Let's Talk... Real Estate In Southwest Florida Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty!

Friday, March 17, 2017

Let's Talk... Hot Off the Press!!!

Naples, Fla.

(March 17, 2017) -

Overall inventory rose yet prices remained stable in February according to broker analysts who reviewed the February 2017 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island) using the Southwest Florida MLS. Overall pending sales (homes under contract) and overall closed sales also increased in February keeping REALTORS® out in the field and busy with showings and closings.

"Compared to this time last year when we were challenged to find properties for customers, the February report showed inventory is up by nearly 1,000 new listings, giving us almost nine months of inventory to show eager buyers," said Dominic Pallini, NABOR® President, and President and Broker at Vanderbilt Realty. "Buyers have more choices now. This trend is promising."

Overall inventory rose 16 percent to 6,466 homes in February 2017 from 5,577 homes in February 2016. The largest increase in inventory during February was in the condominium market, which saw a 23 percent increase to 3,207 condominiums in February 2017 from 2,599 condominiums in February 2016. In fact, condominiums in the $1 million to $2 million price category increased the most of all housing types with a 43 percent jump in inventory to 284 condominiums in February 2017 from 198 condominiums in February 2016. Also reflected in the report, the North Naples area experienced the highest increase in condominium inventory, with a 40 percent increase to 989 condominiums in February 2017 from 704 condominiums in February 2016.

The February report also showed overall pending sales increased 10 percent to 1,092 pending sales in February 2017 from 993 pending sales in February 2016; and overall closed sales increased 18 percent to 613 closed sales in February 2017 from 518 closed sales in February 2016. But the condominium market also held the record in February for highest increases in both of these areas too. For example, pending sales of condominiums in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category had the highest increase of all other home types and price points in February with a 53 percent increase, and closed sales of condominiums in the $500,000 to $1 million price category had the highest increase of all other home types and price points in February with a 75 percent increase.

Overall median closed prices increased just 3 percent to $333,000 in February 2017 from $323,000 in February 2016. Interestingly, the median closed price for single-family homes decreased 5 percent to $402,000 in February 2017 from $425,000 in February 2016. Geographically, the Naples Beach area saw a 29 percent decrease in median closed price to $650,000 in February 2017 from $917,000 in February 2016, while the Ave Maria/Immokalee area saw a 29 percent increase in median closed price to $287,000 in February 2017 from $222,000 in February 2016.

The NABOR® February 2017 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® February 2017 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

Broker analysts Coco Amar, Managing Broker at John R. Wood Properties, and Jeff Jones, Managing Broker at the Naples-Park Shore office of Coldwell Banker®, pointed out that economic factors may begin to delay baby boomers' decisions to sell their northern homes and buy in Florida.

"I'm finding buyers are taking their time making a purchase decision because it's still unclear how some of the President's reform policies will play out over the next few years. And with the stock market performing as well as it is right now, it's hard for them to replant those funds into a second home should they need it liquid quickly," said Amar.

"Many baby boomers are also facing very different life circumstances than retirees from previous generations, said Jones. "As the number of adult children and aging parents living with baby boomers increases, permanent relocation for them is not yet an option. Also, the recession seems to have reduced impulsive buying behaviors. Consumers are more educated about home values today and they are taking more time to look for the right home."

Buyer hesitation doesn't seem to be a factor with the real estate market in Naples just yet. In fact, cash sales increased to 68 percent of the closed sales made in February. And for good reason: according to Jones, "There were 400 price reductions in one week in the Southwest Florida MLS during February, which motivated buyers to make a purchase decision. Along with being named the happiest place to live in America, Naples continues to have a very healthy and balanced real estate market."

When you are ready to List Your Home for Sale or to Explore our Active Real Estate Market here in South West Florida let me help you make your next move! My hope is that you will contact me by calling 239.404.7787 or by e-mail at Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com for your custom detailed CMA Report that will help guide you through your next Real Estate decision process. I look forward to talking with you.

Michelle

Click here for the full report...

View February 2017 Market Statistics

Michelle J. DeNomme, REALTOR, GRI

Cellular Phone I 239.404.7787

E-Mail : Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

Office: 239.659.2400

E-Fax Number: 239.236.5550

Website: www.NaplesHomeSweetHome.com

Blog Page: http://michelledenomme.blogspot.com

Twitter: DeNommeRealtor

Homesnap: http://www.homesnap.com/Michelle-DeNomme

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Let's Talk! Hot Off the Press...

Time to starting watching for nesting sea turtles | March 9, 2017 | Florida Weekly http://naples.floridaweekly.com/news/2017-03-09/Outdoors/Time_to_starting_watching_for_nesting_sea_turtles.html?pk_campaign=Newsletter

Time to starting watching for nesting sea turtles...

