Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right Now

Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days. That’s why having an experienced guide when buying or selling a home is so important. The market isn’t exactly straightforward right now, and working with a real estate expert can offer insights and advice that make all the difference.

While today’s market conditions might seem confusing or overwhelming, you don’t have to handle them alone. With a trusted expert leading you through every step, you can navigate the process with the clarity and confidence you deserve.

Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert is invaluable:

Contracts – Agents help with the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.

Experience – In today’s market, experience is crucial. Real estate professionals know the entire sales process, including how it’s changing right now.

Negotiations – Your real estate advisor acts as a buffer in negotiations with all parties, and advocates for your best interests throughout the entire transaction.

Industry Expertise– Knowledge is power in today’s market, and your advisor will simply and effectively explain processes, market conditions, and key terms, translating what they mean for you along the way along the way­.

Pricing – A real estate professional understands current real estate values when setting the price of your home or helping you make an offer to purchase one. Pricing matters more than ever right now, so having expert advice will help ensure you’re set up for success.

A real estate agent is a crucial guide through this challenging market, but not all agents are created equal. A true expert can carefully walk you through the whole real estate process, look out for your unique needs, and advise you on the best ways to achieve success.

Finding an expert real estate advisor – not just any agent – should be your top priority if you want to buy or sell a home. As Bankrate says:

“Real estate is very localized, and you want someone who’s extremely knowledgeable about the market in your specific area. You should also look for someone with a successful track record of negotiating and closing deals, preferably for homes similar to the kind you want to buy.”

What’s the Key To Choosing the Right Expert?

Like any relationship, it starts with trust. You’ll want to know you can depend on that person to always put you and your best interests first. That means hiring a true professional. As Business Insider explains:

“As long as you’ve properly vetted the agents you’re considering and ensured they have the necessary expertise, it’s ok to go with your gut when making your final decision on which real estate agent you want to work with. You’re going to be working closely with this person, so it’s important to choose an agent you’re comfortable with.”

Bottom Line

It’s critical to have an expert on your side who’s well-versed in navigating today’s housing market dynamics. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home this year, let’s connect so you have a real estate professional to give you the best advice and guide you along the way.

Why a Vacation Home Is the Ultimate Summer Upgrade

Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if owning your own vacation home is right for you.

An Ameriprise Financial survey sheds light on why people buy a second, or vacation, home (see below): 

• Vacation destination or a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life (81%) – Having a second home to use as a vacation spot can be a special place where you go to relax and take a break from your daily routines and stressors. It also means you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to stay when you go there.
• Better weather (49%) – Buying in a place where there may be nicer weather can be a great escape, especially if it’s cold or rainy where you usually live. It lets you enjoy sunny days and warm temperatures, even when it’s not so nice back home.
• Rental income (41%) – You can rent it out to other people when you’re not using it, which can help you make some extra money.
• Primary residence in the future (33%) – You can eventually move into the home full-time during retirement. That means you can enjoy vacations there now and have a getaway ready for your future.
• Having a venue for gatherings with family and friends (25%) – It would be a special spot where you can have parties, regular family trips, and create fun memories.

Ways To Buy Your Vacation Home

And you don’t have to be wealthy to buy a vacation home. Bankrate shares two tips for how to make this dream more achievable for anyone who’s interested:

• Buy with loved ones or friends: If you’re okay with sharing the vacation home, you can go in on the purchase price together and pool your resources to make it more affordable.
• Put a savings plan in place: This will require patience and persistence but consider adding a vacation home savings plan to your budget and contributing to it monthly.

Finding Your Dream Spot with a Little Help from an Agent

If the idea of basking in the sun at your very own vacation home sounds appealing, you might want to start looking now. Summer’s when everyone’s trying to buy their slice of paradise, so it’s best to start early.

Your first move is to team up with a real estate agent. They know all the ins and outs of the area you want to be in, and which homes you should look at. Plus, they can give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about having a second home and how it can benefit you. The same article from Bankrate says:

“Buying real estate in a new area — or even one you’ve vacationed in for many years — requires expert guidance. That makes it a good idea to work with an experienced local lender who specializes in loans for vacation homes and a local real estate professional. Local lenders and Realtors will understand the required rules and specifics for the area you are buying, and a local Realtor will know what properties are available.”

