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July 20, 2010
Posted July 20th, 2010 at 8:00 pm by Michele Harrison
The numbers are in, and it has been another strong quarter for Collier County real estate! Across all price levels, we saw almost a 20% total increase in closed sales compared to the second quarter of 2009 along with an increase in total pending sales up 8%. Inventory levels overall fell by 9% compared to second quarter 2009, and we saw a 10% increase in median close price for the $300,000 and below price range which is a welcome change.
A few points of interest by price point on the quarterly numbers include:
- $0-$300K – a 22% increase in the median closing price for single family homes jumping from 115 in 2009 to 140 in 2010 and condo closings up 30% compared to the same time last year.
- $300K-$500K – single family closings at a 31% increase over 2009 and an inventory decrease of 17% moving from 935 to 796. The condo market saw a 32% decrease in inventory levels and was the only category that saw a major decline in days on the market coming in at 190 for 2010 compared to 235 for 2009.
- $500-$1M – almost double the average increase in single family closings at 51% coupled with a decrease in inventory levels of 16%. The condo market saw a 29% increase in closings and inventory reductions at a 26% decline.
- $1M-$2M – a 61% increase in single family pending sales and a 60% increase in closed sales. The condo market saw a 31% increase in closings and a 21% reduction in inventory levels.
- $2M+ market – a 30% increase in single family pending sales, an 11% increase in closings, and the highest decrease in both inventory levels (29%) and days on the market (27%). Pending condo sales nearly tripled the average increase at 59%, and had the best decrease in inventory at 36%.
Clearly, it is safe to say that Collier County’s real estate market is in recovery!
To view the full report, go to http://nabor.com/zzdwnlds/news/July_16_2010_Press_Release.pdf
To view statistics, go to http://nabor.com/zzdwnlds/news/2nd_Quarter_Statistics.pdf
Categories: 55+ Living, Naples Home Market
Tags: 2010, closed sales, Collier County, condo, condo closings, days on the market, FL, Florida, increase in closings, increase in pending sales, inventory decrease, inventory levels, inventory reductions, median close price, Naples, pending sales, real estate, recovery, second quarter, single-family homes, statistics —
June 30, 2010
Posted June 30th, 2010 at 9:54 pm by Michele Harrison
I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that there is no oil on our beaches here in Naples!
With all the coverage lately showing oil coming ashore in other areas of the Gulf of Mexico, it is important that we get the word out that Collier County has not seen any of it yet on our coastline. In fact, the Naples Daily News reported that the county’s summer marketing campaign has focused on the message that the beaches are clean and the county is open for business. According to Collier County’s Tourism Director, Jack Wert, surveys have shown that the the “unspoiled environment” and the “white, sandy beaches” were the most influential factors bringing visitors to our area lately.
Stated in a recent report given to County Commissioners:
- “There were 111,700 visitors staying in hotels or other short-term rentals last month, up 3.9 percent from 107,500 in May 2009.”
- “Hotel occupancy rose 2.3 percent in May, compared to the same month a year ago.”
- “The total economic impact of tourism reached nearly $98.3 million last month, up 5.4 from a year ago.”
Even with the above positive statistics related to tourism, I think there is some concern that exists out there about vacationing on Florida beaches in general. People have to be told explicitely that our area is fine; otherwise, they assume our beaches look like the ones they are seeing on the national news.
Make sure to spread the word!
Categories: 55+ Living, Boating, Environment, Human Interest, Naples News
Tags: beaches, Collier County, Collier County Tourism Director, county commissioners, economic impact, Florida, Florida beaches, Gulf of Mexico, hotel occupancy, hotels, Jack Wert, Naples, Naples Daily News, no oil in Naples, short-term rentals, tourism, unspoiled environment, white sandy beaches —
June 16, 2010
Posted June 16th, 2010 at 11:03 pm by Michele Harrison
Forbes.com just released a story a few days ago naming Collier County as the number one relocation destination for wealthy Americans. After analyzing IRS data on moves between counties across the US, Forbes found our county to lead the way for areas where the rich are moving to in large numbers.
