Naples, Florida Continues Hot Sales
by Blanche Evans
Even after weathering four hurricanes this season, south Florida is still considered some of the most desirable real estate in the country, and Naples is considered the crown jewel, say local Realtors. " Naples is located in Collier County on the Gulf coast of Florida, South of Fort Myers and Bonita Springs," says Realtor Ruthann McBride. "Naples enjoys unparalleled prosperity and offers unrivaled sport fishing, hunting, boating, sun bathing, and beach combing. McBride explains, "Sun drenched beaches, world-class shopping, fine dining, and a diversity of challenging golf courses are only minutes away from the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. Naples has long been known as the crown jewel of southwest Florida. Here you will find delightful parks, scenic picnic locations, wonderfully lazy green spaces just beckoning you to take off your shoes and relax. The city offers many art galleries, theaters, museums, as well as a host of restaurants and night life entertainment. Naples offers some of the finest homes in the world and lifestyles today just as it did over a century ago." Say Realtors John and Gale Crider, "A few significant points about the Naples area real estate m are that closed sales through 8/30/04 are up 48 percent over the prior 12 month period and total sold volume is up 78 percent through 8/30/04 over the prior 12 month period indicating a strong increase in the higher priced property sales. The 'all sales over $1 million' category is up over 93 percent in units with the greatest increase in the $2 - $5 Million segment. Average sales price is up 18 percent and pended sales continued strong - up 38 percent over August 2003. The Criders continue, "The inventory of actively listed properties on MLS has declined significantly and, as such, we have rated the current market as a "seller's market" and the pricing trend as "Up". This shift is primarily due to surprisingly lower mortgage interest rates, significantly lower inventory and the overall positive economic trends." Agrees Realtor David Tate, "Naples has a beautiful southwest Florida location with warm weather, beautiful beaches and lush golf courses. Downtown is upscale with many fine quality restaurants and terrific shopping. Tate suggests, "This year has proved to be a very strong market in the greater Naples area. Both resales and new properties are showing strong growth. Inventory, of resale homes, is down about 40 percent from this same time last year. Many new communities are selling their introductory phases the first day of their release with waiting list of clients hoping someone cancels. Resale properties in good condition and priced fairly are selling quickly (sometimes within days) and usually close to full asking price. New bundled golf course communities are becoming difficult to find with only a couple having product still available. The next few years will show a lot of new construction in the Bonita area and also southeast Naples." |