Bottom Line

If the idea of owning your own vacation home appeals to you, let’s chat.

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier

Are you considering moving to a smaller home? Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it’s important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs.

If it’s too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
• Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
• What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.

The Benefits of Moving into a Smaller Home

There are many reasons why you should downsize. Here are just a few from Bankrate:

Your Equity Can Help Make Downsizing Possible

If those perks sound like something you’d want, you may already have what you need to make it happen. A recent article from Seniors Guide shares:

“And at a time when homeowners age 62 and older have more than $12 trillion in home equity, downsizing makes sense . . .”

If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’re one of those homeowners who’s built up a considerable amount of equity. And that equity is something you can use to help you buy a home that better fits your needs today. Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“Downsizing can mean taking that equity when the home is sold and using it to pay cash or make a large down payment on a lower-priced home, reducing your monthly living expenses.”

When you’re ready to use all that equity to fuel your next move, your real estate agent will be your guide through every step of the process. That includes setting the right price for your current house when you sell, finding the home that best fits your evolving needs, and understanding what you can afford at today’s mortgage rate.

Bottom Line

Starting your retirement journey? Think about downsizing – it could really help. When you’re ready, let’s connect.

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn’t wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. As Bankrate explains:

“One of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes is looking for a home that checks each of your boxes. Looking for perfection can narrow your choices and lead you to pass over good, suitable options for starter homes in the hopes that something better will come along.”

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that’s true when you search for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from the ground up, chances are there are going to be some features or finishes you wouldn’t have picked yourself. It may be as simple as paint colors, a light fixture, or the tile in the bathrooms or kitchen. Or even that the backyard isn’t fenced in. It could also be that the home itself is great, but it’s not the ideal location you were hoping for.

But here’s the trade-off you’d be making without even realizing it. In all that time you’d spend searching for the perfect place, you’d overlook a lot of homes that would’ve worked for you. U.S. News explains:

“. . . you may miss opportunities if you enter the process with blinders on and aren’t open-minded . . . Countless potential buyers never buy because of this, and thus miss great investments or never move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

It’s Time To Redefine Perfection

Especially with affordability and inventory where they are today, buying a home that needs some updates, is a few neighborhoods away from your ideal location, or doesn’t have all your desired features can be a smart move. Here’s why.

For starters, these homes are usually more affordable, which is important at a time when some buyers are struggling to find options in their budget.

And they give you a chance to make the space your own or discover a whole new area of town. You may find out you actually love that neighborhood. Or, swapping out a feature here or there after move-in isn’t such a big deal. So, look past the green shag carpet and see the bones of the house. With a little vision and creativity, you can turn a good house into a fantastic home.

How an Agent Helps You Explore Your Options

If you’re open to a home that needs a little elbow grease or is a bit further out, let your agent know. They’ll be happy to show you how this can really open up your pool of homes to pick from. They’ll also help coach you through this process by:

1. Prioritizing Your Must-Haves: Your agent will want to revisit your wish list and separate your non-negotiables from your nice-to-haves. From there, they’ll focus on what’s really most important to you as they come up with a bigger list of options for you to choose from.

2. Coaching You To See the Potential: As you tour these added options, your agent will help you look beyond cosmetic flaws and imagine what the home could be with a little work. Simple updates like a fresh coat of paint or new flooring can make a big difference.

3. Connecting You with Local Pros: And an agent’s support goes one step further. If they know what you’re hoping to change after you move in, they can connect you with local pros who can get the job done. That way it’s less work for you, and you don’t have to worry about tracking down contractors.

Bottom Line

Remember, there is no perfect home. But with expert help and an open mind, we can find you the right home – even in today’s market. Let’s connect to see what’s out there.

