Naples, FL: Home sales, pending home sales increase in April

Lower prices have lured back buyers, who are feeling now is the time to buy. In April, Realtors in the Naples area had their busiest month of the year.

Overall, home sales rose 6 percent to 472, compared to 445 last year, according to a monthly report by the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR).

Meanwhile, pending home sales increased 25 percent to 616, from 494 a year ago. "I think we’ve hit bottom in Naples and that comes from the economists who really study this," said Arlene Carozza, a Realtor and NABOR’s president.

In an interview with Mad Money host Jim Cramer on CNBC earlier this week, Bob Toll, CEO of homebuilder Toll Brothers, described the west coast of Florida as its "one ray of hope." "Naples is back. It’s amazing," he said, adding that his company is now out of spec inventory here and its prices are starting to rise in this market.

According to the NABOR statistics, the median price for all homes in the Naples area dropped more than 23 percent last month to $300,000, from $390,000 a year ago. Joe Ballarino, president of Amerivest Realty in Naples, said a spike in foreclosures and short sales _ sales made for less than the bank is owed _ have driven prices down faster in this market.

In April, the median price dropped to $258,000 for condos, and to $400,000 for single-family homes. "You have people walking away from properties and banks that just want to get their loan values and are taking less than what they are owed on the property," Ballarino said.

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Ann Darwish Earns ABR Designation

Amerivest Realty congratulates Ann Darwish on earning the ABR designation. "We are proud to have another agent at Amerivest Realty earn an important and prestigious designation that demonstrates an enhanced ability to better serve her clients" - Joe Ballarino, President & Founder

The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, REBAC, was founded in 1988 to promote superior buyer representation skills and services. An affiliate of THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® since 1996, REBAC’s membership now numbers well over 50,000 and is the worlds largest organization of real estate professionals concentrating on buyer representation. Members who meet all course and professional experiential requirements are awarded the ABR® (Accredited Buyer Representative) .

The ABR® designation is geared towards agents who wish to enhance their buyer representation skills, and provides proof to prospective buyer-clients of their proficiency at servicing the special needs of buyers.

Naples Market Recovery Lead by Luxury Market

The first sign of a recovery in the Naples Florida real estate market has shown itself. Pending Sales of residential properties listed above 2 million for the first 3 quarters of 2007 have exceeded the first 3 quarters of 2006:

Pending Sales 2mil+:
2006 = 250
2007 = 257
Gain = 3%
Volume = 900 million

Further analysis of median price for the market segment shows that it bottomed out in the 1st & 3rd quarters of 2005. With overall Naples inventory near 11,000, we may be looking at a market that will move from a buyer's market to a more balanced market in early 2008.

Reported by Joe Ballarino, President & Founder, Amerivest Realty.

Naples MLS Stats for September 2007

The following is the Statistics for improved residential properties in all Naples Geographic areas as denoted within SunshineMLS, considered the most relevant and accurate source for this data:

Amerivest Realty Announces September Leaders

Closings By Dollar Volume:
David Auston
David specializes in luxury golf communities and enjoys playing the fantastic selection of golf courses in Naples, Florida! A proven record of exceptional service is but a phone call away to anyone who knows David. David's success has come from a combination of hard work, education, honesty, professionalism, and mostly importantly, the satisfaction that he gets from seeing his clients completely satisfied!

"To truly treat your clients the way that I would want to be treated is at the heart of how I live my life." -David Auston -

http://www.DavidNaples.com/


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Closings By Number Of Transactions:
Michael Metcalf
LET US HELP
We at The Metcalf Group extend our sincere gratitude to all of you who frequent our website. You have made it far more successful than we ever imagined. As a new service, we will now automatically monitor and alert you when the type of property you are looking for comes to market. Simply click on the new property notifier and enter your email address, choose your search critera and you will be among the first know of newly listed properties.

Thank you for considering The Metcalf Group and we look forward to working with you! Our Web Site is http://www.naplesflmls.com/




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New Listings By Dollar Volume:
Bob Norwood
Accolades:
- Top 1% of Real Estate sales associates in the United States.
- Over 35 years of professional selling experience.
- Certified Residential Specialist Designation in 1990.
- Hundreds of Millions in career sales.
- Licensed Real Estate Broker in Florida and Indiana.

On the web at http://www.NaplesNorwood.com/


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New Listings By Number of Properties
Michael & Dana DeLong

Michael and Dana Delong can help you find your way with personal integrity, experience, and an intimate knowledge of the terrain. The DeLong Team offers over 10 years of local real estate experience. Dana is a native of Atlanta, Georgia with a family background in real estate, who won’t miss the smallest detail.

