Fort Myers Beach Vacation Rentals

Located on Estero Island just off the coast of Florida, Fort Myers Beach is a quant, picturesque town that is overflowing with natural wonders. The next time you want to enjoy all of the stunning, untamed beauty that an “Old Florida” destination has to offer, stay in one of the spacious and convenient vacation Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals that rest along the Gulf of Mexico.

Fort Myers Beach is the perfect vacation destination for anyone who appreciates a serene, natural setting without any of the touristy attractions that can overwhelm what is meant to be a relaxing getaway. Whether you want to rest along the shores of what has been termed the safest beach in the world or simply stroll along the sugar white sands without another soul in sight, a home or condo rental can help you realize your dream vacation getaway.

When the seven miles of towering palm trees and stunning sand lie just outside your backdoor, you have access to a personal paradise that is more inviting and spectacular than you ever imagined. The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico are available day and night for whatever watersport suites your style, while the soft sands offer romantic sunset strolls and the perfect sunning spot for an easygoing day in this gorgeous Florida setting. And when you need a break from the great outdoors for a refreshing lunch or a hearty dinner, the expansive turquoise waters can be your backdrop for a picturesque meal on your private balcony.

Although the beach is the main attraction for guests of Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals, your accommodations also make it easy to enjoy everything that you love about the area. Watch dolphins and pelicans search for a morning meal from your lanai; relax in your private pool or hot tub with the sound of the Gulf as a welcome reminder of your tropical surroundings; or grill up a few burgers on your personal barbeque while soaking in the soft Gulf breeze. No matter what kind of waterfront adventure you can imagine, your home away from home is always an accommodating host.

After exploring some of the outdoor treasures of the Fort Myers Beach area, including Lovers Key State Recreation Area and Lee County Manatee Park, your Fort Myers Beach vacation rental can be your safe haven after a busy and exhausting day. Kick back in the spacious living room while you catch up on the day’s events on the wireless internet or simply rest on the cozy patio with a good book. And if you are left with dirty clothes from your canoeing, kayaking, or hiking excursions, you can toss them into the washer and dryer before relaxing in your spacious rental.

A vacation home rental is the ideal accommodations choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the wondrous natural beauty of Fort Myers Beach without a care or concern in the world. Everything you need for a perfectly relaxing and enjoyable getaway is at your fingertips, including plenty of beach towels and linens, a fully-equipped kitchen, and enough bedrooms and space to comfortably house your entire family, so you never need to worry about unforeseen problems or constant bickering during your dream vacation.

To experience the romantic retreat or family getaway you always imagined, begin your search for a waterfront Fort Myers Beach vacation rental today. With all of your favorite outdoor attractions just steps or a short car ride away and all of the comforts of home available inside of your lodging, every second of the day is bound to be more entertaining and relaxing than you ever thought possible.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/fort-myers-beach-vacation-rentals-96362.html

Great Reasons to Choose a Condo on a Florida Beach

When you start looking at Florida condominiums, you just might find that it’s definitely worth it to take a closer look at those that put you near a Florida beach.
Here are some great advantages to having a condo by the beach:

1. It’s great for relaxation. When you’re able to get to the beach whenever you’re stressed out, you’ll find that the cool breezes and sounds of crashing waves are great for reducing the stress.
2. It’s great for fitness. When you run on the beach, you’ll be able to take advantage of core training and balance work - things that aren’t all that easy to come by when you run on a treadmill.
3. It’s great for having friends and family visit. When you’ve got a Florida beach condo, you’ll find that your family and friends have built in activities when they visit from out of town.
4. A Florida beach condo is a great choice for those who are thinking about having a vacation property because of the year round great weather, nearby golf and other activities.

Of course, those aren’t the only reasons to consider investing in a Florida beach condo; but they just might get you thinking about the way in which a new home could benefit you.
Resource: www.seasideviews.com