May Real Estate Activity for Naples Florida

The most recent May real estate activity reports revealed a total of 907 properties were sold, amounting to just over $1.2 Billion in sales for the month. Notably, the highest-priced sale was a Gulf-Front estate in Olde Naples which fetched $29,500,000.

Furthermore, the Naples luxury real estate market saw a notable number of high-value transactions, with 312 properties sold at or above $1 million.

The overall inventory at the end of the month stood at 5,019 properties for sale, marking a substantial 67 percent increase compared to the same period last year. However, it fell 4.2 percent from the previous month. The decline in inventory is typical for this time of year as many Sellers will remove their properties from the market and wait until the fall.

Additionally, Naples continues to receive accolades for being one of the best places to retire. In a recent study by MarketBeat, Pelican Bay in Naples was ranked the 2nd best place to retire behind the Wilea neighborhood in Maui, Hawaii. With accolades like this, it’s clear why so many are choosing to call Naples home!

May Real Estate Activity

May 2024 versus May 2023 Highlights

• Closed sales decreased 12 percent compared to May of last year.
• Overall pending sales decreased 11 percent versus the same time in 2023.
• Inventory increased 67 percent up from 3,004 homes up to 5,019 homes for sale.
• Average days on market increased 26 percent up to 67 days compared to May of 2023.

In the month of May, a total of 907 properties were sold in the real estate market, consisting of 455 single-family homes and 452 condos. This marked a 12 percent decrease in sales compared to the previous year.

Year-over-year, the median price for single-family homes rose to $850,000 from $745,000. The median sales price for condominiums also rose from $482,500 last May up to $505,000 in May of this year.

Interestingly, the average number of days it took for a property to sell remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 66 to 67 days between April and May. However, this figure still falls short of the typical 120 days seen in a robust market.

Summer is traditionally the slowest time of the year in our area. Thus, sellers must set the right prices to stay competitive in today’s market. In fact, we saw 1,710 price reductions during the month as sellers aligned with the current pricing levels in their neighborhoods. The bottom line, the days of “aspirational pricing” are over.

On the flip side, buyers can benefit from an increased inventory of available properties.

When it comes to navigating the intricate real estate market, whether you are buying or selling, the Naples Golf Guy team is here to assist you. Our team consists of dedicated REALTOR® professionals who possess the knowledge and experience to offer you precise and up-to-date market information.

Feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or text at 239.370.0892 to fulfill all your real estate requirements.

Top 10 Luxury Naples Golf Home Sales in May

• $11,500,000 – 1213 Gordon River Trail in Grey Oaks with 7,713 sq. ft. (96% of list price)
• $10,500,000 – 6897 Grenadier Blvd. Unit 1804 in Pelican Bay with 5,280 sq. ft. (100% of list price)
• $9,781,393 – 16966 Sud Cortile Ct. in Mediterra with 6,350 sq. ft. (98% of list price)
• $9,395,000 – 705 Bobwhite Ln. in Pelican Bay with 5,700 sq. ft. (100% of list price)
• $7,975,000 – 8665 Bay Colony Dr. PH 2004 in Pelican Bay with 3,010 sq. ft. (100% of list price)
• $6,400,000 – 6547 Highcroft Ln. in Quail West with 7,202 sq. ft. (97% of list price)
• $6,350,000 – 4473 Wayside Dr. in Quail West with 5,498 sq. ft. (92% of list price)
• $6,185,000 – 8473 Bay Colony Dr. Unit 1801 in Pelican Bay with 3,230 sq. ft. (89% of list price)
• $5,200,000 –13002 Bald Cypress Ln. in Quail Creek with 5,253 sq. ft. (95% of list price)
• $5,000,000 – 2546 Augusta Dr. in Pelican Marsh with 4,963 sq. ft. (93% of list price)

New Listings in Golf Communities

So, if you just want to keep an eye on the market, we can set up a custom property search that is fully automated or sign up for automatic property alerts.  Please feel free to call us at any time to set up the alerts for you based on your criteria.

Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Golf Community Trends

Your go-to resource for Southwest Florida Gulf Coast golf community real estate trends for Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota.

