Gulf Coast Associates' Blog: Local SW Florida

If you're looking for something "out of the ordinary", and fun to do this weekend, head on over to Ft. Myers Beach for the 21st Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship. The event runs through Sunday and features some of the top sand sculptors from around the world. But, get there early as the festival is expected to draw over 70,000 visitors.

This year's championship will feature eighteen master carvers, 10 semi-pro carvers and roughly 30 amateurs all showing off their unique abilities for making masterpieces out of the soft white sand. Many travel here year after year as The Beach's white sands are considered to be the best in the world to compete with. Top prize for the competing masters is $3000, but bragging rights typically are more important…

The debate may be just starting. Commissioners, school administrators and parents are all re-evaluating the current school choice program and it would not be surprising to see changes down the road.

In 2004, the court-ordered mandate for busing children to school for achieving segregation expired  Since 1998, Lee County utilized a parental selection of school choice allowing them to satisfy the mandate and eliminated the need for re-drawing boundary lines each time a new school was built. Instead parents selected a school of choice and when a slot was available the child was able to attend that school. But, there are many issues with school choice that may affect whether or not the Lee School District continues the program.

First and foremost, if a…

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both Lely Resort home and condominium sales are listed below. Lely Resort is an upscale gated golf community that includes an amenity rich, sophisticated and luxurious style of living and is considered one of Naples' premier communities.

Lely Resort Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 45 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $655,902
• Average Days on Market - 189
• Price/Sq. Foot - $283.04

Lely Resort Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 20 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $370,215
• Average Days on Market - 167
• Price/Sq. Foot - $203.86

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 23% decrease in the average price for homes…

The Collier Building Industry Parade of Homes starts Thursday, November 1st and continues through Sunday, November 18th. This year's multi-site parade is featuring 35 decorated model homes throughout Naples and south Lee County including some of the area's newest communities. The models will be open daily between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free and guidebooks are available at the CBIA's Parade of Homes website listed below.

 This year's models are presented by some of the area's premier new home builders and will include homes in Ave Maria, Bella Lago, Bella Terra, Firano at Naples, Lely Resort, Mediterra, The Quarry, Tiburon, and Verona Pointe. Visitors can view the newest building designs and decorating options in…

While sales continue to slow in both Lee and Collier counties as Season begins, now could not be a better time to buy in Southwest Florida. Prices have dramatically dropped and builders are literally giving away fully decked out homes. Unfortunately, like everywhere else in the country, if you listen to the national media, you'd think the sky is falling. I can't tell you how many inquiries we get from clients thinking that home prices are still at their 2005/2006 levels. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth.

Looking at year over year data, the number of sales in both counties were down substantially in September.  In Lee, home sales were down 53% and condos were down by 39%. In Collier county, homes were down 21% and condominium sales…

January thru September Estero real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Estero is ideally located between Ft. Myers and Bonita Springs and is currently in the process of building and developing wherever you travel in the area. Developers are offering every type of community you can imagine, from large gated and planned communities, to smaller town centre type projects where the amenities are built around a self-contained lifestyle.

Estero Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 248 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $443,191
• Average Days on Market - 133
• Price/Sq. Foot - $192.21

Estero Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 124 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $254,385
• Average Days…

The January thru September real estate market statistics for both The Vineyards home and condominium sales are listed below. The Vineyards is an upscale gated golf community located in Naples, Florida.

The Vineyards Home Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 30 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $784,443
• Average Days on Market - 206
• Price/Sq. Foot - $269.17

The Vineyards Condominium Sales Jan-Sept 2007*:

• 34 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $395,826
• Average Days on Market - 145
• Price/Sq. Foot - $197.15

In comparison with 2006 sales data, for this same time period, we've seen a 29% decrease in the average price for homes and a 36% decrease in the average price for condominiums. Average days on market rose by 6%…

The Shark has announced a first class field of participants for this year's Merrill Lynch Shootout. The golf classic, a exhibition fundraiser, is in its 19th year and all proceeds go to research to fight childhood cancer. The game of golf as well as Southwest Florida is fortunate to have a goodwill ambassador the likes of Greg Norman.

The Shootout will be held December 5-9th at the Tiburon in Naples. This year's participants include 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson and tour event winners Woody Austin, Charles Howell III, Fred Funk, Mark Calcavecchia, Scott Verplank, Justin Leonard. Defending champions Jerry Kelly and Rod Pampling will also return along with other well known tour greats Fred Couples, Chris DeMarco, John Daly, Mark O'Meara, Kenny Perry,…