Naples Home Market Conditions January 08

The Naples single family home market conditions is continuing to show a trend of less listings coming on the market in January 2008. Pending sales are also showing an improvement in the number of homes having offers which are being accepted by the sellers. The number of closed sales were down from previous years as well as the median price which was down 7.9% in comparison to last January.
New Listings - during the month of January 2008, a total of 1,127 single family homes in Naples were listed for sale, up from the 629 listings in December. This compares favorably with 1,411 listings in January 2006, and 1,340 listings in January 2005. Traditionally, the month of January has the highest number of new listings. As the number of new listings coming on the market reduces, the inventory of homes will decrease through sales or sellers deciding to remove their houses from the market.
Closed Sales - the volume of closed sales for Naples homes in January 2008 totaled 111, down from December’s 143. This is slightly less than the 140 homes sold in January 2007 and the 204 homes in January 2005. Although the number of closed is less than 2007, the impact of the elimination of sub-prime borrowers purchasing homes in 2007 is not being reflected in this analysis. The national average for sub-prime borrowers is about 16%, so the decrease in closings may not be as significant as the number reflect. January closings are usually one of the lowest of year.
Pending Sales - for the month of January came in at 195 homes for Naples, up from 146 pending sales in December. In 2007 and 2006, the pending sales were 220 and 244, respectively.
Median Purchase Price - the median price paid for a Naples home was $450,000 in January, which is up (7.9%) from December’s median price of $417,000. The median prices paid in 2007 and 2006 were $584,500 and $580,000, respectively.
Resource: www.adeltarealty.net

Naples City Council OKs zoning change for garage, condo complex

Naples City Council on Wednesday approved a request to change the zoning and small-scale density for one downtown residential community, giving developers the opportunity to move forward with a four-story, 42-foot-high parking garage and condominium complex.

Council voted 5-2 to change the zoning designation for a 43,000-square-foot parcel of land at Fourth Avenue South and Fourth Street South. The rezone changes the property from a mutli-family, residential zoning district to a planned development.

The move also increases the density in the neighborhood, by allowing developers to build a 22-unit condominium complex.

Councilmen Bill MacIlvaine and Bill Willkomm cast the dissenting vote.

The development would bring up to 52 public parking spaces to the west side of Fifth Avenue South.

The building would be 42 feet tall, with three stories above ground. The first two levels of parking would be built below ground and at ground level, while the upper floors would be residential units.

Developers were able to put parking below ground after tweaking the plans to include about 1,000 square feet of office space in the southwest corner of the garage

Fourth and Fourth Associates, LLC, the developers in charge of the Fourth and Fourth property, agreed to adjust the hours of operation to only allow entry between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Source : http://www.naplesnews.com/

Naples Real Estate NewsNaples Real Estate News - 02/06/08

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE - Allstate insurance companies can keep writing new policies in Florida under an appeals court ruling late Wednesday that rejected the state’s attempt to stop them, but which also potentially sets up a quick resolution to the standoff.

MORTGAGE RATES - Rates on 30-year mortgages rose for the first time this year, to an average of 5.68 percent, after four straight weekly declines, according to Freddie Mac. Economists attributed the slight increase to the rebound in rates that occurred in Treasury bond markets this week.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS - The United States Senate hasn’t embraced one provision of an economic stimulus package that’s important than to increase in the loan limits backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. An increase would allow home buyers to qualify for higher-priced homes without relying on higher-rate jumbo mortgages. In addition, it will assist with the refinancing of higher priced properties without the jumbo rate mortgages.

Source : http://www.adeltarealty.net/

Naples Condo Market Report December 07

In the Naples real estate market condominiums show some positive trends in new listings coming on the market, closed sales, and pending sales as one reviews the statistics and analysis, with exception of median price paid. The market report covers not only the month of December, but also for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 and 2007 in totality.

Monthly Analysis:
Listings:
The number of new condo listings coming on the market in December was 535. In December 2006 the number was 683 or a reduction of 22% in volume. In December 2005, new listings were 720 condos or a reduction of about 26%. This represents a positive sign as fewer condos are coming on the market and should eventually be reflected in the gross number of available condos for sale.

The number of months of condo resale inventory is 34 months.

Closed Sales:
The number of closed sales for condominiums in the Naples area in December was 118 versus 140 in December 2006 or a volume reduction of about 16%. Considering the tighter requirements for mortgages and the elimination of sub-prime borrower programs, this is positive for the market. When looking at December 2005, the closed sales totaled 186, a reduction in closed sales volume of 37%. December 2005 many of the sub-prime and liberal loans were available. As many of us are aware the market started to change in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Pending Sales:
A total of 125 condos in the Naples area were pending sale as of the end of December. In December 2006, 120 condos were pending sale as of month end. While in 2005 there were a total of 193. With pending sales we can see the trend or impact of the elimination of liberal underwriting requirements and sub-prime borrower programs, when comparing pending sales between 2005 and 2007. It is interesting to notice that 2007 pending sales for condos are slightly over 2006.

Median Price Paid:
The median price paid for a condo in the Naples for the month of December 2007 was $285,250. The median price paid was $326,000 in December 2006, which represents approximately 12.5% reduction in the median price. The median price paid in 2005 was $406,425. The reduction in whole dollars was $121,175 or roughly 30%.