Visit them on the web at http://DeLongRealEstate.com/

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NOTE: At Amerivest Realty our leaders are selected based on their performance over the prior 12 months, not just the most current month. These are proven, dedicated performers, not just one month wonders. An associate or team may only win one category each month and only once a year.

Amerivest Realty Announces July Leaders

Closings By Dollar Volume:
Jackie Sweet
Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced investor, you will find useful information about how to choose the "right" property, making an offer, negotiating, financing, mortgage rates, moving, and everything involved in making an informed real estate decision in today's market.

Visit My Site at: http://sweethomesofnaples.com/






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Closings By Number Of Transactions:
Derek Carlson
Search Naples Florida Real Estate, including property descriptions, new developments, pre-construction, pictures, and virtual tours. Derek Carlson and The Carlson Group at Amerivest Realty Of Naples are your Naples Florida Real Estate Specialists.

Visit them on the web at http://naplesfloridarealestatepro.com/








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New Listings By Dollar Volume:
Bridgette & Gene, Foster, ABR, EPRO - The Foster Team, Realtors®
The FosterTeam is the prominent waterfront real estate professional team in Naples and Bonita Springs. Bridgette and Gene Foster are dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground. Constant research of the market and effective innovative marketing of your property is what we use to help meet your real estate goals.

Visit their personal site at http://golfngulfnaples.com/




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New Listings By Number of Properties
Don Hunt

To view a list of properties For Sale in the following communities, please click on the links below.
Cedar Hammock Golf & Country Club
Forest Glen Golf & Country Club
Naples Lakes Country Club
Naples Heritage Golf & Country Club

Visit www.DonHunt.com


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NOTE: At Amerivest Realty our leaders are selected based on their performance over the prior 12 months, not just the most current month. These are proven, dedicated performers, not just one month wonders. An associate or team may only win one category each month and only once a year.

NABOR Reports Second Quarter Statistics

NAPLES - The Naples Area Board of Realtors® has released second quarter 2007 statistics for home listings and sales in Naples, utilizing the Board’s local reporting format.

In this report, only sales of homes within the Naples geographic area are being shown - specifically all areas in Collier County excluding Marco Island and other outlying areas - to reflect an accurate and relevant portrait of the local real estate market.

A summary of the statistics is presented in graph format, along with the following analysis.

New listings as of June 30, 2007, were 4,497, falling below the 5,213 reported in the second quarter of 2006, and below the 5,885 new listings reported at the end of the first quarter 2007. A reduction in the number of new listings may ultimately provide some relief to what has been at times a saturated market.


Pending sales during the second quarter of 2007 were reported at 1,261, down from 1,390 reported in the second quarter of 2006.


There were 1,300 closed sales reported at the end of the second quarter of 2007, a drop from the second quarter of 2006 which reported 1,406 closed sales.


The median sales price of homes sold during the second quarter of 2007 was $390,500. The median refers to the middle value in a set of statistical values that are arranged in ascending or descending order, in this case prices at which homes were actually sold.


It should be noted that in any given period the median can vary greatly if there is an anomaly, a single sale that is significantly higher or lower than other properties in the area. The median price of homes sold in the second quarter of 2006 was reported at $430,000.

Median pricing is holding steady, continuing an upward trend line over the long term. In comparison to both the national and state real estate markets, Naples remains relatively stable, a reflection of intrinsic real estate value.

Inventory: As of July 1, 2007, there were 10,974 active listings on the market. With 4,030 homes sold in the previous 12 months, it is calculated that the current inventory represents a 33-month supply, below the 35-month inventory calculated at the end of the first quarter of 2007.

The calculation of months’ supply is derived by dividing the total number of listings at the beginning of the month (Supply) by the number of sales which closed over the past 12 months (Demand). This way we normalize the data by utilizing the prior rolling 12 months closing statistics (Demand). This methodology illustrates a more realistic trend which takes into account market seasonality. After we calculate the years supply, we then multiply the years supply times 12 to get the months supply. This is the current method used by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence.

Arlene Carozza Added As Corporate Trainer

Amerivest Realty is excited to announce the addition of Arlene Carozza as its corporate trainer. "With 30+ years of successful management and coaching experience, Arlene brings a wealth of real estate knowledge to our firm" - Joe Ballarino, President & Founder.

