In Naples, when we say, “Season’s coming“, we don’t necessarily meaning the holiday season…Contrary to popular beliefs, we DO have seasons in Southwest Florida! Dry and Rainy–just kidding…although that is pretty much right on!
~What I am actually referring to is our “Selling Season“. When the autumn winds start to churn, and leaves begin to fall…the annual migration of snowbirds begin to make their way down to a warmer climate. Whether they are jetsetters, arriving at their beachfront condo or retired CEOs heading for their golf course estate: one of many ‘second’ homes they own…Or even a homeless person seeking shelter from the cold…yes, our local shelters also burst at the seams when the north winds blow…Ours is a beautiful town, a magical place, that people gravitate towards each and every year. Regardless of the state of the economy…Naples is a destination! Folks from all walks of life, from all corners of the world…there is no place else they’d rather spend their winter. This migration begins in mid-October for many. Those who have sought refuge from the cold, and have made Naples their domicile must reside in Florida for 6 months and a day to enjoy the benefits of being a Florida resident…no state income tax and the like. We have FREE eBooks on our website’s HOME page that you can download, one of which tells how you can make Florida your residence!
~This coming season marks my 30th selling season in Naples…and I am still just as excited about what I do for a living as I was when I first got licensed…probably even more! Now I get to anticipate the coming season with a partner…My husband, and business partner Chip Harris. Presently we are away, up at our cabin in the mountains doing what I like to call, “sharpening the ax.”—Yes, we still work everyday: make calls, proof ads, write blog posts, social network, negotiate contracts, write letters…but we also refuse to set an alarm clock, we have no real deadlines or obligations…We are currently in the midst of writing our 2011 Business Plan. Being away from the office gives us a unique perspective of what we want to accomplish, both professionally and personally in the coming year. Just like looking at a beautiful painting or landscape, you a clearer view of the big picture when you take a step back.
We are fielding many more requests for seasonal rentals than we have in the past 4 years, and I think this is a very positive indication of what is to come…of course, I always try to maintain my optimistic outlook, but in addition to my own happy spin on things, the numbers seem to point to a leveling out in real estate values.
Earlier today, in response to an article that someone posted on facebook, I ran the numbers of what the Median Sold Price in Naples has been in the past 12 months. According to data derived from our Naples MLS the median sold price of single family homes is about $208,000. Doing that same search, but only considering the 34102 zip code, the Median Sold Price in the past 12 months was approximately $1,088,000. The luxury market looks more promising after 4 years of the ‘under $300,000.’ driving the market.
So, if you are thinking of coming down to Naples this season to take a look around, get your reservations in soon!
We’ll see you soon!
The Naples Real Estate Blogger