For the year over year December analysis one can conclude that the real estate market for condominium median prices are declining, while other aspects reflect buyer optimism.

Quarterly Analysis:
Listings:
During the 4th quarter ending December 31, 2007, the total number of new listings was 2,068 versus 2,630 in 2006 and 2,084 in 2005. The reduction in the new listings for the 4th quarter versus 2006 and 2005 could be a sign of the market’s eventual strengthening. With less condominiums coming on the market, the median price paid could in the future could stabilize or trend upwards slightly.

Closed Sales:
A total of 339 condos were sold in the 4th quarter of 2007 versus 354 in 2006 and 583 in 2005. The reduction of 15 condos between 2007 and 2006 equates to about 4%. While between 2007 and 2005 the reduction of 244 or 42% is substantial.

Median Price:
The median price paid for a condo in the Naples area during the 4th quarter of 2007 was $285,500. The median price paid in 2006 was $317,500 and $382,000 in 2005. The median price reduction between 2007 and 2006 was about 10%. However, the reduction between 2007 and 2005 was approximately 25%.

2007 Year Analysis:
Listings:
In 2007 there were a total of 8,836 new listings to come on the market for sale. In 2006, the total was 10,630 and 7,150 in 2005. The new listings in 2007 were less than 2006 and could represent a stabilization or reduction of new listings for condos coming on the market in the future.

Closed Sales:
During 2007, 1,820 Naples condos were sold compared to 1,967 homes in 2006 and 4,293 in 2005. The reduction in the total number of condos sold in 2007 compared to 2006 was 147 condos. This could suggest that the mortgage crisis did not affect the condo market as much as the single family home market as well as buyer confidence in the condo market due to the reduction in median prices paid for a condo.

Median Price:
The median price paid for a condo in Naples in 2007 was $305,000 versus $355,000 in 2006 or a percentage reduction in value of 14%. The median price was $360,000 in 2005. The reduction in value between 2007 and 2005 was about 15%.

What is very interesting to note is that the median price paid for a condo in Naples during 2004 was $241,000. The big question is the prices going to continue to decline? Be sure to read my post on the 2008 real estate forecast from Florida economist, Hank Fishkind.

Source : http://www.adeltarealty.net/

Naples Real Estate News

Florida insurance regulators abruptly ended a planned two-day hearing with Allstate executives Tuesday, angered that the company and its attorneys failed to fully comply with a subpoena demanding information on property coverage rates. While Allstate’s four Florida companies had asked for double-digit rate increases, the insurer told state regulators it planned to drop that request.

My personal experience with Allstate Insurance, was that they dropped me after 23 years of paying insurance premiums. The reason allegedly was due to the age of my home and the wind zone that it was located within. Of course, between us - it could have been my insurance claim which was filed and paid from hurricane damage as a result of Hurricane Wilma.

Or, could it be, Allstate is looking to insure only those homes with low risks? Lower the risk, raise the premiums and guess what - more bottom line profits!!

RENTALS - In some of the areas hit hardest by the sub-prime mortgage crisis, finding a rental apartment is easier and, in some cases, cheaper than it was before the credit crunch. Vacancies have risen in 29 markets in the fourth quarter of 2007, including Palm Beach and Orlando, according to Reis Inc., a New York real-estate research firm.

Renters should be aware when signing a rental lease with a property owner, if the property owner is foreclosed upon, they will have to vacate the property. A potential renter should check the county records to determine if a Lis Pendens has been filed by a lender on the property or if a final judgment has been recorded.

FLOOD INSURANCE - When Congress resumes this month, the National Flood Insurance Program’s renewal will be one of many issues before lawmakers. About 33 percent of all NFIP claims are related to homes in minimal-risk areas, and experts estimate during a 30-year mortgage, a home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood.

My recommendation for all purchasers of residences in the Naples real estate market is to purchase flood insurance regardless if the lender does not require the flood insurance or if the condominium they are purchasing is on the first floor of a condominium building. We are located in a sub-tropical environment and subject to tropical storm downpours periodically.

INCOME TAX TIP - Homeowners with a new mortgage that is covered by insurance can claim a tax break on the insurance this year. Called the qualified mortgage insurance deduction, it lets taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 write off the full cost of mortgage insurance, while those who earn less than $109,000 can take a write-off for part of it.