Below you will find highlights for the latest real estate statistics for single-family golf homes and golf condos in our area for the past 12 months.

Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Golf Communities – Single Family Homes

NAPLES Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Single Family Homes

Audubon Country Club – 8 properties for sale, 21 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,664,501

Collier’s Reserve – 4 properties for sale, 14 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,949,170

Greyhawk at GC of the Everglades – 19 properties for sale, 23 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,455,011

Grey Oaks – 19 properties for sale, 39 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $4,695,833

Kensington – 4 properties for sale, 9 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,619,000

Lely Resort – 29 properties for sale, 84 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,383,029

Mediterra – 23 properties for sale, 25 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $4,309,703

Olde Cypress – 9 properties for sale, 30 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,588,063

Pelican Bay – 32 properties for sale, 18 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $5,305,417

Pelican Bay (Estates at Bay Colony) – 3 properties for sale, 0 properties closed over the past 12 months

Pelican Marsh – 13 properties for sale, 34 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,055,382

Quail Creek – 14 properties for sale, 18 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,725,833

Quail West – 18 properties for sale, 49 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $4,819,486

Talis Park – 3 properties for sale, 5 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $5,179,933

Tiburon – 1 property for sale, 11 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $3,714,091

Treviso Bay – 4 properties for sale, 17 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,361,912

Vineyards – 22 properties for sale, 41 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,320,730

BONITA SPRINGS Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Single Family Homes

Bonita Bay – 22 properties for sale, 50 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,555,860

Palmira – 6 properties for sale, 28 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $949,759

Pelican Landing – 12 properties for sale, 38 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,541,076

Pelican Landing (The Colony) – 4 properties for sale, 8 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,503,750

ESTERO Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Single Family Luxury Homes

Miromar Lakes – 27 properties for sale, 38 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,652,458

Pelican Sound –  0 properties for sale, 5 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,083,380

Shadow Wood – 5 properties for sale, 42 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,670,429

West Bay Club – 2 properties for sale, 15 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,734,751

FORT MYERS Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Single Family Luxury Homes

Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club – 5 properties for sale, 20 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,740,750

The Forest – 8 properties for sale, 24 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $695,958

BRADENTON Florida Recent Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Single Family Luxury Homes

Concession – 9 properties for sale, 15 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $4,027,586

Founders Club – 7 properties for sale, 10 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,534,400

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch – 24 properties for sale, 68 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $988,330

Esplanade at Azario – 19 properties for sale, 101 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,124,330

SARASOTA Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Single Family Luxury Homes

TPC Prestancia – 10 properties for sale, 17 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,139,324

Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Golf Community Trends – Condos

NAPLES Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends –  Condos

Audubon Country Club – 1 property for sale, 2 properties closed over the past 12 months $1,687,000

Grey Oaks –  3 properties for sale, 17 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $3,086,118

Hammock Bay – 32 properties for sale, 28 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $770,321

Kensington – 5 properties for sale, 22 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $885,636

Lely Resort – 81 properties for sale, 126 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $604,733

Mediterra – 13 properties for sale, 22 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,258,068

Pelican Bay – 143 properties for sale, 248 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $2,039,692

Pelican Marsh – 16 properties for sale, 50 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $819,130

Talis Park – 16 properties for sale, 29 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,588,258

Tiburon – 20 properties for sale, 18 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,570,889

Treviso Bay – 18 properties for sale, 69 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $607,235

Vineyards – 34 properties for sale, 74 properties closed the over past 12 months and average sales price $718,185

BONITA SPRINGS Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Condos

Bonita Bay – 79 properties for sale, 160 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,425,081

Palmira – 5 properties for sale, 17 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $685,147

Pelican Landing – 24 properties for sale, 54 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $595,574

Pelican Landing (The Colony) – 43 properties for sale, 39 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,356,314

ESTERO Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Condos

Miromar Lakes – 23 properties for sale, 32 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $1,145,685

Pelican Sound – 8 properties for sale, 36 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $620,067

Shadow Wood – 10 properties for sale, 21 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $677,786

