NAPLES GOLF GUY BLOG

March Real Estate Transactions

This month is off to a great start with March Real Estate Transactions surpassing 200 sales during the first week of the month in Southwest Florida. There were 216 properties sold during the week of March 7th in the Southern Ft. Myers, Estero and Bonita Springs area.

Estero jumped from the third position to the first position with 76 real estate transactions sold during the week of the 7th. Real Estate sales were split between multiple property types. Of the 76 sales, 5 percent were mobile homes, 21 percent were vacant lots, 33 percent were condos and 39 percent were single family homes. The other property sold was a commercial unit.

Bonita Springs moved into the second position with 75 real estate transactions. Of the 75 real estate sales, 5 percent were mobile homes, 37 percent were condos and 39 percent were single family homes. The other properties sold in Bonita were agricultural lots, multi-family units and commercial units.

Finally, Southern Fort Myers fell to the third position with 60 property sales. Transactions consisted of 32 percent vacant lots, 28 percent were condos and 24 percent were single family homes.

In review, based on the real estate transactions report for the week of the 7th, property sales were broken down by the following types in Southwest Florida: 72 condos, 86 single family homes, 42 vacant lots, 8 mobile homes, 4 commercial units, 2 multi-family units and 2 agricultural lots.

March Sales for the Week of the 7th – Organized by zip code

Bonita Springs

34134 –21 properties sold (1 mobile home, 1 commercial unit, 8 single family homes and 11 condos)
34135 – 54 properties sold (2 agricultural lots, 2 commercial units, 3 mobile homes, 2 multi-family units, 7 vacant lots, 21 single family homes and 17 condos)

Southern Fort Myers

33912 – 15 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 5 single family homes and 9 condos)
33913 – 33 properties sold (13 vacant lots, 12 single family homes and 8 condos)
33967 – 12 properties sold (5 vacant lots and 7 single family homes)

Estero

33928 – 53 properties sold (4 mobile homes, 16 vacant lots, 19 single family homes and 14 condos)
33967 – 7 properties sold (5 single family homes and 2 condos)
34134 – 3 properties sold (1 single family home and 2 condos)
34135 – 13 properties sold (1 commercial unit, 5 single family homes and 7 condos)

Miromar Lakes

33913 – 5 properties sold (3 single family homes and 2 condos)

SWFL March Real Estate Transactions and Real Estate Trends:

Lee County Real Estate Transactions Week of Mar. 7th 2020

Naples Golf Guy Report

Luxury Golf Community Real Estate Trends

Begin Your Southwest Florida Property Search

So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your southwest Florida Luxury home or condo, explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate and we’ll help you navigate more than 150 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, we will provide a list of properties and communities that meet your needs.

Also, if you are considering new construction, remember the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s best interest, not yours. There is no cost for you to have an agent represent you. In fact, we may be able to help you save money and negotiate for extras which the builder may not let you know about.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Considering Selling Your Home?

If you are thinking about selling a home in Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples or Fort Myers we recommend you work with a real estate professional or consultant who has the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. If you live in a golf community in southwest Florida, you are competing with more than 150 other golf communities. Contact us today to learn how your home or condo stacks up against the competition and how we can position your property to sell quickly and for a fair price.

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a focused and goal-oriented Realtor in southwest Florida who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to me directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, luxury home, vacation home, golf home, pet-friendly or dream home, call or text 239-370-0892 or email Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

March 22nd, 2020 Posted by NaplesGolfGuy

Naples Home Sales Strong

Naples Home Sales Strong – Week of Jan. 20th

Naples Home Sales Strong based on the latest real estate transactions report. During the week of January 20th, there were 218 Naples Properties Sold.

North Naples remained in the top position with 47 properties sold during the week. Of the 47 sales, 23 percent were vacant lots, 26 percent single family homes and 51 percent were condos.

East Naples finished the week in the second spot with 52 real estate transactions. East Naples home sales consisted of 7 percent vacant lots, 33 percent single family homes and 60 percent were condos.

And finally, the City of Naples had 23 homes sold. Real estate transactions were made up of 39 percent single family home sales and 61 percent condos.

In summary, the latest Naples real estate transactions for the week of the 20th show properties sold were broken down as follows: 98 condos, 70 single family homes, 48 vacant lots and 2 mobile homes sold throughout Collier County.

Naples Luxury Home Sales

Twenty-Nine luxury homes sold during the week. Luxury home prices ranged from $1,100,000 to $16,500,000.