Arlene started her real estate career in 1977 as a salesperson and became a broker just 2 years later in 1979. After starting a successful sales career she began in management full time in 1983 with Coldwell Banker. She moved on to a 15 year career with Arvida Realty Services (Formerly Prudential Florida Realty/Merrill Lynch Realty), then on to other successful management posts.

Arlene has always been active in the local board of Realtors. She is currently the President-Elect for the Naples Area Board of Realtors, and will become President in 2008, a position she held with the Orlando Board of Realtors in 1992. Besides serving on too many committees to list, she was also named a Realtor of the Year for Gainesville in 1983.

At Amerivest Realty, Arlene will conduct monthly training meetings and offer one on one coaching for agents. "I love to teach and just want to be able to share my knowledge in a comfortable environment" - said Arlene Carozza.

Naples Season Sales Off 7.7%, Prices Down 10.6%

This morning I pulled year to date Naples, Florida statistics from Sunshine MLS (the local MLS system) to determine how the 2007 season compared to 2006. I compared numbers from January 1 to May 31 for each year and found the following:

Number of Pending Sales
2006: 2651
2007: 2448
DOWN 7.7%

Median Price Average:
2006: $443,300
2007: $396,440
DOWN 10.6%

So what does it mean? These numbers are no where near the poor pending numbers when comparing 2006 to 2005, a time where pending sales dropped 53.1%. Even better news is pricing, 2006 to 2005 had seen a gain in median prices by 27%, however we have only given 10.6% back.

This market rewards sellers who price their property correctly and severely penalizes those who don't. With residential inventory over 11,000 units, buyers can find great value if they do their homework.

Of course I recommend hiring a Realtor, our value is really apparent in a normal market like today.

Joe Ballarino
President & Founder
Amerivest Realty

Joyce Etchison Attends International Conference

Joyce Etchison from the Naples Amerivest Realty office was among more than 300 Realtors who traveled from around the United States and the world to learn about the latest international trends, how to market their properties, establish international business relationships, and continue their professional development at the 11th Annual International Real Estate Congress in Miami, Florida June 12 - 14, 2007. High-level delegations from approximately 10 countries and 30 U.S. cities traveled to Miami to network with real estate practitioners from the U. S. and around the globe.

"This was an outstanding program for anyone involved in any phase of real estate services in the United States and with neighboring countries and cities. I had the opportunity also to meet some wonderful agents from as near as Vero Beach and Sarasota as well as many other Florida cities, then on to North Carolina, Colorado, Costa Rica, and even learned more about Dubai! We shared information about our respective markets and set up a referral network among us" Etchison said.

This year's conference brought together an array of nationally and internationally known real estate experts, forecasters, and national speakers to address the hottest industry issues, including factors that are influencing trends in international real estate investment and development. "I especially enjoyed the presentation by Dr. Lawrence Yun, senior economist with NAR on the topic of 'Real Estate Forecast and Markets to Target for Foreign Investment' , as I came away confident that we are just experiencing a "blip" in our market after seeing the statistics on baby boomers' demand in Fla., economic growth, housing prices compared to other markets in the U.S. and especially abroad. South Florida offers 'warm waters' unlike many coastal countries abroad and there is a definite trend showing the demand for our properties coming from Europe, Canada, and Asia."

"I also enjoyed visiting new highrise construction in downtown Miami and was 'awed' by the change of its skyline, as I sold real estate there in the late 70's and early 80's. The architecture, views and amenities are incredible. All in all, I came home rejuvenated about the real estate market and opportunity in Florida, made great contacts for my potential buyers and sellers, but I regret the five pounds I gained due to the fine dining offered at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables".

The conference will be held June 9 - 12, 2008 in Miami once again. To contact Joyce, visit her website at http://www.joycesellsnaples.com/

Amerivest Realty Announces May Leaders

Closings By Dollar Volume:
Mary Catherine & Larry White

Naples Florida Luxury Real Estate Specialists. Recognized by Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate. They are uniquely qualified to handle the purchase and sale of luxury estates in and around Naples.

Visit their personal site at http://www.naplesluxuryestates.com/





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Closings By Number Of Transactions:
Eydie Heller & Bob Chapman

Eydie and Bob are "Spouses Selling Houses" in the Naples Florida real estate market. They specialize in the family beach neighborhood of Naples Park and also call Naples Park home. Eydie & Bob are full time real estate professionals and will always look out for your best interests.
Visit their personal site at http://www.eydiebob.com/



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New Listings By Dollar Volume:
Molly Whalen, PA

The Affordable Housing Realty Team is committed to helping individuals while integrating local solutions and regional approaches to a complex problem. We are committed to making a difference in the quality of life for current and future generations living and working in our neighborhood.