West Bay Club – 17 properties for sale, 23 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $805,565

FORT MYERS Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Condos

Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club – 43 properties for sale, 81 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $841,028

The Forest – 24 properties for sale, 42 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $315,879

BRADENTON Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Condos

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch – 14 properties for sale, 13 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $507,731

Esplanade at Azario – 2 properties for sale, 34 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $556,862

SARASOTA Florida Golf Community Real Estate Trends – Condos

TPC Prestancia – 6 properties for sale, 7 properties closed over the past 12 months and average sales price $500,643

May Sarasota Housing Trends

The latest May Sarasota housing trends showed real estate is thriving with 1,273 properties sold for a total of over $862 Million in the county, including North Port, Sarasota, and Bradenton areas.

Lee County May Housing Market Report

The Lee County May Housing Market reports showed 1,981 properties sold for just under $1.1 Billion during the month in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Captiva, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Miromar Lakes, Sanibel, and surrounding areas.

The luxury market saw 179 properties sold at or above $1 Million in May, down from 222 in April. The highest-priced sale was a single-family home on Bonita Beach for $10,400,000.

Notably, golf home sales continued to dominate the real estate market with a staggering 70% of the top 10 highest-priced properties sold. This trend was particularly evident in the Miromar Lakes and Bonita Bay areas, where seven of the most expensive homes were sold, ranging from $3,300,000 up to $6,100,000. These figures underscore the enduring appeal of golf communities among luxury homebuyers, and the continued demand for high-end properties in sought-after locations.

Overall, inventory increased from 7,294 at the end of last May, up to 12,500 at the end of this May. So, with almost twice as much inventory as last year, there are plenty of options for buyers to chose from.

Are you ready to find your own slice of paradise?

Lee County May Housing Market Report – Single-Family Homes

May 2024 versus May 2023 Single Family Home Highlights:

• Closed sales increased 2.7 percent going from 1,428 transactions up to 1,466 sales.
• Pending sales increased 5.4 percent up from 1,342 last May to 1,415 this May.
• Inventory increased 82.8 percent up to 8,150 properties for sale compared to this same time last year when 4,458 homes were for sale.
• New listings increased from 1,746 up to 1,791 which was a 2.6 percent increase.
• Median days on market increased to 50 days, a 66.7 percent increase, versus May of 2023.
• Available inventory of single-family homes ended May with a 7.1 months supply of homes available for sale, up from a 4 months supply during May of 2023.

Inventory of single-family homes was up significantly over last year as well as the previous month. Ultimately, the month ended with a 7.1 month supply of homes for sale, which was up from 5.1 months supply in April.

Unlike, the last month, the median sales price decreased over the same time last year. In the same way, the price decreased from $540,000 in April down to $415,000 in May. Thus, from a buyer’s perspective, there continued to be more options to choose from than the prior month.

Additionally, prices vary by neighborhood. A key factor is the available inventory within the neighborhood. As inventory increases, prices tend to go down presenting buyers with more opportunities.

Contrary to last month, the number of days from listing a home to contract increased from 40 days during the previous month up to 50 days in May. Similarly, it was still a notable increase over the prior year when it was just 30 days. So, if you are considering selling, it’s critical to price your home competitively from day one. Not sure what your home is worth? Call, email, or text us for a FREE market analysis – 239.370.0892.

Or, if you are planning to buy a property, now is a good time to start watching the communities you are most interested in using our automatic property alerts. Not sure which communities fit your lifestyle? Contact us and we’ll help you target the neighborhoods that offer the amenities and lifestyle you would like to enjoy.

Lee County May Housing Market Report – Condos and Townhomes

May 2024 versus May 2023 Condo Highlights:

• Condo sales decreased 16.1 percent going from 614 real estate transactions down to 515 sales.
• Pending sales decreased 24.9 percent down from 538 last May down to 4404 this May.
• Inventory increased 122.9 percent up to 4,351 condos for sale compared to last May when there were only 1,952 units for sale.
• New listings decreased from 675 down to 641 which was a 5 percent drop.
• Median days to contract was 55 days which represented a 103.7 percent increase versus May of 2023.
• Available inventory of condos ended May with a 10 months supply of properties available for sale which was a 143.9 percent increase over last year.

Ultimately, Lee County finished the month with a 10-month supply of condos for sale, up from a 9-month supply during the prior month. So, it is a buyers’ market if you plan to purchase a condo in Lee County.

 

Similar to the single family home market, there was a notable increase in condo inventory over the prior month. The number of condos for sale rose 9 percent compared to April. If you’re a buyer, the increased condo supply is good news as there are more options available. If you are a seller, you should assess the other properties available to ensure you are in line with the current market value.

 

Once again, days on market increased from month-over-month from 40 days in April up to 50 days in May. Yet, it was still well above last year when it only took 27 days for a property to go to contract.

 

Also, the median condo price ended the month at $340,000 which was down from the prior year when it was $350,250 and it was also down significantly from the prior month when it was $540,000.

 

Finally, 60 percent of condo transactions were cash sales which was down from 70 percent during the previous month. Therefore, if you plan on leveraging a loan for your condo purchase, be aware you’re still competing with cash buyers.

 

Regardless of when you plan to purchase now or sometime in the future if you are a buyer, it may be time to take a closer look at homes for sale in neighborhoods that might fit your criteria. To stay up to date sign up for automatic property alerts.

Not sure if you should sell? We will provide you with the latest market data for your neighborhood and help you decide if it makes sense to list your property. If you decide to move forward, together we will determine the optimum selling price.

Southwest Florida May Housing Market Report

Lee County May Housing Stats – Single Family Homes 2024

Lee County May Housing Stats – Condos May 2024

Naples Golf Guy Monthly Market Report

Recently Listed Golf Properties

Ready for a Florida Vacation Home or Second Home?

If you’re ready to find your dream home or condominium in Southwest Florida, we invite you to explore our website for comprehensive information about the local communities. For golf enthusiasts, we specialize in real estate within golf communities.

With over 200 different golf communities in the area, navigating the various membership options, golf course designs, and amenities can be overwhelming. We will provide you with a curated list of the top private golf communities that align with your lifestyle.

Considering new construction? Keep in mind that the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s interests, not yours. Our representation can help you save money and negotiate for extras.

We also handle all contract negotiations through paperless transactions, ensuring a smooth process from offer to close.

Results You Can Count On

The Naples Golf Guy Team, as seen on Forbes, will provide extraordinary customer service with an emphasis on detail. Professionalism, integrity and discretion are not goals, they are standards. We collaborate with our sellers to design and implement a customized marketing campaign to present your property to the world. Or, for buyers, we will help you find the community that will offer the ultimate Florida lifestyle in Paradise.

About Naples Golf Guy

---

Contact Matt:  Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com

or at 239-370-0892

June 27th, 2024 Posted by Matt

 SWFL Golf Properties Just Listed

Preview SWFL golf properties just listed for sale in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Bradenton, and Sarasota! Are you ready to buy or sell a luxury golf home in Southwest Florida?

There are more than 200 golf courses in southwest Florida. Over 90% of these golf courses require you to be a resident or purchase a social or golf membership. From private equity golf clubs to bundled golf communities, we have a home or condo that will fit your lifestyle.

Also, if you’re wondering why you should choose Southwest Florida, in addition to significant tax advantages (did I mention there is no state income tax, low property taxes, and no inheritance tax?), we have perfect weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, shopping, and dining to suit everyone’s lifestyle.

So, whether you are considering relocating to our area or you are looking to buy your dream home, a second, third, or fourth home, check out some of the Top Private Golf Clubs and golf homes for sale in Southwest Florida Golf Communities on the market today!

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GOLF COMMUNITY PROPERTIES FOR SALE

NAPLES Golf Community Properties for Sale

BONITA SPRINGS Golf Community Properties for Sale

ESTERO Recently Golf Community Properties for Sale

FORT MYERS Golf Community Properties for Sale

BRADENTON Golf Community Properties for Sale

SARASOTA Golf Community Properties for Sale

Which Golf Community is Right for You?