According to the report, “Tax returns accounting for 15,150 people showed moves to Collier County from other parts of the country in 2008, the latest year for which IRS data is available. Their average reported income: $76,161 per person–equivalent to $304,644 for a family of four. Although slightly more taxpayers moved out of Collier County than into it, the departing residents’ average income came out to just $26,128 per person. Households that moved to Collier County principally came from other parts of Florida, with Lee, Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Orange counties leading the list. Big northern cities also sent lots of migrants: Cook County, Ill. (home to Chicago); Oakland County, Mich. (near Detroit); and Suffolk County, N.Y. (on Long Island) each sent more than 100 people to Collier County during 2008.”
Clearly our year round beautiful weather coupled with low taxes has been seen as an attractive combination by many of our fellow Americans!
To view the entire story, go to – Forbes.com
Categories: 55+ Living, Human Interest, Naples News
Tags: Broward, Collier County, counties, Florida, Forbes, Forbes.com, IRS, Lee, Miami Dade, Michigan, New York, Orange, Palm Beach, rich, Suffolk county, tax returns, US, wealthy Americans —
April 12, 2010
Posted April 12th, 2010 at 11:33 pm by Michele Harrison
Are you walking in the Relay for Life Naples 2010 this weekend? I am! If you haven’t already registered make sure you sign up with the American Cancer Society for this very important event. Come out and join all of us walking to help fight cancer!
Did you know Relay for Life started back in 1985 when a Tacoma, Washington doctor raised $27,000 for the fight against cancer by running the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound? The doctor’s friends paid to walk with him over a 24-hour period. One year later, the first team event happened in Washington with 19 teams raising $33,000. Today, according to the American Cancer Society, “more than 4,900 Relays occur throughout the US with 19 nations joining the efforts for more than 3.5 million total participants. Together, survivors and those impacted by cancer have raised more than $405 million worldwide.”
This annual event is a great way to support a wonderful organization’s mission, celebrate with survivors, mourn for those lost to the disease, get some good exercise, and spend some time with friends and fellow walkers. To register or to get more information about the event go to http://www.explorenaples.com/relayforlife/.
14th Annual Relay for Life Naples event details:
Location:
Gulfview Middle School
255 – 6th Street South
Naples, Florida 34102
Dates & Times:
Start: Friday, April 16, 2010 – 4pm
End: Saturday, April 17, 2010 – 10am
Hope to see everyone there!
Categories: 55+ Living, Human Interest, Naples News
Tags: 14th Annual Relay for Life Naples, 6th Street South, American Cancer Society, Baker Stadium, Florida, Gulfview Middle School, Naples, Relay for Life, Relay for Life Naples 2010, University of Puget Sound —
March 30, 2010
Posted March 30th, 2010 at 10:40 am by Michele Harrison
For those of you that missed it, the New York Times just published a great travel piece titled 36 Hours in Naples, Florida a few days ago. It takes the reader through 36 hours of experiencing our great city to showcase what we have to offer here in Naples. It points out early on that we have created a beautiful and relaxing environment in our city that is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the east coast…even though we are only a short two-hour drive across the state.
The writer touches on…
- experiencing our beautiful sunsets,
- tips on finding the best beach spots,
- suggestions for great restaurants, bars and pubs,
- finding high-fashion and jewelry boutiques,
- some wonderful places to stay, and
- activities not to be missed – the Naples Botanical Garden and the Naples Museum of Art.
Take a few minutes and check it out at http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/03/28/travel/28hours.html?src=me&ref=general. You may even want to send it to friends that are thinking about coming to visit.
Enjoy!
February 24, 2010
Posted February 24th, 2010 at 9:15 am by Michele Harrison
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride on a camel? Did you know that camels can carry as much as 1,000 pounds on them during a safari causing them to be known as “ships of the desert?” Even if you haven’t ever thought about this before, doesn’t it sound kind fun and intriguing? Well, the Naples Zoo has just started offering camel rides to patrons visiting the zoo this season.
With the Zoo always looking to promote conservation and education, they have decided to offer camel rides for the first time in the Zoo’s 41 years of being open. The Zoo is trying to get people to learn about “strange” animals, and boy does this speak to that. These animals weigh 2,000 pounds and stand 8 feet, 6 inches tall. The two at the zoo right now actually came to Naples in a semi-truck.
According to National Geographic, camels have been domesticated for approximately 3,500 years. The camels at the zoo are Arabian camels (also known as dromedaries) and have one hump. It is reported that camels can travel up to 100 miles in the desert without water because of the fat stored in their humps that they break down into water and energy for survival in such harsh conditions. These animals also don’t sweat, so when they actually consume water they can conserve it for very long periods of time. I have read that if they are really thirsty they can consume 30 gallons of water at one sitting…yikes!
If you are up for a little fun and adventure, you should head over to check this out at the Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. The rides cost $5 on top of zoo admission, and are available from 11am to 4:45pm daily. The two camels’ names are Joshua, 12, and Josephine, 11. The owners of the animals, the Sears, say the camels are bathed every day and don’t spit. Apparently, they have raised these two animals since they were born as “preemies” at their farm called the Hole in the Wall Farms, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Ohio. Hopefully, you can find some time to go check it out.
Enjoy and send pictures!
Categories: 55+ Living, Environment, Human Interest, Naples News
Tags: animal sanctuary, Arabian camels, Camels Camel rides, conservation, education, Florida, Goodlette-Frank Road, Hole in the Wall Farms, Naples, Naples Zoo, National Geographic, safari, ships of the desert, water —
January 8, 2010
Posted January 8th, 2010 at 5:42 pm by Michele Harrison
My husband and I went out last night, and I was so excited to get a chance to wear some of my warmer clothes. Let’s face it, we don’t get many chances to pull out the heavy outfits in Naples, Florida. I know many of us moved here to live in the warmer weather, but a few days of the cold every once in a while is invigorating.
Of course, I would hope everyone has taken the necessary steps to protect themselves, their animals and their plants, but the change in temperature can be refreshing for all of us. While I know the cold weather can be rather traumatic for our Florida growers whom I hope don’t see major crop losses, what about the upside to the season? We tend to always focus on the negative when we think about the winter weather, but we should also remember the positive aspects that this time of year brings, as well.
While we typically don’t get snow or ice down here, the cooler temps allow us to wear layers and winter fashions, cozy up by a fire, cook and enjoy comfort foods, and feel the warmth of the sun coming down on us on clear winter days. The nights are crystal clear and the frequent red sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful. Some of us even venture out in our boats this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, it can definitely get cold on the water, but there is a crispness to the air that is energizing and reminds me of sailing in Cape Cod.
Who knows, they say our chances of snow this weekend are higher than zero! Just make sure to put on your layers and enjoy!
Categories: Boating, Naples News
Tags: boats, Cape Cod, clear winter days, cold weather, comfort foods, fire, Florida, Florida growers, Naples, red sunsets, sailing, snow, sunsets, winter fashions, winter weather —
January 6, 2010
Posted January 6th, 2010 at 9:15 pm by Michele Harrison
Like many others in Southwest Florida, I have a great respect and appreciation for nature and the wildlife that inhabits our area. I know how lucky we are in SWFL that we get to experience the raw beauty of so many species living in paradise. Unfortunately, many people today living and working in highly populated cities may never take the chance to experience nature at its best like we get to every day.
While it is somewhat common for us to see dolphins, fish, birds and manatees in our waterways, we had a unique situation occur a few days ago when a leatherback sea turtle came ashore. For those of you who have been following the news, you know that she was first spotted on Monday morning on the beach at Delnor-Wiggins State Park in Collier County where they figured her weight to be between 500 to 600 pounds. She looks absolutely beautiful from the images! According to the Collier County Parks & Recreation organization, it is the first time in history that one of these types of turtles has come on our local shores. Apparently, she had made her way to us all the way from Costa Rica.
At first they thought she may have been nesting due to patterns she had made in the sand, but now they think she may have been affected by the cold weather. She was helped back into the water where she eventually swam out of sight. Then she popped up in Bonita Springs yesterday morning and officials decided to go ahead and get her transported to the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. Upon evaluating the turtle they found her to be in critical condition, but they have since stabilized her and are monitoring her around the clock.