Visit her personal site at: http://www.affordablehousingrealtyteam.com/




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New Listings By Number of Properties
Jim & Debra Monterosso


REO Specialists with over 30 years combined experience. Southwest Florida's choice for REO asset preservation and disposition.

Visit them on the web at http://www.reobrokersflorida.com/







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NOTE: At Amerivest Realty our leaders are selected based on their performance over the prior 12 months, not just the month of May. These are proven, dedicated performers, not just one month wonders. An associate or team may only win one category each month and only once a year.

Naples Waterfront Isolation Still Available

from naplesnews.com, Special to the Daily News

Friday, June 1, 2007

With the area awash in a sea of development, it is hard to imagine that little oases, characterized by natural waterfront settings, can still be found in Southwest Florida condo neighborhoods. Local Realtors say that for a certain niche of buyers, homes that are buffered from more urbanized area next door, yet offer easily access to shopping, restaurants and entertainment, are a highly sought after prize.

“Some homebuyers love the hustle and bustle of a vibrant neighborhood and thrive on contact with an urban environment,” said Larry White, who with his wife, Mary Catherine, is a Realtor with Amerivest Realty in Naples (www.NaplesLuxuryEstates.com), specializing in multimillion dollar properties in the Collier County market. “However, for others the idea of a little space between them and urban life is the ideal. Finding properties like this, particularly in Naples is increasingly difficult.”

That is why the Whites were pleased to obtain a true penthouse listing at 10 Seagate Drive in Naples Cay. “This property is remarkable in its solitude,” said Larry. “The beachfront building is at the end of a lane several hundred yards removed from the rest of the mid-rises and high rises of Naples Cay. To the east is a long back bay water view, There is no development to the north for two miles and Clam Pass cuts off beach access so there is relatively little pedestrian traffic on the beach. It’s amazing that a place like this can exist on the Gulf in the heart of Naples.”

The four-bedroom/den/four-bath penthouse has 5,007 square feet of living area. A staircase leads to the private rooftop where there is a kitchenette, an art studio and a hot tub. The 270-degree views pan across from the city to the east around to the beach where there are full, uninterrupted views of the Gulf from north to south, with Sanibel Island clearly visible on sunny days.

According to White, the residents of the 14-story building tend to share a common desire for privacy. “It’s a quiet building and many of the residents are high profile individuals and captains of industry with readily recognizable names in their public lives,” said Mary Catherine. “However, here they are able to be more secluded while still having all of the delights of Naples at their fingertips.”

One of the neighborhood’s simplest amenities is testament to its private natural setting. Almost out of sight among the mangroves at the northeast corner of the building is a small rack holding a pair of bright red kayaks.

“Only a couple of steps from their front door, residents can put a kayak into the back bay and kayak in pristine nature down to Clam Pass and right out into the open Gulf,” said Mary Catherine.

Property Information: 10 Seagate Naples Florida

David Cole Named Director of Business Development

Naples, Florida
Amerivest Realty is pleased to announce that David Cole has been named Director of Business Development.

David comes to Amerivest Realty after serving for 13 years as Broker/VP of Operations of a 6 office, 230 agent brokerage. "David possesses the experience and talent that Amerivest Realty required in order to continue the strong growth we have been experiencing" said Joe Ballarino, Founder & President.

When asked why he chose Amerivest Realty for the next step in his career, David responded "Amerivest Realty has the most advanced technology services in our market place. The leadership at Amerivest Realty also knows that a successful business must continually strive to improve their products and services and Amerivest Realty has done that year after year".

David started his real estate career in 1983, orginally from Norman, Oklahoma. He moved to Southwest Florida in 1988, working with Re/Max Realty Group as a sales associate, then opened his own Century 21 franchise serving as a Broker/Owner, before spending the last 13 years with VIP Realty Group. He also served as President of the Realtor Association of Greater Ft. Myers and the Beach.

"David's vast experience will not only help us in Southwest Florida, but in increasing our franchises throughout Florida and the rest of the country in the coming years" - Joe Ballarino.

Dominick Tascher Earns GRI Designation

Amerivest Realty congratulates Dominick Tascher for recently earning the GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) Designation.

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.

For more information about Dominick, visit his website: Naples Real Estate

March Pendings Sales Match Last Year

The number of pending sales in March of 2007 came within 1 unit of the number of pending sales in 2006 for Naples Florida. This should be the signal of the end of a falling market, one in which since September 2005 saw steady declines in pending sales. Here's the numbers: