located in North Naples, with a strong friendly community. It is especially attractive for families with children, either as a full-time residence, or a vacation home.Please come by and join us from 1-4.

Beautiful Pool Home in Naples Wilshire Lakes

Posted in Open House
Aug. 19, 2017

Naples Named Best Beach Town to Live In

So Our beloved Naples community has done it again!  This time for beaches!

Best Beach Cities to Live IN - US 2017

Overall Rank (1=Best) City Total Score 'Affordability' Rank 'Weather' Rank 'Safety' Rank 'Economy' Rank 'Education & Health' Rank 'Quality of Life' Rank
1 Naples, FL 66.36 48 168 53 103 40 1
2 Key West, FL 66.09 63 67 130 31 70 5
3 Eden Prairie, MN 64.73 45 33 74 6 9 120
4 Traverse City, MI 64.35 139 49 15 92 113 7
5 St. Augustine, FL 63.7 118 34 164 146 52 2
6 Charleston, SC 63.67 141 30 85 46 120 10
7 Marco Island, FL 63.57 47 79 2 122 38 45
8 Key Biscayne, FL 63.48 16 86 29 69 46 69
9 Boca Raton, FL 63.4 26 65 116 65 67 18
10 Duluth, MN 63.22 6 88 107 59 4 83
11 Lahaina, HI 63.13 9 118 95 133 142 8
12 Sarasota, FL 63.02 40 134 174 89 55 3
13 Kihei, HI 63 8 31 30 72 147 30
14 Jupiter, FL 62.84 5 83 121 21 69 67

 

Best Beach Towns in US - Full Article - Wallethub

 

Source: WalletHub
Posted in Around Naples, News