Shannon Gilmore, Realtor® Naples Florida Real Estate

Olde Naples Beach

Where do you find out what's really going on - you have to ask an agent who is out there every day- selling and listing.

What is another source ? Well the numbers confirm the activity ... READ the latest sales report and talk to a local agent.

Third quarter closed and pended sales continued to show increases over prior years as has been

the case throughout the year. This trend is expected to continue in the fourth quarter and to gain

momentum throughout 2010.

Closings and Inventory

Third quarter closings are the highest for third quarter since 2005, and the third highest third quarter on record.

A 47% increase over third quarter 2008 makes this the seventh consecutive quarter to post gains over same

quarter, prior year. Properties priced below $250,000 continued to comprise 63% of all closings, a figure that

has been consistent throughout this year. Current inventory of properties priced under $250,000 is down 16%

from Q3 2008, with single family homes showing a 32% decrease and condominiums a 4% decrease. All price

segments show inventory decreases over Q3 2008 except condominiums in the $2,000,000 - $5,000,000 range,

which showed a 12% increase in available product.

NEW LISTINGS / CLOSED SALES AND PENDED SALES

The number of new listings placed on the market in the third quarter showed a 6% decline over the same

period 2008. All price segments showed declines over prior year with the exception of the under $250,000

category, which posted a 21% increase in the number of new listings taken when compared with Q3 2008.

The ratio of new listings to pended sales remains at approximately the same level as second quarter 2009,

which was its highest since mid-2005. With approximately one sale for each 1.4 new listings taken, the

market continues to show strong signs of recovery.

SUMMARY

During the third quarter there were 140 pended sales over $1,000,000, representing a 15% increase over Q3

2008. This is the category which we have been watching for some quantifiable data to support that recovery

has begun in this segment. Although one quarter does not establish a trend, activity levels remain strong.

The continually increasing number of showings during the third quarter, which is historically the slowest in

southwest Florida, would seem to indicate that this trend will continue and increase in the coming months.

Decreasing inventory, fewer new listings and higher sales activity continue. It is important to note, however,

that price remains the driving force in the current market, and well priced properties in all categories are

attracting significant buyer interest.

Disclaimer: All information from Sunshine MLS. Accuracy is deemed correct but not warranted.

Report provided by John R. Wood Realtors Market Research Department.

Well that's not news .... it's supposed to be hot right? Actually our real estate market is what continues to Heat UP. Naples has seen some properties with multiple offers ? and others quickly going under contract. As always our market here is not a reflection of the general reporting. We also see activity in specific areas with many factors contributing. If you are considering a Naples property remember that our prices can be very neighborhood specific. So if you want to cool down try Boston - heard it was 60 yesterday and rainy. If you are ready for some summer sun and some great properties at better then ever prices come on down. Don't miss the boat..... email me for the latest market data.

Follow the Pot of Gold Saturday to an annual Olde Naples Downtown Tradition .... The St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Where :

Broad Ave. S, 3rd St. & 5th Avenue Naples Florida

When :

March 14, 2009 ( Saturday) 11 am - 12:30 pm.

Cost :

FREE

Suggestions:

Arrive early , utilize public parking garages, side streets, bring sunblock, water, try sitting at one of Naples fine dining establishments on Fifth Avenue - eating Alfresco is not something you can do everywhere in March and you have a curbside view of the parade, wear your green, bring a camera, look for John R. Wood Agents in the balcony at 555 Fifth Avenue ( also for sale) ... See you there

On March the 17th the official St. Patrick's Day the events continue on Fifth Avenue 11 am - Midnight entertainment and bar set up in Sugden Plaza... Call Cathy 239 263 2807 for more info.

As always I am here At Home By The Gulf...

Peacock? Yes, that's right I said Peacock or rather Peahen. One of the joys of having a home office is that you can go out in the yard during the work day. On Monday my dogs were barking and barking and then I heard the strangest bird call.... I won't even try to repeat it. I did an imitation for my husband and his response was " Can you please do that again". Funny guy...Ha ha I get it bird caller I am NOT!

So I went to investigate and to my surprise there was a Peacock in the Pine tree.

At first I was concerned it may be a pet since some larger farms in the area may have exotic animals. I called Collier County Domestic Animal Services & there were no missing peacocks. They told me not to worry we have them here in Naples. The officer told me they are wild and usually make their appearance around March ( they get a lot of calls).

Well this gal is hanging around probably looking for a mate. She was back in the woods next door and I just had to take another picture and share. It isn't every day I see a Peacock in the yard!

Looking for things to do in the Southwest Florida area? Why not try going to a Red Sox game at the City of Palms Park in Ft. Myers. The park is a short distance from the Naples Florida area exit 138 off I 75. Parking is conveniently located in the surrounding area - expect to pay around $7.

Highlights of the game are available on Boston.com . The highlight for me was having a great time with my parents and daughter! I saw Jonathon Papelbon pitch, Jacoby Ellsbury played well and Josh Reddick made an amazing catch at the wall! The Puerto Rican fans were entertaining with their rowdy behavior and I felt like I was sitting at Fenway with all the Boston accents flying around me. Can you say Hot Dogs and a cold one? Tickets are still available which is unusual but probably a reflection of the current economy. For ticket information click here

For more real estate information about the Naples area I am here At Home By The Gulf.