We're Moving to ActiveRain!

After several years on the Blogger platform, we have decided to move Marco Realty Buzz to ActiveRain, the most powerful network of blogs for real estate agents, brokers and mortgage professionals. We are excited to make the transition to ActiveRain and hope that you will come along with us. Don't worry, you will still have access to the previous posts at
http://marco-island-real-estate.blogspot.com .

On September 30th, 2011, our MarcoRealtyBuzz.com web address will be rerouted to http://activerain.com/blogs/jbartos
If you bookmark MarcoRealtyBuzz.com, you will be automatically converted to the new site. If you are a current subscriber to MarcoRealtyBuzz.com, simply go to our new site and click the subscribe button to continue to get up to date information. You may also want to check out our new video blog, www.MarcoIslandScene.TV , your video resource for Marco Island.

We thank you for your readership and hope you join us for the next chapter of Marco Realty Buzz.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics July 2011

July 2011 Marco Island real estate statistics showed phenomenal improvements over July 2010. Both New Listing and existing listing inventory was down by almost 14% while overall sales was up by 61% over last year. we also registered a 27% increase in overall average sales price. In addition, overall pending sales was up over 46%. Naples July real estate statistics also showed growth in sales, pendings and average price as well as a decrease in the amount of inventory. The economy will continue to impact the market However, the market continues to gain momentum and the volatility of the stock market will drive more buyers into the market.

Click to see Marco Island Real Estate Statistics July 2011

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics Q2 2011

For the second straight quarter, Marco Island real estate sales were impressive. Overall Q2 2011 sales were up 18% over Q2 2010 and nearly 39% above Q1 of this year. As well, Q2 2011 overall average sales price notched a modest price gain of 3.77% over last year. Pending sales were up by 38% and all categories registering nice gains in sales volume. Total inventory for Q2 2011 showed a decrease of nearly 14% over last year. Although we are moving into the slower season, we are seeing a lot of interest from buyers and should continue to see sales growth over last year. Eventually, we should start to see some consistent price increases. Most likely as we reenter into our regular selling season. Let's face it, baby boomers aren't getting any younger and with the winters that they have been having up north, why would anyone in their right mind want to spend those cold winter months there? The buyers are coming, you can bet on it!

For all the details, visit Marco Island Real Estate Statistics Q2 2011

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics June 2011

The Marco Island real estate market kept rolling on in June 2011. One of the stats that stands out most is the total inventory is down almost 14% and new listings in June were down 37%. Properties are moving in every category with overall sales volumes up nearly 23% over last June. Leading the way, single family homes increased by 28.57% from last year, lots sales were consistent and condo sales increase over 26%. Overall average sales price showed a nominal decrease but seems to be hovering in the $490's. Pending sales were impressive with a 25.81% gain from June 2010. Contracts on condos surged up 128%, followed by lots at 20%. Pending homes were a bit soft after a great run. Some could speculate that some of the home sales are being lost to new construction. YES, you heard me right! People are building again! With waterfront lots at such affordable prices, limited inventory and builders cutting prices to entice buyers, we have seen a run on lots lately.

For all the details, visit Marco Island Real Estate Statistics June 2011

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics May 2011

As expected, May of 2011 was fair better than May 2010, the month we felt the full impact of the Gulf oil spill dilemma. May 2011 showed significant gains over most statistics last May. Overall pendings were up 62%, sales up over 36%. Inventory was down over 11%. Homes, lots and condos sales were up 39%, 40% and 29%, respectively while overall average sale prices were relatively flat. This should make for another positive quarterly growth as June runs its course.

For more information, see Marco Island Real Estate Statistics May 2011

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics April 2011

Interesting numbers for April 2011. Although April was among the strongest month in 2010 for overall sales, volume for this last April kept pace with a modest 2% increase. The real difference was in the overall pending transactions(those properties that went under contract) which was up 20% from last year. Another positive factor was that overall average price was up about 13%. We are seeing positive growth in some sectors. However, we believe that much of this growth can be contributed to the increase in sales of higher end properties. Movement of these higher end buyers is an excellent sign that the Marco Island real estate market is moving in the right direction.

For all the statistics, see Marco Island Real Estate Statistics April 2011

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics Q1 2011

The Marco Island real estate market continues to show strong sales growth through Q1 of 2011. Year to year inventory was down about 8% while overall sales volumes were up 16.85% over Q1 of 2010. Pending sales were also strong registering at almost 30% above last year. However, average prices were still mixed over last year, although they showed growth vs. Q4 of 2010. All in all, we are having quite the run and should continue to beat 2010 numbers.

For all the details, visit Marco Island Real Estate Statistics Q1 2011

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics March 2011

March 2011 was another strong month for Marco Island real estate. Inventory is down about 9% and overall sales volume was up about 7% with 80 transactions closed. Furthermore, pending sales remained strong with 70 properties going pending., 32% higher than last March. We should see this reflected in some good April numbers as well. With Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal touting vacation / second home markets as the place to put your money, one might consider accelerating their entry into the Southwest Florida market.

If you need help finding your place in paradise, contact us at buyparadise@bartosgroup.com or visiting http://www.bartosgroup.com/

For all the statistics, visit Marco Island Real Estate Statistics March 2011

How will Marco Island Academy Effect Marco Island Real Estate?