March is the beginning of Florida’s sea turtle nesting season, when female sea turtles leave the ocean to dig nests and lay golf ball-size eggs in the sand.

People can help sea turtles that nest on Florida’s beaches at night by leaving the beach as natural as possible. To do this, beachgoers should remove beach furniture and other obstacles before sunset each day.

“Anyone spending time on Florida’s beaches can do something to help save Florida’s threatened and endangered sea turtles. People’s actions on the beach can have a positive impact on whether our loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles nest successfully,” said Robbin Trindell, who leads the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sea turtle management program.

“Whether you are a resident or a visitor, remember to take beach furniture, boats and canopies off Florida’s sandy beaches at night so these items won’t block sea turtles attempting to nest,” Ms. Trindell said. “When departing at the end of the day, beach visitors should fill any holes dug in the sand so nesting and hatchling turtles don’t become trapped. Please be careful not to disturb nesting sea turtles by getting too close, shining lights on them or taking flash photos.”
Along the gulf coast, sea turtle nesting season starts in late April or May.
In the 2016 sea turtle nesting season, more than 120,000 loggerhead nests, more than 5,000 green turtle nests and more than 1,000 leatherback nests were documented by the FWC. With Florida hosting nearly 90 percent of loggerhead nests within this species’ northern Atlantic Ocean population, the state plays an important role in its conservation.

You can help sea turtles by reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, (888) 404-3922.
Go to www.MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle for information on Florida’s sea turtles and how to get decals. Click on “Research” and then “Nesting” for more data on sea turtle nesting. ¦

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Let's Talk... Hot Off the Press...

Naples tops in the nation again for well-being,

happiness again for well-being,

Liz Freeman , liz.freeman@naplesnews.com;

Published 10:47 a.m. ET March 7, 2017

Naples once again is tops when it comes to residents feeling happy and good about themselves.

An annual Gallup-Healthways survey of 189 cities nationwide about well-being found Naples is No.

1 where people have the highest sense of purpose and a positive outlook, according to the findings for 2016.

It is the second year in a row that Naples is at the top of the list for the

well-being survey by Gallup-Healthways.

Coming in second is Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, followed by Santa

Cruz-Watsonville, California as third. Holding the fourth spot is Honolulu,

Hawaii, and fifth is Charlottesville, Virginia, according to the findings.

Similar stories where Naples ranks in the top:

Naples tops list as the least-polluted city in America

Company ranks Florida sixth for affordable, entertaining retirement

Naples ranks No. 20 on list of fastest growing cities in the country

Naples ranks 38th on list of world's priciest beaches

Naples ranks as one of the best small town food scenes

At the opposite end, the cities with the lowest well-being are Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma; Hickory, North Carolina, and the third lowest is Huntington, West Virginia.

The survey looks at four additional measurements of well-being after a sense of purpose, which are how people feel about their social and financial standing, their community and physical health.

The community well-being rankings are based on telephone surveys of more than 354,400 people across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, which were conducted from Jan. 2, 2015 through Dec. 30, 2016.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Let's Talk New Developments
in Naples, Florida...
Be sure to visit my web-site to view the New Developments Map and Index.
Contact me today for all the details by calling 239.404.7787 or by e-mail at Michelle@NaplesHomeSweetHome.com

Deerwood Naples is comprised of 155 acres and only 28 custom homes. Build your luxury custom home with our highly respected builder, M Development. This limited community offers two sparkling lakes with viewing docks where you can enjoy the gentle surroundings of nature. Enjoy watching the sunset fall over the lake from your backyard!

There are only 6 premium lots still available, each on an expansive .75 acres and surrounded by lush preserve for the privacy you desire. Build your custom home with luxurious interiors and finishes designed for the way you live and entertain.

Deerwood is a gated upscale community located on Collier Boulevard (adjacent to Naples National Golf Course). With convenience to downtown, shopping, dining and the beaches.

Friday, February 17, 2017

This weekend In Naples...
You won't want to miss out on one if not the BEST Art Show of the Year in Naples!!!

Naples’ National – This weekend!

Saturday & Sunday, February 18 & 19

10AM to 5PM

Cambier Park
http://www.artswfl.com/art-festivals/festivals/naples-national-art-festival/naples-national-art-festival

This two-day event in Cambier Park & on 8^th Street (from the alley to 7^th)

Let's Talk Hot Off the Press...