Source : http://www.adeltarealty.net/

NABOR resumes release of monthly sales figures, with optimism

Local Realtors see glimmers of hope in a new monthly sales report put out by the Naples Area Board of Realtors.

The first-of-a-kind report, released Tuesday, shows signs of a turnaround in the Naples-area market.

Highlights include:

-- Sales made through the Multiple Listing Service were up for homes under $300,000 in the Naples area in December. There were 110 sales, compared to 103 a year earlier. The same market saw a 33 percent increase in sales in 2007.

-- Overall, there were 275 sales pending in the MLS in December. That came within two sales of breaking a 27-month downward trend.

-- The number of available condominiums dropped to 5,816 in December, down from 6,014 a year ago, a 3 percent decline.

“The facts are the facts, and when you look at the numbers it appears as though we are now once again headed in the right direction,” said Arlene Carozza, NABOR’s president.

Joe Ballarino, president and CEO of Amerivest Realty in North Naples, describes the report as “mixed.” Parts of the market are doing much better than others.

“I think we’re at or near the bottom,” Ballarino said. “We may have finally hit bottom.”

The report reflects sales made in Collier County through the Sunshine MLS, excluding Marco Island. It includes an overall market summary and breaks sales down by geographic area carved out by zip code.

In December, there were 269 single-family and condominium sales, down from 312 a year ago. The median home price fell to $380,000, from $412,000 in December 2006, according to the report.

Last year, 3,889 homes sold, down from 4,518 in 2006, the report says.

In the under $300,000 category, sales rose to 1,401 last year, from 1,066 in 2006, fueled

by a nearly 10 percent drop in median price to $230,000.

“It’s the middle of the market that has been overpriced. The $300,000 to $1 million category is where the sales aren’t happening and that’s because the prices aren’t in line. They need to drop another 5 to 10 percent,” Ballarino said.

In the $500,000 to $1 million price range, 811 homes sold in 2007, down from 1,037 in 2006. The median price dropped by $2,000.

In the $1 million to $2 million category, 374 homes sold last year, compared to 439 in 2006. In December there were 25 sales, the same as in 2006.

“In the luxury market prices are holding well and their sales are already coming back,” Ballarino said.

The Naples beachfront, which includes such affluent neighborhoods as Port Royal and Park Shore, and North Naples are leading markets for sales.

In December, there were 71 sales in the Naples beachfront area, compared to 68 a year ago. In 2007, 926 homes sold, up from 889 in 2006.

In North Naples, 73 homes sold in December, 10 less than a year ago. In 2007, there were

1,161 sales, down from 1,202 in 2006.

Sales have declined most in Central Naples. There were 927 in 2006 and 653 last year.

Last year, condo prices fell the most. The median price went from $365,000 to $300,000. But in some areas of the condo market, prices are already back on the rise.

“I know the average person, when you listen to the news, and read the various news stories, you think everything is going down. Yet that is not the case here,” said Broker Michael Hughes at Downing-Frye Realty Inc. in Naples.

In the $500,000 to $1 million range, the median price for condos went from $670,000 in 2006 to $680,000 last year.

Realtors and brokers say showings are up in recent weeks, another sign of a market turnaround.

Business typically picks up with the start of the winter season, when more northerners come to town to escape the cold. But agents say they are getting more calls and interest than usual for this time of year.

“Pending contracts seem to be falling in a little earlier, which I like,” Hughes said.

He describes his outlook as “cautiously optimistic.”

“You’ve got interest rates that are extremely favorable,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of inventory and you’ve got a very cold winter up North, and the weather down here has been beautiful.”

Brett Brown, a Realtor with Miromar Realty of Southwest Florida Inc., said he’s seen the most activity on homes priced at $300,000 and below. Homes selling for more than $1 million also are generating more interest, he said.

Since Dec. 29, business has been up over last year, Brown said. But there still are many who are looking and not yet buying.

“Everyone is just waiting to see where the bottom is going to be,” he said. “I think we may be reaching it.”

“I don’t expect the market to take off,” Ballarino said. “I think buyers are going to be picky and sellers who have their properties priced properly will get the sale.”

For about a year, NABOR kept its monthly sales from the public. Instead of reporting them to the Florida Association of Realtors, the group started releasing its own quarterly reports, saying they were more relevant and accurate. But there were skeptics.

Last month, NABOR voted to release the new detailed reports every month. Its monthly sales still won’t appear in the statewide report.

Source : http://www.naplesnews.com/

Naples City Council OKs zoning change for garage, condo complex

Naples City Council on Wednesday approved a request to change the zoning and small-scale density for one downtown residential community, giving developers the opportunity to move forward with a four-story, 42-foot-high parking garage and condominium complex.