$1,000,000 – $2,999,999 price range – 22 homes sold
$3,000,000 – $4,999,999 price range – 6 homes sold
$5,999,000 – $9,999,999 price range – 0 homes sold
10,000,000 plus – 1 home sold

Latest Naples Real Estate Transactions Organized by zip code:

City of Naples

34102 – 9 properties sold (5 single family homes and 4 condos)
34103 – 7 properties sold (2 single family homes and 5 condos)
34105 – 7 properties sold (2 single family homes and 5 condos)

North Naples

34109 – 16 properties sold (2 vacant lot, 6 single family homes and 8 condos)
34110 – 11 properties sold (2 single family homes and 9 condos)
34119 – 20 properties sold (9 vacant lots, 4 single family homes and 7 condos)

East Naples

34104 – 13 properties sold (4 single family homes and 9 condos)
34112 – 18 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 5 single family homes and 12 condos)
34113 – 11 properties sold (2 vacant lots, 5 single family homes and 4 condos)

Ave Maria and Immokalee

34142 – 6 properties sold (6 single family homes)

Big Cypress

34117 – 5 properties sold (1 vacant lot and 4 single family homes)

Chokoloskee

34138 – 3 properties sold (3 condos)

Coco River

34108 – 14 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 4 single family homes and 9 condos)

Corkscrew

34120 – 32 properties sold (20 vacant lots, 9 single family homes and 3 condos)

Eastern Collier County

34114 – 20 properties sold (2 mobile homes, 7 vacant lots, 4 single family homes and 7 condos)
34116 – 8 properties sold (1 vacant lot, 4 single family homes and 3 condos)

Everglade City

34139 – 1 property sold (1 single family home)

Marco Island

34145 – 17 properties sold (4 vacant lots, 3 single family homes and 10 condos)

Year End Wrap Up – Naples Real Real Estate Trends:

Collier County Real Estate Transactions Week of January 20th 2020

Naples Golf Guy Report

Luxury Golf Community Trends

Begin Your Naples Property Search

So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your Naples home, or a southwest Florida Luxury home or condo, we encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate and would be happy to help you navigate the more than 150 different golf communities in our area. If you prefer a more direct approach, we will provide a list of properties that meet your criteria and/or communities that meet your needs.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Considering Selling your home?

Or, if you are considering selling a home in Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples or Fort Myers, we encourage you to work with a Professional Real Estate Agent or REALTOR® who has the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. If you live in a golf community in southwest Florida, you are competing with more than 150 other golf communities. Contact us today to learn how your home or condo stacks up against the competition and how we can position your property to sell quickly and for a fair price.

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a focused and goal-oriented real estate representative in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero or Fort Myers who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to us directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, vacation home, golf home or dream home, call us or text us at 239-370-0892 or email Matt at Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

March 20th, 2020, Posted by NaplesGolfGuy

Naples Home Virtual Tour

Sit back and enjoy this fabulous Naples Home Virtual Tour from the comfort of your home. This must-see Lakewood Home is hands down the nicest and largest single-family home in the entire community. A magnificent home with a large lanai which is truly a place of paradise. Picture yourself relaxing on the lanai taking in the calm lake view with family and friends. New bamboo ceilings and screens enhance the overall experience for all to enjoy.

If food is the way to your heart, then all roads lead to the kitchen. Whether you’re an aspiring (or actual) gourmet chef or simply love to throw parties, kitchens are the center of your guests’ attention. This home features an open kitchen with plenty of room for family and friends to gather and spend quality time together. At the same time, the culinary space is ideal for any cook.

Lakewood Home Tour – 4340 Beechwood Lake Drive, Naples Florida 34112 – $499,999

More Information About This Fabulous Naples Home for Sale:

With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, the home is laid out perfectly. At the center is an entertainer’s kitchen overlooking the lanai with lake and golf course views. Recently re-designed and renovated the island and pantry kitchen is truly something special. Other features include crown molding throughout, tile and wood flooring, granite counters and stainless appliances.

The master bathroom was recently renovated along with a large walk-in closet. Finally, a brand NEW ROOF was just installed in 2019! It all comes together perfectly on a large lot with neighbors on one side only, golf and water views and in an excellent location.

Located just minutes to downtown Naples and the sandy white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

List Price $499,999
4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
2,816 Square Feet Under Air
Built in 1977
MLS #219083371
View video tour…

More About Lakewood

Lakewood is centrally located just southeast of Downtown Naples and the sandy white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. A non-gated community, this neighborhood has low Home Owners Association (HOA) fees. Homes are spread throughout the community which includes Lakewood Country Club, a private 18 hole golf course. In addition to golf, the club has a community pool and tennis courts for members.

