Happy Labor Day

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  • Friday, August 30, 2013


  • Labor Day

    Every first Monday in September, Labor Day is observed. About 100 years ago, the typical worker labored twelve hours a day for seven days without any breaks or lunch hours. In some states children as young as five or six toiled in mills, factories, mines and working conditions that were poor and unsafe. There was no worker’s compensation if the worker got hurt or if someone got fired or became sick.  Today the average worker puts in an eight hour day amidst a forty hour week.  We have a big “thank you” to give the American labor force for the changes made back in 1894, when Labor Day became recognized as a federal holiday. Labor Day also signifies a fun filled three day weekend with family, friends, burgers, beer, parades and even fireworks.  It also signifies the end of a hot summer, the beginning of school, the start of football season and a time to pick up some of the end of summer bargains. Contact Scott Riddle at (239)289-1849 for more information if you or someone you know is interested in buying, investing or listing a home in Lee County.

    Fly & Buy Program by Toll Brothers

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  • Tuesday, August 20, 2013


  • Come and enjoy luxury living at its best in the sunny state of Florida and experience the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes at one of the most desired communities from Toll Brothers. Choose from single-family homes, carriage homes and luxury high-rise condominiums.  For a limited time, they are offering buyers a complimentary trip with their “Fly and Buy” program that will reimburse traveling expenses for buyers up to $2,000 in the U.S. and buyers from outside the U.S. $4,000 USD when they purchase their Toll Brothers home. Take advantage today and make your permanent home in the beautiful sunshine state. All offers are subject to change and certain terms and restrictions apply.  If you would like more information contact Scott Riddle of Remax Affinity at (239)289-1849 or email at scottriddle239@gmail.com .

    Second Quarter NABOR Market Report

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  • Monday, August 19, 2013


  • ROBUST SALES CONTINUE THROUGH SECOND QUARTER

       
    Naples, Fla. (July 19, 2013) - The Naples area real estate market continues to improve in all sectors as shown by key indicators: an increase in pending sales, closed sales, and median closed prices. According to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), the Naples area housing market's second quarter 2013 surged ahead of the second quarter 2012 in pending sales by 11 percent and in closed sales by 6 percent.

    During the second quarter of 2013, the Naples area experienced a robust 13 percent increase in the overall median closed home price, which rose from $220,000 in the second quarter of 2012 to $249,000 in the current reported second quarter.

    "Buyer demand is definitely increasing," stated Steve Barker, Advising Broker for Equity Realty, who also pointed out that inventory continues to be constrained in all price segments as evidenced in the SunshineMLS statistics, which showed a 16 percent reduction in inventory overall from 6,310 in the second quarter 2012 down to 5,282 properties in the second quarter 2013, the lowest it has been since NABOR® began tracking in January 2007 when inventory was 10,864.

    Gerald Murphy, District Manager and Managing Broker of Coldwell Banker, added, "Normally there are more homes available for sale than there are closed sales each month, but right now the available properties are being gobbled up as fast as new listings are being added to the market. SunshineMLS statistics demonstrate that for every closed home sale, one new listing becomes available. This ratio underlines the low inventory and is producing a sense of urgency in buyers, as options are becoming scarce."

    Home prices in the Naples area continue to show promise, as the median closed price of the single-family home increased 26 percent from $252,000 in the second quarter 2012 to $318,000 in the second quarter 2013. In addition, the condo median closed price increased 8 percent from $191,000 in the second quarter 2012 up to $207,000 in the second quarter 2013.

    Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at Prudential Florida Realty pointed out that "the distressed market [foreclosures and short sales] is becoming a negligible factor in home sales. SunshineMLS statistics show a decrease in distressed sales from 56 percent of the total closed sales in August 2010 to only 15 percent of total closed sales in June of 2013."

    The NABOR® 2013 Second Quarter Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® second quarter sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium units) findings:
    • Overall closed sales increased 6 percent, from 2,911 units in second quarter 2012 to 3,073 units in second quarter 2013. Overall closed sales increased 33 percent in the $300,000-$500,000 category, from 445 units to 593 units, and increased 22 percent in the $1 million-$2 million category, from 170 units to 207 units, from second quarter 2012 to second quarter 2013, respectively.
    • The median closed price increased 13 percent overall, from $220,000 in second quarter 2012 to $249,000 in second quarter 2013. In the $300,000 and under category the median closed price increased 10 percent from $145,000 in second quarter 2012 to $160,000 in second quarter 2013.
    • Overall pending sales increased 11 percent, from 2,877 pending sales in second quarter 2012 to 3,197 pending sales in second quarter 2013. The $2 million+ segment experienced the largest growth this quarter with a 38 percent increase.
    • The average DOM (Days on the Market) decreased 13 percent overall from 184 days in second quarter 2012 to 161 days in second quarter 2013. The $2 million+ segment saw a dramatic 31 percent decrease in this area.
    NABOR® also released its June monthly report which provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation. It also includes an overall market summary. Statistics of consequence in this report include:
    • The overall median closed price increased 18 percent from $190,000 to $225,000 for the 12-month period ending June 2013.
    • Overall pending sales increased 7 percent from 10,184 units to 10,908 units for the 12-month period ending June 2013. Overall pending sales increased 30 percent in the $300,000 to $500,000 category from 1,440 units to 1,872 units; 19 percent in the $500,000 to $1 million category, from 1,057 units to 1,263 units; increased 26 percent in the $1 million to $2 million category, from 455 units to 572 units; and increased 25 percent in the $2 million plus category, from 271 units to 338 units, respectively for the 12-month period ending June 2013.
    • The average DOM (Days on the Market) decreased 8 percent overall from 177 days in June 2012 to 163 days in June 2013.
    • Inventory decreased 16 percent from 6,310 units in June 2012 to 5,282 units in June 2013.
    • Overall pending sales in the Naples coastal area increased 14 percent from 1,919 units to 2,193 units, and closed sales increased 11 percent, from 1,753 units to 1,948 units, for the 12-month period ending June 2013.
    Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Realtors, remarked, "June's pending condo sales were very strong in the over $1M market. Pending condo sales in the $1M-$2M segment increased 53 percent, and 36 percent in the $2M+ segment for the 12-months ending June 2013 compared to pending sales during the 12-months ending June 2012."

    Coming: Cirque Du Soleil

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  • Tuesday, August 6, 2013



  • Come experience the world of imagination as Cirque Du Soleil, a Quebec based company, brings you the Quidam tour. Watch daring and inspiring performers juggle, jump, swing, slither, leap and bounce into the air. With influences from different cultures from all around the world, they will evoke emotions through their acting, costumes and makeup. Their talented acrobatic skills will astound you as they perform feats that will leave you speechless, defying the laws of gravity.  Cirque Du Soleil will be at the Germain Arena from August 7th-11th. 

    Monster X Tour in Town

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  • Thursday, August 1, 2013
  • The Germain Arena welcomes the Monster X Tour to the city of Fort Myers/Estero this weekend on August 2nd & 3rd.  If you love the sound of roaring engines and the sight of oversized wheels, then bring your friends and family to this event.  Watch and see these trucks battle it out in the arena along with thrill acts from Quad Racing and Mud Racing. The Monster lineup includes Bounty, Razin Kane, Iron Outlaw, Ice Cream Man and many more. Check out the Pro-Mini Monster lineup and cheer for Monster Bear, Sir Crush-A-Lot, and Demolition Diva. VIP tickets are available if you would like to Party in the Pits with your favorite stars before the show. You can go to http://www.germainarena.com/  for more information.