Council voted 5-2 to change the zoning designation for a 43,000-square-foot parcel of land at Fourth Avenue South and Fourth Street South. The rezone changes the property from a mutli-family, residential zoning district to a planned development.

The move also increases the density in the neighborhood, by allowing developers to build a 22-unit condominium complex.

Councilmen Bill MacIlvaine and Bill Willkomm cast the dissenting vote.

The development would bring up to 52 public parking spaces to the west side of Fifth Avenue South.

The building would be 42 feet tall, with three stories above ground. The first two levels of parking would be built below ground and at ground level, while the upper floors would be residential units.

Developers were able to put parking below ground after tweaking the plans to include about 1,000 square feet of office space in the southwest corner of the garage

Fourth and Fourth Associates, LLC, the developers in charge of the Fourth and Fourth property, agreed to adjust the hours of operation to only allow entry between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Source : http://www.naplesnews.com/

Naples Condo Market Report for November 07

Big drop in median price paid for Naples condos - good news for condo buyers, but not very good for sellers of condominiums.

New Listings:
A total of 767 Naples condominiums were listed in November. When compared to last November, the number of condos listed was 1,003 – a reduction of about 23%. In November 2005, 815 condos were listed – reduction of about 6%. Hence, the rate of new listings is slowing, at least looking at November. Could a trend be developing? The reduction in condominiums coming on the market will eventually have an impact on the number of months of condominium inventories available for sale.

Median Price Paid:
In the month of November the median price paid for a condo in the Naples area was $250,000. In November 2006, the median price paid a condo in Naples was $321,250 or reduction in the median price of about 22%. Looking at November 2005, the median price paid was $379,000 – the reduction in the median price is about 34%. The reduction in median price is most likely due to condos being sold in communities that were heavily investor owned and apartment to condominium conversions.

Closed Sales:
The closed sales for condos in Naples during November were 100. In November 2006, the number of closed was 108 and 247 in November 2005; the respective reductions are about 7% and 60%. The reduction in the volume of closed sales appears to be bad news; however, considering the reduction in “liberal” loan programs and more restrictive underwriting criteria, this could be somewhat positive, when comparing 2006 and 2007 volumes.

Pending Sales:
The volume of pending sales came in at 131 contracts. The 131, is a reduction of about 5% from 2006’s 138, but a 36% below 2005’s 206 pending sales. Although the drop from 2005 levels is large, the drop from 2006 can be considered positive due to the elimination of “liberal” loan program and stricter underwriting guidelines.

Currently, there are about 5,300 condominiums available for sale in the Naples area, representing about 35 months of inventory – this is provides buyers with an excellent selection in a very strong buyers market.

Source : http://www.adeltarealty.net/

Guide to Naples/Marco Island

Golf, Art Galleries, Shopping, Gulf Sunsets...

Arts, culture, shopping, beaches, golf — the best is waiting for you on the Paradise Coast! Naples is "Paradise" in every way. Just this year, the Travel Channel named it "America's Best Beach." Lose yourself in miles of glimmering white-sand beach and great activities in the crystal-clear water. Rent a Wave Runner or spread out a fluffy towel. Take day trips to Marco Island, Bonita Springs and the Everglades while you're here and discover the true magic of the coast.

Of course, Naples IS shopping. The bustling hub of sophisticated Fabulous Fifth Avenue and surrounding areas will keep you busy for days. Step back into Old Naples on Third Street South, where you'll find everything from high-end boutiques to trendy salons set amid historic buildings. Or, try The Village on Venetian Bay, an eclectic mix of specialty shops nestled in a Mediterranean-style complex.

Take a break on a gorgeous golf course. Naples is considered by some the golf capital of the world, and no wonder, with amazing courses designed by world-famous architects and the sunny year-round climate. Architects of this region's golf masterpieces include Norman, Dye, Nicklaus and Jones, to name a few.

Speaking of masterpieces, this coast has a thriving arts scene. Well over 100 galleries house everything from impressionists to cubists, and the Naples Museum of Art has 15 awe-inspiring galleries with permanent and traveling exhibits. Visit the Von Liebig Art Center with a focus on Florida art and learn a few techniques of your own. For a Broadway-caliber performance, see The Naples Players in action. The heart of the creative community here is The Philharmonic Center for the Arts (locals call it "the Phil") — a one-of-a-kind establishment that features both performing and visual arts in a single complex.

Source : http://www.mustdotravel.com/