Despite the controversy of whether or not Marco Island needed its own high school, the Marco Island Academy has received its final approval to make its existence a reality.

But, how does it effect Marco Island real estate?

The creation of a cutting-edge high school within the city boundaries should have a positive impact on the real estate market in several ways. First, a complete educational system will make a Marco Island an even more desirable location to relocate for out of state full time residents. Secondly, we anticipate that families may move from the surrounding areas of Naples and Bonita Spring to send their children to the school. It may also curb the number of island residents that send their children to off-island private or public high schools other than Lely. Thereby, minimizing the attrition of these families who move off island for high school. In addition, the Academy will need teachers and staff to run the school, creating additional demand for housing. Finally, there are the snowbird grandparents that may follow their children down to the area looking for their winter nest. These snowbirds may chose to spend longer periods on the island as their families are there. The school could also provide some economic benefits as it draws off island students, their families as well as teachers and staff members onto the island to utilize the island businesses. More full time residents creates a more balanced economy.

So, the overall result will be that the Marco Island Academy will draw more people to the island, increasing demand for housing and helping balance the economy. Who can argue with that?

See the news story, at School board approves plans for Marco's first high school - NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics February 2011

February was another incredible month for Marco Island real estate. Total inventory was down almost 5% from last February while pending sales went up 30+% with 82 units. This breaks the previous high of 75 in April 2009 and well above the 44 unit average. Sales volumes were up for homes, condos and lots in both year-to-year and month-to-month comparisons. Over February 2010, homes sales were up +21.74%, lots +14.29% and condos +31.03%. Furthermore, overall average sales prices were up about 4% over last year.

For all the statistics, go to February 2011 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics Q4 2010

Still hampered by the stuggling economy and residual effects of the oil spill, the Marco Island real estate market started to regain its footing with a burst of activity in the later half of the quarter, almost doubling the number of closed properties from November to December. Lots were the big winner in Q4 2010. Pending lots doubled and closed were up over 31% over last Q4. Homes sales remained level and prices appear to have stabilized. Condo sales lagged behind last year's Q4 number but are starting to pick up volume. We are also seeing interest levels grow and more higher end buyers entering the market.

For all the details, see:
Q4 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics
Dec 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics
Nov 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics
October 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics Q3 2010

The Marco Island Real Estate market underperformed in Q3 as compared to the previous year. However, a couple of factors could be responsible for the lower numbers. First, Q3 of 2009 seemed to be the launching pad for the renewed interest in southwest Florida with above average numbers particularly in the earlier part of Q3. As well, the oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico from the destruction left from the explosion at the BP oil drilling platform effectively shut off buyers for several month after. The bright spot for the quarter were single family homes that saw pendings increase by over 18% and closed sales up 15%.

For all the statistics, please see
Q3 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics
Sept 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics
August 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics
July 2010 Marco Island Real Estate Statistics

Vacation Home Market On The Rise

Well, it was just a matter of time before the vacation home market would reestablish itself. 2010 was the time. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that sales in many vacation communities across the U.S. soared last year to levels not seen since boom times, driven by deep discounts, cash purchases and buyers' rising stock portfolios.

With waterfront sales nearly tripling last year, the Marco Island real estate and Naples real estate markets are primed for further growth. 2010 was a year of growing sales volumes and in the last month, we have seen an increase interest in buying property in Southwest Florida. These buyers are no longer kicking tires, they are ready to buy!

For the whole story, Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise - WSJ.com

Foreign buyers see big opportunity in housing bust » Marco Eagle

It appears that the foreign investors are back with cash buying lots of real estate. Southwest Florida has been seeing its share of foreign buyers and we would expect this trend to continue as fears from the Gulf oil spill continue to dissipate. For the whole story, see Foreign buyers see big opportunity in housing bust » Marco Eagle

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics August 2010

The Marco Island real estate market remains steady. Although, the sales volumes are slightly lower than the same time last year. On the upside, we are seeing more buyer's reinitiating their property searches, most likely to take advantage of the excellent prices available. We would expect this interest will rise as the selling season resumes in October.

If you are thinking about buying, now is the time to get the best deal!
For all the details, go to Marco Island Real Estate Statistics August 2010

30-Year Mortgage Rate Drop to Another Record Low

For the 10th time in 11 weeks, rates continue to fall to another record low of 4.32% for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate. 15 year fixed rates were down to an amazing 3.83% To see the story, click 30-Year Mortgage Rate: 4.32% - WSJ.com .

With such low home prices and affordable mortgage rates, buyers may want to consider bumping up to a 15 year mortgage to pay off the investment quicker.

Marco Island Real Estate Statistics July 2010

The rocky economy continues to impact the Marco Island real estate market as sales volume continues to slow. Buyers seem to be taking a breather to assess the current financial environment. However, we should expect some negative adjustment as we move into the slower summer months. As well, July 2009 was building on a very active season. If there is a bright spot in the numbers, it would have to be that average price are down by 45% over last year. So, there are plenty of bargains for buyers to take advantage of. Unfortunately, that doesn't help our sellers.

To view the statistics, go to Marco Island Real Estate Statistics July 2010