Considering Selling your home?

If you are looking to sell your home in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, or Ft. Myers we encourage you to work with a Professional Real Estate Agent or REALTOR® who has the experience and knowledge to provide an accurate market comparison so you can determine the right asking price. If you live in a golf community in southwest Florida, you are competing with more than 150 other golf communities. Contact us today to learn how your home or condo stacks up against the competition and how we can position your property to sell quickly and for a fair price.

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

March 18th, 2020, Posted by NaplesGolfGuy

Homebuying Process Myths

There are two homebuying process myths we’d like to clarify. Homebuerys want to know what their downpayment needs to be and what FICO score do they need?

The 2020 Millennial Home Buyer Report shows how this generation is not really any different from previous ones when it comes to homeownership goals:

“The majority of millennials not only want to own a home, but 84% of millennials in 2019 considered it a major part of the American Dream.”

Unfortunately, the myths surrounding the barriers to homeownership – especially those related to down payments and FICO® scores – might be keeping many buyers out of the arena. The piece also reveals:

“Millennials have to navigate a lot of obstacles to be able to own a home. According to our 2020 survey, saving for a down payment is the biggest barrier for 50% of millennials.”

Millennial or not, unpacking two of the biggest myths that may be standing in the way of homeownership among all generations is a great place to start the debunking process.

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Many buyers often overestimate what they need to qualify for a home loan. According to the same article:

“A down payment of 20% for a home of that price [$210,000] would be about $42,000; only about 30% of the millennials in our survey have enough in savings to cover that, not to mention the additional closing costs.”

While many potential buyers still think they need to put at least 20% down for the home of their dreams, they often don’t realize how many assistance programs are available with as little as 3% down. With a bit of research, many renters may be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined.

Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher”

In addition to down payments, buyers are also often confused about the FICO® score it takes to qualify for a mortgage, believing they need a credit score of 780 or higher.

Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans, shows the truth is, over 50% of approved loans were granted with a FICO® score below 750 (see graph below):

Even today, many of the myths of the homebuying process are unfortunately keeping plenty of motivated buyers on the sidelines. In reality, it really doesn’t have to be that way.

So, if you’re thinking of buying a home, you may have more options than you think. Let’s connect to answer your questions and help you determine your next steps.

Southwest Florida Real Estate Trends:

Naples Golf Guy Report

Luxury Golf Community Real Estate Trends

Begin Your Southwest Florida Property Search

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations for your property from offer to close!

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

March 17th, 2020 Posted by NaplesGolfGuy

Cypress Woods Price Decreased

Cypress Woods Price Decreased to Sell Quickly

This fantastic condo in Cypress Woods Price was just decreased! Enjoy the Bundled Golf lifestyle in the highly desirable Grand Cypress subdivision of Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club. A beautiful second-floor unit that has everything you need, including higher vaulted ceilings, breathtaking western golf course and lake views, and a full golf membership!

Cypress Woods Condo – 3365 Grand Cypress Woods Dr. Naples, FL 34119 – List Price $299,000

More About This Fabulous Golf Condo:

A brand new metal (tile-look) roof was installed in 2019. Hurricane shutters help give you peace of mind during the Naples summers. Enjoy your home-cooked meals at the breakfast bar, kitchen nook or out on your lanai.

The Master bedroom has a walk-in closet and the bathroom has dual sinks and separate tub and shower. Take a swim and grab some sun at the community pool, only yards away from your Condo. The main Clubhouse, including the golf course and additional amenities, are right around the corner. Don’t miss out on this wonderful Naples golf property!

MLS #: 220011901
Second Floor Condo
Three Bedrooms
Two Bathrooms
Square Feet: 1,858 under air
View more photos…

For a private tour of this beautiful Cypress Woods Condo, contact Mike Pepple today at 239-777-8870.

More About Cypress Woods

Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club features a Gordon Lewis designed championship par 72, 6344-yard course with over 110 acres of lakes, marshes, and preserves to enjoy. This golf community is located in North Naples and just minutes from Wiggins State Park, Vanderbilt Beach, and shopping. Full Golf and Country Club Membership is included with your home purchase.

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a focused and goal-oriented Realtor in southwest Florida who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to me directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury vacation home, luxury golf home or dream home, call me or text me on my mobile phone at 239-370-0892 or email me at Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

About Naples Golf Guy Team

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

Contact Mike: Mike@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-777-8870

March 17th, Posted by Naples Golf Guy

Impact of Coronavirus on Real Estate

What Is The Impact of The Coronavirus on Real Estate?