Naples, Florida

(February 17, 2017) -

The new year rebounded with a strong gust of activity in the Collier County real estate market. Increases in overall pending sales (homes under contract), overall closed sales and overall inventory indicate a strong season ahead. Broker analysts who reviewed the January 2017 Market Report, which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island) using the Southwest Florida MLS, are confident that market indicators are favorable to support momentum through season.

"We are definitely in a buyer's market now, and home sales were strong in January," said Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Properties, who pointed out that the 6 percent increase in overall closed sales for January was driven by an impressive 14 percent increase in closed sales of condominiums. He remarked, "Properties that are selling rapidly are those that are priced at true market value."

According to the January Market Report, overall pending sales increased 9 percent to 924 pending sales in January 2017 from 847 pending sales in January 2016. Broker analysts said they are most encouraged by pending sales activity in the middle range of the market; namely, homes between $300,000 and $2 million, which all experienced double digit increases in January.

Overall closed sales increased 6 percent to 603 closed sales in January 2017 from 571 closed sales in January 2016. Interestingly, January was the first time both overall pending sales and overall closed sales were on the upswing simultaneously since March 2015.

The report also showed that overall inventory for all price segments increased by double digits in January too. Comparatively, condominium inventory in the $2 million and above category had the highest gain with a 44 percent increase to 135 condominiums in January 2017 from 94 condominiums in January 2016.

"Increases in inventory typically drive prices down," said Kathy Zorn, broker/owner, Florida Home Realty. "And yet, with a 28 percent increase in inventory in the $500,000 to $1,000,000 condominium price range, we show an increase in the median price of 9 percent compared to last year."

Zorn added that geographic proximity to the beach remains a driving force in the Naples real estate market. As such, properties located in the Naples Beach area experienced a 15 percent increase in overall median closed price to $784,000 in January 2017 from $680,000 in January 2016. Pending sales for the Naples Beach condo market for January 2017 increased by almost 40 percent compared to last year and closings were up 16 percent. This was mostly driven by a somewhat limited condominium market in the Naples Beach area, where inventory increased 34 percent and pending sales shot up 39 percent in January.

"Today, buyers have more choices," Zorn said.

The NABOR® January 2017 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® January 2017 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings:

CATEGORIES	Jan 2016	Jan 2017	CHANGE
Total homes under contract (pending sales)	847	924	9%
Total closed sales	571	603	6%
Median closed price	$340,000	$314,000	-8%
Total active listings (inventory)	5,091	6,393	26%
Average days on market	75	91	21%
Single-family closed sales	291	284	-2%
Single-family median closed price	$425,000	$397,000	-7%
Single-family inventory	2,715	3,219	19%
Condominium closed sales	280	319	14%
Condominium median closed price	$278,000	$265,000	-5%
Condominium inventory	2,376	3,174	34%

"We are in a different market than we were a year ago," said Jeff Jones. "The stock market is now performing very well, home sales are now very strong in northern states, and winter came early up north so people fled to Florida's warm weather early too."

Nationally, a balanced market (balanced equally between buyers and sellers) is considered to be six months of inventory. Yet, as observed by Adam Vellano, West Coast Sales Manager, BEX Realty - Florida, "Our report shows 8.91 months of inventory for January. The last time we had a supply of inventory like this was five years ago. I think it's time to remind sellers that 'price sells a home'."

Many broker analysts including Zorn, Vellano, and Wes Kunkle, President and Managing Broker at Kunkle International Realty, said they have observed a large increase in investor held single-family homes being added to the inventory mix in recent weeks. Zorn pointed to signs of bracket creep in the report, such as a 23 percent increase in inventory for single family homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category, while its median closed price fell 4 percent. Jones also cited that days on market for single-family homes in the $500,000 to $1 million price category had doubled in January, while this price category's median closed price actually rose 4 percent.

Responding to these observations, Cindy Carroll, SRA, with the real estate appraisal and consultancy firm Carroll & Carroll, Inc., warned that sellers who are testing the market with high list prices may be disappointed in a few months as "these sellers see a reduction in list price as a reduction in value, when this is not the case at all. Working with a REALTOR® who closely monitors comparable listings will help them avoid months of waiting for a sale."

Zorn agreed and added that the cost of holding out for a higher price in many cases - especially for investors - could result in a loss of revenue from both rental income and unavoidable costs like taxes and insurance.

Ready to embark on a journey to buy a home in Collier County? Let me help you find properties that best suit your needs and budget or if you wish to enter the our Real Estate Market to Sell Your Home I will be happy to send you a market comparison and recommend a list price that is realistic and fair to get the best possible price for your home along with the BEST Marketing that I along with BHHS has to offer in our market!

Please feel free to contact me today with any questions you may have by e-mail or by calling 239.404.7787.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Michelle

View January 2017 Market Statistics