With more than 200 golf communities in Southwest Florida, finding the perfect one to call home doesn’t just feel intimidating, it is. Different golf clubs offer different amenities, courses and lifestyles. So, to discover what truly feels right for you requires an insider’s perspective.

From private equity golf clubs to bundled golf communities, we have a home or condo that will fit your lifestyle. With more than 20 years of experience, we can help narrow down the list of communities to those that fit your lifestyle and housing options. We will help turn the process into an easy and enjoyable one.

Our vast relationships with all the golf communities from Naples to Sarasota allow us to serve our clients by providing relevant and current information about various golf communities in Southwest Florida. We’ll help you understand the difference between our bundled golf communities and our equity/non-equity golf communities. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of membership and community.

Once we know how often you play, other desired club amenities, property type, and a desired price range we can help you narrow the list of clubs down to a handful that will potentially offer you the Florida golf lifestyle you are looking for. Let’s get started, call 239.370.0892 or email us today.

Time to Move to Florida?

Considering a move to Florida? You aren’t the only one. The 2023 U.S. Migration Report published by North American Van Lines analyzes population shifts in the United States. With this data, we can better understand which states have the highest uptick in outbound and inbound movers. Florida was ranked the fifth top inbound state in 2023. 51% of the moves were inbound new residents and 49% were outbound. 

There are many reasons why people are choosing to relocate to Florida. For starters, the state has beautiful beaches, relatively low taxes and retiree-friendly prices. Three counties in the state are experiencing a significant influx of movers. Here’s how they compare:

1. Lee County

Lee County is located on the Gulf Coast and includes popular cities like Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Captiva. The county is known for its pristine beaches and outdoor recreation. While the county population is only around 800,000, experts suggest this number could surpass one million by 2030. The county is experiencing drastic growth due to the influx of job opportunities and a competitive housing market. 

In the past few years, companies like Amazon and Ferguson have built massive facilities, opening doors to new job opportunities in the area. According to BestPlaces, the average cost of a home is around $380,000. Even though this is slightly higher than other counties in Florida, it’s still relatively affordable compared to other states and cities. 

2. Sarasota County 

Along the western coast of Florida is Sarasota County, home to just over 433,000 residents. It’s known for its great weather, superb school districts and always-growing workforce. U.S. News and World Report ranked Sarasota County #18 as the best place to retire and #11 as the best place to live. The median age for the county is around 50 years old. However, since the county is also home to some of the best colleges in the state, there’s also a larger college student population. While many college-aged residents will part ways with Sarasota when they graduate, retirees are ready to settle down for good and enjoy everything Florida offers.

According to Zillow, the average cost of a house is $463,088, an increase of 0.8% year over year. As the county continues to grow and sees a significant uptick in inbound movers, this may continue to drive housing costs in the next few years. 

3. Collier County

Perfectly situated on the south end of Florida is Collier County, with a slightly smaller population of around 375,000 and home to three different Florida cities: Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples. The county is known for its white sand beaches, outdoor attractions, and proximity to the Everglades’ wildlife. Many families and individuals are moving to neighborhoods in this county because of the lower property tax, quality of life and accessibility to some of the best beaches in the state.

Over the years, property inventory has significantly increased. According to the Naples Area Board of REALTORS®, the overall inventory increase is 45.9%, with over 1,000 more homes added to the market than in 2022. Even with the significant increase in inventory, demand has continued to push the cost of housing up. 

According to Zillow, the average cost is around $612,024, a 2.2% increase year-over-year.

Florida is a predominant destination because of affordable housing, cost of living and the quality of life. We expect Florida to continue to see an influx of new residents over the coming years. According to the 2023 Migration Map, the rising cost of inflation and lack of affordable housing is causing many Americans to wave goodbye to states like Illinois, California and Pennsylvania to settle down in a state that can provide a better quality of life – and Florida is one of the best places to consider. 

June 20th, 2024 Posted by Matt