I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about this because it makes me proud to live in an area that has so much respect and compassion for nature. People here take situations like this very seriously and do whatever they can to help. Personally, I try to get involved as much as possible and am actually a member of both the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Humane Society of Naples. IFAW was actually started by some friends of mine back in Cape Cod and is the organization that single handedly stopped the Canadian seal industry from clubbing baby white seals for their coats. Thank gosh for groups like this that make a difference for animals each and every day.
There is an unspoken agreement here that if we are lucky enough to live, work and play around such beauty, we have to be responsible enough to make sure we do what it takes to keep our area the natural wonder that it is. I am sure everyone agrees with me in saying that we hope for the best for the turtle, and thankfully she is in the best hands now to be rehabilitated and set back into the wild.
Categories: Environment, Naples News
Tags: baby white seals, Bonita Springs, Cape Cod, Collier County, Collier County Parks & Recreation, Costa Rica, Delnor-Wiggins State Park, Florida, Humane Society of Naples, IFAW, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Leatherhead Sea Turtle, Mote Marine Laboratory, nature, Sarasota, Southwest Florida, SWFL, turtle, wildlife —
December 28, 2009
Posted December 28th, 2009 at 9:57 pm by Michele Harrison
A few days ago I was talking on the phone with a friend regarding international destinations and business centers throughout the country. We both happen to be taking part in initiatives in our respective cities focused on international programs, and I couldn’t help but take such pride in the fact that Naples, Florida has become a top destination for people from many countries around the world. We have definitely always had travelers coming from specific countries like England and Germany to enjoy our white sandy beaches, beautiful waterways, and high-end dining and shops, but during the last five to ten years we have really grown our international base to include many more home owners and vacationers from other countries around the world.
Personally, I think the international presence here is great for our city and region from both an economic and a social standpoint. Most recently our area has benefited from the exchange rate situation enabling our foreign friends to purchase real estate that might otherwise not have sold in our depressed economy. As the international reach of our city’s popularity has grown, we have been able to continue welcoming new international homeowners as our sources of wealth from around the world have become more diversified.
We have also seen an increase in international vacationers to the region helping to raise our hotel occupancy rates, our bed taxes, and our service sector businesses. This international influence has enabled our city to grow from a social and cultural standpoint as well with additional international flare added to our cuisine offerings, our fashion boutiques, and even our world-class arts scene at the Naples Philharmonic Center and other local theaters, galleries and stages. Naples has definitely done a great job welcoming our international friends.
I hope we always remain the sophisticated and classy tropical paradise that the international community enjoys.
Categories: 55+ Living, Naples Home Market, Naples News
Tags: bed taxes, business centers, England, Florida, Germany, high-end dining, high-end shops, hotel occupancy rates, International destination, Naples, Naples Philharmonic Center, real estate, tropical paradise, waterways, white sandy beaches —
December 12, 2009
Posted December 12th, 2009 at 4:04 pm by Michele Harrison
I thought it was important to remind everyone about the Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade happening tonight! This is yet another area holiday tradition celebrating Christmas on our beautiful waterways in Naples, FL.
This year will be the 20th anniversary of this great event. You can experience it at the Naples City Dock or other area waterfront restaurants and or on your boat relaxing in the water as beautifully lighted boats parade gracefully through the water. You can even register your boat and be a part of the parade itself for free. The parade begins at channel marker 32 located south of the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club and continues south to the Naples City Dock area ending at Pincher’s Crab Shack at Tin City and the Gordon River Bridge.
This year’s parade has a Caribbean theme which should be a lot of fun. Most of us who have lived in Southwest Florida for awhile, especially those involved in boating and sailing, are very familiar with the Caribbean and have experienced its uniqueness and the exquisiteness of its waters. It happens to be a home away from home for many of us since it doesn’t take long to get there by sea. It has a truly laid back and casual atmosphere focused on having a good time.
Hopefully, everyone is looking forward to the parade as much as we are and plans on taking part in the festivities. Enjoy!
Categories: Boating, Naples News
Tags: Boat Parade, Boating, Caribbean, casual atmosphere, Christmas, Florida, Gordon River Bridge, having a good time, Naples, Naples Bay, Naples City Dock, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Pincher's Crab Shack, sailing, Southwest Florida, Tin City, waterfront restaurants, waterways —
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