While time will tell the total Impact of the Coronavirus on Real Estate, here are five simple graphs showing this is NOT like the past. In fact, with interest rates at historic lows, many are taking advantage of the opportunity to diversify their portfolio and invest in real estate.

With all of the volatility in the stock market and uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), some are concerned we may be headed for another housing crash like the one we experienced from 2006-2008. The feeling is understandable. Ali Wolf, Director of Economic Research at the real estate consulting firm Meyers Research, addressed this point in a recent interview:

“With people having PTSD from the last time, they’re still afraid of buying at the wrong time.”

There are many reasons, however, indicating this real estate market is nothing like 2008. Here are five visuals to show the dramatic differences.

1. Mortgage standards are nothing like they were back then.

During the housing bubble, it was difficult NOT to get a mortgage. Today, it is tough to qualify. The Mortgage Bankers’ Association releases a Mortgage Credit Availability Index which is “a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.” The higher the index, the easier it is to get a mortgage. As shown below, during the housing bubble, the index skyrocketed. Currently, the index shows how getting a mortgage is even more difficult than it was before the bubble.

2. Prices are not soaring out of control.

Below is a graph showing annual house appreciation over the past six years, compared to the six years leading up to the height of the housing bubble. Though price appreciation has been quite strong recently, it is nowhere near the rise in prices that preceded the crash.

There’s a stark difference between these two periods of time. Normal appreciation is 3.6%, so while current appreciation is higher than the historic norm, it’s certainly not accelerating beyond control as it did in the early 2000s.

3. We don’t have a surplus of homes on the market. We have a shortage.

The months’ supply of inventory needed to sustain a normal real estate market is approximately six months. Anything more than that is an overabundance and will causes prices to depreciate. Anything less than that is a shortage and will lead to continued appreciation. As the next graph shows, there were too many homes for sale in 2007, and that caused prices to tumble. Today, there’s a shortage of inventory which is causing an acceleration in home values.

4. Houses became too expensive to buy.

The affordability formula has three components: the price of the home, the wages earned by the purchaser, and the mortgage rate available at the time. Fourteen years ago, prices were high, wages were low, and mortgage rates were over 6%. Today, prices are still high. Wages, however, have increased and the mortgage rate is about 3.5%. That means the average family pays less of their monthly income toward their mortgage payment than they did back then. Here’s a graph showing that difference:

5. People are equity rich, not tapped out.

In the run-up to the housing bubble, homeowners were using their homes as a personal ATM machine. Many immediately withdrew their equity once it built up, and they learned their lesson in the process. Prices have risen nicely over the last few years, leading to over fifty percent of homes in the country having greater than 50% equity. But owners have not been tapping into it like the last time. Here is a table comparing the equity withdrawal over the last three years compared to 2005, 2006, and 2007. Homeowners have cashed out over $500 billion dollars less than before:

During the crash, home values began to fall, and sellers found themselves in a negative equity situation (where the amount of the mortgage they owned was greater than the value of their home). Some decided to walk away from their homes, and that led to a rash of distressed property listings (foreclosures and short sales), which sold at huge discounts, thus lowering the value of other homes in the area. That can’t happen today.

So, whether you are looking at buying a home now or your planning for the future, take a look at the charts and graphs above to help alleviate any concerns about today’s housing market.

Bottom Line:

About Naples Golf Guy

Contact Matt: Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

March 16th, 2020 Posted by NaplesGolfGuy

February Sales Finish Strong

February sales finish strong in Southwest Florida. There were 192 properties sold during the week of February 29th in the Southern Ft. Myers, Estero and Bonita Springs area.

Bonita Springs moved into the first position with 82 real estate transactions. Of the 82 real estate sales, 21 percent were vacant lots, 39 percent were condos and 30 percent were single family homes. The other properties sold in Bonita were mobile homes, multi-family units and coops.

Southern Fort Myers fell to the second position with 66 property sales. Transactions consisted of 21 percent vacant lots, 17 percent were condos and 59 percent were single family homes. The remaining properties sold were multi-family units and mobile homes.

Finally, Estero remained in the third position with 43 real estate transactions sold during the week of the 29th. Real Estate sales were split between multiple property types. Of the 43 sales, 8 percent were vacant lots, 37 percent were condos and 40 percent were single family homes. The other property sold was a mobile home.

In review, based on the real estate transactions report for the week of the 29th, property sales were broken down by the following types in Southwest Florida: 59 condos, 81 single family homes, 40 vacant lots, 6 mobile homes, 4 multi-family units and 2 coops.